Aleksandra Perić-grujić - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Aleksandra Perić-grujić
Tekstilna industrija
In an attempt to reuse fibrous textile waste, and at the same time to reduce its quantity, waste ... more In an attempt to reuse fibrous textile waste, and at the same time to reduce its quantity, waste hemp and flax fibers, and cotton yarn were used as cheap and sustainable adsorbents for the removal of pharmaceuticals from water. In order to improve their adsorption properties, waste fibers, and yarn samples were modified using 18% NaOH solution. Morphology, surface chemistry, and structural characteristics were examined through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, degree of surface crystallinity, and crystallinity index. Adsorption properties were analyzed through the determination of iodine sorption and water retention, as well as, the adsorption of selected sedatives. Modification with 18% NaOH increased the content of amorphous areas in examined fibers and yarn samples, improving their adsorption characteristics. Utilization of both unmodified and modified samples enables fast and highly efficient removal (adsorption efficiency ranging from 75 to ...
Materials Chemistry and Physics, Aug 1, 2015
Design and evaluation of novel pH responsive hydrogel series. Structural, morphological, thermal ... more Design and evaluation of novel pH responsive hydrogel series. Structural, morphological, thermal characterization and controlled copper release. Antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus over 99%. Antifungal activity against Candida albicans over 99%. In vitro evaluation studies revealed great potential for wound healing application.
Tekstilna industrija
This study aims to investigate the effect of alkalization and chemical coupling methods on the su... more This study aims to investigate the effect of alkalization and chemical coupling methods on the surface and adsorption properties of waste cotton and cotton/polyester yarns. The simple and cheap alkali treatment was performed using 10% and 18% NaOH solution, while the chemical coupling method involved combining cotton and cotton/polyester yarns and fly ash, using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium alginate as binders. Morphological and surface characteristics of unmodified and modified cotton and cotton/polyester yarns were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while adsorption properties were assessed by the removal of lead and cadmium ions from aqueous solution. It was found that chemical modification with 18% NaOH solution positively affected the adsorption properties of only cotton yarns, increasing the removal efficiency of lead ions up to 75%. On the other hand, modification with fly ash improves the adsorption properties o...
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT
This study investigated the use of different natural raw soil materials as low-cost adsorbents fo... more This study investigated the use of different natural raw soil materials as low-cost adsorbents for the removal to remove As(V) and Pb(II) from aqueous systems. It deals with the effect of different soil textures, sandy loam, loam, and loamy sand, on adsorption efficiency. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to carry out the comprehensive characterization of materials, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and liquid nitrogen porosimetry or the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). Studies were performed in a batch system; the initial concentration of examined heavy metals was 100 μg•L-1 , pH varied in the range of 4-6, and the adsorbent dosage was 5-20 mg/10 mL. Sandy loam was the most efficient adsorbent for As(V) separation, with a maximum removal efficiency of 47.5%, while the loam was the most efficient for Pb(II) separation, with a maximum removal efficiency of 94.2%. The removal efficiency was affected mainly by the adsorbent characteristics. Performed kinetic studies revealed two steps of adsorption for both investigated ions. Obtained results indicate that natural sorbents used in this work present environmentally sustainable material for As(V) and Pb(II) removal, on the one hand, and the basis for further studies on the simultaneous removal of heavy metals from water and their reduced mobility in soil, on the other.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Highly porous lignin-based microspheres, modified by magnetite nanoparticles, were used for the f... more Highly porous lignin-based microspheres, modified by magnetite nanoparticles, were used for the first time for the removal of selenate anions, Se(VI), from spiked and real water samples. The influence of experimental conditions: selenate concentration, adsorbent dosage and contact time on the adsorption capacity was investigated in a batch experimental mode. The FTIR, XRD, SEM techniques were used to analyze the structural and morphological properties of the native and exhausted adsorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 69.9 mg/g for Se(VI) anions at pH 6.46 from the simulated water samples. The modified natural polymer was efficient in Se(VI) removal from the real (potable) water samples, originated from six cities in the Republic of Serbia, with an overage efficacy of 20%. The regeneration capacity of 61% in one cycle of desorption (0.5 M NaOH as desorption solution) of bio-based adsorbent was gained in this investigation. The examined material demonstrated a sign...
