Search Results (30)

Brilliant blue, as a pigment food additive, has all the characteristics of printing and dyeing wastewater and belongs to persistent and refractory organic compounds. The photocatalysis–Fenton reaction system consists of two parts: photocatalytic reaction and Fenton reaction. Electrons promote the decomposition of H₂O₂ to produce •OH. In addition, the effective separation of e- and h⁺ by light strengthens the direct oxidation of h⁺, and h⁺ reacts directly with OH⁻ to produce •OH, which can further promote the removal of organic pollutants. In this paper, g-C₃N₄ and Fe/g-C₃N₄ photocatalysts were prepared by the thermal polycondensation method. Fe/g-C₃N₄ of 15 wt% can reach 98.59% under the best degradation environment, and the degradation rate of g-C₃N₄ is only 7.6% under the same conditions. The photocatalytic activity of the catalysts was further studied. Through active species capture experiments, it is known that •OH and •O₂⁻ are the main active species in the system, and the action intensity of •OH is greater than that of •O₂⁻. The degradation reaction mechanism is that H₂O₂ combines with Fe²⁺ in Fe/g-C₃N₄ to generate a large amount of •OH and Fe³⁺, and the combination of Fe-N bonds accelerates the cycle of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ and promotes the formation of •OH, thereby accelerating the degradation of target pollutants. •O₂⁻ can reduce Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺, Fe²⁺ reacts with H₂O₂ to produce •OH, which promotes degradation, and •O₂⁻ itself also plays a role in degradation. In addition, under the optimal experimental conditions obtained by response surface experiments, the fitting degree of first-order reaction kinetics is 0.96642, and the fitting degree of second-order reaction kinetics is 0.57884. Therefore, this reaction is more in line with first-order reaction kinetics. The adsorption rate is only proportional to the concentration of Fe/g-C₃N₄. Full article

Background: Antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) strains are an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality. Pulsed blue light (PBL) enhances porphyrin-induced reactive oxygen species and has been clinically shown to be harmless to the skin at low doses. Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, offer a promising non-antibiotic bactericidal approach. This study investigates the potential synergism between low-dose PBL and phage therapy against P. aeruginosa in planktonic cultures and preformed biofilms. Methods: We conducted a factorial dose–response in vitro study combining P. aeruginosa-specific phages with PBL (457 nm, 33 kHz) on both PA14 and multidrug-resistant PATZ2 strains. After excluding direct PBL effects on phage titer or activity, we assessed effectiveness on planktonic cultures using growth curve analysis (via growth_curve_outcomes, a newly developed, Python-based tool available on GitHub) , CFU, and PFU. Biofilm efficacy was evaluated using CFU post-sonication, crystal violet staining, and live/dead staining with confocal microscopy. Finally, we assessed reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a potential mechanism using the nitro blue tetrazolium reduction assay. ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests with post hoc Tukey or Conover–Iman tests were used for comparisons (n = 5 biological replicates and technical triplicates). Results: The bacterial growth lag phase was significantly extended for phage alone or PBL alone, with a synergistic effect of up to 144% (p < 0.001 for all), achieving a 9 log CFU/mL reduction at 24 h (p < 0.001). In preformed biofilms, synergistic combinations significantly reduced biofilm biomass and bacterial viability (% Live, median (IQR): Control 80%; Phage 40%; PBL 25%; PBL&Phage 15%, p < 0.001). Mechanistically, PBL triggered transient ROS in planktonic cultures, amplified by phage co-treatment, while a biphasic ROS pattern in biofilms reflected time-dependent synergy. Conclusions: Phage therapy combined with PBL demonstrates a synergistic bactericidal effect against P. aeruginosa in both planktonic cultures and biofilms. Given the strong safety profile of PBL and phages, this approach may lead to a novel, antibiotic-complementary, safe treatment modality for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat antibiotic-resistant infections and biofilm-associated infections. Full article

