Biofiltration of hydrogen sulfide: Trends and challenges

Vikrant, Kumar,Kailasa, Suresh Kumar,Tsang, Daniel C.W.,Lee, Sang Soo,Kumar, Pawan,Giri, Balendu Shekhar,Singh, Ram Sharan,Kim, Ki-Hyun Elsevier 2018 JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION Vol.187 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Expansion of modern industry coupled with a lack of effective treatment systems has resulted in excessive release of toxic and odorous pollutants such as hydrogen sulfide (H<SUB>2</SUB>S). Development of treatment measures is therefore necessary to protect ecosystems and human health. This paper explores recent advances in H<SUB>2</SUB>S treatment technologies. Particular focus is placed on innovative and recent advances in biofiltration, especially for wastewater treatment facilities and biogas generation (e.g., use of innovative packing media for better performance and reduced pressure drop, eliminating sulfate accumulation, and development of modeling techniques). The review also identifies current challenges and future prospects (e.g., fluctuations in methane and carbon dioxide concentrations during biogas upgradation, optimizing anoxic H<SUB>2</SUB>S biofiltration, and understanding the effects of operating conditions on biofilter performance) for improving biofiltration by highlighting research gaps in related fields.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Hydrogen sulfide (H<SUB>2</SUB>S) is a water-soluble gas with the characteristic malodor. </LI> <LI> In this review, we briefly discussed the physicochemical properties and sources of H<SUB>2</SUB>S. </LI> <LI> We dealt biological approaches for the removal of H<SUB>2</SUB>S. </LI> <LI> The challenges and prospects related to these treatment methods are also described. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Biodegradation of toluene vapor by evaporative cooler model based biofilter

Kumar Vikrant,Harshil Nagar,Raja Anand,Anjney Sharma,Sang-Hun Lee,Balendu Shekher Giri,Ki-Hyun Kim,Ram Sharan Singh 한국분석과학회 2018 분석과학 Vol.31 No.2

Biodegradation of toluene vapor by evaporative cooler model based biofilter

Vikrant, Kumar,Nagar, Harshil,Anand, Raja,Sharma, Anjney,Lee, Sang-Hun,Giri, Balendu Shekher,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Singh, Ram Sharan The Korean Society of Analytical Science 2018 분석과학 Vol.31 No.2

The biodegradation of toluene vapor was investigated using a new type of biofilter equipped with a laboratory-scale evaporative cooler model packed with wood wool fibers (area: $360cm^2$). For the purpose of this study, the biofilter system was inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. RSST (MG 279053). The performance of this biofilter, assessed in terms of toluene removal efficiency (and elimination capacity), was as high as 99 % at a loading rate of $6g/h{\cdot}m^2$. The toluene removal efficiency decreased in an exponential manner with the increase in the loading rate. The cooler model-based biofilter was able to remove more than 99 % of toluene using Pseudomonas sp. RSST (MG 279053) as an effective inoculum. This biofilter is designed to operate under batch conditions for the removal of toluene in confined environments (e.g., automotive plants, boiler rooms in manufacturing facilities, and offshore drilling platforms).

Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based advanced sensing platforms for the detection of hydrogen sulfide

Vikrant, Kumar,Kumar, Vanish,Ok, Yong Sik,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Deep, Akash Elsevier 2018 Trends in analytical chemistry Vol.105 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Hydrogen sulfide (H<SUB>2</SUB>S) is and a colorless, corrosive, flammable, and toxic gas with a characteristic rotten egg smell. Although its detection can be conducted by conventional methods (like gas chromatography), highly effective and sensitive detection of H<SUB>2</SUB>S has been realized with the usage of various nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanostructures, metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and quantum dots). Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as employed for such applications either in their pristine or modified forms, have been recognized as the effective media for sensing of H<SUB>2</SUB>S due to synergistic effects in addition to their well-known merits (e.g., the large specific surface). This review has been organized to describe the potential applicability of MOF-based sensing against H<SUB>2</SUB>S through comparative evaluation of their capability against other materials or tools. We also discuss the present obstacles and outline the future scope of research on MOF-based sensing tools.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The monitoring and control of inordinately odorous gases like hydrogen sulfide, H<SUB>2</SUB>S is important. </LI> <LI> Conventional methods of H<SUB>2</SUB>S suffer from many demerits such as the need for complex instruments. </LI> <LI> Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and hybrids/composites have high sensing potential for H<SUB>2</SUB>S. </LI> <LI> This review highlights recent advances and factors associated with the sensing of H<SUB>2</SUB>S by MOFs. </LI> <LI> Our discussion attempts to uncover the present obstacles and challenges in this field of research. </LI> </UL> </P>