Metals, 2020
Hybrid adsorbent, based on the cross-linked copolymer impregnated with hydrous iron oxide, was ap... more Hybrid adsorbent, based on the cross-linked copolymer impregnated with hydrous iron oxide, was applied for the first time for Se(VI) adsorption from water. The influence of the initial solution pH, selenate concentration and contact time to adsorption capacity was investigated. Adsorbent regeneration was explored using a full factorial experimental design in order to optimize the volume, initial pH value and concentration of the applied NaCl solution as a reagent. Equilibrium state was described using the Langmuir model, while kinetics fitted the pseudo-first order. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 28.8 mg/g. Desorption efficiency increased up to 70%, and became statistically significant with the reagent concentration and pH increase, while the applied solution volume was found to be insignificant in the investigated range. Based on the results obtained, pH influence to the adsorption capacity, desorption efficiency, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffrac...
Macromolecular Research, 2019
Since the management of infections becomes prior global healthcare issue, the "post antibiotic er... more Since the management of infections becomes prior global healthcare issue, the "post antibiotic era" requires innovative and interdisciplinary approach. As an alternative to widespread and, nowdays mostly uneffective, antibiotic treatment of infections, the series of hydrogels were developed and further investigated as novel antibacterial biomaterials. The hydrogels based on 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and itaconic acid were synthesized and used for silver(I) ions incorporation. The structural, thermal and swelling characteristics were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and swelling study conducted in wide range of pHs at 37°C. Results confirmed the expected structure, while the glass transition temperatures (T g) of the hydrogels were detected in range of 10-37°C. The in vitro release study revealed suitability of these pH sensitive hydrogels as the systems for topical delivery of silver(I) ions. Performed MTT test and Comet assay proved biocompatibility of the hydrogels, as well as the absence of acute genotoxic effect on human fibroblast cells (MRC-5). The hydrogels exhibited satisfying antibacterial activity against methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), indicating the capacity to treat the life-threatening infections.
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT, 2019
Synthesis of branched aminated waste polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, realized in a three addition... more Synthesis of branched aminated waste polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, realized in a three addition/ amidation successive steps, was performed in order to obtain AS3-PAN adsorbent. Influence of various operating parameters such as pH, contact time, adsorbent mass and initial concentration of pollutants, on adsorption capacity has been studied. Design of the experimental plan of adsorption experiments, defined by response surface methodology (RSM), rationalized the number of necessary experiments. The calculated adsorption capacities for AS3-PAN, obtained by Langmuir model, were 58.94, 41.07, 34.51, 24.54 and 29.61 mg g-1 for Pb 2+ , Cd 2+ , Ni 2+ , Cr(VI) and As(V) ion, respectively. The results of pseudo-second-order reaction rate and Weber-Morris kinetic model indicated significant resistance due to intra-particle (pore) diffusion. The experimental results were compared with the theoretically calculated ones, obtained by RSM prediction model, and validation of applied methodology was performed by testing the quality of the regression analysis with analysis of variance test.
Journal of Electrochemical Science and Engineering, 2019
Polymer-based hydrogel materials are excellent candidates for new-generation wound dressings with... more Polymer-based hydrogel materials are excellent candidates for new-generation wound dressings with improved properties, such as high sorption ability, good mechanical properties and low adhesiveness. Cross-linked hydrogel matrices also serve as excellent carriers for controlled release of antibacterial agents, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are preferred over conventional antibiotics due to low propensity to induce bacterial resistance. In this work, we aim to produce novel silver/poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan (Ag/PVA/CHI) hydrogels for wound dressing applications. The electrochemical AgNPs synthesis provided facile and green method for the reduction of Ag+ ions inside the hydrogel matrices, without the need to use toxic chemical reducing agents. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Release kinetics was investigated in modified phosphate buffer solution at 37 °C to mimic physiological con...
Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 2019
Highlights Electrochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles in composite Ag/PVA/CHI/Gr hydroge... more Highlights Electrochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles in composite Ag/PVA/CHI/Gr hydrogel matrices Chitosan increased the thermal stability of Ag/PVA/CHI/Gr hydrogels Sorption diffusion models and silver release models were proved Synergistic effect of chitosan and silver nanoparticles on increased antibacterial activity
Science of The Total Environment, 2018
• PNN models for DO prediction were developed for the Danube River in Serbia. • The PNN has selec... more • PNN models for DO prediction were developed for the Danube River in Serbia. • The PNN has selected 12 inputs among 17 WQP presented. • The interpolation and extrapolation performance of PNN model was investigated. • The PNN model demonstrated good interpolation performance (R 2 = 0.82). • The PNN model was not robust enough to achieve a similar extrapolation performance (R 2 = 0.63).
CLEAN - Soil, Air, Water, 2016
Performance of a novel adsorbent, copper impregnated natural mineral tufa (T-Cu), applicable for ... more Performance of a novel adsorbent, copper impregnated natural mineral tufa (T-Cu), applicable for efficient arsenic removal is presented in this study. Testing of adsorbent properties encompassed material characterization and equilibrium study in a batch system. Copper modification contributed to increased adsorption capacities, i.e., from 4.65 to 67.83 mg g −1 for As(III), and from 6.84 to 104.62 mg g −1 for As(V), comparing to unmodified tufa. The obtained thermodynamic data indicated higher feasibility and spontaneity of the adsorption process at higher temperature. A competitive study in a multi-component system showed that T-Cu adsorbents effectively removed arsenic species at high concentrations of interfering ions. The high adsorption capacity and multi-cycle reusability gave positive techno-economic indicators in comparison to commercial adsorbents.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2016
This paper describes the application of artificial neural network models for the prediction of bi... more This paper describes the application of artificial neural network models for the prediction of biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels in the Danube River. Eighteen regularly monitored water quality parameters at 17 stations on the river stretch passing through Serbia were used as input variables. The optimization of the model was performed in three consecutive steps: firstly, the spatial influence of a monitoring station was examined; secondly, the monitoring period necessary to reach satisfactory performance was determined; and lastly, correlation analysis was applied to evaluate the relationship among water quality parameters. Root-mean-square error (RMSE) was used to evaluate model performance in the first two steps, whereas in the last step, multiple statistical indicators of performance were utilized. As a result, two optimized models were developed, a general regression neural network model (labeled GRNN-1) that covers the monitoring stations from the Danube inflow to the city of Novi Sad and a GRNN model (labeled GRNN-2) that covers the stations from the city of Novi Sad to the border with Romania. Both models demonstrated good agreement between the predicted and actually observed BOD values.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2015
Atmospheric Environment, 2015
The first investigation of the use of the Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) which includes lead c... more The first investigation of the use of the Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) which includes lead concentration and its isotopic composition in moss bags to assess the spatial and temporal patterns of lead in the urban microenvironments is presented in this paper. The moss bags experiment was carried out during 2011 in the city tunnel in Belgrade, as well as in street canyons at different heights (4, 8 and 16 m) and in public garages. The moss bags were exposed for 5 and 10 weeks. The results revealed that the 10 weeks period represents suitable exposure time in screening Pb isotopic composition in active biomonitoring analysis. The obtained results showed that the SOM analysis, by recognizing slight differences among moss samples regarding exposure time, horizontal and vertical spatial distribution, with both, contribution of stable lead isotopes and Pb concentration, could be recommended in biomonitoring analysis of lead distribution in urban microenvironments.
Chemical Industry and Chemical Engineering Quarterly, 2015
In this study, airborne particulates (PM10) and leaves of horse chestnut were collected at select... more In this study, airborne particulates (PM10) and leaves of horse chestnut were collected at selected urban sites in Belgrade, Serbia, in years 2006, 2009 and 2012. All samples were analysed for trace element concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb. It has been shown that, during the study period, the differences among PM10 mass trace element concentrations were not considerable, and that the measured mass and trace elements concentrations were below the Serbian and EU legislation limits. Highest values of trace element concentrations in leaves were observed in year 2012, with the exception of Pb. Lead concentration had a decreasing trend during the whole studied period, in both PM10 and tree leaves. Since leaded gasoline was banned in 2011, a possible reason could be an increasing number of vehicles using unleaded kind along the previous years. Although trace elements in horse chestnut leaves were accumulated only during summer season, horse chestnut leaves showed good response to ch...
