Surfactants-based remediation as an effective approach for removal of environmental pollutants—A review

Deterioration of environmental quality and equilibrium by rampant industrial expansion, accelerated urbanization and unchecked population growth has become a high-priority concern. The release of an alarming number of toxic polluting agents such as volatile organic compounds, dyes, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial wastes, and personal care products due to natural or anthropogenic activities pose direct adverse effects on human health and living entities. This issue is inescapably increased because of the lack of efficient technologies for the proper disposal, management, and recycling of waste. It is of paramount importance to track alternative solutions to address these pollution problems for an eco-sustainable environment. Conventional remediation techniques are either inefficient, cumbersome or restricted due to certain techno-economic limitations. Environmental compatibility and high pollutant-removal efficacy make surfactants valuable for removal of organic pollutants and toxic heavy metal ions from different mediums. In this review, we present recent and up-to-date information on micelles/surfactants-assisted abatement of a vast number of toxic agents of emerging concern from water/wastewater including volatile organic compounds, personal care products, pharmaceutically active residues, toxic metals, dye pollutants, pesticides, and petroleum hydrocarbons. Based on the literature survey, it can be concluded that micelles-assisted water and soil treatment technology can have a better future on large-scale decontamination of wastewater. Though bio-surfactants are environmentally friendlier matrices and have successfully been employed for environmental decontamination; their large-scale applicability is challenging owing to high costs. Additional research efforts on the development and employment of novel bio-surfactants might render wastewater treatment technology greener, smarter and economical

Theoretical prediction of solubility, reactivity and degradation pathways of selected azo disperse dyes

Abstract :Ph.D. (Chemistry

Determination of banned sudan dyes in culinary spices through spectroscopic techniques and multivariate analysis

La presente tesis esta focalizada en el desarrollo de métodos analíticos para determinar la adulteración de especias culinarias con colorantes Sudan I, II, III y IV. Estos colorantes están prohibidos como aditivos para uso alimentario por la legislación europea ya que son carcinógenos. Las metodologías analíticas desarrolladas están basadas en el uso de técnicas espectroscópicas como UV-visible, Resonancia Magnética de protón y Raman junto con tratamiento multivariante de los datos obtenidos. En relación al análisis multivariante, como principal objetivo se planteó el establecimiento de modelos de clasificación y posteriormente se utilizaron diversas herramientas quimiométricas con el objetivo de mejorar los resultados de clasificación: análisis exploratorio de datos, métodos de selección de variables y procesamiento de espectros, estrategias de fusión de datos y métodos de transferencia (estandarización).This thesis is focused at developing multivariate analytical screening methodologies for determining the adulteration of culinary spices with Sudan I, II, III and IV dyes. Such dyes are prohibited to be used as additive in foods according to the European legislation because they are Class 3 carcinogens. The proposed methodologies are based on the use of spectroscopic techniques such as UV-Visible, 1H-NMR and Raman along with multivariate data treatment. The applied chemometric tools include the establishment and application of supervised classification techniques combined with exploratory data analysis, data processing and variable selection techniques to extract the maximum possible information from the spectral data. Otherwise some strategies to improve the classification have been evaluated such as data fusion strategies and multivariate transfer (standardization) methods

SPARC 2017 retrospect & prospects : Salford postgraduate annual research conference book of abstracts

Welcome to the Book of Abstracts for the 2017 SPARC conference. This year we not only celebrate the work of our PGRs but also the 50th anniversary of Salford as a University, which makes this year’s conference extra special. Once again we have received a tremendous contribution from our postgraduate research community; with over 130 presenters, the conference truly showcases a vibrant PGR community at Salford. These abstracts provide a taster of the research strengths of their works, and provide delegates with a reference point for networking and initiating critical debate. With such wide-ranging topics being showcased, we encourage you to exploit this great opportunity to engage with researchers working in different subject areas to your own. To meet global challenges, high impact research inevitably requires interdisciplinary collaboration. This is recognised by all major research funders. Therefore engaging with the work of others and forging collaborations across subject areas is an essential skill for the next generation of researchers