Graphene materials as a superior platform for advanced sensing strategies against gaseous ammonia

Vikrant, Kumar,Kumar, Vanish,Kim, Ki-Hyun The Royal Society of Chemistry 2018 Journal of Materials Chemistry A Vol.6 No.45

<P>Ammonia (NH3) is an uncolored, toxic, corrosive, and reactive gas with a characteristic pungent stench. To date, quantitative analysis of NH3 concentrations have been made using conventional techniques (<I>e.g.</I>, ion chromatography). In light of the complications involved in such applications, efforts have been made to develop detection methods of NH3 that are more sensitive and selective. In this respect, graphene-based gas sensors have attracted widespread attention because of graphene's distinctive electrical characteristics (<I>e.g.</I>, low electrical signal noise and great mobility) and large surface area. This review article was designed to evaluate the potential usage of graphene-based gas sensors for effective detection of NH3. We aim to understand the recent advances in this challenging area of research by critically analyzing various experiments and comprehending their practical implications. This review critically compares the performance of graphene-based NH3 sensors with those of other nanomaterials for a broader understanding of the field. Also, we summarize the future prospects for advancement of graphene technology for NH3 sensing.</P>

Adsorption performance of standard biochar materials against volatile organic compounds in air: A case study using benzene and methyl ethyl ketone

Vikrant, Kumar,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Peng, Wanxi,Ge, Shengbo,Sik Ok, Yong Elsevier 2020 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL -LAUSANNE- Vol.387 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Recently, biochars have been proposed as highly efficient and low-cost media for the adsorptive removal of various hazardous compounds. However, there is a dearth of literature focusing on adsorption performance of biochars against gaseous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In light of this limitation, the adsorption performances of 12 standard biochars made of six different raw materials (i.e., <I>Miscanthus</I> straw pellets, oil seed rape straw pellets, rice husk, sewage sludge, soft wood pellets, and wheat straw pellets) at two pyrolysis temperature conditions (i.e., 550 °C and 700 °C) were investigated against two model gaseous VOCs (i.e., benzene and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)) at 1 Pa each. The breakthrough volume (BTV) and partition coefficient (PC) of benzene at 10% BTV, when measured for all these biochars, varied from 1.4 to 10 L atm g<SUP>−1</SUP> and 6.E-04 to 1.4E-02 mol kg<SUP>−1</SUP> Pa<SUP>−1</SUP>, respectively. Similarly, their counterpart values for MEK were 1.8 to 40 L atm g<SUP>−1</SUP> and 1.E-03 to 2.E-03 mol kg<SUP>−1</SUP> Pa<SUP>−1</SUP>, respectively. The largest adsorption capacity values for benzene (2.9 mg g<SUP>−1</SUP>) and MEK (43 mg g<SUP>−1</SUP>) were observed from the soft wood pellet biochar prepared at 700 °C (SWP700) and rice husk biochar prepared at 550 °C (RH550), respectively. The results indicate that most biochars adsorbed MEK preferentially over benzene. The adsorption of MEK appeared to be primarily influenced by surface features and composition of each specific biochar, while that of benzene was proportionate to their surface area. Overall, the results of this investigation are expected to help establish technical standards for effective removal of gaseous VOCs by biochars.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Biochar is a carbon-based material that can be utilized as an adsorbent. </LI> <LI> 12 standard biochars were analyzed for the capture of gaseous benzene and MEK. </LI> <LI> Rice husk biochar prepared at 550 °C showed the highest capacity of 43 mg g<SUP>−1</SUP> for MEK. </LI> <LI> Soft wood pellet biochar prepared at 700 °C showed the best performance for benzene. </LI> <LI> Most of the analyzed biochars preferably adsorbed MEK as compared to benzene. </LI> </UL> </P>

Bio-filters for the Treatment of VOCs and Odors - A Review

Kumar Vikrant,김기현,Jan Edward Szulejko,Sudhir Kumar Pandey,R.S. Singh,B.S. Giri,Richard J. C. Brown,이상훈 한국대기환경학회 2017 Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment (AJAE) Vol.11 No.3

Excessive amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odorants discharged into the environment are highly dangerous to human health as well as to ecological systems. Biological treatments of waste gas streams, called biofiltration, containing VOCs and odorous compounds has gained much attention because biofilters are more cost effective and environmentally friendly than conventional air pollution control technologies. This review provides an overview of biotrickling filtration, which is a type of biofiltration including continuous trickled-water flow inside filter media, for VOC and odor abatement. The configuration, design, cost effectiveness, removal capacity and environmental impact of this techniques and the future research and development needs in this area are all considered.

