Research progress on hydrothermal dissolution and hydrolysis of lignocellulose and lignocellulosic waste

Ethanol production from lignocellulosic waste has attracted considerable attention because of its feasi- bility and the generation of valuable products. Previous studies have shown that pretreatment and hydrolysis are key processes for lignocellulose conversion. Hydrothermal process is a promising technique because of its efficiency to break down the lignocellulosic structures and produce fermentable hexoses. Most studies in this field have therefore focused on understanding these processes or optimizing the parameters, but commonly reported low yields of fermentable hexoses. The inability to produce high yields of fermentable hexoses is mainly attributed to inadequate information on the conversion mechanisms of lignocellulose, particularly the reaction rules of dissolu- tion, which is a limiting step in the entire conversion process. This paper critically reviewed the progress done in the research and development of the hydrothermal dissolution and hydrolysis of lignocellulose. Principles, processes, and related studies on separate dissolution and asynchronous hydrolysis of lignin, hemieellulose, and cellulose are presented. Potential research prospects are also suggested.     

Spatiotemporal patterns and other impacting factors on wheat production of Tibet,China北大核心CSCD

Wheat is the second-largest food crop in Tibet, China. Along with economic development, the pattern of wheat production in Tibet has changed dramatically, potentially affecting the balance of grain supply and demand, as well as food security. A clear understanding of the spatiotemporal patterns and other factors affecting wheat production can provide a necessary basis for the scientific management and efficient production of wheat. Based on the wheat yield from 1990 to 2020 in 74 county-level units of Tibet, this study analyzed the spatial and temporal change patterns of Tibetan wheat production and its impacting factors using the Gini coefficient, center of gravity move method, advantage index, exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), and geographically weighted regression model (GWR). Results showed that: (1) the total wheat production in Tibet rose from 1990 to 1999, fluctuated, and then decreased from 1999 to 2020. The production areas are mainly concentrated in the southern Tibetan Valley and counties in the Three Rivers region of eastern Tibet. (2) The spatial distribution and agglomeration pattern of wheat in Tibet is relatively stable, and the production center shows a slight fluctuation trend from west to east during the 1990-2020 time period. (3) Based on the comprehensive advantage index (CAI), Tibet’s wheat production in advantaged areas, slightly advantaged areas, slightly disadvantaged areas, and disadvantaged areas accounted for 13.5%, 8.1%, 9.5%, and 40.5% of the total production, respectively; indicating that the regional distribution of CAI exhibits spatial agglomeration rather than sporadic distribution. The patterns are HH (high-high), LH (low-high), and random; 29 hot spots are mainly distributed in Lhasa, Shannan, and Nyingchi, while the cold spots are mainly distributed in Xigazê and Ngari; and (4) the impacting factors on Tibet’s wheat production mainly include effective irrigation areas and agricultural mechanization level as positive factors, and regional gross agricultural product as the main negative factor. In addition, rainfall, other grain output, livestock inventory at the end of the year, and the number of non-primary industries also have an impact on wheat production. Wheat planting area in Tibet has been declining in recent years, thus exhibiting a significant pattern of spatial agglomeration. The three dominant factors affecting the emerging spatiotemporal pattern of wheat production in Tibet are the irrigation condition, mechanization, and local economic development levels. Based on the above conclusions, the study suggests building a high-yield wheat area consistent with local conditions by strictly protecting arable land, improving irrigation conditions, and increasing machinery investment. Depending on the counties of high-yield areas, Tibetan farmers and herders should cultivate the bases of wheat production and build a wheat base for local wheat consumption. © 2022 Science Press. All rights reserved.     

A review of atmospheric mercury emissions,pollution and control in China

Mercury, as a global pollutant, has significant impacts on the environment and human health. The current state of atmospheric mercury emissions, pollution and control in China is comprehensively reviewed in this paper. With about 500-800 t of anthropogenic mercury emissions, China contributes 25%-40% to the global mercury emissions. The dominant mercury emission sources in China are coal combustion, non-ferrous metal smelting, cement production and iron and steel production. The mercury emissions from natural sources in China are equivalent to the anthropogenic mercury emissions. The atmospheric mercury concentration in China is about 2-10 times the background level of North Hemisphere. The mercury deposition fluxes in remote areas in China are usually in the range of 10-50μg·m^-2·yr^-1. To reduce mercury emissions, legislations have been enacted for power plants, non-ferrous metal smelters and waste incinerators. Currently mercury contented in the flue gas is mainly removed through existing air pollution control devices for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particles. Dedicated mercury control technologies are required in the future to further mitigate the mercury emissions in China.     

