Enhanced degradation of azo dye alizarin yellow R in a combined process of iron–carbon microelectrolysis and aerobic bio-contact oxidation

Purpose

With the aim of enhanced degradation of azo dye alizarin yellow R (AY) and further removal of the low-strength recalcitrant matter (LsRM) of the secondary effluent as much as possible, our research focused on the combination of aerobic bio-contact oxidation (ABO) with iron/carbon microelectrolysis (ICME) process.

Materials and methods

The combined ABO (with effective volume of 2.4?l) and ICME (with effectively volume of 0.4?l) process were studied with relatively short hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 4 or 6?h.

Results

At the HRT of 6?h with the reflux ratio of 1 and 2, the AY degradation efficiency in the final effluent was >96.5%, and the total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency were 69.86% and 79.44%, respectively. At the HRT of 4?h and the reflux ratio of 2, TOC removal efficiency and AY degradation efficiency were 73.94% and 94.89%, respectively. The ICME process obviously enhanced the total AY removal and the generated micromolecule acids and aldehydes then that wastewater backflow to the ABO where they were further biodegraded.

Conclusion

The present research might provide the potential options for the advanced treatment azo dyes wastewater with short HRT and acceptable running costs.     

In situ photoelectrochemical/photocatalytic study of a dye discoloration in a microreactor system using TiO2 thin films

Introduction

In this work, we report in situ studies of UV photoelectrocatalytic discoloration of a dye (indigo carmine) by a TiO₂ thin film in a microreactor to demonstrate the driving force of the applied electrode potential and the dye flow rate toward dye discoloration kinetics.

Methods

TiO₂ 65-nm-thick thin films were deposited by PVD magnetron sputtering technique on a conducting glass substrate of fluorinated tin oxide. A microreactor to measure the discoloration rate, the electrode potential, and the photocurrent in situ, was developed. The dye solutions, before and after measurements in the microreactor, were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy.

Results

The annealed TiO₂ thin films had anatase structure with preferential orientation (101). The discoloration rate of the dye increased with the applied potential to TiO₂ electrode. Further, acceleration of the photocatalytic reaction was achieved by utilizing dye flow recirculation to the microreactor. In both cases the photoelectrochemical/photocatalytic discoloration kinetics of the dye follows the Langmuir?CHinshelwood model, with first-order kinetics.

Conclusions

The feasibility of dye discoloration on TiO₂ thin film electrodes, prepared by magnetron sputtering using a flow microreactor system, has been clearly demonstrated. The discoloration rate is enhanced by applying a positive potential (E _AP) and/or increasing the flow rate. The fastest discoloration and shortest irradiation time (50?min) produced 80% discoloration with an external anodic potential of 0.931?V and a flow rate of 12.2?mL?min^?1.     

Application of central composite face-centered design and response surface methodology for the optimization of electro-Fenton decolorization of Azure B dye

Purpose

The aim of this work was to improve the ability of electro-Fenton technique for the remediation of wastewater contaminated with synthetic dyes using a model azo dye such as Azure B.

Methods

Batch experiments were conducted to study the effects of main parameters, such as dye concentration, electrode surface area, treatment time, and voltage. In this study, central composite face-centered experimental design matrix and response surface methodology were applied to design the experiments and evaluate the interactive effects of the four studied parameters. A total of 30 experimental runs were set, and the kinetic data were analyzed using first- and second-order models.

Results

The experimental data fitted to the empirical second-order model of a suitable degree for the maximum decolorization of Azure B by electro-Fenton treatment. ANOVA analysis showed high coefficient of determination value (R ²?=?0.9835) and reasonable second-order regression prediction. Pareto analysis suggests that the variables, time, and voltage produce the largest effect on the decolorization rate.

Conclusion

Optimum conditions suggested by the second-order polynomial regression model for attaining maximum decolorization were dye concentration 4.83?mg/L, electrode surface area 15?cm², voltage 14.19?V, and treatment time of 34.58?min.     

