Degradation of dimethyl sulfoxide through fluidized-bed Fenton process

A computational investigation of DMSO/water separation through functionalized GO multilayer nanosheet membrane using molecular dynamics simulation and deep neural network model for membrane performance prediction

In this molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study, the separation of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) from water was investigated using multilayer functionalized graphene oxide (GO) membranes. The GO nanosheets were modified with chemical groups (-F, -H) to alter their properties. The study analyzed the influence of pressure and functional groups on the separation rate. Additionally, a deep neural network (DNN) model was developed to predict membrane behavior under different conditions in water treatment processes. Results revealed that the fluorine-functionalized membrane exhibited higher permeation compared to the hydrogen-functionalized one, with potential of mean force (PMF) analysis indicating higher energy barriers for water molecules passing through the hydrogen-functionalized membrane. The study used density profile, water density map analysis, and radial distribution function (RDF) analysis to understand water and DMSO molecule interactions. The diffusion coefficient of water molecules was also calculated, showing higher diffusion in the fluorine-functionalized system. Overall, the findings suggest that functionalized GO membranes are effective for DMSO-water separation, with the fluorine-functionalized membrane showing superior performance. The DNN model accurately predicts membrane behavior, contributing to the optimization of membrane separation systems.

State-of-art advances on removal, degradation and electrochemical monitoring of 4-aminophenol pollutants in real samples: A review

p_Aminophenol, namely 4-aminophenol (4-AP), is an aromatic compound including hydroxyl and amino groups contiguous together on the benzene ring, which are suitable chemically reactive, amphoteric, and alleviating agents in nature. Amino phenols are appropriate precursors for synthesizing oxazoles and oxazines. However, since the toxicity of aniline and phenol can harm human and herbal organs, it is essential to improve a reliable technique for the determination of even a trace amount of amino phenols, as well as elimination or (bio)degradation/photodegradation of it to protect both the environment and people's health. For this purpose, various analytical methods have been suggested up till now, including spectrophotometry, liquid chromatography, spectrofluorometric and capillary electrophoresis, etc. However, some drawbacks such as the requirement of complex instruments, high costs, not being portable, slow response time, low sensitivity, etc. prevent them to be employed in a wide range and swift in-situ applications. In this regard, besides the efforts such as (bio)degradation/photodegradation or removal of 4-AP pollutants from real samples, electroanalytical techniques have become a promising alternative for monitoring them with high sensitivity. In this review, it was aimed to emphasize and summarize the recent advances, challenges, and opportunities for removal, degradation, and electrochemical sensing 4-AP in real samples. Electroanalytical monitoring of amino phenols was reviewed in detail and explored the various types of electrochemical sensors applied for detecting and monitoring in real samples. Furthermore, the various technique of removal and degradation of 4-AP in industrial and urban wastes were also deliberated. Moreover, deep criticism of multifunctional nanomaterials to be utilized as a catalyst, adsorbent/biosorbent, and electroactive material for the fabrication of electrochemical sensors was covered along with their unique properties. Future perspectives and conclusions were also criticized to pave the way for further studies in the field of application of up-and-coming nanostructures in environmental applications.

Inkjet-Printed Dual-Mode Electrochromic and Electroluminescent Displays Incorporating Ecofriendly Materials

Displays and indicators are an integral component of everyday electronics. However, the short lifecycle of most applications is currently contributing to the unsustainable growth of electronic waste. In this work, we utilize ecofriendly materials in combination with sustainable processing techniques to fabricate inkjet-printed, ecofriendly dual-mode displays (DMDs). These displays can be used in a reflective mode or an emissive mode by changing between DC and AC operation due to the combination of an electrochromic (EC) and electrochemiluminescent (ECL) layer in a single device. The EC polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) serves as the reflective layer, while an ECL gel made of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumbis(oxalato)borate (BMIMBOB), and tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) chloride (Ru²⁺(bpy)₃Cl₂) enables the emissive mode. The final dual-mode devices exhibited their maximum optical power output of 52 mcd/m² at 4 V and 40 Hz and achieved an EC contrast of 45% and a coloration efficiency of 244 cm²/C at a wavelength of 690 nm. The fabricated devices showed clear readability in dark and light conditions when operated in reflective or emissive modes. This work demonstrates the applicability of ecofriendly and potentially biodegradable materials to reduce the amount of hazardous components in versatile display technologies.