Investigating the metabolism of tartrazine by the human gut microbiome

Azo dyes are a class of food dyes that are widely used in a variety of commercial industries. These synthetic colours are aromatic in nature and are characterised by one or more functional –N N– groups within its molecular structure. One example of an azo dye is tartrazine. It’s lemon-yellow shade lends a bright, appealing colour to food products and pharmaceuticals, and is one of the most popular artificial dyes in the food trade. Tartrazine has also long been associated with negative health effects such as ADHD like symptoms, allergic responses and tissue damage. Posing a risk to human health has led to the prohibition and removal of many azo dyes from consumer products. At present, despite a long history of investigation, the toxicity of tartrazine has not yet been established and is still authorised for use in many countries. Azoreductases are enzymes present in mammals, bacteria and yeast that are recognised for their ability to reduce azo-dyes which in turn generates metabolites such as aromatic amines, often with carcinogenic and toxic properties. It is well known that the human gut microbiota play an integral part in the reduction, activation and detoxification of xenobiotics, however the majority of these metabolic pathways remain uncharacterised. This study aims to help advance these efforts, by selecting a common gut bacterial strain that has already demonstrated azoreductase capabilities, yet the enzymes responsible remain uncharacterised. To identify the genes that code for an azoreductase enzyme, the full genomic DNA of Odoribacter splanchnicus, a bacterial strain common to the human gut, was selected and a blastp search was performed, using a library of already characterised azoreductase protein sequences. This generated one protein sequence result which bore 51% sequence similarity to AzoC, an azoreductase from the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium perfringens. To amplify this gene, PCR conditions were optimised by applying a range of annealing temperatures. The temperature at which gene amplification was highest allowed for the gene of interest to be cloned into a choice of two pET TOPO® vectors which was then transformed into E. coli BL21 Star™ (DE3) cells. Varying combinations of environmental conditions were applied during protein expression trials to optimise the expression of soluble protein. Time constraints prevented further experiments which would aid in the identification and subsequent characterisation of a putative azoreductase enzyme from the genome of O. splanchnicus. However, this study highlights the importance in uncovering the enzymatic properties of our gut microbiome, particularly in species that have not yet been identified

Biodegradation of azo dyes.

