Nuclear facility discharge pipelines accumulate inorganic and microbial fouling and radioactive contamination, however, research investigating the mechanisms that lead to their accumulation is limited. Using the Sellafield discharge pipeline as a model system, this study utilised modified Robbins devices to investigate the potential interplay between inorganic and biological processes in supporting fouling formation and radionuclide uptake. Initial experiments showed polyelectrolytes (present in pipeline effluents), had minimal effects on fouling formation. Biofilms were, however, found to be the key component promoting fouling, leading to increased uptake of inorganic particulates and metal contaminants (Cs, Sr, Co, Eu and Ru) compared to a non-biofilm control system. Biologically-mediated uptake mechanisms were implicated in Co and Ru accumulation, with a potential bioreduced Ru species identified on the biofilm system. This research emphasised the key role of biofilms in promoting fouling in discharge pipelines, advocating for the use of biocide treatments methods.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08927014.2023.2269532 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Strategy for Fabricating Degradable Low-Surface-Energy Cross-Linked Networks with Excellent Anti-Fouling Properties.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces
January 2025
National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China.
Marine biofouling negatively impacts marine industries and ship navigation. However, current coatings are based on a single antifouling mechanism, which is insufficient to cope with the complex and ever-changing marine environment. Herein, multifunctional antifouling coatings were developed using a material system containing perfluoropolyether and caprolactone chains.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUltrasound-Controllable Release of Carbon Monoxide in Multifunctional Polymer Coating for Synergetic Treatment of Catheter-Related Infections.
Adv Healthc Mater
January 2025
State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China.
Medical catheters are susceptible to biological contamination and pathogen invasion, leading to infection and inflammatory complications. The development of antimicrobial coatings for medical devices has emerged as a promising strategy. However, limited biological functionality and the incompatibility between bactericidal properties and biosafety remain great challenges.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSuperhydrophilic PVDF membrane fabricated on modified TiO/CS-SDAEM nanoparticles deposited on GA/CNTs hydrophilic layer to achieve self-cleaning photodegradation and low contamination rate for dyestuff separation.
Int J Biol Macromol
December 2024
Department of Automotive Engineering, Jining Polytechnic, Jining 272103, China. Electronic address:
In this work CS-SDAEM polymer brushes with long-chain structure were synthesized, and TiO/CS-SDAEM nanoparticles were prepared by modifying them on the TiO surface. The prepared modified membrane can effectively degrade dyes through photocatalysis and can reduce the contamination rate of the membrane during use. The separation membrane achieves efficient removal of contamination by self-cleaning.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInsight into the performance and fouling characteristics of submerged ceramic membrane bioreactor in wastewater treatment.
J Environ Manage
December 2024
College of Resources and Environment, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, 610225, China.
Submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) is a promising technology in municipal wastewater treatment, but the membrane fouling has restricted its development. In this study, an integrated submerged ceramic membrane bioreactor (C-SMBR) was constructed to treat domestic wastewater, and the characteristics of membrane fouling and the microbial community structure were investigated. The results showed that the average removal efficiencies of COD, TN, NH-N reached 94.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCo-occurrence of arsenic and sewage pollutants in surface and groundwater and its implications for water treatment using membrane technology.
Water Res
December 2024
Department of Sanitation and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenue Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. Electronic address:
Arsenic (As) enrichment in groundwater stems from natural and hydrogeochemical factors, leading to geological contamination. Groundwater and surface water are interconnected, allowing As migration and surface water contamination. The As contamination poses health risks through contaminated water consumption.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!