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Prof. Dr. Alexandra Bertron
INSA Toulouse

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0 Cement
0 Concrete
0 Indoor Air Quality
0 Leaching
0 NOx

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Cement
Concrete
organic acids
biodeterioration
nitrate
Leaching
Durability
Sewer
Cement-Based Materials
ammonium
Indoor Air Quality
NOx
Biogas systems

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Journal article
Published: 01 June 2021 in Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Construction Materials
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In indoor environment, the growth of microorganisms on building materials leads to the deterioration of both materials and indoor air quality. As bio-based building materials usually contain cellulose or derivatives, they are likely to be much more sensitive to such degradations. Using glycerol esters could be a way to protect bio-based materials from microorganisms. Indeed, previous works have highlighted their significant antimicrobial effect and they are commonly used in the food industry as antimicrobial agents. In addition, as glycerol is a valuable by-product of agroindustry, it would be an eco-friendly alternative, consistent with human health, to the classic ways of protecting bio-based materials against microorganisms This study is included in a project that aims to (i) assess the hygrothermal performances and fire reaction of sunflower pannels and (ii) to study the antimicrobial efficiency of glycerol esters for the protection of such bio-based materials from microbial proliferation. Materials presented physical, thermal and hygroscopic properties similar to bio-based materials such as wood or hemp, encouraging their use as insulation materials. In addition, glycerol ester showed significant antimicrobial effects but also a susceptibility to flammability. One unanticipated finding was that the untreated insulation material made of sunflower pith was classified as non flammable.

ACS Style

Thomas Verdier; Lesmie Balthazard; Mathilde Montibus; Camille Magniont; Philippe Evon; Alexandra Bertron. Using glycerol esters to prevent microbial growth on sunflower-based insulation panels. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Construction Materials 2021, 174, 140 -149.

AMA Style

Thomas Verdier, Lesmie Balthazard, Mathilde Montibus, Camille Magniont, Philippe Evon, Alexandra Bertron. Using glycerol esters to prevent microbial growth on sunflower-based insulation panels. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Construction Materials. 2021; 174 (3):140-149.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Thomas Verdier; Lesmie Balthazard; Mathilde Montibus; Camille Magniont; Philippe Evon; Alexandra Bertron. 2021. "Using glycerol esters to prevent microbial growth on sunflower-based insulation panels." Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Construction Materials 174, no. 3: 140-149.

Journal article
Published: 17 February 2021 in Cement and Concrete Research
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Drinking water pipes can be lined with a cement matrix based on CEM III, which can release aluminium into the water. However, the European Union limits the aluminium concentration in drinking water for public health reasons. In order to study the long-term leaching mechanism of aluminium, semi-dynamic leaching tests using an aggressive solution (demineralised water) or drinking water (mineralised water) were conducted on crushed CEM III pastes maintained at pH 7. They resulted in a very high leaching coefficient, approaching 50%. However, in spite of this strong leaching, the amount of Al leached remained very low, at less than 1.5% of the initial amount of Al in the material. Under these conditions, the leaching of Al from a CEM III paste is complex since it involves several steps, where slag (1st and last steps) or cement paste (2nd step) are the main contributors.

ACS Style

Mathilde Berthomier; Christine Lors; Denis Damidot; Thomas De Larrard; Cyril Guérandel; Alexandra Bertron. Leaching of CEM III paste by demineralised or mineralised water at pH 7 in relation with aluminium release in drinking water network. Cement and Concrete Research 2021, 143, 106399 .

AMA Style

Mathilde Berthomier, Christine Lors, Denis Damidot, Thomas De Larrard, Cyril Guérandel, Alexandra Bertron. Leaching of CEM III paste by demineralised or mineralised water at pH 7 in relation with aluminium release in drinking water network. Cement and Concrete Research. 2021; 143 ():106399.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mathilde Berthomier; Christine Lors; Denis Damidot; Thomas De Larrard; Cyril Guérandel; Alexandra Bertron. 2021. "Leaching of CEM III paste by demineralised or mineralised water at pH 7 in relation with aluminium release in drinking water network." Cement and Concrete Research 143, no. : 106399.

Journal article
Published: 02 February 2021 in Materials
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The biodeterioration of cementitious materials in sewer networks has become a major economic, ecological, and public health issue. Establishing a suitable standardized test is essential if sustainable construction materials are to be developed and qualified for sewerage environments. Since purely chemical tests are proven to not be representative of the actual deterioration phenomena in real sewer conditions, a biological test–named the Biogenic Acid Concrete (BAC) test–was developed at the University of Toulouse to reproduce the biological reactions involved in the process of concrete biodeterioration in sewers. The test consists in trickling a solution containing a safe reduced sulfur source onto the surface of cementitious substrates previously covered with a high diversity microbial consortium. In these conditions, a sulfur-oxidizing metabolism naturally develops in the biofilm and leads to the production of biogenic sulfuric acid on the surface of the material. The representativeness of the test in terms of deterioration mechanisms has been validated in previous studies. A wide range of cementitious materials have been exposed to the biodeterioration test during half a decade. On the basis of this large database and the expertise gained, the purpose of this paper is (i) to propose a simple and robust performance criterion for the test (standardized leached calcium as a function of sulfate produced by the biofilm), and (ii) to demonstrate the repeatability, reproducibility, and discriminability of the test method. In only a 3-month period, the test was able to highlight the differences in the performances of common cement-based materials (CEM I, CEM III, and CEM V) and special calcium aluminate cement (CAC) binders with different nature of aggregates (natural silica and synthetic calcium aluminate). The proposed performance indicator (relative standardized leached calcium) allowed the materials to be classified according to their resistance to biogenic acid attack in sewer conditions. The repeatability of the test was confirmed using three different specimens of the same material within the same experiment and the reproducibility of the results was demonstrated by standardizing the results using a reference material from 5 different test campaigns. Furthermore, developing post-testing processing and calculation methods constituted a first step toward a standardized test protocol.