Heterocatalytic Fenton oxidation process for the treatment of tannery effluent: kinetic and thermodynamic studies

Background, aim, scope

Treatment of wastewater has become significant with the declining water resources. The presence of recalcitrant organics is the major issue in meeting the pollution control board norms in India. The theme of the present investigation was on partial or complete removal of pollutants or their transformation into less toxic and more biodegradable products by heterogeneous Fenton oxidation process using mesoporous activated carbon (MAC) as the catalyst.

Materials and methods

Ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄·7H₂O), sulfuric acid (36?N, specific gravity 1.81, 98% purity), hydrogen peroxide (50% v/v) and all other chemicals used in this study were of analytical grade (Merck). Two reactors, each of height 50?cm and diameter 6?cm, were fabricated with PVC while one reactor was packed with MAC of mass 150?g and other without MAC served as control.

Results and discussion

The oxidation process was presented with kinetic and thermodynamic constants for the removal of COD, BOD, and TOC from the wastewater. The activation energy (Ea) for homogeneous and heterogeneous Fenton oxidation processes were 44.79 and 25.89?kJ/mol, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters ??G, ??H, and ??S were calculated for the oxidation processes using Van??t Hoff equation. Furthermore, the degradation of organics was confirmed through FTIR and UV?Cvisible spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry.

Conclusions

The heterocatalytic Fenton oxidation process efficiently increased the biodegradability index (BOD/COD) of the tannery effluent. The optimized conditions for the heterocatalytic Fenton oxidation of organics in tannery effluent were pH 3.5, reaction time?C4?h, and H₂O₂/FeSO₄·7H₂O in the molar ratio of 2:1.     

Isolation and characterization of a Rhodococcus strain with phenol-degrading ability and its potential use for tannery effluent biotreatment

Introduction

Wastewater derived from leather production may contain phenols, which are highly toxic, and their degradation could be possible through bioremediation technologies.

Materials, methods and results

In the present work, microbial degradation of phenol was studied using a tolerant bacterial strain, named CS1, isolated from tannery sediments. This strain was able to survive in the presence of phenol at concentrations of up to 1,000?mg/L. On the basis of morphological and biochemical properties, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis, the isolated strain was identified as Rhodococcus sp. Phenol removal was evaluated at a lab-scale in Erlenmeyer flasks and at a bioreactor scale in a stirred tank reactor. Rhodococcus sp. CS1 was able to completely remove phenol in a range of 200 to 1,000?mg/L in mineral medium at 30 ± 2?°C and pH 7 as optimal conditions. In the stirred tank bioreactor, we studied the effect of some parameters, such as agitation (200?C600 rpm) and aeration (1?C3?vvm), on growth and phenol removal efficiency. Faster phenol biodegradation was obtained in the bioreactor than in Erlenmeyer flasks, and maximum phenol removal was achieved at 400?rpm and 1 vvm in only 12?h. Furthermore, Rhodococcus sp. CS1 strain was able to grow and completely degrade phenols from tannery effluents after 9?h of incubation.

Conclusion

Based on these results, Rhodococcus sp. CS1 could be an appropriate microorganism for bioremediation of tannery effluents or other phenol-containing wastewaters.     

Evaluation of adsorption characteristics of an anionic azo dye Brilliant Yellow onto hen feathers in aqueous solutions

Purpose and aim

Removal of an anionic azo dye Brilliant Yellow has been carried out from its aqueous solutions by using hen feathers as potential adsorbent.

Materials and methods

Hen feathers procured from local poultry were cut, washed, and activated. Detailed chemical and physical analysis of hen feathers and its characterization through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared measurements have been made. Procured dye has been adsorbed over under batch measurements and adsorption process is monitored using UV spectrophotometer.