The newly-assisted catalytic mechanism of surface hydroxyl species performed as the promoter in syngas-to-C2 species on the Cu-based bimetallic catalysts

In the conversion process of syngas-to-C₂ species,the OH species are inevitably produced accompanying the production of key intermediates CH_x(x=1-3),traditionally,the function of surface OH species is generally accepted as the hydrogenating reactive species.This work for the first time proposed and confirmed the assisted catalytic mechanism of surface OH species that performed as the promoter for syngas-to-C₂species on Cu-based catalysts.DFT and microkinetic mode...     

Modeling of Ce（IV） transport through a dispersion flat combined liquid membrane with carrier P507

A mathematical model for the transport of Ce （IV） from hydrochloric acid solutions through dispersion flat combined liquid membrane （DFCLM） with contain 2- ethyl hexyl phosphonic acid-mono-2-ethyl hexyl ester （P507） as the carrier, dissolved in kerosene as the membrane solution have been studied. This process of facilitated transport, based on membrane technology, is a variation on the conventional technique of solvent extraction and may be described mathematically using Fick＇s second law. The equations for transport velocity are derived considering the diffusion of P507 and its metallic complexes through the liquid membrane. In this work, the system is considered to be in a transient state, and chemical reaction between Ce（IV） and the carrier to take place only at the solvent-aqueous interfaces. Model concentration profiles are obtained for the Ce（IV）, from which extraction velocities are predicted. The experimental and simulated Ce（IV） extractions showed similar tendencies for a high Ce （IV） concentration and acidity case.The model results indicate that high initial Ce（IV） concentrations and acidity both have detrimental effects on Ce（IV） extraction and stripping. The diffusion coefficient of Ce（IV） in the membrane and the thickness of diffusion layer between feed phase and membrane phase are obtained and the values are 6.31 × 10-8m2·s-1 and 31.2 μm, respectively. The results are in good agreement with experimental results.     

Effects of bicarbonate and cathode potential on hydrogen production in a biocathode electrolysis cell

A biocathode with microbial catalyst in place of a noble metal was successfully developed for hydrogen evolution in a microbial electrolysis cell （MEC）. The strategy for fast biocathode cultivation was demonstrated. An exoelectrogenic reaction was initially extended with an H2-full atmosphere to enrich Ha-utilizing bacteria in a MEC bioanode. This bioanode was then inversely polarized with an applied voltage in a half-cell to enrich the hydrogen-evolving biocathode. The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction （HER） kinetics of the biocathode MEC could be enhanced by increasing the bicarbonate buffer concentration from 0.05 mol·L-1 to 0.5 mol· L-1 and/or by decreasing the cathode potential from -0.9 V to - 1.3 V vs. a saturated calomel electrode （SCE）. Within the tested potential region in this study, the HER rate of the biocathode MEC was primarily influenced by the microbial catalytic capability. In addition, increasing bicarbonate concentration enhances the electric migration rate of proton carriers. As a consequence, more mass H＋ can be released to accelerate the biocathode-catalyzed HER rate. A hydrogen production rate of 8.44 m3. m 3. d1 with a current density of 951.6 A. m-3 was obtained using the biocathode MEC under a cathode potential of - 1.3 V vs. SCE and 0.4 mol· L-1 bicarbonate. This study provided information on the optimization of hydrogen production in biocathode MEC and expanded the practical applications thereof.     

Mo/Fe bimetallic pyrophosphates derived from Prussian blue analogues for rapid electrocatalytic oxygen evolution

Efficient and stable oxygen evolution electrocatalysts are indispensable for industrial applications of water splitting and hydrogen production.Herein,a simple and practical method was applied to fabricate (Mo,Fe)P₂O₇@NF electrocatalyst by directly growing Mo/Fe bimetallic pyrophosphate derived from Prussian blue analogues on three-dimensional porous current collector.In alkaline media,the developed material possesses good hydrophilic features and exhibits best-in-class oxy...     

Production of N2O in two biologic nitrogen removal processes: a comparison between conventional and short-cut nitrogen removal processes

The N2O production in two nitrogen removal processes treating domestic wastewater was investigated in laboratory-scale aerobic-anoxic sequencing batch reactors （SBRs）. Results showed that N2O emission happened in the aerobic phase rather than in the anoxic phase. During the aerobic phase, the nitrogen conversion to N2O gas was 27.7% and 36.8% of NH＋-N loss for conventional biologic N-removal process and short-cut biologic N-removal process. The dissolved N2O was reduced to N2 in the anoxic denitrification phase. The N2O production rate increased with the increasing of nitrite concentration and ceased when NH＋-N oxidation was terminated. Higher nitrite accumulation resulted in higher NEO emission in the short-cut nitrogen removal process. Pulse-wise addition of 20 mg NO2 -N. L- 1 gave rise to 3-fold of N2O emission in the conventional N-removal process, while little change happened with 20 mg NOS-N L-1 was added to SBR1.     

