Search Results (96)

Due to its lightweight and superior adsorption properties, carbon foam is frequently employed for the removal of heavy metal pollutants from aqueous solutions. In this study, a novel modified carbon foam (M-CF) was successfully synthesized for the effective removal of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ from water. The synthesis involved partially substituting phenol with the liquefaction product of bamboo powder, followed by modification with a silane coupling agent (KH560) and foaming with n-hexane-loaded activated carbon (H/AC). The prepared carbon foam was comprehensively characterized, and its adsorption performance and mechanism for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in aqueous solution were investigated. The results showed that M-CF possessed a uniform and well-developed spherical pore structure and demonstrated excellent removal capacity for Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺. The adsorption process conformed to the Sips isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation, with maximum adsorption capacities of 22.15 mg·g⁻¹ and 61.59 mg·g⁻¹ for Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺, respectively. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the removal of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ was a result of the synergistic effect of physisorption and chemisorption, accompanied by complexation. Furthermore, precipitates formed during the adsorption process were found to be mainly composed of hydroxides, carbonates, and PbS. This research demonstrates the efficacy of carbon foam prepared from bamboo powder waste as a partial phenol substitute for the efficient removal of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ from water, thus expanding the preparation pathways for novel heavy metal adsorption materials. Full article

Hydrogen energy as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels necessitates the development of cost-effective and efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). While transition metal sulfides have shown promise, their practical application is hindered by insufficient active sites, poor conductivity, and suboptimal hydrogen adsorption kinetics. Herein, we present a heterointerface engineering strategy to construct Co₉S₈/FeCoS₂ heterojunctions anchored on bamboo fiber-derived nitrogen-doped porous carbon (Co₉S₈/FeCoS₂/BFPC) through hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent carbonization. BFPC carbon quasi-aerogel support not only offers a high surface area and conductive pathways but also enables uniform dispersion of active sites through nitrogen doping, which simultaneously optimizes electron transfer and mass transport. Experimental results demonstrate exceptional HER performance in alkaline media, achieving a low overpotential of 86.6 mV at 10 mA cm⁻², a Tafel slope of 68.87 mV dec⁻¹, and remarkable stability over 73 h of continuous operation. This work highlights the dual advantages of heterointerface design and carbon substrate functionalization, providing a scalable template for developing noble metal-free electrocatalysts for energy conversion technologies. Full article

Surface mining activities cause severe disruption to ecosystems, resulting in the substantial destruction of surface vegetation, the loss of soil organic carbon stocks, and a decrease in the ecosystem’s ability to sequester carbon. The ecological restoration of mining areas has been found to significantly enhance the carbon storage capacity of ecosystems. This study evaluated ecological restoration strategies in Chongqing’s Tongluo Mountain mining area by integrating GF-6 satellite multispectral data (2 m panchromatic/8 m multispectral resolution) with ground surveys across 45 quadrats to develop a quadratic regression model based on vegetation indices and the field-measured biomass. The methodology quantified carbon storage variations among engineered restoration (ER), natural recovery (NR), and unmanaged sites (CWR) while identifying optimal vegetation configurations for karst ecosystems. The methodology combined the high-spatial-resolution satellite imagery for large-scale vegetation mapping with field-measured biomass calibration to enhance the quantitative accuracy, enabling an efficient carbon storage assessment across heterogeneous landscapes. This hybrid approach overcame the limitations of traditional plot-based methods by providing spatially explicit, cost-effective monitoring solutions for mining ecosystems. The results demonstrate that engineered restoration significantly enhances carbon sequestration, with the aboveground vegetation biomass reaching 5.07 ± 1.05 tC/ha, a value 21% higher than in natural recovery areas (4.18 ± 0.23 tC/ha) and 189% greater than at unmanaged sites (1.75 ± 1.03 tC/ha). In areas subjected to engineered restoration, both the vegetation and soil carbon storage showed an upward trend, with soil carbon sequestration being the primary form, contributing to 81% of the total carbon storage, and with engineered restoration areas exceeding natural recovery and unmanaged zones by 17.6% and 106%, respectively, in terms of their soil carbon density (40.41 ± 9.99 tC/ha). Significant variations in the carbon sequestration capacity were observed across vegetation types. Bamboo forests exhibited the highest carbon density (25.8 tC/ha), followed by tree forests (2.54 ± 0.53 tC/ha), while grasslands showed the lowest values (0.88 ± 0.52 tC/ha). For future restoration initiatives, it is advisable to select suitable vegetation types based on the local dominant species for a comprehensive approach. Full article

