(Re)Conceptualizing decision-making tools in a risk governance framework for emerging technologies—the case of nanomaterials

The utility of decision-making tools for the risk governance of nanotechnology is at the core of this paper. Those working in nanotechnology risk management have been prolific in creating such tools, many derived from European FP7 and H2020-funded projects. What is less clear is how such tools might assist the overarching ambition of creating a fair system of risk governance. In this paper, we reflect upon the role that tools might and should play in any system of risk governance. With many tools designed for the risk governance of this emerging technology falling into disuse, this paper provides an overview of extant tools and addresses their potential shortcomings. We also posit the need for a data readiness tool. With the EUs NMP13 family of research consortia about to report to the Commission on ways forward in terms of risk governance of this domain, this is a timely intervention on an important element of any risk governance system

Polymeric ultrafiltration membranes and surfactants.

Surfactants have been extensively used in ultrafiltration processes such as membrane cleaning,removal of surfactants or other organic toxic compounds and metal ions from solutions and estimation of interactions at surfactant and membrane interface. The aim of this review is to present the possibilities that arise from the data reported in the literature on the field of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes and surfactants. This data is classified into five groups and a brief description of each article is given. Pretreatment of membranes with surfactant solutions can lead to performance increase of UF process. By Micellar-Enhanced Ultrafiltration the separation of low molecular weight toxic substances and heavy metals is possible, extending the applications of conventional UF (e.g. separation of proteins). Through estimation of the type of interactions on membrane surface with surfactants the prediction of retention and removal of small size substances, the prevention of fouling, the modification of surfactant-membrane system, the design of new surfactant-membrane system could be achieved. Finally economical aspects of UF-surfactant processes are given

Statistical medium optimization and biodegradative capacity of Ralstonia eutropha toward p-nitrophenol

The effect of p-nitrophenol (PNP) concentration with or without glucose and yeast extract on the growth and biodegradative capacity of Ralstonia eutropha was examined. The chemical constituents of the culture medium were modeled using a response surface methodology. The experimentswere performed according to the central composite design arrangement considering PNP,glucose and yeast extract as the selected variables whose influences on the degradation was evaluated (shaking in reciprocal mode, temperature of 30C, pH 7 and test time of about 9 h). Quadratic polynomial regression equations were used to quantitatively explain variations between and within the models (responses: the biodegradation capacity and the biomass formation). The coefficient of determination was high (Radjusted 2 = 0.9783), indicating the constructed polynomial model for PNP biodegradative capacity explains the variation between the regressors fairly well. A PNP removal efficiency of 74.5% occurred within 9 h (15 mg/L as the initial concentration of PNP with use of yeast extract at 0.5 g/L)