Search Results (326)

Potato starch offers the unique potential of mineral enrichment through the presence of phosphorylated amylopectin chains. This property was utilised in a straightforward dual modification of native potato starch by combining mineral enrichment with dry heat treatments (DHT). DHT itself (110–130 °C, 3–6% moisture, 2 h) affords potato starches with lower viscosity and gelatinisation temperatures and higher contents of digestible starch. Prior ion exchange with Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ enhanced the versatility of dry heat treatments. This study demonstrates the fine-tuning of functional properties (rheology) of these novel, dual-modified starches. Of special interest are magnesium and calcium due to their nutritional value and their valency, allowing ionic cross-linking. The present study contributes to the understanding of starch–ion interactions in DHT, clearly highlighting the role of specific ion effects, as per the Hofmeister series (K⁺ > Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺), in addition to the reversible ionic cross-linking effect of divalent cations. This knowledge is of use for potential substitution of chemically modified starches in food products, serving relevant trends and needs of today’s food industry for clean-label starches. Full article

Over the last decade, bark beetle outbreaks have significantly impacted forests in Central Europe, causing extensive loss of forest cover. We evaluated the impact of partial deforestation in three mountain forest catchments in the Jeseníky Mountains, comparing them with the unaffected Červík catchment (Beskydy Mountains) and the severely affected Pekelský stream catchment (Czech-Moravian Highlands). Atmospheric deposition in the catchments was similar, with total element input driven primarily by precipitation volumes rather than ion concentrations. We did not observe the hypothesized increase in DOC and nitrogen export, although nitrate outflow was slightly higher than atmospheric input in two cases. Significant export of calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates was driven mainly by the geology of the individual catchments. The limited impact of bark beetle outbreaks on DOC dynamics can be attributed to the relatively low proportion of clear-cut areas and the rapid development of ground vegetation on impacted sites. Full article

Functional properties of coastal halophytes are important for development of salt-tolerant cash crop cultures. The study of salt tolerance in coastal dune-building grass Leymus arenarius holds significant importance for its application in land reclamation, soil stabilization, and enhancing crop resilience to salinity stress. We used two accessions (LA1 and LA2) of L. arenarius to compare effects of salinity caused by NaCl and NaNO₃ on growth, ion accumulation and mineral nutrition in controlled conditions. L. arenarius plants exhibited high tolerance to sodium salts, with distinct effects on growth and development observed between chloride and nitrate treatments. While both salts negatively impacted root biomass, nitrate treatment (50–100 mmol L⁻¹) increased leaf number and biomass in LA2 plants, whereas chloride treatment decreased tiller and leaf sheath biomass. Despite individual variations, salinity treatments showed comparable effects on traits like tiller and leaf count, as well as leaf blade and sheath biomass. Salinity increased water content in leaf blades, sheaths, and roots, with LA2 plants showing the most pronounced effects. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements indicated a positive impact of NaNO₃ treatment on photosynthesis at intermediate salt concentrations, but a decrease at high salinity, particularly in LA2 plants. The accumulation capacity for Na⁺ in nitrate-treated plants reached 30 and 20 g kg⁻¹ in leaves and roots, respectively. In contrast, the accumulation capacity in chloride-treated plants was significantly lower, approximately 10 g kg⁻¹, in both leaves and roots. Both treatments increased nitrogen, phosphorus, and manganese concentrations in leaves and roots, with varying effects on calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper concentrations depending on the type of salt and tissue. These findings highlight the potential of L. arenarius for restoring saline and nitrogen-contaminated environments and position it as a valuable model for advancing research on salt tolerance mechanisms to improve cereal crop resilience. Full article

Groundwater wells are essential for sustaining biodiversity in arid and hyper-arid regions. Wells are easily affected by external disturbances, particularly in hyper-arid regions like the Siwa Oasis, where the environmental variables influencing groundwater communities remain understudied. This study assessed the quality of several groundwater wells and agricultural drains based on the physical, chemical and hydrochemical parameters. The results classified the wells and drains into three distinct groups: (1) highly mineralized, carbonated systems with high concentrations of potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and sulfate, and an average electrical conductivity (EC) of 12.01 mS/cm; (2) low-mineralized wells with an average EC of 2.15 mS/cm; and (3) a moderate one averaging 7.77 mS/cm. The major ions were dominated by Na⁺ (59.3%) and Mg²⁺ (26.8%) for cations, and Cl⁻ (79.1%) and SO₄²⁻ (13.4%) for anions in meq/L. Collectively, the evaluation based on total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium percentage (Na%), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and the US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram revealed that about 80% of the analyzed wells are unsuitable for irrigation, with only three wells (W03, W12, and W16) deemed suitable for drinking. These findings confirmed a critical vulnerability of the oasis ecosystem. The uncontrolled and extensive use of finite, non-renewable aquifers for agricultural and other purposes is directly exacerbating water salinization and soil sodicity, posing a threat to the future sustainability of the oasis’s water resources. Full article

Stainless steels are commonly used in coastal structures and in seawater desalination and treatment systems, so understanding their corrosion behaviour under different salinity conditions is important to ensure the durability and reliability of the material. In this study, the behaviour of AISI 304L, AISI 316L, and 2205 duplex stainless steels (DSS) was tested in three media with different salinities: brackish water (BSW), seawater (SW), and concentrated seawater bittern (CSW). Testing was conducted using classical electrochemical methods (open circuit potential, linear, and potentiodynamic polarization) supplemented by surface analyses (optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, and optical profilometry). Corrosion resistance increased in the order AISI 304L < AISI 316L < 2205 DSS. Duplex steel 2205 performed best in all media: it exhibited the most positive open circuit potential, the highest polarization resistance, the lowest corrosion current density, and the widest passive range. Unexpectedly, CSW showed improved corrosion resistance compared to SW, which is explained by the reduced chloride content characteristic of seawater bittern after NaCl crystallisation and the presence of magnesium, calcium, and sulphate ions that promote the formation of protective deposits on the metal surface. Pronounced pitting was observed on AISI 304L steel in seawater, while surface degradation in brackish and concentrated seawater was significantly less, and 2205 DSS remained almost unchanged. The results obtained can serve as guidelines for the design and selection of materials for equipment and structures in industries operating in aggressive marine and coastal environments, such as desalination plants, shipbuilding, and energy systems. Full article

As demand for high-performance energy storage grows across grid and mobility sectors, multivalent ion batteries (MVIBs) have emerged as promising alternatives to lithium-based systems due to their potential for higher volumetric energy density and material abundance. This review comprehensively examines recent breakthroughs in magnesium, zinc, aluminum, and calcium-based battery chemistries, with a focus on overcoming barriers related to slow ion transport, limited reversibility, and electrode degradation. Advances in aqueous and non-aqueous electrolyte formulations, including solvation shell engineering, interfacial passivation, and dual-zone ion transport, are discussed for their role in improving compatibility and cycling stability. Particular focus is placed on three high-impact innovations: solvation-optimized Mg-ion systems for improved mobility and retention, interface-engineered Zn-ion batteries enabling dendrite-free operation, and sustainable Al-ion technologies targeting grid-scale deployment with eco-friendly electrolytes and recyclable materials. Cross-cutting insights from operando characterization techniques and AI-guided materials discovery are also evaluated for their role in accelerating MVIB development. By integrating fundamental materials innovation with practical system design, multivalent ion batteries offer a compelling path toward next-generation, safer, and more sustainable energy storage platforms. Full article

Orange peel is suitable for reuse due to the quantity and variety of bioactive compounds it contains, such as pectins, sugars and hesperidin. This study designed a scheme for reusing orange peel extract (OPE) using membrane technologies. Initially, a 100 kDa ceramic membrane was used to separate the pectins and hesperidine from acids and sugars and obtain a clarified product. In the subsequent stage, two ultrafiltration membranes of 25 and 5 kDa were tested, improving the results in terms of product transmittance and obtaining permeates whose physical–chemical parameters are compatible with those established by the European Fruit Juice Association. These membranes did not achieve complete separation of monosaccharide sugars from disaccharides. Finally, a 200 Da nanofiltration membrane was used, which completely reduced the sucrose and pectin content, concentrating glucose and fructose by 40%, values higher than those obtained with the GR90PP membrane. In addition, calcium and magnesium ions were completely rejected. Color changes in the permeate and concentrate streams could be appreciated due to the high concentration produced when working in batches. The nanofiltration (NF) process obtained lower yields (approximately 30%) compared to ultrafiltration (approximately 85%). Full article

It is well known that elevated phosphate concentrations in water bodies trigger the eutrophication process, posing adverse environmental, health, and economic consequences that necessitate effective removal solutions. Phosphate removal has therefore been widely studied using various methods, including chemical precipitation, membrane filtration, and crystallisation. However, most of these methods are often expensive or inefficient for low phosphate concentrations. Therefore, in this study, an eco-friendly, sustainable and biodegradable adsorbent was manufactured by extracting calcium ions from an industrial by-product, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and magnesium ions from magnesium dross (MgD), then immobilising them on sodium alginate to form Ca-Mg-SA beads. The new adsorbent was applied to remove phosphate from water under different flow patterns (batch and continuous flow), initial pH levels, contact times, agitation speeds and adsorbent doses. Additionally, the degradation time of the new adsorbent, recycling potential, its morphology, formation of functional groups and chemical composition were investigated. The results obtained from batch experiments demonstrated that the new adsorbent achieved 90.2% phosphate removal efficiency from a 10 mg/L initial concentration, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 1.75 mg P/g at an initial pH of 7, a contact time of 120 min, an agitation speed of 200 rpm and an adsorbent dose of 1.25 g/50 mL. The column experiments demonstrated a 0.82 mg P/g removal capacity under the same optimal conditions as the batch experiments. The findings also showed that the adsorption process fitted well to the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models and followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Characterisation of Ca-Mg-SA beads using EDX, SEM and FTIR confirmed successful ion immobilisation and phosphate adsorption. Furthermore, the beads fully biodegraded in soil within 75 days and demonstrated potential recycling as a fertiliser. Full article

This study discusses the unique features of the rural park Parque Rural del Nublo (Gran Canaria) that resulted in the designation of this site as UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve. Due to its indigenous flora and fauna, its mild climate and its farming lands, this park is considered as an outdoor “sustainable research laboratory”. This paper describes the main features (source, denomination, classification, municipality, year of declaration and hydro-chemical facies) of some of the many groundwater springs found in the park. The quality of the drinking water obtained from the spring “El Molinillo”, located in the basin of the municipality of Tejeda, is analysed by assessing its organoleptic, physico-chemical, chemical and bacteriological properties. Considering that it is described as “natural mineral water”, based on the taxonomy for mineral–medicinal waters, the water from “El Molinillo” is classified as hypothermal, alkaline and very soft water, with a low conductivity, a very weak mineralisation and a significant silica content. The water especially contains the following ions: bicarbonate, chloride, magnesium and calcium. The paper describes several pharmacological effects and therapeutic indications attributed to this water, analysing the impact of its silica content on human and plant health. The paper concludes that the park should be permanently protected as a World Heritage Site, and the water obtained from “El Molinillo” is classified as “drinking water”, “natural mineral water” and “mineral–medicinal water”. Full article

Addressing the significant pressure for carbon emission reduction in the cement industry, the development of novel cement materials capable of achieving “in situ carbon sequestration” has become an important research focus. This study introduces nesquehonite (MgCO₃·3H₂O, NQ) as a functional admixture into the Portland cement system, systematically investigating its effects on the cement hydration process, the evolution of hydration products, and its carbon sequestration efficiency. Through designed penetration resistance tests and hydration tests with a high water-to-solid ratio, this research utilized X-ray diffraction analysis to determine the phase composition and content of hydration products at different ages. This was combined with scanning electron microscopy to observe microstructural evolution and Nano Measure software 1.2.5 for ettringite crystal size measurement, analyzing the impact of NQ on the early hydration process of P.I cement. The results indicate that the incorporation of NQ significantly alters the early hydration of P.I cement. The Mg²⁺ and CO₃²⁻ ions released upon its dissolution interact with Ca²⁺ and OH⁻ in the pore solution, effectively promoting the early precipitation of carbon sequestration products such as calcium carbonate and minor magnesium-containing carbonates. The addition of 10% NQ hindered the crystallization of Ca(OH)₂ before 6 h but promoted its formation after 24 h. Mechanical property tests revealed that a sample with an optimal 3% NQ dosage not only increased the paste’s penetration resistance but also enhanced the compressive strength of the 1-day hardened sample by 8.37% compared to the plain sample, without a decrease and even a slight increase at 28 days. This enhancement is closely related to the microstructural strengthening effect induced by the carbonation products. This study confirms the feasibility of using NQ to steer the cement hydration pathway towards a low-carbon direction, revealing its dual functionality in regulating hydration and sequestering carbon within cement-based materials. The findings provide a new theoretical basis and technical pathway for developing high-performance, low-carbon cement. Full article

Background: Cancer therapeutics development has been a challenge in medical and scientific areas due to their toxicity, limited biocompatibility, and unfortunate side effects. However, despite advances in early detection and the study of novel treatments, the mortality rate for breast cancer remains high, making it a significant global health concern. Objectives: In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles functionalized with acrylic acid (AA), fumaramide (FA), and curcumin (CUR) as chelating and inhibitor agents were synthesized by emulsion polymerization techniques. Methods and Results: Comprehensive physiochemical characterization studies based on gravimetry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a pH dependence of nanoparticles that exhibit structural changes upon interaction with calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) ions. Calorimetric thermodynamic properties measured by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) confirmed chelating coordination and positive cooperativity between the nanoparticles and metal ions. In vitro studies showed the low cytotoxicity of nanoparticles by fibroblast proliferation, and their chelation process was observed by fluorescence microscopy, with the loss of interaction between cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that the functionalized nanoparticles have potential in drug delivery systems (DDS) for targeted breast cancer therapies, providing a promising polymer material for more efficient and less toxic treatments. Full article

Understanding groundwater quality and its controlling mechanisms is vital for the sustainable use of water resources in agriculturally intensive regions. This study evaluates the hydrochemical characteristics, controlling geochemical processes, and overall water quality of 226 groundwater samples collected from a typical agricultural reclamation area in the Sanjiang Plain, northeastern China. Major ion compositions indicate that groundwater is predominantly of the Ca–HCO₃ type, with bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium as the dominant constituents. Spatial and statistical analyses reveal that rock weathering—particularly the dissolution of carbonates and silicates—is the primary natural process influencing groundwater chemistry, while cation exchange contributes moderately. Anthropogenic inputs, especially from fertilizers, livestock waste, and wastewater discharge, were found to elevate concentrations of NO₃⁻, Cl⁻, and SO₄²⁻ in localized zones. The entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) was applied to assess overall groundwater suitability. Results show that 89.8% of samples fall into “excellent” or “good” categories, though 6.6% of samples indicate poor to very poor water quality. This study identified the hydrochemical characteristics, sources of substances, and water quality of groundwater in the reclamation area, providing a basis for scientific prevention and control, rational utilization, and protection of groundwater resources. Full article

