Publications

Ngo, H, Guo, W & Chen, Z 2014, 'New submerged membrane bioreactors (SMBRs) for sustainable water' in Singh, RS, Pandey, A & Larroche, C (eds), Advances in Industrial Biotechnology, IK International Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., India, pp. 393-411.
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To ensure a stable and reliable operation of MBR in wastewater treatment, it is vital important to exploit and develop novel advanced system configurations as well as low cost and environmental friendly materials in controlling membrane fouling and reducing contaminant loading. The enhanced system performance, extended service life of membrane, and reduced operational cost can significantly contribute to long-term sustainable development in water resources. Compared with conventional SMBR approach, the modified SMBR systems, including ASMBR, SSMBR, integrated SMBR and GACS-FBBR, achieved more desirable outcomes in organic and nutrient removal and exhibited lower TMP development. While PAC in ASMBR can increase the organic removal, mitigate membrane fouling and enhance permeate flux by simultaneous functions of adsorption and biodegradation on its surface, the porous media (e.g., sponge and NB) addition to SMBR can be an excellent solution for additional nutrient removal improvement. It is worth noting that GBF can also play important roles for enhancing microbial activity and minimizing membrane fouling. Furthermore, both the laboratory and pilot scale studies on GACS-FBBR confi rmed that this hybrid system can be a promising pre-treatment for MBR, owing to its success in treating organics and nutrients along with the membrane fouling control.

Tijing, LD, Kim, CS, Lee, DH & Cho, YI 2014, 'Physical Water Treatment Using Oscillating Electric Fields to Mitigate Scaling in Heat Exchangers' in Cheng, L (ed), Frontiers and Progress in Multiphase Flow I, Springer International Publishing, Switzerland, pp. 105-155.
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Abdolali, A, Guo, WS, Ngo, HH, Chen, SS, Nguyen, NC & Tung, KL 2014, 'Typical lignocellulosic wastes and by-products for biosorption process in water and wastewater treatment: A critical review', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 160, pp. 57-66.
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Biosorption on lignocellulosic wastes and by-products has been identified as a proper alternative to the existing technologies applied for toxic metal ion and dye removal from wastewater streams. This paper deals with utilization of typical low cost wastes and by-products produced in different food agricultural and agro-industries as biosorbent and reviews the current state of studies on a wide variety of cheap biosorbents in natural and modified forms. The efficiency of each biosorbent has been also discussed with respect to the operating conditions (e.g. temperature, hydraulic residence time, initial metal concentration, biosorbent particle size and its dosage), chemical modification on sorption capacity and preparation methods, as well as thermodynamics and kinetics. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Abdolali, A, Ngo, HH, Guo, WS, Lee, DJ, Tung, KL & Wang, XC 2014, 'Development and evaluation of a new multi-metal binding biosorbent', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 160, pp. 98-106.
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A novel multi-metal binding biosorbent (MMBB) was developed by combining a group of three from the selective natural lignocellulosic agro-industrial wastes for effectively eliminating lead, cadmium, copper and zinc from aqueous solutions. Four MMBBs with different combinations (MMBB1: tea waste, corncob, sugarcane bagasse; MMBB2: tea waste, corncob and sawdust; MMBB3: tea waste, corncob and apple peel; MMBB4: tea waste, corncob and grape stalk) were evaluated. FTIR analysis for characterizing the MMBB2 explored that the MMBB2 contains more functional groups available for multi-metals binding. Comparing among the MMBBs as well as the single group biosorbents, MMBB2 was the best biosorbent with the maximum biosorption capacities of 41.48, 39.48, 94.00 and 27.23 mg/g for Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II), respectively. After 5 times of desorption with CaCl2, CH3COOH and NaCl as eluent, the MMBB2 still remained excellent biosorptive capacity, so as it could be well regenerated for reuse and possible recovery of metals.

Abedin, MJ, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Sanjid, A, Rahman, SMA & Fattah, IMR 2014, 'Performance, emissions, and heat losses of palm and jatropha biodiesel blends in a diesel engine', Industrial Crops and Products, vol. 59, pp. 96-104.
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Abedin, MJ, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Varman, M, Arbab, MI, Fattah, IMR & Masum, BM 2014, 'Experimental Investigation of a Multicylinder Unmodified Diesel Engine Performance, Emission, and Heat Loss Characteristics Using Different Biodiesel Blends: Rollout of B10 in Malaysia', The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2014, pp. 1-9.
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This paper deals with the performance and emission analysis of a multicylinder diesel engine using biodiesel along with an in-depth analysis of the engine heat losses in different subsystems followed by the energy balance of all the energy flows from the engine. Energy balance analysis allows the designer to appraise the internal energy variations of a thermodynamic system as a function of ‘‘energy flows’’ across the control volume as work or heat and also the enthalpies associated with the energy flows which are passing through these boundaries. Palm and coconut are the two most potential biodiesel feed stocks in this part of the world. The investigation was conducted in a four-cylinder diesel engine fuelled with 10% and 20% blends of palm and coconut biodiesels and compared with B5 at full load condition and in the speed range of 1000 to 4000 RPM. Among the all tested blends, palm blends seemed more promising in terms of engine performance, emission, and heat losses. The influence of heat losses on engine performance and emission has been discussed thoroughly in this paper.

Ahmed, S, Hassan, MH, Kalam, MA, Ashrafur Rahman, SM, Abedin, MJ & Shahir, A 2014, 'An experimental investigation of biodiesel production, characterization, engine performance, emission and noise of Brassica juncea methyl ester and its blends', Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 79, pp. 74-81.
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Al Mahmud, KAH, Varman, M, Kalam, MA, Masjuki, HH, Mobarak, HM & Zulkifli, NWM 2014, 'Tribological characteristics of amorphous hydrogenated (a-C:H) and tetrahedral (ta-C) diamond-like carbon coating at different test temperatures in the presence of commercial lubricating oil', Surface and Coatings Technology, vol. 245, pp. 133-147.
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Altaee, A & Hilal, N 2014, 'Dual-stage forward osmosis/pressure retarded osmosis process for hypersaline solutions and fracking wastewater treatment', Desalination, vol. 350, pp. 79-85.
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Hypersaline solution with high TDS is not suitable for direct treatment by the conventional membrane and thermal processes. The current study proposes a dual-stage FO/PRO process for hypersaline solution treatment and power generation. The treatment process reduces the concentration of saline wastewater and hence renders it suitable for disposal directly to sea or treatment by the conventional membrane and thermal processes. The draw and feed solutions in the FO process were the hypersaline solutions and wastewater effluent, respectively. Five concentrations were evaluated for the process treatment with different concentrations ranging from 53. g/L to 157. g/L. The performance of FO membrane was estimated using pre-developed computer software. The results showed that a higher power can be generated from the PRO-FO system than from the FO-PRO system without compromising the concentration of hypersaline solution after dilution. The study also showed that although increasing the flow rate of draw solution resulted in an increase in the permeate flow rate, it caused a reduction in the dilution of draw solution. On the other hand, the study showed a negligible improvement in the performance of FO membrane upon increasing the feed solution flow rate. Finally, the simulation results showed that the concentration of diluted draw solution was suitable for the conventional membrane and thermal treatments or discharge to seawater after the dual-stage FO membrane treatment. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Altaee, A & Zaragoza, G 2014, 'A conceptual design of low fouling and high recovery FO–MSF desalination plant', Desalination, vol. 343, pp. 2-7.
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Forward Osmosis (FO) has many applications in water and wastewater treatment and seawater desalination. In this paper, the FO was suggested for seawater pretreatment to the thermal desalination processes such as Multi Stage Flashing (MSF). The integrated FO-MSF hybrid system was designed to reduce the cost of desalination in which the brine reject from MSF was recycled and reused as a draw solution in the FO process. A simple model was suggested here to estimate water flux and power consumption in the FO process and compared with Nanofiltration (NF) process which was previously used in seawater softening. The simulation results showed that for feed salinities between 32,000. mg/L and 50,000. mg/L the recovery rate in the NF was higher than that in the FO. It is also found that the water permeability and specific power consumption was higher in the NF than that in the FO. However, power consumption in the FO wasn't affected by the feed salinity while it increased with feed salinity in NF. Therefore, the FO process has the potential to replace the NF seawater pretreatment for thermal desalination. © 2013.

Altaee, A, Mabrouk, A, Bourouni, K & Palenzuela, P 2014, 'Forward osmosis pretreatment of seawater to thermal desalination: High temperature FO-MSF/MED hybrid system', Desalination, vol. 339, no. 1, pp. 18-25.
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Forward osmosis (FO) seawater pretreatment was proposed for the removal of scale ions from seawater to the thermal desalination plant. In the current study, previously developed models were applied to estimate the effectiveness of FO pretreatment in the removal of divalent ions from feed solution to MSF/MED at elevated temperatures. The simulation results showed that the water and salt flux across the FO membrane increased with increasing the seawater salinity. However, for given seawater salinity, the water and salt flux across the FO membrane decreased with increasing the FO recovery rate. It was found that the concentration of Ca2+, Mg2+ and SO42- ions increased with increasing the operating temperature in the thermal plant but decreased with increasing the recovery rate of the FO pretreatment. Additionally, an FO pretreatment-MED Scale Index (FMSI) was developed to determine the required FO recovery rate and avoids scale problems at different MED operating temperatures. Initially, Ryznar Scale Index (RSI) of the feed solution was calculated for different MED operating temperatures. Then, RSI was plotted against the FO recovery rates and the desirable FO recovery rate was determined from the plot based on the operating temperature of the MED plant. The scale index was also applied to determine the required mixing ratio of NF permeate-makeup water in the NF-MED desalination hybrid system. The application of the FO pretreatment-MED Scale Index has the potential to reduce the required time and resources to determine the desirable FO/NF pretreatment ratio of feed water to the MED plant. © 2014.

Altaee, A, Sharif, A, Zaragoza, G & Hilal, N 2014, 'Dual stage PRO process for power generation from different feed resources', Desalination, vol. 352, pp. 118-127.
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© 2014 . A dual stage PRO process is proposed here for power generation using osmotic energy. The process is able to handle a wide range of feed water salinities with different pretreatment requirements in order to reduce the membrane fouling problems. In the current study, the salinity gradient resource consisted of seawater at standard TDS, 35. g/L, while the first stage feed water was brackish water or fresh water and the second stage feed water was wastewater effluent. The diluted seawater from the first stage of PRO process was the draw solution in the second stage of PRO process. The performance of dual stage PRO process was evaluated for a number of brackish water salinities ranged from 1. g/L to 5. g/L. The TDS of wastewater and freshwater was assumed 0.2. g/L. The results showed that a better PRO performance was achieved when the brackish water and the wastewater were introduced in the first stage and the second stage respectively. In case when wastewater and brackish water were introduced in the first and second stage respectively there was about 28% decrease in the second stage permeate flow. The results also showed a decrease in the first stage permeate flow with increasing the feed salinity but the second stage permeate flow increased with increasing the feed salinity. Furthermore the results showed that the first stage maximum power density was achieved at δP=. δπ/2 while the second stage maximum power density was achieved at δP=. δπ/1.5. Unlike the conventional PRO process, it has been found that the impact of feed salinity increase on the performance of dual stage PRO process was insignificant. Finally, the power generation in the dual stage PRO process was higher than that in the conventional PRO process. The difference was equal to the entire amount of power generated in the second stage of PRO process.

Altaee, A, Zaragoza, G & Sharif, A 2014, 'Corrigendum to ‘Pressure retarded osmosis for power generation and seawater desalination: Performance analysis’ [Desalination 344 (2014) 108–115]', Desalination, vol. 346, pp. 37-37.
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Altaee, A, Zaragoza, G & Sharif, A 2014, 'Pressure retarded osmosis for power generation and seawater desalination: Performance analysis', Desalination, vol. 344, pp. 108-115.
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The present study evaluated the performance of pressure retarded osmosis-reverse osmosis (PRO-RO) process for power generation and seawater desalination. Two pre-developed software were used separately to estimate the performance of forward osmosis (FO) and RO process. The draw and feed solutions in the FO process were seawater and low-quality water; i.e. wastewater effluent and brackish water. The simulation results showed that the FO performance increased with increasing seawater salinity and decreased with increasing feed water TDS. Increasing the feed and draw solution flow rate resulted in an increase in the FO performance especially when brackish water was used as a feed solution in the FO process. Power generation from the PRO process was found to increase with increasing the TDS of seawater and the flow rate of feed and draw solutions. The simulation results, however, showed that the PRO process was more sensitive to the increase in the seawater TDS than the flow rate of feed and draw solutions. For fresh water supply, the diluted seawater from the FO process was treated by RO membrane system. Up to 31% decrease in the desalination power consumption can be achieved by the PRO-RO process. It was also found that the increase in the draw solution flow rate resulted in an increase of the permeate concentration and power consumption. This issue should be considered in the operation of the PRO-RO system in order to reduce the overall treatment cost. © 2014.

Altaee, A, Zaragoza, G & van Tonningen, HR 2014, 'Comparison between Forward Osmosis-Reverse Osmosis and Reverse Osmosis processes for seawater desalination', Desalination, vol. 336, no. 1, pp. 50-57.
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The combination of Forward Osmosis (FO) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) was evaluated for seawater desalination. RO process was suggested for the draw solution regeneration because of its high efficiency and applicability for a wide range of ionic solution treatments. Two different salts, NaCl and MgCl2, were used as a draw solution. The performance of FO and RO regeneration processes was simulated using pre-developed software. A comparison between the RO and FO-RO processes was carried out. The simulation results showed that the total power consumption in the RO was lower than that in the FO-RO process. But, the difference in total power consumption between the RO and 0.65mol MgCl2 FO-RO processes was insignificant. The results also showed that the power consumption in the FO process was only 2%-4% of the total power consumption in the FO-RO process. However, the difference in total power consumption between the RO process and the FO-RO process decreased with a higher seawater salinity. In the FO-RO process, the results showed that the permeate TDS was increased with increasing the concentration of draw solution. The lowest permeate TDS was achieved in the 0.65mol MgCl2 FO-RO process and it was attributed to the high rejection rate of MgCl2 by the RO regeneration unit. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Amarjargal, A, Tijing, LD, Shon, HK, Park, C-H & Kim, CS 2014, 'Facile in situ growth of highly monodispersed Ag nanoparticles on electrospun PU nanofiber membranes: Flexible and high efficiency substrates for surface enhanced Raman scattering', Applied Surface Science, vol. 308, pp. 396-401.
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Ary Subagia, IDG, Kim, Y, Tijing, LD, Kim, CS & Shon, HK 2014, 'Effect of stacking sequence on the flexural properties of hybrid composites reinforced with carbon and basalt fibers', Composites Part B: Engineering, vol. 58, pp. 251-258.
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We investigated the effect of different stacking sequences of carbon and basalt fabrics on the flexural properties of hybrid composite laminates. The hybrid composites were fabricated using a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process. Three-point bending test was performed and the fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The present results showed that the flexural strength and modulus of hybrid composite laminates were strongly dependent on the sequence of fiber reinforcement. All the stacking sequences showed a positive hybridization effect. The interply hybrid composite with carbon fiber at the compressive side exhibited higher flexural strength and modulus than when basalt fabric was placed at the compressive side. Here, the proper stacking sequence of basalt and carbon fiber layers was found to improve the balance of the mechanical properties of the hybrid composite laminate. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ary Subagia, IDG, Tijing, LD, Kim, Y, Kim, CS, Vista IV, FP & Shon, HK 2014, 'Mechanical performance of multiscale basalt fiber–epoxy laminates containing tourmaline micro/nano particles', Composites Part B: Engineering, vol. 58, pp. 611-617.
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In this study, the effect of different tourmaline (TM) micro/nano particle loading (i.e., 0.5-2 wt%) on the tensile and flexural properties of a basalt fiber-reinforced epoxy composite laminate (BFRP) was investigated. The TM/basalt/epoxy laminates were fabricated by impregnating woven basalt fibers into epoxy resin mixed with TM particles via vacuum assisted resin transfer molding. Tensile and flexural tests were performed according to ASTM standards. Fracture surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results showed significant improvement in both tensile and flexural strength and modulus when tourmaline particles where incorporated in the basalt/epoxy composite. The best result was obtained at 1 wt% TM loading with surfactant (i.e., C4) showing an increase of ∼16% in both tensile and flexural strength, and 27.4% and 153.3% increase in tensile and flexural modulus, respectively, compared to neat basalt/epoxy composite. The enhanced performance of TM/basalt/epoxy laminates is attributed to a good dispersion of TM particles in the epoxy matrix providing increased surface area for strong interfacial interaction and good load transfer. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ashraful, AM, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Rahman, SMA, Habibullah, M & Syazwan, M 2014, 'Study of the Effect of Storage Time on the Oxidation and Thermal Stability of Various Biodiesels and Their Blends', Energy & Fuels, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 1081-1089.
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Ashraful, AM, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Rashedul, HK, Sajjad, H & Abedin, MJ 2014, 'Influence of anti-corrosion additive on the performance, emission and engine component wear characteristics of an IDI diesel engine fueled with palm biodiesel', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 87, pp. 48-57.
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Ashraful, AM, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Rizwanul Fattah, IM, Imtenan, S, Shahir, SA & Mobarak, HM 2014, 'Production and comparison of fuel properties, engine performance, and emission characteristics of biodiesel from various non-edible vegetable oils: A review', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 80, pp. 202-228.
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Atabani, AE, Mofijur, M, Masjuki, HH, Badruddin, IA, Chong, WT, Cheng, SF & Gouk, SW 2014, 'A study of production and characterization of Manketti (Ricinodendron rautonemii) methyl ester and its blends as a potential biodiesel feedstock', Biofuel Research Journal, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 139-146.
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Globally, more than 350 oil-bearing crops are known as potential biodiesel feedstocks. This study reports on production and characterization of Manketti (Ricinodendron rautonemii) methyl ester and its blends with diesel. The effect of Manketti biodiesel (B5) on engine and emissions performance was also investigated. The cloud, pour and cold filter plugging points of the produced biodiesel were measured at 1, 3 and 5 °C, respectively. However, the kinematic viscosity of the biodiesel generated was found to be 8.34 mm /s which was higher than the limit described by ASTM D6751 and EN 14214. This can be attributed to the high kinematic viscosity of the parent oil (132.75 mm /s). Nevertheless, blending with diesel improved this attribute. Moreover, it is observed that at all engine speeds, B5 produced lower brake power (1.18%) and higher brake specific fuel consumption (2.26%) compared to B0 (neat diesel). B5 increased the CO and HC emissions by 32.27% and 37.5%, respectively, compared to B0. However, B0 produced 5.26% higher NO emissions than B5. 2 2

Atabani, AE, Mofijur, M, Masjuki, HH, Badruddin, IA, Kalam, MA & Chong, WT 2014, 'Effect of Croton megalocarpus, Calophyllum inophyllum, Moringa oleifera, palm and coconut biodiesel–diesel blending on their physico-chemical properties', Industrial Crops and Products, vol. 60, pp. 130-137.
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Belhaj, D, Jaabiri, I, Ayadi, H, Kallel, M & Zhou, JL 2014, 'Occurrence and removal of steroidal estrogens in Centre Eastern Tunisia municipal sewage treatment plant', Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 52, no. 10-12, pp. 2330-2339.
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Occurrence and removal efficiencies of both natural estrogens, estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3), and a synthetic estrogen, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), were investigated in sewage treatment plant in Centre Eastern Tunisia employing simple activated sludge process. Concentrations of target estrogens were determined in both wastewater and sludge phases by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer. Among the estrogens studied, E3 was found as the dominant compound detected in wastewater samples with average concentration up to 300 ± 4 ng/L in influent and up to 36 ± 2 in effluent. High aqueous phase removals (>85%) were achieved for E3, while only low to moderate removals for E1, E2, and EE2 (<75%). Based on the mass balance analysis, sorption onto sludge played a dominant role in the removal of estrogens in warm season, especially for E1 and E2 (69.5 and 66.3%, respectively), while biological degradation played a significant role in hot season (61%). © 2013 Balaban Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.

Brodersen, KE, Nielsen, DA, Ralph, PJ & Kuhl, M 2014, 'A split flow chamber with artificial sediment to examine the below-ground microenvironment of aquatic macrophytes', MARINE BIOLOGY, vol. 161, no. 12, pp. 2921-2930.
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Bundschuh, J, Yusaf, T, Maity, JP, Nelson, E, Mamat, R & Indra Mahlia, TM 2014, 'Algae-biomass for fuel, electricity and agriculture', Energy, vol. 78, pp. 1-3.
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Chanan, A, Vigneswaran, V, Kandasamy, J & Singh, G 2014, 'Beverley Park water reuse plant: getting the salt just right', Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 52, no. 25-27, pp. 4656-4663.
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The extraction type wastewater recycling systems are those where wastewater is taken from the collection system en route to the central treatment plant. This paper discusses a case study of Sydneys first ever extraction type scheme, the Beverley Park water reuse scheme. Primary applications of recycled water from this case study site include: parks and ovals, green-belt and golf course irrigation. Given the plants location on a major interceptor sewer along Kogarah Bay, tidal influx posed a significant challenge due to high salt levels. Salt sensitive grass on golf course greens meant that treated water had to meet stringent quality requirements with regards to salt. The design involved modelling the process of diurnal fluctuations in salt levels and to provide an optimised process design. A non-membrane, design based solution was also chosen to resolve this high salinity challenge. This Case Study highlights the significant challenges in planning, design and commissioning of water reuse plant intercepting sewer carriers prone to salt water intrusion. The study provides valuable knowledge that will assist in providing viable extraction type water reuse schemes for tidal impacted areas.

Chekli, L, Phuntsho, S, Tijing, LD, Zhou, JL, Kim, J-H & Shon, HK 2014, 'Stability of Fe-oxide nanoparticles coated with natural organic matter under relevant environmental conditions', WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol. 70, no. 12, pp. 2040-2046.
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© IWA Publishing 2014 Manufactured nanoparticles (MNPs) are increasingly released into the environment and thus research on their fate and behaviour in complex environmental samples is urgently needed. The fate of MNPs in the aquatic environment will mainly depend on the physico-chemical characteristics of the medium. The presence and concentration of natural organic matter (NOM) will play a significant role on the stability of MNPs by either decreasing or exacerbating the aggregation phenomenon. In this study, we firstly investigated the effect of NOM concentration on the aggregation behaviour of manufactured Fe-oxide nanoparticles. Then, the stability of the coated nanoparticles was assessed under relevant environmental conditions. Flow field-flow fractionation, an emerging method which is gaining popularity in the field of nanotechnology, has been employed and results have been compared to another size-measurement technique to provide increased confidence in the outcomes. Results showed enhanced stability when the nanoparticles are coated with NOM, which was due to electrosteric stabilisation. However, the presence of divalent cations, even at low concentration (i.e. less than 1 mM) was found to induce aggregation of NOM-coated nanoparticles via bridging mechanisms between NOM and Ca²⁺.

Chen, K & Zhou, JL 2014, 'Occurrence and behavior of antibiotics in water and sediments from the Huangpu River, Shanghai, China', Chemosphere, vol. 95, pp. 604-612.
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Chen, X, Guo, J, Shi, Y, Hu, S, Yuan, Z & Ni, B-J 2014, 'Modeling of Simultaneous Anaerobic Methane and Ammonium Oxidation in a Membrane Biofilm Reactor', Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 48, no. 16, pp. 9540-9547.
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Nitrogen removal by using the synergy of denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation (DAMO) and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) microorganisms in a membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) has previously been demonstrated experimentally. In this work, a mathematical model is developed to describe the simultaneous anaerobic methane and ammonium oxidation by DAMO and Anammox microorganisms in an MBfR for the first time. In this model, DAMO archaea convert nitrate, both externally fed and/or produced by Anammox, to nitrite, with methane as the electron donor. Anammox and DAMO bacteria jointly remove the nitrite fed/produced, with ammonium and methane as the electron donor, respectively. The model is successfully calibrated and validated using the long-term (over 400 days) dynamic experimental data from the MBfR, as well as two independent batch tests at different operational stages of the MBfR. The model satisfactorily describes the methane oxidation and nitrogen conversion data from the system. Modeling results show the concentration gradients of methane and nitrogen would cause stratification of the biofilm, where Anammox bacteria mainly grow in the biofilm layer close to the bulk liquid and DAMO organisms attach close to the membrane surface. The low surface methane loadings result in a low fraction of DAMO microorganisms, but the high surface methane loadings would lead to overgrowth of DAMO bacteria, which would compete with Anammox for nitrite and decrease the fraction of Anammox bacteria. The results suggest an optimal methane supply under the given condition should be applied not only to benefit the nitrogen removal but also to avoid potential methane emissions.

Chen, X, Liu, Y, Alexander, A, Gallucci, JC, Hwang, S, Lingam, HK, Huang, Z, Wang, C, Li, H, Zhao, Q, Ozkan, US, Shore, SG & Zhao, J 2014, 'Desolvation and Dehydrogenation of Solvated Magnesium Salts of Dodecahydrododecaborate: Relationship between Structure and Thermal Decomposition', Chemistry – A European Journal, vol. 20, no. 24, pp. 7325-7333.
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AbstractAttempts to synthesize solvent‐free MgB12H12 by heating various solvated forms (H2O, NH3, and CH3OH) of the salt failed because of the competition between desolvation and dehydrogenation. This competition has been studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD). Products were characterized by IR, solution‐ and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal or powder X‐ray diffraction analysis. For hydrated salts, thermal decomposition proceeded in three stages, loss of water to form first hexahydrated then trihydrated, and finally loss of water and hydrogen to form polyhydroxylated complexes. For partially ammoniated salts, two stages of thermal decomposition were observed as ammonia and hydrogen were released with weight loss first of 14 % and then 5.5 %. Thermal decomposition of methanolated salts proceeded through a single step with a total weight loss of 32 % with the release of methanol, methane, and hydrogen. All the gaseous products of thermal decomposition were characterized by using mass spectrometry. Residual solid materials were characterized by solid‐state 11B magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray powder diffraction analysis by which the molecular structures of hexahydrated and trihydrated complexes were solved. Both hydrogen and dihydrogen bonds were observed in structures of [Mg(H2O)6B12H12]⋅6 H2O and [Mg(CH3OH)6B12H12]⋅6 CH3OH, which were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The structural factors influen...