Natural and planted forests differentially regulate soil quality through vegetation–soil interactions. The effects of four types of planting covers on soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and microbial communities in the Guangxi Camellia nitidissima National Nature Reserve were studied, revealing the multi-dimensional influences of natural (broadleaf, shrubland) and planted forests (bamboo, pine) on soil quality. Surface soils (0–10 cm depth) were characterized for physicochemical properties (pH, TC, TN, NO₃⁻-N, AP), enzyme activities (α-amylase, urease, phosphatase, β-glucosidase), and microbial composition (using 16S rRNA and ITS region sequencing). Mantel tests and PLS–PM modeling were employed to investigate interactions among vegetation, soil variables, and microbes. Natural forests exhibited higher pH, nitrate nitrogen, and enzymatic activities (urease, phosphatase, β-glucosidase) alongside enhanced carbon–nitrogen accumulation and reduced acidification. Planted forests showed elevated available phosphorus and nutrient supply but lower organic matter retention. Microbial communities displayed higher similarity within natural forests, with fungal composition strongly linked to total carbon/nitrogen (p < 0.05). Vegetation type positively influenced bacterial diversity but negatively affected fungal communities. Natural forests maintained critical soil–microbe–plant interactions supporting ecosystem resilience through carbon–nitrogen cycling, while planted forests fostered divergent microbial functionality despite short-term nutrient benefits. These findings underscore natural forests’ unique role in preserving ecological stability and reveal fundamental limitations of artificial systems in mimicking microbially-mediated biogeochemical processes. Conservation policy should prioritize the protection of natural forests while simultaneously integrating microbial community management with vegetation restoration efforts to enhance long-term ecosystem functionality and nutrient cycling efficiency. Full article

Root interactions are crucial in regulating soil microbial metabolism and plant nutrient allocation strategies, especially in mixed plantings. However, the effects of mixed planting and direct root contact on soil properties and plant nutrient allocation remain unclear. Thus, we established potted plants with Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) and Phoebe chekiangensis and created a physical barrier to the root system without blocking chemical communication using four treatments: mixed planting with root segregation (MT), mixed planting without root segregation (MS), pure Moso bamboo with root segregation (BT), and pure Moso bamboo without root segregation (BS). We investigated changes in soil and Moso bamboo nutrient content, soil enzyme activity, and microbial metabolic limitation. The results show that mixed planting and root segregation significantly affected soil and plant nutrient content and soil enzyme activities. Compared to the two pure Moso bamboo treatments, mixed planting increased microbial carbon limitation but decreased microbial nitrogen limitation. Physical segregation between roots increased microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) compared to no segregation. Random forest analyses revealed that the best predictors of soil C and N limitations and CUE were microbial biomass and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), respectively. Partial least squares path modeling indicated that mixed planting and root separation, directly and indirectly, affected soil microbial metabolic limitation through their effects on soil nutrients, microbial biomass, and enzyme activities. Carbon limitation significantly increased plant nutrient contents. Our study provides further insights into factors influencing nutrient limitation, CUE, and plant nutrient allocation strategies in mixed Moso bamboo plantations. Full article

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) and the circular economy can address the growing challenge of managing wood-based waste in the context of sustainability. This research explores pyrolysis as an effective method for converting wood-based waste, i.e., bamboo flooring (BF) and high-density fiberboard floor panels (HDF), into valuable products, particularly char. Char samples were activated through two distinct methods: (1) thermal activation at 700 and 850 °C and (2) chemical activation with KOH. Analytical techniques, including elemental and heavy metals analysis, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM were used to assess the chemical composition and surface characteristics of the produced chars. Elemental analysis showed a notable rise in the amount of carbon to 81% and 75% in BF and HDF, respectively. The nitrogen content was relatively high in HDF at 5.12%. Heavy metals analysis revealed total metal contents ranging from 3632 to 9494 ppm in BF chars and 1717 to 7426 ppm in HDF chars. Raman spectra exhibited characteristic D and G bands, with I_D/I_G ratios of 0.83 for BF and 0.85 for HDF after activation. SEM and TEM analyses revealed heterogeneous porous structures with dominant carbon elements. The high carbon content, low toxicity, and advantageous elemental composition of the chars make them suitable for environmental applications. Full article

