Search Results (1,030)

This study, conducted in Mexico, evaluates the agricultural potential of three compost formulations BFS1, BFS2, and BFS3 produced from mining tailings and thermophilic microbial mats and collected from geothermal environments. The physicochemical characterization included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S), micronutrients (Fe, Zn, B, Cu, Mn, Mo, and Ni), organic matter (OM), and the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio. All composts exhibited neutral pH values (7.38–7.52), high OM content (38.5–48.4%), and optimal C/N ratios (10.5–13.9), indicating maturity and chemical stability. Nitrogen ranged from 19 to 21 kg·t⁻¹, while potassium and calcium were present in concentrations beneficial for crop development. However, EC values (3.43–3.66 dS/m) and boron levels (>160 ppm) were moderately high, requiring caution in saline soils or with boron-sensitive crops. A semi-quantitative Compost Quality Index (CQI) ranked BFS3 highest due to elevated OM and potassium content, followed by BFS1. BFS2, while rich in nitrogen, scored lower due to excessive boron. One-way ANOVA revealed no significant difference in nitrogen (p > 0.05), but it did reveal significant differences in potassium (p < 0.01) and boron (p < 0.001) among formulations. These results confirm the potential of mining tailings—microbial mat composts are low-cost, nutrient-rich biofertilizers. They are suitable for field crops or as components in nursery substrates, particularly when EC and boron are managed through dilution. This study promotes the circular reuse of geothermal and industrial residues and contributes to sustainable soil restoration practices in mining-affected regions through innovative composting strategies. Full article

Under normal conditions, the novel zinc blende beryllium oxide (zb BeO) exhibits in a metastable crystalline phase, which is less stable than its wurtzite counterpart. Ultrathin zb BeO epifilms have recently gained significant interest to create a wide range of advanced high-resolution, high-frequency, flexible, transparent, nano-electronic and nanophotonic modules. BeO-based ultraviolet photodetectors and biosensors are playing important roles in providing safety and efficiency to nuclear reactors for their optimum operations. In thermal management, BeO epifilms have also been used for many high-tech devices including medical equipment. Phonon characteristics of zb BeO at ambient and high-pressure P ≠ 0 GPa are required in the development of electronics that demand enhanced heat dissipation for improving heat sink performance to lower the operating temperature. Here, we have reported methodical simulations to comprehend P-dependent structural, phonon and thermodynamical properties by using a realistic rigid-ion model (RIM). Unlike zb ZnO, the study of the Grüneisen parameter γ(T) and thermal expansion coefficient α(T) in zb BeO has revealed atypical behavior. Possible reasons for such peculiar trends are attributed to the combined effect of the short bond length and strong localization of electron charge close to the small core size Be atom in BeO. Results of RIM calculations are compared/contrasted against the limited experimental and first-principle data. Full article

Zinc (Zn) deficiency poses a major global health challenge, and wheat grains generally contain low Zn concentrations. In this study, the wheat cultivar ‘Zhongmai 175’ was identified as zinc-efficient. Hydroponic experiments demonstrated that Zn deficiency induced the secretion of oxalic acid and malic acid in root exudates and significantly increased total root length in ‘Zhongmai 175’. To elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanisms, transcriptome profiling via RNA sequencing was conducted under Zn-deficient conditions. A total of 2287 and 1935 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in roots and shoots, respectively. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were primarily associated with Zn ion transport, homeostasis, transmembrane transport, and hormone signaling. Key DEGs belonged to gene families including VIT, NAS, DMAS, ZIP, tDT, HMA, and NAAT. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, particularly lignin synthesis genes, was significantly downregulated in Zn-deficient roots. In shoots, cysteine and methionine metabolism, along with plant hormone signal transduction, were the most enriched pathways. Notably, most DEGs in shoots were associated with the biosynthesis of phytosiderophores (MAs, NA) and ethylene. Overall, genes involved in Zn ion transport, phytosiderophore biosynthesis, dicarboxylate transport, and ethylene biosynthesis appear to play central roles in wheat’s adaptive response to Zn deficiency. These findings provide a valuable foundation for understanding the molecular basis of Zn efficiency in wheat and for breeding Zn-enriched varieties. Full article

