Modern world environmental challenges dictate the need for obtaining of alternative materials in various industrial sectors. Filamentous fungi strains are complex microorganisms that are able to produce rich enzymes batteries that are able of breaking down a wide variety of organic substrates. Present work explored the potential of Fusarium oxysporum strain for creating a novel biocomposite structure, based on an alternative substrate, composed of recycled shredded paper and worn coffee. Strain was successfully grown on an alternative nutritive substrate, which allowed formation of a 64.23µm biofilm on the surface of the substrate, and development of a homogenous hyphal matrix inside the aerial structure of the substrate, yielding a high rigidity material. Both optical and SEM analyses revealed even distribution of the hyphae and partial enzymatic hydrolysis of the recycled paper, which acted as a carbon source for cell development. Flammability analysis conducted on the biofilm surface of the material revealed very good fire retardant properties, withstanding close flame contact up to 80 seconds, after which smoldering fire occurred. Preliminary results are promising in exploiting the potential of an important plant pathogen in obtaining high added value materials, based on use of organic wastes which serve a double functionality, with nutritive role and mechanical substrate.
This paper presents the aspects concerning the mathematical distribution of metal microparticles on the textile surfaces to model the electroconductive properties of the textiles obtained by a printing method using electroconductive paste based on polyethylene glycol (PEG)/polyurethane (PU) and micro/nanoparticle (nickel, silver, and copper). A direct relationship between surface conductivity and surface pH and an inverse relation surface resistance and pH was observed. Besides this, in this paper, we analyzed the dependences between conductivity, pH and surface resistance by using covariance between two vectors (cov(pH, Rs), cov(C, pH), cov(C, Rs)). The purpose of this research is to define a particles distribution that could be useful in establishing the correct distribution of the microparticles for obtaining the surface with antistatic/dissipative, and conductive properties for sensors or electromagnetic shields.
Textile wastewater effluents are considered one of the most polluting sources, among all industrial sectors, in terms of both effluent volume and composition, with high BOD and COD values. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) represents the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria and other microorganisms in decomposing organic matter under aerobic conditions. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) represents the measurement of the oxygen required to oxidize soluble and particulate organic matter in water. The main goal of the present study was the investigation in reduction of both BOD and COD concentrations, in a textile wastewater source, using bio-augmented MBBR specific HDPE carriers (composition: 5% talc, 7% cellulose and 88% High-Density-Polyethylene). The HDPE carriers were bio-augmented in an experimental laboratory installation with five fungi microbial strains (either as a mix or individual strain): 3 own microbial isolates (from decaying wood source) and 2 collection strains, namely Cerioporus squamosus (Basidiomycota phylum) and Fusarium oxysporum (Ascomycota phylum). Results showed a reduction rate of COD value of 53.45%, of HDPE carriers bio-augmented in the experimental laboratory installation (mix inoculation), and BOD reduction rates between 28% (carriers bio-augmented with isolate #2) and 61% (carriers bio-augmented with Cerioporus squamosus strain).
The present study was aimed at highlighting the applicability of novel generations of functional textile materials based on incorporation of safe, pyroelectric nanoparticles into fibers. The synthetic fibers with negative ions emitting properties contain semiprecious stone particles (tourmaline, monazite, opal), ceramic, charcoal, zirconium powders, aluminum titanate and mixtures of such minerals. Currently, the synthetic fibers generating pyroelectric effects are obtained by introducing minerals (e.g. superfine tourmaline powder) into melted polymers before spinning or by dispersing the minerals into the spinning solution. As polymers, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl acetate, polyamide and viscose have been used. In low quantities, these minerals have almost no effect on human health. Included in large quantities, they tend to be too expensive (tourmaline, opal) and the fibers become harsh and fragile. The current generation of FIR functional textile materials faces a series of technical challenges: some of the of the used compounds are radioactive (monazite); if the particles size is too large (0.2-0.3µm), it may result in the production of highly non-uniform fibers and early wear of the mechanical parts producing installation; most of commercial pyroelectric fabrics emit a low amount of negative ions (500-2600 anions/cc) and FI rays, inducing a low health effect. Clinical studies involving exposure to pyroelectric compounds have highlighted positive effects on: blood circulation, skin cell re-vitalizing, collagen and elastin production, sleep modulation, wounds healing and acceleration of micro-circulation, chronic pain management, improvement of vascular endothelial functions, atherosclerosis and arthritis affections etc.
Since the beginning, Mobile Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technology has been extensively used, both at the level of small on-site treatment units and at industrial scale. Moreover, this technology represents a starting point for many researches aimed at improving performance, such as the use of microorganisms, enrichment with anammox bacteria to accelerate nitrogen removal and more. Within the present paper, a new generation of carriers (consisting of a mix of high-density polyethylene + talcum + cellulose) was bio-augmented with a WRF (White Rot Fungi) strain, namely Cerioporus squamosus, in static conditions (data not shown in this paper). The wastewater, targeted for treatment, originated from National R&D Institute for Textile and Leather, INCDTP Bucharest, leather subsidiary, Leather and Footwear Research Institute, technological flux, characterized by high tannins concentration, and cellulosic content. Wastewater treatment aimed the reduction of COD value, as a water quality parameter, with satisfactory results, obtaining a percentage reduction rate of 48.53%. Also, GC-MS chromatography analysis was carried out on five vegetal tannins, used in leather treatment, highlighting main compounds for Mimosa, Chestnut, Gambier, Myrobalan and Quebracho natural tannins.
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