Search Results (476)

This work reports the development of innovative enzyme–titanium nanobiohybrids synthesized via a protein-assisted approach to obtain efficient and sustainable photocatalysts for environmental remediation. By addressing the limitations of conventional TiO₂ nanoparticle synthesis, this strategy enables controlled material properties under milder, potentially scalable conditions for enhanced ROS-driven degradation of persistent dye pollutants. This work employs a bio-assisted synthesis approach using β-glucosidase as a protein scaffold, TiCl₄ as the titanium precursor, and H₂O₂ in bicarbonate buffer at room temperature, eliminating the need for harsh conditions and high temperatures. The biological moiety guides the nanoparticle formation, controlling size and morphology while preventing aggregation, all performed under mild conditions. X-ray diffraction determined that the Ti hybrid was composed of TiO₂ brookite species. TEM analyses demonstrated the formation of well-dispersed nanostructures of around 700 nm. The resulting nanobiohybrids showed excellent photocatalytic activity, achieving >99% Rhodamine B degradation under UV light in only 1 h compared to visible light. The catalyst was capable of degrading Rhodamine B at a concentration approximately 36 times above the recommended threshold for water. Furthermore, a preactivation of the catalyst by direct exposition of it to UV-395 nm light greatly enhanced the efficiency in the photocatalytic process, being inactive in visible light. The Ti–enzyme hybrid showed excellent recyclability over five consecutive cycles and retained good activity after storage, demonstrating its stability. This study introduces a sustainable and efficient route for synthesizing Ti-based nanobiohybrids, providing a promising strategy for advanced photocatalytic applications in water treatment and environmental remediation. Full article

Fresh Pleurotus pulmonarius is highly perishable during logistics because of its high water content, active respiration, and susceptibility to oxidative damage and membrane deterioration. This study optimized modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions and evaluated their effects on postharvest quality and membrane lipid stability under simulated logistics temperature fluctuations. Single-factor and orthogonal experiments were used to optimize the package gas composition, including O₂ and CO₂ concentrations, as well as the packaging film. The selected MAP treatment (5% O₂ + 20% CO₂ with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer film) was compared with the control during 3 d of simulated logistics at 25 °C followed by 2 d of cold storage at 4 °C. Compared with the control, MAP maintained higher sensory quality, reduced weight loss and browning, and preserved total phenolic and flavonoid contents. It also inhibited O₂^.− and malondialdehyde accumulation, enhanced superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities, and delayed ascorbic acid and glutathione depletion. Moreover, MAP reduced membrane permeability, suppressed lipase, lipoxygenase, and phospholipase D activities, delayed phospholipid degradation, and maintained higher unsaturated fatty acid levels, U/S, and IUFA. These results indicate that MAP delays postharvest deterioration of P. pulmonarius during the 5-day simulated logistics and cold storage period, partly by maintaining ROS homeostasis and membrane lipid stability. Full article

Many Greek islands host geothermal springs whose waters can be desalinated to produce drinking water. Some of these waters contain meaningful concentrations of the valuable Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ ions, which, when extracted from the desalination brine as RbCl and CsCl salts, can yield revenues exceeding the freshwater production costs. We demonstrate the use of reverse osmosis (RO) to produce freshwater and apply theoretical simulations to assess a proven extraction method applied to the RO retentate of geothermal water from Samothrace, characterized by [Rb⁺] = 2.72, [Cs⁺] = 0.55, [K⁺] = 514, [Na⁺] = 3759 (all in mg/L) and pH 6. The extraction method, developed by the authors, relies on ion exchange using a PES-coated Zn-hexacyanoferrate sorbent with high affinity for monovalent cations (no affinity for multi-valent cations), followed by a unique ion-chromatography separation. We show that the production cost remains <25% of the salts’ market price, with ROI of ~4.5 years. Full article

