<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The environmental degradation of poly(ε-caprolactone)[PCL] in natural fresh water (pond) and in The Baltic Sea is presented in this paper. The characteristic parameters of both environments were measured during experiment and their influence on the biodegradation of the samples was discussed. The loss of weight and changes of surface morphology of polymer samples were tested during the period of incubation. The poly(ε-caprolactone) was more biodegradable in natural sea water than in pond. PCL samples were completely assimilated over the period of six weeks incubation in The Baltic Sea water, but after forty two weeks incubation in natural fresh water the polymer weight loss was about 39%. The results have confirmed that the investigated polymers are susceptible to an enzymatic attack of microorganisms, but their activity depends on environments.</abstract>

Biodegradation of poly(ε-caprolactone) in natural water environments

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) represents the largest readily available bioresource of alkenyl phenolic compounds. (CNSL) and its derivatives are widely used in polymer-based industries, synthesis of chemicals and intermediates, including bactericides, insecticides and surface active agents. In this work extraction of cashew nut shell liquid from cashew nut shell (CNS) was carried out by using the Soxhlet extraction method in the presence of polar &amp; non-polar solvents. From the extracted CNSL, anacardic acid was selectively isolated and acid free CNSL was treated with liquor ammonia to separate the cardanol and cardol in the stepwise manner. Comparative study for the extracted CNSL and S-was performed. Higher amount of extracted CNSL was obtained from polar solvents. They were all characterized using quantitative analysis by HPLC.</abstract>

Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Department of Applied Chemistry, Surat-395007, Gujarat, India

Department of Surface Coating and Technology, ISTAR, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388120, Gujarat, India

Extraction protocol for isolation of CNSL by using protic and aprotic solvents from cashew nut and study of their physico-chemical parameter

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Through years beer became one of the best known alcoholic beverages in the world. For some reason e.g. healthy lifestyle, medical reasons, driver’s duties, etc. there is a need for soft drink with similar organoleptic properties as standard beer. There are two major approaches to obtain such product. First is to interfere with biological aspects of beer production technology like changes in mashing regime or to perform fermentation in conditions that promote lower alcohol production or using special (often genetic modified) microorganism. Second approach is to remove alcohol from standard beer. It is mainly possible due to evaporation techniques and membrane ones. All these approaches are presented in the paper.</abstract>

Non-alcoholic beer production – an overview

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>For ground phosphate rock (GPR) to be applied as phosphorus fertilizer, the availability of phosphorus to plants needs to be improved. One possible way to achieve this is by adding sulphur, which will accelerate decomposition of phosphate in soil owing to the activation of microbiological processes. This study involved granulation of fertilizers composed of phosphate and sulphur mixed at 38:1 and 10:1 ratios and two analogous fertilizer variants but with added molasses as a source of organic carbon for sulphur bacteria. A small-scale industrial installation for production of multi-component fertilizers was used to make granular fertilizer by the compaction method. The granular fertilizers were then tested in an agricultural experiment. The fertilizer in which the phosphate to sulphur ratio was 10:1 produced better effects. Addition of molasses to the fertilizers did not improve their fertilizing capacity</abstract>

Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – State Research Institute

Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation - State Research Institute

Effect of sulphur added to phosphate rock on solubility and phytoavailability of phosphorus

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Catalase with the commercial catalase name Terminox Ultra is widely used in the textile industry in bleaching processes. This enzyme is used to catalyse the decomposition of residual hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water. In this study catalase was kept for about 30 hours in water baths in a temperature range from 35 to 70°C. For the first time, the kinetics of thermal deactivation of this enzyme was examined using an oxygen electrode. Stability of the enzyme depends strongly on temperature and its half-life times are 0.0014 h and 7.6 h, at 35 and 70°C, respectively.</abstract>

University of Technology and Life Sciences, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Seminaryjna 3, 85-326 Bydgoszcz, Poland

Faculty of Industrial Engineering, KaHo St.-Lieven, Gebroeders Desmetstraat 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium

Thermal stability for the effective use of commercial catalase

<abstract>Methanol and acetonitrile form a minimum azeotrope at 336.74 K, which contains methanol 76.89 mas%. The simulation and the experiment to separate the mixture by batch extractive distillation using aniline as entrainer is performed. Based on the experimental and simulative VLE data, aniline is chosen to be the suitable solvent. The sensitivity analysis about the number of stages, the refl ux ratio, the solvent feed stage and the solvent fl ow rate is conducted to obtain the optimal parameters and confi guration of the extractive distillation column with minimal energy requirements. The most appropriate confi guration is 30 theoretical stages. The optimal entrainer feeding stage is 8 with a solvent fl ow rate of 20kg/h and the refl ux ratio of 2.0, respectively. The simulation results show the effect of the main variables on the extractive distillation process. The experiment is carried out to corroborate the feasibility of the separation of methanol-acetonitrile by batch extractive distillation.</abstract>

School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China

Batch extractive distillation of mixture methanol-acetonitrile using aniline as a asolvent

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of process parameters such as interfacial tension, type of surfactants, and their concentration on simple oil-in-water dispersion. Explored systems were prepared with 5% liquid paraffin oil and aqueous phase with emulsifiers Tween 40 of concentrations from 0.008325 mM to 0.025 mM and Tween 80 with concentrations ranging from 0.00375 mM to 0.011 mM. All systems were characterized in terms of their density and interfacial tension. In the next step analysis of droplet size distributions and mean droplet diameter was performed. The results showed that the size of paraffin droplets decreased as the concentration of surfactants grew. This trend is accompanied by decrease in the interfacial tension between phases. The correlation between mean drop size and the energy input and physical properties of both liquids was developed. The last step provides scientific evidence for the formulation of stable droplets of liquid paraffin.
</abstract>

Liquid-liquid two phase-system stabilized by tween 40 and 80 surfactants: multiparametric study

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
With the paramount development of industry and agriculture sector, levels of different pollutants like, heavy metal ions, pharmaceuticals, organic dyes, biological waste and other pollutants are becoming serious. The ecosystem and human health suffered greatly from the adverse effects of these pollutants. The disposal of these pollutants has become an urgent issue for the human society. Graphene oxide base nanocomposites have generated an excellent extent of focus as desirable alternatives for the adsorptive elimination of contaminants from aqueous systems owing to their enhanced surface area and multiple functional groups for adsorption. Graphene oxide (GO) as a graphene derivative exhibited superior features as obtainable in a graphene sheet. Moreover, the addition of oxygen functional group at the edges and basal plane of graphene further enhanced the efficiency of the graphene by providing sites for the attachment of different metals on the surface. On the underlying adsorption processes, graphene-based nanocomposites for specific contaminants are designed and currently employed for wastewater treatment. This review presents the ongoing development of GO base nanocomposites and their useful applications, understanding how well graphene-based nanocomposites adsorb pollutants and how that relates to the ways in which pollutants interact with adsorbents is crucial. This study highlights newly developed trends in the creation of graphene oxide based nanocomposites to eliminate different heavy metal ions, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and oils spills from effluent water. The focus is on various graphene oxides nanocomposites application for the removal of different pollutants and regeneration of graphene oxide base nanocomposites after several adsorption cycles. Other challenges and potential directions for designing efficient GO based nanocomposites as adsorbents are also presented along with the problems of current studies.
</abstract>

A Comprehensive Review on Graphene Oxide Based Nanocomposites for Wastewater Treatment

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This paper presents the results of studies on the transformation of geraniol (GA) in the presence of the natural mineral bentonite. The paper determines the influence of temperature, catalyst content, and reaction time on the course of the process. In order to determine the most favorable process conditions, the catalytic tests were carried out without solvent and under atmospheric pressure. Three functions were chosen to determine the most favorable process conditions: GA conversion and the selectivities of the main products: linalool – LO and beta-pinene – BP. In addition, the paper optimize GA transformation process based on response surface methodology (RSM). The impact of the most relevant process indicators was presented. For all factors of the method, their effects on all primary parameters were determined in the form of second-degree polynomials, and such process conditions were determined to achieve their maximum.
</abstract>

