• Membrane and Water Treatment
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.241-255
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• 2016

In this study, the treatability of arsenic (As) contaminated water by direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) at different delta temperatures (${\Delta}T$) 30, 40 and $50^{\circ}C$ has been investigated. Two different pore sizes ($0.22{\mu}m$ and $0.45{\mu}m$) of hydrophobic membranes made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were used. The membrane pore sizes, the operating temperatures, the feed solution As concentration and conductivity have been varied during the experimental tests to follow the removal efficiency and flux behavior. Both membranes tested had high removal efficiency of arsenite (As (III)) and arsenate (As (V)) and all permeates presented As concentration far lower than recommended $10{\mu}g/L$ of world health organization (WHO). As concentration was below detection limit in many permeates. Conductivity reduction efficiency was over 99% and the transmembrane flux (TMF) reached $19L/m^2.h$ at delta temperature (${\Delta}T$) of $50^{\circ}C$ with PVDF $0.45{\mu}m$ membrane. The experimental results also indicated that $0.45{\mu}m$ pore sizes PVDF membranes presented higher flux than $0.22{\mu}m$ pore sizes membranes. Regardless of all operating conditions, highest fluxes were observed at highest ${\Delta}T$ ($50^{\circ}C$).

• Membrane and Water Treatment
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.209-221
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• 2016

As a highly hydrophilic fibrillar mineral in nature, attapulgite (ATP) is a promising new additive for preparation of ultrafiltration (UF) hybrid membrane. In this work, ATP particles, which were grafted with a new Gemini surfactant of Ethyl Stearate-di(octadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) to detach the crystal bundles to single crystal and enhance the uniform dispersion in an organic polymer matrix, were incorporated into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix, and PVDF/Gemini-ATP hybrid membranes for adsorptive removal of Ni(II) ions from aqueous solution were prepared via a phase inversion method. Chemical composition, crystalization and morphology of the modified ATP were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The morphology of the hybrid membrane was characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the performance of permeability, hydrophilicity and adsorption of Ni(II) ions were studied, and the adsorption kinetics of the PVDF/ATP hybrid membranes were particular concerned. The results showed that the hybrid membrane displayed a good thermal stability and hydrophilicity. Comparing with PVDF membrane, the hybrid membrane possessed good adsorption capacity for Ni(II) ions, and the adsorption kinetics fit well with Lagergren second-order equation.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.817-826
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bamboo salts on remineralization effects on subsurface of artificial carious enamel. Methods: Incipient carious enamel was formed in permanent bovine incisors and then specimens were divided into three groups randomly: 3% bamboo salt (BS), 2% (NaF) and the solution of mixed 3% BS and 2% NaF. For remineralization, specimens of each of the three groups were treated for 24 hrs at $37^{\circ}C$ incubator. After treatment, specimens were analyzed using SEM and VHN. Statistical analysis used was one-way ANOVA. Results: In SEM observation, the BS group showed narrower distances between enamel rods than the cases of incipient subsurface caries enamel. The NaF and BS+NaF groups showed that the enamel rods near the surface were destructed, and innumerable round small particles were deposited near the surface of enamel. The BS+NaF group showed more minerals attachment between enamel rods than the cases of other groups. The differences in subsurface microhardness (${\Delta}VHN$) increased all of three groups in total by $80{\mu}m$. The ${\Delta}VHN$ of the BS+NaF group increased significantly more than NaF and BS groups in depth of $50{\mu}m$, $80{\mu}m$. Conclusions: The 3% bamboo salt with 2% NaF solution was found to increase subsurface hardness of incipient caries enamel. Thus, bamboo salt will be used to contribute to prevention on dental caries.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.95-106
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• 2011

