Volume 13 (2020): Issue 1 (April 2020)

The study was focused on the investigation of trans-polyoctylene (TOR) influence on cross-linking as well as mechanical and rheological properties of rubber compounds based on styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). SBR was compounded with different proportions of TOR in the concentration range from 0 to 30 phr. Integration of TOR into rubber leads to the prolongation of the optimum curing time and scorch time and thus the decrease of the curing rate. Higher content of TOR led to less viscous rubber due to the plasticizing effect. Cross-link density of vulcanizates was reduced, which correlates with higher elongation at break. Tensile strength and hardness of vulcanizates increased with the increasing TOR content, probably due to the increasing amount of the crystalline phase.

Marigold flowers (Tagetes patula and Calendula officinalis) were chosen for analysis because they are the most often used source of lutein and its isomer zeaxanthin for the production of food supplements on the Czech market. Direct extraction and extraction with alkaline hydrolysis were compared to detect free or bound carotenoids. For carotenoid separation, C18 and C30 columns were used. A new method for determination of carotenoid content in food supplements in form of capsules has been developed and validated. All matrices were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). It has been found that alkaline hydrolysis is required for both Marigold flowers and food supplements to release lutein from ester bonds to fatty acids. In Calendula officinalis lutein in the concentration of 807—1472 mg·kg⁻¹ of dry matter was detected. Tagetes patula has been identified as a better lutein source with the content of 5906—8677 mg·kg⁻¹ of dry matter. It has been found that the content of lutein and zeaxanthin in commercial food supplements (Lutein Complex Premium and Occutein Brillant) is consistent with the declared quantity. Linearity of the HPLC-DAD method ranged from 0.1—20 μg·mL⁻¹ with the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.7 mg·kg⁻¹ for lutein in Marigold flowers and 200 mg·kg⁻¹ in food supplements. Repeatability was 2.3 % for lutein in all tested matrices.

This study is focused on the effect of biogas recirculation with hydrogen sulfide removal on anaerobic treatment of sulfur-enriched synthetic wastewater in a UASB reactor. The presence of hydrogen sulfide in biogas causes problems in its further energy recovery while sulfides inhibit the anaerobic process. The reactor was gradually loaded with sulfates and their effect on the reactor operation was monitored. At the same time, external absorption of hydrogen sulfide from biogas with absorbent regeneration was operated. The results show that low concentrations of added sulfates support biogas production. At the sulfate concentration of 125 mg l⁻¹, biogas production increased by approximately 2 l d⁻¹. However, further increasing of the amount of sulfates in the substrate led to the opposite effect. At twice the amount of sulfates, the biogas production decrease by 1 l d⁻¹ and its adverse effects on the removal of N-NH₄, N_C and P-PO₄ were observed. Biogas recirculation through the absorption column ensured a decrease in the hydrogen sulfide concentration from 19 960 ppm to 4 030 ppm and an increase in the methane content from 59.2 % to 83 % and also a decrease in the sulfides concentration in the reactor. From the measured data it can be concluded that this method reduces sulfides inhibition.

Single drop microextraction has become a widespread liquid/liquid microextraction technique owing to its simplicity, high preconcentration factor and low consumption of organic solvents in the extraction due to direct introduction of the very low volume of extract into the analytical system. Crucial features ensuring excellent repeatability of single drop microextraction include: solvent volume, solvent type, sample agitation, salts addition, and pH. The influence of sample quality on the microdrop volume and agitation type was studied. Effect of the sample matrix, such as water, acid content samples (orange juice), sample containing alcohol (plum brandy) and protein content sample (milk), on the microdrop hold-up was also investigated. For water analysis, several organic solvents such as chloroform, dichloromethane, tetrachloromethane, tetrachloroethane and chlorobenzene were tested; last three mentioned were suitable for SDME experiments. For milk samples analysis, chlorobenzene microdrop was found to be optimal; advantage of salt addition has been reported. For orange samples, 1:10 dilution was suggested with stable microdrop volumes (toluene) of up to 6 µL for lower stirring rates (100 rpm and 250 rpm). For alcohol-content samples, the change of alcohol percentage of real-life samples had to be considered. A strong influence of the matrix quality on the microdrop stability has been proven.

In order to reduce the environmental burden of chemicals, various new alternatives to seed protection are being sought. Our aim was to find an environmentally acceptable solution leading to the inactivation of seed-borne phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium culmorum on the surface of wheat and barley seeds with a positive effect on their germination. As a low-temperature plasma (LTP) source, a Diffuse Coplanar Surface Barrier Discharge (DCSBD) was used. Plasma generated by DCSBD is non-equilibrium, cold, diffuse, macroscopically homogeneous even in ambient air at atmospheric pressure. Experimental results showed that LTP treatment in the range of 120—300 s significantly inhibits the growth of F. culmorum on the surface of the seeds. The efficiency of LTP treatment was compared with traditional seed protection processes using chemical fungicide and also with combined seed pretreatment by plasma and subsequent application of chemical fungicide. No growth of F. culmorum was observed after the combination of Vitavax 2000 fungicide application in the dose of 10 % and 60 s of LTP treatment even on the 5th day of incubation. Better wettability of seeds with the chemical fungicide was related to the change on seed surface, which becomes hydrophilic after 10 s of LTP application. Short LTP exposure times did not affect germination and improved the growth parameter of cereal seeds. By combining physical (LTP) and chemical (Vitavax 2000) treatments of cereal seeds, it is possible to effectively reduce the required amount of chemical fungicide and to stimulate germination and early growth seed parameters.