The oxidative potential (OP) of atmospheric particulate matter serves as an effective indicator for assessing the health risks posed by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Existing studies have mainly focused on conventional particulate matter including PM_2.5, whereas systematic investigations into the OP of road dust in coal–resource–based cities are still limited. Taking Huainan City, China as the study area, this paper explored the characteristics and influencing factors of OP in water–soluble fractions of road dust from different functional zones. The results indicated that the OP of water-soluble fractions in road dust from Huainan City was 0.162 ± 0.079 pmol/min/μg, with the value in the coal mining zone being significantly lower than that in the commercial and industrial zones. The average concentration of water–soluble organic carbon (WSOC) was 67.3 ± 59.4 mg/kg, with lower levels observed in the coal mining and power plant zones. WSOC was primarily dominated by fulvic acid–like (C1) and tryptophan–like (C2) components. C1 prevailed in coal mining, power plant, and other functional zones, whereas C2 was dominant in commercial, park and residential zones. Overall, the WSOC showed a mixed-source signature dominated by endogenous sources and characterized by a low degree of humification. The total concentration of water–soluble heavy metals in road dust was 43.46 mg/kg, dominated by Fe, Sr, Cu, Ba, and Mn, with relatively lower concentrations observed in the industrial and coal mining zones. The influencing factors of OP exhibited differentiation among functional zones: in industrial zones, it was regulated by As, Mn, TC (total carbon), WSOC and its fluorescent components, while in non-industrial zones, it was closely associated with Co, TC, and WSOC. These findings indicate that road dust toxicity and its key chemical drivers in coal mining and power plant zones of coal resource–based cities exhibit distinctive characteristics. This study provides a scientific basis for the precise management of road dust pollution and the prevention of associated health risks. Full article

Sewage sludge management is increasingly shifting from a liability-focused “treat-and-dispose” approach toward resource recovery, where digestion residues and their liquid fractions are treated as secondary feedstocks for nutrient, water, and energy recovery. In Europe, the recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive strengthens performance and monitoring requirements and reinforces the need for efficient sludge treatment and downstream valorization routes. This review synthesizes evidence on how pretreatment-induced changes in digestate properties translate into membrane performance outcomes and maps practical design implications for selecting pretreatment-membrane trains for nutrient recovery and reclaimed water production. Pressure-driven membrane methods (MF/UF/NF/RO), together with membrane distillation and electrodialysis, are central candidates for producing clarified water streams and concentrating nutrients; however, their performance is governed by digestate rheology, colloidal stability, and the composition of soluble microbial products and inorganic ions, which collectively shape fouling and scaling risks. Pretreatments such as thermal hydrolysis and microwave conditioning can modify floc structure and solubilize organics, with potential benefits for dewaterability and mass transfer, but can also shift particle size distributions toward fines and increase fouling propensity if not coupled with appropriate solid–liquid separation and conservative flux control. Emphasis is placed on mechanisms and operational trade-offs rather than single-point performance claims, highlighting where evidence is robust and where further comparability and full-scale validation remain necessary. Full article

Heavy metals such as copper and zinc serve as essential trace elements for photosynthetic organisms at appropriate concentrations. However, at elevated levels, these metals (along with non-essential metals like chromium, lead, mercury, and cadmium) exert severe toxic effects on aquatic life. Heavy metal toxicity primarily relates to oxidative damage in living systems through a direct increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction in cellular antioxidant capacity. Previous research on algae of different types with different coverings led us to complete the comparative framework. For this purpose and to assess biotechnological potential, we investigated chromium effects on Euglena gracilis, which possesses a unique pellicle covering, to determine whether it could serve as a chromium biosensor or bioremediation agent. Using Raman spectroscopy and absorption microspectrophotometry (MSP), we found that chromium concentrations of up to 500 μM had no effect on Euglena chlorophyll or carotenoid profiles, consistent with the pellicle preventing chromium entry and protecting the photosynthetic apparatus. However, concentrations > 10 μM severely inhibited growth through extracellular interference with essential nutrient utilization (ammonium phosphate and vitamin B₁₂). Growth inhibition was reversible upon transfer to fresh medium, confirming that cellular machinery remained intact. These results suggest that E. gracilis cannot serve as a chromium biosensor (photosynthetic apparatus unaffected) or bioremediation agent (no chromium internalization), but its ability to maintain photosynthetic functionality in chromium-contaminated environments suggests the potential for alternative applications in polluted water biomass production. Full article

