Development of a real-time and multitasking system for long-term monitoring of aqueous metallic elements using plasma spectroscopy

In this work, we integrated a Raspberry Pi (RPi) board, an open-sourced hardware, with a spectrometer, a high voltage DC power source, and a plasma system to develop a multi-tasking monitoring system for metallic elements in solution. In this system, RPi precisely controls voltage pulses, synchronizes them with the spectrometer, and performs real-time analysis using data acquired in real-time. This integration enables continuous monitoring of multiple metallic elements in solutions of varying conductivities. Synchronization of voltage pulses and spectrometer triggering is crucial for reliable measurements and prolongs the lifetime of the electrode. This multitasking capability significantly improves the quality of the overall spectroscopic data and enables operation in a long-term manner. Two operating modes are proposed, namely regular detection mode (RDM) and event-based mode (EBM). RDM is used to identify the existence of metallic elements and EBM is used for quantification upon detection. A 24-h long-term test shown in this work demonstrates the system capability in of utilizing RDM to monitor the presence of Pb and Mg every 30 min. Injection of Pb- and/or Mg-containing solutions is performed to activate EBM for quantification analysis. Instant warning messages can be sent upon metal detection showcasing the system potential for real-time monitoring and efficient quantification. We believe this work can contribute to multiple fields such as environmental monitoring, industrial quality control, or process monitoring.

Avoidance behaviour of aquatic macroinvertebrates for real-time detection of micropollutant surge in wastewater effluents

Micropollutants are regularly detected at the outlets of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Across urban and industrial WWTPs, monitoring directives only require assessment for a handful of chemicals via sampling methods that fail to capture the temporal variability in micropollutant discharge. In this study, we develop a biotest for real-time on-line monitoring of micropollutant discharge dynamics in WWTPs effluents. The selected biomonitoring device ToxMate uses videotracking of invertebrate movement, which was used to deduce avoidance behaviour of the amphipod Gammarus fossarum. Organism conditioning was set up to induce a state of minimal locomotor activity in basal conditions to maximise avoidance signal sensitivity to micropollutant spikes. We showed that with a standardised protocol, it was possible to minimise both overall movement and sensitivity to physio-chemical variations typical to WWTP effluents, as well as capture the spikes of two micropollutants upon exposure (copper and methomyl). Spikes in avoidance behaviour were consistently seen for the two chemicals, as well as a strong correlation between avoidance intensity and spiked concentration. A two-year effluent monitoring case study also illustrates how this biomonitoring method is suitable for real-time on-site monitoring, and shows a promising non-targeted approach for characterising complex micropollutant discharge variability at WWTP effluents, which today remains poorly understood.

On-line monitoring of the dopamine-based molecular imprinting processes for protein templates with the assistance of a fluorescent indicator

On-line monitoring of the dopamine (DA)-based molecular imprinting processes over Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-NH₂ nanoparticles (SiMNPs) is reported by using a real-time quantitative PCR machine. Taking advantages of the efficient fluorescence quenching capability of polydopamine (PDA) and its high binding affinity to rhodamine B (RhB), we performed molecular imprinting against different proteins with free dopamine as the functional monomer and RhB as a fluorescent indicator. Along with the template molecules, the fluorescent indicators were continuously encapsulated into the PDA layer formed on the surface of the SiMNPs, resulting in immediate quenching of the fluorescence, which can be conveniently monitored in real time. As proteins showed sequence-dependent influences on the oxidation of dopamine and subsequent self-assembly on the surface of the SiMNPs, the observed fluorescence signals clearly indicated the polymerization progress in the presence of the template proteins, allowing precise control of the reaction time for different templates at a given initial concentration. The optimum end point of the reaction was found to be when 90 ± 3% of the templates had been encapsulated into the polymer, which offered the highest imprinting factor and selectivity. We applied the approach to prepare a primary PDA-based surface imprinted polymer for a multifunctional protein apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease/redox effector factor 1 (APE1). After further introduction of 3-hydroxyphenylboronic acid to the interfaces between APE1 and PDA, the resultant molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP-II) enabled quantitative isolation APE1 from cell lysate samples. The developed approach will be useful for the quantitative preparation of PDA-based MIPs for precious template proteins with limited input quantity. It is also applicable for further study on the effects of different proteins or peptides on the PDA formation reactions.

Application of UV absorbance and electron-donating capacity as surrogates for micropollutant abatement during full-scale ozonation of secondary-treated wastewater

