The Experimental Techniques Centre is home to a range of large and small scale characterisation facilities that are managed by a team of dedicated scientific officers. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/272 2026-04-21T06:52:20Z 2026-04-21T06:52:20Z Okafor, UC Alghamdi, SM Anguilano, L Yang, Y http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33106 2026-04-04T02:00:27Z 2026-03-05T00:00:00Z

Title: Machine learning approaches for data-driven hydrocarbon bioaugmentation and phytoremediation: the role of multi-omics insights Authors: Okafor, UC; Alghamdi, SM; Anguilano, L; Yang, Y Abstract: Hydrocarbon contamination, particularly with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), poses a significant environmental challenge due to its persistence and carcinogenic effects on ecosystems and human health globally. This review explores how ML algorithms can enhance the efficiency of bio-augmentation and phytoremediation through predictive modeling, real-time optimization of microbial consortia, and plant species selection. Traditional bioremediation methods, such as bioaugmentation and phytoremediation, are characterized by slow degradation rates and sub-optimal performance in complex, multi-contaminant environmental milieus. The use of machine learning (ML) models with multi-omics data presents an advanced predictive approach to optimizing bioremediation processes by providing a systematic understanding of microbial and plant-mediated hydrocarbon degradation strategies and processes. ML models can predict which microbial strains or plant species will effectively degrade hydrocarbons under specific environmental conditions by utilizing supervised learning methods such as support vector machines and neural networks. Additionally, the combination of multi-omics data with ML facilitates the identification of critical genes, enzymes, and metabolic pathways involved in the degradation of hydrocarbons, and offers insights into the molecular mechanisms which drive the bioremediation process. The translation of laboratory-based ML models into large-scale, real-world bioremediation strategy is hindered by the complex, dynamic nature of our contaminated environments. This review paper showcases these hinderances and provides a direction for future research, including the development of field-deployable technologies, adaptive ML models, and real-time environmental monitoring strategies. The integration of ML with multi-omics holds substantial promise for enhanced efficiency, adaptability, and scalability of bioremediation strategies which ultimately mitigates carcinogenic risks often associated with hydrocarbon-polluted lithosphere.

2026-03-05T00:00:00Z Wang, S Li, Y Wang, B Li, W Cui, L Wu, G Anguilano, L Xue, H http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33105 2026-04-04T02:00:51Z 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Study on the mechanical state of inner surface crack tips at SA508-52M-316L dissimilar metal welded joint interfaces Authors: Wang, S; Li, Y; Wang, B; Li, W; Cui, L; Wu, G; Anguilano, L; Xue, H Abstract: Low alloy steel SA508 welded to type 316L austenitic stainless steel using nickel-based filler materials, such as alloy 52M, represents one of the most frequently employed configurations of dissimilar metal welded joints (DMWJs) within the primary circuit of a pressurized water reactor (PWR). In response to the issue of structural integrity assessment of DMWJs at the primary circuit safe-end, a three-dimensional full-size finite element model considering the material property gradient was established. The mechanical response characteristics of inner surface crack tips under the coupling effects of complex loading and mechanical heterogeneity were systematically analyzed. By integrating sub-modeling techniques with the predefined field method, a multiscale correlation analysis between the global mechanical behavior of the full-size structure and the local stress–strain fields at crack tips was conducted. The influences of crack location on stress triaxiality and plastic strain distribution at crack tips were specifically investigated. A comparative analysis reveals that the conventional sandwich model underestimates crack-tip peak opening stress by approximately 15% at the SA508-52Mb interface and by about 11% at the 52Mw-316L interface within their respective heat-affected zones (HAZs); corresponding crack-tip peak plastic strain (PEEQ) is overestimated by roughly 13% and 46%. Analysis shows that crack-tip opening stress and plastic strain exhibit higher values in the SA508 and 316L HAZs. Furthermore, cracks near structural discontinuities demonstrate more pronounced mechanical heterogeneity than those in flat regions. The proposed continuous transition model effectively addresses this limitation, providing a more accurate mechanical assessment for engineering applications. Description: Data availability: Data will be made available on request.

