Search Results (2,688)

This study investigated how different organic fertilization practices affect productivity, stability, and nitrogen use efficiency in the rotation systems of the Hetao Irrigation District. The research was based on a long-term field experiment (2015–2025), with a chemical fertilizer-only treatment as the control (CK). Four organic fertilization treatments were evaluated: farmyard manure application (CM), straw incorporation (CS), green manure cultivation and incorporation (CG), and a combined green manure plus straw treatment (CGS). Based on three consecutive years of observations (2023–2025), the impacts of these treatments on crop yield, yield composition and stability, plant nitrogen accumulation and allocation, and nitrogen use efficiency were systematically analyzed. Both CM and CS significantly increased maize equivalent yield (MEY) compared with the other treatments, by 33.68–66.04% and 16.05–24.21%, respectively. CM’s productivity advantage was primarily driven by higher biomass accumulation, whereas CS’s advantage was largely due to improvements in the harvest index. In terms of stability, CM exhibited the lowest coefficient of variation (CV), indicating the highest static stability, while CS showed a regression coefficient (b_i) close to 1, indicating stronger dynamic stability. CM also significantly enhanced total plant nitrogen accumulation, nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), while optimizing nitrogen allocation to grain. CS significantly improved nitrogen internal efficiency (NIE), promoting more efficient conversion of absorbed nitrogen into grain yield. CG and CGS did not show clear advantages across productivity, stability, or most nitrogen use efficiency-related indices. Overall, in the Hetao Irrigation District, farmyard manure application is an effective strategy for achieving both high and stable yields, whereas straw incorporation offers stronger environmental adaptability. Both practices represent practical and effective approaches for improving the sustainability of rotation systems. Full article

Modern agriculture generates large amounts of straw, thus posing significant residue management challenges. In this context, traditional disposal methods such as residue incineration can cause severe environmental harm. From a circular economy perspective, rice and wheat straw are valuable lignocellulosic resources from which high-value bioproducts can be derived, including xylooligosaccharides (XOS). Efficient conversion of this biomass depends on the enzymatic degradation of xylan, the main hemicellulose in cereal straw. In this study, four GH10 endoxylanases were evaluated, of which X11 and its hybrid variant X11C2 showed the best performance, particularly at pH 9.0. X11 showed robustness under harsh conditions and a tendency to release short sugars such as xylose and xylobiose. Both rice and wheat straw exhibited partial saccharification, but wheat straw released higher amounts of soluble sugars, indicating a higher susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis. Given the growing interest in XOS as prebiotics with multiple health benefits, the enzymatic hydrolysis of low-cost agricultural residues—supported by appropriate pretreatment—represents a promising and sustainable strategy for XOS production. Full article

Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a viable energy carrier in the transition to low-carbon energy systems, mainly because of its high gravimetric energy density and the absence of carbon emissions at the point of use. In this context, producing hydrogen from biomass represents a practical and sustainable option, as it allows the use of renewable and waste resources while supporting circular economy principles. This work examines the main pathways for hydrogen production from biomass, considering both thermochemical and biochemical routes, with a focus on their energy performance and practical limitations. The analysis shows that thermochemical processes, particularly gasification, remain the most developed and scalable solutions for converting solid biomass into hydrogen-rich gas, although their performance depends strongly on feedstock properties, reactor design, and operating conditions. By comparison, biochemical processes such as dark fermentation and photofermentation are more suitable for wet biomass but are limited by lower hydrogen yields and issues related to process stability. From a thermal engineering standpoint, system performance is influenced by heat transfer constraints, the energy demand of endothermic reactions, and the efficiency of gas cleaning, while parameters such as temperature, steam-to-biomass ratio, and equivalence ratio play a key role in optimization. Advanced approaches, including catalytic and sorption-enhanced gasification, show potential for improving performance. Overall, efficient hydrogen production requires a system-level approach, as no single technology can be considered universally optimal. Full article

The growing global energy demand and the urgent need to decarbonize the energy sector are driving the search for renewable and low-impact energy sources. Within this context, the conversion of biomass into hydrogen represents a viable pathway to sustainable energy, enabling both carbon mitigation and circular use of agricultural residues. This research focuses on the simulation of an integrated system that converts viticulture residues, vine prunings and grape stalks into biogenic hydrogen through a combination of pretreatment, gasification, and upgrading stages. The analysis of four different supply scenarios shows that the integration of prunings and stalks ensures the highest hydrogen yield (6.61·10⁵ Nm³/year of H₂) and the highest energy self-sufficiency, with 25% of produced syngas used to partially cover internal energy demand. Gasification enables the process to be carbon-negative, saving 1.18 kgCO₂eq for Nm³ of H₂ produced, and economically competitive, with a break-even price of 3.81 €/kg and a return on investment of ten years. The study aligns with the decarbonization goals of the European energy transition, promoting local and circular valorization of agro-industrial waste. Full article

Coal gangue accumulation causes land occupation and environmental risks in mining areas, but its use as a planting substrate offers a pathway for ecological restoration. This study optimized a coal gangue-based planting substrate by integrating phosphogypsum, spent mushroom substrate, biochar, and a water retention agent. Using a three-factor, four-level orthogonal design with a fixed value of 10% phosphogypsum, the study assessed the effects of the coal gangue-to-spent mushroom substrate ratio, biochar, and water retention agent on substrate properties, nutrient availability, plant growth, and Pb leaching. The results showed that the tested formulations maintained substrate pH within a near-neutral range across treatments. The coal gangue-to-spent mushroom substrate ratio was the dominant factor controlling substrate structure, water-holding capacity, nutrient status, and ryegrass growth. Increasing the spent mushroom substrate proportion reduced bulk density and improved field water capacity, pore structure, and nutrient availability. Biochar most effectively reduced Pb leaching, although excessive application inhibited growth, whereas the water retention agent mainly enhanced water retention and plant growth. The optimal formulation was 80% coal gangue, 20% spent mushroom substrate, 1% biochar, 1.5 g kg⁻¹ water retention agent and 10% phosphogypsum, providing a theoretical and practical optimization basis for coal gangue reutilization and ecological restoration in mining areas. Full article

Developing Pt-free electrocatalysts is the main solution for reducing the intolerable cost of hydrogen production through the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), while sustaining rare-earth elements. Thus, we have synthesized carbon nanoflakes derived from carbon cloth doped with controllable boron atoms (Bx/C), where x refers to boron atomic contents (x = 3.42, 5.04, 9.79, and 14.64 wt.%), driven by the impregnation of carbon cloth containing polyester (CC) in an aqueous solution of boric acid, followed by drying at 80 °C for 1 h and then calcination at 500 °C for 2 h under nitrogen. The method allows the conversion of one-dimensional CC to a two-dimensional flake-like structure, in situ enriched with B-C motifs as active sites for HER. The HER performance depends on interfacial interaction of boron with carbon, but B₁/C (B = 3.42 wt %) was the optimum with a HER current of 370 mA/cm² at −0.78 V, overpotential at 10 mA/cm² (ƞ_HER@10) of 372 mV, Tafel slope of 166 mV/dec, and stability for 60 h, besides a hydrogen production rate of 1.57 mol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹ of catalyst, due to endowing surface area, intermolecular charge transfer, and electrical conductivity. The data obtained may pave the way for designing heteroatom-integrated carbon from biomass for promoting low-cost HER. Full article

Ocean acidification and warming will alter phytoplankton biomass and composition, yet despite numerous studies, there are few consistent responses on which to base predictions. To determine the responses of chlorophyll-a and phytoplankton size and composition to predicted lower pH (−0.33 to −0.5) alone, and also combined with elevated temperature (+2.5–3.5 °C), two mesocosm experiments were carried out in austral spring and autumn in temperate New Zealand coastal waters. Lower pH alone had no effect on chlorophyll-a in either experiment and, as the treatment pH was lower than the pH minimum recorded in a parallel four-year time series, this lack of response in chlorophyll-a was not attributable to prior in situ exposure. Conversely, chlorophyll-a increased under lower pH and warming in both experiments, with the large (>20 µm) phytoplankton size fraction showing opposing responses under nutrient deplete and replete conditions. Diatom biomass also increased in both treatments when nutrient availability was maintained, with a dominant pennate species Cylindrotheca clostridium emerging. The results highlight the value of contextual time series for experimental interpretation, and also the importance of assessing warming and acidification together using regionally representative nutrient concentrations, for prediction of coastal phytoplankton response to climate change. Full article

Hydrodynamic efficiency in wetland systems is governed by the complex interaction between fluid flow and vegetation density. This study quantifies the impact of seasonal emergent vegetation growth on solute transport in a V-shaped flume. Using high-resolution tracer data from high-density (January) and low-density (November) conditions, we characterized hydraulic parameters, longitudinal velocity (v), and dispersion (D), across an upstream conduit (Reach 1) and a downstream retention zone (Reach 2). Results revealed that in January, Reach 2 exhibited massive hydraulic retardation (v ≈ 1.8 cm s⁻¹) and extensive non-Fickian tailing (variance > 30,000 s²), maintaining an idealized retentive state (Pe ≈ 20). Conversely, seasonal biomass reduction in November resulted in lower variance (≈16,500 s²) and drastically increased the risk of extreme advective bypass (Pe > 500). These findings provide critical empirical validation for macro-scale models like the Dynamic Model for Stormwater Treatment Areas (DMSTAs). Specifically, the massive temporal variance observed during the retentive state yielded an empirical Tanks-in-Series value of N ≈ 5.7, directly validating standard DMSTA defaults for dense emergent marshes. Furthermore, the Transient Storage Model (TSM) storage ratio (As/A) offers a quantitative mechanism to penalize modeled void fractions, accounting for vegetative “dead zones.” By integrating these flume-derived metrics, wetland managers can optimize hydraulic designs and improve the prediction of treatment efficiency across seasonal variations. Full article

Tidal flats are ecologically important coastal ecosystems with significant carbon stocks; however, although taxon-specific carbon assessments have been conducted in other coastal systems, such data remain scarce for Korean tidal flats, where bivalve aquaculture is actively practiced. This study examined the macrobenthic community structure and carbon stock contributions in two tidal flats on the west coast of South Korea (Seosan and Seocheon) through field surveys conducted in May and August 2023. A total of 110 invertebrate species from five phyla were identified. Annelida showed the highest species richness at both sites (47.4–62.3% of total species), whereas Mollusca dominated biomass and carbon stocks. Two-way PERMANOVA confirmed significant differences in community structure between sites (Pseudo-F = 15.376, p < 0.001) and months (Pseudo-F = 9.489, p = 0.001), and a significant site × month interaction (Pseudo-F = 4.800, p = 0.028). Nonparametric ANCOVA revealed that Mollusca exhibited a significantly higher carbon mass conversion rate relative to wet weight than all the other taxa (p < 0.001). Rank abundance curves and principal coordinate analyses indicated that Ruditapes philippinarum accounted for 86.9% of total carbon mass in Seosan, whereas R. philippinarum and Mactra veneriformis together accounted for 73.5% in Seocheon, despite Annelida comprising the majority of species richness. These results indicate that the macrobenthic carbon stocks of Korean tidal flats are disproportionately concentrated in a few dominant calcifying Bivalvia species rather than across the overall community diversity, with implications for coastal ecosystem management. Full article

Corn processing waste represents an abundant, renewable, and low-cost lignocellulosic resource with considerable potential for environmental remediation applications. Large quantities of residues generated during corn processing, including cobs, husks, bran, and other by-products, are produced annually and can be utilized directly as native biomass or converted through thermochemical processes into hydrochars and biochars. This systematic review provides a comparative analysis of native corn processing biomass, hydrochars produced via hydrothermal carbonization, and biochars obtained through pyrolysis, with a focus on their potential as adsorbents for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from soil and water systems. Particular attention is given to the influence of thermochemical conversion processes on the physicochemical properties of the materials, including surface chemistry, porosity, functional groups, and structural characteristics, which govern adsorption mechanisms such as ion exchange, electrostatic interactions, surface complexation, hydrogen bonding, and π–π interactions. Furthermore, the advantages and limitations of each material type are discussed, together with key environmental and techno-economic considerations related to their production and practical application, including indicative production costs (USD per kg of adsorbent) and cost–performance relationships in terms of adsorption capacity. By linking biomass conversion processes, material properties, and adsorption performance, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of corn processing waste valorization and to support the development of sustainable adsorbent materials for soil and water remediation. A total of 36 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis following PRISMA guidelines. Full article

This study proposes a sustainable, integrated biorefinery approach to valorize mussel shell waste into high-value products, including chitin, chitosan, and calcium formate. Formic acid was employed as an effective demineralizing agent, enabling not only efficient mineral removal but also the direct conversion of the demineralization effluent into value-added calcium formate. The sequential extraction processes, demineralization, deproteinization, and decolorization, successfully yielded purified chitin (PCH), which was subsequently deacetylated to produce chitosan (CTS) with a degree of deacetylation of 85% and a molecular weight of 75 kDa. The physicochemical properties of all products were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the successful extraction of chitin and chitosan, demonstrating the feasibility of mussel shells as an alternative biopolymer source. In parallel, calcium formate (CCF) was obtained from the demineralization effluent with a yield of 94.19%, and its formation was verified by FTIR and XRD. Elemental analysis by XRF exhibited 98.3% CaO with minimal non-toxic impurities. The TGA/DTG profiles of CCF exhibited a well-defined two-step thermal decomposition, confirming its anhydrous form. Overall, this environmentally benign process enables the simultaneous production of multiple value-added products while significantly improving resource utilization and reducing waste generation. The proposed integrated biorefinery model offers a promising, economically viable pathway for marine biomass valorization, aligned with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy concept. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable, decentralized energy solutions has heightened interest in biomass-based technologies for rural applications. In Mexico, the expansion of oil palm cultivation in humid tropical regions has generated large quantities of agro-industrial residues that remain largely underutilized. This review analyzes the potential of oil palm residues as feedstock for small-scale thermochemical conversion, with a particular focus on gasifier stove technologies. Key residues, including empty fruit bunches, mesocarp fiber, and palm kernel shells, exhibit favorable physicochemical properties, including adequate calorific values and high volatile matter content, which support their suitability for gasification processes. However, challenges related to moisture content, ash composition, and tar formation may affect system performance and require appropriate pre-treatment and operational control. Gasifier stoves, especially fixed-bed and top-lit updraft (TLUD) configurations, represent a viable solution for decentralized energy generation in rural settings, improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions compared to traditional biomass use. Despite their potential, current bioenergy policies in Mexico remain primarily focused on large-scale biofuel production, limiting the deployment of small-scale technologies. Overall, oil palm residues constitute a promising feedstock for gasifier stove applications, although their successful implementation depends on feedstock optimization, appropriate stove design, and the development of policy frameworks that support decentralized bioenergy systems. Full article

The valorization of agricultural and food industry residues represents an important component of the circular bioeconomy, enabling the conversion of waste streams into value-added materials while mitigating environmental pollution. Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a solid by-product generated during the extraction of coffee beans with hot water or steam, constitute an abundant lignocellulosic biomass residue. Due to their physicochemical properties, SCGs can be used as low-cost adsorbent materials for the treatment of metal-contaminated wastewater, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic resins. This review summarizes recent research on the application of SCGs for the removal of metal ions from aqueous systems. The adsorption performance of raw and modified SCGs, including materials obtained via carbonization and chemical functionalization, is comparatively evaluated. Furthermore, key operational parameters governing the adsorption process and the corresponding metal removal efficiencies are discussed. Full article

Insect bioconversion can transform agri-food side-streams into insect biomass while returning nutrients in the form of frass. This study evaluated Tenebrio molitor reared on wheat bran and on substrates in which bran was partially replaced with agri-food side-streams produced in Kosovo, including brewer’s spent grain, brewer's spent yeast, apple and grape pomace, and surplus vegetables. Growth performance, larval composition, and frass nutrient composition were assessed across seven treatments. Larvae reared on wheat bran combined with brewer’s spent grain and melon as wet feed achieved the highest larval weight. Substrates containing wheat bran, apple pomace, and brewer spent yeast also supported high larval weights, but with a higher feed conversion ratio. In contrast, larvae reared on wheat bran, grape pomace, and brewer's spent yeast showed the lowest larval weights. The use of potatoes as wet feed was associated with a longer development period. Larval proximate composition remained similar across treatments, with crude protein contents of 52–56% DM and only limited variation in fat and ash content. Overall, several tested side-streams supported larval growth comparable to wheat bran while generating nutrient-containing frass. Full article

This review proposes a “phenomenon–mechanism–regulation” framework for understanding nitrogen immobilization during the conversion of green waste into growing media. Nitrogen immobilization acts as a double-edged sword: intense short-term immobilization, typically occurring within the first 1–2 weeks after substrate establishment, can rapidly deplete mineral nitrogen and induce plant nitrogen deficiency, whereas the immobilized nitrogen is subsequently incorporated into microbial biomass and lignin-associated organic pools, forming a slow-release reservoir that enhances nitrogen retention and reduces leaching losses. Owing to its extremely high C/N ratio (often >100) and the coexistence of labile carbon fractions and recalcitrant compounds (e.g., lignin and phenolics), green waste exhibits substantially stronger immobilization potential than conventional media. Empirical evidence indicates that nitrogen immobilization can reach 10–115 mg N·L⁻¹ within a few days in wood-derived substrates, and additional fertilization of up to 100 mg N·L⁻¹ may be required to maintain crop growth. Mechanistically, nitrogen immobilization is governed by the coupling of microbial assimilation—driven by stoichiometric C/N imbalance (typically triggered when C/N > 20–25)—and abiotic chemical fixation, including reactions between NH₄⁺/NO₂⁻ and lignin-derived phenolics forming stable organic nitrogen compounds. The relative dominance of these pathways is jointly regulated by carbon quality, nitrogen form, and pH. Based on these mechanisms, regulatory strategies are summarized at multiple scales, including feedstock pretreatment to reduce labile carbon availability, substrate formulation to optimize C/N balance, and model-assisted intelligent fertigation to synchronize nitrogen supply with crop demand. Overall, this study provides a theoretical basis for improving green waste valorization and promoting sustainable horticultural production. Full article