Search Results (576)

Although the allocation of biomass among floral organs reflects critical trade-offs in plant reproductive strategies, the scaling relationships governing biomass allocations remain poorly resolved, particularly in flowers. Here, we report the fresh mass scaling allocation patterns among four floral organs (i.e., sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels), and the two subtending structural components (i.e., the pedicel and receptacle) of 497 flowers of the hypogynous Rosa chinensis var. minima (miniature rose) using reduced major axis protocols. The two-parameter Weibull probability density function was also applied to characterize the distributions of floral organ mass, and revealed skewed tendencies in all six measured traits. The results show that the numerical values of the scaling exponents (α) for all pairwise power-law relationships significantly exceeded unity (α > 1), indicating disproportionate investments in larger floral structures with increasing overall flower size. Specifically, the scaling exponent of corolla fresh mass vs. calyx fresh mass was α = 1.131 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.086, 1.175), indicating that petal investment outpaces sepal investment as flower size increases. Reproductive organs also exhibited significant disproportionate investments (i.e., allometry): the collective carpel (gynoecium) fresh mass scaled allometrically with respect to the collective stamen (androecium) mass (α = 1.062, CI: 1.028, 1.098). Subtending axial structures (pedicel and receptacle) also had hyperallometric patterns, with pedicel mass scaling at α = 1.167 (CI: 1.106, 1.235) with respect to receptacle mass. Likewise, the combined fresh mass of all four foliar homologues (sepals, petals, androecium, and gynoecium) scaled disproportionately with respect to the biomass of the two subtending axial structures (α = 1.169, CI: 1.126, 1.214), indicating a prioritized resource allocation to reproductive and display organs. These findings are in accord with hypotheses positing that floral display traits, such as corolla size, primarily enhance pollen export by attracting pollinators, while maintaining fruit setting success through coordinated investment in gynoecium development. The consistent hyperallometry across all organ pairwise comparisons underscores the role of developmental integration in shaping floral architecture in Rosaceae, as predicted by scaling theory. By integrating morphometric and scaling analyses, this study proposes a tractable methodology for investigating floral resource allocation in monomorphic-flowering species and provides empirical evidence consistent with the adaptive patterns of floral traits within this ecologically and horticulturally significant lineage. Full article

Using waste biomass as a raw material for the combined production of electricity and heat offers corresponding energy, economic, environmental and resource efficiency benefits. The study examines both the performance of a system for combined energy production based on the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) utilizing wood biomass and the market interest in its deployment within Bulgaria. Its objective is to propose a technically and economically viable solution for the recovery of waste biomass through the combined production of electricity and heat while simultaneously assessing the readiness of industrial and municipal sectors to adopt such systems. The cogeneration plant incorporates an ORC module enhanced with three additional economizers that capture residual heat from flue gases. Operating on 2 t/h of biomass, the system delivers 1156 kW of electric power and 3660 kW of thermal energy, recovering an additional 2664 kW of heat. The overall energy efficiency reaches 85%, with projected annual revenues exceeding EUR 600,000 and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of over 5800 t/yr. These indicators can be achieved through optimal installation and operation. When operating at a reduced load, however, the specific fuel consumption increases and the overall efficiency of the installation decreases. The marketing survey results indicate that 75% of respondents express interest in adopting such technologies, contingent upon the availability of financial incentives. The strongest demand is observed for systems with capacities up to 1000 kW. However, significant barriers remain, including high initial investment costs and uneven access to raw materials. The findings confirm that the developed system offers a technologically robust, environmentally efficient and market-relevant solution, aligned with the goals of energy independence, sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Full article

Co-firing large-sized straw biomass in pulverized coal boilers is a potential pathway for carbon emission reduction in China’s thermal power plants. However, experimental data on large-sized straw combustion under pulverized coal boiler combustion conditions are critically lacking. This study selected typical large-sized wheat straw particles. Employing a two-mode experimental setup in a drop tube furnace (DTF) system simulating pulverized coal boiler conditions, we systematically investigated the combustion behavior and alkali metal release characteristics of this large-sized straw biomass, with combustion processes summarized for diverse particle types. The findings reveal asynchronous combustion progression across particle surfaces due to heterogeneous mass transfer and gas diffusion; unique behaviors distinct from denser woody biomass, including bending deformation, fiber branching, and fragmentation, occur; significant and morphology-specific deformations occur during devolatilization; fragmentation universally produces particles of varied shapes (needle-like, flaky, blocky, semi-tubular) during char combustion; and potassium release exceeds 35% after complete devolatilization and surpasses 50% at a burnout degree exceeding 80%. This work provides essential experimental data on the fundamental combustion characteristics and alkali metal release of large-sized wheat straw particles under pulverized coal boiler combustion conditions, offering engineering application guidance for the direct co-firing of large-sized flexible straw biomass in pulverized coal boilers. Full article

