Search Results (1,701)

Produced-water (PW) management in the Permian Basin faces tightening injection constraints, induced seismicity concerns, and volatile saltwater disposal (SWD) costs. At the same time, chemistry-rich PW contains dissolved constituents (e.g., Li, B, and Sr) that may be valorized if SWD recovery performance and market conditions support favorable techno-economics. Here, we develop an integrated decision-support framework that couples (i) chemistry-informed surrogate models for unit process performance (recovery, effluent quality, and energy/chemical intensity) with (ii) a network-based allocation model that routes PW from sources through pretreatment, optional treatment and mineral-recovery modules (e.g., desalination and direct lithium extraction), and end-use nodes (beneficial reuse, hydraulic fracturing reuse, mineral recovery/valorization, or Class II disposal). This is a screening-level demonstration using publicly available chemistry percentiles and representative pilot-reported performance windows; it is not a site-specific facility design or a bankable TEA for a particular operator. The optimization is posed as a tri-objective problem—to maximize expected net present value, minimize SWD, and minimize an injection-risk indicator R—subject to mass balance, capacity, quality, and regulatory constraints. Uncertainty in commodity prices, recovery fractions, and operating costs is propagated via Monte Carlo scenario sampling, yielding PARETO-efficient portfolios that quantify trade-offs between profitability and risk mitigation. Using the PW chemistry percentiles reported by the Texas Produced Water Consortium for the Delaware and Midland Basins, we derive screening-level break-even lithium concentrations and illustrate how lithium-carbonate-equivalent price and recovery govern the extent to which mineral revenue can offset SWD expenditures. Comparative brine benchmarks (Smackover Formation and Salton Sea geothermal systems) contextualize the Permian’s generally lower-Li PW and highlight transferability of the workflow across brine types. The proposed framework provides a transparent, extensible basis for design matrix planning under evolving injection limits, enabling risk-aware PW management strategies that reduce disposal dependence while improving water resilience. Full article

Hypersaline culture media used for cultivation of Dunaliella salina represent complex multicomponent aqueous systems whose cooling–heating phase behavior remains insufficiently characterized. In this study, the thermal transitions of two biologically relevant hypersaline media (Artari and Ramaraj) were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and cryomicroscopy. The media were examined at NaCl concentrations of 1.5, 2.0, and 4.0 M, corresponding to moderate to highly concentrated brine conditions comparable to natural salt lakes and evaporative basins. DSC analysis revealed pronounced salinity-dependent suppression of ice crystallization and modification of melting transitions relative to classical NaCl–water systems. Increased NaCl concentration reduced recrystallization during heating and shifted peak temperatures, indicating kinetic and compositional effects in the unfrozen fraction. Rapid cooling promoted formation of partially amorphous phases, consistent with limited vitrification in highly concentrated media. Cryomicroscopy directly confirmed changes in ice morphology, nucleation density, and crystal growth dynamics under varying salinity and thermal histories. The combined calorimetric and microscopic approach demonstrates that complete hypersaline cultivation media exhibit phase behavior that cannot be fully extrapolated from simplified binary systems. These findings provide new insight into the physicochemical stability of multicomponent brines during cooling and highlight the critical role of salinity and thermal history in controlling crystallization pathways in hypersaline aqueous environments. Full article

Iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG) deposits are widespread throughout the Carajás Province, Brazil, reflecting multiple Precambrian hydrothermal events. The Aquiri region is a relatively unexplored geological frontier in the northwestern Carajás Province. The AQW2 IOCG deposit is hosted by a Neoarchean mafic intrusive suite within metavolcano–sedimentary rocks. The pre-mineralization (Na and Na-K) and mineralization (Fe-Ca and Fe-P) hydrothermal stages appear as replacement fronts and as cement within ductile-deformed breccias. Late-mineralization (Fe-K, chlorite, and calcic-rich) assemblages occur in multidirectional veins controlled by brittle structures. Early- and main-mineralization apatite (Ap I-III) is enriched in F, Mn, and Sr, depleted in Y, shows unusually high Fe and Si (Ap III), and exhibits a pronounced positive Eu anomaly (Ap II). These characteristics indicate an alkaline fluid composition, substantial fluid–rock interaction, and episodic CO₂ degassing with the release of overpressured fluids, resulting in multiple brecciation events. A rapid decrease in temperature due to boiling is interpreted as a principal mechanism for copper precipitation. Late-mineralization apatite (Ap V–VI) is characterized by relatively higher Cl, Y, and LREE contents, lower Sr and Mn, and negative Eu-anomaly ratios, suggesting control by shallower paleostructures and more oxidizing conditions associated with the influx of basinal brines. These results highlight the evolution of the AQW2 deposit within a broader IOCG system and provide new insights into the metallogenic processes responsible for copper resources essential to the clean energy transition. Full article