Chen, Z, Ngo, HH, Guo, W, Lim, R, Wang, XC, O'Halloran, K, Listowski, A, Corby, N & Miechel, C 2014, 'A comprehensive framework for the assessment of new end uses in recycled water schemes', SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, vol. 470, pp. 44-52.
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Nowadays, recycled water has provided sufficient flexibility to satisfy short-term freshwater needs and increase the reliability of long-term water supplies in many water scarce areas, which becomes an essential component of integrated water resources management. However, the current applications of recycled water are still quite limited that are mainly associated with non-potable purposes such as irrigation, industrial uses, toilet flushing and car washing. There is a large potential to exploit and develop new end uses of recycled water in both urban and rural areas. This can greatly contribute to freshwater savings, wastewater reduction and water sustainability. Consequently, the paper identified the potentials for the development of three recycled water new end uses, household laundry, livestock feeding and servicing, and swimming pool, in future water use market. To validate the strengths of these new applications, a conceptual decision analytic framework was proposed. This can be able to facilitate the optional management strategy selection process and thereafter provide guidance on the future end use studies within a larger context of the community, processes, and models in decision-making. Moreover, as complex evaluation criteria were selected and taken into account to narrow down the multiple management alternatives, the methodology can successfully add transparency, objectivity and comprehensiveness to the assessment. Meanwhile, the proposed approach could also allow flexibility to adapt to particular circumstances of each case under study. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Chen, Z, Ngo, HH, Guo, W, Pham, TTN, Lim, R, Wang, XC, Miechel, C, O' Halloran, K, Listowski, A & Corby, N 2014, 'A new optional recycled water pre-treatment system prior to use in the household laundry', SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, vol. 476, pp. 513-521.
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With a constantly growing population, water scarcity becomes the limiting factor for further social and economic growth. To achieve a partial reduction in current freshwater demands and lessen the environmental loadings, an increasing trend in the water market tends to adopt recycled water for household laundries as a new recycled water application. The installation of a small pre-treatment unit for water purification can not only further improve the recycled water quality, but also be viable to enhance the public confidence and acceptance level on recycled water consumption. Specifically, this paper describes column experiments conducted using a 550. mm length bed of zeolite media as a one-dimensional flow reactor. The results show that the zeolite filter system could be a simple low-cost pre-treatment option which is able to significantly reduce the total hardness level of recycled water via effective ion exchange. Additionally, depending on the quality of recycled water required by end users, a new by-pass controller using a three-level operation switching mechanism is introduced. This approach provides householders sufficient flexibility to respond to different levels of desired recycled water quality and increase the reliability of long-term system operation. These findings could be beneficial to the smooth implementation of new end uses and expansion of the potential recycled water market. The information could also offer sound suggestions for future research on sustainable water management and governance. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Dang, HQ, Price, WE & Nghiem, LD 2014, 'The effects of feed solution temperature on pore size and trace organic contaminant rejection by the nanofiltration membrane NF270', Separation and Purification Technology, vol. 125, pp. 43-51.
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Deng, L, Guo, W, Ngo, HH, Zhang, J, Liang, S, Xia, S, Zhang, Z & Li, J 2014, 'A comparison study on membrane fouling in a sponge-submerged membrane bioreactor and a conventional membrane bioreactor', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 165, pp. 69-74.
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This study compared membrane fouling in a sponge-submerged membrane bioreactor (SSMBR) and a conventional membrane bioreactor (CMBR) based on sludge properties when treating synthetic domestic wastewater. In the CMBR, soluble microbial products (SMP) in activated sludge were a major contributor for initial membrane fouling and presented higher concentration in membrane cake layer. Afterwards, membrane fouling was mainly governed by bound extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in activated sludge, containing lower proteins but significantly higher polysaccharides. Sponge addition could prevent cake formation on membrane surface and pore blocking inside membrane, thereby alleviating membrane fouling. The SSMBR exhibited not only less growth of the biomass and filamentous bacteria, but also lower cake layer and pore blocking resistance due to lower bound EPS concentrations in activated sludge. Less membrane fouling in SSMBR were also attributed to larger particle size, higher zeta potential and relative hydrophobicity of sludge flocs.

Deshmukh, P, Gopinadhan, M, Choo, Y, Ahn, S-K, Majewski, PW, Yoon, SY, Bakajin, O, Elimelech, M, Osuji, CO & Kasi, RM 2014, 'Molecular Design of Liquid Crystalline Brush-Like Block Copolymers for Magnetic Field Directed Self-Assembly: A Platform for Functional Materials', ACS Macro Letters, vol. 3, no. 5, pp. 462-466.
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Ding, A, Liang, H, Qu, F, Bai, L, Li, G, Ngo, HH & Guo, W 2014, 'Effect of granular activated carbon addition on the effluent properties and fouling potentials of membrane-coupled expanded granular sludge bed process', Bioresource Technology, vol. 171, pp. 240-246.
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To mitigate membrane fouling of membrane-coupled anaerobic process, granular activated carbon (GAC: 50 g/L) was added into an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB). A short-term ultrafiltration test was investigated for analyzing membrane fouling potential and underlying fouling mechanisms. The results showed that adding GAC into the EGSB not only improved the COD removal efficiency, but also alleviated membrane fouling efficiently because GAC could help to reduce soluble microbial products, polysaccharides and proteins by 26.8%, 27.8% and 24.7%, respectively, compared with the control system. Furthermore, excitation emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy analysis revealed that GAC addition mainly reduced tryptophan protein-like, aromatic protein-like and fulvic-like substances. In addition, the resistance distribution analysis demonstrated that adding GAC primarily decreased the cake layer resistance by 53.5%. The classic filtration mode analysis showed that cake filtration was the major fouling mechanism for membrane-coupled EGSB process regardless of the GAC addition.

El Saliby, I, Erdei, L, McDonagh, A, Kim, J-B, Kim, J-H & Shon, HK 2014, 'Co-doped mesoporous titania photocatalysts prepared from a peroxo-titanium complex solution', MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN, vol. 49, pp. 7-13.
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In this study, nitrogen doped and nitrogen/silver co-doped TiO2 photocatalsysts were fabricated using a sol–gel method at room temperature. The obtained gels were neutralized, washed with pure water, and calcined at 400 °C for 4 h. The photocatalysts were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and BET specific surface area. The results showed that spherical particles with anatase structure were produced after annealing at 400 °C. N 1s (400 eV) and Ag 3d (367.3 eV) states indicated that nitrogen doping and silver co-doping were in the form of NO bonds and AgO, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of photocatalysts was investigated using a batch reactor system exposed to artificial solar irradiation. Both nitrogen and silver/nitrogen co-doped materials were effective in the photocatalytic degradation of hexamethyl pararosaniline chloride.

Everett, JD, Baird, ME, Roughan, M, Suthers, IM & Doblin, MA 2014, 'Relative impact of seasonal and oceanographic drivers on surface chlorophyll a along a Western Boundary Current', PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY, vol. 120, pp. 340-351.
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Strengthening Western Boundary Currents (WBCs) advect warm, low nutrient waters into temperate latitudes, displacing more productive waters. WBCs also influence phytoplankton distribution and growth through current-induced upwelling, mesoscale eddy intrusion and seasonal changes in strength and poleward penetration. Here we examine dynamics of chlorophyll a (Chl. a) in the western Pacific Ocean, a region strongly influenced by the East Australian Current (EAC). We interpreted a spatial and temporal analysis of satellite-derived surface Chl. a, using a hydrodynamic model, a wind-reanalysis product and an altimetry-derived eddy-census. Our analysis revealed regions of persistently elevated surface Chl. a along the continental shelf and showed that different processes have a dominant effect in different locations. In the northern and central zones, upwelling events tend to regulate surface Chl. a patterns, with peaks in phytoplankton biomass corresponding to two known upwelling locations south of Cape Byron (28.5S) and Smoky Cape (31S). Within the central EAC separation zone, positive surface Chl. a anomalies occurred 65% of the time when both wind-stress (sw) and bottom-stress (sB) were upwelling- favourable, and only 17% of the time when both were downwelling-favourable. The interaction of wind and the EAC was a critical driver of surface Chl. a dynamics, with upwelling-favourable sW resulting in a 70% increase in surface Chl. a at some locations, when compared to downwelling-favourable sW. In the southern zone, surface Chl. a was driven by a strong seasonal cycle, with phytoplankton biomass increasing up to 152% annually each spring. The Stockton Bight region (32.2533.25S) contained P20% of the total shelf Chl. a on 27% of occasions due to its location downstream of upwelling locations, wide shelf area and reduced surface velocities. This region is analogous to productive fisheries regions in the Aghulus Current (Natal Bight) and Kuroshio Current (Enshu-nada Sea)...

Fam, W, Phuntsho, S, Lee, JH, Cho, J & Shon, HK 2014, 'Boron transport through polyamide-based thin film composite forward osmosis membranes', DESALINATION, vol. 340, no. 1, pp. 11-17.
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The boron transport in forward osmosis (FO) process using thin film composite (TFC) membranes has been investigated. Two common fertilizers were used as draw solutes and a model seawater as the feed. The influence of several physical and chemical operating conditions on boron solute flux and boron rejection rates was investigated. The examined factors include draw solution types, membrane orientation, feed and draw solution concentrations, boron feed concentration, crossflow rate, and feed solution pH. The key mechanisms that govern boron transports are reverse draw solute flux and internal concentration polarization experienced by the membrane during the FO process. Results show that the use of draw solute with small hydrated radius could improve boron rejection hindered by the higher reverse diffusion of draw solutes. The osmotic process operated in the pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) mode results in lower boron rejection. However, the most effective boron removal was achieved by operating the feed solution at high pH (pH=11) because boron in the solution contains larger-size borate species, and thus increases boron rejection rate up to 94% by electrostatic repulsion. This study mainly focused on the performance of TFC membrane in boron removal. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Fatahi, B & Tabatabaiefar, SHR 2014, 'Effects of Soil Plasticity on Seismic Performance of Mid-Rise Building Frames Resting on Soft Soils', Advances in Structural Engineering, vol. 17, no. 10, pp. 1387-1402.
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In this study, the effects of Plasticity Index (PI) variation on the seismic response of mid-rise building frames resting on soft soil deposits are investigated. To achieve this goal, three structural models including 5, 10, and 15 storey buildings are simulated in conjunction with a clayey soil representing soil class Eeaccording to the classification of AS1170.4–2007 (Earthquake actions in Australia) and then varying the Plasticity Index. Structural sections of the selected frames were designed according to AS3600–2009 (Australian Standard for Concrete Structures) after undertaking dynamic analysis under the influence of four different earthquake ground motions. The frame sections are modelled and analysed, employing finite difference method adopting FLAC 2D software under two different boundary conditions: (i) fixed base (no Soil-Structure Interaction), and (ii) flexible base considering soil-structure interaction. Fully nonlinear dynamic analyses under the influence of different earthquake records are conducted and the results in terms of maximum lateral displacements and inter-storey drifts for the above mentioned boundary conditions are obtained, compared, and discussed. Base on the results of the numerical investigations, it becomes apparent that as the Plasticity Index of the subsoil increases, the base shears of mid-rise building frames resting on soft soil deposits increase, while the lateral deflections and corresponding inter-storey drifts decrease. It is concluded that reduction of the Plasticity Index could noticeably amplify the effects of soil-structure interaction on the seismic response of mid-rise building frames.

Fatahi, B & Tabatabaiefar, SHR 2014, 'Fully Nonlinear versus Equivalent Linear Computation Method for Seismic Analysis of Midrise Buildings on Soft Soils', International Journal of Geomechanics, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 04014016-04014016.
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In this study, the accuracy of a fully nonlinear method against an equivalent linear method for dynamic analysis of soil-structure interaction is investigated comparing the predicted results of both numerical procedures. Three structural models, including 5-story, 10-story, and 15-story buildings, are simulated in conjunction with two soil types with shear-wave velocities less than 600?m/s. The aforementioned frames were analyzed under three different conditions: (1) fixed-base model performing conventional time history dynamic analysis under the influence of earthquake records, (2) flexible-base model (considering full soil-structure interaction) conducting equivalent linear dynamic analysis of soil-structure interaction under seismic loads, and (3) flexible-base model performing fully nonlinear dynamic analysis of soil-structure interaction under the influence of earthquake records. The results of these three cases in terms of average lateral story deflections and interstory drifts are determined, compared, and discussed. It is concluded that the equivalent linear method of the dynamic analysis underestimates the inelastic seismic response of midrise moment resisting building frames resting on soft soils in comparison with the fully nonlinear dynamic analysis method. Therefore, a design procedure using the equivalent linear method cannot adequately guarantee the structural safety for midrise building frames resting on soft soils.

Fatahi, B, Basack, S, Ryan, P, Zhou, W-H & Khabbaz, H 2014, 'Performance of laterally loaded piles considering soil and interface parameters', GEOMECHANICS AND ENGINEERING, vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 495-524.
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© 2014 Techno-Press, Ltd. To investigate the soil-pile interactive performance under lateral loads, a set of laboratory model tests was conducted on remoulded test bed of soft clay and medium dense sand. Then, a simplified boundary element analysis had been carried out assuming floating pile. In case of soft clay, it has been observed that lateral loads on piles can initiate the formation of a gap, soil heave and the tension crack in the vicinity of the soil surface and the interface, whereas in medium dense sand, a semi-elliptical depression zone can develop. Comparison of test and boundary element results indicates the accuracy of the solution developed. However, in the boundary element analysis, the possible shear stresses likely to be developed at the interface are ignored in order to simplify the existing complex equations. Moreover, it is unable to capture the influence of base restraint in case of a socketed pile. To bridge up this gap and to study the influence of the initial stress state and interface parameters, a field based case-study of laterally-loaded pile in layered soil with socketed tip is explored and modelled using the finite element method. The results of the model have been verified against known field measurements from a case-study. Parametric studies have been conducted to investigate the influence of the coefficient of lateral earth pressure and the interface strength reduction factor on the results of the model.

Fatahi, B, Khabbaz, H & Indraratna, B 2014, 'Modelling of unsaturated ground behaviour influenced by vegetation transpiration', Geomechanics and Geoengineering, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 187-207.
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Vegetation contributes to weak soil stabilisation through reinforcement of the soil, dissipation of excess pore pressure and increasing the shear strength by induced matric suction. This paper describes the way vegetation influences soil matric suction, shrinkage and ground settlement in the vadose zone through transpiration. A mathematical model for the rate of root water uptake, including the root growth rate considering ground conditions, type of vegetation and climatic parameters, has been developed. A finite element approach is employed to solve the transient coupled flow-deformation equations. The finite element mesh is built using partially saturated soil elements capable of representing the salient aspects of unsaturated permeability and the soil water characteristic curve. The model formulation is based on the effective stress theory of unsaturated soils. Based on this proposed model, the distribution of the ground matric suction profile adjacent to the tree is numerically analysed. Current field measurements of soil matric suction and moisture content collected from Miram site located in Victoria State, Australia by the authors are compared with the numerical predictions. The results indicate that the proposed root water uptake model incorporated in the numerical analysis can be used for prediction of ground properties influenced by tree roots. © 2014 Taylor & Francis.

Fatahi, B, Tabatabaiefar, SHR & Samali, B 2014, 'Soil-structure interaction vs Site effect for seismic design of tall buildings on soft soil', GEOMECHANICS AND ENGINEERING, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 293-320.
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In this study, in order to evaluate adequacy of considering local site effect, excluding soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects in inelastic dynamic analysis and design of mid-rise moment resisting building frames, three structural models including 5, 10, and 15 storey buildings are simulated in conjunction with two soil types with the shear wave velocities less than 600 m/s, representing soil classes De and Ee according to the classification of AS1170.4-2007 (Earthquake actions in Australia) having 30 m bedrock depth. Structural sections of the selected frames were designed according to AS3600:2009 (Australian Standard for Concrete Structures) after undertaking inelastic dynamic analysis under the influence of four different earthquake ground motions. Then the above mentioned frames were analysed under three different boundary conditions: (i) fixed base under direct influence of earthquake records; (ii) fixed base considering local site effect modifying the earthquake record only; and (iii) flexible-base (considering full soil-structure interaction). The results of the analyses in terms of base shears and structural drifts for the above mentioned boundary conditions are compared and discussed. It is concluded that the conventional inelastic design procedure by only including the local site effect excluding SSI cannot adequately guarantee the structural safety for mid-rise moment resisting buildings higher than 5 storeys resting on soft soil deposits.

Fauzi, H, Metselaar, HSC, Mahlia, TMI & Silakhori, M 2014, 'Sodium laurate enhancements the thermal properties and thermal conductivity of eutectic fatty acid as phase change material (PCM)', Solar Energy, vol. 102, pp. 333-337.
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Fauzi, H, Metselaar, HSC, Mahlia, TMI & Silakhori, M 2014, 'Thermo-physical stability of fatty acid eutectic mixtures subjected to accelerated aging for thermal energy storage (TES) application', Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 66, no. 1-2, pp. 328-334.
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Feng, X, Tousley, ME, Cowan, MG, Wiesenauer, BR, Nejati, S, Choo, Y, Noble, RD, Elimelech, M, Gin, DL & Osuji, CO 2014, 'Scalable Fabrication of Polymer Membranes with Vertically Aligned 1 nm Pores by Magnetic Field Directed Self-Assembly', ACS Nano, vol. 8, no. 12, pp. 11977-11986.
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Fu, Q, Wong, EHH, Kim, J, Scofield, JMP, Gurr, PA, Kentish, SE & Qiao, GG 2014, 'The effect of soft nanoparticles morphologies on thin film composite membrane performance', J. Mater. Chem. A, vol. 2, no. 42, pp. 17751-17756.
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Novel soft nanoparticles with tunable morphologies were incorporated into thin film composite membrane system for efficient CO₂ capture applications.

Fujioka, T, Khan, SJ, McDonald, JA, Roux, A, Poussade, Y, Drewes, JE & Nghiem, LD 2014, 'N-nitrosamine rejection by reverse osmosis: Effects of membrane exposure to chemical cleaning reagents', Desalination, vol. 343, pp. 60-66.
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Ganandran, GSB, Mahlia, TMI, Ong, HC, Rismanchi, B & Chong, WT 2014, 'Cost-Benefit Analysis and Emission Reduction of Energy Efficient Lighting at the Universiti Tenaga Nasional', The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2014, pp. 1-11.
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This paper reports the result of an investigation on the potential energy saving of the lighting systems at selected buildings of the Universiti Tenaga Nasional. The scope of this project includes evaluation of the lighting system in the Library, Admin Building, College of Engineering, College of Information Technology, Apartments, and COE Food court of the university. The main objectives of this project are to design the proper retrofit scenario and to calculate the potential electricity saving, the payback period, and the potential environmental benefits. In this survey the policy for retrofitting the old lighting system with the new energy saving LEDs starts with 10% for the first year and continues constantly for 10 years until all the lighting systems have been replaced. The result of the life cycle analysis reveals that after four years, the selected buildings will bring profit for the investment.

Ganasen, P, Khan, MR, Kalam, MA & Mahmud, MS 2014, 'Effect of visible light on catalytic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl palmitate by the Pseudomonas cepacia lipase immobilized on sol–gel support', Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, vol. 37, no. 11, pp. 2353-2359.
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Gopinadhan, M, Deshmukh, P, Choo, Y, Majewski, PW, Bakajin, O, Elimelech, M, Kasi, RM & Osuji, CO 2014, 'Thermally Switchable Aligned Nanopores by Magnetic‐Field Directed Self‐Assembly of Block Copolymers', Advanced Materials, vol. 26, no. 30, pp. 5148-5154.
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Guadie, A, Xia, S, Zhang, Z, Zeleke, J, Guo, W, Ngo, HH & Hermanowicz, SW 2014, 'Effect of intermittent aeration cycle on nutrient removal and microbial community in a fluidized bed reactor-membrane bioreactor combo system', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 156, pp. 195-205.
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Effect of intermittent aeration cycle (IAC = 15/4560/60 min) on nutrient removal and microbial community structure was investigated using a novel fluidized bed reactormembrane bioreactor (FBRMBR) combo system. FBR alone was found more efficient for removing PO4-P (>85%) than NH4-N (<40%) and chemical oxygen demand (COD < 35%). However, in the combo system, COD and NH4-N removals were almost complete (>98%). Efficient nitrification, stable mixed liquor suspended solid and reduced transmembrane pressure was also achieved. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results of total bacteria 16S rRNA gene copies per mL of mixed-liquor varied from (2.48 ± 0.42) × 109 initial to (2.74 ± 0.10) × 108, (6.27 ± 0.16) × 109 and (9.17 ± 1.78) × 109 for 15/45, 45/15 and 60/60 min of IACs, respectively. The results of clone library analysis revealed that Proteobacteria (59%), Firmicutes (12%) and Bacteroidetes (11%) were the dominant bacterial group in all samples. Overall, the combo system performs optimum nutrient removal and host stable microbial communities at 45/15 min of IAC.

Gurr, PA, Scofield, JMP, Kim, J, Fu, Q, Kentish, SE & Qiao, GG 2014, 'Polyimide polydimethylsiloxane triblock copolymers for thin film composite gas separation membranes', Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, vol. 52, no. 23, pp. 3372-3382.
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ABSTRACTThis article demonstrates the successful fabrication of thin‐film‐composite (TFC) membranes containing well‐defined soft‐hard‐soft triblock copolymers. Based on “hard” polyimide (PI) and “soft” polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), these triblock copolymers (PDMS‐b‐PI‐b‐PDMS), were prepared via condensation polymerization, and end‐group allylic functionalization to prepare the polyimide component and subsequent “click” coupling with the soft azido functionalized PDMS component. The selective layer consisted of pure PDMS‐b‐PI‐b‐PDMS copolymers which were cast onto a precast crosslinked‐PDMS gutter layer which in turn was cast onto a porous polyacrylonitrile coated substrate. The TFC membranes' gas transport properties, primarily for the separation of carbon dioxide (CO2) from nitrogen (N2), were determined at 35 °C and at a feed pressure of 2 atm. The TFC membranes showed improvements in gas permselectivity with increasing PDMS weight fraction. These results demonstrate the ability for glassy, hard polymer components to be coated onto otherwise incompatible surfaces of highly permeable soft TFC substrates through covalent coupling. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3372–3382

Gustafsson, MSM, Baird, ME & Ralph, PJ 2014, 'Modeling photoinhibition-driven bleaching in Scleractinian coral as a function of light, temperature, and heterotrophy', LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY, vol. 59, no. 2, pp. 603-622.
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Habibullah, M, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Rizwanul Fattah, IM, Ashraful, AM & Mobarak, HM 2014, 'Biodiesel production and performance evaluation of coconut, palm and their combined blend with diesel in a single-cylinder diesel engine', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 87, pp. 250-257.
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Halim, A, Fu, Q, Yong, Q, Gurr, PA, Kentish, SE & Qiao, GG 2014, 'Soft polymeric nanoparticle additives for next generation gas separation membranes', Journal of Materials Chemistry A, vol. 2, no. 14, pp. 4999-4999.
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Halim, A, Reid, TD, Ren, JM, Fu, Q, Gurr, PA, Blencowe, A, Kentish, SE & Qiao, GG 2014, 'Soft nanoparticles assembled from linear poly(ethylene glycol) and linear brush polydimethylsiloxane diblock copolymers', Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, vol. 52, no. 9, pp. 1251-1262.
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ABSTRACTA series of novel amphiphilic diblock copolymers composed of hydrophilic linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and linear brush hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were synthesized. Three different molecular weights of monomethyl ether PEG were initially functionalized with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide to afford macroinitiators suitable for atom‐transfer radical polymerization. The macroinitiators were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectroscopy. The three different molecular weight macroinitiators were then chain extended with monomethacryloxypropyl‐terminated PDMS and photoactive 2‐(methylacyloyloxy)ethyl anthracene‐9‐carboxylate in different molar ratios to afford a series of photoresponsive amphiphilic diblock copolymers with high conversions. Self‐assembly of these linear–linear brush diblock copolymers in N,N‐dimethylformamide afforded nanoparticles with hydrodynamic diameters (dH) ranging from 41 to 268 nm, as determined by dynamic light scattering analysis. Crosslinking and stabilization of the nanoparticles was achieved via [4+4] photodimerization of the anthracene moieties upon exposure to UV radiation at 365 nm with the reverse reaction studied at a wavelength of 254 nm. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the self‐assembled nanoparticles and their crosslinked derivatives had spherical morphologies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1251–1262

Hanif, M, Mahlia, TMI, Zare, A, Saksahdan, TJ & Metselaar, HSC 2014, 'Potential energy savings by radiative cooling system for a building in tropical climate', Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 32, pp. 642-650.
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Hassler, CS, Ridgway, KR, Bowie, AR, Butler, ECV, Clementson, LA, Doblin, MA, Davies, DM, Law, C, Ralph, PJ, van der Merwe, P, Watson, R & Ellwood, MJ 2014, 'Primary productivity induced by iron and nitrogen in the Tasman Sea: an overview of the PINTS expedition', MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH, vol. 65, no. 6, pp. 517-537.
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The Tasman Sea and the adjacent Sub-Antarctic zone (SAZ) are economically important regions, where the parameters controlling the phytoplankton community composition and carbon fixation are not yet fully resolved. Contrasting nutrient distributions as well as phytoplankton biomass, biodiversity and productivity we observed between the North Tasman Sea and the SAZ. In-situ FV/FM, dissolved and particulate nutrients, iron biological uptake, and nitrogen and carbon fixation were used to determine the factor limiting phytoplankton growth and productivity in the North Tasman Sea and the SAZ. Highly productive cyanobacteria dominated the North Tasman Sea. High atmospheric nitrogen fixation and low nitrate dissolved concentrations indicated that non-diazotroph phytoplankton are nitrogen limited. Deck-board incubations also suggested that, at depth, iron could limit eukaryotes, but not cyanobacteria in that region. In the SAZ, the phytoplankton community was dominated by a bloom of haptophytes. The low productivity in the SAZ was mainly explained by light limitation, but nitrogen, silicic acid as well as iron were all depleted to the extent that they could become co-limiting. This study illustrates the challenge associated with identification of the limiting nutrient as it varied between phytoplankton groups, depths and sites.

Hau, NT, Chen, S-S, Nguyen, NC, Huang, KZ, Ngo, HH & Guo, W 2014, 'Exploration of EDTA sodium salt as novel draw solution in forward osmosis process for dewatering of high nutrient sludge', JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE, vol. 455, pp. 305-311.
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In this study, a hybrid forward osmosisnanofiltration (FO/NF) process was designed for dewatering high nutrient containing sludge and recovering draw solution with minimum energy as well as low fouling. A novel draw solution - EDTA sodium salt - was also systematically studied for dewatering process. Results show that using EDTA sodium salt produced higher water flux and lower reverse salt flux when compared to conventional inorganic salt (NaCl) at pH 8. The final sludge concentration reached 32,000 mg/L after 16 h of operation. Moreover, nutrient compounds in sludge were successfully removed by the FO membrane with a removal efficiency of approximately 97% of NH4-N, 90% of NO3-N, 97% of NO2-N and 99% of PO4-P, which was attributed to the multi-barrier layers of sludge forming on membrane surface and the steric effect of the FO membrane. The NF recovery of EDTA sodium salt indicated that all NF membranes performed well and TS-80 was the best among the tested membranes.

Henschke, N, Everett, JD, Doblin, MA, Pitt, KA, Richardson, AJ & Suthers, IM 2014, 'Demography and interannual variability of salp swarms (Thalia democratica)', MARINE BIOLOGY, vol. 161, no. 1, pp. 149-163.
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Swarms of the pelagic tunicate, Thalia democratica, form during spring, but the causes of the large interannual variability in the magnitude of salp swarms are unclear. Changes in asexual reproduction (buds per chain) of T. democratica populations in the coastal waters of south-east Australia (32-35°S) were observed in three austral springs (October 2008-2010). T. democratica abundance was significantly higher in 2008 (1,312 individuals m-3) than 2009 and 2010 (210 and 92 individuals m-3, respectively). There was a significant negative relationship (linear regression, r 2 = 0.61, F 1,22 = 33.83, P < 0.001) between abundance and asexual reproduction. Similarly, relative growth rates declined with decreasing abundance. Generalised additive mixed modelling showed that T. democratica abundance was significantly positively related to preferred food >2 μm in size (P < 0.05) and negatively related to the proportion of non-salp zooplankton (P < 0.001). Salp swarm magnitude, growth, and asexual reproduction may depend on the abundance of larger phytoplankton (prymnesiophytes and diatoms) and competition with other zooplankton. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Henschke, N, Everett, JD, Doblin, MA, Pitt, KA, Richardson, AJ & Suthers, IM 2014, 'Demography and interannual variability of salp swarms (Thalia democratica)', Marine Biology, vol. 161, no. 1, pp. 149-163.
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Hill, R, Szabo, M, Rehman, AU, Vass, I, Ralph, PJ & Larkum, AWD 2014, 'Inhibition of photosynthetic CO2 fixation in the coral Pocillopora damicornis and its relationship to thermal bleaching', JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY, vol. 217, no. 12, pp. 2150-2162.
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© 2014. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd. Two inhibitors of the Calvin-Benson cycle [glycolaldehyde (GA) and potassium cyanide (KCN)] were used in cultured Symbiodinium cells and in nubbins of the coral Pocillopora damicornis to test the hypothesis that inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle triggers coral bleaching. Inhibitor concentration range-finding trials aimed to determine the appropriate concentration to generate inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle, but avoid other metabolic impacts to the symbiont and the animal host. Both 3 mmol l-1 GA and 20 uμmol l-1 KCN caused minimal inhibition of host respiration, but did induce photosynthetic impairment, measured by a loss of photosystem II function and oxygen production. GA did not affect the severity of bleaching, nor induce bleaching in the absence of thermal stress, suggesting inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle by GA does not initiate bleaching in P. damicornis. In contrast, KCN did activate a bleaching response through symbiont expulsion, which occurred in the presence and absence of thermal stress. While KCN is an inhibitor of the Calvin-Benson cycle, it also promotes reactive oxygen species formation, and it is likely that this was the principal agent in the coral bleaching process. These findings do not support the hypothesis that temperature-induced inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle alone induces coral bleaching.