Results

Optimum parameters for the adsorption of Brilliant Yellow over hen feathers have been determined by studying the effect of pH, temperature, concentration of dye, and amount of adsorbent. On the basis of Langmuir adsorption, isotherms feasibility of the ongoing adsorption has been ascertained and thermodynamic parameters have been calculated. Attempts have also been made to verify Freundlich, Tempkin, and Dubinin?CRadushkevich adsorption isotherm models. It is found that during adsorption, uniform distribution of binding energy takes place due to interaction of the dye molecules and the ongoing adsorption process is chemisorptions. The kinetic measurements indicate dominance of pseudo-second-order process during the adsorption. The mathematical treatment on the kinetic data reveals the rate-determining step to be governed through particle diffusion at 8?×?10^?5?M and involvement of film diffusion mechanism at higher concentration at temperatures at all the temperatures.

Conclusions

The developed process is highly efficient and it can be firmly concluded that hen feather exhibits excellent adsorption capacity towards hazardous azo dye Brilliant Yellow.     

Evaluation of substrate removal kinetics for UASB reactors treating chlorinated ethanes

Purpose

Lack of focus on the treatment of wastewaters bearing potentially hazardous pollutants like 1,1,2 trichloroethane and 1,1,2,2 tetrachloroethane in anaerobic reactors has provided an impetus to undertake this study. The objective of this exercise was to quantify the behavior of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors and predict their performance based on the overall organic substrate removal.

Methods

The reactors (wastewater-bearing TCA (R2), and wastewater-bearing TeCA (R3)) were operated at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs), i.e., 36, 30, 24, 18, and 12?h corresponding to food-to-mass ratios varying in the range of 0.2?C0.7?mg chemical oxygen demand (COD) mg^?1 volatile suspended solids day^?1. The process kinetics of substrate utilization was evaluated on the basis of experimental results, by applying three mathematical models namely first order, Grau second order, and Michaelis-Menten type kinetics.

Results

The results showed that the lowering of HRT below 24?h resulted in reduced COD removal efficiencies and higher effluent pollutant concentrations in the reactors. The Grau second-order model was successfully applied to obtain the substrate utilization kinetics with high value of R ² (>0.95). The Grau second-order substrate removal constant (K ₂) was calculated as 1.12 and 7.53?day^?1 for reactors R2 and R3, respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the suitability of Grau second-order kinetic model over other models, for predicting the performance of reactors R2 and R3, in treating wastewaters containing chlorinated ethanes under different organic and hydraulic loading conditions.     

Photocatalytic degradation of gaseous toluene by using immobilized titania/silica on aluminum sheets

Purpose

The aim of this study was to prepare a highly active immobilized titania/silica photocatalyst and to test its performance in situ toward degradation of toluene as one of the major toxic indoor contaminants.

Methods

In this work, two different titania layers immobilized on Al sheets were synthesized via low temperature sol?Cgel method employing presynthesized highly active titania powders (Degussa P25 and Millennium PC500, mass ratio 1:1): (a) with a silica/titania binder and a protective layer and (b) without the binder. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen sorption measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy, and UV?Cvis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The in situ photocatalytic degradation of gaseous toluene was selected as a probe reaction to test photocatalytic activity and to verify the potential application of these materials for air remediation.

Results

Results show that nontransparent highly photocatalytically active coatings based on the silica/titania binder and homogeneously dispersed TiO₂ powders were obtained on the Al sheets. The crystalline structure of titania was not altered upon addition of the binder, which also prevented inhomogeneous agglomeration of particles on the photocatalyst surface. The photoactivity results indicate that the adsorption properties and photocatalytic activity of immobilized photocatalysts with the silica/titania binder and an underlying protective layer were very effective and additionally, they exhibited considerably improved adhesion and uniformity.

Conclusion

We present a new highly photocatalytically active immobilized catalyst on a convenient metallic support, which has a potential application in an air cleaning device.     

Aquatic ecotoxicity assessment of a new natural formicide

Background, aim and scope

Agrochemicals could reach aquatic ecosystems and damage ecosystem functionality. Natural formicide could be an alternative to use in comparison with the more toxic formicides available on the market. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the ecotoxicity of the new natural formicide Macex? with a battery of classical aquatic ecotoxicity tests.