ACS Style

Amr Aboulela; Matthieu Peyre Lavigne; Amaury Buvignier; Marlène Fourré; Maud Schiettekatte; Tony Pons; Cédric Patapy; Orlane Robin; Mansour Bounouba; Etienne Paul; Alexandra Bertron. Laboratory Test to Evaluate the Resistance of Cementitious Materials to Biodeterioration in Sewer Network Conditions. Materials 2021, 14, 686 .

AMA Style

Amr Aboulela, Matthieu Peyre Lavigne, Amaury Buvignier, Marlène Fourré, Maud Schiettekatte, Tony Pons, Cédric Patapy, Orlane Robin, Mansour Bounouba, Etienne Paul, Alexandra Bertron. Laboratory Test to Evaluate the Resistance of Cementitious Materials to Biodeterioration in Sewer Network Conditions. Materials. 2021; 14 (3):686.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Amr Aboulela; Matthieu Peyre Lavigne; Amaury Buvignier; Marlène Fourré; Maud Schiettekatte; Tony Pons; Cédric Patapy; Orlane Robin; Mansour Bounouba; Etienne Paul; Alexandra Bertron. 2021. "Laboratory Test to Evaluate the Resistance of Cementitious Materials to Biodeterioration in Sewer Network Conditions." Materials 14, no. 3: 686.

Journal article
Published: 23 December 2020 in Journal of Environmental Management
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This study assesses bacterial denitrification at alkaline pH, up to 12, and high nitrate concentration, up to 400 mM. Two types of electron donors organic (acetate) and inorganic (dihydrogen) were compared. With both types of electron donors, nitrite reduction was the key step, likely to increase the pH and lead to nitrite accumulation. Firstly, an acclimation process was used: nitrate was progressively increased in three cultures set at pH 9, 10, or 11. This method allowed to observe for the first time nitrate reduction up to pH 10 and 100 mM nitrate with dihydrogen, or up to pH 10 and 400 mM nitrate with acetate. Nitrate reduction kinetics were faster in the presence of acetate. To investigate further the impact of the type of electron donor, a transition from acetate to dihydrogen was tested, and the pH evolution was modelled. Denitrification with dihydrogen strongly increases the pH while with acetate the pH evolution depends on the initial pH. The main difference is the production of acidifying CO2 during the acetate oxidation. Finally, the use of long duration cultures with a highly alkaline pH allowed a nitrate reduction up to pH 11.5 with acetate. However, no reduction was possible in hydrogenotrophy as it would have increased the pH further. Instead, bacteria used organic matter from inoculum to reduce nitrate at pH 11.5. Therefore, considering bacterial denitrification in a context of alkaline pH and high nitrate concentration an organic electron donor such as acetate is advantageous.

ACS Style

Pierre Albina; Nadège Durban; Alexandra Bertron; Achim Albrecht; Jean-Charles Robinet; Benjamin Erable. Nitrate and nitrite bacterial reduction at alkaline pH and high nitrate concentrations, comparison of acetate versus dihydrogen as electron donors. Journal of Environmental Management 2020, 280, 111859 .

AMA Style

Pierre Albina, Nadège Durban, Alexandra Bertron, Achim Albrecht, Jean-Charles Robinet, Benjamin Erable. Nitrate and nitrite bacterial reduction at alkaline pH and high nitrate concentrations, comparison of acetate versus dihydrogen as electron donors. Journal of Environmental Management. 2020; 280 ():111859.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Pierre Albina; Nadège Durban; Alexandra Bertron; Achim Albrecht; Jean-Charles Robinet; Benjamin Erable. 2020. "Nitrate and nitrite bacterial reduction at alkaline pH and high nitrate concentrations, comparison of acetate versus dihydrogen as electron donors." Journal of Environmental Management 280, no. : 111859.

