Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

About: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is a education organization based out in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Membrane & Control theory. The organization has 21644 authors who have published 39500 publications receiving 520635 citations.

Preliminary study on enzymatic hydrolysis of treated oil palm (Elaeis) empty fruit bunches fibre (EFB) by using combination of cellulase and β 1-4 glucosidase

Abstract: Preliminary study on enzymatic hydrolysis process using combination of cellulase and β 1-4 glucosidase on treated oil palm empty fruit bunch fibre (EFB) was performed. Crucial trends for parameters such as pH, temperature and substrate loading influencing the enzymatic hydrolysis of the treated EFB fibre were also studied. Results revealed that a combination of both cellulase and β 1-4 glucosidase with the ratio of 5:1 hydrolyzed more cellulose from treated EFB fibre and gave highest soluble glucose concentration up to 4 g L −1 . The results indicated that as pH and temperature were increased the glucose produced also increased until pH 4.8 and 50 °C; beyond these values the reverse occurred. Glucose produced in the reaction increased with the increment in the substrate loading and maximum glucose concentration (2.7 g L −1 ) was achieved when 8% (wv −1 ) treated EFB was used as a substrate.

Solid matrices for fabrication of magnetic iron oxide nanocomposites: Synthesis, properties, and application for the adsorption of heavy metal ions and dyes

Abstract: A massive release of harmful substances especially heavy metal ions and dyes to the environment has been a major concern due to many people disregards the proper protocols in the waste management. The freshwater supplies are threatened and huge discharge of pollutants result from various anthropogenic activities may pose a major threat to the living organisms and negatively affect the ecosystem stability. This article reviews the development of magnetic iron oxide nanocomposites for removal of heavy metal ions and dyes from water. The highlight will be focused on current research activities for controlled size and dispersion of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles within solid matrices including zeolites, silica, clays, carbon, activated carbon, graphene and graphene oxide. The magnetic properties of the nanocomposites will be evaluated to determine whether they possessed sufficient magnetization for easy separation by an external magnet. The unique features of the synthesized materials will be investigated along with their application in the removal of heavy metal ions and dyes. The advantages and limitations of the magnetic nanocomposites will be highlighted to determine their adsorption ability. The effect of various parameters such as pH, contaminants concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time and temperature will be summarized to identify the best condition for effective pollutants removal.