Ozonation of secondary-treated wastewater for the abatement of micropollutants requires a reliable control of ozone doses. Changes in the UV absorbance of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during ozonation allow to estimate micropollutant abatement on-line and were therefore identified as feed-back control parameter. In this study, the suitability of the electron-donating capacity (EDC) as an additional surrogate parameter which is independent of optical DOM properties was evaluated during full-scale ozonation. For this purpose, a recently developed EDC analyzer was enhanced to enable continuous on-line EDC and UV absorbance measurements. During a multi-week monitoring campaign at the wastewater treatment plant of Zurich, Switzerland, specific ozone doses were varied from 0.13 to 0.91 mgO3⋅mgDOC-1 and selected micropollutants with different ozone reactivities were analyzed by LC-MS in conjunction with bromate analysis by IC-MS. In agreement with previous laboratory studies, the relative residual UV absorbance and EDC both decreased exponentially as a function of the specific ozone dose and, in comparison to the residual UV absorbance, residual EDC values showed a more pronounced decrease at low specific ozone doses ≤0.34 mgO3⋅mgDOC-1. Logistic regression models allowed to estimate relative residual micropollutant concentrations in the ozonation effluent using either the residual UV absorbance or EDC as explanatory variable. Averaging those models along the explanatory variables allowed to estimate target values in relative residual UV absorbances and EDC for specific micropollutant abatement targets. In addition, both parameters allowed to identify conditions with elevated conversions of bromide to bromate. Taken together, these findings show that the integration of relative residual EDC values as a second control parameter can improve existing absorbance-based ozonation control systems to meet micropollutant abatement targets, particularly for treatment systems where low ozone doses are applied.

Measuring Nd(III) Solution Concentration in the Presence of Interfering Er(III) and Cu(II) Ions: A Partial Least Squares Analysis of Ultraviolet-Visible Spectra

Optical spectroscopy is a powerful characterization tool with applications ranging from fundamental studies to real-time process monitoring. However, it can be difficult to apply to complex samples that contain interfering analytes which are common in processing streams. Multivariate (chemometric) analysis has been examined for providing selectivity and accuracy to the analysis of optical spectra and expanding its potential applications. Here we will discuss chemometric modeling with an in-depth comparison to more simplistic analysis approaches and outline how chemometric modeling works while exploring the limits on modeling accuracy. Understanding the limitations of the chemometric model can provide better analytical assessment regarding the accuracy and precision of the analytical result. This will be explored in the context of UV-Vis absorbance of neodymium (Nd³⁺) in the presence of interferents, erbium (Er³⁺) and copper (Cu²⁺) under conditions simulating the liquid-liquid extraction approach used to recycle plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) in used nuclear fuel worldwide. The selected chemometric model, partial least squares regression, accurately quantifies Nd³⁺ with a low percentage error in the presence of interfering analytes and even under conditions that the training set does not describe.

State estimation and nonlinear tracking control simulation approach. Application to a bioethanol production system

Tracking control of specific variables is key to achieve a proper fermentation. This paper analyzes a fed-batch bioethanol production process. For this system, a controller design based on linear algebra is proposed. Moreover, to achieve a reliable control, on-line monitoring of certain variables is needed. In this sense, for unmeasurable variables, state estimators based on Gaussian processes are designed. Cell, ethanol and glycerol concentrations are predicted with only substrates measurement. Simulation results when the controller and estimators are coupled, are shown. Furthermore, the algorithms were tested with parametric uncertainties and disturbances in the control action, and are compared, in all cases, with neural networks estimators (previous work). Bayesian estimators show a performance improvement, which is reflected in a decrease of the total error. Proposed techniques give reliable monitoring and control tools, with a low computational and economic cost, and less mathematical complexity than neural network estimators.

Comparison of the new Cl2/O3/UV process with different ozone- and UV-based AOPs for wastewater treatment at pilot scale: Removal of pharmaceuticals and changes in fluorescing organic matter

This work critically compared the removal of fluorescing PARAFAC components and selected pharmaceuticals (carbamazepine, fluoxetine, gemfibrozil, primidone, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim) from a tertiary wastewater effluent by different UV- and ozone-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) operated at pilot-scale. Investigated AOPs included UV/H₂O₂, UV/Cl₂, O₃, O₃/UV, H₂O₂/O₃/UV, and the new Cl₂/O₃/UV. AOPs comparison was accomplished using various ozone doses (0-9 mg/L), UV fluences (191-981 mJ/cm²) and radical promoter concentrations of Cl₂ = 0.04 mM and H₂O₂ = 0.29 mM. Chlorine-based AOPs produced radical species that reacted more selectively with pharmaceuticals than radical species and oxidants generated by other AOPs. Tryptophan-like substances and humic-like fluorescing compounds were the most degraded components by all AOPs, which were better removed than microbial products and fulvic-like fluorescing substances. Removal of UV absorbance at 254 (UV₂₅₄) nm was always low. Overall, chlorine-based AOPs were more effective to reduce fluorescence intensities than similar H₂O₂-based AOPs. The Cl₂/O₃/UV process was the most effective AOP to degrade all target micro-pollutants except primidone. On the other hand, the oxidation performance of pharmaceuticals by other ozone-based AOPs followed the order H₂O₂/O₃/UV > O₃/UV > O₃. UV/Cl₂ process outcompeted UV/H₂O₂ only for the removal of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Correlations between the removal of pharmaceuticals and spectroscopic indexes (PARAFAC components and UV₂₅₄) had unique regression parameters for each compound, surrogate parameter and oxidation process. Particularly, a diverse PARAFAC component for each investigated AOP resulted to be the most sensitive surrogate parameter able to monitor small changes of pharmaceuticals removal.

