90 research outputs found
Assessing photocatalytic asphalt mixtures: practical and laboratory methods for measuring air quality
Air pollution in urban areas has become a major global concern, leading to a series of programs
and regulations to be implemented to reduce it. Among the various pollutants that affect air quality
is nitrogen monoxide (NO), which, once in the atmosphere, oxidizes into nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
The combination of NO and NO2 refer to the nitrogen oxides (NOx), which, besides being harmful
to health, have a negative impact on the environment with acid rain and intensify the greenhouse
effect. This issue is exacerbated in large cities due to the high concentration of pollutant-emitting
vehicles. To mitigate this problem by cleaning the air, researchers are investing in photocatalytic
capability that can be applied to the surface of various substrates. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a
highly utilized material, especially when aiming to attain both photocatalytic and self-cleaning
abilities.
The application of TiO2 over asphalt pavements has become an important topic in Transportation
Engineering as a way of functionalized conventional pavement into a substrate where it becomes
feasible to alleviate the environmental damage related to pollutant emissions, mainly NOx. The
application of photocatalytic materials on asphalt pavements has the necessary conditions to
increase the success of reducing pollutant levels. Pavements present a large area and are closer to
vehicle exhausts. In addition, a major part of asphalt pavements is exposed to sunlight, which can
activate the photocatalytic reaction. Due to these benefits, researchers have conducted studies that
evaluate photocatalytic efficiency on surfaces of asphalt pavements.When evaluating photocatalytic efficiency, the literature describes a series of methods based on
laboratory and field tests. In the laboratory, efficiency can be evaluated by degrading different
organic dyes and degradation gas tests. For the first method, some dyes are widely used, such as
methylene orange (MO), methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB). For testing, samples of
asphalt mixtures are immersed in an initial dye solution and exposed to light irradiation. Over
time, changes in the solution absorbance (and, consequently, concentration) are monitored using
spectrophotometry. The photocatalytic efficiency is calculated as a function of the maximum
absorbance of the dye and the time.
The second test follows the ISO 22197-1 standard, which specifies a test method for determining
the air purification performance of materials with photocatalysis on the surface. To simulate and
ensure the photocatalytic reactions occur, the experimental setup must contain an air compressor,
pollutant source, humidifier, photoreactor, light source and pollutant analyzer. The photocatalytic
asphalt mixture sample is placed inside the photoreactor and exposed to a controlled amount of
pollutants, light and humidity. The gas flow is continuously injected into the photoreactor and
subjected to light irradiation, and gas concentration is monitored over a period of time. The
photocatalytic efficiency can be assessed by the net amount of pollutants that the sample removes.In field applications, one method that can be used to evaluate the efficiency is the air quality
monitoring stations by conducting a comparative analysis of pollutant concentrations in a specific
area before and after installing photocatalytic asphalt pavements. Those stations have sensors that
collect outdoor air and distribute it through analyzers. These analyzers continuously and
automatically measure various atmospheric pollutants, determining their concentrations in the
ambient air "in real-time". Typically, they are fixed at strategic points in large cities, limiting
assessment in more remote locations. Usually, these stations can measure several types of
pollutants, such as NOx, SO2, CO2, particulate matter, among others, and the meteorological
conditions, for example temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction , etc.
Another method to evaluate the performance in field studies is to use passive sampling. The
passive sampling approach is a low-cost, non-electrical, and simplified solution for the
distribution of samples. The principle of the passive sampler involves gas collection through the
diffusion of atmospheric air, which enters the device through one of its ends, travels through the
body of the sampler (in the form of a tube) until it reaches its other end, which is sealed and
contains a filter paper previously impregnated with a specific absorbent solution designed to react
with the targeted pollutant to be collected.