Journal article
Published: 09 October 2020 in Chemical Engineering Journal
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“Almost real-life” experiments of abatement of a pollutant, actually nitrogen monoxide, were carried out in a 10-m3 chamber, the walls of which were covered with plasterboard samples, themselves coated with a photocatalytic dispersion. The experimental protocol consisted in first injecting NO polluted air into the chamber to a certain level, then maintaining a steady level of pollution by tuning the flow rate to balance the leaks and, finally, illuminating the chamber. In a first stage of analysis, a three-flow (injection, leakage and renewal flows) model was used in order to characterize the leakage flow rate. This model was based on the difference of NO concentration between the interior and the exterior rather than on a pressure difference. A two-parameter empirical law was specially formulated for this purpose. In a second stage, the photocatalytic phenomenon was described by a four-flow model completing the previous one, the fourth flow being associated with the photocatalytic oxidation of NO. This flow was described by a rate law derived from the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) law, which was generalized to the experimental chamber. The parameters K (adsorption constant) and k (abatement kinetics constant) of the rate law were identified using a standardized lab-scale reactor. The equations, integrated by finite differences, fitted the experimental results correctly. The “diffusive zone thickness” was introduced as the thickness of the air layer potentially concerned by the photocatalysis and was quantified. This first attempt to model photocatalysis on a large scale was promising. However, further research work is needed to enable the model to take more parameters into account.

ACS Style

Julie Hot; Erick Ringot; Lounes Koufi; Alexandra Bertron. Modelling of NO photocatalytic degradation in an experimental chamber. Chemical Engineering Journal 2020, 408, 127298 .

AMA Style

Julie Hot, Erick Ringot, Lounes Koufi, Alexandra Bertron. Modelling of NO photocatalytic degradation in an experimental chamber. Chemical Engineering Journal. 2020; 408 ():127298.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Julie Hot; Erick Ringot; Lounes Koufi; Alexandra Bertron. 2020. "Modelling of NO photocatalytic degradation in an experimental chamber." Chemical Engineering Journal 408, no. : 127298.

Journal article
Published: 04 August 2020 in Science of The Total Environment
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In order to promote the development of the biogas industry, solutions are needed to improve concrete structures durability in this environment. This multiphysics study aims to analyse the multiphases interactions between the liquid phase of an anaerobic digestion system and cementitious matrices, focusing on (i) the impacts of the binder nature on the anaerobic digestion process at local scale, and (ii) the deterioration mechanisms of the materials. Cementitious pastes made of slag cement (CEM III), innovative metakaolin-based alkali-activated material (MKAA), with compositions presumed to resist chemically aggressive media, and a reference binder, ordinary Portland cement (CEM I), were tested by immersion in inoculated cattle manure in bioreactors for a long period of five digestion cycles. For the first time it was shown that the digestion process was disturbed in the short term by the presence of the materials that increased the pH of the liquid phase and slowed the acids consumption, with much more impact of the MKAA. However, the final total production of biogas was similar in all bioreactors. Material analyses showed that, in this moderately aggressive medium, the biodeterioration of the CEM I and CEM III pastes mainly led to cement matrix leaching (decalcification) and carbonation. MKAA showed a good behaviour with very low degraded depths. In addition, the material was found to have interesting ammonium adsorption properties in the chemical conditions (notably the pH range) of anaerobic digestion.

ACS Style

Marie Giroudon; Matthieu Peyre Lavigne; Cédric Patapy; Alexandra Bertron. Blast-furnace slag cement and metakaolin based geopolymer as construction materials for liquid anaerobic digestion structures: Interactions and biodeterioration mechanisms. Science of The Total Environment 2020, 750, 141518 .

AMA Style

Marie Giroudon, Matthieu Peyre Lavigne, Cédric Patapy, Alexandra Bertron. Blast-furnace slag cement and metakaolin based geopolymer as construction materials for liquid anaerobic digestion structures: Interactions and biodeterioration mechanisms. Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 750 ():141518.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marie Giroudon; Matthieu Peyre Lavigne; Cédric Patapy; Alexandra Bertron. 2020. "Blast-furnace slag cement and metakaolin based geopolymer as construction materials for liquid anaerobic digestion structures: Interactions and biodeterioration mechanisms." Science of The Total Environment 750, no. : 141518.

Review
Published: 08 July 2020 in IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
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ACS Style

Chinnu Mariam Ninan; Athira Ajay; K P Ramaswamy; Anu V Thomas; Alexandra Bertron. A critical review on the effect of organic acids on cement-based materials. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 2020, 491, 1 .

AMA Style

Chinnu Mariam Ninan, Athira Ajay, K P Ramaswamy, Anu V Thomas, Alexandra Bertron. A critical review on the effect of organic acids on cement-based materials. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 2020; 491 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chinnu Mariam Ninan; Athira Ajay; K P Ramaswamy; Anu V Thomas; Alexandra Bertron. 2020. "A critical review on the effect of organic acids on cement-based materials." IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 491, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 05 May 2020 in International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation
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Denitrification is a major biological process contributing to nitrate and nitrite reduction. However, this process remains poorly understood at alkaline pH although such conditions can be encountered in natural (e.g. soda lakes) or industrial environments (e.g. geological waste repositories with cementitious materials). To investigate the nitrate reduction (NR) rate for pH > 9.5 in a cementitious environment, several batch reactors were implemented, with cement leachate or with hardened cement paste (HCP). In the experiments carried out with cement leachate, NR dropped from 0.72 mM/h at pH 9.5 to 0.17 mM/h at pH > 11, while the concentration of nitrite increased. The NR was inhibited at pH close to 12, as was the nitrite reduction at pH above 11. In the reactor containing HCP, the NR rate was 0.75 mM/h at pH close to 10. Calcite precipitated on the HCP surface. Epifluorescence microscopy observations coupled with DNA labelling suggested the presence of microorganisms attached to the HCP surface. This was confirmed by biological growth coupled with NR activity after the transfer of the HCP into a new medium, considered to be sterile. The bacterial community analysis showed that the highly selective culture conditions led to the selection of two species: Halomonas sp. and a species known for its versatile metabolism and ability to form biofilms, i.e. Thauera sp.

