Search Results (947)

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of bottom ash samples generated during municipal waste incineration. A total of 52 samples were collected and subjected to statistical analysis for 17 elements and 2 element sums using techniques such as correlation analysis and one-way ANOVA. The results confirm a high degree of heterogeneity in the elemental content, reflecting the variability of waste streams and combustion processes. Strong correlations were identified between certain elements, including Cu-Zn, Co-Ni, and HREE-LREE, indicating common sources and similar geochemical properties. The analysis also revealed significant seasonal variability in the content of Ba and Sr, with lower average values observed during the spring season and greater variability noted during summer and winter. Although Al and HREE did not reach classical significance levels, their distributions suggest possible seasonal differentiation. These findings underscore the need for long-term monitoring and seasonal analysis of incineration bottom ash composition to optimize resource recovery processes and assess environmental risk. The integration of chemical data with operational data on waste composition and combustion parameters may contribute to a better understanding of the variability of individual elements, ultimately supporting the development of effective strategies for ash management and element recovery. Full article

Acacia mearnsii De Wild. has been introduced to over 150 countries for its economic value. However, it easily escapes from plantations and establishes monospecific stands across plains, hills, valleys, and riparian habitats, including protected areas such as national parks and forest reserves. Due to its negative ecological impact, A. mearnsii has been listed among the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. This species exhibits rapid stem growth in its sapling stage and reaches reproductive maturity early. It produces a large quantity of long-lived seeds, establishing a substantial seed bank. A. mearnsii can grow in different environmental conditions and tolerates various adverse conditions, such as low temperatures and drought. Its invasive populations are unlikely to be seriously damaged by herbivores and pathogens. Additionally, A. mearnsii exhibits allelopathic activity, though its ecological significance remains unclear. These characteristics of A. mearnsii may contribute to its expansion in introduced ranges. The presence of A. mearnsii affects abiotic processes in ecosystems by reducing water availability, increasing the risk of soil erosion and flooding, altering soil chemical composition, and obstructing solar light irradiation. The invasion negatively affects biotic processes as well, reducing the diversity and abundance of native plants and arthropods, including protective species. Eradicating invasive populations of A. mearnsii requires an integrated, long-term management approach based on an understanding of its invasive mechanisms. Early detection of invasive populations and the promotion of public awareness about their impact are also important. More attention must be given to its invasive traits because it easily escapes from cultivation. Full article

In the present work, six biochars were produced from the pyrolysis of poultry manure at 400 °C and 600 °C (PM-B-400 and PM-B-600), and their post-modification with, respectively, iron chloride (PM-B-400-Fe and PM-B-600-Fe) and potassium permanganate (PM-B-400-Mn and PM-B-600-Mn). First, these biochars were deeply characterized through the assessment of their particle size distribution, pH, electrical conductivity, pH at point-zero charge, mineral composition, morphological structure, and surface functionality and crystallinity, and then valorized as biofertilizer to grow spring barley at pot-scale for 40 days. Characterization results showed that Fe- and Mn-based nanoparticles were successfully loaded onto the surface of the post-modified biochars, which significantly enhanced their structural and surface chemical properties. Moreover, compared to the control treatment, both raw and post-modified biochars significantly improved the growth parameters of spring barley plants (shoot and root length, biomass weight, and nutrient content). The highest biomass production was obtained for the treatment with PM-B-400-Fe, owing to its enhanced physico-chemical properties and its higher ability in releasing nutrients and immobilizing heavy metals. These results highlight the potential use of Fe-modified poultry manure-derived biochar produced at low temperatures as a sustainable biofertilizer for soil enhancement and crop yield improvement, while addressing manure management issues. Full article

Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae), commonly known as the castor oil plant, is prized for its versatile applications in medicine, industry, and agriculture. It features large, deeply lobed leaves with vibrant colours, robust stems with anthocyanin pigments, and extensive root systems for nutrient absorption. Its terminal panicle-like inflorescences bear monoecious flowers, and its seeds are enclosed in prickly capsules. Throughout its various parts, R. communis harbours a diverse array of bioactive compounds. Leaves contain tannins, which exhibit astringent and antimicrobial properties, and alkaloids like ricinine, known for anti-inflammatory properties, as well as flavonoids like rutin, offering antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Roots contain ellagitannins, lupeol, and indole-3-acetic acid, known for anti-inflammatory and liver-protective effects. Seeds are renowned for ricin, ricinine, and phenolic compounds crucial for industrial applications such as biodegradable polymers. Pharmacologically, it demonstrates antioxidant effects from flavonoids and tannins, confirmed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays for antibacterial activity. It shows potential in managing diabetes via insulin signalling pathways and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Additionally, it has anti-fertility effects and potential anticancer activity against cancer stem cells. This review aims to summarize Ricinus communis’s botanical properties, therapeutic uses, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and industrial applications. Integrating the current knowledge offers insights into future research directions, emphasizing the plant’s diverse roles in agriculture, medicine, and industry. Full article

Soil nematodes are essential components of the soil food web and are widely recognised as key bioindicators of soil health because of their sensitivity to environmental factors and disturbance. In agriculture, many studies have documented the effects of fertilisation on nematode communities and explored their role in nutrient cycling. Despite this, a key gap in knowledge still exists regarding how fertilisation-induced changes in nematode communities modify their role in nutrient cycling. We reviewed the literature on the mechanisms by which nematodes contribute to nutrient cycling and on how organic, inorganic, and recycling-derived fertilisers (RDFs) impact nematode communities. The literature revealed that the type of organic matter and its C:N ratio are key factors shaping nematode communities in organically fertilised soils. In contrast, soil acidification and ammonium suppression have a greater influence in inorganically fertilised soils. The key sources of variability across studies include differences in the amount of fertiliser applied, the duration of the fertiliser use, management practices, and context-specific factors, all of which led to differences in how nematode communities respond to both fertilisation regimes. The influence of RDFs on nematode communities is largely determined by the fertiliser’s origin and its chemical composition. While fertilisation-induced changes in nematode communities affect their role in nutrient cycling, oversimplifying experiments makes it difficult to understand nematodes’ functions in these processes. The challenges and knowledge gaps for further research to understand the effects of fertilisation on soil nematodes and their impact on nutrient cycling have been highlighted in this review to inform sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

This study investigated the effects of six cap management protocols targeting contrasting oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) evolutions during alcoholic fermentation of Pinot noir wines. Treatments included twice-daily punch-downs (PD) and pump-overs (PO), 1 h air or N₂ injections (AirMix, N₂Mix), air injections triggered by ORP ≤ −40 mV (RedoxConAir), and equal N₂ injections concurrent to RedoxConAir wines (RedoxConN₂). AirMix wines maintained ORP values above 0 mV throughout fermentation, showed an oxidatively favored glutathione-to-glutathione disulfide ratio (GSH:GSSG) of 0.3:1, and had 21% lower total phenolics and 24% lower anthocyanins than PD wines. In contrast, N₂Mix wines maintained the lowest ORP, near −100 mV, and showed a reductively favored GSH:GSSG ratio (7:1). PD wines extracted 48% more flavan-3-ols than PO wines, consistent with greater berry integrity disruption and seed submersion. Volatile composition was also impacted: ethyl n-octanoate showed the highest OAV among esters, ranging from 147 in PO wines to 116 in AirMix wines. Results suggest the GSH:GSSG ratio served as an indicator of redox history, with potential implications for color and aroma preservation during aging. Inert gas mixings resulted in equal or greater total phenolic content, while excessive air injections may provide a tool to soften astringency. Full article