2026-04-01T00:00:00Z Taylor, JH Masoudi Soltani, S http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/32434 2026-01-06T09:36:21Z 2025-12-21T00:00:00Z

Title: Optimisation of Surface Modification of Industrial Recycled Carbon Fibres for the Adsorption of Antibiotics from Aquaculture Authors: Taylor, JH; Masoudi Soltani, S Abstract: This study investigates the use of recycled carbon fibers as precursors for activated adsorbents and applies nitric acid modification to enhance their selectivity toward two antibiotics: ciprofloxacin and oxytetracycline. A design of experiments was employed to optimize key modification parameters: acid concentration (1 – 6 M), hold time (16 – 24 h), and temperature (20 – 60°C), and their influence on adsorption. The modified adsorbents were characterized using N2 adsorption isotherms, Boehm titrations, and potentiometric titrations to determine porosity, acidity/basicity, and point of zero charge. Optimal conditions were identified as 1 M HNO3, 16 h, and 28°C. Under these conditions, modified adsorbents achieved adsorption capacities of 9.63 mg/g for ciprofloxacin and 7.72 mg/g for oxytetracycline. While ciprofloxacin removal decreased by 7% compared with unmodified counterparts, this reduction was not statistically significant. By contrast, oxytetracycline removal improved by 21%, a statistically significant increase. The superior uptake of oxytetracycline was attributed to its greater hydrophilicity and enhanced affinity for the oxidized, hydrophilic surface. Overall, acidic surface modification represents a promising strategy to improve the performance of recycled carbon fiber-derived adsorbents, particularly for tetracycline antibiotics. Further investigation is required to assess whether oxidative treatment methods can improve the removal of fluoroquinolones. Description: Data availability statement: Data have been made available in Brunel University of London’s repository via Brunel Figshare database at https://doi.org/10.17633/rd.brunel.28344632.v1.

2025-12-21T00:00:00Z Mumford, AD Martinez-Moreno, MF Morales-Hidalgo, M Povedano-Priego, C Generelo-Casajus, L Jroundi, F Anguilano, L Onwukwe, U Gardiner, PHE Merroun, ML Ju-Nam, Y Ojeda, JJ http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/32300 2026-04-04T07:09:41Z 2025-09-30T00:00:00Z

Title: Assessing microbially influenced corrosion of titanium as novel canister material for geological disposal facilities Authors: Mumford, AD; Martinez-Moreno, MF; Morales-Hidalgo, M; Povedano-Priego, C; Generelo-Casajus, L; Jroundi, F; Anguilano, L; Onwukwe, U; Gardiner, PHE; Merroun, ML; Ju-Nam, Y; Ojeda, JJ Abstract: In response to the growing global inventory of nuclear waste and the urgent need for secure long-term disposal solutions, geological disposal facilities (GDFs), also known as deep geological repositories, are being pursued worldwide. Several national programmes, including those in the UK, Japan, and Canada, are evaluating corrosion-resistant alloys for waste canisters. Among these, novel materials such as titanium alloys have emerged as promising candidates due to their protective TiO2 films. However, the threat of microbial corrosion under repository-relevant conditions remains highly unexplored. To address this, titanium discs (grade 2, ASTM B348) were incubated in bentonite slurries with synthetic pore-water at 30 °C and 60 °C under strictly anoxic, dark conditions, mimicking deep underground GDF environments. Electron donors (acetate, lactate) and an electron acceptor (sulphate) were added to stimulate microbial activity and assess long-term canister performance. All titanium samples retained an intact TiO2 layer with no detectable pitting or localised damage. Microscopic (SEM) and spectroscopic (XPS) analyses showed slight thinning of titanium oxide films and microbial presence co-located with bentonite, but no evidence of corrosion products or metal loss. Micro-FTIR showed functional groups associated with microbial presence (proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides) in the bentonite, but not on titanium surfaces. The experimental design aimed to promote bacterial activity by simulating worst-case GDF biotic conditions. These findings demonstrate titanium’s exceptional stability against microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) in stimulated GDF-like environments. This study supports the structural viability of titanium canisters for nuclear waste disposal and underscores the importance of considering microbial factors in long-term corrosion assessments. Description: Data availability: Data will be made available on request.; Supplementary data are available online at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016943322502495X?via%3Dihub#s0100 .

2025-09-30T00:00:00Z