In this work, an atmospheric aerosol assisted pulsed plasma process is reported as an environmentally friendly technique for the preparation of tunable catechol-bearing thin films under solvent and catalyst free conditions. The approach relies on the direct injection of dopamine acrylamide dissolved in 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate as comonomer into the plasma zone. By adjusting the pulsing of the electrical discharge, the reactive plasma process can be alternatively switch ON (t
ON
) and OFF (t
OFF
) during different periods of time, thus allowing a facile and fine tuning of the catechol density, morphology and deposition rate of the coating. An optimal t
ON
/t
OFF
ratio is established, that permits maximizing the catechol content in the deposited film. Finally, a diagram, based on the average energy input into the process, is proposed allowing for easy custom synthesis of layers with specific chemical and physical properties, thus highlighting the utility of the developed dry plasma route.
Humanitarian water treatment interventions vary from package bulk ‘kits’ to household (point-of-use) options. Whereas the former can be perceived to be too complex to operate, the latter, whilst relatively simple and effective, has logistical requirements that may hinder its application during relief operations. This study evaluates the potential of a semi-decentralised water treatment approach for humanitarian emergencies. Its performance was evaluated against the relevant water quality treatment objectives (The Sphere Project) under controlled laboratory conditions using a synthetic test water. Results revealed that whilst the recommended minimum free chlorine residual levels were not attained (possibly due to high chlorine demand of test water), all other treatment objectives were within desired values, namely: <1 colony-forming unit (cfu)/100 mL with regards to thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms and <5 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units) for treated water turbidity. Given the performance of the semi-decentralised approach tested here, it could be expected to attain all treatment objectives when tested in natural surface waters. It has the potential to bridge the gap between centralised (i.e. bulk water treatment kits) and fully decentralised (i.e. household) water supply strategies.
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