Irene Bavasso

Bio: Irene Bavasso is an academic researcher from Sapienza University of Rome. The author has contributed to research in topics: Flexural strength & Adsorption. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 39 publications receiving 397 citations.

Remediation of hexavalent chromium contaminated water through zero-valent iron nanoparticles and effects on tomato plant growth performance.

Abstract: Contaminated water with hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) is a serious environmental problem. This study aimed to evaluate the Cr(VI) removal by zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) reduction process and the impact of Cr(VI), nZVI and combined treatment with nZVI and Cr(VI) on tomato growth performance. To evaluate the Cr(VI) toxic effect on germination capability, seeds were exposed to increasing Cr(VI) concentrations up to 1000 mg L−1. The inhibition of seed germination and the decrease of hypocotyl and root length started from Cr(VI) 5 mg L−1. Under treatment with Cr(VI) + nZVI 5 mg L−1, seed germination, hypocotyl and root length resulted significantly higher compared to Cr(VI) 5 mg L−1 treatment. The impact of only nZVI was investigated on chlorophyll and carotenoid in leaves; iron levels in leaves, roots, fruits and soil; carotenoid, fat-soluble vitamin and nicotianamine in mature fruits. A significant increase of leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids was observed after nZVI 5 mg L−1 treatment compared to controls. No significant variations were observed in carotenoids, fat-soluble vitamins and nicotianamine levels after treatment with nZVI 5 mg L−1 in mature fruits. For their ability to reduce Cr(VI) and to stimulate tomato growth, nZVI might to be considered as alternative for remediation purposes.

Perspectives in nanotechnology based innovative applications for the environment

Abstract: In this perspective paper, the actual trends in nanotechnology based innovative applications for the environment are analyzed and possible future trends were studied. On the basis of the relevant topics of the NINE congress held in Rome, 2016, a bibliographical search was performed on papers fitting in one or more categories within the last 5 years, that is: 1. Nanosensors and bionanosensors for environmental characterization and monitoring 2. Technologies for the production of Nanomaterials for the environment 3. Nanostructured materials for advanced remediation processes 4. Nano-based water and wastewater treatment processes 5. Membrane processes for the environment 6. Health and safety issues concerning Nanomaterials 7. Education on Environmental Engineering and Nanotechnology. A yearly count of contributions was performed and taken as an indicator of interest of the specific topic within the wide broad scientific community. In a second step, the resulting data was analyzed by regression techniques to estimate the trend in the next future and to evaluate the next challenges within the international research framework.

An Overview of Nanomaterials for Water and Wastewater Treatment

Abstract: Due to the exceptional characteristics which resulted from nanoscale size, such as improved catalysis and adsorption properties as well as high reactivity, nanomaterials have been the subject of active research and development worldwide in recent years. Numerous studies have shown that nanomaterials can effectively remove various pollutants in water and thus have been successfully applied in water and wastewater treatment. In this paper, the most extensively studied nanomaterials, zero-valent metal nanoparticles (Ag, Fe, and Zn), metal oxide nanoparticles (TiO2, ZnO, and iron oxides), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and nanocomposites are discussed and highlighted in detail. Besides, future aspects of nanomaterials in water and wastewater treatment are discussed.