Mineral scale deposition remains a major flow-assurance constraint in oil and gas operations, especially in water-flooding and produced-water reinjection, where mixing between incompatible brines promotes super-saturation and precipitation of poorly soluble salts. This work introduces a novel extension of traditional methods used for modeling chemical inhibition and the predictive evaluation of oilfield scale-inhibitor molecules. A systematically optimized Two-Dimensional Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Model based on the k-Nearest Neighbors algorithm 2D-QSAR-KNN model was developed to quantitatively link molecular constitution of phosphonate inhibitors, brine chemistry, and operating factors with inhibition efficiency IE %. The optimized model achieved strong accuracy and generalization R²_train = 0.9182, R²_test = 0.9306, and R²_global = 0.9208 with low prediction errors RMSE_train = 4.7888%, RMSE_test = 4.5485%, and RMSE_global = 4.7421%. Median absolute errors remained minimal for the train set = 0.80%, and test set = 1.63%, and model stability was confirmed by high correlation with experimental IE % r = 0.94 and R²_train/R²_test ≈ 0.99, showing no sign of overfitting. Additionally, an inverse-2D-QSAR framework was applied to identify the optimal molecular descriptor profile expected to maximize inhibitory performance within normalized bounds, providing rational rules for next-generation inhibitor design. The findings highlight the practical value of QSAR-inspired AI modeling to accelerate molecule screening and dosage exploration prior to laboratory validation, supporting more cost-effective, interpretable, and environmentally aware sulfate-scale inhibition strategies under high-salinity reservoir conditions. Full article

Water levels in the Great Salt Lake (GSL), UT, USA, have been declining overall since 1989, leading to a 70% decrease in surface area. To understand GSL’s future, we seek to image fresh groundwater input and lithologic variation along the lake’s boundary. Determining the amount of groundwater recharge into GSL is crucial for lake management but currently unknown. During the Fall of 2024 and Spring 2025, we conducted 16 electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and six transient electromagnetic (TEM) surveys along the southern shore of GSL between Burmester Road (to the West), Saltair, and Lee’s Creek (to the East). These measurements indicate a low-resistivity layer consistent with brine pore-water, with variable thickness ranging from 7.1 ± 0.1 m at Burmester to 9.6 ± 0.2 m at Saltair. The Saltair region shows a high-resistivity layer, consistent with a 4.4 ± 0.05 m thick layer of mirabilite. This layer contains vertical conduits that allow saline pore-water to upwell onto the surface forming evaporite deposits. Near Lee’s Creek, we find evidence of high resistivities consistent with fresher groundwater as shallow as 2.8 ± 0.03 m, where increased permeability along the paleo-Jordan River corridor may provide a path for groundwater recharge from the Wasatch Mountains. Full article

Predicting carbon dioxide (CO₂) solubility in brine is critical for carbon capture and storage. This study employs the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm to enhance the predictive accuracy of four machine learning models: Neural Network (NN), Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM). The models were trained and validated on a mineral compound dataset. Performance was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R²) and error metrics including RMSE and MAE. The GBM model achieved the highest test accuracy (R² = 0.986) with low errors (RMSE = 0.0478, MAE = 0.0362), demonstrating superior ability to model complex, non-linear relationships with minimal overfitting. The optimized NN, featuring three layers and fifteen neurons, delivered strong performance (R² = 0.930) with balanced errors across datasets. The DT model offered excellent interpretability and a strong test score (R² = 0.912), while the SVR model provided robust generalization (R² = 0.889). The results indicate that ACO is an effective tool for hyperparameter tuning across diverse model architectures. For maximum accuracy, GBM is recommended, whereas DT is ideal when interpretability is required. The NN presents a strong middle-ground option with competitive accuracy. This comparative framework assists in selecting the optimal model based on specific project priorities of accuracy, transparency, or computational efficiency for geochemical forecasting. Full article