Isolation,identification, culture conditions,and laccase production of white rot fungus北大核心CSCD

The white rot fungi are members of Basidiomycota, which can degrade lignin and form white rot. They are high producers of extracellular laccases. In the present study, pure culture strain of high-temperature and high-laccase production types (numbered as BUA-01) was isolated from the fruiting bodies of a white rot fungus collected in the campus of Beijing University of Agriculture. The taxonomic characteristic was determined based on morphological and ITS sequence analysis. Furthermore, the optimal culture conditions for the mycelia were determined, including carbon source, nitrogen source, C/N ratio, growth factors, temperature, and pH. Extracellular laccase production was investigated in liquid fermentation with different concentrations of Cu (CuSO4) as inducer. Decolorizing activity of the fermentation broth was assayed using three azo dyes: Evans blue, methyl orange, and eriochrome black T. The results showed that the strain possessed the highest homology toward Trametes hirsuta, with the homology ratio of 100% and the genetic distance of 0, suggesting that the strain BUA-01 belonged to the genus Trametes. The culture condition investigated revealed that the optimal condition for mycelia growth included the following: carbon source, starch; nitrogen source, soybean powder and yeast extract; C/N ratio, 40/1 and 10/1; temperature, 37 °C; and pH, 6.0-7.0. The assayed growth factors had no significant effect on mycelial growth. It demonstrated high laccase activity in liquid fermentation. The highest extracellular laccase activity of 1 081.33 ± 6.3 U/mL was observed in the broth with a Cu adjunction concentration of 0.25 mmol/L after a 96-h culture period. It was about 26-fold higher than that of the control group. The isolated strain exhibited significant decolorizing activity toward the azo dyes Evans blue, methyl orange, and eriochrome black T, with the decolorization rate at 12 h of 93.31% ± 0.16%, 92.37% ± 0.42%, 79.25% ± 0.64%, respectively. This suggests that the strain possesses potential applications in laccase production and dye degradation. © 2018 Science Press. All rights reserved.     

Removal of sulfadiazine from aqueous solution on kaolinite

The adsorption of sulfadiazine onto kaolinite clay as an alternative adsorbent was examined in aqueous solution, hnpacts of the contact time, pH, temperature, ionic strength and coexistent surfactants on the adsorption process were evaluated. The pH significantly influenced the adsorption process, with adsorption being promoted at lower pH due to the cation exchange mechanism. Decreasing ionic strength in the solution was favorable for adsorption, and the addition of cationic and anionic surfactants had negative effects on the adsorption capacity of sulfadiazine on kaolinite. Kinetic experiments showed that the adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order model. The equilibrium adsorption was well described by both Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich （DR） models. According to the DR model, the adsorption mechanism was determined by cationic exchange and weak physical forces. The thermodynamic study showed that sulfadiazine adsorption onto kaolinite was a sponta- neous and endothermic reaction.     

Combined biologic aerated filter and sulfur/ceramisite autotrophic denitrification for advanced wastewater nitrogen removal at low temperatures

An innovative advanced wastewater treatment process combining biologic aerated filter （BAF） and sulfur/ ceramisite-based autotrophic denitrification （SCAD） for reliable removal of nitrogen was proposed in this paper. In SCAD reactor, ceramisite was used as filter and Ca （HCO3）2 was used for supplying alkalinity and carbon source. The BAF-SCAD was used to treat the secondary treatment effluent. The performance of this process was investigated, and the impact of temperature on nitrogen removal was studied. Results showed that the combined system was effective in nitrogen removal even at low temperatures （8℃）. Removal of total nitrogen （TN）, NH4＋ -N, NO3-N reached above 90% at room temperature. Nitrification was affected by the temperature and nitrification at low temperature （8℃） was a limiting factor for TN removal. However, denitrification was not impacted by the temperature and the removal of NO3 -N maintained 98% during the experimental period. The reason of effective denitrification at low temperature might be the use of easily dissolved Ca（HCO3）2 and high-flux ceramisite, which solved the problem of low mass transfer efficiency at low temperatures. Besides, vast surface area of sulfur with diameter of 2-6 mm enhanced the rate of microbial utilization. The removal of nitrate companied with the production of SO42-, and the average concentration of SO27 was about 240mg.L^-1. These findings would be beneficial for the application of this process to nitrogen removal especially in the winter and cold regions.     

