Re-use of agricultural wastes for the removal and recovery of Zr(IV) from aqueous solutions

This study assesses the feasibility of Zr(IV) removal and recovery from aqueous solutions by novel biosorbents prepared from selected agricultural wastes. Sugarcane bagasse was selected for further investigation after showing increased biosorption capacity during the initial screening experiment. The biosorption efficiency of native (untreated), SDS-treated and immobilised bagasse for Zr(IV) removal was studied and optimization of the experimental conditions carried out including pH, biosorbent weight, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature to maximise adsorption. Sorbent–sorbate reaction behaviour was estimated by fitting equilibrium data by non-linear and transformed linear forms of the Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson isotherms as well as pseudo-first and second-order kinetic models. The best fitting isothermal or kinetic model was optimized by comparing linear and non-linear R2 value and non-linear regression error functions. H2SO4 proved to be the most effective desorbing agent in recovery of the sorbed Zr(IV) ions from all forms of bagasse. Biosorbent characterisation and effectiveness of the process was confirmed by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The data illustrate that native (untreated), SDS-treated and immobilised bagasse have great potential to remove and recover Zr from wastewater

Biodecolorization of Reactive Black 5 by laccasemediator system

Reactive azo dyes are widely used as textile colorants, typically for cotton dyeing, due to their variety of color shades, and minimal energy consumption. In the present study, commercial laccase from Trametes versicolor was used for the biodecolorization of Reactive Black 5 (RB-5) dye using different redox mediators viz, N-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT), 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,6-dimethoxy phenol (DMP), syringaldehyde, vanillin, aceto-vanillone, p-coumaric acid and catechol. Commercial laccase alone did not show any considerable decolorization of RB-5. However, the laccase in the presence of syringaldehyde showed the strongest decolorization rate (98%), followed by vanillin (55.21%), aceto-vanillone (53.25%), ABTS (42.78%), p-coumaric acid (41.9%), DMP (39%), and catechol (36.33%); while least decolorization was observed with HBT at dye/mediator ratio of only 1:5 after 30 min. Therefore, syringaldehyde performance was evaluated at different mediator/dye ratios (1:1, 1:5 and 1:10) using commercial laccase and it was compared with that of synthetic mediator like HBT. It was found that the presence of syringaldehyde was essential for biodecolorization of RB-5. Moreover, it was observed that syringaldehyde was an effective natural redox mediator as compared to synthetic HBT. Enhanced decolorization (98%) of RB-5 by laccase was observed with 1:5 syringaldehyde and dye ratio for 30 min but maximum removal (22%) of RB-5 was recorded with HBT at 1:1 after 40 min. Thus, the study reveals that the phenolic compounds could be used as potential redox mediators for enhanced laccase-mediated decolorization of azo dyes.Keywords: Reactive Black 5 (RB-5), redox mediators, laccase, biodegradation, azo dyesAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 11(29), pp. 7464-7471, 10 April, 201

Poboljšanje proizvodnje glukoza-oksidaze s pomoću Penicillium notatum

Glucose oxidase (GOD) is an important enzyme that finds a wide range of applications in food and pharmaceutical industry. In this investigation the feasibility of using rice polish as a substrate for the production of GOD by Penicillium notatum in submerged fermentation (SmF) has been evaluated. The intention was to enhance total GOD activity by the selection of economical substrate, microorganism and consecutive optimization of various cultural conditions. Maximum GOD activity of (112±5) U/mL was achieved under optimum growth conditions: rice polish 5 g, incubation period 72 h, buffering agent 3 % (by mass per volume), incubation temperature (30±1) °C and pH=6.0. Addition of carbon and nitrogen sources further enhanced the enzyme yield, indicating an economically attractive process for GOD production.Glukoza-oksidaza je važan enzim koji ima raznovrsnu primjenu u industriji hrane i proizvodnji lijekova. U ovome je radu ispitana primjena otpadaka dobivenih poliranjem riže kao supstrata u proizvodnji glukoza-oksidaze submerznom fermentacijom s pomoću Penicillium notatum. Svrha je rada bila poboljšati ukupnu aktivnost glukoza-oksidaze odabirom ekonomičnog supstrata i mikroorganizma te optimiranjem uvjeta uzgoja. Najveća aktivnost od (112±5) U/mL postignuta je pri optimalnim uvjetima rasta uporabom 5 g otpadaka i 3 % (m/V) puferskog sredstva tijekom 72 h pri (30±1) °C i pH=6. Dodatkom izvora ugljika i dušika još je više poboljšan prinos enzima, čime je potvrđena ekonomska opravdanost ovog procesa za proizvodnju glukoza-oksidaze