Measurement of photocatalytic efficiency is crucial in determining the performance of
photocatalytic pavements and their impact on air quality. Thus, this study aims to provide a
comprehensive elucidation of how to evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency of photocatalytic asphalt pavements functionalized with TiO2 nanoparticles through various methods,
encompassing laboratory approaches and field studies.This research was funded by FCT: NanoAir PTDC/FISMAC/6606/2020,
MicroCoolPav EXPL/EQU-EQU/1110/2021, UIDB/04650/2020,
UIDB/04029/2020, 2022.00763.CEECIND and 2023.02795.BD. Also, it was
funded by FUNCAP: MLC-0191-00144.01.00/22 and CNPq: 404978/2021-5 –
Chamada CNPq/MCTI/FNDCT NÂş 18/2021.
Optimization of lipase production by Aspergillus ibericus from oil cakes and its application in esterification reactions
Due to the actual emphasis in revalorization of agro-industrial wastes and cost reduction of enzymes production, this work aimed the optimization of lipase production from different oil cakes (OCs) produced in Brazil, by solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus ibericus MUM 03.49 and the application of the produced lipase in hydrolysis and esterification reactions. Results presented showed higher lipase production using palm kernel oil cake (PKOC), yielding 127 ± 17 U/g. Through SSF optimization, using palm kernel oil cake (PKOC) mixed with sesame oil cake (SOC) in a ratio of 0.45 g/g PKOC per g total substrate at 57% moisture content, a production of 460 ± 38 U/g of lipase per mass of dry substrate was obtained after 6 days of fermentation. The obtained lipase was used in hydrolysis reactions, where it was observed higher production in short-chain triacylglycerols (TAGs) substrates. Also, it was applied in esterification reactions, where the formation of butyl decanoate using 5% (w/v) of biocatalyst was the most efficient. SSF of PKOC and SOC was a low cost competitive process to obtain A. ibericus lipase that can be used in aroma esters production, with application in the food industry.Felisbela Oliveira acknowledges the financial support from FAPERJ N° 43/2013—Programa de Apoio ao Doutorado-SanduĂche Reverso—2013, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), through the grant SFRH/BD/87953/2012. JosĂ© Manuel Salgado was supported by grant CEB/N2020 – INV/01/2016 from Project “BIOTECNORTE - Underpinning Biotechnology to foster the north of Portugal bioeconomy” (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004). This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 unit and COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006684) and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 - Programa Operacional Regional do Norte.
Carlos E. Souza and VerĂ´nica R.O.L. Peclat thank the financial support given by CNPq and CAPES from Brazil, respectively. Bernardo D. Ribeiro and Maria A.Z. Coelho thank the financial support given by CNPq and FAPERJ from Brazil
Applied optics in the development of smart asphalt mixtures
The functionalization of asphalt mixtures is carried out in order to provide new capabilities to the road pavements, with major social, environmental and financial benefits. Optical characterization techniques as well as optical processes like photocatalysis play a major role in the development of new asphalt mixtures with smart functions. These advanced capabilities which are being developed in asphalt mixtures are: photocatalytic, superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, de-icing/anti-ice, self-healing, thermochromic, and latent heat thermal energy storage. The main objective of this research work is to stress the importance of optics and photonics technologies giving an overview of advanced functionalized smart asphalt mixtures.This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UIDB/04650/2020.
This work was partially financed by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia - under the projects of the Strategic Funding UIDB/04650/2020, MicroCoolPav project EXPL/EQU-EQU/1110/2021, and NanoAir project PTDC/FISMAC/6606/2020
Selection of indigenous lactic acid bacteria presenting anti-listerial activity, and their role in reducing the maturation period and assuring the safety of traditional Brazilian cheeses
Artisanal raw milk cheeses are highly appreciated dairy products in Brazil and ensuring their microbiological
safety has been a great need. This study reports the isolation and characterization of lactic acid
bacteria (LAB) strains with anti-listerial activity, and their effects on Listeria monocytogenes during
refrigerated shelf-life of soft Minas cheese and ripening of semi-hard Minas cheese. LAB strains (n ÂĽ 891)
isolated from Minas artisanal cheeses (n ÂĽ 244) were assessed for anti-listerial activity by deferred
antagonism assay at 37 C and 7 C. The treatments comprised the production of soft or semi-hard Minas
cheeses using raw or pasteurized milk, and including the addition of selected LAB only [Lactobacillus
brevis 2-392, Lactobacillus plantarum 1-399 and 4 Enterococcus faecalis (1-37, 2-49, 2-388 and 1-400)],
L. monocytogenes only, selected LAB co-inoculated with L. monocytogenes, or without any added cultures.
At 37 C, 48.1% of LAB isolates showed anti-listerial capacity and 77.5% maintained activity at 7 C.