Chemical Industry, 2011
Coastal area surrounding the river Ibar, in the area between cities of Kosovska Mitrovica and Lep... more Coastal area surrounding the river Ibar, in the area between cities of Kosovska Mitrovica and Leposavic in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, is occupied with seven industrial waste dumps. These dumps were all part of the exploitation and flotation refinement of raw mineral materials, metallurgic refinement of concentrates, chemical industry, industrial refinement and energetic facilities of Trepca industrial complex. The existing waste dumps, both active and inactive, are of heterogenic chemical composition. Its impact on the river water is shown by the content of heavy metals found in it. Removal of lead, cadmium and zinc would be economically unrewarding, regardless of the technology used. Wooden plant that prevails in this area is white willow. This work is focused on the removal of heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Zn) from the water of the river Ibar using white willow. Roots of the willow are cultivated using the method of water cultures in an individual solution of heavy metals and ri...
Hemijska Industrija, 2011
Izvod U ovom radu ispitivan je sadržaj aluminijuma, bora, hroma, mangana, kobalta, nikla, bakra, ... more Izvod U ovom radu ispitivan je sadržaj aluminijuma, bora, hroma, mangana, kobalta, nikla, bakra, cinka, arsena, kadmijuma, barijuma i olova u sirovoj vodi i vodi za piće koju koristi, odnosno isporučuje potrošačima Javno komunalno preduzeće Beogradski vodovod i kanalizacija. Ispitano je ukupno 14 uzoraka sa svih pogona za pripremu vode koja su u sastavu Beogradskog vodovoda i kanalizacije. Analiza uzoraka je rađena primenom indukovano spregnute plazme sa masenom spektrometrijom. Cilj istraživanja je bio da se ispita efikasnost procesa za pripremu vode za piće koji se primenjuju u pogonima Beogradskog vodovoda i kanalizacije. Iako su koncentracije pojedinih elemenata u sirovoj vodi bile u širokom opsegu vrednosti i znatno se razlikovale u podzemnim i rečnim vodama, u uzorcima vode za piće koncentracije svih ispitivanih elemenata bile su niže od maksimalno dozvoljenih koncentracija propisanih zakonskom regulativom Republike Srbije. Ključne reči: Voda za piće • Elementi u tragovima • Beograd • ICP-MS STRUČNI RAD
Ecological Indicators, 2014
Biomonitoring has been frequently used as a tool for assessing anthropogenic influences on the en... more Biomonitoring has been frequently used as a tool for assessing anthropogenic influences on the environment, and trees have been recognized as efficient ecological indicators of urban air quality. Variations of stable lead isotopic ratios have been suggested as a suitable method for the Pb source identification. Substantial methodological points are yet to be resolved regarding isotopic signatures in environmental studies, and especially within plant biomonitoring. This study has been focused on an assessment of stable lead isotopic ratios (206 Pb/ 207 Pb and 208 Pb/ 207 Pb) for some common urban deciduous tree leaves (Aesculus hippocastanum, Tilia cordata, Acer platanoides and Betula pendula). The study was done in 2009, at the time when the leaded gasoline was still in use in Serbia, although during a time span when an increasing number of vehicles, using non-leaded gasoline, was evident. Thus, a decrease of the Pb emitted from leaded gasoline affected the atmospheric Pb concentrations. The measurements of the Pb isotopes were performed by ICP-MS on both, unwashed samples, and those shortly washed in bidistilled. The percentage of lead removed by applied rinsing was approximately the same in the first three above mentioned species (≈30%), while the exception was B. pendula (22%), indicating the highest retention for fine and coarse particulates due to thick epicuticular wax layer. It may be suggested that leaf washing is useful approach when the aim is an assessment of the isotopic composition in leaves after a certain period of exposure, assuming contribution of possible sources. However, in case of screening for possible sources in particular time sequence, leaves may remain unwashed. The obtained isotopic composition in leaf samples partially corresponded to that used in the lead additive in gasoline, implying also an influence of other Pb sources. The results imply that, among the investigated tree species, B. pendula could be the most efficient indicator in multiple Pb source identification. From the obtained Pb isotopic ratios, A. hippocastanum was confirmed as an appropriate biomonitor for the Pb atmospheric pollution, as previously shown from the Pb leaf concentration analyses.