Once they reach the environment, petroleum hydrocarbons undergo various chemical, physico-chemical and biochemical transformation processes. Organic compounds which are not or are very poorly subject to these processes are thermodynamically the most stable isomers and they are called biological markers (biomarkers). This paper presents the results of the determination of organic substances in twelve samples taken in the area of the city of Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Two soil samples were taken in the Banja Luka city heating plant area and ten river sediment and soil samples were taken in the upper and lower basin of the Vrbas river in the Banja Luka city area. The aim of this study was to determine the biomarkers of oil-type pollutants in contaminated samples as well as the type of organic substances in samples taken near the contaminated area. Assisted solvent extraction was used to isolate the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) from all twelve samples. Fractionation of the extracts into saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon fractions was performed by column chromatography. The fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). On basis of the obtained chromatograms, biomarkers of petroleum pollutants and specific correlation parameters of organic substances in the samples were determined. The dominance of n-alkanes with odd C atoms as well as the presence of an unresolved complex mixture (UCM) on chromatograms of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons showed the presence of anthropogenic organic substances of petroleum origin in the analyzed samples. Based on the obtained chromatograms, it can be concluded that microbial degradation of hydrocarbons in all samples occurred.

The paper reveals three applications of neural network predictive control (NNPC) to a system of four heat exchangers (HEs) in series with counterflow configuration to save energy expressed by cooling water in the system of HEs cooling the distillation product. Neural networks (NNs) are used at first in conventional NNPC and subsequently, neural network predictive controllers (NNPCLs) are employed as a master controller in a cascade control, and as a feedback controller in the control system with disturbance measurement. Neural-network-predictive-control-based (NNPC-based) feedback control systems are compared with PI controller based feedback control loop. Series of simulation experiments were done and the results showed that using NNPC-based cascade control reduced cooling water consumption. This control system also significantly reduced the settling time and overshoots in the control responses and provided the best assessed integral quality criteria compared to other control systems. NNPC-based cascade control can also be interesting for industrial use. Generally, simulation results proved that NNPC-based control systems are promising means for the improvement of HEs control and achievement of energy saving.

Systematic quantum chemical investigation of quercetin and selected eight mono- and bihydroxyflavonols is presented. Structural analysis based on the Density Functional Theory showed that the energetically preferred conformation of flavonols substituted at the C5 and C3 atoms by a hydroxyl group is stabilised via intramolecular hydrogen bonds occurring between the (C4)O···HO(3 or 5) atomic pairs. Depending on the hydroxyl group positions, energetically preferred torsional orientation of the phenyl ring with respect to the planar benzo-γ-pyrone moiety changed from 0 to 180 degrees. Gas-phase electron transitions were investigated using the time-dependent DFT treatment. The dependence of maximal wavelengths on the torsional deformation of the phenyl ring is of a similar shape, i.e. minima observed for the perpendicular orientation and maxima for the planar one. Shape and energies of the Highest Occupied (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied (LUMO) Molecular Orbitals were compared. The obtained theoretical results were compared with available experimental data.

Coumarins (2H-1-benzopyran-2-coumarin derivatives) are derivatives of cinnamic acid naturally occurring in many plants, fungi, and fruits. They are used as ingredients in cosmetics to enhance the aroma and other biological effects. In this work, cosmetic samples (deodorants) were treated by solid phase extraction prior to high performance liquid chromatography determination of coumarins. Traditional sorbent (C18) and selective polymer-based sorbents (laboratory prepared and commercial) were used for solid phase extraction. Recovery values were above 85 % (RSDs below 6 %) except for esculin, where the recovery was lower. Core-shell column of C18 type and gradient of mobile phase methanol—1 % acetic acid were used for high performance liquid chromatography analysis of extracts. Limits of quantitation were 0.5 µg mL⁻¹ for coumarin (ultraviolet detection) and below 12 ng mL⁻¹ for esculin, umbelliferonene, scoparone, 4-methylumbelliferone, herniarin (fluorescence detection). In the tested samples, no coumarins were detected.

