Treatment of mature landfill leachate by a continuous modular internal micro-electrolysis Fenton reactor

A modular internal micro-electrolysis Fenton reactor (MIME-Fenton) was specifically designed in order to facilitate the performance of internal micro-electrolysis (IME) technology in the treatment of mature landfill leachate. Excellent COD removal efficiency of 90.9 % by the new reactor of mature landfill leachate was observed in bench-scale treatment, which is 193–399, 415–551, and 226–457 % higher than that of conventional treatments of electrolysis, coagulation–sedimentation, and Fenton, respectively. The innovative concept behind the excellent performance is the novel two-step treatment, similar to the anaerobic–aerobic activated sludge method. It is based on a combination effect of reductive IME and oxidative IME with aeration processes and the integration of electro-aggregation and electro-coagulation. Initial pH and air flow rate were optimized, and the effect of auxiliary in situ regeneration of ferrous iron and generation of H₂O₂ was further investigated. The reactor was also particularly efficient in removal of color and HA, and in improvement of the BOD₅/COD ratio. All these results show that the MIME-Fenton reactor, a new approach of IME, is promising for mature landfill leachate treatment because it is efficient and easy to operate.     

Effects of sludge retention time on membrane fouling and microbial community structure in a membrane bioreactor

In this study, the effect of sludge retention time (SRT) on membrane bio-fouling was investigated in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) equipped with a sequential anoxic/anaerobic reactor. Specific cake resistance (α), trans-membrane pressure (TMP), mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), particle sizes, extracellular polymer substances bound in sludge (bound-EPS) and their correlations with membrane bio-fouling were studied at different SRTs. As SRT decreased to 20 days, the bound-EPS per unit of biomass increased, and consequently, the value of α increased, which resulted in the rise of TMP. However, the reduction of the bound-EPS content was relatively small as compared to a significant decrease in the value of α at longer SRTs (above 60 days). These observations suggest that colloidal particles significantly contribute to membrane bio-fouling. In addition, the diversity of the microbial community structure of activated sludge in the MBRs was observed using the respiratory quinone profile. The ubiquinone species containing UQ-8, belonging to the class β-Proteobacteria type were the major constituents of the microbial community structure. The mole fraction of menaquinone MK-6, -7 and -8(H2) increased as SRT increased. Thus, the results of this study indicate that growth of microorganisms belonging to the δ- and ?-subclass of Proteobacteria as well as the members of the Cytophaga–Flavobacterium cluster increased at longer SRTs.     

Application of activated carbon in the characterization of nitrogen compounds and phthalates in a landfill leachate

The goal of this work was the development of a methodology based on solid phase extraction (SPE) to characterize nitrogen compounds and phthalates from landfill leachate samples. Activated carbon (AC) was used to extract all the organic compounds from the samples. The samples were collected in Porto Alegre-South Brazil. As the AC used had small particle size, it was impossible to use it in the form of packed cartridges; hence, it had to be applied in a batch mode. The desorption of the organic compounds from the AC was made by sonication with dichloromethane. The extract was analyzed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MSD). Some aspects of the validation of the methodology were also established. Several nitrogen compounds and phthalates were identified in the samples, proving the efficiency of this method with regard to the selectiveness for these substances.     

Overestimation of geogenic arsenic in landfill leachate: interference of humic and phosphinic acid in a commercial test kit

Large-scale groundwater contamination by arsenic (As) requires economical yet reliable analytical procedures to monitor the quality of well water and the effluent of As elimination processes. The silver diethyldithiocarbamate (AgDDTC) method provides the basis of a series of colourimetric tests used as a compromise between semi-quantitative field-test kits and expensive instrumental analytics. This study aimed at understanding the significant As overestimation by the AgDDTC method observed in landfill leachate samples. Results of the AgDDTC test were up to threefold the levels obtained by reference analyses. Overestimation broadly agreed with the time course of chemical oxygen demand and total phosphorus in the leachate. We hypothesised that the interference was caused by reduced P species or humic acid (HA), respectively. To test this, As-AgDDTC determinations from As standards were conducted with phosphonic (H₃PO₃) and phosphinic acid (H₃PO₂) as well as two commercial HA as matrix components. While H₃PO₃ showed no effect, H₃PO₂ in concentrations of 0.06 to 28 mg P L^?1 yielded As recoveries of up to 130%. This was probably due to the evolution of phosphine (PH₃) as suggested by the absorption spectra recorded after reacting pure PH₃ with AgDDTC in pyridine. The HA in concentrations of 0.6–320 mg dissolved organic carbon L^?1 gave As recoveries of up to 600%, possibly due to a chromophoric reaction of volatile HA digestion products formed during the reduction step. Significant As overestimation in the presence of the above-named compounds may require pre-oxidation of the samples. To recognise interference effects, the acquisition of full absorbance spectra may be recommendable in lieu of fixed wavelength analyses.     