Ho, DP, Ngo, HH & Guo, W 2014, 'A mini review on renewable sources for biofuel', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 169, pp. 742-749.
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Rapid growth in both global energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions associated with the use of fossil fuels has driven the search for alternative sources which are renewable and have a lower environmental impact. This paper reviews the availability and bioenergy potentials of the current biomass feedstocks. These include (i) food crops such as sugarcane, corn and vegetable oils, classified as the first generation feedstocks, and (ii) lignocellulosic biomass derived from agricultural and forestry residues and municipal waste, as second generation feedstocks. The environmental and socioeconomic limitations of the first generation feedstocks have placed greater emphasis on the lignocellulosic biomass, of which the conversion technologies still faces major constraints to full commercial deployment. Key technical challenges and opportunities of the lignocellulosic biomass-to-bioenergy production are discussed in comparison with the first generation technologies. The potential of the emerging third generation biofuel from algal biomass is also reviewed. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Ho, L, Fatahi, B & Khabbaz, H 2014, 'Analytical solution for one-dimensional consolidation of unsaturated soils using eigenfunction expansion method', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHODS IN GEOMECHANICS, vol. 38, no. 10, pp. 1058-1077.
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This paper introduces an exact analytical solution for governing flow equations for one-dimensional consolidation in unsaturated soil stratum using the techniques of eigenfunction expansion and Laplace transformation. The homogeneous boundary conditions adopted in this study are as follows: (i) a one-way drainage system of homogenous soils, in which the top surface is considered as permeable to air and water, whereas the base is an impervious bedrock; and (ii) a two-way drainage system where both soil ends allow free dissipation of pore-air and pore-water pressures. In addition, the analytical development adopts initial conditions capturing both uniform and linear distributions of the initial excess pore pressures within the soil stratum. Eigenfunctions and eigenvalues are parts of the general solution and can be obtained based on the proposed boundary conditions. Besides, the Laplace transform method is adopted to solve the first-order differential equations. Once equations with transformed domain are all obtained, the final solutions, which are proposed to be functions of time and depth, can be achieved by taking an inverse Laplace transform. To verify the proposed solution, two worked examples are provided to present the consolidation characteristics of unsaturated soils based on the proposed method. The validation of the recent results against other existing analytical solutions is graphically demonstrated. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hokmabadi, AS, Fatahi, B & Samali, B 2014, 'Assessment of soil-pile-structure interaction influencing seismic response of mid-rise buildings sitting on floating pile foundations', COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 172-186.
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The role of the seismic soil-pile-structure interaction (SSPSI) is usually considered beneficial to the structural system under seismic loading since it lengthens the lateral fundamental period and leads to higher damping of the system in comparison with the fixed-base assumption. Lessons learned from recent earthquakes show that fixed-base assumption could be misleading, and neglecting the influence of SSPSI could lead to unsafe design particularly for structures founded on soft soils. In this study, in order to better understand the SSPSI phenomena, a series of shaking table tests have been conducted for three different cases, namely: (i) fixed-base structure representing the situation excluding the soil-structure interaction; (ii) structure supported by shallow foundation on soft soil; and (iii) structure supported by floating (frictional) pile foundation in soft soil. A laminar soil container has been designed and constructed to simulate the free field soil response by minimising boundary effects during shaking table tests. In addition, a fully nonlinear three dimensional numerical model employing FLAC3D has been adopted to perform time-history analysis on the mentioned three cases. The numerical model adopts hysteretic damping algorithm representing the variation of the shear modulus and damping ratio of the soil with the cyclic shear strain capturing the energy absorbing characteristics of the soil. Results are presented in terms of the structural response parameters most significant for the damage such as foundation rocking, base shear, floor deformation, and inter-storey drifts. Comparison of the numerical predictions and the experimental data shows a good agreement confirming the reliability of the numerical model. Both experimental and numerical results indicate that soil-structure interaction amplifies the lateral deflections and inter-storey drifts of the structures supported by floating pile foundations in comparison to the fixed base struc...

Holloway, RW, Regnery, J, Nghiem, LD & Cath, TY 2014, 'Removal of Trace Organic Chemicals and Performance of a Novel Hybrid Ultrafiltration-Osmotic Membrane Bioreactor', Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 48, no. 18, pp. 10859-10868.
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Hossain, MA, Ngo, HH, Guo, W, Zhang, J & Liang, S 2014, 'A laboratory study using maple leaves as a biosorbent for lead removal from aqueous solutions', WATER QUALITY RESEARCH JOURNAL OF CANADA, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 195-209.
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This study tested the ability of maple leaf powder (MLP) to reduce the level of Pb(II) ions in aqueous solutions. As a biosorbent, MLP has a larger specific surface area (10.94 m2/g) and contains Pb(II) binding functional groups. The highest Pb(II) removals were achieved at pH of 6.2, particle size of less than 75 µm, dose of 0.5 g, initial concentration of 10 mg/l and equilibrium time of >15 minutes. Thermodynamic results indicated that the Pb(II) adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. MLP biosorbent could be reused for five cycles after successfully recovery by 0.1N H2SO4. Both adsorption and desorption data fit well with Langmuir and Sips isotherm models (R2 0.9611.00). The Pb(II) adsorption and desorption capacities (qm) of MLP were up to 50.27 mg/g and 40.06 mg/g, respectively, for a 1 g dose at room temperature. Kinetics processes were rate controlling step and showed good fitness with the pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion models. Results suggest that multiple mechanisms (chelating bond, physisorption and chemisorption) are involved to adsorb the Pb(II) ions on to MLP. Higher Pb(II) removal revealed the practical applicability of MLP in water and wastewater treatment systems.

Hossain, MA, Ngo, HH, Guo, WS, Nghiem, LD, Hai, FI, Vigneswaran, S & Nguyen, TV 2014, 'Competitive adsorption of metals on cabbage waste from multi-metal solutions', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 160, pp. 79-88.
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This study assessed the adsorption capacity of the agro-waste 'cabbage' as a biosorbent in single, binary, ternary and quaternary sorption systems with Cu(II), Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions. Dried and ground powder of cabbage waste (CW) was used for the sorption of metals ions. Carboxylic, hydroxyl, and amine groups in cabbage waste were found to be the key functional groups for metal sorption. The adsorption isotherms obtained could be well fitted to both the mono- and multi-metal models. In the competitive adsorption systems, cabbage waste adsorbed larger amount of Pb(II) than the other three metals. However, the presence of the competing ions suppressed the sorption of the target metal ions. Except the case of binary system of Cd(II)-Zn(II) and Cd(II)-Cu(II), there was a linear inverse dependency between the sorption capacities and number of different types of competitive metal ions. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Hossain, MA, Ngo, HH, Guo, WS, Nguyen, TV & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Performance of cabbage and cauliflower wastes for heavy metals removal', DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT, vol. 52, no. 4-6, pp. 844-860.
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From this study, the cabbage and cauliflower, a well-known agro-waste were used as biosorbents for removing toxic lead(II) and cadmium(II) from water. A batch of experiments for both biosorbents indicated that the lead(II) and cadmium(II) sorption depended on pH (5.0-6.5), doses of biosorbents (3-8 g/L) and contact time (15-45 min). The adsorption processes were fast, and equilibrium time was reached at 45 and 15 min for lead(II) and 45 and 30 min for cadmium(II) adsorption onto cabbage and cauliflower biosorbents, respectively. Both biosorbents showed higher preferences for lead(II) than cadmium(II) towards adsorption from a binary solution. Langmuir model was the best-predicted model, but three-parameter models (Redlich-Peterson, Koble Corrigan, Khan and SIPS) were shown good fitness with equilibrium data, and the adsorption coefficients indicate favourable adsorption. The maximum monolayer capacities for lead(II) were 60.57 and 47.63 mg/g onto cabbage and cauliflower biosorbents, respectively, which is higher than cadmium(II) adsorption (20.57 and 21.32 mg/g). Adsorption kinetic was multi-order and steps as it is followed the pseudo-second order and Avrami model. As a low-cost adsorbent, cabbage and cauliflower biosorbents could be preferable for the removal of heavy metals from water and wastewaters. © 2013 © 2013 Balaban Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.

How, HG, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA & Teoh, YH 2014, 'Engine Performance, Emission and Combustion Characteristics of a Common-rail Diesel Engine Fuelled with Bioethanol as a Fuel Additive in Coconut Oil Biodiesel Blends', Energy Procedia, vol. 61, pp. 1655-1659.
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Imtenan, S, Varman, M, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Sajjad, H, Arbab, MI & Rizwanul Fattah, IM 2014, 'Impact of low temperature combustion attaining strategies on diesel engine emissions for diesel and biodiesels: A review', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 80, pp. 329-356.
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Ismail, MS, Moghavvemi, M & Mahlia, TMI 2014, 'Genetic algorithm based optimization on modeling and design of hybrid renewable energy systems', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 85, pp. 120-130.
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Jeong, S, Rice, SA & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Long-term effect on membrane fouling in a new membrane bioreactor as a pretreatment to seawater desalination', Bioresource Technology, vol. 165, no. C, pp. 60-68.
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© 2014 Elsevier Ltd. Submerged membrane adsorption bio-reactors (SMABR) were investigated as a new pretreatment for seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination. They were tested with different doses of powder activated carbon (PAC) on-site for a long-term. The biofouling on the membrane was assessed in terms of DNA (cells) and polysaccharide distribution. MBR without PAC addition resulted in severe fouling on membrane. When PAC is added in the MBR, PAC could reduce the organic fouling. Hence the biofilm formation on membrane was reduced without any membrane damage. PAC also helped to remove low molecular weight (LMW) organics responsible for biofouling of RO membrane. A linear correlation between assimilable organic carbon (AOC) and LMW organics was observed. A small amount of PAC (2.4-8.0g of PAC/m3 of seawater) was sufficient to reduce biofouling. It indicated that SMABR is an environmentally-friendly biological pretreatment to reduce biofouling for SWRO.

Jeong, S, Sathasivan, A, Kastl, G, Shim, WG & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Experimental investigation and modeling of dissolved organic carbon removal by coagulation from seawater', Chemosphere, vol. 95, pp. 310-316.
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Kanazawa, A, Blanchard, GJ, Szabo, M, Ralph, PJ & Kramer, DM 2014, 'The site of regulation of light capture in Symbiodinium: Does the peridinin-chlorophyll alpha-protein detach to regulate light capture?', BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS, vol. 1837, no. 8, pp. 1227-1234.
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Dinoflagellates from the genus Symbiodinium form symbiotic associations with cnidarians including corals and anemones. The photosynthetic apparatuses of these dinoflagellates possess a unique photosynthetic antenna system incorporating the peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein (PCP). It has been proposed that the appearance of a PCP-specific 77 K fluorescence emission band around 672-675 nm indicates that high light treatment results in PCP dissociation from intrinsic membrane antenna complexes, blocking excitation transfer to the intrinsic membrane-bound antenna complexes, chlorophyll a-chlorophyll c 2-peridinin-protein-complex (acpPC) and associated photosystems (Reynolds et al., 2008 Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105:13674-13678).We have tested this model using time-resolved fluorescence decay kinetics in conjunction with global fitting to compare the time-evolution of the PCP spectral bands before and after high light exposure. Our results show that no long-lived PCP fluorescence emission components appear either before or after high light treatment, indicating that the efficiency of excitation transfer from PCP to membrane antenna systems remains efficient and rapid even after exposure to high light. The apparent increased relative emission at around 675 nm was, instead, caused by strong preferential exciton quenching of the membrane antenna complexes associated with acpPC and reaction centers. This strong non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) is consistent with the activation of xanthophyll-Associated quenching mechanisms and the generally-observed avoidance in nature of long-lived photoexcited states that can lead to oxidative damage. The acpPC component appears to be the most strongly quenched under high light exposure suggesting that it houses the photoprotective exciton quencher. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Kandasamy, J, Sounthararajah, D, Sivabalan, P, Chanan, A, Vigneswaran, S & Sivapalan, M 2014, 'Socio-hydrologic drivers of the pendulum swing between agricultural development and environmental health: a case study from Murrumbidgee River basin, Australia', HYDROLOGY AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 1027-1041.
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Kazner, C, Jamil, S, Phuntsho, S, Shon, HK, Wintgens, T & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Forward osmosis for the treatment of reverse osmosis concentrate from water reclamation: process performance and fouling control', WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol. 69, no. 12, pp. 2431-2437.
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While high quality water reuse based on dual membrane filtration (membrane filtration or ultrafiltration, followed by reverse osmosis) is expected to be progressively applied, treatment and sustainable management of the produced reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) are still important issues. Forward osmosis (FO) is a promising technology for maximising water recovery and further dewatering ROC so that zero liquid discharge is produced. Elevated concentrations of organic and inorganic compounds may act as potential foulants of the concentrate desalting system, in that they consist of, for example, FO and a subsequent crystallizer. The present study investigated conditions under which the FO system can serve as concentration phase with the focus on its fouling propensity using model foulants and real ROC. Bulk organics from ROC consisted mainly of humic acids (HA) and building blocks since wastewater-derived biopolymers were retained by membrane filtration or ultrafiltration. Organic fouling of the FO system by ROC-derived bulk organics was low. HA was only adsorbed moderately at about 7% of the initial concentration, causing a minor flux decline of about 2-4%. However, scaling was a major impediment to this process if not properly controlled, for instance by pH adjustment or softening. © IWA Publishing 2014.

Khabbaz, H & Fatahi, B 2014, 'How to overcome geotechnical challenges in implementing high speed rail systems in Australia', Geotechnical Engineering, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 39-47.
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Although there are a few medium speed rail systems in Australia, there is not a passenger rail transport with the high transit speed, seen in other countries. This paper firstly summarises lessons learnt from other countries, experienced high speed rail (HRS) for many years. Then, the challenges associated with implementing HSR systems in Australia are explained. The main challenges include selection and design of proper tracks, geographical issues, environmental concerns, economics and project costs and construction procedures. The second part of the paper presents the effective solutions to the geotechnical challenges associated with HSR systems. Various approaches are presented to improve the ballast layer properties and enhance the track formation bearing strength, stiffness, resiliency and dynamic properties. Employing concrete slab (ballast-less) tracks is also taken into consideration for HSR systems, and their performance is compared to ballasted tracks. Copyright © 2014 Southeast Asian Geotechnical Society (SEAGS). All Rights Reserved.

Khalil, A, Ishita, K, Ali, T, Tiwari, R, Riachy, R, Toppino, A, Hasabelnaby, S, Sayfullin, N, Oliver, AG, Gallucci, J, Huang, Z & Tjarks, W 2014, 'Iodine Monochloride Facilitated Deglycosylation, Anomerization, and Isomerization of 3-Substituted Thymidine Analogues', Nucleosides, Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids, vol. 33, no. 12, pp. 786-799.
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Kim, Y, Elimelech, M, Shon, HK & Hong, S 2014, 'Combined organic and colloidal fouling in forward osmosis: Fouling reversibility and the role of applied pressure', Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 460, pp. 206-212.
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In this study, we systematically investigated the propensity and reversibility of combined organic-colloidal fouling in forward osmosis (FO) under various solution chemistries (pH and calcium ion concentrations) and applied hydraulic pressure on the feed side. Alginate, silica colloids, and their mixture (i.e., combined organic-colloidal) were used as model foulants. Our findings demonstrate that combined organic-colloidal foulants caused more rapid flux decline than the individual foulants due to the synergistic effect of alginate and silica colloids. As a result, much lower flux recovery was achieved by physical cleaning induced by increasing the cross-flow rate, in contrast to single foulants of which the fouling layer was easily removed under all solution conditions. Interestingly, less flux decline was observed at neutral pH for combined fouling, while acidic conditions were favorable for alginate fouling and basic solutions caused more silica fouling, thereby providing clear evidence for the combined fouling effect. It was also found that calcium ions enhanced water flux decline and induced the formation of less reversible combined organic-colloidal fouling layers. Lastly, the role of applied hydraulic pressure on the feed side in FO was examined to elucidate the mechanism of fouling layer formation, fouling reversibility, and water flux recovery. Higher fouling propensity and lower fouling reversibility of combined organic-colloidal fouling were observed in the presence of applied hydraulic pressure on the feed side. This observation suggests that the lower fouling propensity and greater fouling reversibility in FO compared to reverse osmosis (RO), are attributable to unpressurized operating conditions in FO. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Kong, J, Yue, Q, Gao, B, Li, Q, Wang, Y, Ngo, HH & Guo, W 2014, 'Porous structure and adsorptive properties of hide waste activated carbons prepared via potassium silicate activation', Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, vol. 109, pp. 311-314.
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Bioremediation is widely used in organic pollutants disposal. However, very little has been known on its application in constructed wetlands contaminated with organochlorine pesticide, endosulfan in particular. To evaluate the effect of bioremediation on endosulfan removal and clarify the fate, bioaugmentation and biostimulation were studied in laboratory-scale vertical-flow constructed wetlands. After 20 days’ experiment, endosulfan isomers removal efficiencies were increased to 89.24–97.62 % through bioremediation. In bacteria bioaugmentation (E-in) and sucrose biostimulation (E-C), peak concentrations of endosulfan in sediment were reduced by 31.02–76.77 %, and plant absorption were 347.45–576.65 μg kg−1. By contrast, plant absorption in KH2PO4 biostimulation (E-P) was increased to 811.64 and 1,067.68 μg kg−1. Degradation process was probably promoted in E-in and E-C, while plant absorption was enhanced in EP. Consequently, E-in and E-C were effective for endosulfan removal in constructed wetlands, while adding KH2PO4 had potential to cause air pollution. Additionally, combined bioremediation was not recommended.

Kong, Q, Ngo, HH, Shu, L, Fu, R-S, Jiang, C-H & Miao, M-S 2014, 'Enhancement of aerobic granulation by zero-valent iron in sequencing batch airlift reactor', Journal of Hazardous Materials, vol. 279, pp. 511-517.
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This study elucidates the enhancement of aerobic granulation by zero-valent iron (ZVI). A reactor aug-mented with ZVI had a start-up time of aerobic granulation (43 days) that was notably less than that fora reactor without augmentation (64 days). The former reactor also had better removal efficiencies forchemical oxygen demand and ammonium. Moreover, the mature granules augmented with ZVI had bet-ter physical characteristics and produced more extracellular polymeric substances (especially of protein).Three-dimensional-excitation emission matrix fluorescence showed that ZVI enhanced organic materialdiversity. Additionally, ZVI enhanced the diversity of the microbial community. Fe2+dissolution fromZVI helped reduce the start-up time of aerobic granulation and increased the extracellular polymericsubstance content. Conclusively, the use of ZVI effectively enhanced aerobic granulation.

Laczka, O, Labbate, M & Doblin, M 2014, 'Application of an ELISA-type amperometric assay to the detection of Vibrio species with screen-printed electrodes', ANALYTICAL METHODS, vol. 6, no. 7, pp. 2020-2023.
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Laczka, OF, Labbate, M, Seymour, JR, Bourne, DG, Fielder, SS & Doblin, MA 2014, 'Surface Immuno-Functionalisation for the Capture and Detection of Vibrio Species in the Marine Environment: A New Management Tool for Industrial Facilities', PLOS ONE, vol. 9, no. 10.
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Lee, HU, Lee, Y-C, Lee, SC, Park, SY, Son, B, Lee, JW, Lim, C-H, Choi, C-J, Choi, M-H, Lee, SY, Oh, Y-K & Lee, J 2014, 'Visible-light-responsive bicrystalline (anatase/brookite) nanoporous nitrogen-doped TiO2 photocatalysts by plasma treatment', Chemical Engineering Journal, vol. 254, no. 1, pp. 268-275.
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Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most researched semiconductor oxides that has revolutionised technologies in the field of environmental purification and energy generation. It has found extensive applications in heterogenous photocatalysis for removing organic pollutants from air and water and also in hydrogen production from photocatalytic water-splitting. Its use is popular because of its low cost, low toxicity, high chemical and thermal stability, But one of the critical limitations of TiO 2 as photocatalyst is its poor response to visible light. Several attempts have been made to modify the surface and electronic structures of TiO2 to enhance its activity in the visible light region such as noble metal deposition, metal ion loading, cationic and anionic doping and sensitisation, Most of the results improved photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation. This paper attempts to review and update some of the information on the TiO2 photocatalytic technology and its accomplishment towards visible light region.

Leung, AHM, Prime, EL, Tran, DNH, Fu, Q, Christofferson, AJ, Yiapanis, G, Yarovsky, I, Qiao, GG & Solomon, DH 2014, 'Dynamic Performance of Duolayers at the Air/Water Interface. 1. Experimental Analysis', The Journal of Physical Chemistry B, vol. 118, no. 37, pp. 10919-10926.
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Li, F, Lu, L, Zheng, X, Ngo, HH, Liang, S, Guo, W & Zhang, X 2014, 'Enhanced nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands: Effects of dissolved oxygen and step-feeding', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 169, pp. 395-402.
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Four horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSFCWs), named HSFCW1 (three-stage, without step-feeding), HSFCW2 (three-stage, with step-feeding), HSFCW3 (five-stage, without step-feeding) and HSFCW4 (five-stage, with step-feeding) were designed to investigate the effects of dissolved oxygen (DO) and step-feeding on nitrogen removal. High removal of 90.9% COD, 99.1% ammonium nitrogen and 88.1% total nitrogen (TN) were obtained simultaneously in HSFCW4 compared with HSFCW13. The excellent TN removal of HSFCW4 was due to artificial aeration provided sufficient DO for nitrification and the favorable anoxic environment created for denitrification. Step-feeding was a crucial factor because it provided sufficient carbon source (high COD: nitrate ratio of 14.3) for the denitrification process. Microbial activities and microbial abundance in HSFCW4 was found to be influenced by DO distribution and step-feeding, and thus improve TN removal. These results suggest that artificial aeration combined with step-feeding could achieve high nitrogen removal in HSFCWs.

Li, X, Li, J, Wang, J, Wang, H, He, B, Zhang, H, Guo, W & Ngo, HH 2014, 'Experimental investigation of local flux distribution and fouling behavior in double-end and dead-end submerged hollow fiber membrane modules', JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE, vol. 453, pp. 18-26.
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A new experimental method was proposed to obtain local fluxes along the membrane fibers of double-end and dead-end submerged hollow fiber membrane modules (SHFMMs) and to investigate the impact of average operating flux, fiber length and filtration modes (dead-end and double-end filtration) on local flux distribution. The relationship between the local flux and fouling behavior was monitored through the development of local fouling during filtration of 5 g/L yeast suspension using the non-invasive ultrasonic technique. The experimental results showed that the local flux distribution in the double-end SHFMM was more uniform than that in the dead-end SHFMM at the same operating conditions. Furthermore, the local flux obtained near the upper suction end of the double-end SHFMM was higher than that near the lower suction end. The difference value between the maximum and minimum local fluxes decreased with the decrease of fiber length and average operating flux in the double-end SHFMM. In addition, the ultrasonic measurements revealed that the behavior of fouling deposition on the membrane surface was consistent with the local flux distribution, which led to the self-adjustment and redistribution of local flux during the operation.

Li, X-M, Zhao, B, Wang, Z, Xie, M, Song, J, Nghiem, LD, He, T, Yang, C, Li, C & Chen, G 2014, 'Water reclamation from shale gas drilling flow-back fluid using a novel forward osmosis-vacuum membrane distillation hybrid system', WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol. 69, no. 5, pp. 1036-1044.
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Liaquat, AM, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA & Rizwanul Fattah, IM 2014, 'Impact of biodiesel blend on injector deposit formation', Energy, vol. 72, pp. 813-823.
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Liu, H, Liang, S, Gao, J, Ngo, HH, Guo, W, Guo, Z & Li, Y 2014, 'Development of biochars from pyrolysis of lotus stalks for Ni(II) sorption: Using zinc borate as flame retardant', JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS, vol. 107, pp. 336-341.
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In this work, zinc borate (ZB) was employed as flame retardant for preparation of biochar (BC). A series of BC samples were generated by varying the ZB to lotus stalks (LS) ratio (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0) under different temperatures (300, 350 and 400 ?C) for 1 h. The BCs were analyzed for their surface morphologies, surface areas, surface elemental compositions and yields. The results indicated that, after charring, ZB kept the structures of the produced BCs as its starting material (LS), dramatically enhancing their yields, and promoting their surface oxygen content. The BCs were used as adsorbent for removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solutions. Sorption of Ni(II) on the BCs was enhanced about 310 times compared with that of BCs derived from pyrolysis of LS without adding ZB.

Liu, H, Liang, S, Gao, J, Ngo, HH, Guo, W, Guo, Z, Wang, J & Li, Y 2014, 'Enhancement of Cr(VI) removal by modifying activated carbon developed from Zizania caduciflora with tartaric acid during phosphoric acid activation', CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL, vol. 246, pp. 168-174.
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Tartaric acid (TA) was employed to modify Zizania caduciflora (ZC)-based activated carbon during phosphoric acid activation for improving its Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions. The original activated carbon (AC) and TA-modified activated carbon (ACTA) were characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption, Boehms titration and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The Cr(VI) removal abilities of AC and ACTA were evaluated by batch sorption experiments. The residual Cr(VI) and total Cr concentration were determined to investigated the ``Sorption-coupled reduction mechanism. Equilibrium data for the Cr(VI) removal on AC and ACTA were well described by the Freundlich model. The ACTA exhibited much higher Cr(VI) and total Cr sorption capacities than AC. After blocking of carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups, the carbons showed obviously higher Cr(VI) and total Cr removal than the original AC and ACTA, indicating that electrostatic attraction played an important role on Cr(VI) removal. The higher Cr(VI) removal on ACTA was attributed to its higher amount of oxygen-containing functional groups, which provided more electrons for Cr(VI) reduction and more positive sites for the produced Cr(III) sorption.

Liu, P, Gao, B, Shon, HK, Ma, D, Rong, H, Zhao, P, Zhao, S, Yue, Q & Li, Q 2014, 'Water flux behavior of blended solutions of ammonium bicarbonate mixed with eight salts respectively as draw solutions in forward osmosis', Desalination, vol. 353, pp. 39-47.
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Loganathan, P, Vigneswaran, S, Kandasamy, J & Bolan, NS 2014, 'Removal and Recovery of Phosphate From Water Using Sorption', CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol. 44, no. 8, pp. 847-907.
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Sorption is an effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly treatment process for the removal of phosphorus from wastewater sources which otherwise can cause eutrophication of receiving waters. Phosphorus in wastewater, if economically recovered, can partly overcome the future scarcity of phosphorus resulting from exhaustion of natural phosphate rock reserves. The authors present a comprehensive and critical review of the literature on the effectiveness of a number of sorbents, especially some novel ones that have recently emerged, in removing and recovering phosphate. Mechanisms and thermodynamics of sorption, as well as regeneration of sorbents for reuse using acids, bases, and salts, are critically examined. © 2014 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Luo, W, Hai, FI, Price, WE, Guo, W, Ngo, HH, Yamamoto, K & Nghiem, LD 2014, 'High retention membrane bioreactors: Challenges and opportunities', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 167, pp. 539-546.
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Extensive research has focussed on the development of novel high retention membrane bioreactor (HRMBR) systems for wastewater reclamation in recent years. HR-MBR integrates high rejection membrane separation with conventional biological treatment in a single step. High rejection membrane separation processes currently used in HR-MBR applications include nanofiltration, forward osmosis, and membrane distillation. In these HR-MBR systems, organic contaminants can be effectively retained, prolonging their retention time in the bioreactor and thus enhancing their biodegradation. Therefore, HR-MBR can offer a reliable and elegant solution to produce high quality effluent. However, there are several technological challenges associated with the development of HR-MBR, including salinity build-up, low permeate flux, and membrane degradation. This paper provides a critical review on these challenges and potential opportunities of HR-MBR for wastewater treatment and water reclamation, and aims to guide and inform future research on HR-MBR for fast commercialisation of this innovative technology.