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by oxidative stress and impaired skin barrier function. These pathological features contribute to persistent inflammation and symptom exacerbation, highlighting the need for therapies that can both reduce oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory pathways. Methods: Ulmus pumila Linné (Ulmi) was prepared via hot water extraction and tested for cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory effects in HaCaT keratinocytes stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). In vivo efficacy was assessed using a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD model in SKH-1 hairless mice. Bioactive compounds were identified using liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS), and molecular docking analysis was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of these compounds to aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). Results: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays confirmed that Ulmi was safe at concentrations up to 400 μg/mL. In TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells, Ulmi significantly upregulated ALDH2 expression in a dose-dependent manner and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The extract also suppressed pro-inflammatory mediators such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), while inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathways. In the AD mouse model, Ulmi treatment improved clinical skin scores, reduced epidermal thickness, and decreased inflammatory markers compared to untreated controls. LC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis identified eight bioactive compounds, with procyanidin B2, catechin, and epicatechin as major constituents. Molecular docking revealed that procyanidin B2 had the strongest binding affinity to ALDH2 (−9.5 kcal/mol). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that Ulmi effectively ameliorates AD-like symptoms through ALDH2-mediated antioxidant mechanisms and anti-inflammatory effects. The results suggest that Ulmi may serve as a promising natural therapeutic agent for the management of atopic dermatitis. Full article

Freshwater scarcity driven by population growth and industrial demand has increased reliance on desalination, where reverse osmosis (RO) is widely applied due to its high separation efficiency. Membrane performance is governed by the balance between water permeability and solute rejection, and attempts to improve this relationship have focused on incorporating nanomaterials to modify membrane structure and transport behavior. In this study, a computational investigation was carried out for thin-film composite (TFC) membranes incorporating graphene oxide–poly(amidoamine) (GO–PAMAM) within the polysulfone substrate to examine its influence on transport under RO conditions. A two-dimensional model was implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics by coupling the Laminar Flow and Transport of Diluted Species interfaces, while permeation across the membrane was described using a solution–diffusion framework parameterized by experimentally determined salt permeability coefficient. Variation in GO–PAMAM loading (0–0.10 wt%) was introduced through intrinsic permeability parameters, enabling direct comparison with experimental data. The simulations reproduced the observed trends, with the membrane containing 0.06 wt% GO–PAMAM showing higher salt rejection, increasing from 78.16% to 90.08% relative to the pristine membrane. The model predicted lower permeate-side solute concentration and a decrease in salt rejection along the membrane length. Model predictions agreed with experiments, with mean relative errors of 1.23% for salt rejection and 7.41% for water flux, demonstrating the ability of the model to capture transport behavior in GO–PAMAM-modified TFC membranes. Full article

Carbon dioxide emissions are a major concern for coal-fired power plants. A capture and utilization method is highly demanded. The wastewater generated by a power plant contains a high concentration of Na⁺. Using wastewater salts to absorb carbon dioxide for sodium carbonate production is a promising strategy, as it can achieve carbon capture and utilization and wastewater resource utilization. However, the salt concentration in raw wastewater from coal-fired power plants is generally insufficient to achieve sustainable carbon capture; thus, concentrating the Na⁺ in the wastewater is key. In this study, desulfurization wastewater was investigated as a source of salts. The reverse osmosis (RO) process was selected for salt concentration. As wastewater is significantly complex and unsuitable for direct RO treatment, pre-treatment was conducted. For chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, Fenton oxidation (49.7%) and electrochemical oxidation (49.3%) achieved better results than microelectrolysis (25.3%). Precipitation showed a strong ability to remove hardness. The removal efficiencies for Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ were 99.9% and 99.8%, respectively. It gave 8.6% COD removal as well. Additionally, 89.8% of ammonia was removed by stripping. To further decrease the pollutant concentrations, activated carbon was used for adsorption. RO then concentrated the pre-treated wastewater after nanofiltration. The final level of NaCl was 40.4 g/L after concentration. This was lower than that required to concentrate the water, which contained only NaCl. This is due to the presence of impurities left in the wastewater after pre-treatment. The study reveals that pre-treatment is essential to achieve the desired NaCl concentration in RO with the ultimate goal of CO₂ capture. Full article