ACS Style

Nadège Durban; Vanessa Sonois-Mazars; Pierre Albina; Alexandra Bertron; Achim Albrecht; Jean-Charles Robinet; Benjamin Erable. Nitrate and nitrite reduction activity of activated sludge microcosm in a highly alkaline environment with solid cementitious material. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 2020, 151, 104971 .

AMA Style

Nadège Durban, Vanessa Sonois-Mazars, Pierre Albina, Alexandra Bertron, Achim Albrecht, Jean-Charles Robinet, Benjamin Erable. Nitrate and nitrite reduction activity of activated sludge microcosm in a highly alkaline environment with solid cementitious material. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation. 2020; 151 ():104971.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nadège Durban; Vanessa Sonois-Mazars; Pierre Albina; Alexandra Bertron; Achim Albrecht; Jean-Charles Robinet; Benjamin Erable. 2020. "Nitrate and nitrite reduction activity of activated sludge microcosm in a highly alkaline environment with solid cementitious material." International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 151, no. : 104971.

Short research and discussion article
Published: 14 April 2020 in Environmental Science and Pollution Research
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Bacterial denitrification is widely documented at neutral pH in order to improve the removal of nitrate in wastewater treatment processes. However, certain industrial contexts generate alkaline waste and effluent containing nitrate that must be denitrified. To obtain more information on denitrification at alkaline pH, this study evaluated the possibility of adapting a neutrophilic denitrifying strain, Paracoccus denitrificans, to alkaline pH. Firstly, P. denitrificans' denitrifying activity was evaluated without acclimation in batch bioreactors at pH 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 and 10.0. Then, two acclimation methods using successive batch bioreactors and a continuous bioreactor allowed P. denitrificans to be gradually exposed to alkaline pH: from 8.5 to 11.2 in 26 and 72 days respectively. Results showed that P. denitrificans could grow and catalyse nitrate reduction (i) at pH 9.0 without acclimation, (ii) at pH 10.5 in successive batch cultures with progressively increasing pH and (iii) at pH 10.8 in continuously fed culture with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 8 days. It was shown that denitrification affected the pH despite the presence of carbonate buffering of the P. denitrificans growth medium. With acetate as an electron donor, the pH of a carbonate buffered medium tends towards pH 10 during the process of denitrification. Graphical

ACS Style

Pierre Albina; Nadège Durban; Alexandra Bertron; Maud Schiettekatte; Achim Albrecht; Jean-Charles Robinet; Benjamin Erable. Adaptation of neutrophilic Paracoccus denitrificans to denitrification at highly alkaline pH. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2020, 27, 22112 -22119.

AMA Style

Pierre Albina, Nadège Durban, Alexandra Bertron, Maud Schiettekatte, Achim Albrecht, Jean-Charles Robinet, Benjamin Erable. Adaptation of neutrophilic Paracoccus denitrificans to denitrification at highly alkaline pH. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2020; 27 (17):22112-22119.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Pierre Albina; Nadège Durban; Alexandra Bertron; Maud Schiettekatte; Achim Albrecht; Jean-Charles Robinet; Benjamin Erable. 2020. "Adaptation of neutrophilic Paracoccus denitrificans to denitrification at highly alkaline pH." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 27, no. 17: 22112-22119.

Journal article
Published: 20 January 2020 in Environmental Microbiome
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Background The current increase in public awareness of environmental risks is giving rise to a growth of interest in the microbiological safety of buildings. In particular, microbial proliferation on construction materials can be responsible for the degradation of indoor air quality that can increase health-risk to occupants. Raw earth materials are still widely used throughout the world and, in some cases, are linked to heritage habitats, as in the southwest of France. Moreover, these building materials are currently the subject of renewed interest for ecological and economic reasons. However, the microbial status of earthen materials raises major concerns: could the microbiome associated with such natural materials cause disease in building occupants? Very few analyses have been performed on the microbial communities present on these supports. Characterizing the raw earth material microbiome is also important for a better evaluation and understanding of the susceptibility of such materials to microbial development. This study presents the distribution of in situ bacterial and fungal communities on different raw earth materials used in construction. Various buildings were sampled in France and the microbial communities present were characterized by amplicon high-throughput sequencing (bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS1 region). Bacterial culture isolates were identified at the species level by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Results The major fungal and bacterial genera identified were mainly associated with conventional outdoor and indoor environmental communities, and no specific harmful bacterial species were detected on earthen materials. However, contrary to expectations, few human-associated genera were detected in dwellings. We found lower microbial alpha-diversity in earthen material than is usually found in soil, suggesting a loss of diversity during the use of these materials in buildings. Interestingly enough, the main features influencing microbial communities were building history and room use, rather than material composition. Conclusions These results constitute a first in-depth analysis of microbial communities present on earthen materials in situ and may be considered as a first referential to investigate microbial communities on such materials according to environmental conditions and their potential health impact. The bacterial and fungal flora detected were similar to those found in conventional habitats and are thought to be mainly impacted by specific events in the building’s life, such as water damage.

