Multiple chemical warfare agent simulant decontamination by self-driven microplasma

Low-temperature plasma is a green and high-efficiency technology for chemical warfare agent(CWA)decontamination.However,traditional plasma devices suffer from the problems of highpower composition and large power-supply size,which limit their practical applications.In this paper,a self-driven microplasma decontamination system,induced by a dielectric-dielectric rotary triboelectric nanogenerator(dd-r TENG),was innovatively proposed for the decontamination of CWA simulants.The microplasma was characterized via electrical measurements,optical emission spectra and ozone concentration detection.With an output voltage of-3460 V,the dd-r TENG can successfully excite microplasma in air.Reactive species,such as OH,O(1D),Hαand O3were detected.With input average power of 0.116 W,the decontamination rate of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide reached 100%within 3 min of plasma treatment,while the decontamination rates of malathion and dimethyl methylphosphonate reached(65.92±1.65)%and(60.88±1.92)%after 7 min of plasma treatment,respectively.In addition,the decontamination rates gradually decreased with the increase in the simulant concentrations.Typical products were identified and analyzed.This study demonstrates the broad spectrum and feasibility of the dd-r TENG-microplasma for CWA elimination,which provides significant guidance for their practical applications in the future.

Selective intestinal decontamination for the prevention of early bacterial infections after liver transplantation

Bacterial infection in the first month after liver transplantation is a frequent complication that poses a serious risk for liver transplant recipients as contributes substantially to increased length of hospitalization and hospital costs being a leading cause of death in this period. Most of these infections are caused by gramnegative bacilli, although gram-positive infections, especially Enterococcus sp. constitute an emerging infectious problem. This high rate of early postoperative infections after liver transplant has generated interest in exploring various prophylactic approaches to surmount this problem. One of these approaches is selective intestinal decontamination(SID). SID is a prophylactic strategy that consists of the administration of antimicrobials with limited anaerobicidal activity in order to reduce the burden of aerobic gram-negative bacteria and/or yeast in the intestinal tract and so prevent infections caused by these organisms. The majority of studies carried out to date have found SID to be effective in the reduction of gram-negative infection, but the effect on overall infection is limited due to a higher number of infection episodes by pathogenic enterococci and coagulase-negative staphylococci. However, difficulties in general extrapolation of the favorable results obtained in specific studies together with the potential risk of selection of multirresistant microorganisms has conditioned controversy about the routinely application of these strategies in liver transplant recipients.

Hybrid electric discharge plasma technologies for water decontamination:a short review

Electric discharge plasma(EDP)can efficiently degrade aqueous pollutants by its in situ gen erated strong oxidative species(OH,0,H2O2.O.etc)“nd other physiochemical effects(UV irradiation,shockwaves,local high temperature,etc),but a high energy consumptions limit the application of EDP in water treatment.Some adsorbents,catalysts,and oxida nts have been employed for en hanci ng the degradation of pollutants by discharge plasma.These hybrid plasma technologies offer improved water treatment performance compared to dischai'ge plasma alone.This paper reviews the water decontamination performance and mechanisms of these hybrid plasma technologies,and some suggestions on future water treatment technologies based on discharge plasma are also proposed.

Surface Decontamination of Chemical Agent Surrogates Using an Atmospheric Pressure Air Flow Plasma Jet

An atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge （DBD） plasma jet generator using air flow as the feedstock gas was applied to decontaminate the chemical agent surrogates on the surface of aluminum, stainless steel or iron plate painted with alkyd or PVC. The experi- mental results of material decontamination show that the residual chemical agent on the material is lower than the permissible value of the National Military Standard of China. In order to test the corrosion effect of the plasma jet on different material surfaces in the decontamination pro-cess, corrosion tests for the materials of polymethyl methacrylate, neoprene, polyvinyl chloride （PVC）, polyethylene （PE）, phenolic resin, iron plate painted with alkyd, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. were carried out, and relevant parameters were examined, including etiolation index, chroma- tism, loss of gloss, corrosion form, etc. The results show that the plasma jet is slightly corrosive for part of the materials, but their performances are not affected. A portable calculator, computer display, mainboard, circuit board of radiogram, and a hygrometer could work normally after being treated by the plasma jet.