NiY分子筛的合成及在微生物电解池阴极的析氢性能研究

在Na₂O-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-H₂O体系中添加硝酸镍,采用导向剂法合成了NiY分子筛。利用XRD、SEM、TEM、N₂吸附-脱附等手段对合成的NiY分子筛进行了表征。结果表明,随着镍添加量的增加,结晶度和zeta电位呈先增大后减小的趋势。当Si/Ni （mol ratio）大于5时,硝酸镍对分子筛的形成具有促进作用,当Si/Ni （mol ratio）小于5时,则具有抑制作用。晶粒粒径为1.5-3 μm,形貌为凹槽结构的六方或四方柱型,且具有微孔-介孔多级孔道结构特征。通过循环伏安曲线和极化曲线测试,在Si/Ni （mol ratio）=5时,样品的氧化还原性能最强,过电势最小,电催化活性最高。在12 h内,每4 mg的Si/Ni （mol ratio）=5样品,产气总量为10.1 mL,氢气纯度达81.69%,与Pt电极相比其氢气产量提高了28%。NiY分子筛表现出良好的析氢催化活性,有望取代Pt成为MEC新型阴极材料。     

Optimization of performance and minimization of silicate interference in continuous flow phosphate analysis

Specific reaction conditions for automated continuous flow analysis of phosphate are optimized in regard to minimizing coating and silicate interference, while maintaining high sensitivity. Use of Sb in the reagent increases sensitivity and yields absorbances with little temperature dependence. Coating can be minimized by using a final solution at a pH>0.5. At final pH of 0.78 there is maximum interference from silicate in the sample. We recommend therefore as an optimal reaction condition with minimal silicate interference, the use of Sb, a final solution pH of 1.00, room temperature for the reaction and a [H(+)]/[Mo] ratio of 70. An equation is provided to correct silicate interference in high precision phosphate determination.     

Influence of flow and diffusion on protein separation in a continuous flow electrophoresis cell: computation procedure

Continuous flow zone electrophoresis is an efficient method for the non-destructive separation of biological materials in a flowing film of buffer solution in which the constituents of a sample are separated according to their electrophoretic mobilities, under the influence of an electric field. This paper deals with modeling of flow structure of the buffer solution taking into account the effect of electroosmosis, Joule heating and thermal free convection and the forced convection of axial flow. Modeling of diffusion is examined in a second part. The modeling equations and the corresponding boundary conditions are solved by finite difference methods. The various parameters affecting the quality of the fractionation are analyzed.     

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction followed by reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography for the determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers at trace levels in landfill leachate and environmental water samples

A simple, rapid and efficient method, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME), has been developed for the extraction and preconcentration of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in water samples. The factors influencing microextraction efficiencies, such as the kind and volume of extraction and dispersive solvent, the extraction time and the salt effect, were optimized. Under the optimum conditions (sample volume: 5 mL; extraction solvent: tetrachloroethane, 20.0 μL; dispersive solvent: acetonitrile, 1.00 mL; extraction time: below 5 s and without salt addition), the enrichment factors and extraction recoveries were high and ranged from 268 to 305 and 87.0 to 119.1%, respectively. Linearity was observed in the range 0.05-50 ng mL⁻¹ for BDE-28 and BDE-99, and 0.1-100 ng mL⁻¹ for BDE-47 and BDE-209, respectively. Coefficients of correlation (r²) ranged from 0.9995 to 0.9999. The repeatability study was carried out by extracting the spiked water samples at concentration levels of 50 ng mL⁻¹ for BDE-28 and BDE-99, and 100 ng mL⁻¹ for BDE-47 and BDE-209, respectively. The relative standard deviations (R.S.D.s) varied between 3.8 and 6.3% (n = 5). The limits of detection (LODs), based on signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 3, ranged from 12.4 to 55.6 pg mL⁻¹ (the wavelength of detector at 226 nm). The relative recoveries of PBDEs from tap, lake water and landfill leachate samples at spiking levels of 5, 10 and 50 ng mL⁻¹ were in the range of 89.7-107.6%, 114.3-119.1% and 87.0-90.9%, respectively. As a result, this method can be successfully applied for the determination of PBDEs in landfill leachate and environmental water samples.     