Ma Yong Hong.Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 130-151).ABSTRACT --- p.viiChapter CHAPTER ONE --- INTRODUCTIONChapter 1.1 --- History of dyestuffs --- p.1Chapter 1.1 --- The classification of dyes --- p.4Chapter 1.3 --- The application of dyes --- p.6Chapter 1.4 --- Ecological aspects of colour chemistry --- p.7Chapter 1.4.1 --- Toxicity to microorganisms --- p.7Chapter 1.4.2 --- Toxicity to Mammals --- p.9Chapter 1.5 --- Colour contamination --- p.10Chapter 1.6 --- Treatment of wastewater containing dyes --- p.11Chapter 1.7 --- Studies on the field of biodegradation of dyes --- p.13Chapter 1.7.1 --- Current knowledge of biodegradation of azo dyes by bacteria --- p.13Chapter 1.7.2 --- Degradation of azo dyes by fungi and helminths --- p.16Chapter 1.8 --- Purpose of study --- p.17Chapter CHAPTER TWO --- MATERIALS AND METHODSChapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.19Chapter 2.1.1 --- Chemicals --- p.19Chapter 2.1.2 --- Recipes --- p.22Chapter 2.1.2.1 --- Isolating medium (I.M.) --- p.22Chapter 2.1.2.2 --- Basal Medium (B.M.) --- p.23Chapter 2.1.2.3 --- LB Medium (Luria Broth) --- p.24Chapter 2.1.2.4 --- Mineral salt medium (M.S.M.) --- p.24Chapter 2.2 --- Methods --- p.26Chapter 2.2.1 --- Isolation of azo-dye decolorization (ADD) strain --- p.26Chapter 2.2.1.1 --- Sample collection --- p.26Chapter 2.2.1.2 --- Preparation of inoculum --- p.26Chapter 2.2.1.3 --- Selection and isolation strain ADD 16-2 --- p.26Chapter 2.2.2 --- Optimal growth condition for strain ADD 16-2 --- p.27Chapter 2.2.3 --- Assay of decolorization activity --- p.29Chapter 2.2.3.1 --- Measurement of azo dye concentration --- p.29Chapter 2.2.3.2 --- Assay of azo dye decolorization activity of strain ADD 16-2 --- p.30Chapter 2.2.3.3 --- Structural specificity of the decolorization reaction --- p.32Chapter 2.2.4 --- Identification of the strain ADD cleavage product(s) --- p.32Chapter 2.2.5 --- Degradation of the intermediate(s)-sulfanific acid --- p.33Chapter 2.2.5.1 --- Enrichment and isolation of sulfanific acid degradation strains (SAD) --- p.33Chapter 2.2.5.2 --- Optimal sulfanific acid degradation condition of strain SAD M-l --- p.34Chapter 2.2.6 --- Complete degradation of a model azo dye (Tropaeolin O) by co-metabolism of strain ADD 16-2 and strain SAD M-l --- p.35Chapter 2.2.7 --- Assay for the degradation of the Tropaeolin O by immobilized strain ADD 16-2 and strain SAD M-l --- p.36Chapter 2.2.7.1 --- Method of immobilizing bacteria in sodium alginate --- p.36Chapter 2.2.7.2 --- Optimal reaction condition of the immobilized strain ADD 16-2 and strain SAD M-l --- p.37Chapter 2.2.7.3 --- The decolorization activity of free and immobilized cells for different dye concentration --- p.39Chapter 2.2.8 --- Construction of continuous column systems for complete dye degradation --- p.40Chapter 2.2.8.1 --- A Continuous anaerobic/aerobic pack-bed column system --- p.40Chapter 2.2.8.2 --- A continuous anaerobic packed-bed column and aerobic airlift-loop reactor --- p.42Chapter CHAPTER THREE --- RESULTSChapter 3.1 --- Decolorization of azo dyes --- p.44Chapter 3.1.1 --- Isolation of ADD strain --- p.44Chapter 3.1.2 --- Growth condition of strain ADD 16-2 --- p.44Chapter 3.1.2.1 --- The effect of aeration on the growth of strain ADD 16-2 --- p.44Chapter 3.1.2.2 --- Other factors affecting the growth of strain ADD 16-2 --- p.48Chapter 3.1.2.3 --- Effect of carbon source on growth --- p.48Chapter 3.1.3 --- Decolorization of azo dyes --- p.53Chapter 3.1.3.1 --- Determination of dye concentration --- p.53Chapter 3.1.3.1.A --- Determination of the wavelengths of the absorption maxima of azo dyes --- p.53Chapter 3.1.3.1.B --- Standard concentration curve of azo dyes --- p.53Chapter 3.1.3.2 --- Optimal condition for dye decolorization --- p.59Chapter 3.1.3.2.A --- Effect of aeration --- p.59Chapter 3.1.3.2.B --- Effect of temperature --- p.59Chapter 3.1.3.2.C --- Effect of pH --- p.65Chapter 3.1.3.1.D --- Effect of different carbon sources --- p.65Chapter 3.1.3.3 --- Structural specificity of the azo dye decolorization reaction --- p.68Chapter 3.1.3.4 --- Analysis of the biodegradation products from Tropaeolin O --- p.73Chapter 3.2 --- Degradation of the intermediate sulfanific acid --- p.79Chapter 3.2.1 --- Enrichment and isolation of strains that can degrade the azo dye decolorization product(s) --- p.79Chapter 3.2.2 --- Condition of sulfanific acid degradation --- p.82Chapter 3.2.2.1 --- The effect of the pH --- p.82Chapter 3.2.2.2. --- The effect of temperature --- p.82Chapter 3.3 --- An attemption of complete degradation of Tropaeolin O by strains ADD 16-2 and SAD M-l with combined anaerobic-aerobic process --- p.86Chapter 3.4 --- To study the decolorization potential store stain ADD 16-2 immobilized condition --- p.82Chapter 3.4.1. --- Condition of decolorization of Tropaeolin O by the immobilized cell ADD 16-2 --- p.39Chapter 3.4.1.1 --- The effect of the alginate gel concentration on the decolorization potential of strain ADD 16-2 --- p.89Chapter 3.4.1.2 --- The effect the of cell number entrapped in different size of alginate beads on the decolorization ability of the cell ADD 16-2 --- p.89Chapter 3.4.1.3 --- The effect of pH on the decolorization potential of immobilized strain ADD 16-2 --- p.92Chapter 3.4.1.4 --- The effect of temperature on the decolorization potential of immobilized cell ADD 16-2 --- p.95Chapter 3.4.1.5 --- The effects of Tropaeolin O concentration on the decolorization activity of strain ADD 16-2 --- p.95Chapter 3.5 --- Assay for the degradation of sulfanific acid by the immobilized cells SAD M-l --- p.99Chapter 3.5.1 --- Optimizing the condition of degradation of sulfanific acid by immobilized cells SAD M-l --- p.100Chapter 3.5.1.1 --- The effects of alginate gel concentration on the degradation potential of immobilized cells SAD M-l --- p.100Chapter 3.5.1.2 --- The effect of the amount of cells entrappedin alginate beads on the degradation of sulfanilic acid --- p.100Chapter 3.5.1.3 --- The effect of pH on sulfanific acid degradation by the immobilized bacterial cells SAD M-l --- p.103Chapter 3.5.1.4 --- The effect of temperature on degradation potential of the immobilized bacterial cells SAD M-l --- p.103Chapter 3.6 --- Degradation of Tropaeolin O by immobilized strains in a continuous anaerobic/aerobic column system --- p.107Chapter CHAPTER FOUR --- DISCUSSIONSChapter 4.1 --- Decolorization of azo dye --- p.112Chapter 4.2 --- Mineralization of the decolorization intermediate --- p.112Chapter 4.3 --- Two-step azo dye mineralization --- p.121Chapter 4.4 --- Functional aspects of immobilized cells --- p.124Chapter 4.5 --- Decolorization of Tropaeolin O by a continuous column reactor --- p.128REFERENCES --- p.12