Even though MBR processes have many advantages such as high quality effluents, a small footprint and convenience for operation compared to conventional activated sludge processes, there are some shortcomings in terms of the cost and potential fouling incident that keeps MBR (Membrane bioreactor) processes from being widely applied. To reduce these problems, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) flat sheet membranes that have excellent permeability and durability were tested instead of PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) membrane which is being used widely in water treatment. Low concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was also added into the membrane modules in order to prevent the membrane fouling as well as to provide the alkalinity. With conditions mentioned above, a pilot-scale MBR system based on the MLE (Modified Ludzack Ettinger) process was operated at flux of 40 $L/m^{2}/hr$ and over 15,000 mg/L MLSS concentration for about 8 months. And coagulant(alum) was added into the membrane tank to remove phosphorus. Although the more coagulant is added the more effectively phosphorus is removed, that can lead to fouling for a long operation(Ronseca et al.,2009). By the way there is a research that fouling grow up after stopping injection of coagulant(Holbrook, 2004). Stable operation of MBR systems was achieved without major chemical cleaning and the effluent quality was found to be good enough to comply with the treated waste water quality regulations of the Korea.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.181-191
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• 2021

The present study addresses isolation, optimization, partial purification, and characterization of a haloalkaline serine protease from a newly isolated haloarchaeal strain isolated from Wadi El Natrun in Egypt. We expected that a two-step sequential statistical approach (one variable at a time, followed by response surface methodology) might maximize the production of the haloalkaline serine protease. The enzyme was partially purified using Hiprep 16/60 sephacryl S-100 HR gel filtration column. Molecular identification revealed the newly isolated haloarchaeon to be Natrialba hulunbeirensis strain WNHS14. Among several tested physicochemical determinants, casamino acids, KCl, and NaCl showed the most significant effects on enzyme production as determined from results of the One-Variable-At-A-time (OVAT) study. The BoxBehnken design localized the optimal levels of the three key determinants; casamino acids, KCl, and NaCl to be 0.5% (w/v), 0.02% (w/v), and 15% (w/v), respectively, obtaining 62.9 U/ml as the maximal amount of protease produced after treatment at 40℃, and pH 9 for 9 days with 6-fold enhancement in yield. The enzyme was partially purified after size exclusion chromatography with specific activity, purification fold, and yield of 1282.63 U/mg, 8.9, and 23%, respectively. The enzyme showed its maximal activity at pH, temperature, and NaCl concentration optima of 10, 75℃, and 2 M, respectively. Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF, 5 mM) completely inhibited enzyme activity.

• Membrane and Water Treatment
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.287-298
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• 2019

Lotus leaf has a special dual micro and nano surface structure which gives its highly hydrophobic surface characteristics and so-called self cleaning effect. In order to endow PVDF hollow fiber membrane with this special structure and improve the hydrophobicity of membrane surface, PVDF hollow fiber composite membranes was obtained through the immersion coating of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) dilute solution on the outside surface of PVDF support membrane. The prepared PVDF composite membranes were used in the vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) for the desalination. The effects of PVDF-HFP dilute solution concentration in the dope solution and coating time on VMD separation performance was studied. Membranes were characterized by SEM, WCA measurement, porosity, and liquid entry pressure of water. VMD test was carried out using $35g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ NaCl aqueous solution as the feed solution at feed temperature of $30^{\circ}C$ and the permeate pressure of 31.3 kPa. The vapour flux reached a maximum when PVDF-HFP concentration in the dilute solution was 5 wt% and the coating time was kept in the range of 10-60 s. This was attributed to the well configuration of micro-nano rods which was similar with the dual micro-nano structure on the lotus leaf. Compared with the original PVDF membrane, the salt rejection can be well maintained which was greater than 99.99 % meanwhile permeation water conductivity was kept at a low value of $7-9{\mu}S{\cdot}cm^{-1}$ during the continuous testing for 360 h.

• Membrane and Water Treatment
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.235-243
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• 2022

The paper presents the effect of operating temperatures and flow rates on the distillate flux that can be obtained from a hydrophobic membrane having the characteristics: pore size of 0.15 ㎛; thickness of 130 ㎛; and 85% porosity. That membrane in the present investigation could be the direct contact (DCMD) or the air-gap membrane distillation (AGMD). To model numerically the membrane distillation processes, the two-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) is used for the DCMD and AGMD cases here. In this work, DCMD and AGMD models have been validated with the experimental data using different flows (Parallel and Counter-current flows) in non-steady-state situations. A good agreement is obtained between the present results and those of the experimental data in the literature. The new approach in the present numerical modeling has allowed examining effects of the nature of materials (Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymers, copolymers, and blends) used on thermal properties. Moreover, the effect of the area surface of the membrane (0.021 to 3.15 ㎡) is investigated to explore both the laminar and the turbulent flow regimes. The obtained results found that copolymer P(VDF-TrFE) (80/20) is more effective than the other materials of membrane distillation (MD). The mass flux and thermal efficiency reach 193.5 (g/㎡s), and 83.29 % using turbulent flow and an effective area of 3.1 ㎡, respectively. The increase of feed inlet temperatures and its flow rate, with the reduction of cold temperatures and its flow rate are very effective for increasing distillate water flow in MD applications.

