https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/25428 2026-07-18T02:35:04Z 2026-07-18T02:35:04Z Silver, J Taies, JA Abu-Soud, HM Fern, G https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33580 2026-07-16T02:00:28Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Protoporphyrin IX iron(II) revisited. Overview of the Mössbauer spectroscopic parameters of low spin porphyrin iron(II) complexes Part II Authors: Silver, J; Taies, JA; Abu-Soud, HM; Fern, G Abstract: ... Description: ...

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Moores, A Charalampopoulos, D Williams, A Whiteside, K Buxton, P Schmidt Rivera, X https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33543 2026-07-01T02:00:35Z 2026-06-27T00:00:00Z

Title: Circling the sandwich: measuring food waste and its drivers in UK prepared sandwich manufacture Authors: Moores, A; Charalampopoulos, D; Williams, A; Whiteside, K; Buxton, P; Schmidt Rivera, X Abstract: Food waste reduction and reutilisation is paramount to meeting national Waste Directives and achieving the Sustainable Development agenda. Implementing Circular Economy principles provides opportunities for cost savings, new revenue streams, and sustainable resource management. Applying the Food Loss and Waste (FLW) Accounting and Reporting Standard, this study identifies and measures sources of FLW in the manufacture of prepared sandwiches, and explores reduction and reutilisation from a Circular Economy perspective. The examined process contributes to circularity, with a loss rate of 13%, of which 97% is valorised. Waste hotspots include product assembly and ingredient preparation, while operational reductions, design changes, and stakeholder collaboration for high-value side-stream management would further reduce FLW impact. Examining a complex food item at the product-level for the first time, this study provides an evidence base for FLW reduction through inventory and hotspot analysis, contextualising the current extent of circularity and suggesting areas for further development. Description: Data availability: The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available due to commercial confidentiality but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request and with the permission of Samworth Brothers Ltd.

2026-06-27T00:00:00Z Todd, Angeli Grace https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33512 2026-06-29T06:29:44Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Synthesis of a novel adsorbent-photocatalytic material using a low energy route and its application to the remediation of water from contamination of 17-α ethinyl estradiol Authors: Todd, Angeli Grace Abstract: Endocrine-disrupting compounds such as 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) pose significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health, necessitating the development of advanced water purification materials. This thesis presents the synthesis and characterization of a novel composite coating of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) applied to hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) for the efficient removal of EE2 from aqueous systems. The composite was fabricated via a sol-gel assisted deposition method, leveraging the high surface area of HGMs and the complementary adsorption–photocatalytic properties of HAP and TiO₂. Comprehensive material characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to confirm morphological, structural, and functional properties of the composite. Surface area and porosity were evaluated through BET N₂ adsorption isotherms. EE2 degradation and residual concentrations were quantified through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The composite coatings demonstrated superior adsorption–photocatalytic performance compared to individual HAP and TiO₂ coatings, attributed to synergistic interactions that enhanced EE2 binding and photodegradation efficiency. Kinetic analysis revealed rapid removal rates, while repeated use confirmed the composite’s structural stability and reusability. Notably, the composite materials outperformed the current industry standard – activated carbon – in both removal efficiency and overall cost-effectiveness under comparable experimental conditions. These findings underscore the potential of hydroxyapatite–TiO₂ composites as next-generation materials for sustainable water purification, offering a promising strategy to mitigate emerging contaminants in aquatic environments. Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Zick, A Hyde, A Schmidt Rivera, X Paterson, S https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33343 2026-05-27T02:00:25Z 2026-03-23T00:00:00Z

Title: Alternative proteins in chef training: how to prepare trainee chefs for future proteins Authors: Zick, A; Hyde, A; Schmidt Rivera, X; Paterson, S Abstract: The urgent need for food system sustainability is clear, with huge and innovative opportunities to improve protein-rich food sustainability [1]. No common definition of “alternative proteins” was found via scoping review. Alternative protein (AP) foods varied by culture and geography and included plant-based, fermentation-derived, fungal/mycoprotein, insect, cultured meat, and under utilised animal meats. Very limited literature has explored alternative proteins in chef training, confirming the need for an educator-first, empirical approach. Chef educators were surveyed to determine AP teaching practices and identify barriers and opportunities for future teaching. Description: [1]. Rockström et al. The Lancet, Volume 406, Issue 10512 (2025), 1625 – 1700.

2026-03-23T00:00:00Z