Stochastic simulation of phytoplankton biomass using eighteen years of daily data - predictability of phytoplankton growth in a large, shallow lake

During the past decades, on-line monitoring of freshwater lakes has developed rapidly. To use high frequency time-series in lake management, novel models are needed that are simple and provide insight into the complexity of phytoplankton dynamics. Chlorophyll a (Chl), a proxy for phytoplankton biomass and environmental drivers were monitored on-line in large, shallow Lake Balaton during the vegetation periods between 2001 and 2018. Growth and non-growth (G and non-G) states of algae were deduced from daily change in Chl. Random forests (RF) were used to find stochastic response rules of phytoplankton to growth-supporting environmental habitat templates. The stochastic G/non-G state was translated into long-term daily biomass dynamics by a deterministic biomass model to assess uncertainty and to distinguish between inevitable and unpredictable blooms. A biomass peak was qualified as inevitable or unpredictable if the lower 95% confidence limit of simulations exceeded or remained at the baseline Chl level, respectively. Compared to a stochastic null model based on monthly Markovian transition probabilities, RF-based models captured wax and wane of biomass realistically. Timing of peaks could be better simulated than their magnitude, likely because habitat templates were primarily determined by light whereas peak sizes might depend on unmeasured processes, such as phosphorus availability. In general, algal growth was favored by wind-induced sediment resuspension that decreased light availability but simultaneously enhanced the P supply. Seasonal temperature and an integral of departures from the "normal" seasonal temperature over 2 to 3 generations were important drivers of phytoplankton growth, whereas short-term (diel and day to day) changes in water temperature appeared to be irrelevant. Four types of years could be distinguished during the study period with respect to algal growth conditions. The present modeling approach can reasonably be used even in highly variable aquatic environments when 3 to 4 years of daily data are available.

A simple on-line detection system based on fiber-optic sensing for the realtime monitoring of fixed bed adsorption processes of molecularly imprinted polymers

Fixed bed adsorption is widely used for separations and purifications of active components in medicine, and for wastewater treatment. At present, fixed bed adsorption breakthrough curve is generally obtained by manual sampling and off-line detection. In this study, we proposed a method for on-line monitoring of fixed bed adsorption process using a self-assembled fiber-optic sensing (FOS) system. The adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on the fixed bed packed with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and non-imprinted polymers (NIPs) were studied. The reproducibility and precision of the system was investigated. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the system was less than 1.54%, which indicates that the system has a good reproducibility. The effects of initial concentration, flow rate, adsorbent mass and particle size on the breakthrough curves were investigated. Through screening, it was found that adsorption kinetics of the polymer materials fit to Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models. The MIPs showed high binding capacity, good selectivity, fast adsorption rate, indicating a great potential for the treatment of 2,4-D contaminated water. Moreover, this study has identified that the detection method has the advantages of being on-line, realtime, simple, and accurate. The on-line method can facilitate the study of fixed bed adsorption processes and accelerate the understanding of adsorption kinetics.

Review of on-line and near real-time spectroscopic monitoring of processes relevant to nuclear material management

Spectroscopic chemometric based on-line monitoring of used nuclear fuel (UNF) reprocessing solutions and characterization of legacy nuclear waste (LNW) stored at Hanford is discussed in this manuscript. Utilizing on-line and near real-time monitoring, as opposed to traditional off-line monitoring, can significantly reduce the cost, risk and improve the efficiency of characterizing UNF and LNW processing streams. Specifically, this manuscript will highlight the benefits of spectroscopy-based monitoring approaches, which generally include the ability to collect data non-destructively. Furthermore, significant literature precedence supports the use of various real-time analysis methods, including chemometric analysis, that enable near-instantaneous conversion of spectroscopic data into information useable by process operators. This approach can accurately quantify and qualify nuclear material in near-real time enabling immediate condition characterization and potential diversion detection within UNF reprocessing streams and LNW. The ability to be applied in a real reprocessing plant and in an actual Hanford waste tank/transfer pipe has been demonstrated by applying this technique to accurately quantify analytes in real UNF streams and LNW samples. The future development of spectroscopy-based on-line monitoring is also discussed in this manuscript.

Inner filter effect, suspended solids and nitrite/nitrate interferences in fluorescence measurements of wastewater organic matter

In this study, it was assessed the effectiveness to correct for inner filter effect (IFE) the fluorescence spectra of several wastewaters (i.e., primary, secondary and tertiary wastewater effluents) and wastewater-impacted surface waters using a common method based on UV absorbance measurements. In samples of secondary/tertiary wastewater effluents and surface waters, IFE was severe at excitation wavelengths <240 nm, and it was low (4-11%) at excitation wavelengths >340 nm. On the contrary, IFE has always been significant in primary wastewater effluents. After IFE correction, linear relationship was observed between fluorescence and absorbance in dilution series across the full excitation-emission matrix (EEM), although some distortions were still present. Particularly, experimental data showed the presence of static/dynamic quenching of fluorescence due to nitrite/nitrate, which cannot be corrected by IFE correction methods. Indeed, after addition of different nitrate/nitrite concentrations in wastewater (3-40 mg/L as N), the estimated static/dynamic quenching error (QE) after IFE correction was often >20% for tyrosine and tryptophan-like fluorescence measured at excitation <240 nm. However, the QE was low (<5-10%) for fluorescence measured at excitation >240 nm. Overall, the QE increased with the increase of nitrite/nitrate concentration in wastewater. Total suspended solids (TSS) (i.e., particulate organic matter) in water produced intense fluorescence peaks in the tyrosine-like and tryptophan-like region of EEM, and TSS increased the absorbance values at all the excitation wavelengths of the UV-visible absorption spectra in unfiltered samples compared to 0.7 μm filtered samples. On the contrary, tertiary effluents employing full scale sand filtration (TSS < 2-4 mg/l) had similar UV absorbance and fluorescence spectra to 0.7 μm filtered samples. Finally, it was observed that uncorrected fluorescence intensities in the humic-like region of EEM were similar in both filtered and unfiltered samples, and it was independent of TSS concentration, dilution factor and water quality.