Ultrasound has emerged as a versatile and promising tool to enhance and speed up traditional processing operations used by the food industry or to be used as an alternative food-processing method. This review provides an overview of the fundamental principles of sonication and its diverse applications in food processing. The core concepts of acoustic cavitation and the influence of power on processing outcomes are discussed in detail. The design and operation of different ultrasound systems, including direct-contact probe and indirect-contact bath systems, and their respective advantages were reviewed. Furthermore, a wide array of applications were explored, namely extraction, homogenization, degassing and deodorizing, pasteurization and vegetable blanching, drying and dehydration, freezing and thawing, brining and hydration, and cutting, highlighting how ultrasound waves can enhance process efficiency and improve product quality. The review also provides a critical analysis of the challenges and limitations associated with scaling up the technology for industrial use, including potential impacts on food quality, safety considerations, and economic viability. Finally, future perspectives and potential areas for further research are outlined to encourage the broader adoption of this technology in the food sector. Full article

Carbon dots (C-Dots) have attracted significant interest due to their strong photoluminescence, aqueous stability, and tunable surface chemistry; however, their environmental safety remains incompletely understood. In this work, C-Dots were synthesized via a rapid microwave-assisted method using two different carbon precursors, D-glucose and ascorbic acid, with ethylenediamine as a passivating agent. The resulting nanoparticles exhibited predominantly amorphous structures with sizes below 10 nm, characteristic absorption bands at ~280–330 nm, and blue photoluminescence centered at ~450 nm. Acute toxicity was evaluated using Brine shrimp at concentrations ranging from 10 to 2000 ppm after 24 and 48 h of exposure. C-Dots synthesized from ascorbic acid showed significant toxicity at 2000 ppm, inducing higher mortality rates after 24 h, whereas D-glucose-derived C-Dots exhibited minimal toxic effects under the same conditions. These findings demonstrate that carbon precursor selection plays a critical role in determining the environmental toxicity of C-Dots and highlight the importance of precursor-dependent design strategies to minimize potential ecological risks associated with carbon-based nanomaterials. Full article

This study presents an efficient, environmentally benign approach for synthesizing chitosan-entrapped titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanocomposites utilizing aqueous orange peel extract playing its role in reduction and stabilization of the nanoparticles and exploring its anticancer activity in vitro. TiO₂ nanoparticles were initially synthesized via a modified sol-gel method incorporating the orange peel extract. Subsequently, these nanoparticles were entrapped within a chitosan matrix. The orange peel extract was thoroughly characterized using analysis of phytochemicals present, and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of a reconstructed methanolic extract to identify potential biomolecules responsible for the reduction and capping processes. The synthesized chitosan-entrapped TiO₂ nanoparticles were subjected to comprehensive characterization using various analytical techniques, like UV–visible spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Zeta Potential analysis, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), FTIR, High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR-SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX). An absorption peak was observed at 296 nm, a hydrodynamic diameter of 400 nm, a+ 35.88 mV zeta potential, and an SEM image showing a diameter in the range of 300–645 nm, indicating polymer entrapment with enhanced size. Brine shrimp assay, MTT assay using normal fibroblasts, 3T3-L1, and zebrafish embryo assay were done to observe the biocompatibility of the synthesized nanostructure. The concentration of 50 μg/mL was found to be inert in both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, cervical cancer cells, SiHa, were treated with the nanoparticles to exhibit their cancer-killing capability with an IC₅₀ value of 30.74 μg/mL. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of orange peel extract as a sustainable agent for TiO₂ nanoparticle synthesis and the successful formation of a stable chitosan-entrapped nanocomposite. This approach offers a promising pathway for producing functional metal oxide nanomaterials with reduced environmental impact and enhanced properties for diverse biomedical applications. Future studies using other types of cancer cells and animal models for cancerous tumors need to be explored. Full article

The use of appropriate thermal insulation is one of the fundamental methods for reducing a building’s energy demand. The article aims to assess the ecological effectiveness of reducing thermal energy losses through the external brick walls of a model single-family building. Environmental impacts resulting from the use of three alternative heat sources (a condensing gas boiler, an oil boiler, and a brine-to-water heat pump) and two types of insulation materials (EPS with recycled material and mineral wool) were determined. Oil heating has the highest combined environmental impact (EUR 4.392). Using EPS as an insulating material generates a lower environmental impact compared to mineral wool (EUR 2.846 vs. EUR 3.775). The impact of climatic conditions was also considered, taking into account seven building locations that correspond to the diverse climatic conditions found in different regions of Poland. The obtained values indicate a clear impact of both the thickness of the thermal insulation layer and the building’s location on the amount of heat loss and, consequently, environmental costs. In locations with higher average annual outdoor temperatures, the determined heat losses are approximately 20% lower. The most significant environmental benefits are observed when switching from no insulation to 150–200 mm of insulation. The results indicate that the environmental benefits resulting from reduced heat losses achieved through the use of thermal insulation are quickly offset by the externalities associated with the production of the insulation. For a thickness of 50 mm, the benefit–cost ratio (B/C) ranges from 1.7 to 8.4, indicating that the environmental benefits achieved by reducing heat loss are approximately two to eight times greater than the costs associated with producing the material. The B/C ratio decreases with increasing insulation thickness, regardless of the building’s location and the type of heat source. As the thickness increases to 100 mm, the ratio drops to 1–5. In the temperate climate zone, where Poland and others UE’s countries are located, a 100–150 mm layer of insulation offers the best compromise between environmental benefits and environmental costs. The results demonstrate the validity of using building insulation and may serve as an argument in environmental policy for supporting it with budgetary funds in Poland and the European Union. Full article

Brines in playas and salt lakes provide crucial raw materials for potassium and lithium products in fertilizers and the energy sector. In this contribution, elemental and multiple H, O, Sr, B, and Li isotopic constraints were employed to determine the sources and origin of brines in the Bieletan Section (BLT) of Qarhan Salt Lake, northwestern China. The δD-δ¹⁸O results demonstrate that the brines of BLT mainly originated from river waters. The correlations of [Li] vs. [B], δ⁷Li vs. [Li] and δ¹¹B vs. [B]/[Cl] suggest that the original provenance and silicate weathering played important roles in the elemental and isotopic signatures of B and Li in these river waters, which had been obscured by evaporation and concentration of brines and the related precipitation and redissolution of salt minerals during the evolution of brines in the salt lake. Strontium isotopes rule out the recharge of CaCl₂ fluids from the northern fault zones for brines in BLT. Finally, the combination of elemental composition and Li, Sr, and B isotopes suggests that the current brine in BLT is mainly sourced from the Wutumeiren River and has experienced constant and intense evaporation to form the highly concentrated brine. By contrast, the contribution of the Golmud River/Tuolahai River and the CaCl₂ spring water from the north fault zone to the brines in BLT is negligible. Our results highlight that integrated elemental and multiple isotope analyses are more effective for achieving a precise and comprehensive understanding of the source-to-sink process in the river–salt lake system. Full article

Selective ion transport is essential for many applications of membrane separation, such as rare metal and high-value element extraction from complex ionic sources. However, efficient regulation of permeability–selectivity remains a major challenge for advanced ionic transport membranes. Herein, we demonstrate that supercritical CO₂ (ScCO₂) drying combined with crown ether functionalization enables precise modulation of crystallinity and ion-specific affinity in covalent organic framework (COF) membranes. The pristine COF membrane prepared by solution casting was amorphous. Owing to its positively charged framework and sub-nanometer pores, the membrane exhibited a high Li⁺ transport rate over Mg²⁺ via a synergistic effect of size exclusion and electrostatic repulsion, resulting in a selectivity of 204. After ScCO₂ drying, the crystallinity and structural ordering of the COF membrane were significantly enhanced, leading to a 1.5-fold increase in Li⁺ flux, accompanied by a moderate decrease in selectivity to 147. To compensate for this trade-off, 12-crown-4 (12C4) was introduced as a Li⁺ recognition agent into the ScCO₂-treated membrane, restoring Li⁺/Mg²⁺ selectivity to 187 without compromising Li⁺ flux. Importantly, the selective Li⁺ transport performance was maintained in real salt lake brines. This structural–chemical co-regulation strategy provides a versatile approach for optimizing ion transport membranes in complex separation applications. Full article