The relevance of this study is determined by the need for a scientifically grounded assessment of environmental risks associated with rocket launches and by the necessity of ensuring environmental safety in areas potentially affected by space activities. Comprehensive monitoring of rocket-stage impact zones and adjacent populated areas is especially important because pollutant distribution depends on natural, climatic, and spatial factors. This study assesses the environmental impact of the “Soyuz-2.1a” launch with the “Progress MS-29” cargo spacecraft in Kazakhstan using integrated field monitoring, laboratory analysis, and geoinformation methods. The work should be interpreted as a single-event environmental monitoring assessment, while historical monitoring data from 2020–2023 were used only as a retrospective comparative background for the U-25 impact area and were not included in the main BACI statistical analysis. The study covered the launch site, adjacent populated areas, and the U-25 stage impact zone. A before–after control-impact (BACI) design with distance stratification and consideration of wind direction was applied to identify post-launch changes. Measurements below the limit of detection and limit of quantification were processed using censored-data methods, including Regression on Order Statistics (ROS) and the Kaplan–Meier estimator. Spatial analysis was used to generate concentration fields, contour maps, and risk zones, revealing an anisotropic distribution of environmental stress in the downwind sector. An integrated hazard quotient (HQ) metric was applied to compare air, water, and soil conditions on a unified scale. The results indicate that the post-launch impact was localized and time-limited, with the greatest sensitivity observed in the soil component of the U-25 zone during the early post-launch period. Atmospheric air and water indicators remained within regulatory limits in populated areas. The proposed approach combines BACI monitoring, censored-data analysis, spatial modeling, and GIS-based visualization, providing a reproducible framework for the environmental assessment of rocket-stage impact areas. The practical recommendations include staged post-launch monitoring, temporary restriction of access to high-stress zones, primary reclamation of contaminated soil, and the use of WebGIS tools to support environmental decision-making. Full article

Desalination by reverse osmosis (RO) of brackish water and seawater is a cost-competitive solution for supplying irrigation water in off-grid and water-stressed regions. This paper presents an experimental evaluation, thermodynamic analysis, and cost assessment of a solar photovoltaic brackish-water reverse osmosis (PV-BWRO) desalination system. Five feed salinity levels ranging from 993.6 to 3191.8 mg/L were tested. The results show that water production decreased with increasing feed salinity, from 3.29 m³/day at 24.6 mg/L to 1.48 m³/day at 152.9 mg/L. The calculated specific energy consumption values ranged from 1.80 to 3.61 kWh/m³ for solar irradiances of 1005.99 and 1018.47 W/m², respectively. An exergy analysis revealed that the solar panels and pump operated at efficiencies of 11.7% and 38.9%, while exergy destruction was mainly concentrated in the pretreatment stage (28.72%), membrane modules (42.5%), and reject stream (28.5%). Although the overall system efficiency remained low (maximum of 1.39%), the results highlight substantial potential for improvement through enhanced maintenance, optimized pretreatment, and exergy recovery strategies. The unit water production cost ranged from USD 0.49 at 993.6 mg/L to USD 1.87 at 3191.8 mg/L, assuming a target permeate total dissolved solids concentration of 500 mg/L. Full article

Background/Objectives: Achillea millefolium is a well-known medicinal plant recognized in several pharmacopeias, while the Balkan endemic species Achillea clypeolata lacks a pharmacopeial monograph and remains insufficiently studied despite its traditional use. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the phytochemical composition and biological potential of both species. Methods: Chemical composition was studied using UHPLC-MS/MS, HPLC, and FT-IR; anti-inflammatory potential was analyzed by erythrocyte membrane stabilization assay (heat- and hypotonicity-induced hemolysis); and enzyme-inhibitory activity was tested against collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase. In addition, antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and DCFDA assays; antimicrobial activity was determined using the broth microdilution method; and cytotoxic potential was investigated by the MTT assay. Results: The major constituents in water–ethanolic extracts were quinic acid derivatives, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins, with chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, cosmosiin, cynaroside, rutin, and hyperoside as dominant in both species. Extracts exhibited marked anti-inflammatory activity, where A. millefolium provided greater protection under heat-induced hemolysis, and both extracts showed comparable efficacy under osmotic stress. Concentration-dependent inhibition of collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase (concentration from 62.5 to 1000 µg/mL), along with significant antioxidant activity in ABTS and DPPH assays, was observed. In MRC-5 cells, the extracts reduced AAPH-induced ROS levels up to 50 µg/mL, while higher concentrations showed diminished effects. Moderate cytotoxicity was observed, with A. clypeolata displaying stronger effects at 50–100 µg/mL. Both Achillea species exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with pronounced effects against Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusions: The results support the traditional use of Achillea species and highlight A. clypeolata as a promising, yet underexplored, source of bioactive compounds for dermatological and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

