Evaluation of carbofuran-mediated toxicity against human lymphocytes and red blood cells in simulated wastewater degraded by coagulation-flocculation

Evaluating dye recovery and reusability potential from dyebath effluent using forward osmosis membranes for minimum liquid discharge

This study focuses on the evaluation of dye recovery and reuse potential from denim and polyester effluents using forward osmosis (FO). A cationic surfactant, tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB), was used as the draw solution (DS). After optimizing the DS and feed solution (FS) concentrations and temperatures in batch experiments, a DS concentration of 0.75 M was selected at a 60 °C temperature for the semi-continuous mode. It generated a high flux of 18 L/m2/h and a low reverse solute flux (RSF) of 0.4 g/m2/h with 100% dye rejection. Dye reconcentration of 82-98% was achieved in the dyebath effluents. The unique property of surfactants to combine hundreds of monomers into micelle resulted in negligible RSF. Reversible fouling was observed on the membrane active layer, and NaOH and citric acid cleaning achieved about 95% of flux recovery. The functional groups on the membrane's active layer remained undisturbed due to foulant interactions showing its chemical stability against reactive dyes. Recovered dye characterization using 1D proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR) analysis depicted a 100% structural resemblance to the original dye. Hence, it can be reused for dyeing the next batch. Diluted TEAB solution can be used as fabric detergent and softener within the same textile industry in the finishing process. A minimum liquid and persistent pollutant (dyes) discharge is achieved by adopting the methodology proposed in this work with a strong potential of translating it to an industrial scale.

Production and characterization of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) generated by a carbofuran degrading strain Cupriavidus sp. ISTL7

The present study demonstrates EPS production by Cupriavidus sp. ISTL7 along with its capability to remediate a toxic carbamate pesticide, carbofuran. The strain ISTL7 efficiently degraded approximately 98% of carbofuran (400 ppm) within 96 h. GC-MS analysis showed catabolic metabolites of degradation which included carbofuran-7-phenol, methylamine, 2-hydroxy-3-(3-methylpropan-2-ol)benzene-N-methyl-carbamate etc. EPS production from the mineral medium supplemented with carbofuran was observed to be 3.112 ± 0.3682 g L^-1. FTIR confirmed its carbohydrate composition and the monomeric sugars: glucose, xylose, sorbitol and fructose were identified by GC-MS analysis. The toxic potential of degradation experiment and the produced EPS was evaluated on HepG2 (mammalian liver cell line). The cytotoxicity of carbofuran was reduced upon bacterial degradation and the formed EPS was found to be non-toxic as inferred from percentage cell viability. The present research can possibly influence the development strategies of biological remediation.