Novel Electrokinetic Microfluidic Detector for Evaluating Effectiveness of Microalgae Disinfection in Ship Ballast Water

Ship ballast water treatment methods face many technical challenges. The effectiveness of every treatment method usually is evaluated by using large scale equipment and a large volume of samples, which involves time-consuming, laborious, and complex operations. This paper reports the development of a novel, simple and fast platform of methodology in evaluating the efficiency and the best parameters for ballast water treatment systems, particularly in chemical disinfection. In this study, a microfluidic chip with six sample wells and a waste well was designed, where sample transportation was controlled by electrokinetic flow. The performance of this microfluidic platform was evaluated by detecting the disinfection of Dunaliella salina (D. salina) algae in ballast water treated by sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) solution. Light-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (LICF) intensity was used to determine the viability of microalgae cells in the system, which can be operated automatically with the dimension of the detector as small as 50 mm × 24 mm × 5 mm. The 40 µL volume of sample solution was used for each treatment condition test and the validity of detection can be accomplished within about five min. The results show that the viability of microalgae cells under different treatment conditions can be determined accurately and further optimal treatment conditions including concentrations of NaClO and treatment time can also be obtained. These results can provide accurate evaluation and optimal parameters for ballast water treatment methods.     

Biocides electrogeneration for a zero-reagent on board disinfection of ballast water

The feasibility of a quick electrochemical process for on board zero-reagent treatment of ballast water by anodic and cathodic production of oxidants was proposed. The process has been tested in the inactivation of the marine dinoflagellates Alexandrium minutum and A. taylori, both responsible for algal blooms and toxin-producing, and against the marine bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative pathogenic micro-organism. A complete inactivation of both dinoflagellates was quickly achieved with electro-generated active chlorine, while higher resistance to oxidising agents was verified for P. aeruginosa. A combined sequential treatment involving anodic oxidation followed by extended exposure time in the absence of current, and a final cathodic treatment was proposed. The cathodically electro-generated hydrogen peroxide contributed to the reduction of treatment time and the removal of residual species.     

Electrochemical disinfection of simulated ballast water using Artemia salina as indicator

This work examined the potential of electrochemical disinfection to treat simulated ballast water with Artemia salina (A. salina) as an indicator organism. The effect of contact time (residence time in the electrolytic cell) and current density were investigated. Furthermore, the formation of disinfection by-products (trihalomethanes) was also examined. Under conditions of single pass through the electrolytic cell, a current density of 135 mA/cm² and a residence time of around 1 min were required for 100% mortality of A. salina. Dissolved organic carbon due to cell lysis increased by 1–2 mg/L, while the formation of chlorination by-products, expressed as trihalomethanes was very small (less than 10 μg/L at 135 mA/cm²).     

2D sodium titanate nanosheet encapsulated Ag2O-TiO2 p-n heterojunction photocatalyst: Improving photocatalytic activity by the enhanced adsorption capacity

In a photocatalytic reaction, maintaining the high efficiency of photocatalyst under a low concentration of pollutants is a key challenge. In this work, a new 2D sodium titanate nanosheet encapsulated Ag₂O-TiO₂ (2D NTO/Ag₂O-TiO₂) p-n heterojunction photocatalyst is proposed to deal with this dilemma. Through a simple plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) treatment and ion exchange treatment, a classic Ag₂O-TiO₂ p-n heterojunction structure is prepared and used as the photoelectric conversion unit in the photocatalyst. Then, through a subsequent hydrothermal treatment, a 2D NTO film that serves as the adsorption unit in the photocatalyst can be produced on the surface of the Ag₂O-TiO₂ p-n heterojunction layer. Finally, the desired 2D NTO/Ag₂O-TiO₂ structure is formed. The photocatalyst exhibits superior photocatalytic performance including high degradation rate as well as excellent catalytic stability and durability by combining the high sunlight utilization efficiency and high photoelectric utilization efficiency of the Ag₂O-TiO₂ p-n heterojunction and the outstanding adsorption performance of the 2D NTO film. Therefore, the problem of photocatalytic slow kinetics under low pollutants concentration is perfectly solved. This work provides a new strategy for the structural design of high-performance photocatalysts.     