Tekstilna industrija
In an attempt to reuse fibrous textile waste, and at the same time to reduce its quantity, waste ... more In an attempt to reuse fibrous textile waste, and at the same time to reduce its quantity, waste hemp and flax fibers, and cotton yarn were used as cheap and sustainable adsorbents for the removal of pharmaceuticals from water. In order to improve their adsorption properties, waste fibers, and yarn samples were modified using 18% NaOH solution. Morphology, surface chemistry, and structural characteristics were examined through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, degree of surface crystallinity, and crystallinity index. Adsorption properties were analyzed through the determination of iodine sorption and water retention, as well as, the adsorption of selected sedatives. Modification with 18% NaOH increased the content of amorphous areas in examined fibers and yarn samples, improving their adsorption characteristics. Utilization of both unmodified and modified samples enables fast and highly efficient removal (adsorption efficiency ranging from 75 to ...
Materials Chemistry and Physics, Aug 1, 2015
Design and evaluation of novel pH responsive hydrogel series. Structural, morphological, thermal ... more Design and evaluation of novel pH responsive hydrogel series. Structural, morphological, thermal characterization and controlled copper release. Antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus over 99%. Antifungal activity against Candida albicans over 99%. In vitro evaluation studies revealed great potential for wound healing application.
Tekstilna industrija
This study aims to investigate the effect of alkalization and chemical coupling methods on the su... more This study aims to investigate the effect of alkalization and chemical coupling methods on the surface and adsorption properties of waste cotton and cotton/polyester yarns. The simple and cheap alkali treatment was performed using 10% and 18% NaOH solution, while the chemical coupling method involved combining cotton and cotton/polyester yarns and fly ash, using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium alginate as binders. Morphological and surface characteristics of unmodified and modified cotton and cotton/polyester yarns were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while adsorption properties were assessed by the removal of lead and cadmium ions from aqueous solution. It was found that chemical modification with 18% NaOH solution positively affected the adsorption properties of only cotton yarns, increasing the removal efficiency of lead ions up to 75%. On the other hand, modification with fly ash improves the adsorption properties o...
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT
This study investigated the use of different natural raw soil materials as low-cost adsorbents fo... more This study investigated the use of different natural raw soil materials as low-cost adsorbents for the removal to remove As(V) and Pb(II) from aqueous systems. It deals with the effect of different soil textures, sandy loam, loam, and loamy sand, on adsorption efficiency. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to carry out the comprehensive characterization of materials, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and liquid nitrogen porosimetry or the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). Studies were performed in a batch system; the initial concentration of examined heavy metals was 100 μg•L-1 , pH varied in the range of 4-6, and the adsorbent dosage was 5-20 mg/10 mL. Sandy loam was the most efficient adsorbent for As(V) separation, with a maximum removal efficiency of 47.5%, while the loam was the most efficient for Pb(II) separation, with a maximum removal efficiency of 94.2%. The removal efficiency was affected mainly by the adsorbent characteristics. Performed kinetic studies revealed two steps of adsorption for both investigated ions. Obtained results indicate that natural sorbents used in this work present environmentally sustainable material for As(V) and Pb(II) removal, on the one hand, and the basis for further studies on the simultaneous removal of heavy metals from water and their reduced mobility in soil, on the other.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Highly porous lignin-based microspheres, modified by magnetite nanoparticles, were used for the f... more Highly porous lignin-based microspheres, modified by magnetite nanoparticles, were used for the first time for the removal of selenate anions, Se(VI), from spiked and real water samples. The influence of experimental conditions: selenate concentration, adsorbent dosage and contact time on the adsorption capacity was investigated in a batch experimental mode. The FTIR, XRD, SEM techniques were used to analyze the structural and morphological properties of the native and exhausted adsorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 69.9 mg/g for Se(VI) anions at pH 6.46 from the simulated water samples. The modified natural polymer was efficient in Se(VI) removal from the real (potable) water samples, originated from six cities in the Republic of Serbia, with an overage efficacy of 20%. The regeneration capacity of 61% in one cycle of desorption (0.5 M NaOH as desorption solution) of bio-based adsorbent was gained in this investigation. The examined material demonstrated a sign...