Data on the inner filter effect, suspended solids and nitrate interferences in fluorescence measurements of wastewater organic matter

Data presented in this article show the extent of the inner filter effect (IFE) in fluorescence measurements of wastewater and wastewater-impacted surface water samples. Particularly, data show the effectiveness of a commonly used method for IFE correction based on UV absorbance measurement to reinstate the linearity of the relationship between fluorescence intensities and absorbance values. Data report also the effect of nitrates in fluorescence measurements of wastewater samples. Finally, data presented in this work show the effect of total suspended solids (TSS) in the UV absorbance and fluorescence measurements of different waters. Particularly, data describe the TSS effect in fluorescence intensities acquired at different pairs of excitation-emission wavelengths, and in waters with different TSS concentration. Data of this article are related to the publication "M. Sgroi, E. Gagliano, F.G.A. Vagliasindi, P. Roccaro, Inner filter effect, suspended solids and nitrite/nitrate interferences in fluorescence measurements of wastewater organic matter, Sci. Total Environ., In press" [1]. Raw data are available in a public repository (https://doi.org/10.17632/4zss49jycj.1).

Applications of off-gas mass spectrometry in fed-batch mammalian cell culture

Off-gas analysis using a magnetic sector mass spectrometer was performed in mammalian cell cultures in the fed-batch mode at the 5 L bench and 50 L pilot scales. Factors affecting the MS gas traces were identified during the duration of the fed-batch cultures. Correlation between viable cell concentration (VCC) and oxygen concentration of the inlet gas into the bioreactor (O₂-in) resulted in R² ≈ 0.9; O₂-in could be used as a proxy for VCC. Oxygen mass transfer (kLa) was also quantified throughout the culture period with antifoam addition at different time points which is shown to lower the kLa. Real-time specific oxygen consumption rate (qO₂) of 2–20 pmol/cell/day throughout the bioreactor runs were within the range of values reported in literature for mammalian cell cultures. We also report, to our knowledge, the first instance of a distinct correlation between respiration quotient (RQ) and the metabolic state of the cell culture with regard to lactate production phase (average RQ > 1) and consumption phase (average RQ < 1).

Dynamic characteristics and optimization research on PVDF piezoelectric film force sensor for steel ball cold heading machine

According to cold heading process with overloaded craft, high-impact dynamic real-time measurement requirements, this paper presents researches on dynamic characteristics and optimization of PVDF piezoelectric film force sensor for steel ball cold heading forming quality monitoring, through the combination method of mechanism analysis, mathematical modeling, numerical simulation and experimental validation. The motivation and strategic objectives are to breakthrough dynamic time-varying impacting load measuring fundamental technologies in steel ball forging process. The structure of piezoelectric film force sensor is proposed. The theoretical calculation formula of natural frequency is deduced and calculated by using MATLAB software. The mechanical performance analysis on dynamic model and structural optimization simulation by FEM is carried out. In order to study the validity of the proposed method, a prototype of the sensor is fabricated. The static and dynamic calibration devices are designed to realize calibration experiments on the fabricated PVDF piezoelectric film force sensor. The differences among experimental value, simulation value and the theoretical value are given. The nonlinear error of the fabricated sensor is 0.197%. The sensor's first order natural frequency value is 5238 Hz. It is proved that the PVDF piezoelectric film force sensor has superior dynamic performance and high accuracy for measuring deformation in steel ball. The paper will provide important scientific basis and technical foundation to achieve superior performance steel ball.

Membrane-based separation for oily wastewater: A practical perspective

The large volumes of oily wastewater generated by various industries, such as oil and gas, food and beverage, and metal processing, need to be de-oiled prior to being discharged into the environment. Compared to conventional technologies such as dissolved air flotation (DAF), coagulation or solvent extraction, membrane filtration can treat oily wastewater of a much broader compositional range and still ensure high oil removals. In the present review, various aspects related to the practical implementation of membranes for the treatment of oily wastewater are summarized. First, sources and composition of oily wastewater, regulations that stipulate the extent of treatment needed before discharge, and the conventional technologies that enable such treatment are appraised. Second, commercially available membranes, membrane modules, operation modes and hybrids are overviewed, and their economics are discussed. Third, challenges associated with membrane filtration are examined, along with means to quantify and mitigate membrane fouling. Finally, perspectives on state-of-the-art techniques to facilitate better monitoring and control of such systems are briefly discussed.