Sustainable strategies are required to mitigate elevated atmospheric CO₂ levels. Achieving that by adsorption, especially by using clay-based adsorbents, drew attention. These are even more promising when these adsorbents are obtained by low-cost modifications. This study evaluates the effect of ball milling on the carbon capture performance of Australian halloysite nanotube (HNT)-rich kaolin samples: one without iron impurities (Hal) and the other with iron impurities (HalFe). The iron was mainly nested within illite/mica minerals in HalFe. Samples were ball-milled for 30 and 60 min, and their CO₂ sorption was assessed at various pressures and temperatures. Crystallography, electronic microscopy, and surface area and charge characterization revealed reduced length and increased width of tubular structure following ball milling, leading to higher specific surface area without compromising crystallinity. CO₂ sorption of Hal increased 14% at 20 bar and 15 °C after 60 min milling, with a ~300% rise at near-atmospheric pressures. Conversely, milling negatively affected CO₂ sorption of HalFe, likely due to iron/illite-mica-related damage during milling. Crystallography, infrared, and thermographic analyses revealed physisorption as the primary sorption mechanism. Since direct disposal of CO₂-laden materials is against sustainability principles, these materials were tested for methylene blue removal from aqueous solutions, achieving ~83% (Hal) and ~91% (HalFe) removal efficiencies. This highlights HNTs-rich kaolin clays’ valorization potential for carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Full article

The iron and steel industry (ISI) plays a significant role in carbon emissions, contributing approximately 15% of the nation’s total emissions in China. Transitioning to low-carbon practices is crucial for achieving the country’s carbon neutrality goals. This paper reviews the current state of China’s ISI and assesses the feasibility of various decarbonization technologies, including hydrogen utilization, biomass substitution, zero-carbon electricity, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), as well as their combinations. The blast furnace–basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) process currently dominates the industry with an overwhelming share of around 90%, presenting significant challenges for decarbonization. In contrast, the Direct Reduced Iron–Electric Arc Furnace (DRI-EAF) process is still at the demonstration project stage, but it is rapidly growing and shows great potential for achieving net-zero emissions. Electric arc furnaces (EAFs) that use scrap steel account for about 9% of production and have the lowest energy consumption. However, their production capacity is limited by the availability of scrap steel. Among numerous options, blue hydrogen, carbon-neutral biomass, and CCUS technologies have relatively low costs and high technological maturity. Nevertheless, no single technology can currently achieve deep decarbonization while significantly reducing costs. The nation needs to select the most suitable decarbonization strategies based on geographical location, infrastructure, and economic conditions. The government should enact corresponding policies, provide economic incentives, and ensure mitigation of the environmental and social impacts during the decarbonization transition. Full article