Rouaite (Cu₂(OH)₃NO₃) long hexagonal multilayered nanoplates with high purity and high crystallinity were prepared from acidic reaction solution (pH = 4.4–4.8) with the assistance of ZnO. The ZnO-assisted strategy is remarkably different from the conventional synthetic protocol that was regularly carried out in alkaline solution (pH > 11). The rouaite multilayer nanoplates displayed exceptionally high catalytic activity in the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of Congo red (CR). The catalytic efficiency for CR decolorization achieved an impressive 96.3% in 50 min under near-neutral (pH = 6.76) and ambient conditions (T = 20 °C, p = 1 atm), without increasing the temperature and/or decreasing the pH value to acidic region (pH = 2–3) as is commonly employed in CWPO process for improved degradation efficiency. Full article

Foliar fertilization is an effective practice that improves both the yield and quality of maize, a crop with high and specific micronutrient demands. This study hypothesized that foliar application of Fe, Cu, Mn, Mo, Zn and B would improve grain size and quality in GS210 maize compared to the control. The single-factor field experiment was conducted in 2023–2024 on Haplic Cambisol (Eutric) soil, under a variety of meteorological conditions. The application of Zn and B fertilizers significantly increased the soil plant analysis development (SPAD) index. Yield components (number of grains per ear, thousand-grain weight) and grain yield increased significantly following Zn foliar application compared to the control. Zn application increased grain yield by 0.59 t ha⁻¹ and 0.49 t ha⁻¹ in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Smaller but beneficial effects were observed with Cu and B applications. In contrast, the effects of fertilization with other micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Mo) were less pronounced than anticipated. Biochemical analyses revealed that foliar fertilization with Fe, Cu and Mo increased total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, while Fe and Mo enhanced carotenoid accumulation, and Cu and B significantly influenced grain color parameters. The study highlights the potential of foliar fertilization to improve maize performance and grain quality, despite possible antagonisms between micronutrients. Full article

The sustainable utilization of solid waste is crucial for environmental protection. This work investigates the fabrication of foamed ceramics from Cr slag and municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash, focusing on the effects of three inhibitors—NH₂SO₃H, ZnO·TiO₂, and (NH₄)₂HPO₄—on material properties and Cr leaching behavior. Experimental analysis, chemical thermodynamic calculations, and material characterization were all employed. Results show that the prepared foamed ceramics meet the JG/T 511-2017 standard for building materials, exhibiting excellent physical properties but significant Cr leaching. Among the inhibitors, (NH₄)₂HPO₄ with a molar ratio of n(P)/n(Cr) = 1 shows the best performance, achieving a bulk density of 205 kg/m³, compressive strength of 0.850 MPa, Cr leaching concentration of 188 μg/L, and a 70.0% of Cr leaching inhibition rate. The improvement is attributed to the AlPO₄ formation that enhancing the strength, and Ca₂P₂O₇ that stabilizing Cr during sintering. This work provides a feasible method for the safe resource utilization of Cr-containing waste. Full article

This study demonstrated the successful recovery of zinc, lead, and copper collective concentrates from historical metal-bearing mine tailings (sulfide–polymetallic ore with a composition of 7.38% Zn, 1.45% Pb, and 0.49% Cu) using froth flotation techniques, which were originally developed during uranium ore mining. Froth flotation techniques were used to justify suitability for recovering metals. The effects of a dosage of the foaming agent Polyethylene glycol (PEG 600) at 50 and 100 g t⁻¹, collector types Aerophine 3418A (AERO), Danafloat 067 (DF), and potassium ethyl xanthate (KEX) at 50 and 80 g t⁻¹, and a suspension density of 300 and 500 g L⁻¹ on froth flotation collective concentrates were investigated. The final collective concentrate achieved recoveries exceeding 91% for lead (Pb), 88% for copper (Cu), and 87% for zinc (Zn). The obtained concentrates were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF), while selected samples were further examined via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The resulting sulfide concentrates can subsequently be treated using suitable hydrometallurgical techniques. The application of these concentrates in metal production would help reduce the environmental burden of mining activities. Full article