The focus of this study was on young populations of Kandelia obovata within a constructed coastal wetland in Haicang Bay, Xiamen, Southeast China. The objective was to systematically examine their allometric growth characteristics and carbon sequestration potential over an 8-year monitoring period (2016–2024). Allometric equations were developed to estimate biomass, and the spatiotemporal variation in both plant and soil carbon stocks was estimated. There was a significant increase in total biomass per tree, from 120 ± 17 g at initial planting to 4.37 ± 0.59 kg after 8 years (p < 0.001), with aboveground biomass accounting for the largest part (72.2% ± 7.3%). The power law equation with D²H as an independent variable yielded the highest predictive accuracy for total biomass (R² = 0.957). Vegetation carbon storage exhibited an annual growth rate of 4.2 ± 0.8 Mg C·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹. In contrast, sediment carbon stocks did not show a significant increase throughout the experimental period, although long-term accumulation was observed. The restoration of mangroves in urban coastal constructed wetlands is an effective measure to sequester carbon, achieving a carbon accumulation rate of 21.8 Mg CO₂eq·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹. This rate surpasses that of traditional restoration methods, underscoring the pivotal role of interventions in augmenting blue carbon sinks. This study provides essential parameters for allometric modeling and carbon accounting in urban mangrove afforestation strategies, facilitating optimized restoration management and low-carbon strategies. Full article

Aegopodium podagraria (A. podagraria) L. is a perennial herb valued for its medicinal properties but exhibits poor germination and inconsistent growth under conventional cultivation. To overcome these limitations and enhance its functional potential, this study investigated the effects of various LED light spectra on the plant’s physiological and antioxidant responses under controlled indoor conditions. Six light treatments were applied, consisting of different red (R) and blue (B) light ratios (R100, R80:B20, R60:B40, R40:B60, and B100), along with a white-light control. Red-dominant treatments, particularly R80:B20, not only improved germination traits but also significantly promoted shoot growth and biomass accumulation. In contrast, higher proportions of blue light generally inhibited germination performance and reduced growth-related parameters compared to the white-light control. Antioxidant activity was also modulated by light quality: R80:B20 induced the highest levels of total phenolics, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and vitamin C, whereas R40:B60 maximized flavonoid content and DPPH radical scavenging activity. These results suggest that optimizing the red-to-blue light ratio can effectively enhance both the cultivation performance and biofunctional quality of A. podagraria in controlled environments. Full article

The search for waste management opportunities is crucial for achieving environmentally friendly waste practices and ensuring the country’s energy security. This research aimed to valorize biomass and waste generated in greenhouses and to analyze the potential for electricity production from this waste. The analyses compared the situations in Turkey and Poland, where greenhouse production of vegetables is developing and constitutes an important link in agricultural activities, despite differences in climatic conditions. The cultivation of vegetables and flowers under cover is rapidly expanding in both countries and, with changing climatic conditions, is expected to shape the future of agriculture. In addition to estimating the energy that can be obtained, the study also evaluated the economic benefits of such a solution and the volume of avoided CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels. The issue of utilizing these wastes is significant because current methods of their management do not lead to energy production, so their considerable energy potential is wasted, as highlighted in this study. Moreover, there is a lack of similar studies in the literature. The plant species chosen as materials in this study were tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, watermelon, and melon in the case of Turkey. For Poland, the analysis was conducted for tomatoes and greenhouse cucumbers. These crops represent the largest cultivated areas under cover in the respective countries. Results indicated that the average yearly amount of vegetable residue is approximately 463 thousand Mg in Turkey, and 77 thousand Mg in Poland. The estimated annual electricity potential is 430 GWh in Turkey and 80 GWh in Poland. Considering the efficiency of power generation in a typical power plant, the real amount of electricity to be obtained is 0.46 MWh per Mg of waste in Turkey and 0.52 MWh in Poland. Full article

The “carbon neutral power generation” policy of the European Union requires the phasing out of fossil fuel power plants. These plants still play a crucial role in the energy mix in many countries; therefore, efforts are put forward to lower their CO₂ emissions. The available solution for an existing coal plant is the implementation of biomass co-firing, which allows it to reduce twice its carbon footprint in order to achieve the level of natural gas plants, which are preferable on the way to zero-emission power generation. However the side effect is a significant increase in the bulk fuel volumes that are acquired, handled, and finally supplied to the power plant units. A necessary extension of the complex logistic system for unloading, quality tagging, storing, and transporting biomass may increase the plant’s noise emissions beyond the allowed thresholds. For a comprehensive assessment of the concept of expanding the power plant’s biofuel supply system (BSS), a discrete simulation model was built to dimension system elements and verify the overall correctness of the proposed solutions. Then, a dedicated noise emission model was built for the purposes of mandatory environmental impact assessment procedures for the planned expansion of the BSS. The noise model showed the possibility of exceeding the permissible noise levels at night in selected locations. The new simulations of the BSS model were used to analyze various scenarios of biomass supply with regard to alternative switching off the selected branches of the whole BSS. The length of the queue of unloaded freight trains delivering an average quality biomass after a period of 2 weeks is used as a key performance parameter of the BSS. A queue shorter than 1 freight train is accepted. Assuming the rising share of RESS in the Polish energy mix, the thermal plant’s 2-week average power output shall not exceed 70% of its maximum capacity. The results of the simulations indicate that under these constraints, the biofuel supplies can be sufficient regardless of the nighttime stops, if 50% of the supplied biomass volumes are delivered by trucks. If the trucks’ share drops to 25%, the plant’s 2-week average power output is limited to 45% of its maximum power. The use of digital spatial simulation models for a complex, cyclical-continuous transport system to control its operation is an effective method of addressing environmental conflicts at the design stage of the extension of industrial installations in urbanized areas. Full article

The accelerated urbanisation that is occurring in many regions of the world is resulting in a corresponding increase in the volume of sewage sludge. This sludge is then stored in specialised landfills, the area of which is increasing annually. One of the methods of utilising this sludge is through its combustion in power plants, where it serves to generate heat. However, due to the low calorific value of sewage sludge, it is recommended to combust it in conjunction with high-calorific fuel. To improve energy efficiency of sewage residue biomass utilisation by co-combustion with coal, it is necessary to determine the main combustion parameters and mass fraction in the mixture. The objective of this study is to estimate the primary parameters of combustion of sewage sludge and coal by employing the synchronous thermal analysis method, in addition to determining the concentrations of gaseous substances formed during the combustion process. A comprehensive technical and elemental analysis of the fuels was conducted, and their thermal properties were thoroughly determined. The inorganic residue from sewage sludge combustion was analysed by scanning electron microscopy for the content of trace elements and basic oxides. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of fuels was conducted in an oxidising medium, utilising a 6 mg suspension with a heating rate of 20 °C/min. The profiles of TG, DTG, and DSC curves were then utilised to determine the ignition and burnout temperatures, maximum mass loss rate, combustion index, and synergistic effects. The mixture of coal with 25% sewage sludge was found to have the most energy-efficient performance compared to other mixtures, with a 3% reduction in ignition temperature compared to coal. Concentrations of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur oxides were also determined. Full article

Lobelia chinensis (Lour.) is a medicinal plant that contains phytochemicals, such as phenolics and polyacetylene compounds, with beneficial biological activities. In vitro cultures are typically employed for biomass generation and plant multiplication. However, the current biotechnological approaches for producing these chemicals are ineffective, which is why bioelicitors are being used to boost synthesis of these molecules. Plantlet cultures were established in vitro using Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 3% sucrose (w/v). Following 4 weeks of culture initiation, the plantlet cultures were treated with 0, 25, 50, 100, or 200 mg L⁻¹ of yeast extract (YE) or with 0, 25, 50, 100, or 200 µM of salicylic acid (SA) for 1 week to boost the synthesis of bioactive compounds. The amounts of total phenolics, total flavonoids, specific phenolics including catechin, phloretic acid, linarin, and polyacetylenes, including lobetyolinin and lobetylin, were considerably elevated in the plantlet cultures treated with 50 mg L⁻¹ YE and/or 25 µM SA. The 2,2 Diphenyl 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethybenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay were performed to assess the antioxidant properties of the plantlets. The elicitor-treated plantlets were found to have higher antioxidant activity. Thus, plantlet biomass produced in vitro can be used as a raw material to produce medicinal and nutraceutical products. Full article

This study examines the seasonality of Black Carbon (BC) and Brown Carbon (BrC) spectral absorption characteristics at a continental background site (Kozani) in southern Balkans (NW Greece). It aims to assess the seasonality and impact of different sources on light absorption properties, BC concentrations, and the fraction of BrC absorption. Moderate-to-low BC concentrations were observed, ranging from 0.05 µg m⁻³ to 2.44 µg m⁻³ on an hourly basis (annual mean: 0.44 ± 0.27 µg m⁻³; median: 0.39 µg m⁻³) with higher levels during winter (0.53 ± 0.33), reflecting enhanced emissions from residential wood burning (RWB) for heating purposes. Atmospheric conditions are mostly clean during spring (MAM) (BC: 0.34 µg m⁻³), associated with increased rainfall. BC components associated with fossil fuel combustion (BC_ff) and biomass burning (BC_bb), maximize in summer (0.36 µg m⁻³) and winter (0.28 µg m⁻³), respectively, while the absorption Ångstrôm exponent (AAE_370–880) values ranged from 1.09 to 1.93 on daily basis. The annual mean total absorption coefficient (b_abs,520) inferred by aethalometer (AE33) was 4.09 ± 2.65 Mm⁻¹ (median: 3.51 Mm⁻¹), peaking in winter (5.30 ± 3.35 Mm⁻¹). Furthermore, the contribution of BrC absorption at 370 nm, was also high in winter (36.7%), and lower during the rest of the year (17.3–29.8%). The measuring station is located at a rural background site 4 km outside Kozani City and is not directly affected by traffic and urban heating emissions. Therefore, the regional background atmosphere is composed of a significant fraction of carbonaceous aerosols from RWB in nearby villages, a characteristic feature of the Balkan’s rural environment. Emissions from the lignin-fired power plants, still operating in the region, have decreased during the last years and moderately affect the atmospheric conditions. Full article

This study explores the potential of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for efficiently recovering bioactive compounds, particularly rutin, from the often-overlooked leaves of Capparis spinosa. By fine-tuning important extraction parameters such as ultrasound power, temperature, and ethanol concentration, this research achieved maximum yields of total phenolic content and rutin, establishing these leaves as a sustainable and valuable source of phytochemicals for applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed a high rutin content (15.51 mg/g DW), accompanied by considerable amounts of quercetin-3-glucoside and catechin. In vitro assays revealed the extract’s strong antioxidative properties, effectively safeguarding Caco-2 and Hep G2 cells against oxidative stress and significantly lowering reactive oxygen species levels. Additionally, the extract enhanced the expression of vital antioxidative enzymes and demonstrated no toxicity at the tested concentrations, confirming its safety for dietary supplement use. These findings underscore the extract’s strong safety profile and notable bioefficacy, reinforcing its suitability for incorporation into health-oriented formulations such as functional foods, dietary supplements, or nutraceutical products. Beyond demonstrating biological relevance, this research also advances the sustainable valorization of Capparis spinosa leaf biomass—an underutilized resource with high phytochemical potential—while contributing to the development of innovative, plant-based strategies for disease prevention and overall health enhancement. Full article

Climate change is a global issue that has gained much attention recently. Co-firing biomass with coal/waste coal reduces the electricity sector’s GHG emissions sustainably. This study uses commercial software to model waste coal and biomass co-firing in 100 MW and 600 MW power plants. The objective is to assess the effects of fluid types (subcritical and supercritical), plant capacities (100 MW and 600 MW), boiler types (pulverized coal and circulating fluidized bed boilers), biomass and waste coal co-firing ratios (0:100, 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, 80:20, and 100:0), and carbon capture and storage efficiencies (0%, 90%, 95%, and 97%) on performance parameters such as net plant efficiency, heat rate, net plant CO₂ and SO₂, and particulate matter emissions. The feedstocks selected for this investigation include anthracite waste coal and loblolly pine biomass. As the biomass fraction increases from 0% to 100%, co-fired power plants net efficiency increases by 3–8%. Supercritical plants had a 6% higher net plant efficiency than the subcritical plants. The study found that the biomass’s high heating value decreased the fuel flow rate and reduced plant CO₂ emissions by 10–16%. With 100% biomass power plant feed and 90% carbon capture and storage efficiency, CO₂ emissions drop by 83% and SO₂ and PM emissions drop to zero. Full article

Marine environments provide a unique opportunity to blend offshore wind energy production and marine fishery activities as complementary technologies. This study investigated the morphological characteristics (length and weight) and biomass yield of seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) in a model marine environment with mariculture within an offshore wind farm in southwestern Korea. The mean lengths in the first cultivation trials of U. pinnatifida sporophytes increased from 1.8 ± 0.1 cm in November 2021 to 120–170 cm in March 2022 (density, 39.8 plants m⁻¹; final wet weight, 98.6–249.1 g (mean 146.8 ± 20.4 g, n = 20 ind.); yield 5842 g m⁻¹). Further, for the second cultivation trial, the length of the sporophytes increased from 1.5 ± 0.1 cm in November 2021 to 120–150 cm in April 2022 (density, 49.3 plants m⁻¹; final wet weight, 83.0–251.6 g (mean 155.7 ± 19.0 g; n = 20 ind.); yield, 7676 g m⁻¹), and, owing to the increase in water temperature and light intensity due to seasonal changes around the offshore wind power farm, the second cultivation trials showed signs of chlorosis. Considering the environment, we judged seaweed growth to be normal. Therefore, when applying this model to grow U. pinnatifida, seasonal temperature changes, the purpose of the product, and the nutritional status of the open-sea area should be considered. These results may improve seaweed farming in offshore wind farms in the future. Full article

The impact of bio-invasions and abnormal aggregations of marine life on the safety of cooling water systems in coastal nuclear power plants (NPPs) is significant and cannot be overlooked. In this study, we conducted 12 consecutive monthly surveys from September 2022 to August 2023 in the waters near Ningde NPP in Fujian, China, focusing on nekton species composition, dominant species, abundance, biomass, and diversity indices. We conducted statistical analyses to examine potential correlations between the community structure of these organisms and environmental factors. We recorded 120 species of nekton that belonged to 20 orders, 57 families, and 92 genera, including 72 species of fish, 23 species of shrimp, 19 species of crabs, and 6 species of cephalopods. Pearson and redundancy analyses showed that pH, DIP, and inorganic nitrogen were the main environmental factors driving the observed temporal changes in the nekton community structure in the seawater intake area. We also found that May to October is the peak period for nekton abundance and biomass, and during this time, there is a high risk of nekton blocking the cooling water system of the NPP. These results are of practical significance for NPP managers to prevent and control the clogging of the cooling water system by marine organisms, and the diversity and abundance data provide a theoretical basis for bioecological restoration and management of the area around the Ningde NPP. Full article

The study investigates the impact of water use in energy production in industrial plants, considering the interdependence between water and energy, or the water–energy nexus, to promote sustainable water and energy management. More specifically, it focuses on the industrial sector, particularly on electricity production in thermoelectric power plants, which require large amounts of water for cooling in its production cycle. The field of analysis is set in Italy, referring to the applications of the European Industrial Emissions Directive and Italian regulations that govern water and energy usage. The focus is on large combustion plants, which need to be monitored by national authorities. The Italian situation is outlined, exposing consumption data from major thermoelectric power plants in 2021 through 2023, highlighting the water usage trend and electricity production. In 2023, total water use for these installations was 9,892,719,965 m³—mainly from seawater—with an overall production of electric energy of 117,239,954 MWh, with a relevant fuel consumption from natural gas (18,544,742,774 Sm³). It also analyzed the application of best available techniques to reduce water consumption, recycle water flows, and minimize the environmental impact of power plants. Finally, the main fuels used in these plants, such as natural gas, coal, and biomass, are presented, along with the environmental performance of the power plants based on water use per unit of energy produced. Full article