Nioboixiolite-(□) is a new mineral found in a carbonatite sill from the Bayan Obo mine, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia, China. It occurs as anhedral to subhedral grains (100 to 500 μm in diameter) that are disseminated in carbonatite rock composed of dolomite, calcite, magnetite, apatite, biotite, actionlike, zircon, and columbite-(Fe). Most of these grains are highly serrated, with numerous inclusions of columbite-(Fe). The mineral is gray to deep black in color; is opaque, with a semi-metallic luster; has a black streak; and is brittle, with an uneven conchoidal splintery. The Mohs hardness is 6–6½, and the calculated density is 6.05 g/cm³. The reflection color is gray with a blue tone, and there is no double reflection color. The measured reflectivity of nioboixiolite-(□) is about 10.6%~12.1%, close to that of ixiolite (11%–13%). Nioboixiolite-(□) is non-fluorescent under 254 nm (short-wave) and 366 nm (long-wave) ultraviolet light. The average chemical analysis results (wt.%) of twelve electron microprobe analyses are F 0.01, MnO 0.12, MgO 0.15, BaO 0.62, PbO 0.91, SrO 1.49, CaO 2.76, Al₂O₃ 0.01, TREE₂O₃ 1.58, Fe₂O₃ 3.57, ThO₂ 0.11, SiO₂ 1.69, TiO₂ 3.68, Ta₂O₅ 13.95, Nb₂O₅ 47.04, and UO₃ 21.56, with a total of 99.25. The simplified formula is [Nb⁵⁺, Ta⁵⁺,Ti⁴⁺, Fe³⁺,□,]O₂. X-ray diffraction data show that nioboixiolite-(□) is orthorhombic, belonging to the space group Pbcn (#60). The refined unit cell parameters are a = 4.7071(5) Å, b = 5.7097(7) Å, c = 5.1111(6) Å, V = 138.31(3), and β = 90(1) °Å³ with Z = 4. In the crystal structure of nioboixiolite-(□), all cations occupy a single M1 site. In these minerals, edge-sharing M₁O₆ octahedra form chains along the c direction. In this direction, the chains are connected with each other via common vertices of the octahedra. The strongest measured X-ray powder diffraction lines are [d in Å, (I/I0), (hkl)]: 3.662(20) (110), 2.975(100) (111), 2.501(20) (021), 1.770(20) (122), 1.458(20) (023). A type specimen was deposited in the Geological Museum of China with catalogue number M16118, No. 15, Yangrou Hutong, Xisi, Beijing 100031, People’s Republic of China. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim was to study the possibilities of biomedical application of gadolinium oxide nanoparticles (Gd₂O₃ NPs) synthesized under industrial conditions, and evaluate their physicochemical properties, redox activity, biological activity, and safety using different human cell lines. Methods: The powder of Gd₂O₃ NPs was obtained by a process of thermal decomposition of gadolinium carbonate precipitated from nitrate solution, and was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX). The redox activity of different concentrations of Gd₂O₃ NPs was studied by the optical spectroscopy (OS) method in the photochemical degradation process of methylene blue dye upon irradiation with an optical source. Biological activity was studied on different human cell lines (keratinocytes, fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)) with evaluation of the effect of a wide range of Gd₂O₃ NP concentrations on metabolic and proliferative cellular activity (MTT test, direct cell counting, dead cell assessment, and visual assessment of cytoarchitectonics). The test of migration activity assessment on a model wound was performed on MSC culture. Results: According to TEM data, the size of the NPs was in the range of 2–43 nm, with an average of 20 nm. XRD analysis revealed that the f Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles had a cubic structure (C-form) of Gd₂O₃ ($Ia\overline{3)}$ with lattice parameter a = 10.79(9) Å. Raman spectroscopy showed that the f Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles had a high degree of crystallinity. By investigating the photooxidative degradation of methylene blue dye in the presence of f Gd₂O₃ NPs under red light irradiation, it was found that f Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles showed weak antioxidant activity, which depended on the particle content in the solution. At a concentration of 10⁻³ M, the highest antioxidant activity of f Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles was observed when the reaction rate constant of dye photodegradation decreased by 5.5% to 9.4 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹. When the concentration of f Gd₂O₃ NPs in solution was increased to 10⁻² M upon irradiation with a red light source, their antioxidant activity changed to pro-oxidant activity, accompanied by a 15% increase in the reaction rate of methylene blue degradation. Studies on cell lines showed a high level of safety and regenerative potential of Gd₂O₃ NPs, which stimulated fibroblast metabolism at a concentration of 10⁻³ M (27% enhancement), stimulated keratinocyte metabolism at concentrations of 10⁻³ M–10⁻⁵ M, and enhanced keratinocyte proliferation by an average of 35% at concentrations of 10⁻⁴ M. Furthermore, it accelerated the migration of MSCs, enhancing their proliferation, and promoting the healing of the model wound. Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrated the safety and regenerative potential of redox-active Gd₂O₃ NPs towards different cell lines. This may be the basis for further research to develop nanomaterials based on Gd₂O₃ NPs for skin wound healing and in regenerative medicine generally. Full article