• Membrane and Water Treatment
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.303-312
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• 2022

The natural hydrology and geological conditions of Xintian County was investigated, the development law of regional karst fissures was studied, the groundwater was collected and tested through a large-scale collection of groundwater to obtain the change law of chemical characteristics and water quality characteristics of groundwater, and the water quality evaluation was carried out for the regional karst groundwater in this paper. The results show that, the whole area is dominated by carbonate rock distribution areas, and the distribution of water systems is relatively developed. The strata are distributed from the Lower Paleozoic Cambrian to the Cenozoic Quaternary, and contain multiple first-order folds. The regional karst dynamic action is strong, and many tunnels or caves of different scales were shown, which are conducive to the enrichment of groundwater. Karst groundwater is neutral and alkaline water, the water is clear and transparent with good taste, and meets the national drinking water hygiene standards. The content of toxic trace elements and fluoride in the water source is generally lower than the limit value specified by the national standard and the accumulated toxic heavy metals is never found. The overall water quality is of good quality and suitable for the development and utilization of various purposes.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.199-205
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• 2023

Arsenic is a highly toxic element, and its contamination is widespread around the world. The natural materials with high selectivity and efficiency toward pollutants are important in wastewater treatment technology. In this study, the mesoporous synthetic hectorite was synthesized by facile hydrothermal crystallization of gels comprising silica, magnesium hydroxide, and lithium fluoride. Additionally, the naturally available clay was modified using zirconium at room temperature. Both synthetic and modified natural clays were employed in the removal of arsenate from aquatic environments. The materials were fully characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) analyses. The synthesized materials were used to remove arsenic (V) under varied physicochemical conditions. Both materials, i.e., Zr-bentonite and Zr-hectorite, showed high percentage removal of arsenic (V) at lower pH, and the efficiency decreased in an alkaline medium. The equilibrium-state sorption data agrees well with the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms, and the maximum sorption capacity is found to be 4.608 and 2.207 mg/g for Zr-bentonite and Zr-hectorite, respectively. The kinetic data fits well with the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Furthermore, the effect of the background electrolytes study indicated that arsenic (V) is specifically sorbed at the surface of these two nanocomposites. This study demonstrated that zirconium intercalated synthetic hectorite as well as zirconium modified natural clays are effective and efficient materials for the selective removal of arsenic (V) from aqueous medium.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.31 no.6 s.89
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• pp.567-578
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• 2001

To investigate the difference of Texture exhibited on interproximal enamel surface with each different stripping method and the susceptibility of proximal enamel to demineralization after stripping and the application of a topical fluoride go] and sealant, one hundred human premolars, which were Previously extracted for orthodontic reasons were evaluated by means of Scanning electron microscopy and laser fluorescence. The results were as follows : 1. No matter what the initial stripping instrument was the furrows that resulted from all the stripping methods were not completely removed by careful polishing. 2. Among the enamel surfaces that were treated with three different initial abrasive instruments, followed by the same polishing method (Sof-$Lex^{(r)}$ disks), the enamel surfaces that were treated with 700 crosscut carbide bur showed the smoothest surfaces. 3. The stripped teeth, no matter what the initial stripping instrument was, were less resistant to initial demineralization than untreated teeth. But no difference in caries susceptibility according to differently stripped methods was found (p<(0.001). 4. Teeth treated with APF-gel or sealant were mote resistant to demineralization than those treated without other treatment after stripping (p<0.001). 5. Comparing groups treated with APF-gel to groups treated with sealant, the former was more resistant to demineralization than the tatter (p<0.05). In conclusion, enamel surfaces that were stripped jnterproximally were less resistant to demineralization even though various attempts were made to produce smooth, self-cleaning enamel surfaces. Therefore, additional treatment-sealant or calcifying/ fluoridating solution To the stripped enamel surfaces is recommended.