Luo, WH, Yuan, J, Luo, YM, Li, GX, Nghiem, LD & Price, WE 2014, 'Effects of mixing and covering with mature compost on gaseous emissions during composting', Chemosphere, vol. 117, pp. 14-19.
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Luo, Y, Guo, W, Ngo, HH, Nghiem, LD, Hai, FI, Kang, J, Xia, S, Zhang, Z & Price, WE 2014, 'Removal and fate of micropollutants in a sponge-based moving bed bioreactor', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 159, pp. 311-319.
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This study investigated the removal of micropollutants using polyurethane sponge as attached-growth carrier. Batch experiments demonstrated that micropollutants could adsorb to non-acclimatized sponge cubes to varying extents. Acclimatized sponge showed significantly enhanced removal of some less hydrophobic compounds (log. D<. 2.5), such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, and estriol, as compared with non-acclimatized sponge. The results for bench-scale sponge-based moving bed bioreactor (MBBR) system elucidated compound-specific variation in removal, ranging from 25.9% (carbamazepine) to 96.8% (β-Estradiol 17-acetate) on average. In the MBBR system, biodegradation served as a major removal pathway for most compounds. However, sorption to sludge phase was also a notable removal mechanism of some persistent micropollutants. Particularly, carbamazepine, ketoprofen and pentachlorophenol were found at high concentrations (7.87, 6.05 and 5.55. μg/g, respectively) on suspended biosolids. As a whole, the effectiveness of MBBR for micropollutant removal was comparable with those of activated sludge processes and MBRs. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Luo, Y, Guo, W, Ngo, HH, Nghiem, LD, Hai, FI, Zhang, J, Liang, S & Wang, XC 2014, 'A review on the occurrence of micropollutants in the aquatic environment and their fate and removal during wastewater treatment', SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, vol. 473, pp. 619-641.
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Micropollutants are emerging as a new challenge to the scientific community. This review provides a summary of the recent occurrence of micropollutants in the aquatic environment including sewage, surface water, groundwater and drinking water. The discharge of treated effluent from WWTPs is a major pathway for the introduction of micropollutants to surface water. WWTPs act as primary barriers against the spread of micropollutants. WWTP removal efficiency of the selected micropollutants in 14 countries/regions depicts compound-specific variation in removal, ranging from 12.5 to 100%. Advanced treatment processes, such as activated carbon adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and membrane bioreactors can achieve higher and more consistent micropollutant removal. However, regardless of what technology is employed, the removal of micropollutants depends on physico-chemical properties of micropollutants and treatment conditions. The evaluation of micropollutant removal from municipal wastewater should cover a series of aspects from sources to end uses. After the release of micropollutants, a better understanding and modeling of their fate in surface water is essential for effectively predicting their impacts on the receiving environment. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Ma, XY, Wang, XC, Ngo, HH, Guo, W, Wu, MN & Wang, N 2014, 'Bioassay based luminescent bacteria: Interferences, improvements, and applications', SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, vol. 468, pp. 1-11.
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Due to the merits of being time-saving, cost effective and simple operation, the luminescent bacteria toxicity assay (LBTA) has been widely used for environmental pollution monitoring. Based on numerous studies since 2007, this critical review aims to give an overview on the mechanisms, developments and applications of LBTA. Firstly, based on the introduction of the mechanisms of LBTA, this review shows the interferences from the characteristics of testing samples (such as inorganic nutrients, color, turbidity) and summarizes the improvements on pretreatment method, test methods and test systems in recent years. Regarding the factors that affect the toxicity prediction of single chemicals, the correlation between the toxicity index expressed asmedian effective concentration (EC50) and characters (such as Kow, the alkyl chain length, the anion and the cation) of known chemicals, especially the emerging ionic liquids (ILs), were given an in-depth discussion. The models for predicting the joint effect of mixtures to luminescent bacteria were also presented. For the factors that affect the toxicity of actual waters, the correlation of toxicity of actual samples to luminescent bacteria and their conventional indexes were discussed. Comparing the sensitivity of the LBTA with other bioassays could indicate the feasibility of the LBTA applied on specific samples. The summary on the application of LBTA to environmental samples has been made to find the future research direction.

Macreadie, PI, Baird, ME, Trevathan-Tackett, SM, Larkum, AWD & Ralph, PJ 2014, 'Quantifying and modelling the carbon sequestration capacity of seagrass meadows - A critical assessment', MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN, vol. 83, no. 2, pp. 430-439.
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Seagrasses are among the planet's most effective natural ecosystems for sequestering (capturing and storing) carbon (C); but if degraded, they could leak stored C into the atmosphere and accelerate global warming. Quantifying and modelling the C sequestration capacity is therefore critical for successfully managing seagrass ecosystems to maintain their substantial abatement potential. At present, there is no mechanism to support carbon financing linked to seagrass. For seagrasses to be recognised by the IPCC and the voluntary C market, standard stock assessment methodologies and inventories of seagrass C stocks are required. Developing accurate C budgets for seagrass meadows is indeed complex; we discuss these complexities, and, in addition, we review techniques and methodologies that will aid development of C budgets. We also consider a simple process-based data assimilation model for predicting how seagrasses will respond to future change, accompanied by a practical list of research priorities. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Macreadie, PI, Schliepl, MT, Rasheed, MA, Chartrand, KM & Ralph, PJ 2014, 'Molecular indicators of chronic seagrass stress: A new era in the management of seagrass ecosystems?', ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS, vol. 38, pp. 279-281.
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Mahlia, TMI, Saktisahdan, TJ, Jannifar, A, Hasan, MH & Matseelar, HSC 2014, 'A review of available methods and development on energy storage; technology update', Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 33, pp. 532-545.
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Mahlia, TMI, Wong, KV, Honnery, D & Hasan, MH 2014, 'Sensitivity analysis of potential fuel savings by implementation of fuel economy standards for motorcycle', Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 175-182.
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Mainali, B, Pham, TTN, Ngo, HH, Guo, W, Listowski, A, O'Halloran, K, Miechel, C, Muthukaruppan, M & Johnston, R 2014, 'Introduction and feasibility assessment of laundry use of recycled water in dual reticulation systems in Australia', SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, vol. 470, pp. 34-43.
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Laundry is a potential new end use of recycled water in dual reticulation systems. Generally, the community is willing to accept this new end use if it can meet the concerns on health issues, durability of washing machine, cloth quality and aesthetic appearance. This study addresses all these major concerns thereby assisting in the introduction and promotion of this new end use in the existing and proposed dual reticulation systems. Five representative cloth materials were selected for washing in tap water and in recycled water for up to 50 wash cycles for comparative studies. The tearing/tensile strength tests were used for the assessment of cloth durability. ANOVA one way test was applied for the significance analysis (Tukey's test p. <. 0.05) which indicated that there is no significant change in the tensile/tearing strengths of washed cloth samples. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the washed cloth samples found no distinct change in surface morphology. Textile colour analysis (CIEDE2000) analysed the variation in colour of the washed cloth samples and showed that the change in colour {increment}E ranges from 0-1 revealing no visible difference in colour of cloth samples. Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) was used as the indicator for predicting corrosive/scaling potential of recycled water. The LSI values ranged from +. 0.5 to - 0.5, indicating no corrosive or scaling potential of recycled water. The microbiological study of the cloth samples washed in recycled water indicated that there was no contamination with representative bacteria. As the recycled water has similar effects like tap water on cloth and washing machine, it is safe to use for laundry. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Masum, BM, Kalam, MA, Masjuki, HH, Palash, SM & Fattah, IMR 2014, 'Performance and emission analysis of a multi cylinder gasoline engine operating at different alcohol–gasoline blends', RSC Adv., vol. 4, no. 53, pp. 27898-27904.
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Alcohols are potential renewable alternatives for gasoline because of their bio-based origin.

Masum, BM, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Palash, SM, Wakil, MA & Imtenan, S 2014, 'Tailoring the key fuel properties using different alcohols (C 2 –C 6 ) and their evaluation in gasoline engine', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 88, pp. 382-390.
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McKenzie, TG, Wong, EHH, Fu, Q, Lam, SJ, Dunstan, DE & Qiao, GG 2014, 'Highly Efficient and Versatile Formation of Biocompatible Star Polymers in Pure Water and Their Stimuli-Responsive Self-Assembly', Macromolecules, vol. 47, no. 22, pp. 7869-7877.
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Mehrali, M, Tahan Latibari, S, Mehrali, M, Mahlia, TMI & Cornelis Metselaar, HS 2014, 'Effect of carbon nanospheres on shape stabilization and thermal behavior of phase change materials for thermal energy storage', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 88, pp. 206-213.
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Mehrali, M, Tahan Latibari, S, Mehrali, M, Mahlia, TMI, Sadeghinezhad, E & Metselaar, HSC 2014, 'Preparation of nitrogen-doped graphene/palmitic acid shape stabilized composite phase change material with remarkable thermal properties for thermal energy storage', Applied Energy, vol. 135, pp. 339-349.
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Mobarak, HM, Masjuki, HH, Mohamad, EN, Kalam, MA, Rashedul, HK, Rashed, MM & Habibullah, M 2014, 'Tribological properties of amorphous hydrogenated (a-C:H) and hydrogen-free tetrahedral (ta-C) diamond-like carbon coatings under jatropha biodegradable lubricating oil at different temperatures', Applied Surface Science, vol. 317, pp. 581-592.
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Mobarak, HM, Niza Mohamad, E, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Al Mahmud, KAH, Habibullah, M & Ashraful, AM 2014, 'The prospects of biolubricants as alternatives in automotive applications', Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 33, pp. 34-43.
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Mofijur, M, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Atabani, AE, Arbab, MI, Cheng, SF & Gouk, SW 2014, 'Properties and use of Moringa oleifera biodiesel and diesel fuel blends in a multi-cylinder diesel engine', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 82, pp. 169-176.
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Mofijur, M, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Atabani, AE, Fattah, IMR & Mobarak, HM 2014, 'Comparative evaluation of performance and emission characteristics of Moringa oleifera and Palm oil based biodiesel in a diesel engine', Industrial Crops and Products, vol. 53, pp. 78-84.
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Naidu, G, Choi, Y, Jeong, S, Hwang, TM & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Experiments and modeling of a vacuum membrane distillation for high saline water', JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 2174-2183.
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Naidu, G, Jeong, S & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Influence of feed/permeate velocity on scaling development in a direct contact membrane distillation', Separation and Purification Technology, vol. 125, pp. 291-300.
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In this study the performance and scaling pattern of a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) was investigated at different feed and permeate flow velocities (vf and vp). The results indicated that both vf and vp influenced DCMD performance and scaling development. A combination setting of vf = 0.8 m s−1 and vp = 1.1 m s−1 resulted in a similar permeate flux as vf and vp = 1.1 m s−1 with a 30% higher recovery ratio and 60% lower pumping energy membrane analysis demonstrated bulk crystallisation tendency at high flow velocity ranges (1.1–2.2 m s−1), while membrane surface crystallisation was dominant at lower flow velocities (0.5–0.8 m s−1). A combination setting (vf = 0.8 m s−1 and vp = 1.1 m s−1) showed beneficial outcome of reduced surface crystallisation tendency.

Naidu, G, Jeong, S, Choi, Y, Jang, E, Hwang, T-M & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Application of vacuum membrane distillation for small scale drinking water production', Desalination, vol. 354, pp. 53-61.
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Naidu, G, Jeong, S, Kim, S-J, Kim, IS & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Organic fouling behavior in direct contact membrane distillation', Desalination, vol. 347, pp. 230-239.
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Nam, E, Kim, J, Guntari, SN, Seyler, H, Fu, Q, Wong, EHH, Blencowe, A, Jones, DJ, Caruso, F & Qiao, GG 2014, 'Continuous assembly of polymers via solid phase reactions', Chem. Sci., vol. 5, no. 9, pp. 3374-3380.
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The formation of cross-linked polymer films, with tunable thickness, proceeds directionally from the substrate surface by controlled polymerization in the solid state.

Nasir, MK, Md Noor, R, Kalam, MA & Masum, BM 2014, 'Reduction of Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Pollutant Using Intelligent Transport Systems', The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2014, pp. 1-13.
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Greenhouse gas emitted by the transport sector around the world is a serious issue of concern. To minimize such emission the automobile engineers have been working relentlessly. Researchers have been trying hard to switch fossil fuel to alternative fuels and attempting to various driving strategies to make traffic flow smooth and to reduce traffic congestion and emission of greenhouse gas. Automobile emits a massive amount of pollutants such as Carbon Monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Intelligent transport system (ITS) technologies can be implemented to lower pollutant emissions and reduction of fuel consumption. This paper investigates the ITS techniques and technologies for the reduction of fuel consumption and minimization of the exhaust pollutant. It highlights the environmental impact of the ITS application to provide the state-of-art green solution. A case study also advocates that ITS technology reduces fuel consumption and exhaust pollutant in the urban environment.

Nateghi, F, Shon, HK & Khabbaz, H 2014, 'Development of a new poly silicate ferric coagulant and its application to coagulation- membrane filtration hybrid system in wastewater treatment', DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT, vol. 52, no. 4-6, pp. 663-669.
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Coagulation is one of the effective pretreatment stages in membrane filtration of wastewaters to produce clean water. Using a suitable coagulant, one can mitigate membrane fouling. Membrane fouling is a process where particles deposit onto a membrane surface or into membrane pores in a way that degrades the membrane's performance. Research in this area is currently being focused on development of improved coagulation reagents such as poly silicate ferric (PSiFe), which has a high molecular weight and large number of positive surface charges with high efficiency at low doses. In this paper, PSiFe was prepared by following two approaches: (a) acidification of water glass solution using HCl followed by FeCl3 addition (old-PSiFe); (b) acidification of water glass solution by passing it through an acidic ion exchange resin followed by fresh FeCl3 addition under different Fe/Si molar ratios (new-PSiFe). These coagulants were characterised by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. According to coagulation jar test results when Fe/Si = 1, the best performance was achieved in terms of turbidity, total organic carbon (TOC) and UV254 removals. Another aspect is the comparison of the old-PSiFe, FeCl3 and new-PSiFe which showed that in a membrane filtration system, using the new-PSiFe not only reduces the required transmembrane pressure (TMP) due to lower fouling, but also improves the TOC removal efficiency. © 2013 © 2013 Balaban Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.

Nguyen, DD, Ngo, HH & Yoon, YS 2014, 'A new hybrid treatment system of bioreactors and electrocoagulation for superior removal of organic and nutrient pollutants from municipal wastewater', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 153, pp. 116-125.
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This paper evaluated a novel pilot scale hybrid treatment system which combines rotating hanging media bioreactor (RHMBR), submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) along with electrocoagulation (EC) as post treatment to treat organic and nutrient pollutants from municipal wastewater. The results indicated that the highest removal efficiency was achieved at the internal recycling ratio as 400% of the influent flow rate which produced a superior effluent quality with 0.26 mgBOD5 L-1, 11.46 mgCODCr L-1, 0.00 mgNH4-N L-1, and 3.81 mgT-N L-1, 0.03 mgT-P L-1. During 16 months of operation, NH4-N was completely eliminated and T-P removal efficiency was also up to 100%. It was found that increasing in internal recycling ratio could improve the nitrate and nitrogen removal efficiencies. Moreover, the TSS and coliform bacteria concentration after treatment was less than 5 mg L-1 and 30 PN mL-1, respectively, regardless of internal recycling ratios and its influent concentration.

Nguyen, DD, Ngo, HH, Kim, SD & Yoon, YS 2014, 'A specific pilot-scale membrane hybrid treatment system for municipal wastewater treatment', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 169, pp. 52-61.
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A specifically designed pilot-scale hybrid wastewater treatment system integrating an innovative equalizing reactor (EQ), rotating hanging media bioreactor (RHMBR) and submerged flat sheet membrane bioreactor (SMBR) was evaluated for its effectiveness in practical, long-term, real-world applications. The pilot system was operated at a constant flux, but with different internal recycle flow rates (Q) over a long-term operating of 475 days. At 4Q internal recycle flow rate, BOD5, CODCr, NH4+-N, T-N, T-P and TSS was highly removed with efficiencies up to 99.88 ± 0.05%, 95.01 ± 1.62%, 100%, 90.42 ± 2.43%, 73.44 ± 6.03%, and 99.93 ± 0.28%, respectively. Furthermore, the effluent quality was also superior in terms of turbidity (<1 NTU), color (<15 TCU) and taste (inoffensive). The results indicated that with providing only chemically cleaned-in-place (CIP) during the entire period of operation, the membrane could continuously maintain a constant permeate flux of 22.77 ± 2.19 L/m2 h. In addition, the power consumption was also found to be reasonably low (0.921.62 kWh/m3).

Nguyen, LD, Fatahi, B & Khabbaz, H 2014, 'A constitutive model for cemented clays capturing cementation degradation', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLASTICITY, vol. 56, pp. 1-18.
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Laboratory experiments show that the effect of cementation on clays gradually diminishes as the confining pressure increases (particularly at high confining pressures) due to the degradation of cementation bonds. The main aim of this paper is to propose a constitutive model for cemented clays, referred to as the Cemented Cam Clay model (CCC), to simulate the cementation degradation during loading. The failure envelope of the proposed model is formulated to describe the behaviour of the cemented clay at a low pressure range similar to over-consolidated soils, while it merges with the Critical State Line of reconstituted sample gradually as the confining pressure continues to increase. In order to examine the stress-strain behaviour of cemented clays, an energy dissipation equation is developed inspired by the Modified Cam Clay model. The characteristics of the proposed model, including a non-associated plastic potential function and elasto-plastic stress-strain relationship, are presented in light of the Critical State concept. Validity of the proposed constitutive model derived from the modified energy equation is evaluated against triaxial test results for cemented clays available in literature. © 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nguyen, LN, Hai, FI, Kang, J, Leusch, FDL, Roddick, F, Magram, SF, Price, WE & Nghiem, LD 2014, 'Enhancement of trace organic contaminant degradation by crude enzyme extract from Trametes versicolor culture: Effect of mediator type and concentration', Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, vol. 45, no. 4, pp. 1855-1862.
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Nguyen, LN, Hai, FI, Price, WE, Leusch, FDL, Roddick, F, Ngo, HH, Guo, W, Magram, SF & Nghiem, LD 2014, 'The effects of mediator and granular activated carbon addition on degradation of trace organic contaminants by an enzymatic membrane reactor', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 167, pp. 169-177.
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The removal of four recalcitrant trace organic contaminants (TrOCs), namely carbamazepine, diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole and atrazine by laccase in an enzymatic membrane reactor (EMR) was studied. Laccases are not effective for degrading non-phenolic compounds; nevertheless, 2255% removal of these four TrOCs was achieved by the laccase EMR. Addition of the redox-mediator syringaldehyde (SA) to the EMR resulted in a notable dose-dependent improvement (1545%) of TrOC removal affected by inherent TrOC properties and loading rates. However, SA addition resulted in a concomitant increase in the toxicity of the treated effluent. A further 1425% improvement in aqueous phase removal of the TrOCs was consistently observed following a one-off dosing of 3 g/L granular activated carbon (GAC). Mass balance analysis reveals that this improvement was not due solely to adsorption but also enhanced biodegradation. GAC addition also reduced membrane fouling and the SA-induced toxicity of the effluent.

Nguyen, LN, Hai, FI, Yang, S, Kang, J, Leusch, FDL, Roddick, F, Price, WE & Nghiem, LD 2014, 'Removal of pharmaceuticals, steroid hormones, phytoestrogens, UV-filters, industrial chemicals and pesticides by Trametes versicolor: Role of biosorption and biodegradation', International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, vol. 88, pp. 169-175.
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Nguyen, TAH, Ngo, HH, Guo, WS, Nguyen, TV, Zhang, J, Liang, S, Chen, SS & Nguyen, NC 2014, 'A comparative study on different metal loaded soybean milk by-product 'okara' for biosorption of phosphorus from aqueous solution', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 169, pp. 291-298.
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Cationization of agricultural by-products using metal salts is widely used to activate their phosphorous capture ability. This study developed three kinds ofnew metal loaded soybean milk by-product `okara for phosphorus biosorption. A comparative study among these biosorbents was carried out with respect to their performances in terms of affinity, stability and reusability. Zirconium loaded okara (ZLO) was found to have the highest affinity towards PO43- anions (47.88 mg/g), followed by iron/zirconium loaded okara IZLO (40.96 mg/g) and iron loaded okara ILO (16.39 mg/g). ZLO was successfully desorbed with 0.2 M NaOH and activated with 0.1 HCl prior to the next cycle. After five consecutive cycles, the efficiency of both adsorption and desorption of ZLO remained about 85% whilst no Zr(IV) leakage was observed. Conversely, IZLO and ILO suffered from vitalshortcomingssuch ashigh metal release and/or sharp reduction in PO43- sequestering capability after multi operation cycles.

Nguyen, TAH, Ngo, HH, Guo, WS, Zhang, J, Liang, S, Lee, DJ, Nguyen, PD & Bui, XT 2014, 'Modification of agricultural waste/by-products for enhanced phosphate removal and recovery: Potential and obstacles', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 169, pp. 750-762.
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There is a growing trend to employ agricultural waste/by-products (AWBs) as the substrates for the development of phosphate biosorbents. Nevertheless, due to the lack of anion binding sites, natural AWBs are usually inefficient in phosphate decontamination. Consequently, modification plays a vital role in improving phosphate sorption's property of raw AWBs. This review paper evaluates all existing methods of modification. The literatures indicate that modification can significantly improve phosphate removal ability of AWBs by retaining phosphate ion onto modified AWBs principally via ion exchange (electrostatic interaction) and ligand exchange mechanisms. So far, little work has been done on the beneficial use of modified AWBs for the phosphorus recovery from aqueous solutions. The poor recyclability of modified AWBs could be responsible for their limited application. Hence, further study is essential to search for novel, cost-effective, and green methods of modification. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Nguyen, TAH, Ngo, HH, Guo, WS, Zhou, JL, Wang, J, Liang, H & Li, G 2014, 'Phosphorus elimination from aqueous solution using 'zirconium loaded okara' as a biosorbent', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 170, pp. 30-37.
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This work deals with the capture of phosphorus from aqueous solutions by biosorption onto zirconium loaded okara (ZLO). The batch-mode experiments were conducted to examine the effect of pH, biosorbent dose, initial phosphorus concentration, contact time, and temperature on the process. It was found that, the adsorption was most favored in the pH range of 2-6. The optimal doses for the adsorption, at initial phosphorus concentrations of 5, 10, 25, 50mg/L were 2, 3, 7, 10g/L, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of ZLO was approximately 44.13mg PO4/g at 298K. The phosphate removal was rapid, reaching 95% in 30min. Freundlich model best fitted the equilibrium data, while Pseudo-second order model satisfactorily described the kinetic results. Thermodynamic analysis revealed feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic nature of the process. The research would be beneficial for developing a promising, eco-friendly phosphorus biosorbent from a plentiful AWB - okara. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Nguyen, TC, Loganathan, P, Nguyen, TV, Vigneswaran, S, Kandasamy, J, Slee, D, Stevenson, G & Naidu, R 2014, 'Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in road-deposited sediments, water sediments, and soils in Sydney, Australia: Comparisons of concentration distribution, sources and potential toxicity', ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY, vol. 104, no. 1, pp. 339-348.
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Sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) considered as priority environmental pollutants were analysed in surface natural soils (NS), road-deposited sediments (RDS), and water sediments (WS) at Kogarah in Sydney, Australia. Comparisons were made of their concentration distributions, likely sources and potential toxicities. The concentrations (mg/kg) in NS, RDS, and WS ranged from 0.40 to 7.49 (mean 2.80), 1.65 to 4.00 (mean 2.91), and 0.49 to 5.19 (mean 1.76), respectively. PAHs were dominated by relatively high molecular weight compounds with more than three fused benzene rings, indicating that high temperature combustion processes were their predominant sources. The proportions of high molecular weight PAHs with five or six fused benzene rings were higher in NS than in RDS, whereas the low molecular weight PAHs were higher in RDS. Concentrations of all PAHs compounds were observed to be the lowest in WS. The concentrations of most of the high molecular weight PAHs significantly correlated with each other in RDS and WS. All PAHs (except naphthalene) were significantly correlated in NS suggesting a common PAH source. Ratios for individual diagnostic PAHs demonstrated that the primary source of PAHs in WS and NS was of pyrogenic origin (combustion of petroleum (vehicle exhaust), grass, and wood) while in RDS it was petrogenic (i.e. unburned or leaked fuel and oil, road asphalt, and tyre particles) as well as pyrogenic. The potential toxicities of PAHs calculated using a toxicity equivalent quotient (TEQ) were all low but higher for NS compared to WS and RDS. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.

Nguyen, TV, Jeong, S, Pham, TTN, Kandasamy, J & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Effect of granular activated carbon filter on the subsequent flocculation in seawater treatment', Desalination, vol. 354, pp. 9-16.
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© 2014 Elsevier B.V. In this study, a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter was used to remove organics from seawater. The effect of GAC filtration on the subsequent treating of seawater by flocculation was evaluated through Jar test experiments and submerged membrane coagulation hybrid system (SMCHS). GAC filtration removed 70% of low molecular weight (LMW) neutrals and acids from seawater which helped to reduce the biofouling of membrane. GAC filtration also helped to reduce flocculant dose significantly. Relatively high doses of ferric chloride (FeCl3 3mg/L) and poly-ferric sulfate (PFS 2mg/L) were normally needed to obtain high organic removal when flocculation was used without the pretreatment of GAC filter adsorption. The use of GAC filtration prior to the application of SMCHS reduced the flocculant dosage to 1mg/L to achieve the same removal. The subsequent flocculation by different flocculants such as ferric chloride (FeCl3) and poly-ferric sulfate (PFS) was found to be able to remove biopolymers which were not effectively removed by the pretreatment (GAC filtration). The technical and cost analyses made showed that a combination of GAC filtration and flocculation with low flocculant dose can be a superior technical and economical solution for seawater pretreatment.

Nguyen, TV, Loganathan, P, Vigneswaran, S, Krupanidhi, S, Pham, TTN & Ngo, H-H 2014, 'Arsenic waste from water treatment systems: characteristics, treatments and its disposal', Water Science and Technology-Water Supply, vol. 14, no. 6, pp. 939-950.
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© IWA Publishing 2014. As with other water treatment systems, arsenic treatment creates not only quality water but arsenic waste as well. Management of arsenic waste is now becoming a major public concern due to its harmful effects on the surrounding environment, including serious health problems such as skin cancers and various internal carcinomas. The main aim of this paper is to review: (i) the characteristics of arsenic waste produced by arsenic treatment systems; and (ii) the treatment and disposal methods of this waste. Arsenic waste type or its characteristics play an important role in choosing the best method of treatment and disposal. Currently, encapsulation of arsenic waste through solidification/stabilization (S/S) techniques is considered to be the most attractive solution and this method is the focus of this review. A number of studies have used cement by itself and in combination with additives such as lime, iron, silicates, or fly ash in the S/S process. Although there is a lack of systematic investigations and differing procedures for testing the effectiveness of the treatment methods, it was agreed that incorporating additives could increase the effectiveness of the S/S process depending on the type and dose of additives.

