Search Results (3,256)

Every year, crustacean shell waste amounts to nearly 8 million tons worldwide, representing both an environmental challenge and a valuable resource. Crustacean shells can be repurposed as raw material for products in various industries, including agriculture, construction, and biomedicine. They are a valuable resource for creating functional materials due to their high content of chitin, protein, and calcium carbonate. These compounds can be extracted and processed to create various products, such as the biopolymer chitosan, antioxidants like astaxanthin, and adsorbents for water treatment, aligning with a circular economy approach by converting waste into valuable by-products. Chitosan films from crustacean waste are promising active packaging materials developed over the last decade, featuring enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Extensive research confirms that crustacean shell waste is an excellent, low-cost adsorbent for removing heavy metals from water. This review analyzes current trends and opportunities for crustacean shell waste utilization in packaging materials and wastewater treatment. Key applications include replacing conventional plastic in biodegradable packaging and improving water treatment, which enhances resource efficiency and minimizes environmental pollution. Full article

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb traditionally valued for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. In recent years, however, growing attention has shifted toward the technical and environmental potential of the plant’s industrial by-products, particularly the fibrous material left after extraction. This review integrates botanical knowledge with engineering and industrial perspectives, highlighting the role of licorice fiber in advancing sustainable innovation. The natural fiber obtained from licorice roots exhibits notable physical and mechanical qualities, including lightness, biodegradability, and compatibility with bio-based polymer matrices. These attributes make it a promising candidate for biocomposites used in green building and other sectors of the circular economy. Developing efficient recovery processes requires collaboration across disciplines, combining expertise in plant science, materials engineering, and industrial technology. The article also examines the economic and regulatory context driving the transition toward more circular and traceable production models. Increasing interest from companies, research institutions, and public bodies in valorizing licorice fiber and its derivatives is opening new market opportunities. Potential applications extend to agroindustry, eco-friendly cosmetics, bioeconomy, and sustainable construction. By linking botanical insights with innovative waste management strategies, licorice emerges as a resource capable of supporting integrated, competitive, and environmentally responsible industrial practices. Full article

Stone powder is an inevitable by-product generated during the processing of manufactured sand and gravel. Waste stone powder has been proven to affect concrete properties and has been applied in the transportation and hydropower fields. This study aims to convert waste granite stone powder (GP) to nuclear power concrete by replacing manufactured sand, investigating its effect on the workability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, impermeability, and freezing resistance of nuclear power concrete. The mechanism was further elucidated through thermogravimetric (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) techniques. The results show that with the increase in GP content, the slump, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength of concrete increase first and then decrease, and the seepage height under pressure water decreases first and then increases. The workability, strength, and impermeability of concrete are optimal when GP content is 11.0%. Reasonable GP content improves the compactness of concrete by filling pores and optimizing aggregate gradation, resulting in decreases in porosity, with the size being the most probable and average pore size. Full article

Spent garnet (SG) wastes are generated in significant quantities by several industrial activities, including abrasive waterjet cutting (AWJ), abrasive blasting, and filtration and powdered media applications. These wastes represent a promising secondary raw material for the production of sustainable construction materials, particularly green mortars and concretes, through their partial replacement of natural sand in cementitious systems. Such applications are relevant to both hydraulically setting inorganic binders (cement-based materials) and alkali-activated cementitious materials (AACMs). The valorization of SG wastes offers multiple benefits, notably a dual environmental advantage: reducing the consumption of natural aggregates and diverting industrial waste from disposal by integrating it into a new life cycle as a value-added by-product. Additional potential advantages include reduced production costs and possible improvements in the overall performance of mortars and concretes. Despite these benefits, the use of SG as an aggregate replacement remains insufficiently explored, with existing studies providing only preliminary and fragmented evidence of its feasibility. This paper presents an overview of a comprehensive four-year research program investigating SG wastes derived from single-cycle AWJ processes and their incorporation into conventional mortars as partial fine aggregate replacement in cement-based construction composites. The validation stage of the performance assessment expands the range of SG sources by including new sampling from the original suppliers, enabling verification of the repeatability and reproducibility of earlier findings. A broad set of physical, mechanical, and durability properties—particularly resistance to freeze–thaw cycles—is evaluated to achieve a robust and comprehensive material characterization. These results are further correlated with chemical and microstructural analyses, providing critical insights to support the technological transfer of SG-based construction materials to industrial applications with reduced carbon footprint. Full article