A theoretical investigation into the effects of functionalized graphene nanosheets on dimethyl sulfoxide separation

The potential of carbon-based nanosheet membranes with functionalized pores is great as water treatment membranes. Using the molecular dynamic simulation technique, the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) separation from the water/DMSO binary solution is investigated, and the functionalized graphene nanosheets are used as a membrane. This membrane was functionalized by -F (fluorine) and -H (hydrogen) functional groups. For the separation of DMSO, external hydrostatic pressures up to 100 MPa were applied to the considered systems. The separation mechanism was based on molecular size. Multiple analyses were done to study the capability of considered membranes for the separation of DMSO molecules from water. The simulation results have indicated that the graphene membrane with various functional groups was impervious to DMSO molecules, and the water molecules were able to permeate across the membrane's pore with high penetrability. In this regard, the water permeability in 100 MPa was obtained at 3915.5 and 3715.3 L m^-2. h^-1. bar^-1 for fluorinated and hydrogenated pore membranes, respectively. These functionalized graphene membranes have high efficiency, and they can be considered effective modules for water/DMSO binary mixture separations.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity of Nickel Sulfided Catalysts for the Dehydrogenation of Propane: Effect of Sulfiding Agent and Sulfidation Temperature

The effect of sulfiding agent and sulfidation temperature on nickel catalysts supported on MgAl2O4 were investigated for propane dehydrogenation. The catalysts were prepared by reduction of NiO/MgAl2O4, followed by sulfidation using (NH4)2SO4 (S1), (NH4)2S (S2), and DMSO (S3) as sulfiding agents. The catalysts were sulfided at 200 °C, 400 °C, and 550 °C to form Ni/MgAl2O4-Sx-y, where x and y represent the sulfiding agent and sulfidation temperature, respectively. Physiochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, SEM, TEM, and TGA to investigate the type of nickel-sulfur species, surface area, morphology, particle size, and stability of the catalysts. Structural and textural properties revealed that the anion present on the sulfiding agent as well as the sulfidation temperature affect both the type and the strength of the Ni-S species. For the S1 catalysts, the SO42− ion interacted with the support to form MgSO4, while the S2− ion on the S2 and S3 catalysts was responsible for the formation of the Ni3S2 phase. The sulfidation temperature contributed to the %S present on each catalyst. Although the catalysts sulfided by S3 contained the least %S, Ni/MgAl2O4-S3-550 displayed the best catalytic performance as a result of the higher particle dispersion and stronger Ni-S interaction compared to S1 and S2 catalysts.

Spherical ZVI/Mn-C Bimetallic Catalysts for Efficient Fenton-Like Reaction under Mild Conditions

The heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction has been receiving increasing attention for its inexpensiveness and high efficiency in water treatment. In this study, a novel strategy was proposed for preparing spherical ZVI/Mn-C bimetallic catalysts with a high activity for a Fenton-like reaction by using the ammonium alginate assisted sol–gel method coupled with a carbothermic reduction. The results showed that the obtained ZVI/Mn-C spheres had a uniform size, smooth surface and good sphericity, and the particle size of ZVI was limited to about 30 nm by the carbon layer. Among all catalysts, the ZVI/Mn-C-31 catalyst exhibited the highest phenol degradation efficiency in the Fenton-like process, and almost 100% phenol degradation efficiency was achieved under neutral pH at room temperature within 5 min. Moreover, the ZVI/Mn-C-31/H2O2 system showed a 100% degradation efficiency for removing a wide range of aromatic pollutants, including catechol, resorcinol and o-nitrophenol. Moreover, the radicals-scavenging experiment illustrated that the ·OH played a key factor in mineralizing the organic matters, and the ·O2− generated from the MnO-H2O2 system accelerated the conversion rate of ferric iron to ferrous iron. Due to the synergistic effects between ZVI and MnO, the ZVI/Mn-C-31 catalyst performed excellently in the Fenton-like reaction at an extended pH range.