Ni, B-J, Joss, A & Yuan, Z 2014, 'Modeling nitrogen removal with partial nitritation and anammox in one floc-based sequencing batch reactor', Water Research, vol. 67, pp. 321-329.
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Full-scale application of partial nitritation and anammox in a single floc-based sequencing batch reactor (SBR) has been achieved for high-rate nitrogen (N) removal, but mechanisms resulting in reliable operation are not well understood. In this work, a mathematical model was calibrated and validated to evaluate operating conditions that lead to out-competition of nitrite oxidizers (NOB) from the SBRs and allow to maintain high anammox activity during long-term operation. The validity of the model was tested using experimental data from two independent previously reported floc-based full-scale SBRs for N-removal via partial nitritation and anammox, with different aeration strategies at aeration phase (continuous vs. intermittent aeration). The model described the SBR cycle profiles and long-term dynamic data from the two SBR plants sufficiently and provided insights into the dynamics of microbial population fractions and N-removal performance. Ammonium oxidation and anammox reaction could occur simultaneously at DO range of 0.15-0.3 mg O2 L(-1) at aeration phase under continuous aeration condition, allowing simplified process control compared to intermittent aeration. The oxygen supply beyond prompt depletion by ammonium oxidizers (AOB) would lead to the growth of NOB competing with anammox for nitrite. NOB could also be washed out of the system and high anammox fractions could be maintained by controlling sludge age higher than 40 days and DO at around 0.2 mg O2 L(-1). Furthermore, the results suggest that N-removal in SBR occurs via both alternating nitritation/anammox and simultaneous nitritation/anammox, supporting an alternative strategy to improve N-removal in this promising treatment process, i.e., different anaerobic phases can be implemented in the SBR-cycle configuration.

Ni, B-J, Peng, L, Law, Y, Guo, J & Yuan, Z 2014, 'Modeling of Nitrous Oxide Production by Autotrophic Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria with Multiple Production Pathways', Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 48, no. 7, pp. 3916-3924.
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Autotrophic ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) have been recognized as a major contributor to N2O production in wastewater treatment systems. However, so far N2O models have been proposed based on a single N2O production pathway by AOB, and there is still a lack of effective approach for the integration of these models. In this work, an integrated mathematical model that considers multiple production pathways is developed to describe N2O production by AOB. The pathways considered include the nitrifier denitrification pathway (N2O as the final product of AOB denitrification with NO2(-) as the terminal electron acceptor) and the hydroxylamine (NH2OH) pathway (N2O as a byproduct of incomplete oxidation of NH2OH to NO2(-)). In this model, the oxidation and reduction processes are modeled separately, with intracellular electron carriers introduced to link the two types of processes. The model is calibrated and validated using experimental data obtained with two independent nitrifying cultures. The model satisfactorily describes the N2O data from both systems. The model also predicts shifts of the dominating pathway at various dissolved oxygen (DO) and nitrite levels, consistent with previous hypotheses. This unified model is expected to enhance our ability to predict N2O production by AOB in wastewater treatment systems under varying operational conditions.

Nur, T, Johir, MAH, Loganathan, P, Nguyen, T, Vigneswaran, S & Kandasamy, J 2014, 'Phosphate removal from water using an iron oxide impregnated strong base anion exchange resin', JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 1301-1307.
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Removing phosphate from water is important as it causes eutrophication, which in turn has a harmful effect on aquatic life, resulting in a reduction in biodiversity. On the other hand, recovery of phosphate from phosphorus containing wastewater is essential for developing an alternative source of phosphorus to overcome the global challenge of phosphorus scarcity. Phosphate removal from aqueous solutions was studied using an iron oxide impregnated strong base anion exchange resin, Purolite FerrIX A33E in batch and fixed-bed column experiments. Phosphate adsorption in the batch study satisfactorily fitted to the Langmuir isotherm with a maximum adsorption capacity of 48mgP/g. In the column study, increase in inlet phosphate concentration (5-30 mgP/L), and filtration velocity (2.5-10 m/h) resulted in faster breakthrough times and increase in breakthrough adsorption capacities. Increase in bed height (3-19 cm) also increased adsorption capacity but the breakthrough time was slower. The breakthrough data were reasonably well described using the empirical models of Bohart-Adams, Thomas, and Yoon-Nelson, except for high bed heights. Phosphate adsorbed was effectively desorbed using 1M NaOH and the adsorbent was regenerated after each of three adsorption/desorption cycles by maintaining the adsorption capacity at >90% of the original value. Greater than 99.5% of the desorbed P was recovered by precipitation using CaCl2. © 2013 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry.

Nur, T, Loganathan, P, Nguyen, TC, Vigneswaran, S, Singh, G & Kandasamy, J 2014, 'Batch and column adsorption and desorption of fluoride using hydrous ferric oxide: Solution chemistry and modeling', CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL, vol. 247, pp. 93-102.
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Elevated intake of fluoride (F), mainly through drinking water, is a major threat to human health worldwide. A study was conducted to remove F from aqueous solution by adsorption onto hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) in batch and fixed-bed column experiments. Of the seven adsorbents (four anion exchange resins, three multivalent metal oxides) tested, HFO had the highest adsorption capacity. Fluoride adsorption on HFO fitted well to Langmuir and Freundlich models with a Langmuir adsorption maximum of 6.71mg F/g at pH 6.5. Fluoride adsorption continuously decreased from pH 3 to 7. Point of zero charge of HFO was pH 5 which fell to pH 4 in the presence of 10mg F/L and 1g HFO/L, indicating that F was specifically adsorbed on HFO. Fluoride was not desorbed by 0.1M NaCl and 0.1M Na2SO4 but effectively desorbed by 0.1M NaOH. The F adsorption capacity in column experiments (10% or 20% HFO+90% or 80% anthracite) was progressively reduced with increasing number of adsorption/NaOH desorption cycles up to three cycles reaching a final value of 3.26mg F/g HFO. The breakthrough data from column studies at different bed heights, inlet concentrations, and pHs were fairly well described by Thomas model, but using an artificial neural network approach improved the model capability. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Nur, T, Shim, WG, Johir, MAH, Vigneswaran, S & Kandasamy, J 2014, 'Modelling of phosphorus removal by ion-exchange resin (Purolite FerrIX A33E) in fixed-bed column experiments', Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 52, no. 4-6, pp. 784-790.
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Phosphorus removal is important as it causes eutrophication that in turn has a harmful effect on fish and other aquatic life, resulting in a reduction in biodiversity as well as unfavourable human environmental health. In this study, phosphorus removal from aqueous solutions was studied using an ion-exchange resin (Purolite FerrIX A33E) in fixed-bed column experiments. The effects of adsorbent bed height (3-19 cm) on the breakthrough characteristics of the adsorption system were studied. An increase in bed height (3-19 cm) increased adsorption capacity but the breakthrough time was shorter. As the bed height increased, the detention time increased and the phosphate was in contact with the purolite ion-exchange resin for a longer time, resulting in more efficient removal of phosphate. The shape of breakthrough curve was steeper for a shorter bed height. A mathematical model (advection-dispersion equation) was solved numerically to predict the dynamic behaviour of the columns. Finally, sensitivity analysis results apparently revealed that the dynamic adsorption behaviours of phosphate in Purolite FerrIX A33E were mainly controlled by the external mass transfer rather than the axial dispersion and the intra-particle diffusion. © 2013 © 2013 Balaban Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.

Ong, HC, Masjuki, HH, Mahlia, TMI, Silitonga, AS, Chong, WT & Leong, KY 2014, 'Optimization of biodiesel production and engine performance from high free fatty acid Calophyllum inophyllum oil in CI diesel engine', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 81, pp. 30-40.
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Ong, HC, Masjuki, HH, Mahlia, TMI, Silitonga, AS, Chong, WT & Yusaf, T 2014, 'Engine performance and emissions using Jatropha curcas, Ceiba pentandra and Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel in a CI diesel engine', Energy, vol. 69, pp. 427-445.
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Palash, SM, Kalam, MA, Masjuki, HH, Arbab, MI, Masum, BM & Sanjid, A 2014, 'Impacts of NOx reducing antioxidant additive on performance and emissions of a multi-cylinder diesel engine fueled with Jatropha biodiesel blends', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 77, pp. 577-585.
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Pang, SC, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA & Hazrat, MA 2014, 'Transient simulation of coolant peak temperature due to prolonged fan and/or water pump operation after the vehicle is keyed-off', Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 50, no. 1, pp. 39-56.
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Park, C-H, Kim, EK, Tijing, LD, Amarjargal, A, Pant, HR, Kim, CS & Shon, HK 2014, 'Preparation and characterization of LA/PCL composite fibers containing beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) particles', Ceramics International, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 5049-5054.
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Beta-TCP (β-TCP) particle-containing LA/PCL micro/nanofibers were fabricated via a one-step electrospinning process. The morphology and chemical structure of the composite nanofibers were characterized by FESEM, XRD, and FTIR. Rougher surfaces were observed for the LA/PCL micro/nanofibers containing β-TCP compared to the neat LA/PCL fibers, which could possibly provide extra sites for cell binding. XRD and FTIR confirmed the presence of β-TCP as being firmly deposited on the fibers. After an immersion in distilled water, we observed that the β-TCP-containing composite fibers were more degradable with many damaged and broken fibers compared to the LA/PCL fibers. MTT assay and immersion test showed better cell viability and proliferation, and improved mineralization ability compared to the LA/PCL only mat. Thus, the incorporation of β-TCP and the presence of LA in PCL micro/nanofibers could result to an improved biocompatibility and faster degradation of the composite fibers, which would possibly be useful for tissue scaffold application.

Park, CH, Tijing, LD, Kim, CS & Lee, K-M 2014, 'Needle-free transdermal delivery using PLGA nanoparticles: Effect of particle size, injection pressure and syringe orifice diameter', Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, vol. 123, pp. 710-715.
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Park, CH, Tijing, LD, Shon, HK & Kim, CS 2014, 'Silicone-coatingof nitinol stent wires by electrospinning: Catheter deployment test', Digest Journal of Nanomaterials and Biostructures, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1-6.
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In this study, we investigated the effect of silicone-coating of individual wires on the deployment force of a non-vascular stent. As a new strategy, we utilized an electrospinning technique to selectively coat the wires of the stent, not including the spaces between the intersecting stent wires. We characterized the stent coating and wires with various characterization techniques. The tensile properties of the silicone film at different drying temperatures were measured and catheter deployment test was carried out. Fully silicone film-encapsulated Nitinolwires were obtained after drying at 150 and 200°C. The siliconecoated stent showed lower deployment force compared to the bare stent. This is attributed to the smoother surface provided by the silicone coating. Furthermore, the coating enhances the bending ability of the stent. The facile coating technique could provide improve catheter stent deployment as well as improve the biocompatibility of the stent.

Parsa-Pajouh, A, Fatahi, B, Vincent, P & Khabbaz, H 2014, 'Analyzing consolidation data to predict smear zone characteristics induced by vertical drain installation for soft soil improvement', GEOMECHANICS AND ENGINEERING, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 105-131.
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In this paper, the effects of variability of smear zone characteristics induced by installation of prefabricated vertical drains on the preloading design are investigated employing analytical and numerical approaches. Conventional radial consolidation theory has been adopted to conduct analytical parametric studies considering variations of smear zone permeability and extent. FLAC 2D finite difference software has been employed to conduct the numerical simulations. The finite difference analyses have been verified using three case studies including two embankments and a large-scale laboratory consolidometer with a central geosynthetic vertical drain. A comprehensive numerical parametric study is conducted to investigate the influence of smear zone permeability and extent on the model predictions. Furthermore, the construction of the trial embankment is recommended as a reliable solution to estimate accurate smear zone properties and minimise the post construction settlement. A back-calculation procedure is employed to determine the minimum required waiting time after construction of the trial embankment to predict the smear zone characteristics precisely. Results of this study indicate that the accurate smear zone permeability and extent can be back-calculated when 30% degree of consolidation is obtained after construction of the trial embankment. © 2014 Techno-Press, Ltd.

Parsa-Pajouh, A, Fatahi, B, Vincent, P & Khabbaz, H 2014, 'Trial Embankment Analysis to Predict Smear Zone Characteristics Induced by Prefabricated Vertical Drain Installation', Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 1187-1210.
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© 2014, Springer International Publishing Switzerland. In this study, FLAC finite difference software has been adopted to simulate the performance of the ground improved using prefabricated vertical drains assisted preloading, considering smear zone characteristics. The numerical code has been applied to predict smear zone properties employing a back calculation procedure using the results of several case studies. The construction of a trial embankment is proposed as a reliable method to predict the smear zone characteristics. The proposed back calculation method is applied to estimate the minimum required degree of consolidation and consequently the minimum required preloading time, resulting in a reliable estimation of the smear zone permeability and extent. Three preloading case studies considering both conventional preloading and vacuum assisted preloading have been simulated to verify the numerical code and to conduct the parametric study using the back calculation procedure. According to the results, the properties of the smear zone can be back-calculated reliably, when at least 33 % degree of consolidation due to trial embankment construction is achieved.

Peng, L, Ni, B-J, Erler, D, Ye, L & Yuan, Z 2014, 'The effect of dissolved oxygen on N 2 O production by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in an enriched nitrifying sludge', Water Research, vol. 66, pp. 12-21.
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Dissolved oxygen (DO) is commonly recognized as an important factor influencing nitrous oxide (N2O) production by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). However, it has been difficult to separate the true effect of DO from that of nitrite, as DO variation often affects nitrite accumulation. The effect of DO on N2O production by an enriched nitrifying sludge, consisting of both AOB and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), was investigated in this study. Nitrite accumulation was minimised by augmenting nitrite oxidation through the addition of an enriched NOB sludge. It was demonstrated that the specific N2O production rate increased from 0 to 1.9 ± 0.09 (n = 3) mg N2O-N/hr/g VSS with an increase of DO concentration from 0 to 3.0 mg O2/L, whereas N2O emission factor (the ratio between N2O nitrogen emitted and the ammonium nitrogen converted) decreased from 10.6 ± 1.7% (n = 3) at DO = 0.2 mg O2/L to 2.4 ± 0.1% (n = 3) at DO = 3.0 mg O2/L. The site preference measurements indicated that both the AOB denitrification and hydroxylamine (NH2OH) oxidation pathways contributed to N2O production, and DO had an important effect on the relative contributions of the two pathways. This finding is supported by analysis of the process data using an N2O model describing both pathways. As DO increased from 0.2 to 3.0 mg O2/L, the contribution of AOB denitrification decreased from 92% - 95%-66% - 73%, accompanied by a corresponding increase in the contribution by the NH2OH oxidation pathway.

Petrou, K, Trimborn, S, Kuehl, M & Ralph, PJ 2014, 'Desiccation stress in two intertidal beachrock biofilms', MARINE BIOLOGY, vol. 161, no. 8, pp. 1765-1773.
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Chlorophyll a fluorescence was used to look at the effect of desiccation on the photophysiology in two beachrock microbial biofilms from the intertidal rock platform of Heron Island, Australia. The photophysiological response to desiccation differed between the beachrock microbial communities. The black biofilm from the upper shoreline, dominated by Calothrix sp., showed a response typical of desiccation-tolerant cyanobacteria, where photosynthesis closed down during air exposure with a rapid and complete recovery upon rehydration. In contrast, the pink biofilm from the mid-intertidal zone, dominated by Blennothrix sp., showed no distinct response to desiccation stress and instead maintained reduced photosynthesis throughout drying and re-wetting cycles. Spatial differences in photosynthetic activity within the black biofilm were evident with a faster recovery rate of photosynthesis in the surface cyanobacteria than in the deeper layers of the biofilm. There was no variation with depth in the pink biofilm. The photophysiological differences in desiccation responses between the beachrock biofilms exemplify the ecological niche specialisation of these complex microbial communities, where the functional differences help to explain their vertical distribution on the intertidal shoreline.

Petrou, K, Trimborn, S, Rost, B, Ralph, PJ & Hassler, CS 2014, 'The impact of iron limitation on the physiology of the Antarctic diatom Chaetoceros simplex', MARINE BIOLOGY, vol. 161, no. 4, pp. 925-937.
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Iron availability strongly governs the growth of Southern Ocean phytoplankton. To investigate how iron limitation affects photosynthesis as well as the uptake of carbon and iron in the Antarctic diatom Chaetoceros simplex, a combination of chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements and radiotracer incubations in the presence and absence of chemical inhibitors was conducted. Iron limitation in C. simplex led to a decline in growth rates, photochemical efficiency and structural changes in photosystem II (PSII), including a reorganisation of photosynthetic units in PSII and an increase in size of the functional absorption cross section of PSII. Iron-limited cells further exhibited a reduced plastoquinone pool and decreased photosynthetic electron transport rate, while non-photochemical quenching and relative xanthophyll pigment content were strongly increased, suggesting a photoprotective response. Additionally, iron limitation resulted in a strong decline in carbon fixation and thus the particulate organic carbon quotas. Inhibitor studies demonstrated that, independent of the iron supply, carbon fixation was dependent on internal, but not on extracellular carbonic anhydrase activity. Orthovanadate more strongly inhibited iron uptake in iron-limited cells, indicating that P-type ATPase transporters are involved in iron uptake. The stronger reduction in iron uptake by ascorbate in iron-limited cells suggests that the re-oxidation of iron is required before it can be taken up and further supports the presence of a high-affinity iron transport pathway. The measured changes to photosystem architecture and shifts in carbon and iron uptake strategies in C. simplex as a result of iron limitation provide evidence for a complex interaction of these processes to balance the iron requirements for photosynthesis and carbon demand for sustained growth in iron-limited waters. © 2014 The Author(s).

Phuntsho, S, Hong, S, Elimelech, M & Shon, HK 2014, 'Osmotic equilibrium in the forward osmosis process: Modelling, experiments and implications for process performance', JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE, vol. 453, pp. 240-252.
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Forward osmosis (FO) has gained significant research interest due to the wide range of potential applications in desalination and wastewater reuse. However, the FO process being concentration (osmosis) driven has its own intrinsic limitations. Net transfer of water across the membrane occurs until the point of osmotic equilibrium between the draw solution (DS) and the feed solution (FS). Without external intervention, it is impossible to dilute the DS beyond the point of osmotic equilibrium. In this study, the concept of osmotic equilibrium in the FO process is introduced by simulating conditions in a plate-and-frame FO membrane module using established mass transport models. The simulations evaluated the influence of various operating parameters on process performance, assessed in terms of water flux, feed recovery rate and the final concentration of the diluted DS. The counter-current crossflow mode of operation has been observed to be advantageous because it can achieve higher module average water flux, higher feed water recovery rates and higher DS final dilution. Based on the osmotic equilibrium concept and mass balance analysis, a modified equation for the water extraction capacity of a draw solute has been proposed. This study underscores the need for process optimisation for large-scale FO operations. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Phuntsho, S, Lotfi, F, Hong, S, Shaffer, DL, Elimelech, M & Shon, HK 2014, 'Membrane scaling and flux decline during fertiliser-drawn forward osmosis desalination of brackish groundwater', WATER RESEARCH, vol. 57, pp. 172-182.
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Fertiliser-drawn forward osmosis (FDFO) desalination has been recently studied as one feasible application of forward osmosis (FO) for irrigation. In this study, the potential of membrane scaling in the FDFO process has been investigated during the desalination of brackish groundwater (BGW). While most fertilisers containing monovalent ions did not result in any scaling when used as an FO draw solution (DS), diammonium phosphate (DAP or (NH4)2HPO4) resulted in significant scaling, which contributed to severe flux decline. Membrane autopsy using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the reverse diffusion of DAP from the DS to the feed solution was primarily responsible for scale formation during the FDFO process. Physical cleaning of the membrane with deionised water at varying crossflow velocities was employed to evaluate the reversibility of membrane scaling and the extent of flux recovery. For the membrane scaled using DAP as DS, 80-90% of the original flux was recovered when the crossflow velocity for physical cleaning was the same as the crossflow velocity during FDFO desalination. However, when a higher crossflow velocity or Reynolds number was used, the flux was recovered almost completely, irrespective of the DS concentration used. This study underscores the importance of selecting a suitable fertiliser for FDFO desalination of brackish groundwater to avoid membrane scaling and severe flux decline. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Porter, SH, Huang, Z & Woodward, PM 2014, 'Study of Anion Order/Disorder in RTaN₂O (R = La, Ce, Pr) Perovskite Nitride Oxides', Crystal Growth & Design, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 117-125.
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Pradhan, M, Vigneswaran, S, Ben Aim, R & Kandasamy, J 2014, 'Modelling of particle deposition in a submerged membrane microfiltration system', DESALINATION, vol. 350, pp. 14-20.
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Rahman, MM, Hassan, MH, Kalam, MA, Atabani, AE, Memon, LA & Rahman, SMA 2014, 'Performance and emission analysis of Jatropha curcas and Moringa oleifera methyl ester fuel blends in a multi-cylinder diesel engine', Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 65, pp. 304-310.
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Rahman, SMA, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Abedin, MJ, Sanjid, A & Imtenan, S 2014, 'Effect of idling on fuel consumption and emissions of a diesel engine fueled by Jatropha biodiesel blends', Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 69, pp. 208-215.
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Rahman, SMA, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Abedin, MJ, Sanjid, A & Rahman, MM 2014, 'Assessing idling effects on a compression ignition engine fueled with Jatropha and Palm biodiesel blends', Renewable Energy, vol. 68, pp. 644-650.
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Rahman, SMA, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Varman, M, Sanjid, A & Abedin, MJ 2014, 'Assessing Effect of Idling on Compression Ignition Engine Operated with Palm, Jatropha and Calophyllum Biodiesel Blends', Journal of the Institute of Industrial Applications Engineers, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 122-126.
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Rashedul, HK, Kalam, MA, Masjuki, HH, Ashraful, AM, Imtenan, S, Sajjad, H & Wee, LK 2014, 'Numerical study on convective heat transfer of a spark ignition engine fueled with bioethanol', International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 58, pp. 33-39.
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Rashedul, HK, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Ashraful, AM, Ashrafur Rahman, SM & Shahir, SA 2014, 'The effect of additives on properties, performance and emission of biodiesel fuelled compression ignition engine', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 88, pp. 348-364.
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Raven, JA & Doblin, MA 2014, 'Active water transport in unicellular algae: where, why, and how', JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY, vol. 65, no. 22, pp. 6279-6292.
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Rizwanul Fattah, IM, Hassan, MH, Kalam, MA, Atabani, AE & Abedin, MJ 2014, 'Synthetic phenolic antioxidants to biodiesel: path toward NOx reduction of an unmodified indirect injection diesel engine', Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 79, pp. 82-90.
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Rizwanul Fattah, IM, Kalam, MA, Masjuki, HH & Wakil, MA 2014, 'Biodiesel production, characterization, engine performance, and emission characteristics of Malaysian Alexandrian laurel oil', RSC Adv., vol. 4, no. 34, pp. 17787-17796.
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This article studies the production and characterization of Malaysian Alexandrian laurel oil and the effect of common blends on engine performance and emissions.

Rizwanul Fattah, IM, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA & Masum, BM 2014, 'Effect of synthetic antioxidants on storage stability of Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel', Materials Research Innovations, vol. 18, no. sup6, pp. 90-94.
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Rizwanul Fattah, IM, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Hazrat, MA, Masum, BM, Imtenan, S & Ashraful, AM 2014, 'Effect of antioxidants on oxidation stability of biodiesel derived from vegetable and animal based feedstocks', Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 30, pp. 356-370.
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Rizwanul Fattah, IM, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Mofijur, M & Abedin, MJ 2014, 'Effect of antioxidant on the performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with palm biodiesel blends', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 79, pp. 265-272.
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Rizwanul Fattah, IM, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Wakil, MA, Ashraful, AM & Shahir, SA 2014, 'Experimental investigation of performance and regulated emissions of a diesel engine with Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel blends accompanied by oxidation inhibitors', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 83, pp. 232-240.
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Rizwanul Fattah, IM, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Wakil, MA, Rashedul, HK & Abedin, MJ 2014, 'Performance and emission characteristics of a CI engine fueled with Cocos nucifera and Jatropha curcas B20 blends accompanying antioxidants', Industrial Crops and Products, vol. 57, pp. 132-140.
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Robinson, C, Suggett, DJ, Cherukuru, N, Ralph, PJ & Doblin, MA 2014, 'Performance of Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry based estimates of primary productivity in coastal waters', JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS, vol. 139, pp. 299-310.
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© 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V. Capturing the variability of primary productivity in highly dynamic coastal ecosystems remains a major challenge to marine scientists. To test the suitability of Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry (FRRf) for rapid assessment of primary productivity in estuarine and coastal locations, we conducted a series of paired analyses estimating 14C carbon fixation and primary productivity from electron transport rates with a Fast Repetition Rate fluorometer MkII, from waters on the Australian east coast. Samples were collected from two locations with contrasting optical properties and we compared the relative magnitude of photosynthetic traits, such as the maximum rate of photosynthesis (Pmax), light utilisation efficiency (α) and minimum saturating irradiance (EK) estimated using both methods. In the case of FRRf, we applied recent algorithm developments that enabled electron transport rates to be determined free from the need for assumed constants, as in most previous studies. Differences in the concentration and relative proportion of optically active substances at the two locations were evident in the contrasting attenuation of PAR (400-700nm), blue (431nm), green (531nm) and red (669nm) wavelengths. FRRF-derived estimates of photosynthetic parameters were positively correlated with independent estimates of 14C carbon fixation (Pmax: n=19, R2=0.66; α: n=21, R2=0.77; EK: n=19, R2=0.45; all p<0.05), however primary productivity was frequently underestimated by the FRRf method. Up to 81% of the variation in the relationship between FRRf and 14C estimates was explained by the presence of pico-cyanobacteria and chlorophyll-a biomass, and the proportion of photoprotective pigments, that appeared to be linked to turbidity. We discuss the potential importance of cyanobacteria in influencing the underestimations of FRRf productivity and steps to overcome this potential limitation.

Ruscalleda, M, Seredynska-Sobecka, B, Ni, B-J, Arvin, E, Balaguer, MD, Colprim, J & Smets, BF 2014, 'Spectrometric characterization of the effluent dissolved organic matter from an anammox reactor shows correlation between the EEM signature and anammox growth', Chemosphere, vol. 117, no. 1, pp. 271-277.
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Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a cost-effective process to treat high-strength nitrogenous wastewater. Even without organic carbon input, the effluent contains bioproducts from autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria. In this work, excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy was used to characterize the effluent dissolved organic matter (EfOM) from an anammox reactor treating synthetic wastewater. Two dominant EEM components were identified as humic acid-like (component 1) and protein-like (component 2) substances with excitation/emission peaks at <240, 355, 420/464 nm and <240, 280, 330/346 nm, respectively. The presence of both compounds in the effluent was tracked during an activity recovery period (nitrogen load increased from 0.2 to 1.3 kg Nm(-3)d(-1)). The effluent concentration of both components increased during this period, indicating correlation between production and bacterial activity. The dynamics of these bioproducts during both substrate consumption and starvation phases was analyzed in batch experiments. Component 1 was only formed during substrate consumption in a rate proportional to ammonium removal and was considered an up-take associated product characteristic of anammox activity. The results show that the composition of the EfOM was qualitatively and quantitatively influenced by process performance. Monitoring the EfOM could, therefore, offer a useful approach to assess anammox process performance and must be further explored.