Material and methods

Bacteria (Aliivibrio fischeri), algae (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata), hydra (Hydra attenuata), daphnids (Daphnia magna), and fish (Danio rerio) tests were performed in accordance with international standardized methodologies.

Results

In the range of formicide concentrations tested (0.03 to 2.0?g?L^?1) EC₅₀ values varied from 0.49 to >2.0?g?L^?1, with P. subcapitata being the most sensitive species and H. attenuata and D. rerio the most tolerant species to this product in aqueous solutions.

Conclusions

This new formicide preparation can be classed as a product of low toxicity compared to the aquatic ecotoxicity of the most common commercialized formicides.     

Adsorption of Remazol Red 198 onto magnetic N-lauryl chitosan particles: equilibrium, kinetics, reuse and factorial design

Purpose

The discharge of colored effluents from industries is an important environmental issue and it is indispensable to remove the dyes before the water gets back to the rivers. The magnetic adsorbents present the advantage of being easily separated from the aqueous system after adsorption by positioning an external magnetic field.

Methods

Magnetic N-lauryl chitosan (L-Cht/??-Fe₂O₃) particles were prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Remazol Red 198 (RR198) was used as a reactive dye model for adsorption on L-Cht/??-Fe₂O₃. The adsorption isotherms were performed at 25°C, 35°C, 45°C, and 55°C and the process was optimized using a 2³ factorial design (analyzed factors: pH, ionic strength, and temperature). The desorption and regeneration studies were performed in a three times cycle.

Results

The characterization of the material indicated that the magnetic particles were introduced into the polymeric matrix. The pseudo-second order was the best model for explaining the kinetics and the Langmuir?CFreundlich was the best-fitted isotherm model. At room temperature, the maximum adsorption capacity was 267?mg?g^?1. The material can be reused, but with a decrease in the amount of adsorbed dye.

Conclusions

L-Cht/??-Fe₂O₃ is a promising material to remove RR198 and probably other similar reactive dyes from aqueous effluents.     

BOD biosensors for pulp and paper industry wastewater analysis

Introduction

Two semi-specific microbial biosensors were constructed for the analysis of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in high-cellulose-content pulp and paper industry wastewaters. The biosensors were based on living cells of Bacillus subtilis and Paenibacillus sp. immobilized in an agarose gel matrix. Semi-specific microorganisms were isolated from various samples (decaying sawdust and rabbit manure) and were chosen based on their ability to assimilate cellulose.

Materials &; methods

The biosensors were calibrated with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development synthetic wastewater, and measurements with different wastewaters were conducted.

Results

The response time of biosensors using the steady-state method was 20?C25 min, and the service life of immobilized microorganisms was 96 days. Detection limit was 5 mg/l of BOD₇ while linear ranges extended up to 55 and 50 mg/l of the BOD₇ for B. subtilis- and Paenibacillus sp.-based biosensors, respectively. Repeatability and reproducibility of both biosensors were within the limits set by APHA??less than 15.4%. In comparison, both biosensors overestimated the BOD₇ values in paper mill wastewaters and underestimated the BOD₇ in aspen pulp mill wastewater.

Conclusions

The semi-specific biosensors are suitable for the estimation of organic pollution derived from cellulose, while the detection of pollution derived from tannins and lignins was minor. Better results in terms of accuracy and repeatability were gained with Paenibacillus sp. biosensor.     

Lead concentration increase in the hepatic and gill soluble fractions of European chub (Squalius cephalus)—an indicator of increased Pb exposure from the river water

Purpose

To examine if chronic exposure of feral fish to elevated Pb concentrations in the river water (up to 1???g?L^?1), which are still lower than European recommendations for dissolved Pb in surface waters (7.2???g?L^?1; EPCEU (Official J L 348:84, 2008)), would result in Pb accumulation in selected fish tissues.

Methods

Lead concentrations were determined by use of HR ICP-MS in the gill and hepatic soluble fractions of European chub (Squalius cephalus) caught in the Sutla River (Croatia?CSlovenia).