Activated carbon used to adsorb organic pollutants and heavy metals in wastewater is often used to prepare precursor materials to avoid re-polluting the environment. Non-precious metal and heteroatom co-doped electrocatalysts have emerged as promising alternatives to Pt-based catalysts due to their high catalytic activity and remarkable stability. This has greatly developed the ORR process in the field of energy storage, which is restricted due to the high price of Pt-based catalysts. In this study, bamboo shavings were pre-activated to synthesize carbon materials, which were subsequently mixed with an oil phase to simulate “waste-activated carbon”. The results demonstrate that the modified waste-activated carbon exhibits a high specific surface area, a well-developed porous structure, and characteristic element doping, which collectively contribute to the effective construction of active sites. Furthermore, the material displays ORR electrocatalytic performance that surpasses that of commercial Pt/C catalysts. In this study, a high-performance ORR electrocatalyst was successfully synthesized through the retreatment of “waste-activated carbon”. Building on this achievement, this study offers a novel perspective and contributes to advancing research on the resource utilization and sustainable treatment of waste-activated carbon. Full article

In recent decades, much of China’s farmland has been transformed into forests due to the Conversion of Farmland to Forests and Grasses Project. While past research has mainly examined soil nutrients and water conservation, less attention has been given to soil microbial communities. This study examined the effects of converting farmland to forests of Pleioblastus amarus (PA), Populus deltoides (PD), or Zanthoxylum bungeanum (ZB) on the soil physiochemical properties, enzymes, and microbial communities, using abandoned land (AL) as the control, over a period of five years. The results showed that PA increased the soil organic carbon (SOC) content, although not significantly, while significantly boosting the C:N and C:P ratios and urease activity compared to the AL. PD notably reduced the amylase and cellulase activities, as well as the fungal Shannon index. Additionally, the beta diversity of both the bacterial and fungal communities in the PA stand was clearly distinct from that of the AL and the other tree species. The SOC content, total potassium content, and cellulase activity showed significant correlations with bacterial communities. Moreover, the bacterial community changes in the PD and ZB stands were mainly driven by the genera Steroidobacter, Roseisolibacter, and Serendipita, and were negatively correlated with the SOC content, C:N and C:P ratios, and cellulase activity. In contrast, the fungal community changes in the PA stand were primarily influenced by the order Capnodiales, family Capnodiaceae, genus Chaetocapnodium, and species Chaetocapnodium philippinense, which were positively correlated with the soil pH, C:N and C:P ratios, and cellulase activity. Furthermore, “Metabolism” was identified as the primary bacterial function, and converting farmland to forest altered the fungal nutritional type from Saprotroph to Pathotroph–Saprotroph–Symbiotroph, particularly in the PA stand. These findings indicate that converting farmland to forest, particularly with bamboo P. amarus, significantly impacts the bacterial and fungal communities in the soil and changes the fungal trophic type due to the carbon source and cellulase activity of this tree species. Full article

Purifying biogas by removing contaminants and carbon dioxide (CO₂) to produce biomethane enhances its energy content, making it suitable as fuel and for injection into natural gas grids. Bamboo-derived adsorbents Bamboo-500 (pyrolyzed at 500 °C), Bamboo-700 (pyrolyzed at 700 °C), and Bamboo-A-900 (activated with CO₂ at 900 °C) were synthesized and characterized to evaluate their performance for CO₂ and CH₄ adsorption. Increasing pyrolysis temperature from 500 °C to 700 °C and further CO₂ activation at 900 °C enhanced adsorption capacities of CO₂ and CH₄ due to improved surface area and micropore structure. In this study, the novel Approximate Adsorption Performance Indicator (AAPI) approach is introduced, offering an efficient method for evaluating adsorbent performance, particularly in biogas upgrading. AAPI results suggest Bamboo-500 is suitable for biogas upgrading at very low pressures (<0.12 MPa) with low regeneration energy and acceptable CO₂ capacity (1.9 ± 0.2 mol kg⁻¹). However, Bamboo-A-900 excelled at medium and high pressures by its highest CO₂ adsorption capacity (8.0 ± 0.3 mol kg⁻¹) promoted by the high surface area (1220 m²g⁻¹) and calcium oxide presence. Finally, Bamboo-A-900 shows promise for enhancing CO₂ adsorption and biogas upgrading. Bamboo-derived adsorbents offer a sustainable solution for biogas upgrading, supporting Sustainable Development Goals by promoting clean energy transitions. Full article