Optimization of (2E)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-l-ol (geraniol) transformation process parameters using Response Surface Method (RSM)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
A novel series of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives of mefenamic acid was obtained by reacting hydrazones of mefenamic acid with anhydrous acetic anhydride. The mefenamic hydrazones were obtained by reacting different substituted aldehydes with mefenamic acid hydrazide. All the compounds were characterized by spectral data and elemental analysis. Molecular docking studies of all the compounds were performed against COX-1/COX-2 enzymes. Compound <bold>4</bold> and compound <bold>10</bold> were found to have the highest potential to bind with COX-1 while compound <bold>3</bold>, compound <bold>6</bold>, and compound <bold>10</bold> were found to have the highest potential to bind with COX-2 enzyme.
</abstract>

Synthesis, characterization, and molecular modeling of novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives of mefenamic acid

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
In this work, the reaction between the drug gatifloxacin (as a ligand) with Ru(III) ions was investigated and the resulting complex was structurally and morphologically characterized. The structural properties of the complex were assessed using elemental analyses, molar conductance, thermogravimetry, UV-Vis, and IR spectroscopies, where the morphological characteristics were evaluated using SEM-EDX and XRD methods. The analyses suggested that two ligand molecules were coordinated to the Ru(III) ion via the nitrogen atoms of piperazine rings. The complex was formulated as [Ru(L)2(Cl)2]Cl, where the Ru(III) ion has a six-coordinate mode, and the coordination sphere is complemented by chlorine atoms. The interaction of the ligand with the Ru(III) ions leads to the product having an organized smooth plate-like structure with a main diameter of 39.42 nm. The RuO2 oxide in the nanoscale range was generated by the thermal decomposition of the [Ru(L)2(Cl)2]Cl complex at 600 oC for 3 hours. SEM micrographs indicated that the RuO2 material possesses uniform and organized microstructures with many internal cavities enabling it to be used as a catalyst for the heterogeneous degradation of dyes and organic pollutants.
</abstract>

Synthesis, structural, thermal, and morphological characterization of Ru(III) complex with gatifloxacin and its utility to obtain RuO2 nanostructures

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The paper presents the results of experimental and model studies of the pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process in a column with a zeolite 13X bed with a height of 0.5 m. The gas mixture consisted of CO2 (10–20%), N2, and H2O (RH 50%) in different ratios. As a result of the column tests, concentration, and temperature evolutions were obtained for each of the adsorption and desorption stages, which were used to determine the breakthrough and bed saturation times and other parameters important for the analysis of the column operation. A mathematical model of the PSA process for the separation of CO2 from the gas mixture was developed. The system of second-order partial differential equations was solved using Matlab software. The research focuses on adsorptive CO2 capture and shows the influence of water vapor and operational parameters on the quality of model validation.
</abstract>

Modeling and experimental studies of carbon dioxide separation on zeolite fixed bed by cyclic pressure swing adsorption

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The effect of six SiO2 nanosized concentrations (0, 5, 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg L-1) and three seed prechilling treatments (control, seed prechilling before nano SiO2 treatments, treatments of seed with nano SiO2 before prechilling) on germination and seedling growth of tall wheatgrass (Agropyron elongatum L.) were studied. Results indicated that application of SiO2 nanoparticles significantly increased seed germination of tall wheatgrass from 58 percent in control group to 86.3 and 85.7 percent in 40 and 60 mg L-1, respectively. Applying SiO2 nanoparticles increased dry weight of shoot, root and seedling of tall wheatgrass. Increasing concentration of nanoparticle from 0 up to 40 mg L-1 increased seedling weight around 49 percent compared to the control, nevertheless decreased under 60 and 80 mg L-1 treatments. In conclusion, seed prechilling in combination with SiO2 nanoparticles largely broke the seed dormancy for A. elongatum.</abstract>

Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Range Land and Watershed Management, Gorgan, Iran

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Mashhad, Iran

University of Torbat-e-Heydarieh, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Torbat-e-Heydarieh, Iran

Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Department of Physics, Gava zang, Zanjan, Iran

Interaction of SiO2 Nanoparticles with Seed Prechilling on Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Tall Wheatgrass (Agropyron Elongatum L.)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The biosorption process of three divalent metal ions – nickel, lead and zinc- from on calcium alginate from aqueous solution was studied, in single component systems. The biosorbent were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The batch mode experiments of the adsorption process were carried out as a function of pH, initial metal ions concentration, sorbent dosage and contact time. The adsorption influencing parameters for the maximum removal of metal ions were optimized. The experimental data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Langmuir-Freundlich, Koble-Corrigan and Redlich-Peterson models. The kinetic data of biosorption process were evaluated using pseudo-first and pseudo-second order equations. The Weber and Morris model was employed to interpret the metal ions diffusion in biosorption process.</abstract>

West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection Processes, al. Piastów 42, 71-065 Szczecin,

West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Department of Toxicology, Papieża Pawła VI/3, 71-459 Szczecin,

Biosorption of Ni(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) on calcium alginate beads: equilibrium, kinetic and mechanism studies

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>In order to produce valuable syngas, industrial processes of dry reforming of methane and steam reforming of methane must be further developed. This paper is focused on reviewing recently examined catalysts, supporting the mentioned technologies. In both processes the most popular active material choice is usually nickel, due to its good availability. On the other hand, noble metals, such as ruthenium, rhodium or platinum, provide better performance, however the solution is not cost-effective. Materials used as a support influence the catalytic activity. Oxides with basic properties, such as MgO, Al2O3, CeO2, are frequently used as carriers. One of the most promising materials for reforming of methane technologies are hydrotalcites, due to adjustable composition, acid-base properties and possibility of incorporation of various metals and complexes.</abstract>

Dry and steam reforming of methane. Comparison and analysis of recently investigated catalytic materials. A short review.

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The biosorption of Pb(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) from industrial wastewater using Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Bacillus subtilis was investigated under various experimental conditions regarding pH, metal concentration and contact time. The optimum pH values for the biosorption of the three metals were in the range 5.0-6.0, while the optimal contact time for the two bacterial species was 30 min. Experimental data was analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms; the former had a better fit for the biosorption of Pb(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II). The maximum adsorption uptakes (qmax) of the three metals calculated from the Langmuir biosorption equation for S. maltophilia were 133.3, 47.8 and 54.3 for Pb(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II), respectively, and for B. subtilis were 166.7, 49.7 and 57.8 mg/g, respectively. B. subtilis biomass was more favorable for the biosorption of Pb (II) and Ni (II), while S. maltophilia was more useful for the biosorption of Zn (II).</abstract>

Biosorption of lead(II), zinc(II) and nickel(II) from industrial wastewater by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Bacillus subtilis

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Flame retardancy was imparted in cellulosic cotton textile using banana pseudostem sap (BPS), an eco-friendly natural product. The extracted sap was made alkaline and applied in pre-mordanted bleached and mercerized cotton fabrics. Flame retardant properties of both the control and the treated fabrics were analysed in terms of limiting oxygen index (LOI), horizontal and vertical flammability. Fabrics treated with the non-diluted BPS were found to have good flame retardant property with LOI of 30 compared to the control fabric with LOI of 18, i.e., an increase of 1.6 times. In the vertical flammability test, the BPS treated fabric showed flame for a few seconds and then, got extinguished. In the horizontal flammability test, the treated fabric showed no flame, but was burning only with an afterglow with a propagation rate of 7.5 mm/min, which was almost 10 times lower than that noted with the control fabric. The thermal degradation and the pyrolysis of the fabric samples were studied using a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the chemical composition by FTIR, SEM and EDX, besides the pure BPS being characterized by EDX and mass spectroscopy. The fabric after the treatment was found to produce stable natural khaki colour, and there was no significant degradation in mechanical strengths. Based on the results, the mechanism of imparting flame retardancy to cellulosic textile and the formation of natural colour on it using the proposed BPS treatment have been postulated.</abstract>

Flame resistant cellulosic substrate using banana pseudostem sap

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