Engineered/designer biochar for the removal of phosphate in water and wastewater

Vikrant, Kumar,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Ok, Yong Sik,Tsang, Daniel C.W.,Tsang, Yiu Fai,Giri, Balendu Shekhar,Singh, Ram Sharan Elsevier 2018 Science of the Total Environment Vol.616 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>During the past decade, biochar has attracted immense scientific interest for agricultural and environmental applications. A broad range of biochars with advantageous properties (e.g., high surface area, flexible architecture, and high porosity) has been developed for pollution abatement. Nevertheless, biochar suffers from certain drawbacks (e.g., limited sorption capacity for anions and poor mechanical properties) that limit their practical applicability. This review focuses on recent advancements in biochar technology, especially with respect to its technical aspects, the variables associated with removing phosphates from water, and the challenges for such abatement. The attention paid to the specific remediation of phosphate from water using biochar is limited (n=1114 – Scopus) compared to the application of biochar to other common water pollutants (n=3998 – Scopus). The subject warrants immediate rigorous research because of the undesirable effects of excess phosphate in water bodies. This review will thus facilitate the construction of a roadmap for further developments and the expansion of this challenging area of research.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The control of excess aqueous phosphate is a crucial task in environmental management. </LI> <LI> Elevated levels of phosphate in water systems can increase the costs of water treatment. </LI> <LI> The easy fabrication and structural flexibility of biochars ensure the efficient removal of P. </LI> <LI> We propose various options to apply biochars in the area of phosphate sorption and separation. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Recent advancements in bioremediation of dye: Current status and challenges

Vikrant, Kumar,Giri, Balendu Shekhar,Raza, Nadeem,Roy, Kangkan,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Rai, Birendra Nath,Singh, Ram Sharan Elsevier 2018 Bioresource technology Vol.253 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The rampant industrialization and unchecked growth of modern textile production facilities coupled with the lack of proper treatment facilities have proliferated the discharge of effluents enriched with toxic, baleful, and carcinogenic pollutants including dyes, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, odorants, and other hazardous materials. Therefore, the development of cost-effective and efficient control measures against such pollution is imperative to safeguard ecosystems and natural resources. In this regard, recent advances in biotechnology and microbiology have propelled bioremediation as a prospective alternative to traditional treatment methods. This review was organized to address bioremediation as a practical option for the treatment of dyes by evaluating its performance and typical attributes. It further highlights the current hurdles and future prospects for the abatement of dyes <I>via</I> biotechnology-based remediation techniques.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Presence of dyes is linked with multitude of problems causing ecological imbalances. </LI> <LI> The effective treatment of dyes is a vital task in environmental pollution control. </LI> <LI> For this, cost-effectiveness, environmental benignity, and ease of operation is important. </LI> <LI> MFCs along with the generation of electricity can be the best alternatives for their abatement. </LI> </UL> </P>

A novel approach for prediction of surface roughness in turning of EN353 steel by RVR-PSO using selected features of VMD along with cutting parameters

Vikrant Guleria,Vivek Kumar,Pradeep K. Singh 대한기계학회 2022 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.36 No.6

The abrupt changes in tool-workpiece interaction during machining process induce variation in the surface quality of work material. These interactions include built-up edge formation and their break-off, environmental conditions (use of coolant, rise of temperature etc.), material imperfections, improper structural fitness of machine & tool components, etc. This study presents prediction of surface roughness in turning of EN353 steel implementing the variational mode decomposition (VMD) for processing the vibration data, followed by estimation of the surface roughness using the relevance vector regression (RVR) optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO). The raw vibration data has been decomposed in five discrete sets of frequency components known as variational mode functions (VMFs). A set of twenty-one statistical features in each three axes have been extracted for raw data and each VMF. The RVR has been trained using these 21×3 = 63 features and 3 cutting parameters – cutting speed, feed depth of cut. The RVR has also been trained separately using top 5 features selected through RreliefF algorithm. The optimal decomposition level has been determined to minimize the noise and predict the surface finish accurately. The results obtained in 1st VMF (high frequency, low amplitude) using its top 5 features for prediction have been found to be reliable with higher prediction accuracy.