ACS Style

Alexis Simons; Alexandra Bertron; Jean-Emmanuel Aubert; Christophe Roux; Christine Roques. Characterization of the microbiome associated with in situ earthen materials. Environmental Microbiome 2020, 15, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Alexis Simons, Alexandra Bertron, Jean-Emmanuel Aubert, Christophe Roux, Christine Roques. Characterization of the microbiome associated with in situ earthen materials. Environmental Microbiome. 2020; 15 (1):1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alexis Simons; Alexandra Bertron; Jean-Emmanuel Aubert; Christophe Roux; Christine Roques. 2020. "Characterization of the microbiome associated with in situ earthen materials." Environmental Microbiome 15, no. 1: 1-11.

Review
Published: 18 October 2019 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Bacterial respiration of nitrate is a natural process of nitrate reduction, which has been industrialized to treat anthropic nitrate pollution. This process, also known as “microbial denitrification”, is widely documented from the fundamental and engineering points of view for the enhancement of the removal of nitrate in wastewater. For this purpose, experiments are generally conducted with heterotrophic microbial metabolism, neutral pH and moderate nitrate concentrations (

ACS Style

Pierre Albina; Nadège Durban; Alexandra Bertron; Achim Albrecht; Jean-Charles Robinet; Benjamin Erable. Influence of Hydrogen Electron Donor, Alkaline pH, and High Nitrate Concentrations on Microbial Denitrification: A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2019, 20, 5163 .

AMA Style

Pierre Albina, Nadège Durban, Alexandra Bertron, Achim Albrecht, Jean-Charles Robinet, Benjamin Erable. Influence of Hydrogen Electron Donor, Alkaline pH, and High Nitrate Concentrations on Microbial Denitrification: A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019; 20 (20):5163.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Pierre Albina; Nadège Durban; Alexandra Bertron; Achim Albrecht; Jean-Charles Robinet; Benjamin Erable. 2019. "Influence of Hydrogen Electron Donor, Alkaline pH, and High Nitrate Concentrations on Microbial Denitrification: A Review." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 20, no. 20: 5163.

Journal article
Published: 01 October 2019 in Cement and Concrete Research
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ACS Style

Célestine Voegel; Marie Giroudon; Alexandra Bertron; Cédric Patapy; Peyre Lavigne Matthieu; Thomas Verdier; Benjamin Erable. Cementitious materials in biogas systems: Biodeterioration mechanisms and kinetics in CEM I and CAC based materials. Cement and Concrete Research 2019, 124, 1 .

AMA Style

Célestine Voegel, Marie Giroudon, Alexandra Bertron, Cédric Patapy, Peyre Lavigne Matthieu, Thomas Verdier, Benjamin Erable. Cementitious materials in biogas systems: Biodeterioration mechanisms and kinetics in CEM I and CAC based materials. Cement and Concrete Research. 2019; 124 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Célestine Voegel; Marie Giroudon; Alexandra Bertron; Cédric Patapy; Peyre Lavigne Matthieu; Thomas Verdier; Benjamin Erable. 2019. "Cementitious materials in biogas systems: Biodeterioration mechanisms and kinetics in CEM I and CAC based materials." Cement and Concrete Research 124, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 01 August 2019 in Applied and Environmental Microbiology
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Biodeterioration of cement infrastructures represents 5 to 20% of observed deteriorations within the sewer network. Such biodeterioration events are mainly due to microbial sulfur-oxidizing activity which produces sulfuric acid able to dissolve cementitious material. Calcium aluminate cement materials are more resistant to biodeterioration compared to the commonly used Portland cement. Several theories have been suggested to describe this resistance, and the bacteriostatic effect of aluminum seems to be the most plausible explanation. However, results reported by the several studies on this exact topic are highly controversial. This present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the influence of dissolved aluminum on growth parameters of long-term cultures of sulfur-oxidizing bacterial consortia sampled from different origins. Kinetic and stoichiometric parameters estimated by respirometry measurements and modeling showed that total dissolved-aluminum concentrations up to 100 mM were not inhibitory, but it is more likely that a sudden increase in the ionic strength affects cell growth. Therefore, it appears that the bacteriostatic effect of aluminum on microbial growth cannot explain the better durability of aluminate based cementitious materials.