Biosynthetic Pathway and Health Benefits of Fucoxanthin,an Algae-Specific Xanthophyll in Brown Seaweeds

Fucoxanthin is the main carotenoid produced in brown algae as a component of the light-harvesting complex for photosynthesis and photoprotection. In contrast to the complete elucidation of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathways in red and green algae, the biosynthetic pathway of fucoxanthin in brown algae is not fully understood. Recently, two models for the fucoxanthin biosynthetic pathway have been proposed in unicellular diatoms; however, there is no such information for the pathway in brown seaweeds to date. Here, we propose a biosynthetic pathway for fucoxanthin in the brown seaweed, Ectocarpus siliculosus, derived from comparison of carotenogenic genes in its sequenced genome with those in the genomes of two diatoms, Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Currently, fucoxanthin is receiving attention, due to its potential benefits for human health. Therefore, new knowledge regarding the medical and nutraceutical properties of fucoxanthin from brown seaweeds is also summarized here.     

远洋船舶压载水藻类富集装置的流场仿真

远洋船舶压载水在异地的准确检测十分重要,其中藻类和有毒细菌等微生物活体含量是评价压载水检测的重要指标,为了实现对压载水中藻类等的快速检测,实际研制藻类富集装置,并以自行研制的实验装置为对象,利用Fluent对装置内流场进行仿真分析。分析结果表明：旋管转速对过滤效率具有重要影响,并得到了旋管环隙内流体压力和速度分布图,且...     

Inactivation of Escherichia coli using UV/Ag?TiO2/O3‐mediated advanced oxidation: application to ballast water disinfection

BACKGROUND: Ballast water discharge from ships is regarded as one of the four major risk factors that threaten global marine environmental safety, and ballast water treatment is vital to prevent the introduction of potentially invasive species. The UV/Ag? TiO₂/O₃ process has been investigated for its potential use for ballast water treatment using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as an indicator bacterium. Inactivation curves were obtained, and the occurrence of oxidants was studied. RESULTS: Compared with individual unit processes with ozone or UV/Ag? TiO₂, the inactivation of E. coli by the combined UV/Ag? TiO₂/O₃ process was enhanced, and the inactivation efficiency was improved with increasing ultraviolet intensity and ozone dose. The initial total residual oxidant (TRO) concentration was positively correlated with ozone dose, and resulted in faster decay rate for lower initial concentration. Persistence of TRO resulted in a cumulative bacteria mortality in the effluent. CONCLUSION: The UV/Ag? TiO₂/O₃ process was found to be efficient for E. coli inactivation in simulated ballast water. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antifouling activity of novel polyisoprene-based coatings made from photocurable natural rubber derived oligomers

Natural rubber is a renewable resource with a potential as precursor of a very wide range of novel polymers, including polyisoprene-based surfaces with antifouling (AF) activity. In this work, new ionic and non-ionic coatings were prepared by the photocrosslinking reaction of photosensitive cis-1,4-oligoisoprenes, bearing a variable number of ammonium groups. The photochemical crosslinking was achieved using radical (via acrylate groups) or cationic (via epoxy groups) processes. Surface properties of these coatings were studied by static contact angle measurements and AFM imaging. Assessment of bioactivity demonstrated that most of the resulting coatings showed AF potential against fouling organisms: growth inhibition of marine bacteria (Pseudoalteromonas elyakovii, Shewanella putrefaciens, Cobetia marina, Polaribacter irgensii, Vibrio aestuarianus) and fungi (Halosphaeriopsis mediosetigera, Asteromyces cruciatus, Lulworthia uniseptata, Zalerion sp., Monodictys pelagica); decreased adhesion of microalgae (Navicula jeffreyi, Cylindrotheca closterium, Chlorarachnion globosum, Pleurochrysis roscoffensis, Exanthemachrysis gayraliae, Amphora coffeaeformis); inhibition of attachment and/or germination of spores of Ulva intestinalis. The best AF activity was obtained with the ionic surfaces. These new coatings prepared from precursors obtained from natural rubber are in essence active by contact. As the biocidal functions are fixed covalently to the polymer chain, detectable release of biocidal products in the marine ecosystem is prevented so that a valuable environment-friendly alternative for new AF coatings is hereby proposed.     