Poboljšanje proizvodnje glukoza-oksidaze s pomoću Penicillium notatum

Glucose oxidase (GOD) is an important enzyme that finds a wide range of applications in food and pharmaceutical industry. In this investigation the feasibility of using rice polish as a substrate for the production of GOD by Penicillium notatum in submerged fermentation (SmF) has been evaluated. The intention was to enhance total GOD activity by the selection of economical substrate, microorganism and consecutive optimization of various cultural conditions. Maximum GOD activity of (112±5) U/mL was achieved under optimum growth conditions: rice polish 5 g, incubation period 72 h, buffering agent 3 % (by mass per volume), incubation temperature (30±1) °C and pH=6.0. Addition of carbon and nitrogen sources further enhanced the enzyme yield, indicating an economically attractive process for GOD production.Glukoza-oksidaza je važan enzim koji ima raznovrsnu primjenu u industriji hrane i proizvodnji lijekova. U ovome je radu ispitana primjena otpadaka dobivenih poliranjem riže kao supstrata u proizvodnji glukoza-oksidaze submerznom fermentacijom s pomoću Penicillium notatum. Svrha je rada bila poboljšati ukupnu aktivnost glukoza-oksidaze odabirom ekonomičnog supstrata i mikroorganizma te optimiranjem uvjeta uzgoja. Najveća aktivnost od (112±5) U/mL postignuta je pri optimalnim uvjetima rasta uporabom 5 g otpadaka i 3 % (m/V) puferskog sredstva tijekom 72 h pri (30±1) °C i pH=6. Dodatkom izvora ugljika i dušika još je više poboljšan prinos enzima, čime je potvrđena ekonomska opravdanost ovog procesa za proizvodnju glukoza-oksidaze

A green approach for the removal of Sr(II) from aqueous media: kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamic studies

Adsorption efficiency of native, NaOH-treated and immobilized peanut husk and sugarcane bagasse for Sr(II) removal was studied in batch mode. In view of promising adsorption efficiency of peanut husk versus sugarcane bagasse, the biosorption behaviour of the Sr(II) ions onto peanut husk (native and modified) was studied as a function of pH, biosorbent dose, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature for the maximum removal of Sr(II) ions. Linear and non-linear pseudo-first and second-order kinetic models were applied and value of R2 and six non-linear regression error functions, namely hybrid fractional error function (HYBRID), Marquardt's percent standard deviation (MPSD), average relative error (ARE), the sum of the errors squared (ERRSQ/SSE), the sum of the absolute errors (EABS) and Chi-square test (χ2) were used to predict the most optimum kinetic model. Sorbent-sorbate reaction nature was estimated by fitting equilibrium data by non-linear and transformed linear forms of the Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson isotherms and most optimum isothermal model was optimized by comparing linear and non-linear R2 value and non-linear regression error functions. HCl proved most successful eluating agents for sorbed Sr(II) ions. Biosorption characteristics and effectiveness of the process was also confirmed by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). In view of promising efficiency of peanut husk as an adsorbent, it could possibly be used for the removal of Sr(II) ions from aqueous medium and is also extendable to other radionuclide

Optimiranje podloge za pojačanu proizvodnju glukoamilaze fermentacijom na krutoj podlozi s pomoću gljive Fusarium solani

Solid-state cultivation of Fusarium solani was carried out for enhanced production of glucoamylase (GA) using different substrates like wheat bran, rice bran, green gram bran, black gram bran and maize bran. The SSF medium containing wheat bran as a substrate yielded the highest enzyme activity. The physical and chemical parameters were optimized. Maximum enzyme activity (61.35±3.69) U/g of dry wheat bran was achieved under optimum growth conditions. The optimum conditions were fructose as carbon and energy additive 1 % (by mass), urea as nitrogen additive 1 % (by mass), initial moisture content of solid substrate 70 % (by mass per volume), incubation period 96 h, inoculum size 15 % (by mass per volume) having 10^6–10^7 spores/mL, incubation temperature (35±1) °C and pH=5.0. It was further observed that the addition of surfactants caused a decrease in enzyme biosynthesis by F. solani in SSF of wheat bran under optimum process conditions.Uzgojem gljive Fusarium solani fermentacijom na krutoj podlozi povećana je proizvodnja glukoamilaze (GA) primjenom različitih supstrata kao što su pšenične i rižine posije, te posije zelene soje, crne soje i kukuruza. Najveća aktivnost enzima dobivena je uporabom podloge od pšeničnih posija. Optimirani su fizikalni i kemijski parametri i pri optimalnim uvjetima rasta postignuta je maksimalna aktivnost enzima od (61,35±3,69) U/g suhih pšeničnih posija. Optimalni uvjeti bili su: 1 % (m/V) fruktoze kao izvora ugljika i energije, 1 % (m/m) uree kao izvora dušika, 70 % (m/V) početnog udjela vlage u krutoj podlozi, vrijeme inkubacije u trajanju od 96 h, 15 % inokuluma (m/V) s 10^6-10^7 spora/mL, temperatura inkubacije (35±1) °C i pH=5,0. Dodatkom površinski aktivnih tvari smanjila se biosinteza enzima proizvedenog fermentacijom pri optimalnim uvjetima na podlozi od pšeničnih posija s pomoću gljive F. solani

Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies on the removal of U(VI) by low cost agricultural waste

In this research, biosorption efficiency of different agro-wastes were evaluated with rice husk showing maximum biosorption capacity among the selected biosorbents. Optimization of native, SDS-treated and immobilized rice husk adsorption parameters including pH, biosorbent amount, contact time, initial U(VI) concentration and temperature for maximum U(VI) removal was investigated. Maximum biosorption capacity for native (29.56 mg g-1) and immobilized biomass (17.59 mg g-1) was observed at pH 4 while SDS-treated biomass showed maximum removal (28.08 mg g-1) at pH 5. The Langmuir sorption isotherm model correlated best with the U(IV) biosorption equilibrium data for the 10-100 mg L-1 concentration range. The kinetics of the reaction followed pseudo-second order kinetic model. Thermodynamic parameters like free energy (ΔG°) and enthalpy (ΔH°) confirmed the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the process. Experiments to determine the regeneration capacity of the selected biosorbents and the effect of competing metal ions on biosorption capacity were also conducted. The biomass was characterised using scanning electron microscopy, surface area analysis, Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. The study proved that rice husk has potential to treat uranium in wastewater

E-Healthcare Using Block Chain Technology and Cryptographic Techniques: A Review

The potential of information technology has influenced the efficiency and quality of healthcare worldwide. Currently, several republics are incorporating electronic health records (EHRs). Due to reluctance of technological adaptation & implementational complexities, electronic health record systems are not in practice. Due to the emphasis on achieving general compatibility, users may perceive systems as being imposed and providing insufficient customizability, which may exacerbate issues in a setting of national implementation. EHS improves patient safety and confidentiality and ensures operative, effective, well-timed, reasonable, and patient-centred care, all of which substantially impact healthcare quality. Blockchain technology has been used by the EHS system, which supports web-based accessibility and availability. The difficulties of exchanging medical data can now be overcome by consumers using an infrastructure based on cloud computing. A variety of cryptographic approaches have been employed to encrypt and safeguard the data. This review paper aims to highlight the role and impact of blockchain in EHR. The proposed research describes cryptography methods, their classifications, and the challenges associated with EHR to identify gaps and countermeasures

PANC Study (Pancreatitis: A National Cohort Study): national cohort study examining the first 30 days from presentation of acute pancreatitis in the UK

Background Acute pancreatitis is a common, yet complex, emergency surgical presentation. Multiple guidelines exist and management can vary significantly. The aim of this first UK, multicentre, prospective cohort study was to assess the variation in management of acute pancreatitis to guide resource planning and optimize treatment. Methods All patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years presenting with acute pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria, from March to April 2021 were eligible for inclusion and followed up for 30 days. Anonymized data were uploaded to a secure electronic database in line with local governance approvals. Results A total of 113 hospitals contributed data on 2580 patients, with an equal sex distribution and a mean age of 57 years. The aetiology was gallstones in 50.6 per cent, with idiopathic the next most common (22.4 per cent). In addition to the 7.6 per cent with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, 20.1 per cent of patients had a previous episode of acute pancreatitis. One in 20 patients were classed as having severe pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria. The overall mortality rate was 2.3 per cent at 30 days, but rose to one in three in the severe group. Predictors of death included male sex, increased age, and frailty; previous acute pancreatitis and gallstones as aetiologies were protective. Smoking status and body mass index did not affect death. Conclusion Most patients presenting with acute pancreatitis have a mild, self-limiting disease. Rates of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis are high. Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis are common, but are likely to have reduced risk of death on subsequent admissions

PANC Study (Pancreatitis: A National Cohort Study): national cohort study examining the first 30 days from presentation of acute pancreatitis in the UK

Abstract Background Acute pancreatitis is a common, yet complex, emergency surgical presentation. Multiple guidelines exist and management can vary significantly. The aim of this first UK, multicentre, prospective cohort study was to assess the variation in management of acute pancreatitis to guide resource planning and optimize treatment. Methods All patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years presenting with acute pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria, from March to April 2021 were eligible for inclusion and followed up for 30 days. Anonymized data were uploaded to a secure electronic database in line with local governance approvals. Results A total of 113 hospitals contributed data on 2580 patients, with an equal sex distribution and a mean age of 57 years. The aetiology was gallstones in 50.6 per cent, with idiopathic the next most common (22.4 per cent). In addition to the 7.6 per cent with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, 20.1 per cent of patients had a previous episode of acute pancreatitis. One in 20 patients were classed as having severe pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria. The overall mortality rate was 2.3 per cent at 30 days, but rose to one in three in the severe group. Predictors of death included male sex, increased age, and frailty; previous acute pancreatitis and gallstones as aetiologies were protective. Smoking status and body mass index did not affect death. Conclusion Most patients presenting with acute pancreatitis have a mild, self-limiting disease. Rates of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis are high. Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis are common, but are likely to have reduced risk of death on subsequent admissions. </jats:sec