Polyimide, a class of high-performance polymers, is renowned for its exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. However, in the context of high-integration and high-frequency electronic packaging, polyimides face critical challenges including relatively high dielectric constants, inadequate thermal conductivity, and mechanical brittleness. Recent advances have focused on molecular design and composite engineering strategies to address these limitations. This review first summarizes the intrinsic properties of polyimides, followed by a systematic discussion of chemical synthesis, surface modification approaches, molecular design principles, and composite fabrication methods. We comprehensively examine both conventional polymerization synthetic routes and emerging techniques such as microwave-assisted thermal imidization and chemical vapor deposition. Special emphasis is placed on porous structure engineering via solid-template and liquid-template methods. Three key modification strategies are highlighted: (1) surface modifications for enhanced hydrophobicity, chemical stability, and tribological properties; (2) molecular design for optimized dielectric performance and thermal stability; and (3) composite engineering for developing high-thermal-conductivity materials with improved mechanical strength and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capabilities. The dielectric constant of polyimide is reduced while chemical stability and wear resistance can be enhanced through the introduction of fluorine groups. Ultra-low dielectric constant and high-temperature resistance can be achieved by employing rigid monomers and porous structures. Furthermore, the incorporation of fillers such as graphene and boron nitride can endow the composite materials with high thermal conductivity, excellent EMI shielding efficiency, and improved mechanical properties. Finally, we discuss representative applications of polyimide and composites in electronic device packaging, EMI shielding, and thermal management systems, providing insights into future development directions. Full article

Semi-natural grasslands are some of the most species-rich habitats in Europe and provide important ecosystem services such as biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration and soil fertility maintenance. This study investigates how different intensities of grassland management affect the composition of functional groups and soil chemical properties. Five grassland management systems were analyzed: Cut3—three cuts per year; LGI—low grazing intensity; CG—combined cutting and grazing; Cut4—four cuts per year; and HGI—high grazing intensity. The functional groups assessed were grasses, legumes and forbs, while soil samples from three depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) were analyzed for their chemical properties (soil organic carbon—SOC; soil total nitrogen—STN; inorganic soil carbon—SIC; soil organic matter—SOM; potassium oxide—K₂O; phosphorus pentoxide—P₂O₅; C/N ratio; and pH) and physical properties (volumetric soil water content—VWC; bulk density—BD; and porosity—POR). The results showed that less intensive systems had a higher proportion of legumes, while species diversity, as measured via the Shannon index, was the highest in the Cut4 system. The CG system tended to have the highest SOC and STN at a 0–10 cm depth, with a similar trend observed for SOC_stock at a 0–30 cm depth. The Cut4, HGI and CG systems also had an increased STN_stock. Both grazing systems had the highest P₂O₅ content. A tendency towards a higher BD was observed in the top 10 cm of soil in the more intensive systems. Choosing a management strategy that is tailored to local climate and site conditions is crucial for maintaining grassland stability, enhancing carbon sequestration and promoting long-term sustainability in the context of climate change. Full article

Background: Diabetes and cancer are two of the most life-threatening disorders affecting individuals of all ages worldwide. This study aimed to develop a novel Acrocomia aculeata (bocaiuva) fruit pulp oil-loaded nanoemulsion and evaluate its inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase, as well as its antiglycant activity and cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Additionally, this study assessed the impact of both the oil and the nanoemulsion on blood cells. Methods: The pulp oil was extracted by cold pressing. The oil’s physicochemical properties were determined according to the AOAC and the Brazilian Pharmacopeia. The lipid profile was performed by GC-MS. The nanoemulsion was prepared by the phase inversion method using ultrasonic stirring for particle size reduction and for homogenization. Response Surface Methodology was used for optimizing nanoemulsion preparation. Enzyme inhibition tests were conducted using assay kits. Cytotoxicity in cancer cells was evaluated using the Sulforhodamine B assay. Results: Comprehensive physicochemical and chemical characterization of bocaiuva oil was performed, identifying oleic acid (71.25%) as the main component. The oil contains 23.04% saturated fatty acids, 73.79% monounsaturated acids, and 3.0% polyunsaturated fatty acids. The nanoemulsion (particle size 173.6 nm; zeta potential −14.10 mV) inhibited α-glucosidase (IC₅₀: 43.21 µg/mL) and pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀: 41.99 µg/mL), and revealed a potent antiglycation effect (oxidative IC₅0: 18.36 µg/mL; non-oxidative pathway IC₅₀: 16.33 µg/mL). The nanoemulsion demonstrated good cytotoxicity and selectivity against prostate cancer cells (IC₅₀: 19.13 µg/mL) and breast cancer cells (IC₅₀: 27.22 µg/mL), without inducing hemolysis, platelet aggregation, or anticoagulant effects. Conclusions: In this study, a comprehensive physical and chemical characterization of bocaiuva fruit pulp oil was conducted for the first time as a preliminary step toward its future standardization as an active ingredient in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. The resulting nanoemulsion represents a novel alternative for managing diabetes and cancer. Although the nanoemulsion exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to doxorubicin, it remains promising due to its composition of essential fatty acids, phenols, and carotenoids, which offer multiple health benefits. Further studies are needed to validate its efficacy and safety in clinical applications. Full article