Development of a screening method for the determination of xenobiotic organic pollutants in municipal landfill leachate using solvent extraction and comprehensive GCxGC-qMS analysis

In the present study, we propose a method for the evaluation of different classes of xenobiotic organic compounds enclosed in the municipal landfill leachate using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with quadrupole mass spectrometry (GCxGC-qMS). Here we show that, due to high peak capacity of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography, in a single run it is possible to separate compounds with different physical-chemical properties (such as aliphatic and aromatic compounds, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, phthalates, aldehydes, ketones, nitrogen containing compounds, organo-phosphoric flame retardants etc.), compounds which have proved to be endocrine disruptors, compounds that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, reprotoxic or harmful for the environment. Even though a solvent extraction method has been optimised, the extraction step still remains the main problem for a comprehensive characterization of all classes of organic toxicants enclosed in the municipal landfill leachate.

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Diisobutylaluminum hydride reductions revitalized: a fast, robust, and selective continuous flow system for aldehyde synthesis

A continuous flow system for the multiparameter (flow rate, temperature, residence time, stoichiometry) optimization of the DIBALH reduction of esters to aldehydes is described. Incorporating an in-line quench (MeOH), these transformations are generally complete in fewer than 60 s. Mixing of the DIBALH and ester solutions was observed to be an exceptionally critical parameter for optimum results. This system thus provides general guidelines based on the structure of the ester for selective reduction of an ester without overreduction.     

The distinct signaling mechanisms of microbial sensory rhodopsins in Archaea, Eubacteria and Eukarya

Most of the known archaeal-type microbial rhodopsins are retinal-binding ion transporters, such as bacteriorhodopsin (BR) and proteorhodopsin (PR). Their identification is the result of extensive studies of their photochemical and biophysical properties. The cells containing these pigments, however, use other microbial rhodopsins as photosensors to monitor environmental light signals. From the early studies of sensory rhodopsin I (HsSRI) in Halobacterium salinarum and sensory rhodopsin II (NpSRII) in Natronomonas pharaonis, we now know that several microbial sensory rhodopsins in the other major domain of life relay information on light intensity and quality to the cell. Three of the most studied photosensory transduction mechanisms of these microbial rhodopsins are dealt with in this review. We discuss recent progress in the understanding of genomic organization, photochemical properties and photosignaling mechanisms with respect to biological function.     

Effects of buffer depletion in capillary electrophoresis: Development of a continuous flow cathode

Summary The effects of electrolyte buffer depletion is well recognised and regular replacement of the electrolyte can prevent poor reproducibility. We have further investigated the effect of electrolyte depletion and produced a modified cathodic flow electrode to improve reproducibility using minimal volumes of electrolytes.     

Supercritical fluid extraction and ultra performance liquid chromatography of respiratory quinones for microbial community analysis in environmental and biological samples

Microbial community structure plays a significant role in environmental assessment and animal health management. The development of a superior analytical strategy for the characterization of microbial community structure is an ongoing challenge. In this study, we developed an effective supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for the analysis of bacterial respiratory quinones (RQ) in environmental and biological samples. RQ profile analysis is one of the most widely used culture-independent tools for characterizing microbial community structure. A UPLC equipped with a photo diode array (PDA) detector was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of ubiquinones (UQ) and menaquinones (MK) without tedious pretreatment. Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2)) extraction with the solid-phase cartridge trap proved to be a more effective and rapid method for extracting respiratory quinones, compared to a conventional organic solvent extraction method. This methodology leads to a successful analytical procedure that involves a significant reduction in the complexity and sample preparation time. Application of the optimized methodology to characterize microbial communities based on the RQ profile was demonstrated for a variety of environmental samples (activated sludge, digested sludge, and compost) and biological samples (swine and Japanese quail feces).     