Decontamination of 2-Chloroethyl Ethyl Sulfide by Pulsed Corona Plasma

Decontamination of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide （2-CEES, CH_3CH_2SCH_2CH_2C1） by pulsed corona plasma was investigated. The results show that 212.6 mg/m^3 of 2-CEES, with the gas flow rate of 2 m^3/h, can be decontaminated to 0.09 mg/m^3. According to the variation of the inlet and outlet concentration of 2-CEES vapor with retention time, it is found that the reaction of 2-CEES in a pulsed corona plasma system follows the first order reaction, with the reaction rate constant of 0.463 s^-1. The decontamination mechanism is discussed based on an analysis of the dissociation energy of chemical bonds and decontamination products. The C-S bond adjacent to the C1 atom will be destroyed firstly to form CH3CH2S. and .CH2CH2C1 radicals. CH3CH2S. can be decomposed to .C_2H_5 and .S..S can be oxidized to SO_2, while .C_2H_5 can be finally oxidized to CO_2 and H_2O. The C-Cl bond in the .CH_2CH_2C1 radical can be destroyed to form .CH_2CH_2. and .C1, which can be mineralized to CO_2, H_2O and HCl. The H atom in the .CH_2CH_2C1 radical can also be substituted by -C1 to form CHCl_2-CHCl_2.

TWO STEPS CHEMICAL-MECHANICAL POLISHING OF RIGID DISK SUBSTRATE TO GET ATOM-SCALE PLANARIZATION SURFACE

In order to get atomic smooth rigid disk substrate surface, ultra-fined alumina slurry and nanometer silica slurry are prepared, and two steps chemical-mechanical polishing （CMP） of rigid disk substrate in the two slurries are studied. The results show that, during the first step CMP in the alumina slurry, a high material removal rate is reached, and the average roughness （Ra） and the average waviness （Wa） of the polished surfaces can be decreased from previous 1.4 nm and 1.6 nm to about 0.6 nm and 0.7 nm, respectively. By using the nanometer silica slurry and optimized polishing process parameters in the second step CMP, the Ra and the Wa of the polished surfaces can be further reduced to 0.038 nm and 0.06 am, respectively. Atom force microscopy （AFM） analysis shows that the final polished surfaces are ultra-smooth without micro-defects.

Utilization of Various Analogy of Synthetic Nanoporous Zeolites and Composite of Zeolites for Decontamination/Detoxification of CWA Simulants—An Updated Review

In this review, we summaries the past few year work on the chemistry of CWA’s and their simulants on various heterogeneous surfaces of zeolites, composites of zeolites and doped zeolite with transition metal oxides. This review elaborates an updated literature overview on the degradation of CWA’s and its simulants. The data written in this review were collected from the peer-reviewed national and international literature.

Evaluation of Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Fumigation as a Method for the Bio-decontamination of the High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter Unit

Objective To evaluate the performance of vaporized hydrogen peroxide （VHP） for the bio-decontamination of the high efficiency particulate air （HEPA） filter unit. Methods Self-made or commercially available bioindicators were placed at designated locations in the HEPA filter unit under VHP fumigation. The spores on coupons were then extracted by 0.5 h submergence in eluent followed by 200- time violent knocks. Results Due to the presence of HEPA filter in the box, spore recovery from coupons placed at the bottom of the filter downstream was significantly higher than that from coupons placed at the other locations. The gap of decontamination efficiency between the top and the bottom of the filter downstream became narrower with the exposure time extended. The decontamination efficiency of the bottom of the filter downstream only improved gently with the injection rate of H202 increased and the decontamination efficiency decreased instead when the injection rate exceeded 2.5 g/min. The commercially available bioindicators were competent to indicate the disinfection efficiency of VHP for the HEPA filter unit. Conclusion The HEPA filter unit is more difficult than common enclosure to decontaminate using VHP fumigation. Complete decontamination can be achieved by extending fumigation time. VHP fumigation can be applied for in-situ biodecontamination of the HEPA filter unit as an alternative method to formaldehyde fumigation.