Successful Removal of Algae through the Control of Zeta Potential

Abstract

Algae can interfere with treatment processes at a water treatment works. Coagulation control is critical to reduce the impact of algae on downstream processes. This paper investigates the coagulation and flotation of four species of algae – Asterionella formosa, Melosira sp., Microcystis aeruginosa, and Chlorella vulgaris. The zeta potential at optimum removal was measured and it was observed that when the zeta potential was reduced to between ?8 mV and +2 mV, removal of algae and associated organic material was optimized, irrespective of the coagulant dose or pH. Process control using zeta potential is therefore a viable tool for algae removal.     

UV/H2O2 Treatment: A Practical Solution for Organic Contaminant Control and Primary Disinfection

PWN's water treatment plant Andijk was commissioned almost 40 years ago. It services water from the IJssel Lake by conventional surface water treatment. In view of taste and odor problems the plant was retrofitted with GAC filtration 25 years ago. The finished water quality still complies with all E.C. and Dutch drinking water standards. Nevertheless an upgrade is desired to avoid the use of chlorine and to extend the barriers against pathogenic micro-organisms and a broad range of organic micropollutants such as pesticides, rocket fuel by-products (NDMA), fuel oxygenates (MTBE), solvents (dioxane), endocrine disruptors, algae toxins, pharmaceuticals, etc. UV/H₂O₂ treatment was selected for both primary disinfection and organic contaminant control. The disinfection requirements were based on a 10^?4 health risk. The required 3 log inactivation for Giardia and Cryptosporidium was achieved by an UV dose lower than 20 mJ/cm². The highest UV dose, 105 mJ/cm², was needed for the inactivation of spores of Sulphite Reducing Clostridia. Reactivation of protozoa was established for UV doses up to 25 mJ/cm², for doses higher than 45 mJ/cm² no reactivation was observed. In view of the raw water concentrations the required organic contaminant degradation was set at 80%. Collimated beam and pilot-plant work showed that the required degradation can be achieved by the proper combination of electric energy and H₂O₂. In a UV reactor optimized for organic contaminant control, UV dose of 540 mJ/cm² (about 0.5 kWh/m³) and 6 mg/L H₂O₂ were needed. Under those conditions pesticides (atrazine), NDMA, MTBE, dioxane, endocrine disruptors (bisphenol A), microcystine and pharmaceuticals (diclofenac, ibuprofen) could be removed up to the required 80%. Bromate formation was absent while formation of primary metabolites was insignificant. The UV dose for organic contaminant control is about five times higher than the dose needed for disinfection. The UV/H₂O₂ process was implemented into the existing treatment train between the sand and GAC filters. In the GAC filters excess H₂O₂ is degraded, nitrite is converted into nitrate and biodegradable reaction products are consumed by bacteria. The full-scale installation with 3 streets of 4 Trojan Swift 16L30 reactors has been in operation since October 2004. Disinfection and organic contaminant control are as expected.     

Thermal gravimetric studies of manganese dioxide

The newly developed thermal gravimetric analytical procedure of manganese dioxide (MnO₂) was presented. Instead of the conventional representation of the weight loss based on the initial sample weight, the weight gain based on the sample weight at 1000°C was proposed. The usefulness of the newly defined axis, ie the weight gain vs temperature, on the investigation of manganese dioxide was demonstrated and discussed by showing the consistent, comparable thermal gravimetric data of electrolytic MnO₂, chemically prepared and thermally transformed beta-MnO₂s and the heat-treated electrolytic MnO₂s.     

Photodynamic and Antibiotic Therapy in Combination to Fight Biofilms and Resistant Surface Bacterial Infections

Although photodynamic therapy (PDT), a therapeutic approach that involves a photosensitizer, light and O₂, has been principally considered for the treatment of specific types of cancers, other applications exist, including the treatment of infections. Unfortunately, PDT does not always guarantee full success since it exerts lethal effects only in cells that have taken up a sufficient amount of photosensitizer and have been exposed to adequate light doses, conditions that are not always achieved. Based on our previous experience on the combination PDT/chemotherapy, we have explored the possibility of fighting bacteria that commonly crowd infected surfaces by combining PDT with an antibiotic, which normally does not harm the strain at low concentrations. To this purpose, we employed 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), a pro-drug that, once absorbed by proliferating bacteria, is converted into the natural photosensitizer Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), followed by Gentamicin. Photoactivation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) which damage or kill the cell, while Gentamicin, even at low doses, ends the work. Our experiments, in combination, have been highly successful against biofilms produced by several Gram positive bacteria (i.e., Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, etc.). This original approach points to potentially new and wide applications in the therapy of infections of superficial wounds and sores.     