Selected LAB strains presented a bacteriostatic effect on L. monocytogenes in soft cheese. L. monocytogenes
was inactivated during the ripening of semi-hard cheeses by the mix of LAB added. Times to attain a 4
log-reduction of L. monocytogenes were 15 and 21 days for semi-hard cheeses produced with raw and
pasteurized milk, respectively. LAB with anti-listerial activity isolated from artisanal Minas cheeses can
comprise an additional barrier to L. monocytogenes growth during the refrigerated storage of soft cheese
and help shorten the ripening period of semi-hard cheeses aged at ambient temperature.The authors thank the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do
Estado de SĂŁo Paulo (FAPESP) for financial support (Grants 13/
20456-9, 14/14891-7, 15/25641-4, 16/21041-5, 16/12406-0 and 16/
09346-5). Dr. Gonzales-Barron also acknowledges the financial
support provided by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and
Technology (FCT) through the award of an Investigator Fellowship
(IF) in the mode of Development Grants (IF/00570). A.S. Sant'Ana
acknowledges the financial support of “Conselho Nacional de
Desenvolvimento CientĂfico e TecnolĂłgico” (CNPq) (Grant #302763/
2014-7) and CAPES (Grant #33003017027P1).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Advancements in phase change materials in asphalt pavements for mitigation of urban heat island effect: bibliometric analysis and systematic review
This research presents a dual-pronged bibliometric and systematic review of the
integration of phase change materials (PCMs) in asphalt pavements to counteract the urban heat
island (UHI) effect. The bibliometric approach discerns the evolution of PCM-inclusion asphalt
research, highlighting a marked rise in the number of publications between 2019 and 2022. Notably,
Chang’an University in China has emerged as a leading contributor. The systematic review
addresses key questions like optimal PCM types for UHI effect mitigation, strategies for PCM
leakage prevention in asphalt, and effects on mechanical properties. The findings identify
polyethylene glycols (PEGs), especially PEG2000 and PEG4000, as prevailing PCMs due to their
wide phase-change temperature range and significant enthalpy during phase transitions. While
including PCMs can modify asphalt’s mechanical attributes, such mixtures typically stay within
performance norms. This review emphasises the potential of PCMs in urban heat management and
the need for further research to achieve optimal thermal and mechanical balanceThis research was partially funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and
Technology (FCT) under the framework of the projects MicroCoolPav EXPL/EQU-EQU/1110/2021,
NanoAir PTDC/FIS-MAC/6606/2020, UIDB/04650/2020, and UIDB/04029/2020. This research was
also supported by the doctoral Grant PRT/BD/154269/2022 financed by the FCT, and with funds
from POR Norte-Portugal 2020 and State Budget, under MIT Portugal Program. I.R.S. would like to
acknowledge the FCT for funding (2022.00763.CEECIND). V.C.B. acknowledges the Fundação
Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento CientĂfico e TecnolĂłgico (Funcap), MLC-0191-
00144.01.00/22 (Edital Mulheres na CiĂŞncia), and the National Council for Scientific and
Technological Development (CNPq), Process 404978/2021-5—Call CNPq/MCTI/FNDCT N°
18/2021—Faixa B—Consolidated Groups
Passive sampling for air quality assessment: proposal of an in-situ method to measure the efficiency of photocatalytic pavements
Currently, air pollution is a matter of great relevance due to its significant impact on human health.
Semiconductor photocatalysis technology, known for its high efficiency and low environmental
degradation, is considered a highly promising means to improve air quality.