Results of gastroscope bacterial decontamination by enzymatic detergent compared to chlorhexidine

瞄准：比较功效酶与为胃的范围的 chlorhexidine 净化细菌的净化。方法：未来的使随机化的控制研究被承担评估这 2 个代理人的能力在一个胃的范围完成高级消毒。260 件样品的一个总数从 5 个不同胃的范围被收集。用手的清洗独立与这 2 个代理人为 10 min 被做(n = 130 各个) 。然后，所有标本经历了为 20 min 浸泡的 2% glutaraldehyde。在 70% 酒精被清洗以后，无菌的生理盐水被冲洗进每条胃的范围隧道，样品的 40 mL 是镇定的。样品被去请在膜以后的氧气的细菌的文化被过滤。比 200 cfu/mL 大的一个殖民地计数被认为重要。结果：积极文化率在酶的净化的手臂是 4.6% ， 3.1% 在 chlorhexidine 武装。假单胞菌属种类是从两个组(60%) 检测的主要有机体。多重有机体从 4 个标本被发现(酶的净化的手臂 = 1， chlorhexidine 手臂 = 3 ) 。结论：清洗答案的两种类型的污染率是相等的。

Modified wool-iron biopolymer-based complex as an active heterogeneous decontamination photocatalyst

A series of biopolymer based complex were manufactured by coordinating iron ions to the abundant amino-and sulfur-containing groups in the modified wool and used as heterogeneous Fenton-like photocatalyst for 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) degradation in the presence of H2O2. Hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH2OH center dot HCl) or acrylic acid was employed to modify the natural wool to strengthen the interaction with iron and to reinforce the structural stability. The NH2OH center dot HCl modified wool based complex showed the best catalytic performance for 4-CP degradation. The strong coordination between iron and great number of hydroxamic acid in this modified complex leads to the least iron leaching during the tests. HO center dot species was confirmed to be the dominant reactive oxidant in the decontamination process. The approach presented in this study can provide a new approach for developing novel bioployermer-based photocatalysts for efficient degradation of toxic organic pollutants such as 4-CP. (C) 2016 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press. All rights reserved.

A Novel Visible-light-responsive Photocatalyst Bi1.5Cr0.5WO6 with Suitable Bandgap Structure and Its Application in Water Decontamination

Integrating the advantages of Bi and Cr elements in the bandgap engineering of metal oxides, a visible-light-responsive photocatalyst Bi1.5Cr0.5WO6 is successfully constructed and initially applied in water decontamination. The combination of UV-vis diffuses reflectance and the Mott-Schottky curve from electrochemical testing can be used to determine the conduction band and valence band of Bi1.5Cr0.5WO6 to be about –1.26 and 1.42 V, respectively. The location of energy band structure indicates that the superoxide free radical can be produced in Bi1.5Cr0.5WO6 photocatalytic system without hydroxyl group. This speculation is also confirmed by ESR experiment and active radical species scavenging experiments. In addition, the best photocatalytic performance of Bi1.5Cr0.5WO6 obtained under 180 ℃ is attributed to the smallest impedance and the strongest electronic migration capability.

Smart decontamination device for small-size radioactive scrap metal:using abrasion pin in rotating magnetic field and ultrasonic wave cleaner

A smart decontamination device is developed for small-size radioactive scrap metal(SSRSM)arisen from nuclear facilities.The abrasion pin in rotating magnetic field and ultrasonic wave cleaner are used for solving the problems of the second decontamination and high treatment cost.At first,the decontamination efficiency of each device is improved by upgrading the design.Optimal operating conditions are determined for each device.Next,both techniques are applied sequentially.Experimental results show that the efficiency of combined decontamination device is higher than that of each device.With the use of the developed device,the various SSRSMs are decontaminated for 15 min treatment in magnetic abrasion device and15 min treatment in ultrasonic cleaning device.Decontamination index ranges from18 to 56.Absolute values of all decontaminated samples are below the background value.

Plasma activated water prepared by different plasma sources:physicochemical properties and decontamination effect on lentils sprouts

The pulsed corona discharge(CD)generated in contact with water and directly in water,and high-power air plasma jet(APJ)were studied for production of plasma activated water(PAW).The changes of physical(pH,redox potential,conductivity,temperature)and chemical(peroxides,nitrites,nitrates concentrations)properties of treated water were investigated.The comparison of CD generated in gas/water interface and underwater configuration in the same system showed that the interaction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species formed in ambient air in gas/water system induces different chemical processes,leading to lower pH,higher oxidation-reduction potential(ORP)and higher conductivity of PAW than in underwater discharge.High yield of peroxide was observed in both configurations.The PAW prepared by APJ exhibits high concentration of nitrites and nitrates according to supplied energy,and related significant decrease of pH and increase of ORP and conductivity after treatment.The antimicrobial effect of PAW prepared by CD and plasma jet on lentils sprouts was studied in different treatment and washing times.The APJ appears to have great efficacy on water activation resulted in strong decontamination effect.The PAW treated by APJ for 10 min led to bacterial reduction from initial 8.3 to 5.9 and 4.0 log10 CFU g^(-1)after 10 and 30 min of washing,respectively.