ACS Style

Amaury Buvignier; Matthieu Peyre-Lavigne; Orlane Robin; Mansour Bounouba; Cédric Patapy; Alexandra Bertron; Etienne Paul. Influence of Dissolved-Aluminum Concentration on Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacterial Activity in the Biodeterioration of Concrete. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 2019, 85, 1 .

AMA Style

Amaury Buvignier, Matthieu Peyre-Lavigne, Orlane Robin, Mansour Bounouba, Cédric Patapy, Alexandra Bertron, Etienne Paul. Influence of Dissolved-Aluminum Concentration on Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacterial Activity in the Biodeterioration of Concrete. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 2019; 85 (15):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Amaury Buvignier; Matthieu Peyre-Lavigne; Orlane Robin; Mansour Bounouba; Cédric Patapy; Alexandra Bertron; Etienne Paul. 2019. "Influence of Dissolved-Aluminum Concentration on Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacterial Activity in the Biodeterioration of Concrete." Applied and Environmental Microbiology 85, no. 15: 1.

Journal article
Published: 28 June 2019 in Cement and Concrete Research
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This paper aims to better understand the mechanisms explaining the superior resistance of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) materials compared to Portland cement (PC) based materials in sewer networks. The bacteriostatic effect of CAC materials on Sulfur Oxidising Bacteria (SOB) is often argued in the literature as a possible mechanism explaining their better resistance. Reactor tests conducted on SOB demonstrated their ability to acclimatise to high aluminium contents. More generally, using a laboratory biodeterioration protocol reproducing aggressive conditions, the nature of the material (CAC or PC with different slag contents) did not significantly affect the SOB selection. Moreover the CAC materials seemed to favour the development of a higher SOB activity (and so acid production) than PC-based systems, leading to more aggressive conditions. Finally, the resistance of CAC materials to biodeterioration appeared to be mainly linked to the intrinsic resistance of phases initially present or precipitated during the deterioration process.

ACS Style

Amaury Buvignier; Cédric Patapy; Matthieu Peyre Lavigne; Etienne Paul; Alexandra Bertron. Resistance to biodeterioration of aluminium-rich binders in sewer network environment: Study of the possible bacteriostatic effect and role of phase reactivity. Cement and Concrete Research 2019, 123, 105785 .

AMA Style

Amaury Buvignier, Cédric Patapy, Matthieu Peyre Lavigne, Etienne Paul, Alexandra Bertron. Resistance to biodeterioration of aluminium-rich binders in sewer network environment: Study of the possible bacteriostatic effect and role of phase reactivity. Cement and Concrete Research. 2019; 123 ():105785.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Amaury Buvignier; Cédric Patapy; Matthieu Peyre Lavigne; Etienne Paul; Alexandra Bertron. 2019. "Resistance to biodeterioration of aluminium-rich binders in sewer network environment: Study of the possible bacteriostatic effect and role of phase reactivity." Cement and Concrete Research 123, no. : 105785.

Journal article
Published: 18 April 2019 in RILEM Technical Letters
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The impact of building materials on the environment and the health of occupants is nowadays a priority issue. Ecological construction materials such as earthen materials are currently experiencing a regain of interest due to both ecological and economic factors. The microbial proliferation on indoor materials can induce a deterioration of the building air quality and lead to an increase of health risks for the occupants. The issue of indoor air quality raises questions about the use of earthen building materials and their possible susceptibility to fungal development. The microflora of earthen materials and their ability to grow on such support are indeed poorly studied. This study focused on the quantification of both bacterial and fungal microflora along the manufacturing process. The impact of extreme humidity, simulating a hydric accident, on microflora development was analyzed on the surface and inside earthen bricks. The initial microflora of these materials was dramatically reduced during the manufacturing process, especially after heat treatment for drying. Proliferation of remaining microorganisms was only observed under high humidity condition, in particular for earthen materials with vegetal aggregates. Moreover, in situ samplings were performed on naturally dried earthen materials used in buildings. The characterization of the microbial density revealed a higher microbial density than on manufactured specimens, while microbial concentration and detected taxa seemed mainly related to the room use and building history. These results provide a better understanding of microbial proliferation on these materials.

ACS Style

Alexis Simons; Alexandra Bertron; Christophe Roux; Aurélie Laborel-Préneron; Jean-Emmanuel Aubert; Christine Roques. Susceptibility of earth-based construction materials to fungal proliferation: laboratory and in situ assessment. RILEM Technical Letters 2019, 3, 140 -149.

AMA Style

Alexis Simons, Alexandra Bertron, Christophe Roux, Aurélie Laborel-Préneron, Jean-Emmanuel Aubert, Christine Roques. Susceptibility of earth-based construction materials to fungal proliferation: laboratory and in situ assessment. RILEM Technical Letters. 2019; 3 ():140-149.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alexis Simons; Alexandra Bertron; Christophe Roux; Aurélie Laborel-Préneron; Jean-Emmanuel Aubert; Christine Roques. 2019. "Susceptibility of earth-based construction materials to fungal proliferation: laboratory and in situ assessment." RILEM Technical Letters 3, no. : 140-149.

