Preparation of Ce-Doped Gd(Al, Ga)O Nanopowders via Microwave-Assisted Homogenization Precipitation for Transparent Ceramic Scintillators.

Ce-doped gadolinium gallium aluminum oxide (Ce: GGAG) precursors were first prepared by the microwave-assisted homogeneous precipitation method (MAHP). Thermal gravity-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area analysis (BET) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were employed to investigate the crystal structure, phase evolution and morphologies of the Ce: GGAG precursors and powders. The influence of Ga ion concentration in the salt solution on the properties of Ce: GGAG powders was investigated.

Degradation of diclofenac by UV-activated persulfate process: Kinetic studies, degradation pathways and toxicity assessments.

Diclofenac (DCF) is the frequently detected non-steroidal pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment. In this study, the degradation of DCF was evaluated by UV-254nm activated persulfate (UV/PS). The degradation of DCF followed the pseudo first-order kinetics pattern.

Disinfection by-product formation during chlor(am)ination of algal organic matters (AOM) extracted from Microcystis aeruginosa: effect of growth phases, AOM and bromide concentration.

Algae organic matter (AOM), including extracellular organic matter (EOM) and intracellular organic matter (IOM), has caused a series of problems to the water quality, among which formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) during subsequent chlor(am)ination process was especially serious and concerned. This study characterized physicochemical properties of the EOM and IOM solution extracted from different growth phases of Microcystis aeruginosa and investigated the corresponding formation potential of DBPs during chlor(am)ination process. Besides, the effects of initial concentration of xEOM, IOM, and Br on the yields of disinfection by-product formation potential were studied.

A comparative study of microcystin-LR degradation by electrogenerated oxidants at BDD and MMO anodes.

This study investigated the electrochemical degradation of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) using boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode and mixed metal oxides (MMO, IrOTaO/Ti) anode in different medium. In-situ electrogenerated oxidants including hydroxyl radical, active chlorine, and persulfate were confirmed in phosphate, chloride, and sulfate medium, respectively. Different from MMO anode, hydroxyl radical was observed to play a significant role in chlorine generation at BDD anode in chloride medium.

Adsorption and removal of clofibric acid and diclofenac from water with MIEX resin.

This study demonstrates the use of MIEX resin as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of clofibric acid (CA) and diclofenac (DCF). The adsorption performance of CA and DCF are investigated by a batch mode in single-component or bi-component adsorption system. Various factors influencing the adsorption of CA and DCF, including initial concentration, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial solution pH, agitation speed, natural organic matter and coexistent anions are studied.

Degradation of florfenicol in water by UV/Na2S 2O 8 process.

UV irradiation-activated sodium persulfate (UV/PS) was studied to degrade florfenicol (FLO), a phenicol antibiotic commonly used in aquaculture, in water. Compared with UV/H2O2 process, UV/PS process achieves a higher FLO degradation efficiency, greater mineralization, and less cost. The quantum yield for direct photolysis of FLO and the second-order rate constant of FLO with sulfate radicals were determined.