Preparation of sludge-based materials and their environmentally friendly applications in wastewater treatment by heterogeneous oxidation technology

The sludge resource utilization and the high value-added development are environmentally friendly means for sludge treatment. With its rich organic substances and metals content, sludge can replace activated carbon and become a widely used carbon-based material, such as sludge-based activated carbon (SBAC). Meanwhile, as a heterogeneous catalyst, sludge-based catalyst (SBC) can solve the requirements of traditional Fenton catalysts for pH, metal ion leaching, and catalyst recycling. In this paper, combining the properties of SBAC/SBCs, the characteristics of the three methods of activation, support, and hydrothermal preparation of SBAC/SBCs are reviewed. In general, it is necessary to select an appropriate preparation method based on pollutants and environmental treatment goals. Furthermore, compared with other catalysts, SBC heterogeneous oxidation has obvious advantages in refractory organic pollutants. And the reaction mechanism usually involves SO₄·^-, ·OH, O₂·^-, and ¹O₂ processes. Finally, some possible directions for future research involving environmentally friendly SBAC/SBCs are proposed.

Improving Formaldehyde Removal from Water and Wastewater by Fenton, Photo-Fenton and Ozonation/Fenton Processes through Optimization and Modeling

This study aimed to assess, optimize and model the efficiencies of Fenton, photo-Fenton and ozonation/Fenton processes in formaldehyde elimination from water and wastewater using the response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN). A sensitivity analysis was used to determine the importance of the independent variables. The influences of different variables, including H2O2 concentration, initial formaldehyde concentration, Fe dosage, pH, contact time, UV and ozonation, on formaldehyde removal efficiency were studied. The optimized Fenton process demonstrated 75% formaldehyde removal from water. The best performance with 80% formaldehyde removal from wastewater was achieved using the combined ozonation/Fenton process. The developed ANN model demonstrated better adequacy and goodness of fit with a R2 of 0.9454 than the RSM model with a R2 of 0. 9186. The sensitivity analysis showed pH as the most important factor (31%) affecting the Fenton process, followed by the H2O2 concentration (23%), Fe dosage (21%), contact time (14%) and formaldehyde concentration (12%). The findings demonstrated that these treatment processes and models are important tools for formaldehyde elimination from wastewater.

Cartap removal from simulated water matrices by fluidized-bed Fenton process: optimization of process parameters

Cartap is a thiocarbamate pesticide widely-used to protect rice crops, one of the most mass-produced cereals worldwide. Effluents containing cartap pose serious environment and health risks due to the acute toxicity of this emerging contaminant. This work evaluates the capabilities of the Fenton process to efficiently remove cartap from water matrices. Process parameters such as hydrogen peroxide dosage, ferrous ion concentration and operating pH were optimized using Box-Behnken design. Results showed complete cartap removal with Fenton oxidation in a fluidized-bed reactor while eliminating sludge generation during treatment. Fluidized-bed Fenton process had improved reduction in chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon due to the contribution of heterogeneous Fenton catalysis to the overall degradation of cartap species compared to conventional Fenton in a batch reactor. Furthermore, competitive reactions and scavenging effects in complex natural water matrices were simulated with the use of inorganic ions such as nitrate, chloride, and phosphate. Results demonstrated the detrimental effect of phosphate ions on Fenton oxidation due to the precipitation of soluble catalysts as iron phosphates, which stops the catalytic Fenton cycle and thus the production of oxidants for contaminant degradation.

Novel tapered variable diameter biological fluidized bed for treating pesticide wastewater with high nitrogen removal efficiency and a small footprint

In this study, the removal efficiency of nitrogen, specific nitrification rate (SNR), specific denitrification rate (SDNR) and compliance rate of the novel tapered variable diameter biological fluidized bed (TVDBFB) and anoxic/oxic (AO) process were compared at different temperatures. The results showed that the optimal TN, NH₄⁺-N, and TKN removal efficiencies of the TVDBFB were 76%, 89% and 88%, respectively, and those of AO were 65%, 67% and 69%, respectively. The SNR and SDNR of the TVDBFB were significantly higher than those of AO. The TVDBFB had a smaller footprint than AO. The alkalinity/NH₄⁺-N, BOD₅/TN and temperature play important roles in the compliance rate. Increasing the carrier packing rate has emerged as a new strategy for enhancing the compliance rate. Mathematical models were developed and determined to be well-fitted with the experimental values, which can be employed to predict the SNR and SDNR of the TVDBFB.