Highly time-resolved analysis of seasonal water dynamics and algal kinetics based on in-situ multi-sensor-system monitoring data in Lake Taihu, China

Predicting algal blooms is challenging due to rapid growth rates under suitable conditions and the complex physical, chemical, and biological processes involved. Physico-chemical parameters, monitored in this study by a high-resolution in-situ multi-sensor system and derived from lab-based water sample analyses, show the seasonal variation and have different degrees of vertical gradients across the water column. Through analyzing the changes and relations between multi-factors, we reveal pictures of water quality dynamics and algal kinetics. Nitrate has regular seasonal changes different to the seasonal patterns of total dissolved Phosphorus. Positive correlations are found between Chlorophyll a fluorescence and temperature, wind-induced resuspension and mixing promote the augment of Cyanobacteria fluorescence (Phycocyanin) signal. While the resuspension can also result in the increase of turbidity and affect the light environment for hydrophytes, the algal scums are the main reason for the high turbidity on the surface, which lower the illumination radiation in the water body. Those parameters are the primary dominants responsible for the change of algae from our monitoring data, which could be used as indicators for the dynamic changes of algae in the future.

Volatile compounds released by microalgae-water phase from Taihu Lake in China

The spectrum of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) released by the microalgae-water phase of Taihu Lake in China was examined, then release behaviors were studied using non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC, including a few polar organics) to describe the total amount of the released VOCs. Coupled dynamic headspace sampling with on-line monitoring of methane and NMHC was used to reflect the quasi-realtime release behavior of methane and NMHC by the microalgae-water phase. Alkanes, alkenes, oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) and volatile sulfide chemicals (VOSCs) were detected. Their relative contents over time varied markedly from the stationary to the apoptosis phase, with their release rates as described by NMHC estimated from 0.02 to 0.59 μgC/(h g). Methane was investigated simultaneously, and its release rate was found to be 0.05-3.96 μgC/(h g). The release rates of both NMHC and methane were found to relate to the culture phase of the microalgae.

High titer MVA and influenza A virus production using a hybrid fed-batch/perfusion strategy with an ATF system

A cultivation strategy to increase the productivity of Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus in high-cell density processes is presented. Based on an approach developed in shake flask cultures, this strategy was established in benchtop bioreactors, comprising the growth of suspension AGE1.CR.pIX cells to high cell densities in a chemically defined medium before infection with the MVA-CR19 virus strain. First, a perfusion regime was established to optimize the cell growth phase. Second, a fed-batch regime was chosen for the initial infection phase to facilitate virus uptake and cell-to-cell spreading. Afterwards, a switch to perfusion enabled the continuous supply of nutrients for the late stages of virus propagation. With maximum infectious titers of 1.0 × 10¹⁰ IU/mL, this hybrid fed-batch/perfusion strategy increased product titers by almost one order of magnitude compared to conventional batch cultivations. Finally, this strategy was also applied to the production of influenza A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) virus considered for manufacturing of inactivated vaccines. Using the same culture system, a total number of 3.8 × 10¹⁰ virions/mL was achieved. Overall, comparable or even higher cell-specific virus yields and volumetric productivities were obtained using the same cultivation systems as for the conventional batch cultivations. In addition, most viral particles were found in the culture supernatant, which can simplify further downstream operations, in particular for MVA viruses. Considering the current availability of well-described perfusion/cell retention technologies, the present strategy may contribute to the development of new approaches for viral vaccine production.

Sniffing with mass spectrometry

Gaseous compounds are usually on-line detectable on sensors. The limitations of conventional sensors are suffering from incapability for exactly identifying multiple components as well as incompatibility to possible toxicants in every odor sample. Herein, we discuss an inlet modification to the laboratory standard mass spectrometer, inspired by the sensitive olfactory systems of animals, for direct sniffing, established by connecting a mini pump to the nebulizer gas tubing. The modified mass spectrometry method-sniffing-mass spectrometry (sniffing-MS)-can acquire detailed fingerprint spectra of mixed odors and shows high tolerance to toxicants. Furthermore, the method has a low limit of detection in the order of parts per trillion and is a 'sampling-free' technique for analyzing various gaseous compounds simultaneously, thus offering versatility for smelling daily commodities, tracking diffusion, and locating position of odors. Sniffing-MS can mimic or even surpass the olfaction of animals and is applicable for analyzing gaseous/volatile compounds, especially those polar compounds, in a simple manner depending on the intrinsic molecular mass-to-charge ratio.

Evaluation of a novel automated water analyzer for continuous monitoring of toxicity and chemical parameters in municipal water supply

A novel tool, the DAMTA analyzer (Device for Analytical Monitoring and Toxicity Assessment), designed for fully automated toxicity measurements based on luminescent bacteria as well as for concomitant determination of chemical parameters, was developed and field-tested. The instrument is a robotic water analyzer equipped with a luminometer and a spectrophotometer, integrated on a thermostated reaction plate which contains a movable carousel with 80 cuvettes. Acute toxicity is measured on-line using a wild type Photobacterium phosphoreum strain with measurable bioluminescence and unaltered sensitivity to toxicants lasting up to ten days. The EC50 values of reference compounds tested were consistent with A. fischeri and P. phosphoreum international standards and comparable to previously published data. Concurrently, a laboratory trial demonstrated the feasibility of use of the analyzer for the determination of nutrients and metals in parallel to the toxicity measurements. In a prolonged test, the system was installed only in toxicity mode at the premises of the World Fair "Expo Milano-2015″, a high security site to ensure the quality of the supplied drinking water. The monitoring program lasted for six months during which ca. 2400 toxicity tests were carried out; the results indicated a mean non-toxic outcome of -5.5 ± 6.2%. In order to warrant the system's robustness in detecting toxic substances, Zn was measured daily with highly reproducible inhibition results, 70.8 ± 13.6%. These results assure that this novel toxicity monitor can be used as an early warning system for protection of drinking water sources from emergencies involving low probability/high impact contamination events in source water or treated water.