Sackett, O, Armand, L, Beardall, J, Hill, R, Doblin, M, Connelly, C, Howes, J, Stuart, B, Ralph, P & Heraud, P 2014, 'Taxon-specific responses of Southern Ocean diatoms to Fe enrichment revealed by synchrotron radiation FTIR microspectroscopy', Biogeosciences Discussions, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 7327-7357.
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Abstract. Photosynthesis by marine diatoms contributes substantially to global biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem productivity. It is widely accepted that diatoms are extremely sensitive to changes in Fe availability, with numerous in situ experiments demonstrating rapid growth and increased export of elements (e.g. C, Si and Fe) from surface waters as a result of Fe addition. Less is known about the effects of Fe enrichment on the phenotypes of diatoms, such as associated changes in nutritional value, furthermore data on taxon-specific responses is almost non-existent. Enhanced supply of nutrient-rich waters along the coast of the subantarctic Kerguelen Island provide a valuable opportunity to examine the responses of phytoplankton to natural Fe enrichment. Here we demonstrate the use of synchrotron radiation Fourier Transform Infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy to analyse changes in the macromolecular composition of diatoms collected along the coast and plateau of Kerguelen Island, Southern Ocean. SR-FTIR microspectroscopy enabled the analysis of individual diatom cells from mixed communities of field-collected samples, thereby providing insight into in situ taxon-specific responses in relation to changes in Fe availability. Phenotypic responses were taxon-specific in terms of intraspecific variability and changes in proteins, amino acids, phosphorylated molecules, silicate and carbohydrates. In contrast to some previous studies, silicate levels increased under Fe enrichment, in conjunction with increases in carbohydrate stores. The highly abundant taxon Fragilariopsis kerguelensis displayed a higher level of phenotypic plasticity than Pseudo-nitzschia spp., while analysis of the data pooled across all measured taxa showed different patterns in macromolecular composition compared to those for individual taxon. This study demonstrates that taxon-specific responses to Fe enrichment may not always be accurately reflected by bulk community meas...

Sackett, O, Armand, L, Beardall, J, Hill, R, Doblin, M, Connelly, C, Howes, J, Stuart, B, Ralph, P & Heraud, P 2014, 'Taxon-specific responses of Southern Ocean diatoms to Fe enrichment revealed by synchrotron radiation FTIR microspectroscopy', BIOGEOSCIENCES, vol. 11, no. 20, pp. 5795-5808.
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© 2014 Author(s). Photosynthesis by marine diatoms contributes substantially to global biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem productivity. It is widely accepted that diatoms are extremely sensitive to changes in Fe availability, with numerous in situ experiments demonstrating rapid growth and increased export of elements (e.g. C, Si and Fe) from surface waters as a result of Fe addition. Less is known about the effects of Fe enrichment on the phenotypes of diatoms, such as associated changes in nutritional value-furthermore, data on taxon-specific responses are almost non-existent. Enhanced supply of nutrient-rich waters along the coast of the subantarctic Kerguelen Island provide a valuable opportunity to examine the responses of phytoplankton to natural Fe enrichment. Here we demonstrate the use of synchrotron radiation Fourier Transform Infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy to analyse changes in the macromolecular composition of diatoms collected along the coast and plateau of Kerguelen Island, Southern Ocean. SR-FTIR microspectroscopy enabled the analysis of individual diatom cells from mixed communities of field-collected samples, thereby providing insight into in situ taxon-specific responses in relation to changes in Fe availability. Phenotypic responses were taxon-specific in terms of intraspecific variability and changes in proteins, amino acids, phosphorylated molecules, silicate/silicic acid and carbohydrates. In contrast to some previous studies, silicate/silicic acid levels increased under Fe enrichment, in conjunction with increases in carbohydrate stores. The highly abundant taxon Fragilariopsis kerguelensis displayed a higher level of phenotypic plasticity than Pseudo-nitzschia spp., while analysis of the data pooled across all measured taxa showed different patterns in macromolecular composition compared to those for individual taxon. This study demonstrates that taxon-specific responses to Fe enrichment may not always be accurately refle...

Sajjad, H, Masjuki, HH, Varman, M, Kalam, MA, Arbab, MI, Imtenan, S & Rahman, SMA 2014, 'Engine combustion, performance and emission characteristics of gas to liquid (GTL) fuels and its blends with diesel and bio-diesel', Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 30, pp. 961-986.
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Sanjid, A, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Rahman, SMA, Abedin, MJ & Palash, SM 2014, 'Production of palm and jatropha based biodiesel and investigation of palm-jatropha combined blend properties, performance, exhaust emission and noise in an unmodified diesel engine', Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 65, pp. 295-303.
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Schrameyer, V, Wangpraseurt, D, Hill, R, Kuehl, M, Larkum, AWD & Ralph, PJ 2014, 'Light Respiratory Processes and Gross Photosynthesis in Two Scleractinian Corals', PLOS ONE, vol. 9, no. 10.
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© 2014 Schrameyer et al. The light dependency of respiratory activity of two scleractinian corals was examined using O2 microsensors and CO2 exchange measurements. Light respiration increased strongly but asymptotically with elevated irradiance in both species. Light respiration in Pocillopora damicornis was higher than in Pavona decussata under low irradiance, indicating species-specific differences in light-dependent metabolic processes. Overall, the coral P. decussata exhibited higher CO2 uptake rates than P. damicornis over the experimental irradiance range. P. decussata also harboured twice as many algal symbionts and higher total protein biomass compared to P. damicornis, possibly resulting in self-shading of the symbionts and/or changes in host tissue specific light distribution. Differences in light respiration and CO2 availability could be due to host-specific characteristics that modulate the symbiont microenvironment, its photosynthesis, and hence the overall performance of the coral holobiont.

Semblante, GU, Hai, FI, Ngo, HH, Guo, W, You, S-J, Price, WE & Nghiem, LD 2014, 'Sludge cycling between aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic regimes to reduce sludge production during wastewater treatment: Performance, mechanisms, and implications', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 155, pp. 395-409.
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Alternate cycling of sludge in aerobic, anoxic, and anaerobic regimes is a promising strategy that can reduce the sludge yield of conventional activated sludge (CAS) by up to 50% with potentially lower capital and operating cost than physical- and/or chemical-based sludge minimisation techniques. The mechanisms responsible for reducing sludge yield include alterations to cellular metabolism and feeding behaviour (metabolic uncoupling, feasting/fasting, and endogenous decay), biological floc destruction, and predation on bacteria by higher organisms. Though discrepancies across various studies are recognisable, it is apparent that sludge retention time, oxygen-reduction potential of the anaerobic tank, temperature, sludge return ratio and loading mode are relevant to sludge minimisation by sludge cycling approaches. The impact of sludge minimisation on CAS operation (e.g., organics and nutrient removal efficiency and sludge settleability) is highlighted, and key areas requiring further research are also identified.

Shabib-asl, A, Ayoub, MA, Alta\'ee, AF, Bin Mohd Saaid, I & Paulo Jose Valentim, P 2014, 'Comprehensive Review of Foam Application during Foam Assisted Water Alternating Gas (FAWAG) Method', Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, vol. 8, no. 17, pp. 1896-1904.
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© Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014. In the last few decades, much focus has been placed on enhancing oil recovery from existing fields. This is accomplished by the study and application of various methods. As for recent cases, the Study of fluid mobility control and sweep efficiency in gas injection process as well as Water Alternating Gas (WAG) method have demonstrated positive results on oil recovery and thus gained wide interest in petroleum industry. WAG injection application results in an increased oil recovery. Its mechanism consists in reduction of Gas Oil Ratio (GOR). However, there are some problems associated with this which includes poor volumetric sweep efficiency due to its low density and high mobility when compared with oil. This has led to the introduction of Foam Assisted Water Alternating Gas (FAWAG) technique, which in contrast with WAG injection, acts in improving the sweep efficiency and reducing the gas oil ration therefore maximizing the production rate from the producer wells. This study presents a comprehensive review of FAWAG process from perspective of Snorre field experience. In addition some comparative results between FAWAG and the other EOR methods are presented including their setbacks. The main aim is to provide a solid background for future laboratory research and successful field application-extend.

Shafie, SM, Masjuki, HH & Mahlia, TMI 2014, 'Life cycle assessment of rice straw-based power generation in Malaysia', Energy, vol. 70, pp. 401-410.
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Shahid, M, El Saliby, I, McDonagh, A, Tijing, LD, Kim, J-H & Shon, HK 2014, 'Synthesis and characterisation of potassium polytitanate for photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet', Journal of Environmental Sciences, vol. 26, no. 11, pp. 2348-2354.
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Potassium titanate nanostructures were synthesised by hydrothermal treatment of TiO2 (P25) in KOH and H2O2. As-produced powders were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption methods. Longitudinally-oriented-wire-like structures with a length up to several micrometres and diameters ranging from 10 to 30 nm were obtained. Larger size fibrous nanowires resulting from the hydrothermal treatment showed high affinity in adsorbing crystal violet (CV), which was mainly due to their high surface area. The photocatalytic bleaching of CV solution revealed that the wires are photoactive under ultraviolet light irradiation. Macroporous nanowires are considered as effective adsorbents of CV, capable of photocatalytic degradation, and they can be easily separated from the solution by settling.

Shahid, M, Saliby, IE, McDonagh, A, Kim, J-H & Shon, HK 2014, 'Photodesorption of specific organic compounds from titanium dioxide particles in aqueous media', Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 52, no. 4-6, pp. 867-872.
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This study investigates the photodesorption of organic compounds (beef extract, peptone, humic acid, tannic acid, sodium lignin sulphonate, sodium lauryl sulphate, arabic gum powder and arabic acid) from TiO2 (1 g/L in water, pH 7). After a period to reach adsorption equilibrium, photodesorption experiments were conducted in a recirculated reactor at a constant flow rate of 150 mL/min with a UV light intensity of 24 W. Photodesorption was observed only for sodium lauryl sulphate (50%), sodium lignin sulphonate (43.47%), beef extract (20.35%) and tannic acid (10.5%) indicating that photodesorption is specific to some organic compounds but not to all. Using liquid chromatography-organic carbon detection, untreated beef extract and sodium lignin sulphonate were found to contain significant amounts of humic substances (∼1,000 g/mol), which decreased in concentration after dark phase adsorption, while a significant increase in low molecular weight (<350 g/mol) concentrations was observed after photodesorption. UV-treated sodium lauryl sulphate photodesorbed to give both higher molecular weight (HMW) and lower molecular weight (LMW) organics. Thus, the HMW fractions of organic compounds decomposed into smaller compounds after UV irradiation, which subsequently desorbed from TiO2 surface. However, untreated tannic acid contained a larger proportion of LMW acids, which shows a high adsorption affinity to TiO2 during adsorption and poorly desorbs upon irradiation.

Shahir, SA, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Imran, A, Fattah, IMR & Sanjid, A 2014, 'Feasibility of diesel–biodiesel–ethanol/bioethanol blend as existing CI engine fuel: An assessment of properties, material compatibility, safety and combustion', Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 32, pp. 379-395.
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Shancita, I, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Rizwanul Fattah, IM, Rashed, MM & Rashedul, HK 2014, 'A review on idling reduction strategies to improve fuel economy and reduce exhaust emissions of transport vehicles', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 88, pp. 794-807.
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Shanmuganathan, S, Nguyen, TV, Shim, WG, Kandasamy, J & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Performance of submerged membrane - Ion exchange hybrid system with Purolite A502PS in treating reverse osmosis feed', SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY, vol. 122, pp. 24-31.
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The performance of ion exchanger Purolite A502PS in treating biologically treated sewage effluent (Reverse Osmosis feed) was evaluated in a submerged membrane ion exchange hybrid system (SMIHS). The experimental results showed that adding a small amount of Purolite A502PS of 0.5 g/L increased the organic removal of the submerged membrane reactor from less than 10% to above 40%. The homogeneous surface diffusion model (HSDM) could predict the adsorption kinetics of Purolite A502PS. A higher dose of Purolite A502PS in SMIHS led to better organic removal as well as reduced membrane resistance. After one hour of operation at a flux of 36 LMH, the amount of organic matter retained on the membrane surface decreased from 2.11E-9 kg/m2 s to 8.25E-10 kg/m 2 s when 1 g/L of Purolite A502PS was added into the submerged membrane reactor. Although the increase of membrane flux from 36 L/m2 h (LMH) to 60 LMH did not have much effect on organic removal, more organics were adsorbed onto the membrane surface. This led to a higher transmembrane pressure (TMP) of 12 kPa in the SMIHS after eight hours operation at a flux 60 LMH. The increase in TMP was approximately four times higher than that at a flux of 36 LMH.© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Shanmuganathan, S, Nguyen, TV, Shim, WG, Kandasamy, J, Listowski, A & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Effluent organic matter removal from reverse osmosis feed by granular activated carbon and purolite A502PS fluidized beds', JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY, vol. 20, no. 6, pp. 4499-4508.
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© 2014 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Applying pre-treatments to remove dissolved organic matter from reverse osmosis (RO) feed can help to reduce organic fouling of the RO membrane. In this study the performance of granular activated carbon (GAC), a popular adsorbent, and purolite A502PS, an anion exchange resin, in removing effluent organic matter (EfOM) from RO feed collected from a water reclamation plant located at Sydney Olympic Park, Australia were evaluated and compared through adsorption equilibrium, kinetics and fluidized bed experiments. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of GAC calculated from the Langmuir model with RO feed was 13.4mg/g GAC. The operational conditions of fluidized bed columns packed with GAC and purolite A502PS strongly affected the removal of EfOM. GAC fluidized bed with a bed height of 10cm and fluidization velocity of 5.7m/h removed more than 80% of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) during a 7h experiment. The average DOC removal was 60% when the bed height was reduced to 7cm. When comparing GAC with purolite A502PS, more of the later was required to remove the same amount of DOC. The poorer performance of purolite A502PS can be explained by the competition provided by other inorganic anions present in RO feed. A plug flow model can be used to predict the impact of the amount of adsorbent and of the flow rate on removal of organic matter from the fluidized bed column.

Sharma, RK, Ganesan, P, Sahu, JN, Metselaar, HSC & Mahlia, TMI 2014, 'Numerical study for enhancement of solidification of phase change materials using trapezoidal cavity', Powder Technology, vol. 268, pp. 38-47.
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Shi, H, Yang, Y, Liu, M, Yan, C, Yue, H & Zhou, J 2014, 'Occurrence and distribution of antibiotics in the surface sediments of the Yangtze Estuary and nearby coastal areas', Marine Pollution Bulletin, vol. 83, no. 1, pp. 317-323.
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The occurrence and distribution of five groups of antibiotics were investigated in the surface sediments of the Yangtze Estuary over four seasons. Four tetracyclines (TCs), sulfaquinoxaline (SQ), enrofloxacin (EFC) and thiamphenicol (TAP) were detected in all the samples, while sulfamerazine (SM) and sulfathiazole (ST) showed the lowest detection frequency. The detection frequencies and antibiotic concentrations were generally higher in January and May, indicating that low flow conditions and low temperature might enhance the persistence of antibiotics in sediment. Antibiotic levels varied with location, with the highest concentrations being observed around river discharges and sewage outfalls. Furthermore, a positive correlation between the concentration of quinolones and TOC revealed the significant role played by TOC. The concentration of quinolones at Wusongkou exceeded the trigger value (0.10 mg kg(-1)) of the Steering Committee of the Veterinary International Committee on Harmonization (VICH), which should be paid attention to in future studies.

Shon, HK, Nghiem, LD, Kim, S, Chiemchaisri, C, Aravinthan, V, Virkutyte, J, Shu, L & Jegatheesan, V 2014, 'Special issue on the Challenges in Environmental Science and Engineering—CESE-2012 9–13 September 2012, RACV City Club, Melbourne, Australia', Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 52, no. 4-6, pp. 555-555.
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Shrestha, A, Jeong, S, Vigneswaran, S & Kandasamy, J 2014, 'Seawater biofiltration pre-treatment system: comparison of filter media performance', Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 52, no. 34-36, pp. 6325-6332.
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© 2013, © 2013 Balaban Desalination Publications. All rights reserved. Abstract: Biological filtration is an effective pre-treatment method to remove organic matter and particulate matter from seawater. Three biofilter columns were operated packed with granular-activated carbon (GAC), anthracite and sand as a filter media. The biofilters were run for 120 d at a slow filtration velocity of 0.12 m/h. Biofiltration performances were evaluated in terms of turbidity, different fouling indices, and dissolved organic carbon(DOC). The removal efficiencies of turbidity by the three biofilters were similar with low headloss development. The fouling potential of treated seawater (filtrate) was evaluated using three different fouling indices such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration at a cross flow. The analyses of three different fouling indices showed that the reduction in fouling potential was the following order GAC > sand > anthracite. In terms of DOC removal efficiency, GAC biofilter showed higher and stable removal efficiency (41–88%), than sand biofilter (7–76%) and anthracite biofilter (3–71%). All biofilters used in this study removed most of hydrophobic organic compounds (around 94%). On the other hand, hydrophilic organic removal varied depending on the media filter. GAC biofilter removed more organic biopolymers (51%), humic substances (75%) and building blocks (50%) compared with sand and anthracite biofilters. Therefore, GAC biofiltration can be used as an effective pre-treatment to alleviate organic fouling.

Silakhori, M, Metselaar, HSC, Mahlia, TMI & Fauzi, H 2014, 'Preparation and characterisation of microencapsulated paraffin wax with polyaniline-based polymer shells for thermal energy storage', Materials Research Innovations, vol. 18, no. sup6, pp. 480-484.
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Silakhori, M, Metselaar, HSC, Mahlia, TMI, Fauzi, H, Baradaran, S & Naghavi, MS 2014, 'Palmitic acid/polypyrrole composites as form-stable phase change materials for thermal energy storage', Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 80, pp. 491-497.
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Simon, A, Fujioka, T, Price, WE & Nghiem, LD 2014, 'Sodium hydroxide production from sodium carbonate and bicarbonate solutions using membrane electrolysis: A feasibility study', Separation and Purification Technology, vol. 127, pp. 70-76.
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Sinutok, S, Hill, R, Kuhl, M, Doblin, MA & Ralph, PJ 2014, 'Ocean acidification and warming alter photosynthesis and calcification of the symbiont-bearing foraminifera Marginopora vertebralis', MARINE BIOLOGY, vol. 161, no. 9, pp. 2143-2154.
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Subagia, IDGA, Jiang, Z, Tijing, LD, Kim, Y, Kim, CS, Lim, JK & Shon, HK 2014, 'Hybrid multi-scale basalt fiber-epoxy composite laminate reinforced with Electrospun polyurethane nanofibers containing carbon nanotubes', Fibers and Polymers, vol. 15, no. 6, pp. 1295-1302.
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In this study, we report the fabrication and evaluation of a hybrid multi-scale basalt fiber/epoxy composite laminate reinforced with layers of electrospun carbon nanotube/polyurethane (CNT/PU) nanofibers. Electrospun polyurethane mats containing 1, 3 and 5 wt% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were interleaved between layers of basalt fibers laminated with epoxy through vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The strength and stiffness of composites for each configuration were tested by tensile and flexural tests, and SEM analysis was conducted to observe the morphology of the composites. The results showed increase in tensile strength (4-13 %) and tensile modulus (6-20 %), and also increase in flexural strength (6.5-17.3 %) and stiffness of the hybrid composites with the increase of CNT content in PU nanofibers. The use of surfactant to disperse CNTs in the electrospun PU reinforcement resulted to the highest increase in both tensile and flexural properties, which is attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in the PU nanofibers and the high surface area of the nanofibers themselves. Here, the use of multi-scale reinforcement fillers with good and homogeneous dispersion for epoxy-based laminates showed increased mechanical performance of the hybrid composite laminates. © 2014 The Korean Fiber Society and Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Subagia, IDGA, Tijing, LD & Kim, YJ 2014, 'Basalt Fabric-Electrospun Nanofiber-Based Composite Laminates', Applied Mechanics and Materials, vol. 465-466, pp. 852-856.
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This study investigated the influence of electrospun polyurethane mats containing different contents of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) stacked in between basalt fabric layers to form a composite laminate. The composite laminate was fabricated using a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Flexural test were carried out to investigate the strength and stiffness of composites for each configuration, while the failure characteristics were observed using a field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. The results showed that flexural strength and stiffness of the hybrid composites with increasing CNT content in polyurethane (PU) nanofiber were increased by 6.5% and 17.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of surfactants for the dispersion of CNTs in nanofibers significantly improved the flexural property of the composite interply basalt fabric-CNT/PU laminates. This study proved that the use of multi-scale reinforcement fillers with good and homogeneous dispersion increased the mechanical performance of the composite.

Sun, J, Hu, S, Sharma, KR, Ni, B-J & Yuan, Z 2014, 'Stratified Microbial Structure and Activity in Sulfide- and Methane-Producing Anaerobic Sewer Biofilms', Applied and Environmental Microbiology, vol. 80, no. 22, pp. 7042-7052.
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ABSTRACT Simultaneous production of sulfide and methane by anaerobic sewer biofilms has recently been observed, suggesting that sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and methanogenic archaea (MA), microorganisms known to compete for the same substrates, can coexist in this environment. This study investigated the community structures and activities of SRB and MA in anaerobic sewer biofilms (average thickness of 800 μm) using a combination of microelectrode measurements, molecular techniques, and mathematical modeling. It was seen that sulfide was mainly produced in the outer layer of the biofilm, between the depths of 0 and 300 μm, which is in good agreement with the distribution of SRB population as revealed by cryosection-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). SRB had a higher relative abundance of 20% on the surface layer, which decreased gradually to below 3% at a depth of 400 μm. In contrast, MA mainly inhabited the inner layer of the biofilm. Their relative abundances increased from 10% to 75% at depths of 200 μm and 700 μm, respectively, from the biofilm surface layer. High-throughput pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons showed that SRB in the biofilm were mainly affiliated with five genera, Desulfobulbus , Desulfomicrobium , Desulfovibrio , Desulfatiferula , and Desulforegula , while about 90% of the MA population belonged to the genus FUEL, vol. 133, pp. 17-25.
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In this study, an LPG fumigation system was fitted to a Euro III compression ignition (CI) engine to explore its impact on performance, and gaseous and particulate emissions. LPG was introduced to the intake air stream (as a secondary fuel) by using a low pressure fuel injector situated upstream of the turbocharger. LPG substitutions were test mode dependent, but varied in the range of 14-29% by energy. The engine was tested over a 5 point test cycle using ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD), and a low and high LPG substitution at each test mode. The results show that LPG fumigation coerces the combustion into pre-mixed mode, as increases in the peak combustion pressure (and the rate of pressure rise) were observed in most tests. The emissions results show decreases in nitric oxide (NO) and particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions; however, very significant increases in carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions were observed. A more detailed investigation of the particulate emissions showed that the number of particles emitted was reduced with LPG fumigation at all test settings - apart from mode 6 of the ECE R49 test cycle. Furthermore, the particles emitted generally had a slightly larger median diameter with LPG fumigation, and had a smaller semi-volatile fraction relative to ULSD. Overall, the results show that with some modifications, LPG fumigation systems could be used to extend ULSD supplies without adversely impacting on engine performance and emissions. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sweat, DP, Kim, M, Larson, SR, Choi, JW, Choo, Y, Osuji, CO & Gopalan, P 2014, 'Rational Design of a Block Copolymer with a High Interaction Parameter', Macromolecules, vol. 47, no. 19, pp. 6687-6696.
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Szabo, M, Parker, K, Guruprasad, S, Kuzhiumparambil, U, Lilley, RM, Tamburic, B, Schliep, M, Larkum, AWD, Schreiber, U, Raven, JA & Ralph, PJ 2014, 'Photosynthetic acclimation of Nannochloropsis oculata investigated by multi-wavelength chlorophyll fluorescence analysis', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 167, pp. 521-529.
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Multi-wavelength chlorophyll fluorescence analysis was utilised to examine the photosynthetic efficiency of the biofuel-producing alga Nannochloropsis oculata, grown under two light regimes; low (LL) and high (HL) irradiance levels. Wavelength dependency was evident in the functional absorption cross-section of Photosystem II (σII(λ)), absolute electron transfer rates (ETR(II)), and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of chlorophyll fluorescence in both HL and LL cells. While σII(λ) was not significantly different between the two growth conditions, HL cells upregulated ETR(II) 1.6-1.8-fold compared to LL cells, most significantly in the wavelength range of 440-540nm. This indicates preferential utilisation of blue-green light, a highly relevant spectral region for visible light in algal pond conditions. Under these conditions, the HL cells accumulated saturated fatty acids, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids were more abundant in LL cells. This knowledge is of importance for the use of N. oculata for fatty acid production in the biofuel industry. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Szabo, M, Wangpraseurt, D, Tamburic, B, Larkum, AWD, Schreiber, U, Suggett, DJ, Kuehl, M & Ralph, PJ 2014, 'Effective light absorption and absolute electron transport rates in the coral Pocillopora damicornis', PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, vol. 83, pp. 159-167.
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Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) fluorometry has been widely used to estimate the relative photosynthetic efficiency of corals. However, both the optical properties of intact corals as well as past technical constrains to PAM fluorometers have prevented calculations of the electron turnover rate of PSII. We used a new Multi-colour PAM (MC-PAM) in parallel with light microsensors to determine for the first time the wavelength-specific effective absorption cross-section of PSII photochemistry, σII(λ), and thus PAM-based absolute electron transport rates of the coral photosymbiont Symbiodinium both in culture and in hospite in the coral Pocillopora damicornis. In both cases, σII of Symbiodinium was highest in the blue spectral region and showed a progressive decrease towards red wavelengths. Absolute values for σII at 440nm were up to 1.5-times higher in culture than in hospite. Scalar irradiance within the living coral tissue was reduced by 20% in the blue when compared to the incident downwelling irradiance. Absolute electron transport rates of P.damicornis at 440nm revealed a maximum PSII turnover rate of ca. 250 electrons PSII-1 s-1, consistent with one PSII turnover for every 4 photons absorbed by PSII; this likely reflects the limiting steps in electron transfer between PSII and PSI. Our results show that optical properties of the coral host strongly affect light use efficiency of Symbiodinium. Therefore, relative electron transport rates do not reflect the productivity rates (or indeed how the photosynthesis-light response is parameterised). Here we provide a non-invasive approach to estimate absolute electron transport rates in corals. © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS.

Tabatabaiefar, HR & Fatahi, B 2014, 'Idealisation of soil-structure system to determine inelastic seismic response of mid-rise building frames', SOIL DYNAMICS AND EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. 339-351.
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In this study, a novel and enhanced soilstructure model is developed adopting the direct analysis method using FLAC 2D software to simulate the complex dynamic soil-structure interaction and treat the behaviour of both soil and structure with equal rigour simultaneously. To have a better judgment on the inelastic structural response, three types of mid-rise moment resisting building frames, including 5, 10, and 15 storey buildings are selected in conjunction with three soil types with the shear wave velocities less than 600 m/s, representing soil classes Ce, De and Ee, according to Australian Standards. The above mentioned frames have been analysed under two different boundary conditions: (i) fixed-base (no soil-structure interaction) and (ii) flexible-base (considering soil-structure interaction). The results of the analyses in terms of structural displacements and drifts for the above mentioned boundary conditions have been compared and discussed. It is concluded that considering dynamic soil-structure interaction effects in seismic design of moment resisting building frames resting on soil classes De and Ee is essential.

Tabatabaiefar, SHR, Fatahi, B & Samali, B 2014, 'An empirical relationship to determine lateral seismic response of mid-rise building frames under influence of soil-structure interaction', STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF TALL AND SPECIAL BUILDINGS, vol. 23, no. 7, pp. 526-548.
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n this study, to determine the elastic and inelastic structural responses of mid-rise building frames under the influence of soilstructure interaction, three types of mid-rise moment-resisting building frames, including 5-storey, 10-storey and 15-storey buildings are selected. In addition, three soil types with the shear wave velocities less than 600m/s, representing soil classes Ce, De and Ee according to AS 1170.42007 (Earthquake action in Australia, Australian Standards), having three bedrock depths of 10m, 20m and 30m are adopted. The structural sections are designed after conducting nonlinear time history analysis, on the basis of both elastic method and inelastic procedure considering elastic-perfectly plastic behaviour ofstructural elements. The frame sections are modelled and analysed, employing finite difference method adopting FLAC2D software under two different boundary conditions: (a) fixed base (no soilstructure interaction) and (b) considering soilstructure interaction. Fully nonlinear dynamic analyses under the influence of different earthquake records are conducted, and the results in terms of the maximum lateral displacements and base shears for the above mentioned boundary conditions for both elastic and inelastic behaviours of the structural models are obtained, compared and discussed. With the results, a comprehensive empirical relationship is proposed to determine the lateral displacements of the mid-rise moment-resisting building frames under earthquake and the influence of soilstructure interaction.