Phosphate tailings (PTs) are typical industrial byproducts that can rapidly neutralize soil acidity. However, their acid-neutralizing efficacy, long-term application optimization mechanisms, and high-yield regulation pathways for crops remain unclear. This study conducted a corn-potato crop rotation field trial on acidic soils, investigating the effect of different PT application rates (T: CK, 0 t·ha⁻¹; PTs-1, 6 t·ha⁻¹; PTs-2, 9 t·ha⁻¹; PTs-3, 15 t·ha⁻¹) in a multiple cropping system (C: late autumn potatoes (LAP)-early spring potatoes (ESP)-summer maize (SM)). The results showed that two consecutive applications of 9 t·ha⁻¹ of PTs produced optimal results, increasing the LAP yield by 12.82% and the soil quality by 76.51%, while improving the ESP soil quality by 46.21%. The higher yield was mainly attributed to a significant increase in the soil pH (0.72–1.58 units) and enhanced chemical and biological properties (higher exchangeable calcium (ExCa), exchangeable magnesium (ExMg), the total exchangeable salt base ion (TEB), and catalase (CAT) and urease (UE) content and lower soil exchangeable acidity (EA), exchangeable hydrogen ion (ExH), and exchangeable aluminum (ExAl) levels). Notably, a synchronized increase in the total phosphorus (TP) and total potassium (TK) during LAP cultivation, combined with simultaneous growth of TP, available nitrogen (AN), and available phosphorus (AP) during ESP cultivation, and a significant increase in TP and AP during SM cultivation, effectively promoted crop yield. Furthermore, continuous PT application significantly enriched phosphorus (P)-soluble functional bacteria, such as Actinomycetes and Chloroflexota, and enhanced the stability of bacterial-fungal cross-boundary networks. In summary, optimal acidity levels and favorable soil texture improved soil quality, consequently increasing corn and potato yields. This study reveals for the first time that PTs can substantially increase crop production via a synergistic mechanism involving acid-base balance, structural improvement, and microbial activation. Not only does this provide a novel strategy for rapidly improving acidic soils, but it also establishes a solid theoretical and technical foundation for utilizing PT resources. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood is marked by frequent musculoskeletal injuries, with fractures representing a major cause of pediatric trauma admissions. Unstable long-bone fractures often require surgical stabilization, commonly achieved using elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). Although this method ensures effective fixation and early mobilization, concerns remain regarding potential metal ion release in growing children. This study aimed to assess changes in calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, titanium, and aluminum concentrations in blood and material from the medullary cavity of forearm fractures following intramedullary fixation. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 40 patients aged 4–15 years treated with ESIN at the University Children’s Hospital in Lublin. Peripheral blood and material from the medullary cavity were collected before implantation and at implant removal. Elemental concentrations were determined using high-resolution ICP-OES, and statistical analyses included paired comparisons, delta values, and multivariate methods. Results: No significant systemic changes were found for calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, or aluminum. A modest but significant increase in blood titanium levels was observed after treatment (p = 0.0075), especially in patients with two rods. Multivariate analysis confirmed overall stability of elemental profiles, with titanium contributing most strongly to post-treatment variation. Conclusions: Intramedullary titanium fixation in children does not significantly disrupt systemic mineral homeostasis. The slight increase in circulating titanium reflects implant exposure rather than toxicity, supporting the safety of ESIN, although continued monitoring of metallic elements may be warranted. Full article

Electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) are the two most widely used indicators of soil salinity worldwide. However, concerns regarding the use of EC and SAR for assessing soil salinity have been raised by industry, scientists, and regulators. This study examines 22 well sites across two ecoregions, sampling soils from 0 to 1.5 m depths, and hypothesized that EC and SAR may be insufficient indicators of soil salinity during reclamation. Both ecoregions had distinct soil salinity profiles, with greater variability in the upper 0.3 m. Across ecoregions, EC was 1.0–8.4 dSm⁻¹ and SAR was 0.7–9.1. In the dry mixed-grass ecoregion, EC was moderately correlated with SAR from 0 to 0.45 m depths and significantly correlated with all ions above 0.6 m. EC explained 44–56% of chloride variation and up to 51% of sulfate in topsoil. In central parkland, EC correlated with chloride and magnesium at all depths and with calcium at most depths. SAR was strongly correlated with sodium at all depths in both ecoregions, explaining 6–82% of variation, and poorly predicted chloride and sulfate. SAR and EC did not always represent potentially toxic sodium, chloride, and sulfate ions; thus, these ions could be included as indicators, and current reclamation criteria should be modified or interpreted differently based on ecoregions and soil depths. Full article