Development of novel on-line capillary gas chromatography-based analysis method for volatile organic compounds produced by aerobic fermentation

Many volatile compounds, such as isoprene, a precursor used in the synthesis of natural rubber, have been produced through fermentation using genetically engineered microorganisms. Despite this biotechnological success, measuring the concentrations of volatile compounds during fermentation is difficult because of their high volatility. In current systems, off-line analytical methods usually lead to product loss, whereas on-line methods raise the production cost due to the requirement of complex devices. Here, we developed a novel on-line gas chromatography (GC)-based system for analyzing the concentration of isoprene with the aim to minimize the cost and requirement for devices as compared to current strategies. In this system, a programmable logic controller is used to combine conventional GC with a syringe pump module (SPM) directly connected to the exhaust pipe of the fermentor, and isoprene-containing samples are continuously pumped from the SPM into the GC using an air cylinder recycle stream. We showed that this novel system enables isoprene analysis during fermentation with convenient equipment and without the requirement of an expensive desorption tube. Furthermore, this system may be extended to the detection of other volatile organic compounds in fermentation or chemical processes.

Fouling development in direct contact membrane distillation: Non-invasive monitoring and destructive analysis

Fouling development in direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) for seawater desalination was evaluated combining in-situ monitoring performed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) together with destructive techniques. The non-invasive monitoring with OCT provided a better understanding of the fouling mechanism by giving an appropriate sampling timing for the membrane autopsy. The on-line monitoring system allowed linking the flux trend with the structure of fouling deposited on the membrane surface. The water vapor flux trend was divided in three phases based on the deposition and formation of different foulants over time. The initial flux decline was due to the deposition of a 50-70 nm porous fouling layer consisting of a mixture of organic compounds and salts. Liquid chromatography with organic carbon detection (LC-OCD) analysis revealed the abundance of biopolymer in the fouling layer formed at the initial phase. In the second phase, formation of carbonate crystals on the membrane surface was observed but did not affect the flux significantly. In the last phase, the water vapor flux dropped to almost zero due to the deposition of a dense thick layer of sulfate crystals on the membrane surface.

Real-time monitoring of a microbial electrolysis cell using an electrical equivalent circuit model

Efforts in developing microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) resulted in several novel approaches for wastewater treatment and bioelectrosynthesis. Practical implementation of these approaches necessitates the development of an adequate system for real-time (on-line) monitoring and diagnostics of MEC performance. This study describes a simple MEC equivalent electrical circuit (EEC) model and a parameter estimation procedure, which enable such real-time monitoring. The proposed approach involves MEC voltage and current measurements during its operation with periodic power supply connection/disconnection (on/off operation) followed by parameter estimation using either numerical or analytical solution of the model. The proposed monitoring approach is demonstrated using a membraneless MEC with flow-through porous electrodes. Laboratory tests showed that changes in the influent carbon source concentration and composition significantly affect MEC total internal resistance and capacitance estimated by the model. Fast response of these EEC model parameters to changes in operating conditions enables the development of a model-based approach for real-time monitoring and fault detection.

On-line monitoring of extraction process of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae using near infrared spectroscopy combined with synergy interval PLS and genetic algorithm

There is a growing need for the effective on-line process monitoring during the manufacture of traditional Chinese medicine to ensure quality consistency. In this study, the potential of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique to monitor the extraction process of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae was investigated. A new algorithm of synergy interval PLS with genetic algorithm (Si-GA-PLS) was proposed for modeling. Four different PLS models, namely Full-PLS, Si-PLS, GA-PLS, and Si-GA-PLS, were established, and their performances in predicting two quality parameters (viz. total acid and soluble solid contents) were compared. In conclusion, Si-GA-PLS model got the best results due to the combination of superiority of Si-PLS and GA. For Si-GA-PLS, the determination coefficient (R_p²) and root-mean-square error for the prediction set (RMSEP) were 0.9561 and 147.6544μg/ml for total acid, 0.9062 and 0.1078% for soluble solid contents, correspondingly. The overall results demonstrated that the NIR spectroscopy technique combined with Si-GA-PLS calibration is a reliable and non-destructive alternative method for on-line monitoring of the extraction process of TCM on the production scale.