The antimicrobial resistance crisis necessitates innovative systems for delivering oxidising agents. This study reports the development of a Carbopol^® 940 hydrogel functionalised with plasma-activated water (PAW) for the stabilisation and controlled release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). PAW was synthesised using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor with continuous flow of water. The hydrogel’s architecture was characterised via SEM and FTIR, revealing a self-organised nanoporous structure (~1433 nm) that acts as a chemical reservoir. This architecture resulted in 100% retention of O₃ and H₂O₂ for 90 min, significantly extending the biological activity window compared with liquid PAW, and maintaining therapeutic concentrations (3 ppm of H₂O₂) beyond 45 h. In vitro antibacterial potency against Escherichia coli was validated, yielding a clear 25 mm inhibition zone. Subsequently, a clinical proof-of-concept was conducted in a patient with a recalcitrant Wagner Grade 2 diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). The hydrogel as monotherapy—without systemic antibiotics—achieved complete infection remission and full wound closure within 60 days. While this n = 1 case demonstrates translational feasibility, further validation through an ongoing controlled clinical trial is required. In conclusion, the PAW–Carbopol^® 940 hydrogel is a disruptive, low-cost therapeutic platform that effectively eradicates infection and promotes tissue repair through oxidative eustress, positioning it as a sustainable alternative for the advanced management of complex chronic wounds and regenerative medicine. Full article

Ensuring the safety of sustainably managed medicinal plants is closely linked to the quality of plant raw materials, including the presence of heavy metals within safe limits. Sustainable management in the context of herbal raw materials therefore entails responsible management of herbal plant resources, integrating environmental protection with ensuring long-term economic profitability. The aim of this study was to analyze selected biochemical parameters and to determine metal concentrations in soils and leaves of Plantago lanceolata L. collected from natural habitats at increasing distances from traffic routes. The content of Zn, Cu, Ni, and Pb was determined in the soils and leaves of Plantago lanceolata L. Assessing the content of these elements in plant raw materials allows for: the prevention of harmful substances in final products, adaptation of raw materials to applicable safety standards (avoiding toxicity), and protection of consumer health. This promotes sustainable development by building a safe supply chain. The leaves of Plantago lanceolata L. were also tested for biochemical enzymatic (catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) and non-enzymatic (chlorophyll a and b (Chl a and b), carotenoids (Car), ascorbic acid (AAC)), and mechanisms regulating the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined in the leaves of Plantago lanceolata L. Based on the results of leaf pH, relative water content (RWC), ascorbic acid content, and total chlorophyll content, the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) was calculated. The distance from the road has a significant impact on the concentration of the heavy metals analyzed. The soils were found to be free of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Ni contamination. However, analysis of Plantago lanceolata L. leaves revealed exceedances of acceptable lead limits for herbal plants. The content of pigments, the ratio of Chl a/b, and Chl (a + b)/Car in the leaves of Plantago lanceolata L. was significantly dependent on the distance from the road. The activity of CAT and SOD in the leaves of Plantago lanceolata L. growing closest to the road was significantly higher compared to the others. APTI values suggest that Plantago lanceolata L. exhibits sensitivity to pollution, independent of its distance from the emission source. Full article

Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are widely applied in reuse facilities, but the management of RO concentrate remains a major sustainability challenge. Conventional brine disposal methods, such as deep well injection or evaporation ponds, are costly, energy intensive, and often ineffective at addressing the accumulation of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Bioelectrochemical systems, such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), offer a promising pathway for sustainable brine organic load management by simultaneously reducing organic load and recovering energy. In this study, a pilot-scale MFC system (Aquacycl BETT^®, Escondido, CA, USA, unit, 12 modular reactors) was evaluated for treatment of RO concentrate produced by a combined ultrafiltration and closed-circuit reverse osmosis pilot train at the San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility (San Jacinto, CA, USA). Operating with a 4-h hydraulic retention time, the MFC achieved an average chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 40% and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅) removal of 52%. Coulombic efficiency ranged from 2.8% to 15.5%, with an average energy recovery value of about 8.1 Wh per kg of COD removed. PFOS concentrations decreased by 36% across the MFC, and PFAS were not detected in the harvested anode biomass. The mechanism of PFOS attenuation (e.g., adsorption vs. transformation) was not directly evaluated. These findings highlight the potential of MFCs as a bioelectrochemical solution for sustainable water reuse RO brine management. Full article