Metals, 2020
Hybrid adsorbent, based on the cross-linked copolymer impregnated with hydrous iron oxide, was ap... more Hybrid adsorbent, based on the cross-linked copolymer impregnated with hydrous iron oxide, was applied for the first time for Se(VI) adsorption from water. The influence of the initial solution pH, selenate concentration and contact time to adsorption capacity was investigated. Adsorbent regeneration was explored using a full factorial experimental design in order to optimize the volume, initial pH value and concentration of the applied NaCl solution as a reagent. Equilibrium state was described using the Langmuir model, while kinetics fitted the pseudo-first order. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 28.8 mg/g. Desorption efficiency increased up to 70%, and became statistically significant with the reagent concentration and pH increase, while the applied solution volume was found to be insignificant in the investigated range. Based on the results obtained, pH influence to the adsorption capacity, desorption efficiency, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffrac...
Macromolecular Research, 2019
Since the management of infections becomes prior global healthcare issue, the "post antibiotic er... more Since the management of infections becomes prior global healthcare issue, the "post antibiotic era" requires innovative and interdisciplinary approach. As an alternative to widespread and, nowdays mostly uneffective, antibiotic treatment of infections, the series of hydrogels were developed and further investigated as novel antibacterial biomaterials. The hydrogels based on 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and itaconic acid were synthesized and used for silver(I) ions incorporation. The structural, thermal and swelling characteristics were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and swelling study conducted in wide range of pHs at 37°C. Results confirmed the expected structure, while the glass transition temperatures (T g) of the hydrogels were detected in range of 10-37°C. The in vitro release study revealed suitability of these pH sensitive hydrogels as the systems for topical delivery of silver(I) ions. Performed MTT test and Comet assay proved biocompatibility of the hydrogels, as well as the absence of acute genotoxic effect on human fibroblast cells (MRC-5). The hydrogels exhibited satisfying antibacterial activity against methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), indicating the capacity to treat the life-threatening infections.
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT, 2019
Synthesis of branched aminated waste polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, realized in a three addition... more Synthesis of branched aminated waste polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, realized in a three addition/ amidation successive steps, was performed in order to obtain AS3-PAN adsorbent. Influence of various operating parameters such as pH, contact time, adsorbent mass and initial concentration of pollutants, on adsorption capacity has been studied. Design of the experimental plan of adsorption experiments, defined by response surface methodology (RSM), rationalized the number of necessary experiments. The calculated adsorption capacities for AS3-PAN, obtained by Langmuir model, were 58.94, 41.07, 34.51, 24.54 and 29.61 mg g-1 for Pb 2+ , Cd 2+ , Ni 2+ , Cr(VI) and As(V) ion, respectively. The results of pseudo-second-order reaction rate and Weber-Morris kinetic model indicated significant resistance due to intra-particle (pore) diffusion. The experimental results were compared with the theoretically calculated ones, obtained by RSM prediction model, and validation of applied methodology was performed by testing the quality of the regression analysis with analysis of variance test.
Journal of Electrochemical Science and Engineering, 2019
Polymer-based hydrogel materials are excellent candidates for new-generation wound dressings with... more Polymer-based hydrogel materials are excellent candidates for new-generation wound dressings with improved properties, such as high sorption ability, good mechanical properties and low adhesiveness. Cross-linked hydrogel matrices also serve as excellent carriers for controlled release of antibacterial agents, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are preferred over conventional antibiotics due to low propensity to induce bacterial resistance. In this work, we aim to produce novel silver/poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan (Ag/PVA/CHI) hydrogels for wound dressing applications. The electrochemical AgNPs synthesis provided facile and green method for the reduction of Ag+ ions inside the hydrogel matrices, without the need to use toxic chemical reducing agents. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Release kinetics was investigated in modified phosphate buffer solution at 37 °C to mimic physiological con...
Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 2019
Highlights Electrochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles in composite Ag/PVA/CHI/Gr hydroge... more Highlights Electrochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles in composite Ag/PVA/CHI/Gr hydrogel matrices Chitosan increased the thermal stability of Ag/PVA/CHI/Gr hydrogels Sorption diffusion models and silver release models were proved Synergistic effect of chitosan and silver nanoparticles on increased antibacterial activity
Science of The Total Environment, 2018
• PNN models for DO prediction were developed for the Danube River in Serbia. • The PNN has selec... more • PNN models for DO prediction were developed for the Danube River in Serbia. • The PNN has selected 12 inputs among 17 WQP presented. • The interpolation and extrapolation performance of PNN model was investigated. • The PNN model demonstrated good interpolation performance (R 2 = 0.82). • The PNN model was not robust enough to achieve a similar extrapolation performance (R 2 = 0.63).
CLEAN - Soil, Air, Water, 2016
Performance of a novel adsorbent, copper impregnated natural mineral tufa (T-Cu), applicable for ... more Performance of a novel adsorbent, copper impregnated natural mineral tufa (T-Cu), applicable for efficient arsenic removal is presented in this study. Testing of adsorbent properties encompassed material characterization and equilibrium study in a batch system. Copper modification contributed to increased adsorption capacities, i.e., from 4.65 to 67.83 mg g −1 for As(III), and from 6.84 to 104.62 mg g −1 for As(V), comparing to unmodified tufa. The obtained thermodynamic data indicated higher feasibility and spontaneity of the adsorption process at higher temperature. A competitive study in a multi-component system showed that T-Cu adsorbents effectively removed arsenic species at high concentrations of interfering ions. The high adsorption capacity and multi-cycle reusability gave positive techno-economic indicators in comparison to commercial adsorbents.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2016
This paper describes the application of artificial neural network models for the prediction of bi... more This paper describes the application of artificial neural network models for the prediction of biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels in the Danube River. Eighteen regularly monitored water quality parameters at 17 stations on the river stretch passing through Serbia were used as input variables. The optimization of the model was performed in three consecutive steps: firstly, the spatial influence of a monitoring station was examined; secondly, the monitoring period necessary to reach satisfactory performance was determined; and lastly, correlation analysis was applied to evaluate the relationship among water quality parameters. Root-mean-square error (RMSE) was used to evaluate model performance in the first two steps, whereas in the last step, multiple statistical indicators of performance were utilized. As a result, two optimized models were developed, a general regression neural network model (labeled GRNN-1) that covers the monitoring stations from the Danube inflow to the city of Novi Sad and a GRNN model (labeled GRNN-2) that covers the stations from the city of Novi Sad to the border with Romania. Both models demonstrated good agreement between the predicted and actually observed BOD values.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2015
Atmospheric Environment, 2015
The first investigation of the use of the Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) which includes lead c... more The first investigation of the use of the Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) which includes lead concentration and its isotopic composition in moss bags to assess the spatial and temporal patterns of lead in the urban microenvironments is presented in this paper. The moss bags experiment was carried out during 2011 in the city tunnel in Belgrade, as well as in street canyons at different heights (4, 8 and 16 m) and in public garages. The moss bags were exposed for 5 and 10 weeks. The results revealed that the 10 weeks period represents suitable exposure time in screening Pb isotopic composition in active biomonitoring analysis. The obtained results showed that the SOM analysis, by recognizing slight differences among moss samples regarding exposure time, horizontal and vertical spatial distribution, with both, contribution of stable lead isotopes and Pb concentration, could be recommended in biomonitoring analysis of lead distribution in urban microenvironments.
Chemical Industry and Chemical Engineering Quarterly, 2015
In this study, airborne particulates (PM10) and leaves of horse chestnut were collected at select... more In this study, airborne particulates (PM10) and leaves of horse chestnut were collected at selected urban sites in Belgrade, Serbia, in years 2006, 2009 and 2012. All samples were analysed for trace element concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb. It has been shown that, during the study period, the differences among PM10 mass trace element concentrations were not considerable, and that the measured mass and trace elements concentrations were below the Serbian and EU legislation limits. Highest values of trace element concentrations in leaves were observed in year 2012, with the exception of Pb. Lead concentration had a decreasing trend during the whole studied period, in both PM10 and tree leaves. Since leaded gasoline was banned in 2011, a possible reason could be an increasing number of vehicles using unleaded kind along the previous years. Although trace elements in horse chestnut leaves were accumulated only during summer season, horse chestnut leaves showed good response to ch...