The presence of recalcitrant organic compounds in oilfield-produced-water poses significant challenges for conventional biological treatment technologies. In this study, an Fe³⁺-augmented composite bioreactor was developed to enhance the multi-pollutant removal performance and to elucidate the associated microbial community dynamics. The Fe³⁺-augmented system achieved efficient removal of oil (99.18 ± 0.91%), suspended solids (65.81 ± 17.55%), chemical oxygen demand (48.63 ± 15.15%), and polymers (57.72 ± 14.87%). The anaerobic compartment served as the core biotreatment unit, playing a pivotal role in microbial pollutant degradation. High-throughput sequencing indicated that Fe³⁺ supplementation strengthened syntrophic interactions between iron-reducing bacteria (Trichococcus and Bacillus) and methanogenic archaea (Methanobacterium and Methanomethylovorans), thereby facilitating the biodegradation of long-chain hydrocarbons (e.g., eicosane and nonadecane). Further metabolic function analysis identified long-chain-fatty-acid CoA ligase (EC 6.2.1.3) as a key enzyme mediating the interplay between hydrocarbon degradation and nitrogen cycling. This study elucidated the ecological mechanisms governing Fe³⁺-mediated multi-pollutant removal in a composite bioreactor and highlighted the potential of this approach for efficient, sustainable, and adaptable management of produced water in the petroleum industry. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the crop load on the berry and wine composition of Marselan grapes. Thus, the appropriate crop load for Marselan wine grapes in Ningxia was determined based on the shoot density and the number of clusters per shoot. Marselan grapes from the Gezi Mountain vineyard, located at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in the Qingtongxia region of Ningxia, were selected as the research material to conduct a combination experiment with four levels of shoot density and three levels of cluster density. The analysis of the berry and wine chemical composition was combined with a wine sensory evaluation to determine the optimal crop load levels. Crop load regulation significantly affected both the grape berry composition and the basic physicochemical properties of the resulting wine. Low crop loads improved metrics such as the berry weight and soluble solids content. A low shoot density facilitated the accumulation of organic acids, flavonols, and hydroxybenzoic acids in wine. Moderate crop loads were conducive to anthocyanin synthesis—the total individual anthocyanins content in the 10–20 shoots per meter of the canopy treatment group ranged from 116% to 490% of the control group—whereas excessive crop loads hindered its accumulation. Crop load management significantly influenced the aroma composition of wine by regulating the content of sugars, nitrogen sources, and organic acids in grape berries, thereby promoting the synthesis of esters and the accumulation of key aromatic compounds, such as terpenes. This process optimized pleasant flavors, including fruity and floral aromas. In contrast, wines from the high crop load and control treatments contained lower levels of these aroma compounds. Compounds such as ethyl caprylate and β-damascenone were identified as potential quality markers. Overall, the wine produced from vines with a crop load of 30 clusters (15 shoots per meter of canopy, 2 clusters per shoot) received the highest sensory scores. Appropriate crop load management is therefore critical to improving the chemical composition of Marselan wine. Full article

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is a native fruit of the Amazon, and its production chain is centered in the state of Pará. The processing of açaí fruits generates large amounts of solid waste, which can pose serious risks to the environment if not used and managed properly. The novelty of this research lies in the fact that until this moment, no research had been reported in the literature on the pyrolysis of açaí fibers and the chemical composition of the aqueous phase, making possible a broad set of applications including biogas production. The present research proposes a study of the pyrolysis of açaí seeds and fibers and the physicochemical and compositional characterization of the aqueous phase products. In this way, açaí processing residues were collected in the city of Belém, PA. The seeds and fibers were dried and impregnated with NaOH solutions, and subsequently subjected to pyrolysis on a laboratory scale. The liquid products from pyrolysis were characterized through acidity index analysis, FT-IR, and gas chromatography. The increase in the concentration of the impregnating agent led to an increase in bio-oil yield from both the seeds (ranging from 3.3% to 6.6%) and the fibers (ranging from 1.2% to 3.7%). The yield in the aqueous phase showed an inverse behavior, decreasing as the concentration of NaOH increased, both in the seeds (ranging from 41% to 37.5%) and the fibers (ranging from 33.7% to 21.2%). High acidity levels were found in the liquid products studied, which decreased as the concentration of the impregnating agent increased. The increase in the concentration of the impregnating agent (NaOH) influenced the chemical composition of the obtained liquid products, leading to a decrease in oxygenated compounds and an increase in nitrogenous compounds in both experimental matrices, which was also evidenced by the reduction in acidity. Full article