Metformin Influence on the Intestinal Microbiota and Organism of Rats with Metabolic Syndrome

Metformin is a first-line drug for DM2 treatment and prevention, but its complex effect on impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), including its influence on myocardial resistance to ischemia-reperfusion injury, is not completely studied. We aimed to evaluate the influence of metformin on the intestinal microbiota (IM), metabolism, and functional and morphological characteristics of myocardium in rats with IGT. IGT was modelled in SPF Wistar rats with a high-fat diet and streptozotocin and nicotinamide injection. Rats were divided into three groups: IGT (without treatment), IGT MET (metformin therapy), and CRL (without IGT induction and treatment). IGT group was characterized by: higher body weight, increased serum glucose and total cholesterol levels, atherogenic coefficient, impairment in the functional parameters of the isolated heart during perfusion, and larger myocardium infarction (MI) size in comparison with the CRL group. IM of IGT rats differed from that of CRL: an increase of Bacteroides, Acinetobacter, Akkermansia, Roseburia, and a decrease of Lactobacillus genera representation. Metformin therapy led to the diminishing of metabolic syndrome (MS) symptoms, which correlated with IM restoration, especially with the growth of Akkermansia spp. and decline of Roseburia populations and their influence on other members of IM. The obtained results allow us to consider from a new point of view the expediency of probiotic A. muciniphila use for MS treatment.     

Phase diagram and supercritical deoxidation kinetics of manganese oxides in organic solvent N,N-dimethylformamide

Deoxidation of manganese oxides in supercritical N,N-dimethylformamide (SC-DMF) is revealed, contrasting to previous amounts of reports on supercritical water oxidation. Mn₃O₄ and MnO can be produced by the reaction starting from layered manganese oxides (δ-MnO₂) in a uniform supercritical process. Time effect can give rise to the transition to Mn₃O₄ under low temperature, but the prolonged time, under a temperature lower than 200 ̊C, cannot cause this transition. Phase diagram is obtained, including three regions of MnO₂, Mn₃O₄ and MnO as the main material phase. The completion of transition accompanies with an oxygen loss course. Comparison between supercritical oxidation of water and supercritical deoxidation of organic DMF demonstrates the unique mechanisms of supercritical processing. In terms of the surface contacting fluid, deoxidation kinetics has a reciprocal law of growing size for manganese oxides. The new deoxidation procedure using organic solvent is proposed for the processing of metal oxides.     

Theory for double potential step chronoamperometry for any potential values at spherical electrodes: Simultaneous determination of the diffusion coefficients of the electroactive species

We present a general and explicit analytical solution for double potential step chronoamperometry with any applied potential values (E₁, E₂) corresponding to a reversible charge transfer process at spherical electrode. This solution is essential to analyze double pulse electrochemical techniques such as RPV and DPV. We consider unequal diffusion coefficients, initial presence of both electroactive species and that the reaction product can dissolve in the electrolytic solution or in the electrode.From the analytical equation obtained it is possible to deduce interesting simplified expressions for some particular cases: both species soluble in the electrolytic solution with equal diffusion coefficients, planar electrodes, ultramicroelectrodes when both species are soluble in the electrolytic solution, and double potential step chronoamperometry with limit current potentials (E₁−E^°′→−∞, E₂−E^°′→+∞). In this last case, when reaction product is not initially present it is pointed that planar electrodes and ultramicroelectrodes cannot be used for determining both diffusion coefficients. This interesting practical consequence can be demonstrated by means of the analytical expression deduced here, which represents a notable advantage in front of numerical results.     

Über die wirkung von zusätzen beim elektrolytischen polieren von Pb0,8Sn0,2Te in alkalischen Lösungen

The influence of NO^?₃, ClO^?₄, ethylene glycol, glycerol and sorbitol on the limiting current density is studied during electrolytic polishing of Pb_0,8Sn_0,2Te in 0,1 M NaOH. Under polishing conditions the rate of dissolution in these electrolytes is determined by the diffusion of hydroxide ions from the interior of the electrolytic solution towards the partially passivated Pb_0,8Sn_0,2Te—surface. Therefore, it is assumed that the levelling of surface roughness takes place according to the diffusion mechanism proposed by Edwards [J. electrochem. Soc.100, 223 (1953)]. The useful effect of admixtures such as ClO^?₄ and sorbitol on polishing consists in the partial or entire depassivation of the surface.     