Afforestation with Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica in northern China is hindered by soil degradation. This study evaluated a ternary amendment combining sewage sludge (SS), cattle manure (CM), and maize straw (MS) to rehabilitate degraded sandy soils in the Horqin Sandy Land. Five treatments were tested: control (CK), SS (T1), SS + CM (T2), SS+MS (T3), and SS + CM + MS (T4). The ternary amendment (T4) achieved optimal outcomes: soil pH decreased from 8.02 to 7.79, organic carbon increased 2.5–fold, and total nitrogen (127%) and phosphorus (87.5%) were enhanced compared to CK. Pinus sylvestris exhibited a 65.6% greater basal diameter and 29.5% height increase under T4, while heavy metal concentrations (Cd: −54.6%, Cu: −35.1%, Pb: −12.2% and Zn: −27.6%) were reduced. These findings highlight a synergistic waste valorization strategy for dryland afforestation, balancing soil fertility improvement with ecological safety. Future studies should prioritize long-term microbial community dynamics and field-scale validation. Full article

This study assessed the environmental risks and regional variations associated with using titanium gypsum in road construction. It revealed that the conventional HJ/T299-2007 leaching method underestimates heavy metal leaching rates from titanium gypsum by approximately 1%, potentially leading to an underestimation of environmental risks. Further analysis indicated that Pb, Ni, As, Cd, and Zn leach from titanium gypsum road materials to varying extents, while Mn poses a notable exceedance risk with an 11% probability of surpassing limits and a maximum exceedance factor of 1.8. Significant disparities in regulatory thresholds for titanium gypsum pollutants were observed among 11 provinces along the Yangtze River, with the highest threshold (Qinghai) nearly five times greater than the lowest (Jiangxi). Rainfall was identified as a key contributor to these regional differences. The findings suggest that traditional assessment methods underestimate titanium gypsum risks and highlight the need for enhanced national solid waste evaluation frameworks. Additionally, given the substantial regional risk variations, differentiated management strategies are recommended. Full article

Background: The early detection of type 1 diabetes (T1D) through screening for major islet autoantibodies is receiving increasing attention as a public health strategy, exemplified by the recent implementation of a pilot pediatric screening program in Italy. The transition from research-based screening to large-scale population initiatives needs automated and standardized assays that are capable of processing extensive sample volumes. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the analytical performance and comparability of a fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) compared to a conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of three classes of major islet antibodies—anti-GAD (GADA), anti-IA-2 (IA-2A), and anti-ZnT8 (ZnT8A). Methods: A total of 104 serum specimens were analyzed for each autoantibody using both ELISA (RSR and Medyzim, DYNES, DSX) and CLIA (MAGLUMI 800). Assay precision and linearity were assessed through intra-assay variability studies and dilution protocols. Methods agreement was evaluated with Passing–Bablok regression, Spearman’s correlation, Bland–Altman analysis, and Cohen’s kappa statistics. Results: The CLIA showed good precision and excellent linearity across clinically relevant concentration ranges of all islet antibodies. Correlation coefficients and categorical agreement between CLIA and ELISA were high (r > 0.96 and Cohen’s kappa >0.8 for all), with ZnT8A exhibiting the highest concordance. However, proportional biases were found, as CLIA systematically underestimated GADA and ZnT8A levels, while overestimated IA-2A compared to the ELISA. Conclusions: The CLIA displayed satisfactory precision and agreement with ELISA for GADA, IA-2A, and ZnT8A detection. Our findings support the use of these automated immunoassays in large-scale population initiatives for diagnosing T1D, but we also highlight the need for further efforts to achieve better inter-assay harmonization. Full article