Crude Oil

Petroleum crude oil is the main energy source worldwide. However, global fossil fuel resources and reservoirs are rapidly and disturbingly being depleted. Thus, it is particularly important to shed light on new techniques developed for economic production and better utilization of crude oil. In addition, the processes involved in the production, refining, and transportation of crude oil are environmentally hazardous. It is essential to develop cleaner technologies and to find innovative solutions to overcome these problems. Over four sections, this book discusses materials used in cracking crude oil and improving its specifications, methods for reducing or eliminating the hazardous effects of petroleum pollution, and the environmental effects of crude oil, as well as presents case studies from different countries

Technology, Science and Culture

From the success of the first and second volume of this series, we are enthusiastic to continue our discussions on research topics related to the fields of Food Science, Intelligent Systems, Molecular Biomedicine, Water Science, and Creation and Theories of Culture. Our aims are to discuss the newest topics, theories, and research methods in each of the mentioned fields, to promote debates among top researchers and graduate students and to generate collaborative works among them

Investigating color additive molecules for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications: A comparison of theoretical and experimental UV-visible absorbance spectra in tunable solvents

Color additive molecules have widespread applications ranging from ingestible foods and pharmaceutics to non-ingestible cosmetics and other naturally or synthetically developed consumer products available worldwide. Certification for approved use of color additives varies globally; therefore, a feasible method to analyze existing color additives or to design novel color additive molecules with enhanced or otherwise desired physicochemical properties (such as hue) is in high demand for universal adoption. The studies herein provide sufficient proof that density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory serve as effective predictive modeling techniques for generating theoretical maximum absorbance spectral peak responsivity for a single color additive molecule structure in the virtual workspace, as well as for multiple (heterodimeric and heterotrimeric) structures represented simultaneously. Furthermore, DFT and TD-DFT can be used to analyze changes in hue attributed to structural anomalies in molecules due to tautomerism, vibronic effects, intra- or intermolecular interactions, implicit or explicit solvation effects, or charge transfer effects on the structure represented in a given solvent or in vapor phase. Advancements in computational processing make incorporation of these and similar advanced ab initio quantum chemical methods more tangible for the modern pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulator to use in perfecting batch hue