Saponin Molecules from Quinoa Residues: Exploring Their Surfactant, Emulsifying, and Detergent Properties.

The indiscriminate use of synthetic surfactants, despite their desirable properties, poses significant environmental risks to ecosystems. This study explores saponins extracted from quinoa () residues as a sustainable alternative. Saponin extract (SE) with 42% purity, obtained through hydrodynamic cavitation and membrane technology, was analyzed to determine its techno-functional properties.

Alternative methods for cleaning membranes in water and wastewater treatment.

Membrane fouling is caused by foulant deposition or adsorption through physical or chemical interactions on the membrane surface, causing the reduction of flux through the membrane. The main drawbacks of chemical agents used for cleaning are cost, damage caused on the membrane, and waste stream making the process unattractive. Alternative, methods such as ultrasound, enzymatic process, and osmotic backwashing were explored for membrane cleaning.

Acid precipitation followed by microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) cultivation as a new approach for poultry slaughterhouse wastewater treatment.

Poultry slaughterhouse wastewater (PSW) contains high organic matter and nutrients requiring thus a special treatment before its final disposal. In this work, acid precipitation (HSO) followed by microalgae "Chlorella vulgaris" cultivation both in batch and continuous processes was studied as an alternative method for PSW treatment. By reducing the pH value of PSW from 6 to 7 to 4, about 80% of the total chemical oxygen demand (COD) was removed as sludge.