The new mineral achyrophanite (K,Na)₃(Fe³⁺,Ti,Al,Mg)₅O₂(AsO₄)₅ was found in high-temperature sublimates of the Arsenatnaya fumarole at the Second scoria cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. It is associated with aphthitalite-group sulfates, hematite, alluaudite-group arsenates (badalovite, calciojohillerite, johillerite, nickenichite, hatertite, and khrenovite), ozerovaite, pansnerite, arsenatrotitanite, yurmarinite, svabite, tilasite, katiarsite, yurgensonite, As-bearing sanidine, anhydrite, rutile, cassiterite, and pseudobrookite. Achyrophanite occurs as long-prismatic to acicular or, rarer, tabular crystals up to 0.02 × 0.2 × 1.5 mm, which form parallel, radiating, bush-like, or chaotic aggregates up to 3 mm across. It is transparent, straw-yellow to golden yellow, with strong vitreous luster. The mineral is brittle, with (001) perfect cleavage. D_calc is 3.814 g cm^–3. Achyrophanite is optically biaxial (+), α = 1.823(7), β = 1.840(7), γ = 1.895(7) (589 nm), 2V (meas.) = 60(10)°. Chemical composition (wt.%, electron microprobe) is: Na₂O 3.68, K₂O 9.32, CaO 0.38, MgO 1.37, MnO 0.08, CuO 0.82, ZnO 0.48, Al₂O₃ 2.09, Fe₂O₃ 20.42, SiO₂ 0.12, TiO₂ 7.35, P₂O₅ 0.14, V₂O₅ 0.33, As₂O₅ 51.88, SO₃ 1.04, and total 99.40. The empirical formula calculated based on 22 O apfu is Na_1.29K_2.15Ca_0.07Mg_0.34Mn_0.01Cu_0.11Zn_0.06Al_0.44Fe³⁺_2.77Ti_1.00Si_0.02P_0.02S_0.14V_0.04As_4.90O₂₂. Achyrophanite is orthorhombic, space group P222₁, a = 6.5824(2), b = 13.2488(4), c = 10.7613(3) Å, V = 938.48(5) ų and Z = 2. The strongest reflections of the PXRD pattern [d,Å(I)(hkl)] are 5.615(59)(101), 4.174(42)(022), 3.669(31)(130), 3.148(33)(103), 2.852(43)(141), 2.814(100)(042, 202), 2.689(29)(004), and 2.237(28)(152). The crystal structure of achyrophanite (solved from single-crystal XRD data, R = 4.47%) is unique. It is based on the octahedral-tetrahedral M-T-O pseudo-framework (M = Fe³⁺ with admixed Ti, Al, Mg, Na; T = As⁵⁺). Large-cation A sites (A = K, Na) are located in the channels of the pseudo-framework. The achyrophanite structure can be described as stuffed, with the defect heteropolyhedral pseudo-framework derivative of the orthorhombic Fe³⁺AsO₄ archetype. The mineral is named from the Greek άχυρον, straw, and φαίνομαι, to appear, in allusion to its typical straw-yellow color and long prismatic habit of crystals. Full article