Ammonia, as a toxic and corrosive gas, is widely present in industrial emissions, agricultural activities, and disease biomarkers. Detecting ammonia is of vital importance to environmental safety and human health. Sensors based on MXene have become an effective means for detecting ammonia gas due to their unique hierarchical structure, adjustable surface chemical properties, and excellent electrical conductivity. This study reviews the latest progress in the use of MXene and its composites for the low-temperature detection of ammonia gas. The strategies for designing MXene composites, including heterojunction engineering, surface functionalization, and active sites, are introduced, and their roles in improving sensing performance are clarified. These methods have significantly improved the ability to detect ammonia, offering high selectivity, rapid responses, and ultra-low detection limits within the low-temperature range. Successful applications in fields such as industrial safety, food quality monitoring, medical diagnosis, and agricultural management have demonstrated the multi-functionality of this technology in complex scenarios. The challenges related to the material’s oxidation resistance, humidity interference, and cross-sensitivity are also discussed. This study aims to briefly describe the reasonable design based on MXene sensors, aiming to achieve real-time and energy-saving environmental and health monitoring networks in the future. Full article

The modern world has brought extensive socioeconomic and ecological changes. Urbanization in developing nations has significantly increased municipal solid waste, necessitating in-depth understanding of waste composition particularly in developing nations for sustainable management practices. This study aimed to classify and characterize waste while evaluating potential waste management methods. Mixed methods were used to examine landfilled waste from Soshanguve and Hatherley sites in Tshwane Metropolitan, South Africa, using techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, proximate, and ultimate analysis. Seasonal variations in waste components were analysed over two seasons. The study identified that both sites are predominantly composed of organic waste, accounting for over 42 wt.%, with moisture content of ~50 wt.%, and minimal recyclables (<5 wt.%). Seasonal variations in MSW were significant for glass (<4% increase), organic waste (<5% increase), while plastic decreased by ~7% during spring. The biodegradable waste showed high carbon (>50%) and oxygen (>40%) levels, low ash content (<18%), and calorific values of 15–19 MJ/kg. Biodegradables mainly contained oxides of calcium, silicon, iron (III), and potassium with chemical composition indicating functional groups that emphasize composting and energy recovery benefits. The research provides insights into sustainable waste management, revealing waste composition at Tshwane landfills, aiding informed decision-making for resource usage and environmental conservation. Full article

Insect pests inflict significant agricultural and economic losses on crops globally. Chemical control refers to the use of agrochemicals, such as insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, to manage pests and diseases. Chemical control is still the prioritized method, as insecticides are highly effective and toxic to insect pests. However, it reduces the quality of the environment, threatens human health, and causes serious 3R (reduce, reuse, and recycle) problems. Current advances in the mining of functional symbiotic bacteria resources provide the potential to assuage the use of insecticides while maintaining an acceptably low level of crop damage. Recent research on insect–microbe symbiosis has uncovered a mechanism labeled “detoxifying symbiosis”, where symbiotic microorganisms increase host insect resistance through the metabolism of toxins. In addition, the physiological compensation effect caused by insect resistance affects the ability of the host to regulate the community composition of symbiotic bacteria. This paper reviews the relationship between symbiotic bacteria, insects, and insecticide resistance, focusing on the effects of insecticide resistance on the composition of symbiotic bacteria and the role of symbiotic bacteria in the formation of resistance. The functional symbiotic bacteria resources and their mechanisms of action need to be further explored in the future so as to provide theoretical support for the development of pest control strategies based on microbial regulation. Full article