Zn(II) removal from wastewater by an alkali-activated material prepared from steel industry slags: optimization and modelling of a fixed-bed process.

Removal of dissolved zinc (Zn) from water by a novel alkali-activated material (AAM) prepared from steel industry slags in a fixed-bed column was investigated. Design of experiments was used to find the optimum operation parameters [flow rate , adsorbent mass, (), and initial Zn concentration ()] for the removal of Zn from a ZnCl solution. Regression models for the breakthrough (), and saturation () capacities of the bed and three other response parameters as functions of , and were fitted with coefficients of determination () ranging from 0.

Ibuprofen degradation using a Co-doped carbon matrix derived from peat as a peroxymonosulphate activator.

The wider presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in nature is a major cause for concern in society. Among pharmaceuticals, the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen has commonly been found in aquatic and soil environments. We produced a Co-doped carbon matrix (Co-P 850) through the carbonization of Co saturated peat and used it as a peroxymonosulphate activator to aid ibuprofen degradation.

Characterization of lignin enforced tannin/furanic foams.

Worldwide, tons of lignin is produced annually in pulping plants and it is mainly considered as a waste material. Usually lignin is burned to produce energy for the pulping reactors. The production of value-added materials from renewable materials like lignin, has proved to be challenging.