1. Preliminary experiments into colonization of microorganisms from activated sludge on different types of plasticsTjaša Matjašič, Tanja Dreo, Zoran Samardžija, Oliver Bajt, Tjaša Kanduč, Tatjana Simčič, Nataša Mori, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: The presence of plastics in the environment is currently one of the most pressing global environmental problems. Microorganisms start to form biofilms on plastic surfaces when they first come in contact with the biosphere; however, these interactions and processes are little understood, especially in freshwaters. This study aimed to better understand the colonization process of microorganisms from activated sludge on plastic materials exhibiting different surface characteristics. We inoculated synthetic fabric (PET), water bottles (PET), and plastic bags for packing vegetables and fruits (HDPE) with microorganisms from activated sludge. Mixtures of plastics and activated sludge, as well as the control, were incubated at 22-24°C in Bushnell Haas (BH) liquid medium and shaken at 120 rpm for two months. The mixtures were sub-sampled weekly and seeded into fresh BH medium with test plastic materials to avoid feeding microorganisms on dead biomass. The colonization was followed by measuring optical density (OD600) of liquid medium, by measurements of isotopic composition of carbon (δ13C) in untreated and treated plastic materials and, with in-specting the plastics surface with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Overall, the study confirmed differences between colonizing microorganisms on different plastic material when comparing SEM micrographs of materials from the flasks inoculated with activated sludge. The texture of the HDPE bag changed during the experiment in both, control and inoculated flasks, but it is not clear whether the observed changes were due to abiotic or biotic factors. We concluded that microorganisms from activated sludge are capable of colonizing both PET and HDPE materials, and biofilm formation is most probably influenced by the chemical composition of plastics and their surface characteristics.
Keywords: biofilm, plastics, SEM, isotopic composition of carbon, co-cultivation, UV sterilization Published in DiRROS: 31.07.2024; Views: 108; Downloads: 94
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2. Microscopy of crustacean cuticle : formation of a flexible extracellular matrix in moulting sea slaters Ligia pallasiiJasna Štrus, Magda Tušek-Žnidarič, Urška Repnik, Andrej Blejec, Adam P. Summers, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: Structural and functional properties of exoskeleton in moulting sea slaters Ligia pallasii from the Eastern Pacific coast were investigated with CT scanning and electron microscopy. Ultrastructure of preecdysial and postecdysial cuticular layers was described in premoult, intramoult and postmoult animals. Cuticle is a flexible extracellular matrix connected to the epidermal cells through pore channels. During premoult epicuticle and exocuticle are formed and during intramoult and postmoult endocuticular lamellae are deposited and the cuticle is progressively constructed by thickening and mineralization. Cuticle permeability, flexibility and waterproofing capacity change accordingly. Elaboration of epicuticular scales connected to an extensive network of nanotubules, establish its anti-adhesive and hydrophobic properties. Labelling with gold conjugated WGA lectins on Tokuyashu thawed cryosections exposes differences in chitin content between exocuticle and endocuticle. Histochemical staining of cuticle shows presence of acidic carbohydrates/glycoconjugates and lipoproteins in epicuticular layer. Chitin microfibrils are formed at the microvillar border of epidermal cells with abundant Golgi apparatus and secretory vesicles. Numerous spherules associated with nanotubules were observed in the ecdysial space in intramoult animals. The mineral component of the cuticle as visualized with CT scanning indicates progressive mineral resorption from the posterior to the anterior half of the body in premoult animals, its translocation from the anterior to posterior part during intramoult and its progressive deposition in the posterior and anterior exoskeleton during postmoult. Cuticle of sea slaters is a unique biocomposite and biodynamic material constantly reconstructed during frequent moults, and adapted to specific physical and biotic conditions of the high intertidal rocky zone. Keywords: cuticle ultrastructure, micro CT scanning, moult cycle, SEM, TEM, terrestrial isopods Published in DiRROS: 23.07.2024; Views: 227; Downloads: 217
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3. Living inside a jellyfish : the symbiosis case study of host-specialized dinoflagellates, “Zooxanthellae”, and the Scyphozoan Cotylorhiza tuberculataAngélica Enrique- Navarro, Emma Huertas, Vesna Flander-Putrle, Ana Bartual, Gabriel Navarro, Javier Ruiz, Alenka Malej, Laura Prieto, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: The photosymbiosis with host-specific dinoflagellates is a widespread relationship in marine organisms. Despite the evidenced biodiversity of this kind of mutualism, most research focuses on the study of scleractinian corals, and there is a lack of knowledge about other symbiotic cnidarians such as jellyfishes. The Mediterranean jellyfish Cotylorhiza tuberculata (Rhizostomae, Scyphozoa) harbors an endosymbiotic dinoflagellate of the family Symbiodiniaceae. In this study, we examine the algae distribution within the host body as well as, the pigment content and cell density of the symbiont. Furthermore, the size, morphology and fluorescence of cultured symbionts were studied under light microscopy, Imaging Flow Cytometry (IFC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The