Biofouling Control in Cooling Water

An important aspect of environmental engineering is the control of greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel-fired power stations, for instance, represent a substantial contribution to this problem. Unless suitable steps are taken the accumulation of microbial deposits (biofouling) on the cooling water side of the steam condensers can reduce their efficiency and in consequence, the overall efficiency of power production, with an attendant increase in fuel consumption and hence CO2 production. Biofouling control, therefore, is extremely important and can be exercised by chemical or physical techniques or a combination of both. The paper gives some examples of the effectiveness of different approaches to biofouling control

Meeting the Challenge

The first Chempor Conference held in Lisbon in 1975 under the auspices of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, heralded a regular wide-ranging review of research and development in Portugal and the UK Progressively in later years the Conferences have attracted contributions from other European countries and indeed further afield. There is an increasing awareness of the problems for the environment, notably global warming, brought about by human activities. Recent predictions about the future are dire, particularly regarding food and water for a rapidly growing world population. They represent a substantial challenge to the scientific and technical fraternity. In response to that challenge it is important to keep up to date with technical developments, to meet and keep in touch with coworkers in associated fields, and to cooperate wherever possible. The papers presented at the Chempor and other conferences have made and continue to make a significant contribution to that objective of meeting the challenge

Biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesized from Rhododendron ponticum and their antibacterial, antibiofilm and cytotoxic activities

Nanotechnology is being used effectively in many areas contemporarily. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most crucial and remarkable nanomaterials involved in medical applications. These nanoparticles (NPs) have an important place in nanomedicine, nanotechnology, and in particularly, nanoscience. AgNPs are one of the most widely used materials in antibacterial and antiseptic practices. The synthesis of biogenic AgNPs has been applied as an alternative to physical and chemical synthesis. For this purpose, water extracts of Rhododendron ponticum were used for biosynthesis of AgNPs. Also, AgNPs were characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometer, scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs synthesized with Rhododendron ponticum was analyzed by the Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) test. Also, the biofilm inhibition test was made, and AgNPs showed a strong effect for biofilm inhibition. In addition, the prepared nanoparticles were tried for cytotoxicity activity with the help of MTT assay in MCF-7 and 4T1 cancer cell lines. © 2019 Elsevier B.V