Inhibitory kinetics of β-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by cadmium北大核心CSCD

Cadmium (Cd2+) pollution in an aquatic environment can negatively affect certain reproductive parameters of aquatic animals. β-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) is considered to play an important role in the fertilization process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Cd2+ on the activity of NAGase purified f rom the testis of Nile tilapia, toward contributing new knowledge on the breadth of negative effects of Cd2+ for Nile tilapia production. The kinetic method of substrate reaction was used for this assessment, and an inhibitory model was established to study the kinetics of NAGase under inhibition by Cd2+. The results showed that Cd2+ could reversibly inhibit the enzymatic activity of NAGase, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration was estimated to be 40.95 mmol/L. Cd2+ was found to be a competitive inhibitor of NAGase, and the inhibitory constant was determined to be 17.13 mmol/L. The microscopic rate constants of inactivation were also determined. Together, these findings demonstrate that Cd2+ is a reversible inhibitor that can competitively inhibit NAGase. These results may provide a theoretical foundation for further studies on the reproduction of tilapia. © 2018 Science Press. All rights reserved.     

Telling Duckweed Apart:Genotyping Technologies for the Lemnaceae

The family of Lemnaceae,commonly called duckweed,comprise five genera and 37 species of aquaticmonocotyledonous plants that are endemic to lakes,ponds and brackish water bodies on most continents. They are angiospermsthat have the highest biomass production rate and have been used to remediate wastewater from both municipal andindustrial sources. With these attractive features,duckweed is poised to be a novel agricultural platform that can complementcurrent terrestrial crops. In addition,their remarkable ability to adapt to diverse climates and conditions may provide newunderstanding of stress tolerance and genome adaptability mechanisms. However,one of the first challenges facing theseapplications is to establish reliable and rapid methods for identification of closely related strains that may have very differentbehaviour or properties. This review article summarizes the state of the arts for this endeavour and provides the outlook for thisquest in the near future.     

Identification and assessment of environmental burdens of Chinese copper production from a life cycle perspective

The environmental burdens of Chinese copper production have been identified and quantified in the context of typical technologies, materials supplies and environmental emissions by a life cycle approach. Primary and secondary copper production using copper ores and scraps, respectively, were analyzed in detail. The flash and bath smelting approaches and the recycling of copper scraps were selected as representative copper production processes. A quantitative analysis was also conducted to assess the influence of material transport distance in copper production. Life cycle assessment （LCA） results showed that resources depletion and human health contribute significantly to environmental burdens in Chinese copper production. In addition, the secondary copper production has dramatically lower environmental burdens than the primary production. There is no obvious distinction in overall environmental burdens in primary copper production by flash or bath smelting approach. However, resources depletion is lower and the damage to human health is higher for flash smelting approach. Ecosystem quality damage is slight for both approaches. Environ- mental burdens from the mining stage contribute most in all life cycle stages in primary copper production. In secondary copper production, the electrolytic refining stage dominates. Based on the life cycle assessment results, some suggestions for improving environmental performance were proposed to meet the sustainable development of Chinese copper industry.     

Controlling microbiological interfacial behaviors of hydrophobic organic compounds by surfactants in biodegradation process

Bioremediation of hydrophobic organic compounds （HOCs） contanlinated soils involves several physicochemical and microbiological interracial processes among the soil-water-microorganism interfaces. The participation of surfactants facilitates the mass transport of HOCs in both the physicochemical and microbiological interfaces by reducing the interfacial tension. The effects and underlying mechanisms of surfactants on the physi-cochemical desorption of soil-sorbed HOCs have been widely studied. This paper reviewed the progress made in understanding the effects of surfactant on microbiological interlhcial transport of HOCs and the underlying mechanisms, which is vital for a better understanding and control of the mass transfer of HOCs in the biodegradation process. In summary, surfactants affect the microbiological interfacial behaviors of HOCs during three consecutive processes： the soil solution-microorganism sorption, the transmembrane process, and the intracellular metabolism. Surfactant could promote cell sorption of HOCs depending on the compatibility of surfactant hydrophile hydrophilic balance （HLB） with cell surface properties; while the dose ratio between surfactant and biologic mass （membrane lipids） determined the transmembrane processes. Although surfactants cannot easily directly affect the intracellular enzymatic metabolism of HOCs due to the steric hindrace, the presence of surfactants can indirectly enhanced the metabolism by increasing the substrate concentrations.     