Controllable preparation of two-dimensional oriented BaTiO3 polycrystals from K0.8Ti1.73Li0.27O4 crystals by a one-step solvothermal process

Titanate precursors play an important role in obtaining oriented titanate materials via topochemical conversion. In this study, a two-dimensional (2D) K_0.8Ti_1.73Li_0.27O₄ (KTLO) crystal was successfully prepared by a one-step solvothermal process using TiO₂, LiOH?H₂O, and KOH as raw materials in ethanol/water mixed solvent for the first time. Meanwhile, the conditions and influencing factors for the solvothermal preparation of KTLO were investigated and analysed. With a ratio of ethanol/water of 20:5, better 2D KTLO can be obtained by reacting at 150 °C for 24 h. On this basis, KTLO was used directly to perform solvothermal treatment with Ba(OH)₂, and 2D BaTiO₃ (BT) was easily prepared by adjusting the reaction conditions (concentration, temperature, and time). When the solvothermal treatment was carried out in 0.5 mol/L Ba(OH)₂ solution at 80 °C for 1.5 h, 2D BT crystals could be easily obtained through the topochemical reaction mechanism. This strategy not only develops new methods for preparing precursors but also greatly simplifies the preparation process of BT and provides new research ideas for the preparation of functional materials.     

The Effect of Ozonation and Filtration on AOC (Assimilable Organic Carbon) Value of Water from Eutrophic Lake

The effects of applying ozone into the source water of Cheng-Ching Lake Water Works (CCLWW) on the analysis of AOC (assimilable organic carbon) were compared in the laboratory and pilot-scale tests. CCLWW takes its raw water from an eutrophic lake. A pilot plant, established in CCLWW in southern Taiwan, was performed to improve the quality of water obtained by the former treatment processes. The direct application of ozone to the source water of CCLWW is called the pre-O₃ process. The post-O₃ process involves the treatment of effluent with ozone through a sand filter, following other treatments, including pre-O₃, coagulation and sedimentation. In a laboratory test, a 0.45 μm membrane filter was used to replace the facility of filtration for a sand filter. AOC_Total comprises AOC_P17 and AOC_NOX, which were determined using the P. fluorescens strain P17 and the Spirillum species strain NOX, respectively. During over 2 years' sampling in eutrophic lake, it revealed that AOC_P17 contributed substantially to AOC_Total. However, the filtrate from the source water obtained by filtering through a 0.45 μm membrane filter had an AOC_Total much lower than that of the source water, especially for the considerable decrease of AOC_P17. Also, the AOC value in source water is increased with algae number but not with NPDOC (non-purgeable dissolved organic carbon). This result indicated that algae numbers existing in the eutrophic lake might affect the analysis of AOC. Following the pre-O₃ process at the pilot-scale plant, the AOC_P17 was markedly lower than that of the source water, and AOC_NOX was slightly higher than that of the source water. However, when post-O₃ was added to the effluent from a sand filter at the pilot-scale plant, AOC_NOX exceeded that before post-O₃, while AOCP17 differed slightly from that before post-O₃. Apparently, this difference may be due to the algae number existing in the water samples. These results were verified by applying ozone to the source water, and to filtrate obtained by filtering through a 0.45 μm membrane filter in a lab-scale test, respectively.     

A novel on‐line optical method for algae measurement

In recent years, algal blooms have occurred worldwide, and algae‐rich water often has adverse effects on water production. The technique of algae measurement is a critical issue for adjusting water treatment processes according to the numbers of algae cells. The algae particles in the water are generally 2–200 µm in size with only a few smaller than 2 µm. The traditional algae measuring method is by visual observation with an optical microscope. However, traditional visual observation often needs 48 h fixing time, which makes the measurement results lag behind the needs of water production. To solve the problem, this study employed on‐line optical devices to improve the efficiency and accuracy of algae measurement. A photometric dispersion analyzer (PDA) and particle counting analyzer (PCA) were jointly utilized to monitor on‐line the algae concentration in natural water. Algae cells can be classified by different sizes. It was found that there was good correlation between R²_PDA and total algae counts in water. The PCA could quantitatively characterize the algae counts and species distribution of dominant algae species in real water. PDA and PCA could be used jointly to define on‐line the characteristics of real water containing mixed algae. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry