Search Results (1,321)

This study compared the effectiveness of the Sequencing Batch Biofilter Granular Reactor (SBBGR) plant with and without the integration of ozone (BIO-CHEM process) in the remediation of medium-aged landfill leachate. Special attention is given to the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a group of bioaccumulative and persistent pollutants. The findings highlight the high SBBGR performance under biological process only for key wastewater contaminants, with 82% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 86% for total nitrogen, and 98% for ammonia. Moderate removal was observed for total (TSS) and volatile (VSS) suspended solids (41% and 44%, respectively), while phosphorus and colour removal remained limited. Remarkably, the SBBGR process achieved complete removal of long-chain PFAS, while its performance declined for shorter-chain PFAS. BIO-CHEM process significantly improved COD (87.7%), TSS (84.6%), VSS (86.7%), and colour (92–96%) removal. Conversely, ozonation led to an unexpected increase in the concentrations of several PFAS in the effluent, suggesting ozone-induced desorption from the biomass. SBBGR treatment was characterised by a low specific sludge production (SSP) value, i.e., 5–6 times less than that of conventional biological processes. SSP was further reduced during the application of the BIO-CHEM process. A key finding of this study is a critical challenge for PFAS removal in this combined treatment approach, different from other ozone-based methods. Full article

In this study, we aimed to correlate embryonic ploidy status studied with non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy with the basic patient characteristics of the infertile couple to gain insight into the effects of parental physical health on embryo ploidy. We recruited 131 couples, who were stratified into 4 groups based on female age. We gathered general patient characteristics of the couple and determined the female’s hormonal status. We included 316 embryos in our study. Embryos were either transferred in the uterus in a fresh cycle or vitrified for later use. We collected spent embryo culture medium on either day 5 or 6 and performed whole genome amplification before using Next Generation Sequencing. Pregnancy outcomes were noted and cross-referenced with patient characteristics and the embryo’s ploidy status in a retrospective manner. While we have indirectly observed a level of maternal contamination, we nevertheless found a significant correlation between embryo ploidy status and cell free deoxyribonucleic acid concentration in spent embryo culture, as well a correlation between female age and embryo ploidy status. We observed a significant correlation between male body mass index and cell free deoxyribonucleic acid concentration in spent embryo culture medium and between male body mass index and pregnancy outcome. We illustrated a connection between male body mass index and cell free deoxyribonucleic acid, independent of female markers. This is the first study to observe not only female but male parameters in correlation to cell free deoxyribonucleic acid. Full article

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) has attracted considerable attention in the field of wastewater treatment due to its numerous advantages. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the key factors influencing AGS particle size, highlighting the varying degrees of impact exerted by different factors. Particle size is a critical determinant in several aspects, including the removal efficiency of emerging contaminants, the energy consumption associated with the long-term stable operation of the system, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Smaller particles enhance the removal efficiency of emerging contaminants due to their larger specific surface area and increased number of reaction sites. In contrast, larger particles often lack internal structural mechanisms, which can facilitate the growth of filamentous bacteria, thereby undermining granule stability. Moreover, smaller AGS particles are linked to decreased simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) efficiency, leading to increased GHG emissions. Consequently, the optimal size range for AGS is generally between 1.0 and 2.0 mm. Full article

Vertical containment barriers—critical for intercepting contaminant transport in subsurface environments—demand materials that balance low permeability with adequate strength, particularly in stress-sensitive mountainous terrain. Plastic concrete, as a key barrier material, provides essential properties, including exceptional stress relaxation, to suppress fracture development under compressive loads, coupled with effective seepage control. This study examines its strength performance through experiments on varied mixing techniques (dry, wet, and 24 h hydration), unconfined compression under uncontaminated conditions (water–binder ratios: 1.3–2.1, bentonite content: 20–30%, ages: 14–90 days), barium ion immersion (1–5 g/L, pH 7–11), and dry–wet cycling (10 cycles). Key findings demonstrate that (1) the strength of samples prepared by dry mixing and wet mixing is lower than that of samples mixed for 24 h, and all specimens met the target design strength following 28 days of curing; (2) under pollution-free conditions, strength decreases with higher water–binder ratios and bentonite content, showing a linear relationship. Strength increases exponentially with age; (3) in the presence of Ba²⁺, strength gradually decreases as Ba²⁺ concentration and pH increase, particularly notably at 3 g/L Ba²⁺ and pH 11. Strength increases with age, following a power relationship; (4) under dry–wet cycles, ion concentration has minimal impact on sample quality and surface state but significantly affects strength, with higher ion concentrations leading to greater strength loss and susceptibility to cycles; (5) during solution immersion, higher ion concentrations and pHs result in greater strength loss and worse erosion resistance. Full article

Background: The natural cosmetics market is expanding, and milk, valued for its biological properties and low toxicity, is gaining popularity as a cosmetic ingredient due to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. Mare’s milk, distinct from cow’s milk, offers superior microbiological quality and potential as a luxury product, though it remains underutilized in Poland’s cosmetics industry. This study examined the hygienic quality of mare’s milk and soaps derived from it. Methods: The study was conducted on a stud farm with twenty-five mares and two stallions of the Sztumski breed, under strict hygiene and feeding standards. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses of mare’s milk and the resulting soaps included assessments of nutrient content, microbiological testing, and challenge tests conducted in accordance with ISO 11930 to evaluate antimicrobial properties and product safety. Results: The milk showed high microbiological quality, low fat (0.64–0.96%) and protein (1.70%) content, and a high lactose level (6.61%). Most soap samples were free of microbial growth, demonstrating their hygienic status and effective production decontamination. Although some preservatives showed limited efficacy against specific microorganisms, three soap samples remained resistant to contamination throughout the 28-day challenge test. Conclusions: Overall, mare’s milk soaps proved safe and stable. Improvement of their formulation could further enhance their stability and competitiveness in the natural cosmetics market. Full article

Regenerating sweet potato from field-derived plant material requires careful management of several critical factors, including the effectiveness of the disinfectant, the age of the explant, and the genotype used. In this context, establishing a reliable aseptic protocol is essential for successful in vitro culture. This study aimed to assess the effects of two disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite and mercuric chloride), three sweet potato genotypes (Nakabo, Boyapleu, and Irene), and three explant ages (2, 3, and 4 weeks) on clean culture establishment and regeneration efficiency from nodal explants. The findings revealed that regeneration success is significantly influenced by the type and concentration of disinfectant, explant age, and genotype. Treatment with 10% sodium hypochlorite markedly reduced contamination, achieving clean culture and regeneration rates of 75.72 ± 3.36% and 86.83 ± 3.02%, respectively, regardless of explant age. In contrast, higher concentrations of mercuric chloride induced necrosis in the explants. The highest clean culture rate (93.82 ± 1.16%) was observed in 3-week-old explants, which also showed a regeneration rate of 54.93 ± 3.19%. Furthermore, the Boyapleu and Irene genotypes demonstrated good suitability for in vitro culture, whereas the Nakabo genotype performed poorly under the tested conditions. Full article

The existing literature suggests that exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) can increase Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC) risk by interfering with thyroid hormone signaling, leading to hormonal imbalances that promote carcinogenesis. In addition, significant disparities exist in environmental exposure. However, ecological evidence of these associations has not been established within a statewide database of cancer outcomes. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between socioeconomic conditions, environmental PFAS exposure, and PTC incidence in Florida using the state’s cancer registry. Data on facilities potentially releasing PFAS and ZIP codes with known PFAS drinking water contamination were retrieved from the EPA’s PFAS Analytic Tool. Proximity to PFAS sites and age-adjusted incidence by patient race/ethnicity were calculated by census tract. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with greater exposure to environmental PFAS. Census tracts with closer proximity to PFAS sites were more likely to have public water systems with PFAS contamination. Lastly, residential proximity to PFAS sites was positively associated with age-adjusted PTC incidence in Non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics. These results demonstrate disparities in environmental exposure and suggest that exposure to PFAS may be an important factor for PTC risk at the population level and should be considered in the development of public health policies. Full article

Background: Healthcare workers are exposed to an unhealthy environment that increases the risk of developing tuberculosis. Objective: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with tuberculosis among healthcare workers. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted using six databases. Methodological quality was assessed according to JBI recommendations. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed for reporting. Results: Thirty-two articles were included in the evidence synthesis. The prevalence of tuberculosis among healthcare workers was found to be 15.92% [95% CI 8.49–27.88|I² = 99% | p = 0]. Female sex was associated with 1.37 times higher odds of infection [95% CI 0.68–2.38, I² = 80%, p = 0.01]. Advanced age increased the odds by 1.47 times [95% CI 1.33–4.62, I² = 76%, p = 0.01]. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of tuberculosis in the workplace and the implementation of continuing education programs with preventive strategies are essential to control contamination and the spread of the disease: CRD42022320153. Full article

The observed increase in the diversity and level of pollutant content in the water environment forces the development of more effective technologies for their removal. Using nanomaterials in water and wastewater treatment offers numerous opportunities to remove organic and inorganic contaminants that are hardly removable in conventional processes. In this group, carbon-based nanomaterials, mainly carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene (Gr), and graphene oxide (GO), are very popular. This review aims to present the directions and diversity of applications of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) in water and wastewater technology, as well as the challenges and environmental dangers that new solutions entail. Authors also present the results of the research on the changes in properties of GO produced in the laboratory as water suspension and a freeze-dried product over time. The results confirm the significant influence of the form of graphene oxide and its storage time on the structural properties, hydrophilicity, and stability of GO. Therefore, they should be considered when selecting an adsorbent or reaction catalyst in environmental applications for developing new greener and sustainable methods of treatment and purification, which use fewer reagents and release safer products. Full article

Catalase is a pivotal antioxidant enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide and reduces oxidative stress. However, its low thermal and operational stability limits applications in challenging environments, particularly those contaminated with emerging pollutants such as polystyrene-based microplastics (PS-MPs). In this study, cryogels composed of Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-allyl glycidyl ether) [Poly(HEMA-co-AGE)] were synthesized and evaluated as immobilization matrices to enhance catalase stability. Cryogels containing varying AGE concentrations were characterized using FT-IR, SEM, TEM, TGA, and BET analyses. The formulation with 250 µL AGE exhibited optimal physicochemical properties, including improved water retention, increased surface area, and high immobilization capacity (356.3 mg·g⁻¹). Immobilized catalase maintained superior activity under PS-MP-induced stress across a range of concentrations (0–1.0 mg·mL⁻¹), temperatures (4–60 °C), and exposure times (up to 5 h). Kinetic modeling revealed a significant improvement in substrate affinity, with Km decreasing from 54.9 to 17.1 mM, while Vmax decreased moderately. Long-term stability tests showed that immobilized catalase retained ~80% activity after 70 days at 4 °C and 55% after 15 reuse cycles. Desorption studies confirmed the reusability of the cryogel system. These findings suggest that Poly(HEMA-co-AGE) cryogels provide a robust and reusable platform for catalase stabilization, offering potential for applications such as wastewater treatment and biosensing in microplastic-contaminated systems. Full article

Research is required to determine whether the coinfections by Fasciola spp. and other parasite species result from poor rural hygiene or reflect underlying epidemiological patterns and causes. Therefore, the role of fascioliasis is analyzed concerning coinfection complexity, risk of multiparasitism, parasite associations, pathogenic implications and their multifactorial causes. Helminth and protozoan coinfections are studied in 2575 previously untreated individuals from four rural hyperendemic areas (Northern Bolivian Altiplano, Peruvian Altiplano and Cajamarca valley, and the Egyptian Nile Delta). This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2011 to December 2023. Coinfections were coprologically assessed by the merthiolate–iodine–formalin and formol–ether concentration techniques. Infection intensity was measured as eggs/gram of feces (epg) with the Kato–Katz technique. Parasite and coinfection prevalences were stratified by age, sex and geographical location. High mixed infections, fascioliasis prevalences and very low non-coinfected Fasciola-infected subjects were associated with the following regions: Bolivian Altiplano, 96.5%, 16.8% and 3.5%; Peruvian Altiplano, 100%, 24.6% and 0%; Cajamarca valley, 98.7%, 21.4% and 1.8%; Nile Delta, 84.1%, 13.0% and 15.9%. Transmission routes and human infection sources underlie fascioliasis associations with protozoan and other helminth infections. Prevalence pattern of protozoan–helminth coinfections differed between Fasciola-infected individuals and individuals not infected with Fasciola, presenting higher prevalences in individuals with fascioliasis. Multiparasitism diagnosed in Fasciola-infected subjects included coinfections by up to nine parasite species, eight protozoan species, and five helminth species. The most prevalent pathogenic protozoan was Giardia intestinalis. The most prevalent helminth species differ according to environmental conditions. Several parasites indicate fecal environmental contamination. When the fascioliasis burden increases, the total number of parasite species also increases. The fascioliasis risk increases when the total helminth species number/host increases. Fasciola-infected subjects may present a modification in the clinical phenotypes of coinfecting parasitic diseases. Fascioliasis coinfection factors include transmission ways and immunological, environmental and social aspects. Coinfections must be considered when assessing the health impact of fascioliasis, including the analysis of the fascioliasis effects on malnutrition and physical/intellectual child development. Fascioliasis-control schemes should, therefore, integrate control measures mainly against other helminthiases. Full article

Soil co-contamination with antimony (Sb) and arsenic (As) presents significant ecological and human health risks, demanding effective stabilization solutions. This study evaluated iron–manganese-modified hydrochar (FMHC) for synergistic Sb-As stabilization in contaminated smelter soils. Through 60-day natural aging and 30 accelerated aging cycles, we assessed stabilization performance using toxicity leaching tests (acid/water/TCLP), bioavailable fraction analysis, bioaccessibility assessment, and Wenzel sequential extraction. The key findings reveal that FMHC (5 wt%) achieves durable stabilization: (1) leaching concentrations remained stable post-aging (Sb: 0.3–4.5 mg·L⁻¹, >70% stabilization; As: <0.4 mg·L⁻¹, >94% stabilization); (2) bioavailable fractions showed maximum reductions of 64% (Sb) and 53% (As), though with some fluctuation; and (3) bioaccessible As was consistently reduced (55–77%), while Sb exhibited greater variability (maximum 58% reduction). Speciation analysis revealed similar stabilization pathways: Sb stabilization resulted from decreased non-specifically and specifically adsorbed fractions, while As stabilization involved the reduction in non-specifically/specifically adsorbed and amorphous to poorly crystalline Fe/Al hydrous oxide-bound fractions. These transformation mechanisms explain FMHC’s superior performance in converting labile Sb/As into stable forms, offering a sustainable solution for the green remediation of Sb-As co-contaminated soils in mining areas. Full article

This paper presents the research results on the synthesis of rhenium catalysts MTO, Re₂O₇/Al₂O₃, and M-Re₂O₇/Al₂O₃ (where M = Ni, Ag, Co, Cu) from rhenium compounds (ammonium perrhenate, perrhenic acid, nickel(II) perrhenate, cobalt(II) perrhenate, zinc perrhenate, silver perrhenate, and copper(II) perrhenate) derived from waste materials. Methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) was obtained from silver perrhenate with a yield of over 80%, whereas when using nickel(II), cobalt(II), and zinc perrhenates, the product was contaminated with tin compounds and the yield did not exceed 17%. The Re₂O₇/Al₂O₃ and M-Re₂O₇/Al₂O₃ catalysts were obtained from the above-mentioned rhenium compounds. Alumina obtained in a calcination process of aluminum nitrate nonahydrate was used as a support. The catalysts were characterized in terms of their chemical and phase composition and physicochemical properties. Catalytic activity in model reactions, such as cyclohexene epoxidation and hex-1-ene homometathesis, was also studied. MTO obtained from silver perrhenate showed >70% activity in the epoxidation reaction, thus surpassing commercial MTO (1.0 mol% MTO, room temperature, and reaction time—2 h). Ag-Re₂O₇/Al₂O₃, Cu-Re₂O₇/Al₂O₃, and H-Re₂O₇/Al₂O₃ catalysts were inactive, while Co-Re₂O₇/Al₂O₃ and Ni-Re₂O₇/Al₂O₃ showed low activity (<43%) in the hex-1-ene homometathesis reaction. Only Re₂O₇/Al₂O₃ catalysts achieved >70% activity in this reaction (2.5 wt% Re, room temperature, and reaction time—2 h). The results indicate the potential of using rhenium compounds derived from waste materials to synthesize active catalysts for chemical processes. Full article