Rapid and sensitive on-line monitoring 6 different kinds of volatile organic compounds in aqueous samples by spray inlet proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (SI-PTR-MS)

Rapid and sensitive monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in aqueous samples is very important to human health and environmental protection. In this study, an on-line spray inlet proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (SI-PTR-MS) method was developed for the rapid and sensitive monitoring of 6 different kinds of VOCs, namely acetonitrile, acetaldehyde, ethanol, acetone, aether, and methylbenzene, in aqueous samples. The response time, limit of detection (LOD), and repeatability of the SI-PTR-MS system were evaluated. The response of the SI-PTR-MS was quite rapid with response times of 31-88 s. The LODs for all these VOCs were below 10 μg/L. The LOD of methylbenzene was 0.9 μg/L, much lower than the maximum contaminant level (MCL) in drinking water. The repeatability of this method was evaluated with 5 replicate determinations. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were in the range of 0.8-3.1%, indicating good repeatability. To evaluate the matrix effects, the SI-PTR-MS system was employed for on-line monitoring of these 6 VOCs in different aqueous matrices, including lake water, tap water, and waste water. The relative recoveries were in the range of 94.6-106.0% for the lake water, 96.3-105.6% for the tap water, and 95.6-102.9% for the waste water. The results indicate that the SI-PTR-MS method has important application values in the rapid and sensitive monitoring of VOCs in these aqueous samples. In addition, the effect of salt concentration on the extracting efficiency was evaluated. The results showed that the LOD of the SI-PTR-MS could be further decreased by changing the salt concentration.

Cellulolytic RoboLector - towards an automated high-throughput screening platform for recombinant cellulase expression

Background

Cellulases are key player in the hydrolyzation of cellulose. Unfortunately, this reaction is slow and a bottleneck in the process chain from biomass to intermediates and biofuels due to low activities of the enzymes. To overcome this draw back, a lot of effort is put into the area of protein engineering, to modify these enzymes by directed evolution or rational design. Huge clone libraries are constructed and have to be screened for improved variants. High-throughput screening is the method of choice to tackle this experimental effort, but up to now only a few process steps are adapted to automated platforms and little attention has been turned to the reproducibility of clone rankings.

Results

In this study, an extended robotic platform is presented to conduct automated high-throughput screenings of clone libraries including preculture synchronization and biomass specific induction. Automated upstream, downstream and analytical process steps are described and evaluated using E. coli and K. lactis as model organisms. Conventional protocols for media preparation, cell lysis, Azo-CMC assay and PAHBAH assay are successfully adapted to automatable high-throughput protocols. Finally, a recombinant E. coli celA2 clone library was screened and a reliable clone ranking could be realized.

Conclusion

The RoboLector device is a suitable platform to perform all process steps of an automated high-throughput clone library screening for improved cellulases. On-line biomass growth measurement controlling liquid handling actions enables fair comparison of clone variants.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13036-016-0043-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Critical phases of viral production processes monitored by capacitance

Over the last decade industrial manufacturing of viral vaccines and viral vectors for prophylactic and therapeutic applications is experiencing a remarkable growth. Currently, the quality attributes of viral derived products are assessed only at the end-point of the production process, essentially because in-process monitoring tools are not available or not implemented at industrial scale. However, to demonstrate process reproducibility and robustness, manufacturers are strongly advised by regulatory agencies to adopt more on-line process monitoring and control. Dielectric spectroscopy has been successfully used as an excellent indicator of the cell culture state in mammalian and yeast cell systems. We previously reported the use of this technique for monitoring influenza and lentiviral productions in HEK293 cell cultures. For both viruses, multi-frequency capacitance measurements allowed not only the on-line monitoring of the production kinetics, but also the identification of the viral release time from the cells. The present study demonstrates that the same approach can be successfully exploited for the on-line monitoring of different enveloped and non-enveloped virus production kinetics in cell culture processes. The on-line monitoring multi-frequency capacitance method was assessed in human HEK293 and Sf9 insect cells expression systems, with viral productions initiated by either infection or transfection. The comparative analyses of all the data acquired indicate that the characteristic capacitance signals were highly correlated with the occurrence of viral replication phases. Furthermore the evolution of the cell dielectric properties (intracellular conductivity and membrane capacitance) were indicative of each main replication steps. In conclusion, multi-frequency capacitance has a great potential for on-line monitoring, supervision and control of viral vector production in cell culture processes.

Recombinant Protein Production in Large-Scale Agitated Bioreactors Using the Baculovirus Expression Vector System

The production of recombinant proteins using the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) in large-scale agitated bioreactors is discussed in this chapter. Detailed methods of the key stages of a batch process, including host cell growth, virus stock amplification and quantification, bioreactor preparation and operation, the infection process, final harvesting, and primary separation steps for recovery of the product are presented. Furthermore, methods involved with advanced on-line monitoring and bioreactor control, which have a significant impact on the overall process success, are briefly discussed.

On-line monitoring of fluid bed granulation by photometric imaging

This paper introduces and discusses a photometric surface imaging approach for on-line monitoring of fluid bed granulation. Five granule batches consisting of paracetamol and varying amounts of lactose and microcrystalline cellulose were manufactured with an instrumented fluid bed granulator. Photometric images and NIR spectra were continuously captured on-line and particle size information was extracted from them. Also key process parameters were recorded. The images provided direct real-time information on the growth, attrition and packing behaviour of the batches. Moreover, decreasing image brightness in the drying phase was found to indicate granule drying. The changes observed in the image data were also linked to the moisture and temperature profiles of the processes. Combined with complementary process analytical tools, photometric imaging opens up possibilities for improved real-time evaluation fluid bed granulation. Furthermore, images can give valuable insight into the behaviour of excipients or formulations during product development.