Calcareous interbeds are widely developed in marine clastic sequences, where laterally continuous, tight calcareous interbeds act as critical controls on the formation of lithologic traps and the distribution of oil. However, the genetic mechanisms and development models of these interbeds, particularly under deep-burial conditions subject to complex fluid interactions, remain poorly understood. Using the Donghe Sandstone in the Hade Oilfield (Tarim Basin) as a case study, this paper investigates the genetic evolution of calcareous interbeds via an integrated approach combining core observation, thin-section petrography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), stable isotope analysis, fluid inclusion microthermometry, and heavy fraction analysis. The results indicate that: (1) The carbonate cements within the interbeds are compositionally complex, dominated by calcite but characterized by a diagnostic assemblage of anhydrite, ferroan calcite, and ankerite. (2) During the depositional to shallow burial stages, seawater evaporation and meteoric freshwater influx led to the supersaturation of calcium-rich pore waters near the surface. This facilitated the precipitation of early cement assemblages, which are predominantly of freshwater origin and consist mainly of non-ferroan calcite nodules, dolomite, and anhydrite. (3) During the deep burial stage, the injection of high-salinity brines and organic acid decarboxylation triggered Thermochemical Sulfate Reduction (TSR). This process caused the extensive consumption of the pre-existing anhydrite and the formation of authigenic pyrite, followed by the tight occlusion of remaining porosity through the precipitation of late-stage ferroan calcite and ankerite. (4) In the broad slope setting, these tight calcareous interbeds constitute effective flow barriers, resulting in a stepped distribution of the oil–water contact. Within the reservoir compartments segmented by these interbeds, crude oil maturity exhibits a distinct inversion (i.e., higher maturity below the interbeds and lower maturity above), confirming the critical sealing capacity of the interbeds during hydrocarbon accumulation. Ultimately, this study establishes a genetic model coupling calcareous interbed development with deep-burial fluid alteration, providing new geological insights for predicting subtle traps in marine sandstone reservoirs. Full article

Correct species identification is essential for understanding biodiversity and managing ecosystems. The bisexual Brine Shrimp Artemia tibetiana and Artemia sorgeloosi represent two regional endemic taxa on the Tibetan Plateau, yet the taxonomic status of several populations remains unresolved. In particular, the Artemia population from Kyêbxang Co (Tibet, China) has been inconsistently assigned to either A. tibetiana or A. sorgeloosi in recent ecological and genomic studies, lacking formal taxonomic evaluation. To resolve this ambiguity, we conducted a precise biosystematic assessment based on DNA analyses: In this study, we performed a taxonomic reassessment of the Kyêbxang Co Artemia population, based on complete mitochondrial genome sequences and mitochondrial gene COI haplotype analyses. Phylogenetic analysis consistently positioned the Kyêbxang Co population within the A. sorgeloosi clade, clearly separated from the polyphyletic A. tibetiana lineage. Genetic distance values corroborated this placement, revealing minimal divergence from A. sorgeloosi (0.31%) but substantial divergence from A. tibetiana (9.07%). The COI haplotype network further indicated an exclusive maternal gene pool shared with topotypic A. sorgeloosi. Collectively, these results provide conclusive molecular evidence that the Brine Shrimp population of Kyêbxang Co belongs to A. sorgeloosi, not A. tibetiana. Full article

The industrial application of modified ion-exchange membranes is limited by complex, discontinuous ex-situ processes. This study introduces an in-situ electro-assembly strategy that enables the direct fabrication of a selective layer within an electrodialysis stack without disassembly. By utilizing a programmed current reversal to orchestrate the sequential deposition of polyethyleneimine (PEI), glutaraldehyde cross-linking, and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) adsorption, we achieve meticulous interfacial engineering on a commercial cation exchange membrane. Comprehensive characterization confirms the successful construction of a hydrophilic, charge-tuned multilayer, which enhances ion transport kinetics and raises the limiting current density. This method culminates in a membrane with an exceptional Li⁺/Mg²⁺ selectivity of 107.9 and robust stability, retaining a significant selectivity of 47 over 10 cycles in real salt lake brine. This synergistic integration of operational simplicity, interfacial precision, and superior performance establishes a transformative and scalable platform for manufacturing high-performance membranes for selective ion separation from complex brine sources. Full article