Adsorbents derived from bamboo, such as biochar, charcoal, activated carbon, and chemically modified bamboo, are recognized for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness in removing heavy metals from water. Despite this, there remains a gap in applying bamboo-based adsorbents for treating heavy metal-contaminated water sources, particularly regarding their physicochemical properties, adsorption mechanisms, and modifications. This review highlights the influence of factors such as specific surface area, pore distribution, pH, cation exchange capacity, elemental composition, and surface functional groups on the ability of bamboo adsorbents to adsorb heavy metals. It also discusses recent advancements in enhancing the properties of bamboo adsorbents through physical and chemical modifications and examines how variables like adsorbent dosage, water pH, temperature, initial concentrations of cations, and heavy metals affect heavy metal removal. The review categorizes the mechanisms of heavy metal adsorption into surface complexation, physical adsorption, electrostatic interaction, ion exchange, precipitation, and redox effect. While bamboo-based adsorbents have shown higher sorption capacity in laboratory settings, there is a need for more comprehensive studies to optimize their performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in real-world applications. Full article

Phyllostachys edulis, an economically and ecologically significant bamboo species, has substantial research value in applications as a bamboo substitute for plastic and in forest carbon sequestration. However, frequent seasonal low-temperature events due to global climate change affect the growth, development, and productivity of P. edulis. Calcium signaling, serving as a versatile second messenger, is involved in various stress responses and nitrogen metabolism. In this study, we analyzed the calcium signaling dynamics and regulatory strategies in P. edulis under chilling stress. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the CBF families, AMT families, NRT families, and Ca²⁺ sensor families, including CaM, CDPK, and CBL, were identified using transcriptomics. Additionally, we explored the law of Ca²⁺ flux and distribution in the roots of P. edulis under chilling stress and validated these findings by assessing the content or activity of Ca²⁺ sensor proteins and nitrogen transport proteins in the roots. The results indicated that the Ca²⁺ sensor families of CaM, CDPK, and CBL in P. edulis exhibited significant transcriptional changes under chilling stress. Notably, PH02Gene03957, PH02Gene42787, and PH02Gene19300 were significantly upregulated, while the expressions of PH02Gene08456, PH02Gene01209, and PH02Gene37879 were suppressed. In particular, the expression levels of the CBF family gene PH02Gene14168, a downstream target gene of the calcium channels, increased significantly. P. edulis exhibited an influx of Ca²⁺ at the root, accompanied by oscillating negative peaks under chilling stress. Spatially, the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_cyt) within the root cells increased. The CIPK family genes, interacting with Ca²⁺-CBL in downstream signaling pathways, showed significant differential expressions. In addition, the expressions of the NRT and AMT family genes changed correspondingly. Our study demonstrates that Ca²⁺ signaling is involved in the regulatory network of P. edulis under chilling stress. [Ca²⁺]_cyt fluctuations in the roots of P. edulis are induced by chilling stress, reflecting an influx of extracellular Ca²⁺. Upon binding to Ca²⁺, downstream target genes from the CBF family are activated. Within the Ca²⁺–CBL–CIPK signaling network, the CIPK family plays a crucial role in nitrogen metabolism pathways. Full article

Intercropping affects soil microbial community structure significantly; however, the effects on understory medicinal plants in karst areas remain unclear. We investigated the effects of four intercropping systems (Moso bamboo, Chinese fir, bamboo-fir mixed forest, and forest gap) on the rhizosphere microbial communities of giant lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum), an economically important medicinal plant in China. We assessed the intercropping impact on rhizosphere microbial diversity, composition, and co-occurrence networks and identified key soil properties driving the changes. Bacterial and fungal diversity were assessed by 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequencing, respectively; soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities were measured. Moso bamboo system had the highest fungal diversity, with relatively high bacterial diversity. It promoted a distinct microbial community structure with significant Actinobacteria and saprotrophic fungi enrichment. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available potassium were the most influential drivers of microbial community structure. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the microbial network in the Moso bamboo system was the most complex and highly interconnected, with a higher proportion of positive interactions and a greater number of keystone taxa. Thus, integrating Moso bamboo into intercropping systems can enhance soil fertility, microbial diversity, and ecological interactions in the giant lily rhizosphere in karst forests. Full article

As a typical forestry waste, bamboo has gained increasing attention for its potential applications. In order to optimize its valorization, understanding the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of bamboo pyrolysis and combustion is crucial. In this study, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to examine bamboo powder’s pyrolysis and combustion behaviors under different temperature ramps in nitrogen and air environments, and the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were evaluated using the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and Starink (STR) model-free approaches. The main findings are as follows. (1) The thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) (DTG) curves reveal that bamboo pyrolysis occurs in three distinct stages: drying, devolatilization, and carbonization. Similarly, combustion also proceeds through three stages: drying, devolatilization, and char combustion. Notable differences in the temperature ranges of the key stages were observed between pyrolysis and combustion. (2) The activation energies during the oxidative devolatilization stage of combustion are notably lower compared to those during pyrolysis devolatilization. The disparity in activation energy is even more pronounced in the third stage. (3) Thermodynamic analysis shows that the pyrolysis and combustion of bamboo are endothermic and non-spontaneous. It can be stably converted into value-added energy through the pyrolysis or combustion process. This study provides essential data to aid in designing and scaling up the thermochemical conversion processes for bamboo and promote its efficient valorization of bioenergy. Full article

