http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/25428 2026-06-28T06:38:58Z 2026-06-28T06:38:58Z Todd, Angeli Grace http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33512 2026-06-26T02:00:32Z 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 http://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 Zick, A Hyde, A Schmidt Rivera, X Paterson, S http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33340 2026-06-03T12:59:16Z 2026-04-22T00:00:00Z

Title: Integrating alternative proteins into chef training: A mixed-methods exploration of definitions, barriers, and pedagogical potential Authors: Zick, A; Hyde, A; Schmidt Rivera, X; Paterson, S Abstract: A scoping review shows no shared definition of “alternative proteins” (AP); labels span from plant-based, fungal/mycoprotein, insect, cultured meat, fermentation-derived, to even underutilised animal meats varying by context and geography. Evidence about how AP are taught in culinary education and educators' perspectives of the topic (databases returned very few directly relevant studies), which justifies our educator-first empirical approach.

2026-04-22T00:00:00Z Fallon, N Schmidt Rivera, X Anguilano, L Paterson, S http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33339 2026-05-27T02:00:27Z 2022-09-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Seaweed in the UK food system: pitfalls and pathways to scaling up sustainably Authors: Fallon, N; Schmidt Rivera, X; Anguilano, L; Paterson, S Editors: Bruce, D; Bruce, A Abstract: Within an increased global focus on the Blue Economy, seaweed has the potential to play a much larger role in the future of the UK food systems contributing to multiple environmental, economic, social and health benefits. Seaweed is currently used along the UK food chain as fertiliser, animal feed, in food processing, and as a low-carbon, nutrient dense food source. Mapping conducted using publicly available online sources identified 60 seaweed producers operating in the UK in 2021. These are predominantly small-scale harvesters and producers operating under a range of business models. However, with new enterprises entering the market involving larger scale industrial production and mechanised harvesting methods, the UK seaweed industry appears to be at the precipice of major changes. Scaling up the industry is seen as a priority for UK and devolved governments and an attractive sustainable investment option for venture capital. However, the potential impacts on the marine ecosystem and coastal livelihoods from an expected rapid expansion are currently unknown. In addition, regulation of the industry and the complex land and sea policy landscape is yet to be fully explored within the context of an expanded seaweed industry. Efforts have been expressed by government and industry bodies to ensure industry growth protects coastal communities and does not come at an environmental cost, but questions remain with regards to rapidly shifting power dynamics and industry pressures to deliver returns on investment in a global market. This paper will draw on examples from historical attempts to scale up seaweed production as well as other food-related industries to identify potential pitfalls for the industry to avoid if it is to find a path towards sustainable and responsible growth. More attention needs to be paid to the political economy of the seaweed industry, in particular the influence of powerful market actors and how this may impact the trajectory of the industry.

2022-09-01T00:00:00Z