Water conservation efforts and studies receive special attention, versatile and constantly developing remote sensing methods especially so. The quality and quantity of algae fundamentally influence the ecosystems of water bodies. Inland lakes are less-frequently studied despite their essential ecological role compared to ocean and sea waters. One of the reasons for this is the small-scale surface extension, which poses challenges during satellite remote sensing. In this study, we investigated the correlations between remote-sensing- (via Seninel-2 satellite) and laboratory-based results in different chlorophyll-a concentration ranges. In the case of low chlorophyll-a concentrations, the measured values were between 15 µg L⁻¹ and 35 µg L⁻¹. In the case of medium chlorophyll-a concentrations, the measured values ranged between 35 and 80 µg L⁻¹. During high chlorophyll-a concentrations, the results were higher than 80 µg L⁻¹. Finally, under extreme environmental conditions (algal bloom), the values were higher than 180 µg L⁻¹. We also studied the accuracy and correlation and the different algorithms applied through the Acolite (20231023.0) processing software. The chl_re_mishra algorithm of the Acolite software gave the highest correlation. The strong positive correlations prove the applicability of the Sentinel-2 images and the Acolite software in the indication of chlorophyll-a. Because of the high CDOM concentration of Lake Naplás, the blue–green band ratio underestimated the concentration of chlorophyll-a. In summer, higher chlorophyll-a was detected in both laboratory and satellite investigations. In the case of extremely high chlorophyll-a concentrations, it is significantly underestimated by satellite remote sensing. This study proved the applicability of remote sensing to detect chlorophyll-a content but also pointed out the current limitations, thus assigning future development and research directions. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the bait preference of three selected bait types by local dogs and the induced immunogenicity of the oral rabies vaccine strain SPBN GASGAS in Morocco. The vaccine strain, combined with different bait types, has been tested in many different settings, but not yet in northern Africa. Overall, bait consumption and preference were similar in other studies using the same materials (bait type and sachet). The intestine bait had the highest acceptance rate (97.6%, 95%CI: 87.4–99.9), followed by the egg bait (83.0%, 95%CI: 69.2–92.4). Only 52% (95%CI: 37.4–66.3) of the dogs showed an interest in the fish meal bait. However, considering the successful release of the contents of the sachet (blue-dyed water) into the oral cavity, the egg bait (65.7%, 95%CI: 47.8–80.9) scored better than the intestine bait (51.7%, 95%CI: 32.5–70.6). The dogs selected for the immunogenicity study were offered the egg bait containing a sachet filled with SPBN GASGAS (3.0 mL, 10^7.5 FFU/mL) or were given the same dose by direct oral administration (d.o.a.). In addition, several dogs were vaccinated by the parenteral route (s.c.) using a commercially available inactivated rabies vaccine. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions, it was not possible to collect blood samples directly after vaccination. The blood samples were collected pre-vaccination and on five occasions between 450 and 1088 days post vaccination. The seroconversion rate, as determined for rabies-virus-neutralizing antibodies by the FAVN test, was significantly lower than that found for binding antibodies, as determined by ELISA, for all blood samples collected post vaccination. No treatment effect (bait, d.o.a., s.c.) could be seen in the seroconversion rate. At 15 months post vaccination, 84.2% of the dogs offered vaccine bait still tested sero-positive in ELISA. Only after 3 years was a clear drop in the seroconversion rate observed in all three treatment groups. This study confirms the long-term immunogenicity of the oral rabies vaccine SPBN GASGAS in dogs under field conditions. Full article

Coronaviruses (CoVs) belong to the group of enveloped positive-sense single-strand RNA viruses and are causative agents of respiratory, gastro-intestinal, and central nervous systems diseases in many host species, i.e., birds, mammals, and humans. Beta-CoVs revealed a great potential to cross the barrier between species by causing three epidemics/pandemics among humans in the 21st century. Considering the urgent need for powerful antiviral agents for decontamination, prevention, and treatment of BCoV infections, we turned our attention to the possibility of photodynamic inactivation with photosensitizers in combination with light irradiation. In the present study, we evaluated, for the first time, the antiviral activity of toluidine blue O (TBO) against Beta-coronavirus 1 (BCoV) in comparison to methylene blue (MB). First, we determined the in vitro cytotoxicity of MB and TBO on the Madin–Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell line with ISO10993-5/Annex C. Thereafter, BCoV was propagated in MDBK cells, and the virus titer was measured with digital droplet PCR, TCID₅₀ assay and plaque assay. The antiviral activity of non-toxic concentrations of TBO was estimated using the direct inactivation approach. All effects were calculated in MAPLE 15^® mathematical software by developing programs for non-linear modeling and response surface analysis. The median inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of TBO after 72 h of incubation in MDBK cells was 0.85 µM. The antiviral activity of TBO after the direct inactivation of BCoV (MOI = 1) was significantly stronger than that of MB. The median effective concentration (EC₅₀) of TBO was 0.005 µM. The cytopathic effect decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, from 0.0025 to 0.01 µM, and disappeared fully at concentrations between 0.02 and 0.3 µM of TBO. The number of virus particles also decreased, depending on the concentration applied, as proven by ddPCR analysis. In conclusion, TBO exhibits significant potential for direct inactivation of BCoV in vitro, with a very high selectivity index, and should be subjected to further investigation, aiming at its application in veterinary and/or human medical practice. Full article

