Modelling of Harvesting Techniques for the Evaluation of the Density of Microalgae.

A better estimation of the density of cells has great relevance in the design of harvesting units. In the case of microalgae, the density is a function of the internal composition, which in turn is affected by external environmental conditions. The density of microalgae is often regarded as a constant or a generic value is retrieved from literature.

A practical approach for modelling the growth of microalgae with population balance equation.

Microalgae are versatile microorganisms with applications in food, energy and fine chemicals, among others. Modelling the dynamics of microalgae inside a photobioreactor is a convenient and inexpensive way to determine the concentration of cells over time. Numerous models have been developed in the literature, but only a few are able to give relevant biological information.

Aqueous mercury adsorption by activated carbons.

Due to serious public health threats resulting from mercury pollution and its rapid distribution in our food chain through the contamination of water bodies, stringent regulations have been enacted on mercury-laden wastewater discharge. Activated carbons have been widely used in the removal of mercuric ions from aqueous effluents. The surface and textural characteristics of activated carbons are the two decisive factors in their efficiency in mercury removal from wastewater.

Waste printed circuit board recycling techniques and product utilization.

E-waste, in particular waste PCBs, represents a rapidly growing disposal problem worldwide. The vast diversity of highly toxic materials for landfill disposal and the potential of heavy metal vapors and brominated dioxin emissions in the case of incineration render these two waste management technologies inappropriate. Also, the shipment of these toxic wastes to certain areas of the world for eco-unfriendly "recycling" has recently generated a major public outcry.