https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Index en-us 5 https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42944 Wed 12 May 2021 14:03:03 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42952 95% of the initial sugar liberation for three continuous rounds, whilst successfully reducing enzyme loadings by 50% and 40% for RA1 and RA2, respectively. This study presented a simple and effective pathway for improving the economic feasibility of fermentable sugar production for biofuels. In conclusion, this study has contributed to expanding our knowledge and providing new insights into factors relating to the biomass conversion process, including enzyme synergism, pretreatment methods and enzyme recycling strategies. Ultimately, the knowledge and information gained from this study can be used as a platform for the development of more efficient conversion technologies for better, more competitive bio-refineries.]]> Tue 17 Jun 2025 15:34:23 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42810 0.99). The results showed high oxygen demand above the concentration recommended by the South Africa Department of water affairs and forestry (DWAF) for Alice and Uitenhage wastewater effluents, midstream and downstream river samples. Phosphate concentrations were higher than the recommended level in wastewater effluents. Sulphate concentration in the Bloukrans River was higher than the recommended value. The pH values of rivers at midstream and downstream reaches were higher than 8.0 except in Bloukrans River, where it was around 7.0. The functional group analyses show the presence of substituted aromatic compounds, alkyl halides, chlorobenzenes, vinylidenes, amides, amines, urethanes, cycloalkanes, acetonitriles, methenamine, imidazole and phenolic compounds among others, in the samples. The presence of these functional groups in the water samples is an indication of pollution by volatile organic compounds, persistent organic pollutants and pharmaceuticals. Results of LC-MS/MS analysis show that endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) were present in the rivers and wastewaters samples. Descriptive statistics showed the mean concentrations of the EDCs in the samples as nonylphenol > dichlorophenol > bisphenol A > triclosan > octylphenol > imidazole > atrazine > triazole > estrone > estradiol. The results of the heavy metal analysis show that chromium had the highest mean concentration in the samples. The mean metals concentrations in the samples were in the order of Cr > Ni > Mn > Cu > As > Pb > Cd > Hg > Zn. The results showed an increase in the concentrations of metals in the rivers over the years. The chromium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury concentrations in the lower reaches of the rivers and wastewater effluents were higher than the values recommended by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and DWAF. Improvement is necessary in wastewater treatment and adequate legislation on chemical usage. Some chemicals banned in developed countries, such as atrazine, were encountered in this study.]]> Thu 10 Jul 2025 08:20:58 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42924 Mon 17 May 2021 11:50:31 SAST ]]>