1. The application of zeolites for fixation of Cr(VI) ions in sedimentsMarjana Simonič, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The aim of the study was to investigate the fixation of Cr(VI) ions from contaminated sediments using synthetic zeolite 4A and natural zeolite clinoptilolite. Parameters such as pH, contact time, adsorption mass and temperature were investigated. If the ions of the heavy metals were mobile, they would become toxic to the environment. After sediment digestion, the initial and final concentrations of Cr(VI) were measured in sediment samples with or without zeolite. Inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the material. The adsorption kinetics were investigated using a pseudo-first order model, a pseudo-second order model, and an intra-particle diffusion model. The results showed that the zeolites enhanced the fixation of Cr(VI). Chemisorption was the main mechanism when using acid-modified zeolite.
Ključne besede: sediment, fixation, heavy metals
Objavljeno v DKUM: 19.05.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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2. Adsorption of pollutants from colored wastewaters after natural wool dyeingAlenka Ojstršek, Primož Vouk, Darinka Fakin, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The presented study assesses the efficiency of selected adsorbents, zeolite 4A in two
particle sizes and pelletized activated carbon (AC), for the potential removal of color, chemical
oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) and metals from wastewaters after natural wool
dyeing. Firstly, the natural coloring compounds were extracted from dried common walnut (Juglans
regia) leaves and used further for exhaustion dyeing of wool fibers, together with three different
metallic salts in two concentrations (meta-mordanting). Effluents with higher mordant concentration
were additionally treated according to a shake-flask adsorption experiment. The obtained results
revealed efficient removal of exceeded metallic ions by zeolite (up to 94.7%), on account of their
superior ion exchange capability as compared to AC. The zeolites also reduced turbidity and electrical
conductivity significantly. On the other hand, AC was more efficient for the reduction in organic
pollution, COD up to 96% and TOC up to 95%, due to its higher specific surface area and total pore
volume, and, thus, higher potential for adsorption of different compounds in comparison to 4A.
All three proposed adsorbents lowered wastewaters’ coloration remarkably, up to 78% (AC) and up
to 71% (4A), depending on the type of effluent/mordant and inspected wavelength; although, the
spectral absorbance coefficient (SAC) values remained highly above the limit values for discharge of
wastewaters into watercourses.
Ključne besede: wool dyeing, natural dyes, wastewater treatment, decoloration, heavy metals’ reduction, adsorption
Objavljeno v DKUM: 20.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 4
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3. Cu(II) and Ni(II) adsorption on torrefied wood waste biomassMarjana Simonič, Darko Goričanec, Aleksandra Petrovič, Ilda Silić, Danijela Urbancl, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The aim of the research was to study the torrefaction processes of wood biomass, compare the product characteristics at different torrefaction temperatures, and assess both moisture adsorption on raw and torrefied samples, as well as metal (Cu(II) and Ni(II)) adsorption on torrefied biomass. The novelty of the research was to investigate whether the presence of adsorbed metals in torrefied biomass significantly affects the energetic properties of the torrefied biomass, compared to torrefied biomass without metals. First, wood samples were torrefied at temperatures of 250 °C, 350 °C, and 400 °C. Following torrefaction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to evaluate mass loss and thermal stability. Next, changes in surface functional groups were examined, and higher heating values (HHV) were measured to assess the energy content. The results showed that torrefaction significantly increased the hydrophobicity of the biomass, leading to reduced moisture adsorption and enhanced material properties. Additionally, the adsorption of Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions on torrefied biomass was investigated. The results showed that the adsorption efficiency for Cu(II) was higher, reaching 62.4%, compared to Ni(II) at 21.2%. The adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which indicated that chemisorption was the dominant mechanism.
Ključne besede: adsorption, torrefication, nitrogen atmosphere, metals
Objavljeno v DKUM: 12.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 5
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4. Enhancing utilization of municipal solid waste bottom ash by the stabilization of heavy metalsFilip Kokalj, Vesna Alivojvodić, Luka Lešnik, Nela Petronijević, Dragana Radovanović, Niko Samec, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Waste-to-energy (WtE) is a key part of modern waste management. In the European Union, approximately 500 WtE plants process more than 100 million tons of waste yearly, while globally, more than 2700 plants handle over 500 million tons. Roughly 20% of the waste processed is bottom ash (BA). However, this ash can contain heavy metals in concentrations that may render it hazardous. This paper presents a study focusing on stabilizing municipal solid waste incineration BA using simple and industrially viable treatments. The Slovenian WtE plant operator wishes to install the stabilization process; thus, the samples obtained from the plant were treated (1) with a CO2 gas flow, (2) with water spraying, and (3) with a combination of water spraying and a CO2 gas flow under laboratory conditions. Thermodynamic calculations were applied to define potential reactions during the treatment processes in the temperature range from 0 to 100 ◦C and to define the equilibrium composition of the treated ash with additions of CO2 and water. The standard leaching test EN 12457-4 of treated ash shows a reduction of over 40% in barium concentration and over 30% in lead concentration in leachates.