C:N composition and optical properties of the medusa tissue were measured to evaluate their role in the symbiosis. The medusae body was divided into two different sections to investigate the distribution of symbionts in hospite: oral arms (OA) and umbrella (UM). C:N composition of C. tuberculata was and symbiont density was significantly higher in the OA section. Mean chlorophyll a concentration of the algae was 1.33 (± 0.83) pg Chl a cell–1. The study of the pigment composition by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography), revealed the presence of 13 different pigments, being the most representative chlorophyll a, chlorophyll c2, and peridinin typical pigments of Symbiodiniaceae. Cell diameter of algae freshly isolated from the host was 8.71 ± 0.97 μm and cell growth rate was 0.52 (± 0.09) 106 cell ml–1 d–1. The presence of vegetative coccoid cells, doublet and motile mastigotes were revealed within the Symbiodiniaceae cultures. A calcifying matrix typical of Symbiodiniaceae and formed in partner with bacteria, was also observed most cultures. The umbrella tissue of the medusa absorbed at ultraviolet radiation (UVR) region, suggesting that medusae tissue protects photosymbionts from the negative effect of the high energetic UVR and attenuates the light intensity reaching algae inside the host. The presence of a dense Symbiodiniaceae population and the protection to UVR and elevated environmental irradiance provided by medusae tissue, maintain symbionts in optimal light conditions for photosynthesis and may be a reason added to explain the population success of Cotylorhiza tuberculata. Keywords: HPLC, SEM microscopy, absorbance, photosymbiosis Published in DiRROS: 16.07.2024; Views: 123; Downloads: 117
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4. Relevance of cold-rolling technology for the texture and anisotropy of EN AW-8011A aluminum alloysJakob Kraner, Kyung Il Kim, Bonghwan Kim, Shae K. Kim, Irena Paulin, 2023, original scientific article Keywords: aluminium alloys, cold rolling, SEM-EBSD, textures, anisotropy Published in DiRROS: 08.03.2024; Views: 286; Downloads: 149
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5. High-temperature oxidation of boiler steels at 650 °CJaka Burja, Barbara Šetina, Borut Žužek, Tilen Balaško, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the formation, composition and
behaviour of oxide layers during the high-temperature oxidation of four different steel alloys (16Mo3,
13Cr, T24 and P91) at a uniform temperature of 650 °C. The study is aimed at assessing the oxidation
damage due to short-term overheating. The research combines CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse
Diagrams) calculations, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and advanced microscopy techniques, in-
cluding scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), to elucidate
the complex mechanisms controlling oxidation kinetics and oxide layer development. CALPHAD
calculations were used to determine the thermodynamically stable phases for each steel type at 650
◦C and different oxygen activities. The results showed different phase compositions, highlighting
the importance of the chromium content in steel for the formation of oxide layers. The different
oxidation kinetics and oxide layer compositions are presented and associated with the increased risk
of material degradation due to overheating. These results have significant implications for industrial
applications, mainly the susceptibility to oxidation of low-alloyed steels like 16Mo3 and 13 Cr and
contribute to a deeper understanding of oxidation processes in steels. Keywords: high-temperature oxidation, thermogravimetric analysis, kinetics, CALPHAD, boiler steels, SEM, EBSD Published in DiRROS: 26.01.2024; Views: 434; Downloads: 197
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6. Heavy minerals as indicators of source material in soils on carbonatesBarbara Čeplak, Miloš Miler, Nina Zupančič, Simona Jarc, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The origin of the soils formed on carbonate rocks remains uncertain, as they are probably of polygenetic origin. Of particular interest are the elevated contents of some trace elements detected in these soils, as they can hardly be attributed to insoluble residues of carbonate rock. The aim of this study was to uncover the relationship between heavy minerals in bedrock and soil and to identify other sources that influence the mineral and chemical composition of soil. We investigated representative samples of soils and dolomite bedrock as well as sandstones and marlstones from the nearby flysch basin as an expected source of the aeolian contribution. XRD and SEM/EDS showed that mineral diversity is higher in soils compared to the dolomites. Heavy minerals found in dolomite insoluble residue include sphalerite, Ti-oxide (probably rutile), zircon, fluorite, pyrite, minerals of REE phosphates and apatite group, interpreted as terrigenous detrital material. The mineral composition of soil heavy fraction is only partly following insoluble residues of bedrock and indicates possible aeolian contribution. Comparison with nearby flysch sandstones and marlstones showed similarities in mineralogical diversity by the presence of chromite and Fe-Cr(Mn) oxides (probably carmichaelite). Other minerals present in soils and flysch layers, such as Ti-oxide (probably rutile), zircon, REE phosphates, and pyrite grains, however, show similarities in mode of occurrence and transport indications. Signs of aeolian transport on the grains detected in soils were further confirmed by SEM/EDS. Keywords: Phaeozem, Upper Triassic dolomite, flysch layers, trace elements, SEM/EDS Published in DiRROS: 04.01.2024; Views: 431; Downloads: 107