Present work investigates the potential of a long-range commercial blended wing body configuration powered by hydrogen combustion engines with future airframe and propulsion technologies. Future technologies include advanced materials, load alleviation techniques, boundary layer ingestion, and ultra-high bypass ratio engines. The hydrogen combustion configuration was compared to the configuration powered by kerosene with respect to geometric properties, performance characteristics, energy demand, equivalent CO₂ emissions, and Direct Operating Costs. In addition, technology sensitivity studies were performed to assess the potential influence of each technology on the configuration. A multi-fidelity sizing methodology using low- and mid-fidelity methods for rapid configuration sizing was created to assess the configuration and perform robust analyses and multi-disciplinary optimizations. To assess potential uncertainties of the fidelity of aerodynamic analysis tools, high-fidelity aerodynamic analysis and optimization framework MACH-Aero was used for additional verification. Comparison of hydrogen and kerosene blended wing body aircraft showed a potential reduction of equivalent CO₂ emission by 15% and 81% for blue and green hydrogen compared to the kerosene blended wing body and by 44% and 88% with respect to a conventional B777-300ER aircraft. Advancements in future technologies also significantly affect the geometric layout of aircraft. Boundary layer ingestion and ultra-high bypass ratio engines demonstrated the highest potential for fuel reduction, although both technologies conflict with each other. However, operating costs of hydrogen aircraft could establish a significant problem if pessimistic and base hydrogen price scenarios are achieved for blue and green hydrogen respectively. Finally, configurational problems featured by classical blended wing body aircraft are magnified for the hydrogen case due to the significant volume requirements to store hydrogen fuel. Full article

Photocatalysis application in water treatment has been the object of many researchers worldwide in recent decades. However, there are limited commercial applications due to low photon transfer efficiency, which create barriers leading to challenges in making the process efficient and economically feasible. Fixed UV/visible light sources, which are generally located outside the reactor or encapsulated in quartz tube inside the reactor are the source of energy to activate photocatalyst generating powerful oxidants such as electrons and holes. Suspended waterproof LED visible lights were employed to enhance photon transfer efficiency. Consequently, the required energy was lower resulting in negligible temperature increase and eliminated the need for an external cooler, no need for quartz (UV transparent) or treated glass reactors, enhanced mixing due to continuous movement of light bulbs by convective currents, and minimum/no attenuation. Direct Blue 15 (DB15) dye was used as model compound and the photocatalyst was P25 TiO₂ (Average particle: 30 nm, Surface area: 50 m² g⁻¹). The samples taken at different time intervals were analyzed by UV-Vis. spectrophotometer (UV-3600), and TOC-V CPN total organic carbon analyzer (both from Shimadzu). It was found that for the same level of degradation, the degradation rate increased by about 50% compared to conventional fixed light photoreactor. Overall, the cost of the operation can be reduced substantially, paving the road for feasible commercialization of the process. Full article

Purple-fleshed potatoes (PFP) are varieties of Solanum tuberosum L., which recently have been recorded to be more and more cultivated and consumed in all European countries, including Romania, as they are promoted for their content in bioactive compounds and benefits to human health. This paper presents a micropropagation protocol study for PFP varieties already traded into the Romanian market, namely Blue Danube (BD), Salad Blue (SB), Violet Negretin (VN), and Violet Queen (VQ). These varieties were tested for in vitro micropropagation also considering asepsis, initiation, callus formation, and microtuberization. To establish the optimum asepsis treatment, a preliminary experiment was performed and, the best results were obtained by using 70% EtOH (1 min) followed by 20% (v/v) Domestos^® (20 min). The MS formula (Murashige and Skoog 1962) was tested as the basic culture medium without growth regulators for all tested stages except for callus initiation and its further multiplication stages. The effect of glycine on direct organogenesis and shoot multiplication was evaluated for propagated micro-cuttings. We emphasize that the addition of glycine at a concentration of 15 mg/L to the culture medium induced a better plantlet vigor for all four varieties. Regarding the indirect organogenesis, culture medium supplemented with NAA (5.00 mg/L), GA₃ (1.00 mg/L), TDZ (1.00 mg/L) and glycine (15.00 mg/L) induced the best results for shoot cluster regeneration as well as turning of white callus from control to purple callus. Further, the microtuberization was successfully produced when sucrose was supplemented at 8% (w/v) into the culture medium. Among all four tested PFP varieties, SB has proven to give the best results regarding the adaptability for in vitro cultivation. Full article