To solve the problem of heavy metal hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) pollution in water bodies, this study was carried out to prepare nitrogen-doped porous carbon by using bamboo shoots as the raw material and KHCO₃ as the activator, which has a good ability to remove Cr(VI) from water bodies. The prepared N-doped carbon materials were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), elemental analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the prepared carbon material had hierarchical pore structures and abundant functional groups, which is conducive to the adsorption of Cr(VI). The effects of various factors on the adsorption performance of Cr(VI), such as the carbon materials prepared under different conditions, the pH of the initial solution, the concentration of the initial solution, and the contact time between the carbon and Cr(VI), were explored. The results showed that the bamboo shoot-based nitrogen-doped carbon materials, especially BSNC-800 (prepared at 800 °C with a mass ratio of KHCO₃ to bamboo shoot of 4:1), performed well in removing Cr(VI) from a water solution. The maximum adsorption of Cr(VI) by BSNC-800 under equilibrium conditions was 385.8 mg g⁻¹ (conditions: at the pH of 2 with the initial concentration of 400 mg L⁻¹). The adsorption kinetics and isotherms were analyzed, and the adsorption mechanism was discussed. It can be found that the adsorption of Cr(VI) by BSNC-800 fits better with the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption mechanism between the Cr(VI)-containing solution and BSNC-800 was controlled by membrane diffusion and chemisorption. The results broaden the ways of utilizing biomass resources as precursors of carbon materials, which is significant and helpful for applying biomass carbon materials as adsorbents for wastewater treatment. Full article

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a crucial indicator of soil quality and fertility. However, excessive nitrogen (N) application, while increasing Moso bamboo yield, may reduce SOC content, potentially leading to soil quality issues. The impact of N on SOC and its active fraction in Moso bamboo forests remains underexplored. Investigating these effects will elucidate the causes of soil quality decline and inform effective N management strategies. Four N application gradients were set: no nitrogen (0 kg·hm⁻²·yr⁻¹, N0), low nitrogen (242 kg·hm⁻²·yr⁻¹, N1), medium nitrogen (484 kg·hm⁻²·yr⁻¹, N2), and high nitrogen (726 kg·hm⁻²·yr⁻¹, N3), with no fertilizer application as the control (CK). We analyzed the changes in SOC, active organic carbon components, and the Carbon Pool Management Index (CPMI) under different N treatments. The results showed that SOC and its active organic carbon components in the 0~10 cm soil layer were more susceptible to N treatments. The N0 treatment significantly increased microbial biomass carbon (MBC) content but had no significant effect on SOC, particulate organic carbon (POC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and readily oxidizable organic carbon (ROC) contents. The N1, N2, and N3 treatments reduced SOC content by 29.36%, 21.85%, and 8.67%, respectively. Except for POC, N1,N2 and N3 treatments reduced MBC, DOC, and ROC contents by 46.29% to 71.69%, 13.98% to 40.4%, and 18.64% to 48.55%, respectively. The MBC/SOC ratio can reflect the turnover rate of SOC, and N treatments lowered the MBC/SOC ratio, with N1 < N2 < N3, indicating the slowest SOC turnover under the N1 treatment. Changes in the Carbon Pool Management Index (CPMI) illustrate the impact of N treatments on soil quality and SOC sequestration capacity. The N1 treatment increased the CPMI, indicating an improvement in soil quality and SOC sequestration capacity. The comprehensive evaluation index of carbon sequestration capacity showed N3 (−0.69) < N0 (−0.13) < CK (−0.05) < N2 (0.24) < N1 (0.63), with the highest carbon sequestration capacity under the N1 treatment and a gradual decrease with increasing N fertilizer concentration. In summary, although the N1 treatment reduced the SOC content, it increased the soil CPMI and decreased the SOC turnover rate, benefiting soil quality and SOC sequestration capacity. Therefore, the reasonable control of N fertilizer application is key to improving soil quality and organic carbon storage in Moso bamboo forests. Full article