Minireactor-based high-throughput temperature profiling for the optimization of microbial and enzymatic processes

Background

Bioprocesses depend on a number of different operating parameters and temperature is one of the most important ones. Unfortunately, systems for rapid determination of temperature dependent reaction kinetics are rare. Obviously, there is a need for a high-throughput screening procedure of temperature dependent process behavior. Even though, well equipped micro-bioreactors are a promising approach sufficient temperature control is quite challenging and rather complex.

Results

In this work a unique system is presented combining an optical on-line monitoring device with a customized temperature control unit for 96 well microtiter plates. By exposing microtiter plates to specific temperature profiles, high-throughput temperature optimization for microbial and enzymatic systems in a micro-scale of 200 μL is realized. For single well resolved temperature measurement fluorescence thermometry was used, combining the fluorescent dyes Rhodamin B and Rhodamin 110. The real time monitoring of the microbial and enzymatic reactions provides extensive data output. To evaluate this novel system the temperature optima for Escherichia coli and Kluyveromyces lactis regarding growth and recombinant protein production were determined. Furthermore, the commercial cellulase mixture Celluclast as a representative for enzymes was investigated applying a fluorescent activity assay.

Conclusion

Microtiter plate-based high-throughput temperature profiling is a convenient tool for characterizing temperature dependent reaction processes. It allows the evaluation of numerous conditions, e.g. microorganisms, enzymes, media, and others, in a short time. The simple temperature control combined with a commercial on-line monitoring device makes it a user friendly system.

Ultrasonic monitoring of malolactic fermentation in red wines

The progress of malolactic fermentation in red wines has been monitored by using ultrasonic techniques. The evolution of ultrasonic velocity of a tone burst 1MHz longitudinal wave was measured, analyzed and compared to those parameters of oenological interest obtained simultaneously by analytical methods. Semi-industrial tanks were used during measurements pretending to be in real industrial conditions. Results showed that the ultrasonic velocity mainly changes as a result of the conversion by lactic acid bacteria of malic acid into lactic acid and CO2. Overall, the present study has demonstrated the potential of the ultrasonic technique in monitoring the malolactic fermentation process.

On-line coupling of macroporous resin column chromatography with direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry utilizing a surface flowing mode sample holder

A surface flowing mode sample holder was designed as an alternative sampling strategy for direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS). With the sample holder, the on-line coupling of macroporous resin column chromatography with DART-MS was explored and the new system was employed to monitor the column chromatography elution process of Panax notoginseng. The effluent from macroporous resin column was first diluted and mixed with a derivatization reagent on-line, and the mixture was then directly transferred into the ionization region of DART-MS by the sample holder. Notoginsenosides were methylated and ionized in a metastable helium gas stream, and was introduced into MS for detection. The on-line system showed reasonable repeatability with a relative standard deviation of 12.3% for the peak area. Three notoginsenosides, i.e. notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rb1 and ginsenoside Rg1, were simultaneously determined during the eluting process. The alteration of the chemical composition in the effluent was accurately identified in 9 min, agreeing well with the off-line analysis. The presented technique is more convenient compared to the traditional UPLC method. These results suggest that the surface flowing mode DART-MS has a good potential for the on-line process monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry.

On-line monitoring of the photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-D and dicamba using a solid-phase extraction-multisyringe flow injection system

A fully automated on-line system for monitoring the photocatalytic degradation of herbicides was developed using multisyringe flow injection analysis (MSFIA) coupled to a solid phase extraction (SPE) unit with UV detection. The calibration curves were linear in the concentration range of 100-1000 μg L(-1) for 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba) and 500-3000 μg L(-1) for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), while the detection limits were 30 and 135 μg L(-1) for dicamba and 2,4-D, respectively. The monitoring of the photocatalytic degradation (TiO2 anatase/UV 254 nm) of these two herbicides was performed by MSFIA-SPE system using a small sample volume (2 mL) in a fully automated approach. The degradation was assessed in ultrapure and drinking water with initial concentrations of 1000 and 2000 μg L(-1) for dicamba and 2,4-D, respectively. Degradation percentages of approximately 85% were obtained for both herbicides in ultrapure water after 45 min of photocatalytic treatment. A similar degradation efficiency in drinking water was observed for 2,4-D, whereas dicamba exhibited a lower degradation percentage (75%), which could be attributed to the presence of inorganic species in this kind of water.

Real-time estimation of glucose concentration in algae cultivation system using Raman spectroscopy

This work proposes a soft-sensor design for real-time estimation of glucose concentration under mixotrophic conditions using Raman spectroscopy. The suggested approach applies a Rolling-Circle Filter (RCF), Partial Least Squares (PLS), and a successive Savitzky-Golay (SG) smoothing filter. RCF is used to remove the background effects of Raman spectrum in the pre-processing step. PLS is used to reduce the dimensionality of spectrum data and relate them to the concentration. The SG filter is further employed as a post-processing step in a successive manner to adjust predicted glucose concentrations. Two sets of experiments using artificial assays and samples from a microalgae cultivation system were performed for verification. The proposed approach showed improved prediction performances compared to other data processing and regression techniques.