Articles
Published: 20 January 2019 in Environmental Technology
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Understanding the interactions between biofilm and cementitious materials in biogas production systems is an essential step toward the development of durable concrete for this expanding sector. Although the action of the liquid phase medium on the material has been the subject of several research studies, the possible impact of the material’s properties on biofilm formation and composition has been little investigated, if at all. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the characteristics of the biofilm according to the surface properties of the materials. Four cementitious materials with different chemical and mineralogical compositions, and various topological surface characteristics (pastes of CEM I, CEM III/C and CAC, and CEM I paste treated with oxalic acid) were exposed to the liquid phase of a fermenting biowaste for 10 weeks. The steps of biofilm formation were observed using SEM. Even though all the cementitious material surfaces were intensely colonized at the end of the experiments, the establishment of the biofilm seems to have been delayed on the oxalate-treated CEM I and on CAC coupons. Roughness and surface pH effects were not of prime importance for the biofilm development. The analysis of bacterial population diversity using 16S rDNA sequencing showed a less diversified microbial flora in the biofilm than in the reaction medium.

ACS Style

Célestine Voegel; Nadège Durban; Alexandra Bertron; Yann Landon; Benjamin Erable. Evaluation of microbial proliferation on cementitious materials exposed to biogas systems. Environmental Technology 2019, 41, 2439 -2449.

AMA Style

Célestine Voegel, Nadège Durban, Alexandra Bertron, Yann Landon, Benjamin Erable. Evaluation of microbial proliferation on cementitious materials exposed to biogas systems. Environmental Technology. 2019; 41 (19):2439-2449.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Célestine Voegel; Nadège Durban; Alexandra Bertron; Yann Landon; Benjamin Erable. 2019. "Evaluation of microbial proliferation on cementitious materials exposed to biogas systems." Environmental Technology 41, no. 19: 2439-2449.

Article
Published: 24 November 2018 in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health
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Air pollution is a serious public health concern in France and many other countries. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) include nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). They are mainly outdoor pollutants produced during combustion of fossil fuel. These gases can easily infiltrate buildings and thus increase indoor pollution. The recommended guideline values for NO2 are 200 μg/m3 (short-term exposure) and 40 μg/m3 (long-term exposure). Although no guideline values exist for NO, this gas can be oxidised by atmospheric ozone and thus produce NO2. This paper studies the depollution efficiency of photocatalysis towards indoor NO. Experiments were conducted at real scale, in a 10-m3 experimental chamber developed at the LMDC and used as a reactor. The interior walls of the chamber were equipped with painted plasterboards treated with photocatalytic coating (3 g/m2 of TiO2). Gas was continuously injected into the chamber according to a specific procedure: (1) pollutant injection at high flow rate to reach 200 ppb of NO, (2) pollutant injection at low flow rate in order to keep the NO concentration constant at 200 ± 10 ppb and (3) photocatalysis activation by switching on the light. Typical indoor lighting systems (fluorescent tubes, LED and halogen bulbs) were tested and UV fluorescent tubes were also used to optimise the photocatalytic efficiency. Results showed that NO indoor concentration was reduced by photocatalysis in real-world conditions. Significant NO degradation was obtained under visible light. In addition, using the experimental procedure presented in this paper, a new method for evaluating air depollution efficiency by photocatalysis at real scale is proposed.

ACS Style

Jivko Topalov; Julie Hot; Erick Ringot; Alexandra Bertron. In situ NO abatement by photocatalysis—study under continuous NO injection in a 10-m3 experimental chamber. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health 2018, 12, 229 -240.

AMA Style

Jivko Topalov, Julie Hot, Erick Ringot, Alexandra Bertron. In situ NO abatement by photocatalysis—study under continuous NO injection in a 10-m3 experimental chamber. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health. 2018; 12 (2):229-240.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jivko Topalov; Julie Hot; Erick Ringot; Alexandra Bertron. 2018. "In situ NO abatement by photocatalysis—study under continuous NO injection in a 10-m3 experimental chamber." Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health 12, no. 2: 229-240.

Conference paper
Published: 31 October 2018 in MATEC Web of Conferences
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Biodeterioration of cementitious materials in sewer networks is a major concern for health and economic reasons. Essentially, it is due to the biological oxidation of H2S into H2SO4 leading to a local progressive dissolution of the cementitious matrix and the precipitation of expansive products likely to provoke cracks. However, it is widely known that CAC has a better performance in such environments but the mechanisms are not very well understood. Nevertheless, previous studies focused mainly on measuring the mass loss of the specimens accompanied with little information on the chemical alteration of the cementitious matrix. This study aims to compare the performance of CAC and BFSC mortars in sewer conditions using laboratory test (BAC-test). Leaching kinetics were evaluated by concentrations measurements of cementitious cations in the leached solutions and of sulphate production by the microorganisms. Moreover, SEM observations coupled with EDS analyses allowed the identification of the chemical alteration of the cementitious matrix.