Techno-economic assessment of a chemical looping splitting system for H2 and CO Co-generation

The natural gas(NG) reforming is currently one of the low-cost methods for hydrogen production. However, the mixture of H₂ and CO₂ in the produced gas inevitably includes CO₂ and necessitates the costly CO₂ separation. In this work, a novel double chemical looping involving both combustion(CLC) and sorption-enhanced reforming(SE-CLR) was proposed towards the co-production of H₂ and CO(CLC-SECLRHC) in two separated streams. CLC provides react...     

N-doped graphene anchored ultrasmall Ir nanoparticles as bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting

Seeking for extremely active and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts towards the overall water splitting possesses a strategic significance on the development of sustainable and clean energy for the replacement of fossil fuels.Ir-based nanomaterials are deemed as one of the most highefficiency oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts while the hydrogen evolution reaction performance is unfavorable.In this work,we report a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of N-doped graphene anchored Ir nanopar...     

Comparative study on the efficiency and environmental impact of two methods of utilizing polyvinyl chloride waste based on life cycle assessments

Two processes of utilizing polyvinyl chloride （PVC） waste, an incineration process and a vacuum pyrolysis process, for energy conversion were compared to determine their efficiency and environmental perfor- mance. We carried out a life cycle assessment with each of the two processes to evaluate their environmental impact and defined the goals and limits of our remit. As well, we established an inventory of PVC waste from incineration and vacuum pyrolysis based on process analysis, data collection and calculations. The results show that electrical power output per unit mass of PVC waste in the incineration process was twice as high as that of the vacuum pyrolysis process. Incineration had a larger total environmental impact potential than vacuum pyrolysis. The total environmental impact potential of PVC waste from incineration was three times higher than that from vacuum pyrolysis. Incineration of PVC disposed 300 ng. 100 kgI of dioxins and vacuum pyrolysis 98.19 ng- 100 kgI of dioxins. As well, we analyzed the data for their uncertainty with results quantified in terms of three uncertainties： basic uncertainty, additional uncertainty, and computational uncertainty. The coefficients of variation of the data were less than 25% and the quality of the inventory data was acceptable with low uncertainty. Both PVC waste disposal processes were of similar quality and their results comparable. The results of our life cycle impact assessment （LCIA） showed considerable reliability of our methodology. Overall, the vacuum pyrolysis process has a number advantages and greater potential for development of PVC disposal than the incineration process.     

Metal organic framework supported niobium pentoxide nanoparticles with exceptional catalytic effect on hydrogen storage behavior of MgH2

Nb₂O₅ nanoparticles with an average particle size of 10 nm supported on a rhombic dodecahedral metal organic framework(MOF) were successfully synthesized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal reaction and subsequent calcination process.Experimental results demonstrated that the prepared catalyst drastically improved the hydrogen storage behavior of MgH₂.7 wt% Nb₂O₅@MOF doped MgH₂ started to desorb hydrogen at 181.9℃ and 6.2 wt% hydroge...     

Mycelial culture of wild Inonotus hispidus parasitizing the jujube tree and the cultivation conditions of its fruit body on rice medium北大核心CSCD

Inonotus hispidus is a kind of rare medicinal fungus, and its natural resources are very scarce. Currently, the artificial cultivation technology of I. hispidus is not completely developed, and this reflects on its extremely low biological conversion rate and long cultivation period. In order to improve the bioconversion rate and shorten the production cycle of I. hispidus, we first analyzed the mycelia culture conditions of the collected I. hispidus, and then we further explore the method of domesticated cultivation of its fruiting body in rice medium. During the process of mycelial culture, the suitable temperature, pH, carbon source, and nitrogen source for mycelial growth were selected using the mycelial growth rate as index. During the domesticated cultivation of the fruiting body, the suitable culture medium for its growth was selected using the bioconversion rate as index. Screening results of mycelial culture conditions showed that the optimal culture conditions for the growth of mycelium of the wild I. hispidus were: temperature of 25 °C, initial pH of 6.0, glucose as the carbon source, and yeast extract powder as the source of nitrogen. The results of the domesticated cultivation showed that the biotransformation rate of I. hispidus was higher when using rice as the main medium substrate. The optimal cultivation conditions were: a 0.2% yeast extract content in the nutrient solution, a 1:1.6 ratio of rice to nutrient solution, and a 4 mL inoculum of the liquid strain. Under these conditions, it took about 4 days for the mycelium to grow over the cultivation medium. The time required for the differentiation of the primordium to form fruit bodies was about 20 days, and the bioconversion rate reached 28.70% ± 5.05%. The results of this study indicate the feasibility of using rice as the main substrate for the cultivation of I. hispidus, and it also provide new insights for the finding of new cultivation substrates for other rare medicinal fungi. © 2018 Science Press. All rights reserved.