Berry skins are rich in phenolic compounds but are commonly discarded as low-value waste during berry wine production. The present study evaluated how primary alcoholic fermentation affects the retention and transformation of phenolics in berry skins of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.), and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon L.). Non-fermented and fermented skin fractions were analysed using Folin–Ciocalteu and HPLC to determine total and individual phenolic profiles. Primary fermentation induced significant species-dependent changes in phenolic composition. Blackcurrant, lingonberry, and rowanberry skins exhibited substantial decreases in total phenolics (−66%, −26%, and −57%, respectively), driven by strong losses of flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamic acids. In contrast, cranberry and chokeberry skins showed net increases in phenolic content (+47% and +18%, respectively), associated with the release of bound phenolics and the appearance of new low-molecular-weight phenolic acids such as gallic acid. Across all species, fermentation enhanced biotransformation into simpler phenolics while reducing major native anthocyanins and catechins. These results demonstrate that the influence of primary fermentation on berry skins is not uniform but dictated by their inherent phenolic architecture. Berries rich in polymeric or conjugated phenolics benefit from fermentation through increased phenolic extractability. The findings provide a comparative basis for optimizing fermentation and post-processing strategies to enhance the valorization potential of berry by-products in food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Fungal secondary metabolites are valuable sources of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials. This study evaluated the submerged fermentation of Penicillium crustosum OR889307 supplemented with lemon peel as a co-substrate to enhance the production of bioactive compounds. Lemon peel was selected for its phenolic precursors and sustainable availability as an agro-industrial byproduct. Crude extracts, aqueous and organic fractions, and molecular-weight partitions were assessed for antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay and for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Semi-purified extracts from co-substrate fermentations exhibited enhanced bioactivity, showing MIC values of 185 µg/mL against P. aeruginosa and 225 µg/mL against MRSA, along with strong ABTS radical-scavenging capacity (238.95 ± 2.17 µmol TE). RP-HPLC-ESI-MS profiling revealed phenolic acids, flavanones, flavonols, and lignans, including ferulic acid 4-O-glucoside, bisdemethoxycurcumin, secoisolariciresinol, and quercetin 3-O-xylosyl-glucuronide. These findings demonstrate that lemon peel supplementation promotes the biosynthesis of antimicrobial and antioxidant metabolites by P. crustosum. This approach supports sustainable agro-waste valorization and offers a promising strategy for obtaining natural bioactive compounds with potential applications in food preservation and health-related formulations. Full article

The global environmental challenges of solid waste accumulation and aquatic eutrophication demand innovative and sustainable strategies. This study introduces a circular “waste-treats-waste” approach by converting dolomite-rich phosphate tailings (PT), a widespread industrial by-product, into a high-value adsorbent for phosphorus (P) removal. Thermal modification at 950 °C for 1 h dramatically enhanced the adsorption capacity by approximately 45 times, from 2.52 mg/g (raw PT) to 112.41 mg/g. This performance is highly competitive with, and often superior to, many engineered adsorbents. The calcination process was pivotal, decomposing carbonates into highly active CaO and MgO while developing a porous structure. Using a multi-technique characterization approach (X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), TESCAN VEGA3 tungsten filament scanning electron microscope (SEM), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method (BET)), the key immobilization mechanism was identified as hydroxyapatite formation, driven by Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-phosphate precipitation and surface complexation. Nonlinear regression analysis revealed that the adsorption kinetics obeyed the pseudo-second-order model, and the equilibrium data were best described by the Freundlich isotherm. This indicates a chemisorption process occurring on a heterogeneous surface, consistent with the complex structure created by thermal modification. Notably, post-adsorption pore structure expansion suggested synergistic pore-filling and surface reorganization. This work not only demonstrates a circular economy paradigm for repurposing industrial solid waste on a global scale but also offers a cost-effective and high-performance pathway for controlling phosphorus pollution in aquatic systems, contributing directly to resource efficiency and sustainable environmental remediation. Full article

Functional food plays an increasingly important role in shaping healthy dietary habits by integrating health-promoting components into consumers’ everyday diets and helping reduce food waste. Products developed using by-products and raw material streams from food processing can support the principles of the circular economy (CE) by improving resource efficiency and lowering the environmental footprint of the food system. In Poland, as in many countries worldwide, functional food is a rapidly growing category that can contribute to public health and serve as a driver of economic development. However, the excessive and scientifically unsupported use of the term “functional food” for marketing purposes may mislead consumers and weaken trust in this product group. From a CE perspective, transparent communication and informed consumer choices are essential, as they promote environmentally responsible behaviors and support sustainable production models. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge about functional food among residents of Eastern Poland, which is a less industrialized and predominantly agricultural region. The analysis focused on awareness of health benefits, consumption frequency, consumer attitudes, and interest in educational initiatives promoting functional food within CE principles. The study also examined whether consumers associate functional food with sustainability-oriented practices. The findings offer insights for educational and marketing strategies grounded in scientific evidence and highlight the potential of functional food in building a sustainable, resource-efficient food system. Full article

The growing generation of organic solid waste from small-scale agriculture poses major environmental challenges in developing countries like Ecuador, where rural areas often lack waste management infrastructure. Residues from livestock rearing and traditional brewing such as poultry manure (PM), bovine manure (BM), and barley by-product (BB) are often discarded untreated. This study evaluated the bioconversion potential of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), using a local Ecuadorian strain reared on these substrates under natural conditions and three feeding rates (50, 100, and 150 mg·larva⁻¹·day⁻¹). Larval growth and process efficiency were analyzed on a dry-matter basis. Both substrate and feeding rate significantly influenced performance (p < 0.05). PM and BB produced the highest larval dry weights (37.4 and 35.9 mg, respectively) at 100 mg·larva⁻¹·day⁻¹, with development completed in 35 days. BM-fed larvae reached only 17.6 mg and required up to 91 days. Bioconversion peaked at 4.6% (PM100) and 4.2% (BB50), while all BM treatments showed very low efficiency (<0.8%). Waste reduction was highest in BB100 (52.9%) and PM100 (43.5%). These results demonstrate the potential of BSFL as a biological treatment option for rural organic waste streams; however, performance strongly depended on substrate quality and feeding rate, indicating that not all locally available residues are equally suitable for larval bioconversion. Full article

Lactic acid accumulates in the tumour microenvironment (TME) at concentrations reaching up to 40 mM. Initially, lactic acid was considered merely a metabolic by-product of aerobic glycolysis, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the Warburg effect and observed in the majority of tumours. Recent evidence, however, has demonstrated that lactic acid is not merely a waste product; rather, it plays a pivotal role in tumour biology. High plasma lactic acid levels correlate with increased metastatic potential and lower survival rates. Elevated lactic acid levels in the TME have been shown to suppress antitumour immune responses, facilitate both metastasis and cellular senescence, and might modulate gene expression through novel epigenetic mechanisms such as histone lactylation. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the multifaceted impact of elevated lactic acid in the TME on tumour progression and biology. Full article

This research examines the feasibility of recovering and recycling condensate water, a waste byproduct generated by Atlas Copco ZR315 FF industrial air compressors utilizing oil-free rotary screw technology with integrated dryers. Given the growing severity of global water scarcity, finding alternative water sources is essential for sustainable industrial practices. This study specifically evaluates the potential of capturing and treating compressed air condensate as a viable method for water recovery. The investigation analyzes both the quantity and quality of condensate water produced by the ZR315 FF unit. It contrasts this recovery approach with traditional water production methods, such as desalination and atmospheric water generation (AWG) via dehumidification. The findings demonstrate that recovering condensate water from industrial air compressors is a cost-effective and energy-efficient substitute for conventional water production, especially in water-stressed areas like Morocco. The results show a significant opportunity to reduce industrial water usage and provide a sustainable source of process water. This research therefore supports the application of circular economy principles in industrial water management and offers practical solutions for overcoming water scarcity challenges within manufacturing environments. Full article

Driven by the energy transition within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, second-generation (2G) ethanol stands out as a technical and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Although first-generation ethanol, produced from saccharine and starchy feedstocks, represents an advance in mitigating emissions, its expansion is limited by competition with areas destined for food production. In this context, 2G ethanol, obtained from residual lignocellulosic biomass, emerges as a strategic route for diversifying and expanding the renewable energy matrix. Thus, this work discusses the current state of 2G ethanol technology based on the gradual growth in production and the consolidation of this route over the last few years. Industrial second-generation ethanol plants operating around the world demonstrate the high potential of agricultural waste as a raw material, particularly corn straw in the United States, which offers a lower cost and significant yield in the production of this biofuel. Similarly, in Brazil, sugarcane by-products, especially bagasse and straw, are consolidating as the main sources for 2G ethanol, integrated into the biorefinery concept and the valorization of by-products obtained during the 2G ethanol production process. However, despite the wide availability of lignocellulosic biomass and its high productive potential, the consolidation of 2G ethanol is still conditioned by technical and economic challenges, especially the high costs associated with pretreatment stages and enzymatic cocktails, as well as the formation of inhibitory compounds that compromise the efficiency of the process. Genetic engineering plays a particularly important role in the development of microorganisms to produce more efficient enzymatic cocktails and to ferment hexoses and pentoses (C₆ and C₅ sugars) into ethanol. In this scenario, not only are technological limitations important but also public policies and tax incentives, combined with the integration of the biorefinery concept and the valorization of (by)products, which prove fundamental to reducing costs, increasing process efficiency, and ensuring the economic viability and sustainability of second-generation ethanol. Full article

(1) Background: The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) survives hypoxia–reoxygenation stresses by utilizing metabolic rate depression, achieved in part by downregulating nonessential genes and processes to conserve endogenous cellular resources and prevent buildup of toxic waste byproducts. Tight molecular control of protein degradation (specifically the ubiquitin–proteasome system) is a potent regulatory tool for maintaining muscle integrity during hypoxia, but how this system is regulated in the heart of hypoxia-tolerant species is poorly understood. (2) Methods: The protein expression levels of cullin-RING E3 ligases (specifically CRL4 architecture), deubiquitinating enzymes, and proteasomal activity were assayed in cardiac tissues from H. glaber exposed to 24 h of normoxia or hypoxia in vivo. (3) Results: Overall, the protein expression of E3 ligases decreased, whereas expression of deubiquitinating enzymes increased during hypoxia, all of which play roles in themes of oxidative stress, heightened DNA damage repair, and the HIF-1-VHL-NFκB axis. Proteasomal activity was elevated during hypoxia, which conceivably links to the oxidative stress theory of aging and longevity of H. glaber. (4) Conclusions: Taken together, our results expand current research into protein degradation and extreme environmental stress responses, with a specific focus on cardiac mechanisms related to oxidative stress resistance along the hypoxia-longevity axis. Full article

Improving the thermal utilisation of organic production waste to generate energy is integral to solving one of the most pressing issues of our time: transitioning away from fossil fuels. In this context, the thermal utilisation of organic waste, particularly sewage sludge (SS) and lignin-containing by-products from the biochemical industry, is of considerable scientific and practical interest. This study provides a thorough analysis of the co-combustion processes involving SS, lignin-based pellets and briquettes, and their mixtures with various component ratios. The aim of the work is to evaluate the fuel properties, thermokinetic characteristics, and potential for synergistic interactions during joint fuel combustion, considering the mechanical impact on lignin during granulation. The aim is to optimise conditions for the thermal utilisation of industrial waste. The study employed standard analytical methods: the thermophysical properties of the fuels were determined; morphological analysis of the particle surface was conducted using scanning electron microscopy; and X-ray fluorescence analysis was performed to identify the inorganic oxide phase. It has been established that lignin briquettes have the highest lower heating value, exceeding that of lignin pellets and sewage sludge by 7% and 27%, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in an oxidising atmosphere (air, heating rate of 10 °C/min) made it possible to determine the following key combustion parameters: the ignition temperature of the coke residue (T_i); the temperature at which oxidation is complete (T_b); the maximum combustion rate (R_max); and the combustion efficiency index (Q). The ignition temperature of the coke residue was 262.1 °C for SS, 291.8 °C for lignin pellets, and 290.0 °C for lignin briquettes. Analysis of co-combustion revealed non-linear behaviour in the thermograms, indicating synergistic effects, which are manifested by a decrease in the maximum combustion rate compared to the additive prediction, particularly in mixtures with a moderate lignin content (25–50%). It was established that the main synergistic interactions between the mixture components occurred during moisture evaporation and the combustion of coke residue. These results are valuable for designing and operating power plants that focus on co-combusting industrial organic waste, and they contribute to the development of thermal utilisation technologies within closed production cycles. Full article

Brown algae of the Cystoseira genus are recognized as valuable sources of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides. Within the framework of current restoration efforts regarding damaged Ericaria amentacea populations in the Mediterranean Sea, the valorization of apices derived from ex situ cultivation waste represents a sustainable opportunity for industrial and biomedical applications. In this study, sodium alginate (SA) was extracted from E. amentacea apex by-products using a hydrothermal–alkaline method and subsequently chemically characterized. FTIR analysis showed O-H, C-H, and COO- stretching compatible with commercial alginates, while 1H-NMR spectroscopy indicated high β-D-mannuronic acid content, with an M/G ratio of 2.33. The extracted SA displayed a molecular weight of 1 × 10⁴ g/mol and a polydispersity index of 3.5. The bioactive properties of the SA extract were investigated in chemico and in vitro. SA exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, showing significant DPPH and nitric oxide-radical-scavenging capacity. Furthermore, SA demonstrated a strong anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated macrophages through modulation of several inflammatory mediators (i.e., IL-6, IL-8/CXCL5, MCP-1, and TNF-α). In particular, SA promoted a striking iNOS gene expression inhibition, which, paired with its direct NO-scavenging ability, paves the way for future pharmacological use of E. amentacea derivatives, particularly if sustainably obtained from restoration activity waste. Full article