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7. Potential of green ceramics waste for alkali activated foamsBarbara Horvat, Vilma Ducman, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of the paper is to research the influence of foaming and stabilization agents in the alkali activation process of waste green ceramics for future low cost up-cycling into lightweight porous thermal insulating material. Green waste ceramics, which is used in the present article, is a green body residue (non-successful intermediate-product) in the synthesis of technical ceramics for fuses. This residue was alkali activated with Na-water glass and NaOH in theoretically determined ratio based on data from X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) that was set to maximise mechanical properties and to avoid efflorescence. Prepared mixtures were compared to alkali activated material prepared in theoretically less favourable ratios, and tested on the strength and density. Selected mixtures were further foamed with different foaming agents, that are Na-perborate (s), H2O2 (l), and Al (s), and supported by a stabilization agent, i.e., Na-dodecyl sulphate. The goal of the presented work was to prepare alkali activated foam based on green ceramics with density below 1 kg/l and compressive strength above 1 MPa. Keywords: alkali activation, foaming, SEM, XRF, XRD, mechanical strength Published in DiRROS: 14.09.2023; Views: 462; Downloads: 241
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8. Influence of particle size on compressive strength of alkali activated refractory materialsBarbara Horvat, Vilma Ducman, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Influence of particle size on the mechanical strength of alkali activated material from waste refractory monolithic was investigated in this study. Precursor was chemically and mineralogically analysed, separated on 4 fractions and alkali activated with Na-water glass. Alkali activated materials were thoroughly investigated under SEM and XRD to evaluate the not predicted differences in mechanical strength. Influence of curing temperature and time dependence at curing temperatures on mechanical strength were investigated in the sample prepared from a fraction that caused the highest compressive strength. Keywords: refractory materials, alkali activation, particle size, SEM, XRF, XRD, compressive strength Published in DiRROS: 21.08.2023; Views: 513; Downloads: 329
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9. Microstructural characterization of alkali-activated composites of lightweight aggregates (LWAs) embedded in alkali-activated foam (AAF) matricesKatja Traven, Wolfgang Wisniewski, Mark Češnovar, Vilma Ducman, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Alkali-activated composites of lightweight aggregates (LWAs, with beneficial insulating properties) and alkali-activated foams (AAFs, higher added value products due to their production from waste materials at well below 100 ◦C) allow for the expectation of superior properties if a chemical bonding reaction or mechanical interlocking occurs during production. However, the interfaces between LWAs and an AAF have not been studied in detail so far. Chemical reactions are possible if the LWA contains an amorphous phase which can react with the alkaline activators of the AAF, increase the bonding, and thus, also their mechanical strengths. These, in turn, allow for an improvement of the thermal insulation properties as they enable a further density reduction by incorporating low density aggregates. This work features a first-detailed analyses of the interfaces between the LWAs’ expanded polystyrene, perlite, expanded clay and expanded glass, and the alkali-activated foam matrices produced using industrial slags and fly ash. Some are additionally reinforced by fibers. The goal of these materials is to replace cement by alkali-activated waste as it significantly lowers the environmental impact of the produced building components. Keywords: alkali activated materials/geopolymers, light weight aggregates, SEM Published in DiRROS: 20.06.2023; Views: 583; Downloads: 267
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10. Preparation of façade panels based on alkali-activated waste mineral wool, their characterization and durability aspectsMajda Pavlin, Barbara Horvat, Vilma Ducman, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Mineral wool is a widely used insulation material and one of the largest components of construction and demolition waste, yet it mainly ends up in landfills. In this work, we explored the potential recycling of waste stone wool in the pilot production of alkali-activated façade panels. The current work shows mechanical properties, SEM-EDS and mercury intrusion porosimetry analyses for three different mix designs used for the preparation of façade panels. They are all composed of waste stone wool and differ in the amount of co-binders (local slag, lime, metakaolin and/or fly ash) selected by the preliminary studies. In this study, co-binders were added to increase early strength and improve the mechanical properties and freeze-thaw resistance. The mechanical properties of each were measured up to 256 days, different durability tests were executed, and, by evaluating the mechanical properties, microstructure and workability of the mortar, the most suitable mix was selected to be used for pilot production. In addition, the leaching test of the selected mixture showed no exceeded toxic trace elements and therefore got classified as non-hazardous waste after its use. Keywords: alkali activation, waste mineral wool, SEM, XRF, XRD, mechanical strength Published in DiRROS: 19.06.2023; Views: 510; Downloads: 238
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