No abstract

In this study, thin-film composite nanofiltration (NF) hollow-fiber membranes were used to remove heavy metals from actual electroplating wastewater. The effects of the operating pressure, feed temperature, and feed pH on the membrane performance for the treatment of electroplating wastewater were investigated. The rejection rates for chromium, copper, and nickel ions reached 95.76%, 95.33%, and 94.99%, respectively, at 0.4 MPa. With a rise in the feed temperature, the permeate flux increased while the rejection rates of heavy metals did not significantly change. It was evident that the feed pH greatly affected the permeate flux and heavy-metal rejection as well. In addition, all of the rejection rates of heavy metals by the membrane were over 94.8% throughout the electroplating wastewater concentration process. Also, the NF hollow-fiber membrane showed good stability in electroplating wastewater with a pH value of 2.31.

No abstract

Affordable and practical tools for farmers and food processors along the chain are required to efficiently reduce the risk of mycotoxin contamination of crops, feeds and foods. Developing new tools and enhancing existing ones was the mission of MyToolBox—a four-year EU-project that included important Chinese partners and joint research efforts. To identify future directions in mycotoxin research and management in China and their role in China–EU relations, a unique stakeholder workshop including group discussions was organized in Beijing. Six related topics: biocontrol, forecasting, sampling and analysis, silo management, detoxification, and the development of safe use options for contaminated materials were covered. The discussions clearly identified a critical need for smart, integrated strategies to address mycotoxin issues to attain safer food and feed, and to minimize losses and export rejections. Managing data on when, where and the size of mycotoxin contamination events and identifying the institution(s) to manage them are complex issues in China. Studies of microbes and novel, genetically-altered enzymes to limit pre-harvest contamination and to manage post-harvest product detoxification and alternate uses of contaminated materials are in the early stages in China. Further efforts are needed to increase the visibility of mycotoxin problems beyond the scientific and research communities.