Fluidized-bed Fenton technologies for recalcitrant industrial wastewater treatment-Recent advances, challenges and perspective

In recent years, fluidized-bed Fenton (FBR-Fenton) process has gained more attention in treating recalcitrant industrial wastewater. FBR-Fenton combines the effectiveness of homogeneous Fenton and sludge reduction of heterogeneous Fenton. Comparing to other modified Fenton processes, FBR-Fenton has greater economical and scaling up potential. However, large consumption of Fenton reagents and strict pH control are still the bottlenecks hampering the full-scale application of FBR-Fenton. While prior reviews mainly focused on the operation and performance of FBR-Fenton process, the present study critically discussed the challenges and bottlenecks for its full-scale industrial application. This study also comprehensively reviewed the development strategies for tackling these drawbacks, mainly over the recent five years. Homogeneous FBR-Fenton, heterogeneous FBR-Fenton and heterogeneous FBR-photo-Fenton processes were classified for the first time according to their reaction mechanisms and system designs. Important operational and design parameters affecting the cost-effectiveness of all FBR-Fenton technologies were reviewed, including the fundamentals, common practices and even innovative steps for enhancing the process performance. Up-to-date applications of FBR-Fenton technologies in recalcitrant wastewater/compounds treatment were also summarized, and it was found that upscaling of heterogeneous FBR-Fenton and heterogeneous FBR-photo-Fenton processes was still very challenging. Strategies to overcome the key technical limitations and enhance process cost-effectiveness were discussed in the future perspective part. Furthermore, modelling techniques such as computational fluid dynamics model and artificial neural network were suggested to be promising modelling techniques for speeding up the full-scale applications of FBR-Fenton technologies.

Organics removal and in-situ granule activated carbon regeneration in FBR-Fenton/GAC process for reverse osmosis concentrate treatment

Fluidized bed reactor Fenton (FBR-Fenton) process was adopted for reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) treatment with three types of carriers, including sand, zeolite and granular activated carbon (GAC). Adsorption studies demonstrated that GAC achieved the best adsorption performance (maximum COD removal of 78% in 15 h) among the three carriers, and the adsorption of ROC organic matters followed a two-stage adsorption model. Fenton oxidations were carried out in three fluidized beds after column saturation, and FBR-Fenton/GAC process achieved highest COD removal (72%) and most BOD₅/COD ratio enhancement (from 0.03 to 0.3) in ROC. Long-term operation data demonstrated good performance stability of GAC as the carrier. In addition, GAC fluidized bed obtained highest total iron removal rate via iron crystallization process. Continuous in-situ GAC regeneration with more than 90% recoveries of surface area, pore volume and adsorption capacity were observed along the ROC treatment with FBR-Fenton/GAC process. Mechanism studies revealed that better COD removal performance in FBR-Fenton/GAC process was attributed to the combining effects of homogenous Fenton reaction, GAC adsorption and GAC/H₂O₂ catalytic reaction.

Feasibility and safety of papermaking wastewater in using as ecological water supplement after advanced treatment by fluidized-bed Fenton coupled with large-scale constructed wetland

Reuse of pulp-and-paper industry wastewater as reclaimed water is an effective way to mitigate water resource shortage. In this study, the feasibility and safety of papermaking wastewater for the use as ecological water supplement after the treatment by fluidized-bed Fenton (FBF) coupled with constructed wetland (CW), were investigated from laboratory-scale to large-scale field. The optimum pH, H₂O₂, H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ ratio and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of FBF were 3.5, 0.93 mL/L, 4 and 60 min, respectively, based on reduction of both total organic carbon (TOC) and genotoxicity. Furthermore, the safety of effluent was evaluated using SOS/umu assay and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in zebrafish. Results showed FBF followed by CW improved the conventional water quality indicators and reduced the toxicity. Average removal rates of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and colority were 87.3%, 93.59%, 51.73%, 84.75% and 95.86%, respectively. The equivalent concentration of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO-EQ) decreased from 30.6 ± 1.6 μg/L in influent to 12.4 ± 1.0 μg/L after treated by FBF, then decreased to 5.9 ± 0.4 μg/L after treated by CW and to 3.2 ± 0.3 μg/L after 12-km downstream self-purification. The chronic survival rates of 21-d zebrafish significantly increased from 0.0% in influent to 58.8 ± 4.0% in effluent of CW and gradually increased to 68.8 ± 2.6% after 12-km downstream self-purification. Similarly, 8-OHdG level in zebrafish decreased from 120.0 ± 19.3 ng/L in effluent of ecological oxidation pond to 94.0 ± 7.5 ng/L in effluent of CW and gradually decreased to 42.0 ± 3.0 ng/L after 12-km downstream self-purification. The study concluded that FBF-CW is an efficient detoxication and water quality improvement technology for papermaking wastewater to be used as an ecological water supplement.