Ključne besede: heavy metals, waste-to-energy, bottom ash, leachate, reuse
Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 8
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5. Mathematical model-based optimization of trace metal dosage in anaerobic batch bioreactorsTina Kegl, Balasubramanian Paramasivan, Bikash Chandra Maharaj, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a promising and yet a complex waste-to-energy technology. To optimize such a process, precise modeling is essential. Developing complex, mechanistically inspired AD models can result in an overwhelming number of parameters that require calibration. This study presents a novel approach that considers the role of trace metals (Ca, K, Mg, Na, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the modeling, numerical simulation, and optimization of the AD process in a batch bioreactor. In this context, BioModel is enhanced by incorporating the influence of metal activities on chemical, biochemical, and physicochemical processes. Trace metal-related parameters are also included in the calibration of all model parameters. The model’s reliability is rigorously validated by comparing simulation results with experimental data. The study reveals that perturbations of 5% in model parameter values significantly increase the discrepancy between simulated and experimental results up to threefold. Additionally, the study highlights how precise optimization of metal additives can enhance both the quantity and quality of biogas production. The optimal concentrations of trace metals increased biogas and CH4 production by 5.4% and 13.5%, respectively, while H2, H2S, and NH3 decreased by 28.2%, 43.6%, and 42.5%, respectively.
Ključne besede: anaerobic digestion, batch bioreactor, methane production, model parameters calibration, active set optimization method, perturbation of model parameter, gradient based optimization, trace metals
Objavljeno v DKUM: 30.01.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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6. Contaminants in the soil and typical crops of the Pannonian region of SloveniaŽiga Jelen, Milan Svetec, Peter Majerič, Stanko Kapun, Lara Resman, Tatjana Čeh, Granit Hajra, Rebeka Rudolf, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Soil contamination and the uptake of pollutants by food crops are widespread issues that vary greatly by region and are influenced by the mineral composition of the soil and local human activities. The Pannonian region, where agriculture has played a key role since Roman times, has been particularly impacted by the long-standing agricultural and industrial practices. While soil contamination with heavy metals is monitored by the Slovenian government, microplastic contamination and the uptake of pollutants into food crops have yet to become a regular component of monitoring efforts. In this study, we conducted a preliminary investigation into soil and crop contamination across the Pannonian region, focusing on identifying harmful contaminants and their potential uptake into food crops. Both soil and crop samples were analyzed for the presence of heavy metals with proven methods such as atomic absorption spectrometry (FASS), graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS), atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS), and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was found to be a potentially faster method of obtaining data on soil composition. Special attention was also given to the potential presence of microplastics in the region’s soils.
Ključne besede: soil contamination, Pannonia, soil, food crops, heavy metals, microplastics
Objavljeno v DKUM: 28.11.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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7. Zero-Waste Approach for Heavy Metals’ Removal from Water with an Enhanced Multi-Stage Hybrid Treatment SystemDanijela Urbancl, Darko Goričanec, Marjana Simonič, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: river sediment, heavy metals, extraction process, EDTA, citric acid, natural clay
Objavljeno v DKUM: 08.05.2024; Ogledov: 187; Prenosov: 23
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9. Transitioning towards Net-Zero Emissions in Chemical and Process Industries : a holistic perspectivePeter Glavič, Zorka Novak-Pintarič, Helena Levičnik, Vesna Dragojlović, Miloš Bogataj, 2023, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Given the urgency to combat climate change and ensure environmental sustainability, this review examines the transition to net-zero emissions in chemical and process industries. It addresses the core areas of carbon emissions reduction, efficient energy use, and sustainable practices. What is new, however, is that it focuses on cutting-edge technologies such as biomass utilization, biotechnology applications, and waste management strategies that are key drivers of this transition. In particular, the study addresses the unique challenges faced by industries such as cement manufacturing and highlights the need for innovative solutions to effectively reduce their carbon footprint. In particular, the role of hydrogen as a clean fuel is at the heart of revolutionizing the chemical and process sectors, pointing the way to cleaner and greener operations. In addition, the manuscript explores the immense importance of the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the chemical industry. These initiatives provide a clear roadmap and framework for advancing sustainability, driving innovation, and reducing the industry's environmental impact, and are a notable contribution to the existing body of knowledge. Ultimately, alignment with the European Green Deal and the SDGs can bring numerous benefits to the chemical industry, increasing its competitiveness, promoting societal well-being, and supporting cross-sector collaboration to achieve shared sustainability goals. By highlighting the novelty of integrating cutting-edge technologies, addressing unique industrial challenges, and positioning global initiatives, this report offers valuable insights to guide the chemical and process industries on their transformative path to a sustainable future.
Ključne besede: net zero, energy, process industries, emissions, climate, chemicals, biomass, waste, cement, metals
Objavljeno v DKUM: 19.02.2024; Ogledov: 333; Prenosov: 553
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