Textile industries release dangerous wastewater that contain dyes into the environment. Due to their toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic nature, they must be removed before the discharge. Liquid–liquid extraction has proven to be an efficient method for the removal of these dyes. As extractants, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have shown excellent results in recent years, as well as presenting several green properties. Therefore, four different hydrophobic DESs based on natural components were prepared thymol:decanoic acid (T:D (1:1)), thymol:DL-menthol (T:M (1:1)), thymol:DL-menthol (T:M (1:2)) and thymol:coumarin (T:C (2:1)) for the extraction of Malachite Green (MG), Brilliant Blue G (BBG), Acid Yellow 73 (AY73), Reactive Red 29 (RR29), Acid Blue 113 (AB113), Reactive Black 5 (RB5), Remazol Brilliant Blue (RBB), Direct Yellow 27 (DY27), Acid Blue 80 (AB80), Direct Blue 15 (DB15) and Acid Violet 43 (AV43) dyes from water. The operational parameters of the liquid–liquid extraction were selected in order to save time and materials, resulting in 30 min of stirring, 15 min of centrifugation and an aqueous:organic ratio of 5:1. In these conditions, the highest values of extraction obtained were 99% for MG, 89% for BBG and 94% for AY73. Based on these results, the influence of the aqueous:organic phase ratio and the number of necessary stages to achieve water decolorization was studied. Full article

The present paper aims to contribute to the methodology of 3D printing in-process colouring and study its implications and impact on the tensile strength and surface quality of the obtained parts. The proposed study was based on a Taguchi L27 DOE plan using standardised EN ISO 527-2 type 1B-shaped specimens, in which four factors on three levels were considered. The obtained results highlight the possibility of using the presented in-process colouring method. Different materials (PLA, PLA+, and PETG) with varying infill densities (15%, 30%, and 50%), colour distribution (33%, 66%, and 99%), and colour pigments (blue, green, and red) were studied and the results highlighted that the most influential parameter on the tensile strength of the parts was infill density, followed by the tested material, colour pigment, and colouring percentage; regarding surface roughness, the most influential parameter was infill density, followed by colouring percentage, colour pigment, and material. Moreover, the values resulting from the Taguchi DOE were compared to uncoloured parts, from which it could be concluded that the colouring of the parts had direct implications (negative for tensile strength and positive for surface roughness). Full article

The synthesis of hydrogel beads involving natural polymers is, nowadays, a leading research area. Among natural polymers, starch and chitosan represent two biomolecules with proof of efficiency and low economic impact in various utilization fields. Therefore, herein, the features of hydrogel beads obtained from chitosan and three sorts of starch (potato, wheat and rise starches), grafted with acrylonitrile and then amidoximated, were deeply investigated for their use as sorbents for heavy metal ions and dyes. The hydrogel beads were prepared by ionotropic gelation/covalent cross-linking of chitosan and functionalized starches. The chemical structure of the hydrogel beads was analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy; their morphology was revealed by optical and scanning electron microscopies, while the influence of the starch functionalization strategies on the crystallinity changes was evaluated by X-ray diffraction. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to reveal the influence of the grafting reactions and grafted structure on the starch conformation in solution and their interactions with chitosan. The sorption capacity of the hydrogel beads was tested in batch experiments, as a function of the beads’ features (synthesis protocol, starch sort) and simulated polluted water, which included heavy metal ions (Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺) and small organic molecules (Direct Blue 15 and Congo red). Full article