Enhancing the metal ion binding characteristics and reversal of selectivity of crosslinked chitosan sorbents through functionalisation for targeted applications.

In this study, we report optimised synthesis of N-carboxymethylated chitosan (CM-Cts) and its crosslinking to obtain, for the first time, glutaraldehyde crosslinked N-carboxymethylated chitosan (CM-Cts-Glu) as a metal ion sorbent. CM-Cts and CM-Cts-Glu were characterised using FTIR and solid state C NMR techniques. As compared to epichlorohydrin, glutaraldehyde was found to be better suited for efficient synthesis of the crosslinked functionalised sorbent.

Comprehensive oxidative process for the removal of antimony from the surfaces of nuclear reactor coolant systems.

An oxidative process using hydrogen peroxide for the dissolution of metallic antimony, stripping of the dissolved antimony ions, and the compatibility of the oxidative process with the structural materials present in the coolant systems of nuclear reactors have been investigated. This process has direct application for the removal of antimony activity and thereby reducing the radiation exposure hazard to the operating personnel. The rate of dissolution of metallic antimony increased in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

Antimony, a pollutant of emerging concern: A review on industrial sources and remediation technologies.

Technologies for remediation of industrial effluents and natural sources contaminated with antimony - a pollutant of emerging concern - are just emerging. The complex speciation of antimony makes it challenging to devise effective remediation technologies. Antimony is used in several industrial applications and comes into the environment majorly through human induced activities such as antimony mining and other activities involving the use of various products containing antimony.

Copper oxide nanoparticles as an effective anti-biofilm agent against a copper tolerant marine bacterium, .

Biofilm formation on antifouling coatings is a serious concern in seawater cooling systems and the maritime industry. A prolific biofilm forming strain (), possessing high tolerance (>1,000 µg ml) to dissolved copper ions (Cu) was isolated from titanium coupons exposed in the coastal waters of Kalpakkam, east coast of India. formed increased biofilm ( 0.

Enhancing the antimony sorption properties of nano titania-chitosan beads using epichlorohydrin as the crosslinker.

Antimony is classified as a pollutant of priority importance by USEPA. We have earlier reported the synthesis of nano-titania impregnated epichlorohydrin crosslinked chitosan (TA-Cts-Epi) beads, in a format suitable for large scale applications with high sorption capacity for antimony. To understand the sorption mechanism, and to fine tune the bead composition, the effect of crosslinking density on the swelling and sorption properties of the beads was investigated in detail.

Nano-titania-crosslinked chitosan composite as a superior sorbent for antimony (III) and (V).

Removal of radioactive antimony, especially at low levels, is a difficult problem faced by nuclear power plants all over the world. Further, antimony is classified as a pollutant of priority importance by the United States and the European environmental protection agencies. Chitosan, a biopolymer well known for its sorption properties, can also serve as a stable matrix for inorganic sorbents such as titania on crosslinking.

Sorption behaviour of Co(II) and Cu(II) on chitosan in presence of nitrilotriacetic acid.

Separation and isolation of radioactive cobalt ((60)Co), one of the main contributors towards the activity build up in nuclear reactors, is essential for radioactive waste volume reduction during nuclear reactor decontamination procedures. In this context, sorption of free and complexed Co(II), Cu(II) and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) on the biosorbent, chitosan was studied. A detailed investigation on the role of pH on sorption of Co(II), Cu(II) and NTA was done.