The effect of recycling flux on the performance and microbial community composition of a biofilm hydrolytic-aerobic recycling process treating anthraquinone reactive dyes

Synthetic dyes are extensively used and rarely degraded. Microbial decomposition is a cost-effective alternative to chemical and physical degradation processes. In this study, the decomposition of simulated anthraquinone reactive dye (Reactive Blue 19; RB19) at a concentration of 400-mg/L in wastewater by a biofilm hydrolytic-aerobic recycling system was investigated over a range of recycling fluxes. The 16S rDNA-based fingerprint technique was also used to investigate the microbial community composition. Results indicated that the recycling flux was a key factor that influenced RB19 degradation. The RB19 and COD removal efficiency could reach values as high as 82.1% and 95.4%, respectively, with a recycling flux of 10 mL/min. Molecular analysis indicated that some strains were similar to Aeromonadales, Tolumonas, and some uncultured clones were assumed to be potential decolorization bacteria. However, the microbial community composition in the reactors remained relatively stable at different recycling fluxes. This study provided insights on the decolorization capability and the population dynamics during the decolorization process of anthraquinone dye wastewater.     

Screening of resins for use in a biparticle fluidized-bed bioreactor for the continuous fermentation and separation of lactic acid

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - A continuous particle fluidized-bed reactor is being developed for the simultaneous fermentation and purification of lactic acid. Unlike conventional...     

Safe and reliable synthesis of diazoketones and quinoxalines in a continuous flow reactor

A flow method for the synthesis of aliphatic and aromatic diazoketones from acyl chloride precursors has been developed and used to prepare quinoxalines in a multistep sequence without isolation of the potentially explosive diazoketone. The protocol showcases an efficient in-line purification using supported scavengers with time-saving and safety benefits and in particular a reduction in the operator's exposure to carcinogenic phenylenediamines.     

“Stat” methods in continuous flow analysis : Determination of Copper,Iron, Iodide and Hydrochloric Acid

A continuous flow “stat” method is described in which a certain arbitrarily imposed state in the flowing stream is automatically maintained by regulating the rate of flow of one of the components. The electronic system is regulated by measuring a physical phenomenon in the flowing solution. The method is illustrated by the examples of a continuous flow absorptiostat [Fe(III)/S₂O₃^2-/Cu(II)]for determinations of copper(II) (1–10 μg ml^-1), iron(III) (25–250 or 12.5–125 μg ml^-1), as well as for determination of iodide (12.8–128 μg ml^-1). A continuous flow conductostat [HCl/NaOH] for determination of 1–2.5 × 10^-4 M HCl is also described. This analytical technique is intended for automatic continuous monitoring of sample streams.     

Peristaltic pumps-Fourier transforms: a coupling of interest in continuous flow flame atomic absorption spectrometry

The use of a simple continuous manifold, together with data treatment by means of Fourier transforms, permits the dynamic range of flame atomic absorption spectrometry to be extended. A peristaltic pump is used to move the analyte solution, the difference between the pumping flow rate and the nebulizer uptake rate being compensated by aspirating solvent through a T-piece. The time-variable absorbance profile which results from the action of the rollers is transformed into a frequency spectrum, the large signal caused by the periodical roller movement being used as the analytical signal. The effect of different experimental conditions on the signal is studied and the improvement in the signal/noise ratio lowers the determination limit. The dynamic range can be further extended, since the system also permits the measurement of solutions which are too concentrated to be measured by direct aspiration. Calibration is performed by means of a single standard solution.     

Copper-mediated N- and O-arylations with arylboronic acids in a continuous flow microreactor: a new avenue for efficient scalability

A continuous flow procedure has been elaborated for the copper(II)-mediated N- and O-arylation of a range of compounds with arylboronic acids using a commercial microreactor setup. The compounds could be continuously generated in good yields paving the way for efficient scalability.     

High speed electrophoresis simulation for optimization of continuous flow electrophoresis and high performance capillary techniques: Part I. Computer model.

A computer program for high-speed simulation and optimization of electrophoretic processes has been developed for carrier-free systems of all kinds. The calculations are based on the one-dimensional dynamic (transient-state) model. The three-dimensional geometry of the simulation space can be chosen deliberately. With a highly efficient transport algorithm instead of complicated integration schemes for the transport equations, the calculation time can be effectively spent on various important parameters such as ionic strength, temperature, Joule heat, activity coefficients and concentration changes due to membranes. The parameter set of any carrier free electrophoretic method (i.e., continuous-flow electrophoresis, capillary isotachophoresis and high performance capillary zone electrophoresis) can be imported directly into the computer program by means of a graphic user interface. The program performs overnight-simulation of any electrophoretic system containing up to 15 components.