Chemical Industry, 2011
Coastal area surrounding the river Ibar, in the area between cities of Kosovska Mitrovica and Lep... more Coastal area surrounding the river Ibar, in the area between cities of Kosovska Mitrovica and Leposavic in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, is occupied with seven industrial waste dumps. These dumps were all part of the exploitation and flotation refinement of raw mineral materials, metallurgic refinement of concentrates, chemical industry, industrial refinement and energetic facilities of Trepca industrial complex. The existing waste dumps, both active and inactive, are of heterogenic chemical composition. Its impact on the river water is shown by the content of heavy metals found in it. Removal of lead, cadmium and zinc would be economically unrewarding, regardless of the technology used. Wooden plant that prevails in this area is white willow. This work is focused on the removal of heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Zn) from the water of the river Ibar using white willow. Roots of the willow are cultivated using the method of water cultures in an individual solution of heavy metals and ri...
Hemijska Industrija, 2011
Izvod U ovom radu ispitivan je sadržaj aluminijuma, bora, hroma, mangana, kobalta, nikla, bakra, ... more Izvod U ovom radu ispitivan je sadržaj aluminijuma, bora, hroma, mangana, kobalta, nikla, bakra, cinka, arsena, kadmijuma, barijuma i olova u sirovoj vodi i vodi za piće koju koristi, odnosno isporučuje potrošačima Javno komunalno preduzeće Beogradski vodovod i kanalizacija. Ispitano je ukupno 14 uzoraka sa svih pogona za pripremu vode koja su u sastavu Beogradskog vodovoda i kanalizacije. Analiza uzoraka je rađena primenom indukovano spregnute plazme sa masenom spektrometrijom. Cilj istraživanja je bio da se ispita efikasnost procesa za pripremu vode za piće koji se primenjuju u pogonima Beogradskog vodovoda i kanalizacije. Iako su koncentracije pojedinih elemenata u sirovoj vodi bile u širokom opsegu vrednosti i znatno se razlikovale u podzemnim i rečnim vodama, u uzorcima vode za piće koncentracije svih ispitivanih elemenata bile su niže od maksimalno dozvoljenih koncentracija propisanih zakonskom regulativom Republike Srbije. Ključne reči: Voda za piće • Elementi u tragovima • Beograd • ICP-MS STRUČNI RAD
Ecological Indicators, 2014
Biomonitoring has been frequently used as a tool for assessing anthropogenic influences on the en... more Biomonitoring has been frequently used as a tool for assessing anthropogenic influences on the environment, and trees have been recognized as efficient ecological indicators of urban air quality. Variations of stable lead isotopic ratios have been suggested as a suitable method for the Pb source identification. Substantial methodological points are yet to be resolved regarding isotopic signatures in environmental studies, and especially within plant biomonitoring. This study has been focused on an assessment of stable lead isotopic ratios (206 Pb/ 207 Pb and 208 Pb/ 207 Pb) for some common urban deciduous tree leaves (Aesculus hippocastanum, Tilia cordata, Acer platanoides and Betula pendula). The study was done in 2009, at the time when the leaded gasoline was still in use in Serbia, although during a time span when an increasing number of vehicles, using non-leaded gasoline, was evident. Thus, a decrease of the Pb emitted from leaded gasoline affected the atmospheric Pb concentrations. The measurements of the Pb isotopes were performed by ICP-MS on both, unwashed samples, and those shortly washed in bidistilled. The percentage of lead removed by applied rinsing was approximately the same in the first three above mentioned species (≈30%), while the exception was B. pendula (22%), indicating the highest retention for fine and coarse particulates due to thick epicuticular wax layer. It may be suggested that leaf washing is useful approach when the aim is an assessment of the isotopic composition in leaves after a certain period of exposure, assuming contribution of possible sources. However, in case of screening for possible sources in particular time sequence, leaves may remain unwashed. The obtained isotopic composition in leaf samples partially corresponded to that used in the lead additive in gasoline, implying also an influence of other Pb sources. The results imply that, among the investigated tree species, B. pendula could be the most efficient indicator in multiple Pb source identification. From the obtained Pb isotopic ratios, A. hippocastanum was confirmed as an appropriate biomonitor for the Pb atmospheric pollution, as previously shown from the Pb leaf concentration analyses.