Lost circulation, a prevalent challenge in drilling engineering, poses significant risks including drilling fluid loss, wellbore instability, and environmental contamination. Conventional plugging materials often exhibit an inadequate performance under high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP), and complex formation conditions. To address that, this study developed a high-performance gel–resin composite plugging material resistant to HTHP environments. By optimizing the formulation of bisphenol-A epoxy resin (20%), hexamethylenetetramine (3%), and hydroxyethyl cellulose (1%), and incorporating fillers such as nano-silica and walnut shell particles, a controllable high-strength plugging system was constructed. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the structural stability of the resin, with an initial decomposition temperature of 220 °C and a compressive strength retention of 14.4 MPa after 45 days of aging at 140 °C. Rheological tests revealed shear-thinning behavior (initial viscosity: 300–350 mPa·s), with viscosity increasing marginally to 51 mPa·s after 10 h of stirring at ambient temperature, demonstrating superior pumpability. Experimental results indicated excellent adaptability of the system to drilling fluid contamination (compressive strength: 5.04 MPa at 20% dosage), high salinity (formation water salinity: 166.5 g/L), and elevated temperatures (140 °C). In pressure-bearing plugging tests, the resin achieved a breakthrough pressure of 15.19 MPa in wedge-shaped fractures (inlet: 7 mm/outlet: 5 mm) and a sand-packed tube sealing pressure of 11.25 MPa. Acid solubility tests further demonstrated outstanding degradability, with a 97.69% degradation rate after 24 h in 15% hydrochloric acid at 140 °C. This study provides an efficient, stable, and environmentally friendly solution for mitigating drilling fluid loss in complex formations, exhibiting significant potential for engineering applications. Full article

(1) Background: Dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs), characterized by high toxicity and strong lipophilicity, which promote their bioaccumulation in human tissues. Their detection in breast milk raises concerns about early-life exposure during lactation. Although dietary intake is the primary route of maternal exposure, environmental pathways—including inhalation, dermal absorption, and residential proximity to contaminated sites—may also significantly contribute to the maternal body burden. (2) Methods: This narrative review examined peer-reviewed studies investigating maternal and environmental determinants of dioxin and dl-PCB concentrations in human breast milk. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2000–2024), identifying a total of 325 records. Following eligibility screening and full-text assessment, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. (3) Results: The included studies consistently identified key exposure determinants, such as high consumption of animal-based foods (e.g., meat, fish, dairy), living near industrial facilities or waste sites, and maternal characteristics including age, parity, and body mass index (BMI). Substantial geographic variability was observed, with higher concentrations reported in regions affected by industrial activity, military pollution, or inadequate waste management. One longitudinal study from Japan demonstrated a declining trend in dioxin levels in breast milk, suggesting the potential effectiveness of regulatory interventions. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlight that maternal exposure to dioxins is influenced by identifiable environmental and behavioral factors, which can be mitigated through public health policies, targeted dietary guidance, and environmental remediation. Breast milk remains a critical bioindicator of human exposure. Harmonized, long-term research is needed to clarify health implications and minimize contaminant transfer to infants, particularly among vulnerable populations. Full article