Both ZnO and BeO semiconductors crystallize in the hexagonal wurtzite (wz), cubic rock salt (rs), and zinc-blende (zb) phases, depending upon their growth conditions. Low-dimensional heterostructures ZnO/Be_xZn_1-xO and Be_xZn_1-xO ternary alloy-based devices have recently gained substantial interest to design/improve the operations of highly efficient and flexible nano- and micro-electronics. Attempts are being made to engineer different electronic devices to cover light emission over a wide range of wavelengths to meet the growing industrial needs in photonics, energy harvesting, and biomedical applications. For zb materials, both experimental and theoretical studies of lattice dynamics ${\mathsf{\omega }}_{\mathrm{j}}\left(\overrightarrow{\mathrm{q}}\right)$ have played crucial roles for understanding their optical and electronic properties. Except for zb ZnO, inelastic neutron scattering measurement of ${\mathsf{\omega }}_{\mathrm{j}}\left(\overrightarrow{\mathrm{q}}\right)$ for BeO is still lacking. For the Be_xZn_1-xO ternary alloys, no experimental and/or theoretical studies exist for comprehending their structural, vibrational, and thermodynamical traits (e.g., Debye temperature ${\mathsf{\Theta }}_{\mathrm{D}}\left(\mathrm{T}\right);$ specific heat ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{v}}\left(\mathrm{T}\right))$. By adopting a realistic rigid-ion model, we have meticulously simulated the results of lattice dynamics, and thermodynamic properties for both the binary zb ZnO, BeO and ternary Be_xZn_1-xO alloys. The theoretical results are compared/contrasted against the limited experimental data and/or ab initio calculations. We strongly feel that the phonon/thermodynamic features reported here will encourage spectroscopists to perform similar measurements and check our theoretical conjectures. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital staple food and an important source of energy and macro- and micronutrients for billions of people. However, rice can accumulate undesirable levels of toxic trace elements, especially inorganic arsenic, which may pose a health risk. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of 29 essential and toxic elements and the fractions of four As species in 58 rice samples purchased in Croatian supermarkets. In addition, the influence of rice variety, cultivation methods, and origin on the composition of trace elements was analysed. The elements were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and As species were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with ICP-MS. Organic brown rice had higher concentrations of essential trace elements (Se, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Co, Cr) than white rice, with organic brown rice containing more essential elements than conventionally grown rice. The average total arsenic concentration (tAs) across all samples was 142 ± 57 µg/kg, with brown, conventionally grown rice containing a higher amount. Arsenite was the predominant arsenic species. Regional differences in As and Se concentrations were observed. These results emphasize the complex relationship between trace elements in rice and their potential impacts on health. Full article

Recently, a new class of materials with very high porosity and ultra-lightweight, namely, semiconductor aero-materials, has attracted the attention of many researchers. Semiconductor aero-materials, due to their special properties, can be used in the development of devices applied in biomedical, electronics, optoelectronic, energy conversion and storage, sensors, biosensors, catalysis, automotive, and aeronautic industries. Although aero-materials and aerogels are similar, different methods of obtaining them are used. Aerogels are synthesized from organic, inorganic, or hybrid precursors, the main characteristic being that they are gel-like solids with a high air content (99.9%) in the structure. Thus, three-dimensional (3D) interconnected porous network chains are formed, resulting in light solid-state structures with very high porosity due to the large number of air pores in the network. On the other hand, to obtain aero-materials with controlled properties such as morphology, shape, or the formation of 3D hollow structures, sacrificial templates are used. Thus, sacrificial structures (which can be easily removed) can be obtained depending on the morphology of the 3D structure to be obtained. Therefore, this review paper offers a comprehensive coverage of the synthesis methods of different types of semiconductor aero-materials that use ZnO tetrapod, ZnO(T), as a sacrificial template, related to the present and future perspectives. These ZnO(T) sacrificial substrates offer several advantages, including diverse synthesis processes and easy removal methods that occur simultaneously with the growth of the desired aero-materials. Full article

This study introduces a novel in situ pulsed current-assisted resistance spot welding method, which differs fundamentally from conventional post-weld heat treatments and is designed to enhance the mechanical performance of 7075-T651 aluminum alloy joints. Immediately after welding, a short-duration pulsed current is applied while the weld remains in a high excess-vacancy state, effectively accelerating precipitation reactions within the weld region. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations reveal that pulsed current treatment promotes the formation of band-like solute clusters, indicating a significant acceleration of the early-stage precipitation process. Interestingly, the formation of quasicrystalline phases—rare in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy systems—is incidentally observed at grain boundaries, exhibiting characteristic fivefold symmetry. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns further show that these quasicrystals undergo partial dissolution under the influence of the pulsed current, transforming into short-range ordered cluster-like structures. Lap shear tests demonstrate that joints treated with pulsed current exhibit significantly higher peak load and energy absorption compared to untreated specimens. Statistical analysis of weld size confirms that both groups possess comparable weld diameters under identical welding currents, suggesting that the observed mechanical improvements are primarily attributed to microstructural evolution rather than geometric factors. Full article