Tabatabaiefar, SHR, Fatahi, B & Samali, B 2014, 'Numerical and Experimental Investigations on Seismic Response of Building Frames under Influence of Soil-Structure Interaction', ADVANCES IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 109-130.
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In this study, an enhanced numerical soil-structure model has been developed which treats the behaviour of soil and structure with equal rigour. The proposed numerical soil-structure model has been verified and validated by performing experimental shaking table tests. To achieve this goal, a series of experimental shaking table tests were performed on the physical fixed based (structure directly fixed on top of the shaking table) and flexible base (considering soil and structure) models under the influence of four scaled earthquake acceleration records and the results were measured. Comparing the experimental results with the numerical analysis predictions, it is noted that the numerical predictions and laboratory measurements are in a good agreement. Thus, the proposed numerical soil-structure model is a valid and qualified method of simulation with sufficient accuracy which can be employed for further numerical soil-structure interaction investigation studies. Based on the predicted and observed values of lateral deflections of fixed base and flexible base models, lateral deflections of the flexible base model have noticeably amplified in comparison to the fixed base model. As a result of the lateral deflection amplifications, it is observed that the performance level of the scaled structural model changed significantly which could be safety threatening.

Tahan Latibari, S, Mehrali, M, Mehrali, M, Mahlia, TMI & Metselaar, HSC 2014, 'Facile Preparation of Carbon Microcapsules Containing Phase-Change Material with Enhanced Thermal Properties', The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2014, pp. 1-5.
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This study describes the hydrothermal synthesis of a novel carbon/palmitic acid (PA) microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM). The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images confirm that spherical capsules of uniform size were formed with a mean diameter of 6.42 μm. The melting and freezing temperature were found to be slightly lower than those of pure PA with little undercooling. The composite retained 75% of the latent heat of pure PA. Thermal stability of the MEPCM was found to be better than that of pure PA. The thermal conductivity of MEPCM was increased by as much as 41% at 30°C. Due to its good thermal properties and chemical and mechanical stability, the carbon/PA MEPCM displays a good potential for thermal energy storage systems.

Tamburic, B, Guruprasad, S, Radford, DT, Szabo, M, Lilley, RM, Larkum, AWD, Franklin, JB, Kramer, DM, Blackburn, SI, Raven, JA, Schliep, M & Ralph, PJ 2014, 'The Effect of Diel Temperature and Light Cycles on the Growth of Nannochloropsis oculata in a Photobioreactor Matrix', PLOS ONE, vol. 9, no. 1, p. e86047.
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A matrix of photobioreactors integrated with metabolic sensors was used to examine the combined impact of light and temperature variations on the growth and physiology of the biofuel candidate microalgal species Nannochloropsis oculata. The experiments were performed with algal cultures maintained at a constant 20u C versus a 15°C to 25°C diel temperature cycle, where light intensity also followed a diel cycle with a maximum irradiance of 1920 μmol photons m-2 s^-1. No differences in algal growth (Chlorophyll a) were found between the two environmental regimes; however, the metabolic processes responded differently throughout the day to the change in environmental conditions. The variable temperature treatment resulted in greater damage to photosystem II due to the combined effect of strong light and high temperature. Cellular functions responded differently to conditions before midday as opposed to the afternoon, leading to strong hysteresis in dissolved oxygen concentration, quantum yield of photosystem II and net photosynthesis. Overnight metabolism performed differently, probably as a result of the temperature impact on respiration. Our photobioreactor matrix has produced novel insights into the physiological response of Nannochloropsis oculata to simulated environmental conditions. This information can be used to predict the effectiveness of deploying Nannochloropsis oculata in similar field conditions for commercial biofuel production. © 2014 Tamburic et al.

Tamburic, B, Szabo, M, Tran, N-AT, Larkum, AWD, Suggett, DJ & Ralph, PJ 2014, 'Action spectra of oxygen production and chlorophyll a fluorescence in the green microalga Nannochloropsis oculata', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 169, pp. 320-327.
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The first complete action spectrum of oxygen evolution and chlorophyll a fluorescence was measured for the biofuel candidate alga Nannochloropsis oculata. A novel analytical procedure was used to generate a representative and reproducible action spectrum for microalgal cultures. The action spectrum was measured at 14 discrete wavelengths across the visible spectrum, at an equivalent photon flux density of 60μmolphotonsm-2s-1. Blue light (~414nm) was absorbed more efficiently and directed to photosystem II more effectively than red light (~679nm) at light intensities below the photosaturation limit. Conversion of absorbed photons into photosynthetic oxygen evolution was maximised at 625nm; however, this maximum is unstable since neighbouring wavelengths (646nm) resulted in the lowest photosystem II operating efficiency. Identifying the wavelength-dependence of photosynthesis has clear implications to optimising growth efficiency and hence important economic implications to the algal biofuels and bioproducts industries. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Tan, S, Ladewig, K, Fu, Q, Blencowe, A & Qiao, GG 2014, 'Cyclodextrin‐Based Supramolecular Assemblies and Hydrogels: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives', Macromolecular Rapid Communications, vol. 35, no. 13, pp. 1166-1184.
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The application of cyclodextrin (CD)‐based host–guest interactions towards the fabrication of functional supramolecular assemblies and hydrogels is of particular interest in the field of biomedicine. However, as of late they have found new applications as advanced functional materials (e.g., actuators and self‐healing materials), which have renewed interest across a wide range of fields. Advanced supramolecular materials synthesized using this noncovalent interaction, exhibit specificity and reversibility, which can be used to impart reversible cross‐linking, specific binding sites, and functionality. In this review, various functional CD‐based supramolecular assemblies and hydrogels will be outlined with the focus on recent advances. In addition, an outlook will be provided on the direction of this rapidly developing field.image

Tan, S, Wong, EHH, Fu, Q, Ren, JM, Sulistio, A, Ladewig, K, Blencowe, A & Qiao, GG 2014, 'Azobenzene-Functionalised Core Cross-Linked Star Polymers and their Host–Guest Interactions', Australian Journal of Chemistry, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 173-173.
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Water-soluble poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA)-based core cross-linked star polymers were efficiently synthesised with high macroinitiator-to-star-conversion (>95 %) in a one-pot system via single electron transfer-living radical polymerisation. The star polymers display excellent water solubility and the pendant hydroxyl groups provide a platform for facile post-functionalisation with various molecules. In demonstrating this, a photo-isomerisable molecule, 4-(phenylazo)benzoic acid was conjugated onto the preformed stars through partial esterification of the available hydroxyl groups (5–20 %). The azobenzene functionalised stars were subsequently employed to form reversible inclusion complexes with α-cyclodextrin.

Teoh, YH, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Amalina, MA & How, HG 2014, 'Impact of Premixed Kerosene Fuel on Performance, Emission and Combustion Characteristics in Partial HCCI Engine', Energy Procedia, vol. 61, pp. 1830-1834.
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Tijing, LD, Choi, J-S, Lee, S, Kim, S-H & Shon, HK 2014, 'Recent progress of membrane distillation using electrospun nanofibrous membrane', Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 453, pp. 435-462.
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Rapid population growth has resulted in imbalance in the supply and demand of fresh water for human consumption. As the sources of fresh water from surface water and fresh groundwater have been consistently depleting at an alarming rate, alternative sources such as seawater and brackish water are sought out. Desalination of water is considered as one of the most sustainable and best water resource alternatives. Membrane distillation (MD) is an emerging and promising technology for water desalination and purification. It presents many advantages over the common desalination technologies such as reverse osmosis. The two major factors hindering the application of MD are suitable membrane design and structure, and energy efficiency of the MD process. In recent years, membrane design has seen increasing research and interest. Advances in science and technology have led to new materials and techniques that could find potential application for membranes in MD. In the past few years, electrospinning of nanofibers has gained much interest and attention in their application for MD membrane, and so far has promising results. This review focuses on the recent progress in the application of nanofibrous membrane fabricated by electrospinning for MD application. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Tijing, LD, Woo, YC, Johir, MAH, Choi, J-S & Shon, HK 2014, 'A novel dual-layer bicomponent electrospun nanofibrous membrane for desalination by direct contact membrane distillation', CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL, vol. 256, pp. 155-159.
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In this study, a bicomponent nanofibrous composite membrane was fabricated by electrospinning and was tested for desalination by direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD). The nanofibrous membrane was composed of a dual-layered structure of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PH) nanofibers and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) microfibers. Morphological characterization showed slightly beaded cylindrical PH nanofibers with porosity of about 90%. The contact angles of PH and PAN nano/microfibers were 150 degrees and 100 degrees, respectively. The nanofibrous membranes were tested by DCMD and a high water flux of 45 and 30 L m(-2) h(-1) was obtained for distilled water and 35 g L-1 NaCl solutions as feed, respectively using DL2 membrane (i.e., 25/75 PH/PAN thickness ratio). The present dual-layer membrane showed better flux performance compared to a commercial flat-sheet membrane. The results suggest the potential of the dual-layer nanofibrous membrane for DCMD applications

Tout, J, Jeffries, TC, Webster, NS, Stocker, R, Ralph, PJ & Seymour, JR 2014, 'Variability in Microbial Community Composition and Function Between Different Niches Within a Coral Reef', MICROBIAL ECOLOGY, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 540-552.
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To explore how microbial community composition and function varies within a coral reef ecosystem, we performed metagenomic sequencing of seawater from four niches across Heron Island Reef, within the Great Barrier Reef. Metagenomes were sequenced from seawater samples associated with (1) the surface of the coral species Acropora palifera, (2) the surface of the coral species Acropora aspera, (3) the sandy substrate within the reef lagoon and (4) open water, outside of the reef crest. Microbial composition and metabolic function differed substantially between the four niches. The taxonomic profile showed a clear shift from an oligotroph-dominated community (e.g. SAR11, Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus) in the open water and sandy substrate niches, to a community characterised by an increased frequency of copiotrophic bacteria (e.g. Vibrio, Pseudoalteromonas, Alteromonas) in the coral seawater niches. The metabolic potential of the four microbial assemblages also displayed significant differences, with the open water and sandy substrate niches dominated by genes associated with core house-keeping processes such as amino acid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism as well as DNA and RNA synthesis and metabolism. In contrast, the coral surface seawater metagenomes had an enhanced frequency of genes associated with dynamic processes including motility and chemotaxis, regulation and cell signalling. These findings demonstrate that the composition and function of microbial communities are highly variable between niches within coral reef ecosystems and that coral reefs host heterogeneous microbial communities that are likely shaped by habitat structure, presence of animal hosts and local biogeochemical conditions.

Tran, NH, Nguyen, VT, Urase, T & Ngo, HH 2014, 'Role of nitrification in the biodegradation of selected artificial sweetening agents in biological wastewater treatment process', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 161, pp. 40-46.
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The biodegradation of the six artificial sweetening agents including acesulfame (ACE), aspartame (ASP), cyclamate (CYC), neohesperidindihydrochalcone (NHDC), saccharin (SAC), and sucralose (SUC) by nitrifying activated sludge was first examined. Experimental results showed that ASP and NHDC were the most easily degradable compounds even in the control tests. CYC and SAC were efficiently biodegraded by the nitrifying activated sludge, whereas ACE and SUC were poorly removed. However, the biodegradation efficiencies of the ASs were increased with the increase in initial ammonium concentrations in the bioreactors. The association between nitrification and co-metabolic degradation was investigated and a linear relationship between nitrification rate and co-metabolic biodegradation rate was observed for the target artificial sweeteners (ASs). The contribution of heterotrophic microorganisms and autotrophic ammonia oxidizers in biodegradation of the ASs was elucidated, of which autotrophic ammonia oxidizers played an important role in the biodegradation of the ASs, particularly with regards to ACE and SUC.

Trevathan-Tackett, S, Macreadie, P, Ralph, P & Seymour, J 2014, 'Detachment and flow cytometric quantification of seagrass-associated bacteria', JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS, vol. 102, pp. 23-25.
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A new protocol was developed to detach bacteria from seagrass tissue and subsequently enumerate cells using flow cytometry (FCM). A method involving addition of the surfactant Tween 80 and vortexing resulted in maximum detachment efficiency of seagrass attached bacteria, providing a robust protocol for precisely enumerating seagrass-associated bacteria with FCM. Using this approach we detected cell concentrations between 2.0 × 105 and 8.0 × 106 cells mg- 1 DW tissue.

Tu, KL, Chivas, AR & Nghiem, LD 2014, 'Effects of chemical preservation on flux and solute rejection by reverse osmosis membranes', Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 472, pp. 202-209.
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van Emmerik, THM, Li, Z, Sivapalan, M, Pande, S, Kandasamy, J, Savenije, HHG, Chanan, A & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Socio-hydrologic modeling to understand and mediate the competition for water between agriculture development and environmental health: Murrumbidgee River basin, Australia', Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, vol. 18, no. 10, pp. 4239-4259.
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Abstract. Competition for water between humans and ecosystems is set to become a flash point in the coming decades in many parts of the world. An entirely new and comprehensive quantitative framework is needed to establish a holistic understanding of that competition, thereby enabling the development of effective mediation strategies. This paper presents a modeling study centered on the Murrumbidgee River basin (MRB). The MRB has witnessed a unique system dynamics over the last 100 years as a result of interactions between patterns of water management and climate driven hydrological variability. Data analysis has revealed a pendulum swing between agricultural development and restoration of environmental health and ecosystem services over different stages of basin-scale water resource development. A parsimonious, stylized, quasi-distributed coupled socio-hydrologic system model that simulates the two-way coupling between human and hydrological systems of the MRB is used to mimic and explain dominant features of the pendulum swing. The model consists of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations that describe the interaction between five state variables that govern the co-evolution: reservoir storage, irrigated area, human population, ecosystem health, and environmental awareness. The model simulations track the propagation of the external climatic and socio-economic drivers through this coupled, complex system to the emergence of the pendulum swing. The model results point to a competition between human 'productive' and environmental 'restorative' forces that underpin the pendulum swing. Both the forces are endogenous, i.e., generated by the system dynamics in response to external drivers and mediated by humans through technology change and environmental awareness, respectively. Sensitivity analysis carried out with the model further reveals that socio-hydrologic modeling can be used as a tool to explain or gain insight into observed co-ev...

Vo, PT, Ngo, HH, Guo, W, Zhou, JL, Nguyen, PD, Listowski, A & Wang, XC 2014, 'A mini-review on the impacts of climate change on wastewater reclamation and reuse', SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, vol. 494, pp. 9-17.
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© 2014 Elsevier B.V. To tackle current water insecurity concerns, wastewater reclamation and reuse have appeared as a promising candidate to conserve the valuable fresh water sources while increasing the efficiency of material utilization. Climate change, nevertheless, poses both opportunities and threats to the wastewater reclamation industry. Whereas it elevates the social perception on water-related issues and fosters an emerging water-reuse market, climate change simultaneously presents adverse impacts on the water reclamation scheme, either directly or indirectly. These effects were studied fragmentally in separate realms. Hence, this paper aims to link these studies for providing a thorough understanding about the consequences of the climate change on the wastewater reclamation and reuse. It initially summarizes contemporary treatment processes and their reuse purposes before carrying out a systematic analysis of available findings.

Wakil, MA, Kalam, MA, Masjuki, HH, Rizwanul Fattah, IM & Masum, BM 2014, 'Evaluation of rice bran, sesame and moringa oils as feasible sources of biodiesel and the effect of blending on their physicochemical properties', RSC Adv., vol. 4, no. 100, pp. 56984-56991.
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Development of a mathematical model for predicting important properties of biodiesel blends.

Wang, Q, Jiang, G, Ye, L & Yuan, Z 2014, 'Enhancing methane production from waste activated sludge using combined free nitrous acid and heat pre-treatment', Water Research, vol. 63, pp. 71-80.
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Wang, Q, Jiang, G, Ye, L, Pijuan, M & Yuan, Z 2014, 'Heterotrophic denitrification plays an important role in N2O production from nitritation reactors treating anaerobic sludge digestion liquor', Water Research, vol. 62, pp. 202-210.
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Wang, Q, Ye, L, Jiang, G, Hu, S & Yuan, Z 2014, 'Side-stream sludge treatment using free nitrous acid selectively eliminates nitrite oxidizing bacteria and achieves the nitrite pathway', Water Research, vol. 55, pp. 245-255.
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Wangpraseurt, D, Polerecky, L, Larkum, AWD, Ralph, PJ, Nielsen, DA, Pernice, M & Kuhl, M 2014, 'The in situ light microenvironment of corals', LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 917-926.
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We used a novel diver-operated microsensor system to collect in situ spectrally resolved light fields on corals with a micrometer spatial resolution. The light microenvironment differed between polyp and coenosarc tissues with scalar irradiance (400700 nm) over polyp tissue, attenuating between 5.1- and 7.8-fold from top to base of small hemispherical coral colonies, whereas attenuation was at most 1.5-fold for coenosarc tissue. Fluctuations in ambient solar irradiance induced changes in light and oxygen microenvironments, which were more pronounced and faster in coenosarc compared with polyp tissue. Backscattered light from the surrounding benthos contributed . 20% of total scalar irradiance at the coral tissue surface and enhanced symbiont photosynthesis and the local O2 concentration, indicating an important role of benthos optics for coral ecophysiology. Light fields on corals are species and tissue specific and exhibit pronounced variation on scales from micrometers to decimeters. Consequently, the distribution, genetic diversity, and physiology of coral symbionts must be coupled with the measurements of their actual light microenvironment to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of coral ecophysiology.

Wangpraseurt, D, Tamburic, B, Szabo, M, Suggett, D, Ralph, PJ & Kuhl, M 2014, 'Spectral Effects on Symbiodinium Photobiology Studied with a Programmable Light Engine', PLOS ONE, vol. 9, no. 11.
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©2014 Wangpraseurt et al. The spectral light field of Symbiodinium within the tissue of the coral animal host can deviate strongly from the ambient light field on a coral reef and that of artificial light sources used in lab studies on coral photobiology. Here, we used a novel approach involving light microsensor measurements and a programmable light engine to reconstruct the spectral light field that Symbiodinium is exposed to inside the coral host and the light field of a conventional halogen lamp in a comparative study of Symbiodinium photobiology. We found that extracellular gross photosynthetic O 2 evolution was unchanged under different spectral illumination, while the more red-weighted halogen lamp spectrum decreased PSII electron transport rates and there was a trend towards increased light-enhanced dark respiration rates under excess irradiance. The approach provided here allows for reconstructing and comparing intra-tissue coral light fields and other complex spectral compositions of incident irradiance. This novel combination of sensor technologies provides a framework to studying the influence of macro- and microscale optics on Symbiodinium photobiology with unprecedented spectral resolution.

Wijekoon, KC, Hai, FI, Kang, J, Price, WE, Cath, TY & Nghiem, LD 2014, 'Rejection and fate of trace organic compounds (TrOCs) during membrane distillation', Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 453, pp. 636-642.
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Wijekoon, KC, Hai, FI, Kang, J, Price, WE, Guo, W, Ngo, HH, Cath, TY & Nghiem, LD 2014, 'A novel membrane distillation-thermophilic bioreactor system: Biological stability and trace organic compound removal', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 159, pp. 334-341.
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The removal of trace organic compounds (TrOCs) by a novel membrane distillationthermophilic bioreactor (MDBR) system was examined. Salinity build-up and the thermophilic conditions to some extent adversely impacted the performance of the bioreactor, particularly the removal of total nitrogen and recalcitrant TrOCs. While most TrOCs were well removed by the thermophilic bioreactor, compounds containing electron withdrawing functional groups in their molecular structure were recalcitrant to biological treatment and their removal efficiency by the thermophilic bioreactor was low (053%). However, the overall performance of the novel MDBR system with respect to the removal of total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and TrOCs was high and was not significantly affected by the conditions of the bioreactor. All TrOCs investigated here were highly removed (>95%) by the MDBR system. Biodegradation, sludge adsorption, and rejection by MD contribute to the removal of TrOCs by MDBR treatment.

Xie, M, Nghiem, LD, Price, WE & Elimelech, M 2014, 'Relating rejection of trace organic contaminants to membrane properties in forward osmosis: Measurements, modelling and implications', WATER RESEARCH, vol. 49, pp. 265-274.
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Xie, M, Nghiem, LD, Price, WE & Elimelech, M 2014, 'Toward Resource Recovery from Wastewater: Extraction of Phosphorus from Digested Sludge Using a Hybrid Forward Osmosis-Membrane Distillation Process', ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 191-195.
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Ye, L, Ni, B-J, Law, Y, Byers, C & Yuan, Z 2014, 'A novel methodology to quantify nitrous oxide emissions from full-scale wastewater treatment systems with surface aerators', Water Research, vol. 48, pp. 257-268.
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Zhang, D, Glasby, TM, Ralph, PJ & Gribben, PE 2014, 'Mechanisms Influencing the Spread of a Native Marine Alga', PLOS ONE, vol. 9, no. 4.
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Zhao, C, Xie, H, Mu, Y, Xu, X, Zhang, J, Liu, C, Liang, S, Ngo, HH, Guo, W, Xu, J & Wang, Q 2014, 'Bioremediation of endosulfan in laboratory-scale constructed wetlands: effect of bioaugmentation and biostimulation', Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 21, no. 22, pp. 12827-12835.
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Zhao, YX, Gao, BY, Zhang, GZ, Phuntsho, S & Shon, HK 2014, 'Coagulation by titanium tetrachloride for fulvic acid removal: Factors influencing coagulation efficiency and floc characteristics', DESALINATION, vol. 335, no. 1, pp. 70-77.
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Coagulation efficiency of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) was investigated for fulvic acid (FA) (as model organic matter) removal compared to traditional coagulants - iron chloride (FeCl3) and aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3). The growth, breakage and regrowth nature of flocs formed by the three coagulants were also comparatively evaluated under different coagulation conditions. Results indicated that TiCl4 achieved higher removal of UV278 (absorbance at 278nm) and DOC (dissolved organic carbon) than FeCl3 and Al2(SO4)3, and TiCl4 produced the largest flocs with the highest floc growth rate. The responses of floc to different operating parameters depend on the coagulant used, while the floc breakage and re-aggregation were also significantly influenced by shear force and break-up period. Floc strength decayed with the increasing shear force, while the inverse trend was observed for floc recoverability. An extension in break-up period resulted in the deterioration of both floc strength and recoverability regardless of the coagulants used. Flocs formed by TiCl4 displayed the weakest recoverability after breakage by contrast to conventional coagulants. Since TiCl4 is only studied recently as a novel coagulant, the comparative study of coagulation performance and floc characteristics of TiCl4 against the traditional coagulants provided valuable information for its wide application in the future.© 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Zhao, YX, Gao, BY, Zhang, GZ, Qi, QB, Wang, Y, Phuntsho, S, Kim, J-H, Shon, HK, Yue, QY & Li, Q 2014, 'Coagulation and sludge recovery using titanium tetrachloride as coagulant for real water treatment: A comparison against traditional aluminum and iron salts', SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY, vol. 130, pp. 19-27.
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Coagulation/flocculation performance of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl 4), ferric chloride (FeCl3) and aluminum sulfate (Al 2(SO4)3) was comparatively investigated for real water treatment. Comparisons were made under different coagulant dose and initial solution pH conditions and their performances measured in terms of UV254 (absorbance at 254 nm) and DOC (dissolved organic carbon) removal and residual turbidity. Characteristics of aggregated flocs during the coagulation/flocculation process by the three coagulants were studied using a laser diffraction particle sizing device. The performances of the three coagulants were also assessed in terms of the membrane fouling potential of the ultrafiltration (UF) membrane or during coagulation-ultrafiltration (C-UF) process using a stirred and dead-end batch UF unit. Additionally, the TiCl 4 flocculated sludge was recovered to produce titanium dioxide (TiO2) under thermal treatment. The results indicate that the TiCl4 showed superior coagulation performance compared to that of FeCl3 and Al2(SO4)3, with the optimum removal of UV254 and DOC of 54.9% and 55.1%, respectively. The aggregated flocs formed by TiCl4 showed the highest growth rate with the largest size compared to those by FeCl3 and Al 2(SO4)3, but with the weakest floc strength and the worst re-growth ability. The TiCl4 and FeCl3 yielded the flocs with comparable degree of compaction, higher than that by Al 2(SO4)3. Additionally, the investigation of membrane fouling demonstrated that the severity of flux decline followed the order of Al2(SO4)3 < FeCl3 < TiCl4. TiCl4 coagulated sludge was also characterized by X-ray diffraction, Thermal analysis and scanning electron microscope. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Zhao, YX, Shon, HK, Phuntsho, S & Gao, BY 2014, 'Removal of natural organic matter by titanium tetrachloride: The effect of total hardness and ionic strength', JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, vol. 134, pp. 20-29.
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This study is the first attempt to investigate the effect of total hardness and ionic strength on coagulation performance and the floc characteristics of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4). Membrane fouling under different total hardness and ionic strength conditions was also evaluated during a coagulation-ultrafiltration (C-UF) hybrid process. Coagulation experiments were performed with two simulated waters, using humic acid (HA, high molecular weight) and fulvic acid (FA, relatively low molecular weight), respectively, as model natural organic matter (NOM). Results show that both particle and organic matter removal can be enhanced by increasing total hardness and ionic strength. Floc characteristics were significantly influenced by total hardness and ionic strength and were improved in terms of floc size, growth rate, strength, recoverability and compactness. The results of the UF tests show that the pre-coagulation with TiCl4 significantly improves the membrane permeate fluxes. Under different total hardness and ionic strength conditions, the membrane permeate flux varied according to both NOM and floc characteristics. The increase in total hardness and ionic strength improved the membrane permeate flux in the case of HA simulated water treatment. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Zheng, Y, Hou, L, Newell, S, Liu, M, Zhou, J, Zhao, H, You, L & Cheng, X 2014, 'Community Dynamics and Activity of Ammonia-Oxidizing Prokaryotes in Intertidal Sediments of the Yangtze Estuary', Applied and Environmental Microbiology, vol. 80, no. 1, pp. 408-419.
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ABSTRACT Diversity, abundance, and activity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) were investigated using the ammonia monooxygenase α subunit ( amoA ) in the intertidal sediments of the Yangtze Estuary. Generally, AOB had a lower diversity of amoA genes than did AOA in this study. Clone library analysis revealed great spatial variations in both AOB and AOA communities along the estuary. The UniFrac distance matrix showed that all the AOB communities and 6 out of 7 AOA communities in the Yangtze Estuary were statistically indistinguishable between summer and winter. The studied AOB and AOA community structures were observed to correlate with environmental parameters, of which salinity, pH, ammonium, total phosphorus, and organic carbon had significant correlations with the composition and distribution of both communities. Also, the AOA communities were significantly correlated with sediment clay content. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) results indicated that the abundance of AOB amoA genes was greater than that of AOA amoA genes in 10 of the 14 samples analyzed in this study. Potential nitrification rates were significantly greater in summer than in winter and had a significant negative correlation with salinity. In addition, potential nitrification rates were correlated strongly only with archaeal amoA gene abundance and not with bacterial amoA gene abundance. However, no significant differences were observed between rates measured with and without ampicillin (AOB inhibitor). These results implied that archaea might play a more important role in mediating the oxidation of ...