This work deals with the occurrence of selected antibiotic resistant bacteria in Slovak surface waters. Total and antibiotic resistant coliform bacteria, enterococci and coagulase positive staphylococci were determined in 34 samples of surface water from rivers and still waters (dams, natural lakes, thermal bath) some of them used for recreational swimming. Sampling was performed during summer season 2017 (July and August). The number of total coliforms ranged from 1.74 log CFU/10 mL to 3.69 log CFU/10 mL. Coliform bacteria were registered in each tested sample. The highest number was observed in the sample from river Hron. Majority of samples contained ampicillin and tetracycline resistant bacteria. Enterococci were determined in 70 % of samples ranging from 0.78 log CFU/10 mL to 3.81 log CFU/10 mL. The highest number of enterococci was observed in river Váh. Ampicillin and vancomycin resistance prevailed over ciprofloxacin and gentamicin resistance. Coagulase positive staphylococci were present in 91 % of samples in the range of 0.70—3.03 log CFU/10 mL. Antibiotic resistant coagulase positive staphylococci were observed only in 32 % of samples, predominantly from rivers. In these samples, chloramphenicol resistance predominated. In three samples of water used for recreational purposes, the limit value for enterococci and E. coli according to Slovak legislation (Decree no. 308/2012 Coll.) for the quality of water in natural swimming pools during bathing season was exceeded.

β-Apiosidase is a rare glycosidase applied in winemaking for flavour enhancement. This enzyme is involved in the release of volatile terpenes by hydrolysis of their odourless glycosidic precursors. It is found as a minor component in commercial pectinase/cellulase preparations. Microbial production of β-apiosidase by two Aspergillus sp. strains was investigated. Apiin-induced production of this extracellular glycosidase was confirmed only during the cultivation of Aspergillus niger CBS 554.65 but the high productivity value reported in the work of Dupin et al. (1992) J. Agric. Food Chem. 40(10): 1886—1891 could not be reproduced. The achieved productivity was by far not satisfactory considering the apiin cost. Commercial enzyme preparations with β-apiosidase side-activity thus remain a better alternative as the enzyme source for biocatalytic applications.

Research on carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNMs) and their development is one of the major scientific disciplines of the last century. This is mainly because of their unique properties which can lead to improvements in industrial technology or new medical applications. Therefore, it is necessary to examine their properties such as shape, size, chemical composition, density, toxicity, etc. This article focuses on the general characteristics of nanomaterials (NMs) and their behavior when entering the environment (water and soil). In addition, it presents individual members of the graphene family including porous ecological carbon (biochar). The article mainly deals with the new potential technologies of CBNMs considering their possible toxic and genotoxic effects. This review also highlights the latest developments in the application of self-propelled micromotors for green chemistry applications. Finally, it points to the potential biomedical applications of CBNMs.

This paper focuses on the assessment of the inclination to self-ignition of various types of wood chips according to the methodology of European standard EN 15188. The study also assesses the effect of heating temperatures on the composition and quantity of gaseous products of heating. Gases were analysed using an infrared spectrometer with Fourier transformation. From the measured results it was found that the inclination to self-ignition differs for various samples of wood chips. The paper discusses certain parameters assumed to affect the inclination of biomass to self-ignite. When assessing the effect of temperature on the composition of gaseous products, a sample of forest wood chips heated at temperatures from 50 to 150 °C resulted in the following gaseous products: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water and aliphatic hydrocarbons; their concentrations increase with the increasing temperature. Carbon oxides have been proposed as indicators of the state of stored materials self-heating. Observations presented in this paper can be used as data for elaborating safety instructions for storage of fuels based on solid biomass.

Berberine (1), as a compound with interesting biological activities, can be modified at various positions to obtain more potent substances. Modifications at position 9 are based on demethylation with simultaneous dechloration resulting in berberrubine. The most frequent process is thermal dechloromethylation and this work describes this method with detailed tricks to obtain almost pure product in high yield.

In this work, the possibility of flow coulometry application as coulometric titration was studied. The method was used to analyze phosphates in wastewater samples. The principle of the determination consisted in the formation of molybdophosphate and its subsequent one-electron electrolytic reduction. The present method is applicable under optimal conditions in the concentration range of 1.5 × 10⁻⁶ to 5.5 × 10⁻⁵ mol/dm³. Detection limit of the method is 3.42 × 10⁻⁷ mol/dm³. Mineralization step has been proved a problem in total phosphate content determination. If mineralization was not carried out, only inorganic soluble phosphates were determined. It is a new method characterized by its simplicity of instrumentation and handling, which is a prerequisite for its further use in the field of trace analysis.

Since environmental pollution is increasing, scientists try to find a sustainable way for its clean up and for environment protection. Due to increasing knowledge of genetics and recombinant technologies, recombinant enzymes have been increasingly applied for these purposes. This article deals with the possibilities of environmental treatment with different types of enzymes produced by P. pastoris. Environment is polluted mostly with pesticides, wastewaters, phenol compounds, plastics, toxic compounds, wastes from medical treatment, etc. All these compounds have to be eliminated considering the deteriorating biodiversity, human health, and condition of plants. Enzymes are an environmentally friendly way of such treatment.