Results

At the site with increased dissolved Pb in the river water, soluble gill Pb levels (17.3???g?L^?1) were approximately 20 times higher compared to uncontaminated sites (0.85???g?L^?1), whereas the ratio between contaminated (18.1???g?L^?1) and uncontaminated sites (1.17???g?L^?1) was lower for liver (15.5). Physiological variability of basal Pb concentrations in soluble gill and hepatic fractions associated to fish size, condition, sex, or age was not observed, excluding the possibility that Pb increase in chub tissues at contaminated site could be the consequence of studied biotic parameters. However, in both tissues of Pb-exposed specimens, females accumulated somewhat more Pb than males, making female chubs potentially more susceptible to possible toxic effects.

Conclusions

The fact that Pb increase in gill and hepatic soluble fractions of the European chub was not caused by biotic factors and was spatially restricted to one site with increased dissolved Pb concentration in the river water points to the applicability of this parameter as early indicator of Pb exposure in monitoring of natural waters.     

Biosorption of Cr(VI) by free and immobilized Pediastrum boryanum biomass: equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies

Background and purpose

The biosorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution has been studied using free and immobilized Pediastrum boryanum cells in a batch system. The algal cells were immobilized in alginate and alginate?Cgelatin beads via entrapment, and their algal cell free counterparts were used as control systems during biosorption studies of Cr(VI).

Methods

The changes in the functional groups of the biosorbents formulations were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra. The effect of pH, equilibrium time, initial concentration of metal ions, and temperature on the biosorption of Cr(VI) ion was investigated.

Results

The maximum Cr(VI) biosorption capacities were found to be 17.3, 6.73, 14.0, 23.8, and 29.6?mg/g for the free algal cells, and alginate, alginate?Cgelatin, alginate?Ccells, and alginate?Cgelatin?Ccells at pH?2.0, which are corresponding to an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 400?mg/L. The biosorption of Cr(VI) on all the tested biosorbents (P. boryanum cells, alginate, alginate?Cgelatin, and alginate?Ccells, alginate?Cgelatin?Ccells) followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm model.

Conclusion

The thermodynamic studies indicated that the biosorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature under studied conditions. For all the tested biosorbents, biosorption kinetic was best described by the pseudo-second-order model.     

Exposure to toxic waste containing high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide illegally dumped in Abidjan, C?te d’Ivoire

Introduction

On August 2006, a cargo ship illegally dumped 500?t of toxic waste containing high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide in numerous sites across Abidjan. Thousands of people became ill. Seventeen deaths were associated with toxic waste exposure.

Materials and methods

This study reports on environmental and health problems associated with the incident. A cross-sectional transect study was conducted in five waste dumping site areas.

Results

Of the households, 62.1% (n?=?502) were exposed to the effects of the pollutants and 51.1% of the interviewed people (n?=?2,368) in these households showed signs of poisoning. Most important symptoms were cough (37.1%), asthenia (33.1%), pruritus (29.9%) and nausea (29.1%).

Discussion

The health effects showed different frequencies in the five waste impact sites. Among the poisoned persons, 21.1% (n?=?532) presented symptoms on the survey day (i.e., 4?months after incident). Transect sampling allowed to determine a radius of vulnerability to exposure of up to 3?km from the point of toxic waste disposal.

Conclusion

The area of higher vulnerability is influenced by various environmental factors, such as size and severity of pollution site, duration of toxic waste pollution on the impact site and locally climatic conditions. The surveillance of effects on environment and human health is warranted to monitor the development.     

Photocatalytic degradation of Orange G dye under solar light using nanocrystalline semiconductor metal oxide

Introduction

The photocatalytic degradation of Orange G (OG) dye has been investigated using synthesised nanocrystalline ZnO as a photocatalyst and sunlight as the irradiation source. The formation of ZnO prepared from its precursor was confirmed through FT-IR and powder X-ray diffraction analyses.

Materials and methods

Surface morphology was characterised by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope analysis. Band gap energy of synthesised nanocrystalline ZnO was calculated using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Different experimental parameters such as effects of pH, dye concentrations and mass of catalyst were standardised in order to achieve complete degradation of the dye molecules under solar light irradiation.