Zhou, J & Broodbank, N 2014, 'Sediment-water interactions of pharmaceutical residues in the river environment', Water Research, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 61-70.
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To assess the environmental fate and risks of pharmaceuticals, the determination of their distributions between sediment and water is crucial as a controlling process. In this paper, the concentrations of 9 selected pharmaceuticals were determined in water and sediment samples from the River Medway, Kent, UK between December 2009 and December 2010. In the water phase, there was a spatial variation of concentration with the highest concentrations being detected in the sewage outfall, indicating it being an important point source in the river. In terms of seasonal variations, the highest concentrations (13-878ngL-1) were detected in June 2010. In the surface sediment phase, the highest concentrations (5.3-33.6ngg-1 dry weight) were observed at the sewage outfall, although in February 2010 the highest concentrations were detected downstream of the sewage outfall indicating a delayed response in sediment accumulation of pharmaceuticals in relation to the water phase. The partition coefficient of pharmaceuticals between surface sediment and water was variable, reflecting a dynamic process of sediment-water interaction and the varying nature of sediments. Overall the partition coefficient was shown to decrease with an increase in suspended sediment concentration. The organic carbon normalized partition coefficient of the pharmaceuticals was shown to be positively related to their molecular weight (MW), suggesting that sediment-water interactions were partly a partition process favoring large molecules. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Zhou, JL, Siddiqui, E, Ngo, HH & Guo, W 2014, 'Estimation of uncertainty in the sampling and analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated soil in Brighton, UK', Science of The Total Environment, vol. 497-498, pp. 163-171.
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© 2014 Elsevier B.V. The heterogeneity of environmental samples is increasingly recognised, yet rarely examined in organic contamination investigations. In this study soil samples from an ex-landfill site in Brighton, UK were analysed for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination by using a balanced sampling protocol. The analytical technique of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was found to be fit for purpose by the use of duplicate samples and the statistical analysis of variances, as well as of certified reference materials. The sampling uncertainty was found to significantly overweigh the analytical uncertainty, by a factor of 3 and 6 for PCBs and PAHs, respectively. The soil samples showed a general trend of PCB concentration that was under the recommended target level of 20. ng/g dry weight. It is possible that one site alongside the main road may exceed the 20. ng/g target level, after taking into consideration the overall measurement uncertainty (70.8%). The PAH contamination was more severe, with seven sites potentially exceeding the effect-range medium concentrations. The soil samples with relatively high PCB and PAH concentrations were all taken from the grass verge, which also had the highest soil organic carbon content. The measurement uncertainty which was largely due to sampling can be reduced by sampling at a high resolution spacing of 17. m, which is recommended in future field investigations of soil organic contamination.

Zhou, L, Zhang, Z, Jiang, W, Guo, W, Ngo, H-H, Meng, X, Fan, J, Zhao, J & Xia, S 2014, 'Effects of low-concentration Cr(VI) on the performance and the membrane fouling of a submerged membrane bioreactor in the treatment of municipal wastewater', BIOFOULING, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 105-114.
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The effects of low-concentration Cr(VI) (0.4 mg l-1) on the performance of a submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) in the treatment of municipal wastewater, as well as membrane fouling were investigated. Compared with the SMBR for control municipal wastewater, the SMBR for Cr(VI)-containing municipal wastewater had a higher concentration of soluble microbial products (SMP) with lower molecular weights, and smaller sludge particle sizes. Furthermore, low-concentration Cr(VI) induced membrane fouling, especially irreversible membrane pore blocking, which markedly shortened the service life of the membrane.

Zhou, L, Zhang, Z, Xia, S, Jiang, W, Ye, B, Xu, X, Gu, Z, Guo, W, Ngo, H-H, Meng, X, Fan, J & Zhao, J 2014, 'Effects of suspended titanium dioxide nanoparticles on cake layer formation in submerged membrane bioreactor', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 152, pp. 101-106.
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Effects of the suspended titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs, 50 mg/L) on the cake layer formation in a submerged MBR were systematically investigated. With nanometer sizes, TiO2 NPs were found to aggravate membrane pore blocking but postpone cake layer fouling. TiO2 NPs showed obvious effects on the structure and the distribution of the organic and the inorganic compounds in cake layer. Concentrations of fatty acids and cholesterol in the cake layer increased due to the acute response of bacteria to the toxicity of TiO2 NPs. Line-analysis and dot map of energy-dispersive X-ray were also carried out. Since TiO2 NPs inhibited the interactions between the inorganic and the organic compounds, the inorganic compounds (especially SiO2) were prevented from depositing onto the membrane surface. Thus, the postponed cake layer fouling was due to the changing features of the complexes on the membrane surface caused by TiO2 NPs.

Zhou, X, Jiang, G, Wang, Q & Yuan, Z 2014, 'A review on sludge conditioning by sludge pre-treatment with a focus on advanced oxidation', RSC Adv., vol. 4, no. 92, pp. 50644-50652.
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The production of excess sludge by biological wastewater treatment processes has been a serious issue for the operation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) on both the economic and environmental sides.

Zhou, X, Wang, Q, Jiang, G, Zhang, X & Yuan, Z 2014, 'Improving dewaterability of waste activated sludge by combined conditioning with zero-valent iron and hydrogen peroxide', Bioresource Technology, vol. 174, pp. 103-107.
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Zulkifli, NWM, Kalam, MA, Masjuki, HH, Al Mahmud, KAH & Yunus, R 2014, 'The Effect of Temperature on Tribological Properties of Chemically Modified Bio-Based Lubricant', Tribology Transactions, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 408-415.
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Zulkifli, NWM, Kalam, MA, Masjuki, HH, Mahmud, KAHA & Yunus, R 2014, 'The effect of palm oil trimethylolpropane ester on extreme pressure lubrication', Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part J: Journal of Engineering Tribology, vol. 228, no. 2, pp. 160-169.
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This paper presents the experimental results for the extreme pressure characteristics of a palm oil-based trimethylolpropane (TMP) ester blended with paraffin oil obtained using a four-ball machine. The load and speed of the sample were set between 20–120 kg and 1770 rpm, respectively. TMP ester produced from palm oil is biodegradable and has high lubricity properties, such as a higher flash point temperature and viscosity index. It has an affinity to surface asperities, which reduces wear between sliding contacts. Based on the calculation, it was found that majority of the oils in boundary regime and mixed elastrohydrodynamic regime. For the same contact load, the film thickness with TMP100 is 70% thicker than that with paraffin oil. In addition to that, test results revealed that (1) for all the used lubrication oils, TMP ester blended with paraffin provide better surface protection compared to paraffin oil. (2) Even though, TMP100 has the highest film thickness, at low load the wear is higher. Surface morphology test was conducted using scanning electron microscope and surface roughness tester. It was found that severe corrosive wear occurred at TMP100 which is probably due to the high oxygen content compared to other lubricant.

Zulkifli, NWM, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Yunus, R & Azman, SSN 2014, 'Lubricity of bio-based lubricant derived from chemically modified jatropha methyl ester', JURNAL TRIBOLOGI, vol. 1, pp. 18-39.

Azari, B, Fatahi, B, Khabbaz, H & Vincent, P 1970, 'Elastic Visco-Plastic Behaviour of Soft Soils Improved with Preloading and Vertical Drains', Pavement Performance Monitoring, Modeling, and Management, Geo-Hubei 2014 International Conference on Sustainable Civil Infrastructure, American Society of Civil Engineers, China, pp. 17-24.
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In this study, a numerical solution adopting an elastic visco-plastic model with nonlinear creep function incorporated in the consolidation equations has been developed to investigate the time-dependent behavior of soft soil deposits improved with vertical drains and preloading. The employed elastic visco-plastic model is based on the framework of the modified Cam-Clay model capturing soil creep during excess pore water pressure dissipation. In addition, nonlinear variations of creep strain rate with stress and time and permeability variations during the consolidation process are considered. The developed numerical model is validated against Ska-Edeby test fill with the available long-term settlement and excess pore water pressure monitoring results for the soft clay deposit improved with vertical drains assisted preloading. Practicing engineers can adopt the developed code and guidelines to predict the long-term performance of embankments on soft soil improved using preloading. © ASCE 2014.

Cong, NN, Thi, HN, Chen, S-S, Chan, W-H, Ngo, HH & Guo, W 1970, 'Step forward to the improvement of osmosis membrane bioreactor for sustainable water', ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, 248th National Meeting of the American-Chemical-Society (ACS), AMER CHEMICAL SOC, San Francisco, CA.

Fatahi, B, Hokmabadi, AS & Samali, B 1970, 'Seismic Performance-Based Design for Tall Buildings Considering Soil-Pile-Structure Interaction', Advances in Soil Dynamics and Foundation Engineering, Geo-Shanghai 2014, American Society of Civil Engineers, Shanghai, pp. 333-342.
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Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) plays a significant role in seismic response of the structures by altering the dynamic properties of the system and increasing the lateral deflection which in turn could change the performance level of structures. In this study, in order to experimentally investigate the influence of different types of foundations on SSI phenomena, a series of shaking table tests has been conducted considering four different cases, namely: (i) fixed-base structure representing the situation excluding the soil-structure interaction; (ii) structure supported by shallow foundation on soft soil; and (iii) structure supported by floating pile foundation in soft soil, and (iv) structure supported by end-bearing pile foundation in soft soil. Benchmark earthquakes including the 1995 Kobe, the 1994 Northridge, the 1968 Hachinohe, and the 1940 El Centro earthquakes are adopted. Results indicate that presence and type of pile foundations change the dynamic characteristics and behaviour of the superstructure which should be considered in predicting the damage level of structural and non-structural elements.

Fauzi, H, Metselaar, HSC, Mahlia, TMI & Silakhori, M 1970, 'Thermal Reliability of Myristic Acid/Palmitic Acid/Sodium Laurate Eutectic Mixture: A Feasibility Study of Accelerated Aging for Thermal Energy Storage Application', Energy Procedia, 6th International Conference on Applied Energy (ICAE), Elsevier BV, Taipei, TAIWAN, pp. 49-54.
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Gandhi, S, Sankaran, S, Er, M, Orr, K & Khabbaz, H 1970, 'Developing Technology-Assisted Multi-Disciplinary Learning Strategies', Proceedings of the International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC), 31st International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction, International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC), Sydney, pp. 346-353.
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The construction industry is multi-disciplinary and collaborative in nature. Project managers are expected to understand the relations, roles and responsibilities in this collaborative working environment. Construction project managers need to be equipped with skills to process and understand the principles of interdisciplinary working. In order to keep pace with industry requirements, it is necessary for universities to teach subjects in tertiary education courses that educate and motivate construction students towards interdisciplinary working. This paper is based on a research project aimed at understanding opportunities and challenges for introducing subjects that require students from different disciplines to work together on an integrated project. In order to teach interdisciplinary working principles to project management students, a new post-graduate subject, Integrated Project Delivery, was introduced in the Master of Project Management at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) as part of a construction sub-major. The subject was designed and teaching materials prepared based on inputs from architecture, engineering and construction management academics. In the teaching of the subject, interdisciplinary student teams were formed based on educational background and professional experience. An (pedagogical) action research approach was adopted to study the challenges and benefits of new ways of learning in line with the UTS learning strategies being adopted by academics. The main finding of this research concluded that project-based learning is very valuable to both students and industry alike as it promotes working on a live project enthusiastically and gaining industry experience in new ways of working adopted by industry. Working in multi-disciplinary teams requires students to respect the other team participants from different backgrounds, inculcating values of team spirit and discouraging adversarial behaviours. Furthermore this research ...

Habibullah, M, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Ashraful, AM, Habib, MA & Mobarak, HM 1970, 'Effect of Bio-Lubricant on Tribological Characteristics of Steel', Procedia Engineering, Elsevier BV, pp. 740-745.
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Ho, L, Fatahi, B & Khabbaz, H 1970, 'Analytical solution for one-dimensional consolidation of unsaturated soil deposit subjected to step loading', UNSATURATED SOILS: RESEARCH & APPLICATIONS, VOLS 1 AND 2, International conference on Unsaturated Soils, Taylor & Francis Group, Sydney, pp. 1763-1769.
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This paper discusses a simple yet precise analytical solution for one-dimensional (1-D) consolidation of an unsaturated soil deposit subjected to a step loading. This solution is derived from nonlinear governing equations of flow using eigenfunction expansions and Laplace transform techniques. In addition, the mathematical development adopts one-way drainage condition for the unsaturated soil, in which the top boundary is permeable to the air and water phases whereas the base is impervious to these phases. Eigenfunctions and eigenvalues are parts of the general solution and can be obtained based on the proposed drainage boundary condition. Furthermore, uniformly distributed initial pore pressures can be used to determine the initial generalised Fourier coefficients. The Laplace transform method is adopted to solve the first-order differential equations. Once the equations with transformed domain are obtained, the final solutions, which are proposed to be functions of time (t) and depth (z), can be achieved by taking an inverse Laplace transform. A worked example is provided to present the consolidation characteristics of unsaturated soils based on the proposed solution. Significance of air to water permeability ratio on the excess pore-water and pore-air pressure dissipation and compression is investigated and discussed. © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group.

Ho, L, Fatahi, B & Khabbaz, H 1970, 'One-Dimensional Consolidation of Unsaturated Soil Deposit with Various Initial Conditions', Soil Behavior and Geomechanics, Geo-Shanghai 2014, American Society of Civil Engineers, Shanghai, pp. 145-155.
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This study presents a novel analytical solution for one-dimensional (1-D) consolidation for unsaturated soils using the Eigen function expansion method to solve inhomogeneous governing equations of air and water phases. Eigen functions and eigen values are parts of the general solution and can be obtained based on the proposed boundary condition. Additionally, the Laplace transform method is adopted to solve the first-order differential equations. Once all equations with transformed domain are obtained, the final solutions, which are proposed to be functions of time and depth, can be achieved by taking an inverse Laplace transform. The mathematical procedure accentuates a non-uniform initial condition in which initial excess pore pressures are linearly decreasing with depth. Dimensionless parameters a and w that control the gradients of distributions of initial excess pore-air and pore-water pressures, respectively, are introduced in this paper. A worked example is provided to investigate effects of a and w on the consolidation behaviour of unsaturated soils. © 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.

Imtenan, S, Masjuki, HH, Varman, M, Arbab, MI, Sajjad, H, Fattah, IMR, Abedin, MJ & Hasib, ASM 1970, 'Emission and Performance Improvement Analysis of Biodiesel-diesel Blends with Additives', Procedia Engineering, 10th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering (ICME), Elsevier BV, BUET, Dhaka, BANGLADESH, pp. 472-477.
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Khabbaz, H & Fatahi, B 1970, 'A critical and comparative review of ballasted and slab tracks: Where are we heading?', Civil-Comp Proceedings, International Conference on Railway Technology: Research, Development and Maintenance, Civil-Comp Press, France.
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High speed rail (HSR) is currently an experienced rail transport system, which has been recognised to deliver real benefits against road and air transportation. This paper highlights the geotechnical problems involved with HSR on ballasted tracks and how slab tracks can overcome these issues. There are many geotechnical issues surrounding the performance of high-speed trains on ballasted railway tracks. A number of noticeable issues include critical velocity effects, track vibration and large settlement due to ballast degradation. In comparison to ballasted tracks, slab tracks reduce the construction height, reduce track maintenance, reduce the wear down of rails, provide better riding comfort at high speeds, provide higher availability, reduce vibration and secondary airborne noises, improve load distribution, provide high lateral and longitudinal track stability and eliminate problems with vegetation control, which is essential for a rail track structure. Accordingly, many railway experts have concluded that it is time to say goodbye to the ballasted tracks. Based on several case studies, laboratory results and validated numerical analysis, this paper clearly elaborates that if ballasted tracks are designed and stabilised properly, they will be cost effective and can well-perform under dynamic loads of high speed rails.

Khabbaz, H, Lin, EX & Fatahi, B 1970, 'A Parametric Study on Shoring Structures with Multi-Row Anchors in Layered Soil', Earthwork Project Management, Slope Stability Analysis, and Wave-Based Testing Techniques, Geo-Hubei 2014 International Conference on Sustainable Civil Infrastructure, American Society of Civil Engineers, China, pp. 81-88.
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This paper examines two numerical methods commonly used in shoring design, namely the beams on elastic foundation method using WALLAP and the finite element method (FEM) using PLAXIS. Numerous design parameters are also investigated to study the effects of the parametric variations on each method. The shoring model analyzed in this study is based on a deep excavation project in the Sydney central business district. One of the significant findings of this study was that the results obtained from both WALLAP and PLAXIS showed marginal numerical errors, which, in turn, need to be examined closely. Generally, the beams on elastic foundation method are more conservative than the FEM. In comparison with the FEM, the soil modulus has more significant effects than the shear strength parameters in the beams on elastic foundation method. Moreover, the resulting shear forces, bending moments, and lateral displacements of the shoring are less sensitive to the variation of the soil friction angle than the cohesion. The findings of this study can be taken into consideration by practicing civil engineers when designing appropriate shoring systems in urban areas. © ASCE 2014.

Le, TM, Fatahi, B & Khabbaz, H 1970, 'Numerical solution to predict visco-plastic model parameters of soft clay during excess pore water pressure dissipation', NUMERICAL METHODS IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING, VOL 1, European Conference on Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering, Taylor and Francis Group, Delft, the Netherlands, pp. 175-180.
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The elastic visco-plastic model with non-linear creep function may describe the long termbehavior of clayey soils more accurately. However, it is a challenging task to determine the parameters of the non-linear creep function using conventional oedometer data. This paper presents a numerical method to determine several model parameters simultaneously, while adopting consolidation data during excess pore water pressure dissipation by applying an advanced optimization tool embedded in MATLAB. Crank-Nicholson finite difference procedure is adopted to solve the partial differential equations of the consolidation equation in combined with the non-linear elastic visco-plastic model. As a result, the time dependent strain and excess pore water pressure dissipation in one dimensional compression are computed simultaneously. In this paper, a case study is presented to evaluate and validate the proposed method. © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group.

Moshiri, F, Gardner, AP, Erkmen, E, Jarman, R & Khabbaz, H 1970, 'Enhancing Industry Exposure, Discovery-Based and CooperativeLearning in Mechanics of Solids', Australasian Association for Engineering Education Annual Conference 2014, Australasian Association for Engineering Education Annual Conference 2014, School of Engineering & Advanced Technology, Massey University, Turitea Campus, Palmerston North 4442, Wellington, NZ.
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BACKGROUND Mechanics of Solids is a second year undergraduate subject, undertaken by both Civil and Mechanical engineering students at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). Mechanics of Solids has been delivered for many years in a traditional format with lectures and problem solving tutorials. As part of a national Australian project “Enhancing Industry Exposure in Engineering Degrees”, UTS in partnership with other universities and industry partners in Australia has sought industry involvement to engage students with the real-world challenges of engineering practice. PURPOSEThe main objective of this project is to design, develop and implement learning modules in Mechanis of Solids that integrate industry exposure to provide context for the concepts included in this subject. DESIGNThe project consisted of six guest lectures by industry representatives on topics related to typical Mechanics of Solids subject matter and two seminars on using MDSolids software.Students completed a collaborative assignment aligned with one of the industry presentations. Their reports and presentations were assessed on assessment criteria which included contextual understanding, judgement, effective collaboration and creativity, and their perceptions were captured to evaluate the impact of industry engagement in this subject.RESULTSOne of the major benefits of this project was students’ better understanding of engineering practice. There were also positive effects on students’ motivation for learning engineering. CONCLUSIONS This paper reports the major findings, outcomes and challenges for implementing enhancing industry exposure approach in Mechanics of Solids subject at UTS. The main finding of this research concluded that this project is very valuable to both students as it promotes exposure to real-world engineering challenges. The students’ exposure to real and substantive challenges improves their contextual understanding, plus their judgement,...

Nguyen, HH, Khabbaz, H, Fatahi, B, Vincent, P & Marix-Evans, M 1970, 'Sustainability considerations for ground improvement techniques using controlled modulus columns', PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2014 AGS SYMPOSIUM, AGS Symposium on Resilient Geotechnics, The Australian Geomechanics Society, AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, DARLING HARBOUR, NSW AUSTRALIA, pp. 170-170.
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Sustainability is becoming an ever more important consideration for the selection of ground improvement methods on construction projects around the world. When considering this criterion, the controlled modulus column (CMC) technology emerges as one of the relatively novel technologies that are capable to deliver valuable and sustainable outcomes. CMC installation is a vibration free process and produces very limited soil cuttings, making CMC suitable for improvement of soft ground, contaminated sites and ones adjacent to sensitive structures. Besides, CMC uses grout only without the use of steel reinforcement; hence carbon footprint estimated for CMC is generally lower than those for traditional piling techniques. Besides these valuable aspects, it is believed that this technology can still be advanced to contribute more to the sustainable development, owing to ongoing research works and practical experience. This paper summarises the key sustainability aspects of using CMC technology and highlights some potential aspects for further development. Future research directions are discussed to enhance sustainable design practice. These include general discussions on the issues of economic design with trial field tests, the use of recycled industrial by-products for grout mix, improved design, maximising the resiliency of structures and the energy consumption. The CMC installation effects on the surrounding soils and environment are also discussed sensibly in this paper.

Nguyen, L, Fatahi, B & Khabbaz, H 1970, 'Modelling Behaviour of Cemented Clay Capturing Cementation Degradation', Ground Improvement and Geosynthetics, Geo-Shanghai 2014, American Society of Civil Engineers, Shanghai, China, pp. 168-177.
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This paper presents a constitutive model - referred to as the Cemented Cam Clay (CCC) model - to precisely simulate the cementation degradation of cement-treated clays. Various laboratory experiments show that the effect of cementation gradually diminishes as the confining pressure increases (particularly at high effective confining pressures) due to breakdown of cementation bonds. The main concepts and formulations of the CCC model, including elasto-plastic stress-strain relationships, are presented within the framework of the critical state concept and inspired by the Modified Cam Clay (MCC) model. The special characteristic of the proposed model includes a modified mean effective stress capturing cementation degradation. In addition, the failure envelope is formulated to describe the beneficial effect of cementation at low mean effective pressure range, while it merges with the Critical State Line of reconstituted cement-clay mixture as the confining pressure continues to increase. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated against triaxial test results from cement-treated Aberdeen soil. The model predictions provide good agreement with triaxial test results, particularly at high effective confining pressures. © ASCE 2014.

Ong, HC, Silitonga, AS, Mahlia, TMI, Masjuki, HH & Chong, WT 1970, 'Investigation of Biodiesel Production from Cerbera Manghas Biofuel Sources', Energy Procedia, 6th International Conference on Applied Energy (ICAE), Elsevier BV, Taipei, TAIWAN, pp. 436-439.
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Parsa-Pajouh, A, Fatahi, B, Khabbaz, H & Vincent, P 1970, 'Evaluating Proposed Solutions for Equivalent Plane Strain Modeling of PVD Assisted Preloading', Advances in Transportation Geotechnics and Materials for Sustainable Infrastructure, Geo-Hubei 2014 International Conference on Sustainable Civil Infrastructure, American Society of Civil Engineers, China, pp. 9-16.
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In this study, a numerical code has been developed using free lossless audio codec (FLAC) 2-D to model the prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) assisted preloading process considering the smear zone, and evaluate the efficiency of the proposed equations for the conversion of permeability coefficient from axisymmetric state to plane-strain condition. A laboratory PVD assisted preloading test has been conducted employing a fully instrumented large Rowe cell to verify the developed numerical code. The results of the numerical plane-strain and axisymmetric simulations have been compared using four methods of permeability conversion from axisymmetric to plane-strain condition. © ASCE 2014.

Sanjid, A, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Abedin, MJ & Rahman, SMA 1970, 'Experimental Investigation of Mustard Biodiesel Blend Properties, Performance, Exhaust Emission and Noise in an Unmodified Diesel Engine', APCBEE Procedia, Elsevier BV, pp. 149-153.
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Sanjid, A, Masjuki, HH, Kalam, MA, Rahman, SMA, Abedin, MJ, Reza, MI & Sajjad, H 1970, 'Experimental Investigation of Palm-jatropha Combined Blend Properties, Performance, Exhaust Emission and Noise in an Unmodified Diesel Engine', Procedia Engineering, Elsevier BV, pp. 397-402.
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Silitonga, AS, Ong, HC, Mahlia, TMI, Masjuki, HH & Chong, WT 1970, 'Biodiesel Conversion from High FFA Crude Jatropha Curcas, Calophyllum Inophyllum and Ceiba Pentandra Oil', Energy Procedia, 6th International Conference on Applied Energy (ICAE), Elsevier BV, Taipei, TAIWAN, pp. 480-483.
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Woo, Y, Tijing, LD & Shon, HK 1970, 'Hydrophobic/hydrophilic dual-layer electrospun nanofibrous membranes for air gap membrane distilltation', 4th IWA Regional Conference on Membrane Technology 2014, IWA Regional Conference on Membrane Technology, Vietnam.
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In the present study, we fabricated and optimized a multi-component nanofiber membrane produced by simple electrospinning and investigated its performance for desalination by air gap membrane distillation (AGMD). Neat and composite two-layer nanofiber membranes composed of polyvinyidene fluoride (PVDF), PVDF/nylon-6 or PVDF/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were fabricated with and without heat-press post-treatment at 170 ˚C. Different characterization and measurement techniques such as contact angle and liquid entry pressure (LEP) measurements, scanning electron miscroscopy and AGMD tests were used to characterize the resultant electrospun nanofiber membranes (ENMs) and its desalination performance. Surface characterization showed that all ENMs exhibit a rough and superhydrophobic surface (>142 ° water contact angle). Heat-pressing the membrane resulted to thinner thickness (<25 µm thickness) and smaller pore sizes. The AGMD experiments in a cross-flow set up were carried out with constant inlet temperatures at the feed and permeate sides of 60±1.5 and 20±1.5 ˚C, respectively. The feed and permeate velocity were both maintained at 2.4×10-3 m/s. The AGMD module had a membrane area of 21 cm2 and the thickness of the air gap was 3 mm. The ENMs were able to present a water permeate flux of about 19-21 LMH using de-ionized water as feed, which was much higher than that of a commercial PVDF membrane (~14 LMH). The current superhydrophobic and highly porous membranes showed good potential for AGMD application.

Ahmadian Mazraeh, A, Ismail, FB & Alta'ee, AF 2014, RFEC pig designed for long-distance inspection, International Petroleum Technology Conference [IPTC] (Doha, Qatar, 1/19-22/2014) Proceedings.
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This paper presents an innovative approach for the design and development of pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) which can inspect pipes from 26 in. up to 50 in. with a simple change of shirts using the latest technologies such as electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) sensors as well as remote field eddy current (RFEC) sensors for oil pipes inspection, through the creation of a simulation tool capable of generating simulated images from pipeline using inertial navigation system (INS) for highest accuracy and precision inspection to protect the environment and equipment from any unexpected accident. There are several dynamo motors utilized to regenerate green efficient power from the flow of the medium inside the pipeline to elongate the distance of investigation by the means of reduction of the number of individual pigging processes to save time and cost for companies. The INS uses accelerometers and gyroscopes of the type Integrated Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (iMEMS), with these it can be carried out mapping corresponding to the inspected pipes. Water hammer effect is another factor which has been considered during designing this pig. The design has been revised and several arms has been devised around the robot to maintain the speed and position of pig all the way through the pipeline.

Surawski, NC, Sullivan, AL, Meyer, CP, Roxburgh, SH & Polglase, PJ 2014, 'Greenhouse gas emissions from laboratory-scale fires in wildland fuels depend on fire spread mode and phase of combustion', Copernicus GmbH.
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van Emmerik, THM, Li, Z, Sivapalan, M, Pande, S, Kandasamy, J, Savenije, HHG, Chanan, A & Vigneswaran, S 2014, 'Socio-hydrologic modeling to understand and mediate the competition for water between agriculture development and environmental health: Murrumbidgee River Basin, Australia', Copernicus GmbH.
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