Ozone initiated inactivation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in water: Influence of selected organic solvents prevalent in wastewaters

Absorption, stability and reactivity of ozone in water are critical parameters to determine its efficiency in microbial inactivation. In this study, the influence of four water-soluble organic solvents commonly discharged from industrial lines into wastewater systems, namely; ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on the ozone-facilitated inactivation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in water was investigated. Ozone absorption (up to 12 min) as a function of ozone aeration time, and the decomposition rate were spectrophotometrically monitored in the presence of 2.5% and 5% concentrations of each organic solvent. Their consequent effect on bacterial inactivation was determined. The inactivation kinetics were described using the efficiency factor Hom model. Residual concentrations of absorbed ozone in solutions with ethyl acetate or DMSO were relatively higher than those in methanol or ethanol-containing solutions. DMSO and ethyl acetate enhanced the stability of ozone in water, characterised by a lower decomposition rate constant in DMSO (k_d = 3.81 × 10^-2 M^-1 s^-1) and ethyl acetate (k_d = 4.45 × 10^-2 M^-1 s^-1) solutions, in contrast with that in methanol (k_d = 1.13 × 10^-1 M^-1 s^-1), where the decomposition rate was higher. The faster absorption and stability of ozone in ethyl acetate and DMSO corresponded with an observed increase in the log inactivation of E. coli and S. aureus by approximately 2-fold relative to that in methanol.

Removal of multi-dye wastewater by the novel integrated adsorption and Fenton oxidation process in a fluidized bed reactor

Traditionally, a few processes have to be employed in sequence for multi-dye removal, due to the different physical and chemical characteristics of the dyes. In this study, we innovatively developed an integrated adsorption and Fenton oxidation fluidized bed reactor (FBR) based on the hydraulic classification theory, which could efficiently remove dispersed red, acid yellow, and reactive brilliant dyes. The fluidized solids such as ceramsite and activated carbon could be separately fluidized at the bottom and the top part of the FBR, respectively. As a result, Fenton oxidization of dyes was promoted by the fluidization of ceramsite and activated carbon. Besides, adsorption of activated carbon could synergistically act on the dyes. The results showed that the removal efficiencies of acid yellow 2G, disperse red 60, and reactive brilliant blue X-BR could reach 100, 79.8, and 84.9 % in 10 min, respectively. Lots of intermediates with unsaturated bonds were generated during Fenton reaction, which was further removed by adsorption of activated carbon. Consequently, a high COD removal of 93 % was obtained. Interestingly, some of Fe³⁺ produced during Fenton reaction was further precipitated and crystallized as FeO(OH) or Fe(OH)₃ on the surface of activated carbon and ceramsite, which could be potentially recycled for further utilization as a heterogeneous catalyst. Meanwhile, the other Fe³⁺ might be removed in the form of ferro-organic complexes by adsorption onto the activated carbon. Thus, only a little iron hydroxide sludge was generated in the FBR. This novel FBR gave us an effective clue to realize multi-reactions for textile wastewater treatment by employing hydraulic classification fluidization.

Degradation of 4-chloro 2-aminophenol using a novel combined process based on hydrodynamic cavitation, UV photolysis and ozone

The degradation of 4-chloro 2-aminophenol (4C2AP), an acute toxic organic compound, has been studied using different approaches based on the hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) with orifice plate as cavitating device, photolysis (UV) and ozonation (O3). The dependency of extent of degradation on operating parameters like operating pressure (2-5 bar), initial pH (3-8) and temperature (30-38 °C) have been established initially to maximize the efficacy of hydrodynamic cavitation. Subsequently the degradation has been studied using combined treatment strategies as HC+UV, HC+O3, UV+O3 and HC+UV+O3 at the established optimum parameters of operating temperature as 30 °C, initial pH of 6 and inlet pressure of 4 bar. The maximum extent of degradation as 96.85% and 73.6% reduction in TOC has been obtained using hydrodynamic cavitation in combination with UV photolysis and ozonation under the optimized operating conditions. The degradation products of 4C2AP have been identified using GC-MS. The present work has clearly established the efficacy of combined treatment approach (HC+UV+O3) for the removal of organic pollutant for the first time.

Study on the treatment of simulated coking wastewater by O3 and O3/Fenton processes in a rotating packed bed

A rotating packed bed was used to intensify the O₃ and O₃/Fenton processes for coking wastewater treatment.