Monofunctionalized cyclodextrin polymers for the removal of organic pollutants from water

Water is an important resource for domestic, industrial, agricultural and recreational purposes. The quality of water is however significantly deteriorating due to the accumulation of organic pollutants in aqueous systems. Conventional water treatment technologies fail to remove these contaminants to desirable levels. Recent studies have revealed that cyclodextrin nanoporous polymers are capable of absorbing pollutants from water to parts per billion levels. We have demonstrated that functionalised cyclodextrin polymers have enhanced absorption capacities for some organic pollutants. Here we report the synthesis of several insoluble monosubstituted cyclodextrin polymers or “nanosponges”. We show that these polymers have improved abilities in the absorption of p-nitrophenol and pentachlorophenol from aqueous solutions.     

Social structure and co-operative interactions in a wild population of guppies (Poecilia reticulata)

In contrast to the substantial number of theoretical papers that have examined the mechanisms by which cooperation may evolve, very few studies have investigated patterns of co-operation in natural animal populations. In the current study, we use a novel approach, social network analysis, to investigate the structure of co-operative interactions in the context of predator inspection in a wild population of guppies (Poecilia reticulata). Female guppies showed social preferences for stable partners, fulfilling a key assumption made by models of reciprocity. In the laboratory, wild female guppies disproportionately engaged in predator inspection with others with whom they had strong social associations. Furthermore, pairs of fish that frequently engaged in predator inspection did so in a particularly co-operative way, potentially reducing costs associated with predator inspection. Taken together, these results provide evidence for assortative interactions forming the basis of co-operation during predator inspection in a natural fish population. The occurrence of highly interconnected social networks between stable partners suggests the existence of co-operation networks in free-ranging populations of the guppy.     

Feasibility assessment of electrocoagulation towards a new sustainable wastewater treatment

BACKGROUND, AIM AND SCOPE: Electrocoagulation (EC) may be a potential answer to environmental problems dealing with water reuse and rational waste management. The aim of this research was to assess the feasibility of EC-process for industrial contaminated effluents from copper production, taking into consideration technical and economical factors. EC-technology claims to offer efficient removal rates for most types of wastewater impurities at low power consumption and without adding any precipitating agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Real wastewater from Saraka stream with high concentrations of heavy metals was provided by RTB-BOR, a Serbian copper mining and smelting complex. Runs were performed on a 10 l EC-reactor using aluminum plates as sacrificial electrodes and powered by a 40 A supply unit. Results concerning key factors like pH, conductivity and power consumption were measured in real time. Analysis of dissolved metal concentrations before and after treatment were carried out via ICP-OES and confirmed by an independent test via AAS. RESULTS: Several aspects were taken into account, including current density, conductivity, interfacial resistivity and reactor settings throughout the runs, in order to analyze all possible factors playing a role in neutralization and metal removal in real industrial wastewater. DISCUSSION: Electrode configurations and their effects on energy demand were discussed and exemplified based on fundamentals of colloidal and physical chemistry. CONCLUSIONS: Based on experimental data and since no precipitating agents were applied, the EC-process proved to be not only feasible and environmentally-friendly, but also a cost-effective technology RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES: The EC-technology provides strategic guidelines for further research and development of sustainable water management processes. However, additional test series concerning continuous operation must be still performed in order to get this concept ready for future large-scale applications.