Asphalt pavements are commonly used in urban areas with high population concentrations.
During the production cycle of these pavements, various air pollutants are emitted, primarily due
to the high temperatures required for asphalt pavement.
Photocatalysis using the semiconductor TiO2 has the capacity to degrade atmospheric NO under
sunlight, which has sparked significant interest in photocatalysis technology and its
applications.The bandgap, enduring physicochemical properties of the element, and its nontoxicity,
along with its NO degradation capabilities, make TiO2 a highly viable option for
photocatalysis.
This study aims to elucidate how air quality is controlled through passive sampling for the
quantification of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the atmosphere.
Through this technique, it is possible to quantify the level of pollutants, in this case, NO2, present
in the atmosphere at a selected location over a certain period of time.MicroCoolPav EXPL/EQU-EQU/1110/2021, UIDB/04650/2020, UIDB/04029/2020, 2022.00763.CEECIND and 2023.02795.BD. Also, it was funded by FUNCAP: MLC-0191-00144.01.00/22 and CNPq: 404978/2021-5 – Chamada CNPq/MCTI/FNDCT Nº 18/2021
Misturas asfálticas inteligentes: mito ou realidade?
A finalidade geral dos pavimentos rodoviários consiste na capacidade de resistir ao tráfego rodoviário e as ações meteorolĂłgicas, garantindo condições de rolamento seguras e confortáveis, com o menor dispĂŞndio possĂvel de recursos e danos sobre o meio ambiente. Um pavimento rodoviário Ă© considerado inteligente quando possui funcionalidades adicionais ou capacidade de reagir a um estĂmulo externo. Estas aptidões podem ser incorporadas atravĂ©s da utilização de diversos materiais, por exemplo: nano/micropartĂculas (semicondutores e microcápsulas), materiais de mudança de fase, corantes e fibras. Dentre as novas capacidades, Ă© possĂvel destacar: fotocatálise, superhidrofobicidade, autolimpeza, degelo/anti-gelo, autorreparação, termocromismo e armazenamento de energia tĂ©rmica latente. Algumas destas novas aptidões resultam da implementação de tĂ©cnicas como: modificação de ligante asfáltico, revestimento por pulverização, espalhamento e incorporação volumĂ©trica de componentes. Este trabalho revĂŞ as novas capacidades conferidas Ă s misturas asfálticas, expõe informações sobre mĂ©todos de funcionalização, ensaios, materiais empregados e resultados e fornece recomendações para trabalhos futuros.The purpose of road pavements is to withstand road traffic and weather loads, while ensuring safe and comfortable driving conditions with the least possible expenditure of resources and damage to the environment. A road pavement is considered smart when it has additional abilities or capacity to react to an external stimulus. These abilities can be incorporated through various materials: nano/microparticles (semiconductors and microcapsules), phase change materials, dyes, and fibers. Among the new abilities added to asphalt mixtures are photocatalysis, superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning, de-icing/anti-icing, self-healing, thermochromism, and latent heat thermal energy storage. Some of these new capabilities result from different techniques, such as asphalt binder modification, spray coating, spreading, and volume incorporation of components. The present work reviews the new abilities conferred to asphalt mixtures, exposes the information about functionalization methods, tests, materials used and results, and provides recommendations for future work.Este trabalho foi apoiado pela Fundação para a CiĂŞncia e a Tecnologia (FCT) no âmbito dos projetos do
Financiamento Estratégico UIDB/04650/2020, do projecto MicroCoolPav EXPL/EQU-EQU/1110/2021, e do
projecto NanoAir PTDC/FISMAC/6606/2020. Os autores também agradecem pelo financiamento dos projetos
MLC-0191-00144.01.00/22 (Edital Mulheres na Ciência Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento
CientĂfico e TecnolĂłgico Funcap) e Processo 404978/2021-5, Chamada CNPq/MCTI/FNDCT NÂş 18/2021 -
Faixa B - Grupos Consolidados Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientĂfico e TecnolĂłgico CNPq)
- …