ACS Style

Amr Aboulela; Matthieu Peyre-Lavigne; Cédric Patapy; Alexandra Bertron. Evaluation of the resistance of CAC and BFSC mortars to biodegradation: laboratory test approach. MATEC Web of Conferences 2018, 199, 02004 .

AMA Style

Amr Aboulela, Matthieu Peyre-Lavigne, Cédric Patapy, Alexandra Bertron. Evaluation of the resistance of CAC and BFSC mortars to biodegradation: laboratory test approach. MATEC Web of Conferences. 2018; 199 ():02004.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Amr Aboulela; Matthieu Peyre-Lavigne; Cédric Patapy; Alexandra Bertron. 2018. "Evaluation of the resistance of CAC and BFSC mortars to biodegradation: laboratory test approach." MATEC Web of Conferences 199, no. : 02004.

Conference paper
Published: 31 October 2018 in MATEC Web of Conferences
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In biogas structures, concrete faces aggressive media during anaerobic digestion. Biological activities allow the conversion of organic matter into biogas, leading to a medium characterized by a variability of composition in time and space. In order to ensure the sustainability of this expanding industry, solutions for increasing concrete durability are needed. This study aims to analyse the deterioration mechanisms of different binders focusing on the impact of the binder nature on the medium (biochemical composition) during the digestion. Binders with favourable composition to chemically aggressive media were tested: slag cement (CEM III/B), calcium aluminate cement (CAC) and metakaolin-based alkaliactivated material (MKAA), and a reference binder: OPC (CEM I). They were exposed to three anaerobic digestion cycles in liquid phase in laboratory bioreactors. The organic acids and ammonium concentrations of the liquid phase were monitored by GC and HPIC. For OPC and slag cement pastes, the chemical and mineralogical changes were characterized by SEM/EDS and XRD. Locally, the presence of binder materials has an impact on the kinetics of the digestion reaction, and therefore on the quantities of gas produced. Ammonium concentrations were above the XA3 class range. Under the conditions explored, biodeterioration mainly led to the carbonation of cement pastes.

ACS Style

Marie Giroudon; Matthieu Peyre Lavigne; Cédric Patapy; Alexandra Bertron. Biodeterioration mechanisms and kinetics of SCM and aluminate based cements and AAM in the liquid phase of an anaerobic digestion. MATEC Web of Conferences 2018, 199, 02003 .

AMA Style

Marie Giroudon, Matthieu Peyre Lavigne, Cédric Patapy, Alexandra Bertron. Biodeterioration mechanisms and kinetics of SCM and aluminate based cements and AAM in the liquid phase of an anaerobic digestion. MATEC Web of Conferences. 2018; 199 ():02003.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marie Giroudon; Matthieu Peyre Lavigne; Cédric Patapy; Alexandra Bertron. 2018. "Biodeterioration mechanisms and kinetics of SCM and aluminate based cements and AAM in the liquid phase of an anaerobic digestion." MATEC Web of Conferences 199, no. : 02003.

Journal article
Published: 06 September 2018 in International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation
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The possible release of oxyanions, such as nitrate, from radioactive waste repositories may influence redox-conditions of the near field environment and thus promote mobility of some redox sensitive radionuclides. The fate of dissolved oxyanions will be significantly conditioned by microbial activities, if present in the aqueous interstitial phase of a waste cell. This study investigates microbial nitrate reduction in a cementitious environment. A consortium of microorganisms was used, an inoculum prepared with sediments collected from a former lime works site, characterized by a pH of pore water of 11–12. The biomass was acclimated to cement leachate supplemented with nitrate, acetate and yeast extract. According to experiments performed in closed and in dynamic systems, the microbial consortium was adapted to reduce nitrate and nitrite in a cementitious, anaerobic environment (pH 11, with and without hardened cement paste and leachate). Although, nitrite accumulation was observed in close system and temporally in dynamic system. The rate of nitrate reduction was between 0.12 and 0.75 mM/h with incoming nitrate concentrations between 6 and 48 mM, respectively. The microorganism diversity and the biofilm present on the hardened cement paste helped maintain microbial activity in all of the conditions simulating cementitious environments.

ACS Style

Nadège Durban; Yan Rafrafi; Athanasios Rizoulis; Achim Albrecht; Jean-Charles Robinet; Jonathan Lloyd; Alexandra Bertron; Benjamin Erable. Nitrate and nitrite reduction at high pH in a cementitious environment by a microbial microcosm. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 2018, 134, 93 -102.

AMA Style

Nadège Durban, Yan Rafrafi, Athanasios Rizoulis, Achim Albrecht, Jean-Charles Robinet, Jonathan Lloyd, Alexandra Bertron, Benjamin Erable. Nitrate and nitrite reduction at high pH in a cementitious environment by a microbial microcosm. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation. 2018; 134 ():93-102.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nadège Durban; Yan Rafrafi; Athanasios Rizoulis; Achim Albrecht; Jean-Charles Robinet; Jonathan Lloyd; Alexandra Bertron; Benjamin Erable. 2018. "Nitrate and nitrite reduction at high pH in a cementitious environment by a microbial microcosm." International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 134, no. : 93-102.