Results

The kinetics of oxidation of OG was also studied. The complete degradation of OG was evident after 90 min of irradiation at an initial pH of 6.86. The degradation of OG was confirmed by UV?CVisible spectrophotometer, high-pressure liquid chromatography, ESI-Mass and chemical oxygen demand analyses.

Conclusion

The adsorption of dye onto catalytic surface was analysed employing model equations such as Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, and it was found that the Langmuir isotherm model best fitted the adsorption data. The solar photodegradation of OG followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. HPLC and ESI-Mass analyses of the degraded samples suggested that the dye molecules were readily degraded under solar irradiation with nanocrystalline ZnO.     

Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies on the biosorption of reactive acid dye on Enteromorpha flexuosa and Gracilaria corticata

Purpose

Biosorption is an emerging, eco-friendly and economical method for treating the wastewater effluents. Compared to many other biological materials, algae biomass proved to be the better biosorbent due to the presence of cell wall polymers in them.

Methods

Algal biomasses namely Enteromorpha flexuosa and Gracilaria corticata were dried, crushed and used as biosorbents. Ponceau S, a diazo dye was used as a model adsorbate for the biosorption studies. The biosorbents were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, FT-IR and zero point charge. Batch studies were performed by varying pH, biosorbent dosage and initial dye concentrations. Adsorption isotherms, kinetic and thermodynamic analyses were carried out. The effect of electrolytes was also studied. Batch desorption studies were also carried out using various reagents.

Results

Isotherm data were tested with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and the results suggested that the Freundlich isotherm fitted the data well. Kinetic studies were performed with varying initial dye concentrations and the data were incorporated with pseudo first-order and pseudo second-order kinetic equations and was found that the studied biosorption processes followed pseudo second-order kinetic equation. Thermodynamic parameters were evaluated at three different temperatures 293?K, 300?K and 313?K. About 95% of the dye could be desorbed from both the biosorbents.

Conclusion

Both the algal biomasses had heterogeneous surfaces and followed pseudo second-order chemical kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters proved that the biosorption by both the biomasses were spontaneous, feasible and endothermic processes. Desorption studies proved the worth of the algal biomasses as biosorbents in industrial level.     

Cloud point extraction for the preconcentration of palladium and lead in environmental samples and determination by flow injection flame atomic absorption spectrometry

Purpose

An online cloud-point extraction (CPE) coupled with flow injection method is developed for the separation and preconcentration of palladium and lead from various matrices using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS).

Method

The method employs the formation of complexes of the metallic species with dimethylglyoxime, which are subsequently entrapped in the micelles of the surfactant Triton X-114, upon increase of the solution temperature to 60°C and loaded into the flow injection system at a flow rate of 4.6?mL?min^?1. The surfactant rich-phase was retained in a minicolumn packed with animal wool at pH?6 and eluted with 1.0?mol?L^?1 nitric acid in methanol at a flow rate of 1.1?mL?min^?1 directly into the nebulizer of the FAAS. The CPE variables and flow injection conditions affecting the analytical performance of the combined methodology was studied and optimized.

Results

Under the optimized conditions for 25?mL of preconcentrated solution, the enrichment factors were 51 and 44, and the limit of detections were 1.0 and 1.4?ng?mL^?1 for palladium and lead, respectively. Finally, the developed method was applied for the determination of palladium and lead in street dust, soil, radiology waste, catalytic converter, and urban aerosol samples.

Conclusions

Cloud-point extraction coupled with flow injection-FAAS was proposed as an effective preconcentration and separation method for Pd and Pb determination in radiology waste, road dust, soil, and urban aerosol samples. The most favorable feature of this method is its much higher selectivity, sensitivity, rapidity, good extraction efficiency, and employs the green chemistry concept, as it does not require the addition of toxic chemicals. In addition, this proposed method gives very low detection limits and good relative standard.     