Wastewater Decontamination from Microorganisms by Electrospraying Corona Discharge

A novel water treatment technique, based on a combination of electrospraying and pulsed corona discharge, has been used for bio-decontamination of wastewater. The electrospraying process has been found to increase the surface area of the treated wastewater, and hence increases the efficiency of the corona treatment process. The phase diagram of the discharge, which characterizes the discharge regimes, has been identified experimentally. The survival ratio of the microorganisms has been investigated experimentally as a function of the applied voltage and the numbers of treatment runs using air and oxygen as working gases. Microorganism surface has been examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM), which enabled in understanding the decontamination mechanisms of the treated microorganism. A complete decontamination has been achieved after only one run for an applied voltage higher than 16 kV when the discharge system was operated in oxygen gas. Optical emission spectrum of the electrosprayed water confirmed the existence of OH-radicals responsible for decontamination process.

Estimation of exposure dose for decontamination workers from contaminated soil at a nuclear decommissioning site in Korea

Assessment of the exposure dose for workers is crucial to protecting workers from the radiological risk.This preliminary study estimates the potential radiological exposure for a soil remediation worker at a nuclear decommissioning site contaminated with Cs-137 in Korea,and then calculates the maximum workable soil concentration to comply with the occupational dose constraint of 20 mSv per year.The Korean characteristic data,detailed exposure scenarios for workers by the type of work,and relevant exposure pathways were used in the dose estimation.As a result,the most severe exposure-induced work type was identified as the excavator operation with an annual individual dose of 5.92×10^-5 mSv for a unit concentration of soil,from which the derived maximum workable soil concentration was 3.38×105 Bq/kg.Furthermore,dose contribution by each exposure pathway was found to be decreased in the following order:external radiation exposure,soil ingestion,dust inhalation,and skin contamination.The results of this study are expected to be used effectively to optimize radiation protection for workers and establish appropriate work procedures for future site remediation.

Pulse electrodecontamination of the surface of steel

Electrochemical decontamination is a new technology for removing heavy metal from the surface of conductor. The optimum parameters are explored by studying the working mode with pulsed power supply. For test- ing and verifying advantages of this technology, we have made an experment on removing uranium pollution from metal surface of a polluted equipment, which has been used for over 20 years. A good decontamination result has been obtained even if a lower current density is supplied.

Optical Decontamination of Large Areas Containing Airborne Microorganisms at Different Phases of Growth

Background:Microorganisms transferred by water,air,and human such as bacteria and viruses can reach inanimate surfaces with high rates of contamination.In general,the objectives of the research were to evaluate the decontamination of large areas such as floors,using a mobile device with ultraviolet C light at different delivery times and also to evaluate these microbial loads in stationary or latent phases.Material and methods:The microbial inactivation effects of this device were measured through the recovery of viable bacteria in different points of the applied area.Results:A significant microbial reduction(p≤0.05)of 60-87%was obtained in general for all groups and for groups with stationary phase reductions of 100%.Conclusions:microbial inactivation with UV-C ultraviolet light administration rates presents the possibility of potential use on surfaces of large areas for the decontamination of microorganisms in latent and stationary phases.

Radiation induced decontamination of Cr(Ⅵ),Cu(Ⅱ) and phenol in some tannery effluents

Industrialization has led to a number of environmental problems, such as release of toxic metals and other toxic organic and inorganic compounds to the environment. Among all, the rapid expansion of leather related industries in Pakistan have resulted in considerable environmental problems and effluents from processing of both domestic and imported hides and skins have increased pollution to alarming levels. Some tannery effluents of Peshawar area investigated in the present study showed high concentrations of Cr(Ⅵ) (2.7-12.6 mg/L), Cu(Ⅱ) (2.6-11.4 mg/L) and phenol (0.1-4.2 mg/L). These contaminants are very toxic and must be removed from effluents before releasing into water bodies. A new technique of gamma irradiation has been investigated to decrease the load of COD and concentrations of Cr(Ⅵ), Cu(Ⅱ) and phenol associated with tannery effluents to the permitted values. It was observed that concentration of Cr(Ⅵ) in the effluents can be brought to the permitted level by applying radiation dose of 3 kGy. A radiation dose of 2.5 kGy was required to remove more than 95% of Cu(Ⅱ) and 100 % degradation of phenol in tannery effluents could be achieved by only one kGy of radiation dose.