Removal of food soil by ozone-based oxidation processes: Cleaning and wastewater degradation in a single step

The application of ozone within the food industry, mode of action, current and future applications, and regulatory compliance

The food industry faces numerous challenges today, with the prevention and reduction of microbial contamination being a critical focus. While traditional chemical-based methods are effective and widely used, rising energy costs, the development of microbial tolerances, and growing awareness of the ecological impact of chemical biocides have renewed interest in novel biocides. Ozone, in both its gaseous and aqueous forms, is recognized as a potent disinfectant against bacteria, viruses, and fungi due to its high oxidation potential. Our review highlights several studies on the applications of ozone within the food industry, including its use for surface and aerosol disinfection and its capacity to reduce viable Listeria monocytogenes, a pertinent foodborne pathogen harbouring environmental and biocide stress tolerances and biofilm former. We also explore the use of ozone in food treatment and preservation, specifically on blueberries, apples, carrots, cabbage, and cherry tomatoes. While ozone is an effective disinfectant, it is important to consider material incompatibility, and the risks associated with prolonged human exposure to high concentrations. Nevertheless, for certain applications, ozone proves to be an efficacious and valuable alternative or complementary method for microbial control. Compliance with the biocide products regulation will require ozone device manufacturers to produce proven efficacy and safety data in line with British standards based on European standards (BS EN), and researchers to propose adaptations to account for ozone's unique properties.

Enhanced treatment of organic matters in starch wastewater through Bacillus subtilis strain with polyethylene glycol-modified polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate hydrogel microspheres

Starch wastewater is a wide range of environmental issues with organic pollutants. A high efficiency and stability hydrogel-organic degradation system was designed via Bacillus Subtilis with Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel microspheres. Bacillus subtilis was immobilized on the surface or inside of PEG-modified PVA/SA hydrogels microspheres via physical adsorption. Results showed PEG-modified PVA/SA microspheres had an effect of adsorption on Bacillus subtilis with enhancing bearing rate to 54.22% compared to the blank control group. The effect of microspheres on degradation was remarkable in simulation starch wastewater with a maximum COD removal rate of 93.35% and compared in reality starch wastewater with 90.02% under the optimal condition of pH = 6, 35℃, 20% dosage, 180 rpm. This novel biological method on starch wastewater enhanced tolerance of microorganisms and degradation effect, reflecting safety, effectiveness, and economy with great significance to environmental protection.