Efficient biosorption of chromium(VI) ion by dry Araucaria leaves

Background

In this paper, batch removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions by Araucaria heterophylla leaves was investigated. The batch experiments were conducted to study the adsorption of metal species and effect of different pH, contact time, metal concentration, biosorbent concentration, and adsorption capacity.

Method

Freundlich and Langmuir??s isotherm model were used to describe the adsorption behavior, and the experimental results fitted Freundlich model well.

Results

The adsorption efficiency observed for all chromium concentrations, i.e., 1, 3, 5, and 10?mg/L was 100% and the equilibrium was achieved in 30?min for 1 and 3?mg/L, whereas for 5 and 10?mg/L, it was less than 60?min. FTIR spectra was taken to identify functional groups involved in the biosorption.

Conclusion

Thus, Araucaria leaves can be considered as one of the cheap and efficient biosorbent for toxic hexavalent chromium removal from natural or wastewaters.     

Genotoxic effect of ciprofloxacin during photolytic decomposition monitored by the in vitro micronucleus test (MNvit) in HepG2 cells

Purpose

Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a broad-spectrum, second-generation fluoroquinolone, has frequently been found in hospital wastewaters and effluents of sewage treatment plants. CIP is scarcely biodegradable, has toxic effects on microorganisms and is photosensitive. The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxic potential of CIP in human HepG2 liver cells during photolysis.

Methods

Photolysis of CIP was performed in aqueous solution by irradiation with an Hg lamp, and transformation products were monitored by HPLC-MS/MS and by the determination of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of CIP and of the irradiated samples were determined after 24?h of exposure using the WST-1 assay and the in vitro micronucleus (MN) test in HepG2 cells.

Results

The concentration of CIP decreased during photolysis, whereas the content of DOC remained unchanged. CIP and its transformation products were not cytotoxic towards HepG2 cells. A concentration-dependent increase of MN frequencies was observed for the parent compound CIP (lowest observed effect level, 1.2???mol?L^?1). Furthermore, CIP and the irradiated samples were found to be genotoxic with a significant increase relative to the parent compound after 32?min (P?P?Conclusions Photolytic decomposition of aqueous CIP leads to genotoxic transformation products. This proves that irradiated samples of CIP are able to exert heritable genotoxic effects on human liver cells in vitro. Therefore, photolysis as a technique for wastewater treatment needs to be evaluated in detail in further studies, not only for CIP but in general.     

Removal of arsenate from groundwater by electrocoagulation method

Purpose

Arsenic, a toxic metalloid in drinking water, has become a major threat for human beings and other organisms. In the present work, attempts have been made to remove arsenate from the synthetic as well as natural water of Ballia district, India by electrocoagulation method. Efforts have also been made to optimize the various parameters such as initial arsenate concentration, pH, applied voltage, processing time, and working temperature.

Method

Electrocoagulation is a fast, inexpensive, selective, accurate, reproducible, and eco-friendly method for arsenate removal from groundwater. The present paper describes an electrocoagulation method for arsenate removal from groundwater using iron and zinc as anode and cathode, respectively.

Results

The maximum removal of arsenate was 98.8% at 2.0?mg?L^?1, 7.0, 3.0?V, 10.0?min, and 30°C as arsenate concentration, pH, applied voltage, processing time, and working temperature, respectively. Relative standard deviation, coefficient of determination (r ²), and confidence limits were varied from 1.50% to 1.59%, 0.9996% to 0.9998%, and 96.0% to 99.0%, respectively. The treated water was clear, colorless, and odorless without any secondary contamination. The developed and validated method was applied for arsenate removal of two samples of groundwater of Ballia district, U.P., India, having 0.563 to 0.805?mg?L^?1, arsenate concentrations.

Conclusions

The reported method is capable for the removal of arsenate completely (100% removal) from groundwater of Ballia district. There was no change in the groundwater quality after the removal of arsenate. The treated water was safe for drinking, bathing, and recreation purposes. Therefore, this method may be the choice of arsenate removal from natural groundwater.