Search Results (2,536)

In recent years, growing concerns over environmental degradation and deepening awareness of the necessity of sustainable development have propelled green and low-carbon energy transition into a focal issue for both academia and policymakers. By decomposing energy transition into the transformation of energy structure and the upgrading of energy efficiency, this study investigates the impact and mechanisms of green finance on energy transition across 30 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China, with the exception of Tibet. In addition, the impact of climate change is incorporated into the analytical framework. Empirical results demonstrate that green finance development significantly accelerates energy transition, a conclusion robust to rigorous validation. Analysis of the mechanism shows that green finance promotes energy transition through the facilitation of technological innovation and the upgrade of industrial structures. Moreover, empirical evidence reveals that climate change undermines the promotional influence of sustainable finance on energy system transformation. The magnitude of this suppression varies nonlinearly across provincial jurisdictions with differing energy transition progress. Regional heterogeneity analyses further uncover marked discrepancies in climate–finance interactions, demonstrating amplified effects in coastal economic hubs, underdeveloped western provinces, and regions with mature eco-financial markets. According to these findings, actionable policy suggestions are put forward to strengthen green finance and accelerate energy transition. Full article

This study aims to evaluate eco-innovative solutions in the fertilizer industry that allow for waste valorization in the context of a resource-efficient circular economy. A comprehensive reuse strategy was developed for low-rank peat and post-cultivation horticultural mineral wool, involving the extraction of valuable humic substances from peat and residual nutrients from used mineral wool, followed by the use of both post-extraction residues to produce organic–mineral substrates. The resulting products/semifinished products were characterized in terms of their composition and properties, which met the requirements necessary to obtain the admission of this type of product to the market in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development of 18 June 2008 on the implementation of certain provisions of the Act on fertilizers and fertilization (Journal of Laws No 119, item 765). Elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and solid-state CP-MAS ¹³C NMR spectroscopy suggest that post-extraction peat has a relatively condensed structure with a high C content (47.4%) and a reduced O/C atomic ratio and is rich in alkyl-like matter (63.2%) but devoid of some functional groups in favor of extracted fulvic acids. Therefore, it remains a valuable organic biowaste, which, in combination with post-extraction waste mineral wool in a ratio of 60:40 and possibly the addition of mineral nutrients, allows us to obtain a completely new substrate with a bulk density of 264 g/m³, a salinity of 7.8 g/dm³ and a pH of 5.3, with an appropriate content of heavy metals and with no impurities, meeting the requirements of this type of product. A liquid fertilizer based on an extract containing previously recovered nutrients also meets the criteria in terms of quality and content of impurities and can potentially be used as a fertilizing product suitable for agricultural crops. This study demonstrates a feasible pathway for transforming specific waste streams into valuable agricultural inputs, contributing to environmental protection and sustainable production. The production of a new liquid fertilizer using nutrients recovered from post-cultivation mineral wool and the preparation of an organic–mineral substrate using post-extraction solid residue is a rational strategy for recycling hard-to-biodegrade end-of-life products. Full article

The demand for eco-friendly nanomaterial synthesis has increased interest in biological approaches. Yeast-mediated biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) offers a sustainable alternative with potential biotechnological applications. This study developed a rapid screening method to identify oleaginous yeast strains able to synthesize AuNPs. A collection of 114 oleaginous yeasts from the LIBBA laboratory was screened. UV–Vis spectroscopy at 530–560 nm was used to assess nanoparticle formation, identifying 20 strains that effectively synthesize AuNP. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of intracellular and extracellular nanoparticles, with variations in size and morphology. This screening and optimization approach effectively identified promising yeast candidates and refined biosynthesis conditions, providing a foundation for industrial-scale nanoparticle production. Full article

Based on a comprehensive review of the current research status of ecological compensation both domestically and internationally, combined with field survey data, this study delves into the issue of multi-stakeholder participation in the ecological compensation mechanisms of the Xin’an River Basin. This research reveals that the joint participation of multiple stakeholders is crucial to achieving the goals of ecological compensation in river basins. The government plays a significant role in macro-guidance, financial support, policy guarantees, supervision, and management. It promotes the comprehensive implementation of ecological environmental protection by formulating relevant laws and regulations, guiding the public to participate in ecological conservation, and supervising and punishing pollution behaviors. The public, serving as the main force, forms strong awareness and behavioral habits of ecological protection through active participation in environmental protection, monitoring, and feedback. As participants, enterprises contribute to industrial transformation and green development by improving resource utilization efficiency, reducing pollution emissions, promoting green industries, and participating in ecological restoration projects. Scientific research institutions, as technology enablers, have effectively enhanced governance efficiency through technological research and innovation, ecosystem value accounting to provide decision-making support, and public education. Social organizations, as facilitators, have injected vitality and innovation into watershed governance by extensively mobilizing social forces and building multi-party collaboration platforms. Communities, as supporters, have transformed ecological value into economic benefits by developing characteristic industries such as eco-agriculture and eco-tourism. Based on the above findings, further recommendations are proposed to mobilize the enthusiasm of upstream communities and encourage their participation in ecological compensation, promote the market-oriented operation of ecological compensation mechanisms, strengthen cross-regional cooperation to establish joint mechanisms, enhance supervision and evaluation, and establish a sound benefit-sharing mechanism. These recommendations provide theoretical support and practical references for ecological compensation worldwide. Full article

Ocean energy is an abundant, eco-friendly, and renewable energy resource that is useful for powering sensor networks connected to the maritime Internet of Things (MIoT). These sensor networks can be used to measure different marine environmental parameters that affect ocean infrastructure integrity and harm marine ecosystems. This ocean energy can be harnessed through hybrid nanogenerators that combine triboelectric nanogenerators, electromagnetic generators, piezoelectric nanogenerators, and pyroelectric generators. These nanogenerators have advantages such as high-power density, robust design, easy operating principle, and cost-effective fabrication. However, the performance of these nanogenerators can be affected by the wear of their main components, reduction of wave frequency and amplitude, extreme corrosion, and sea storms. To address these challenges, future research on hybrid nanogenerators must improve their mechanical strength, including materials and packages with anti-corrosion coatings. Herein, we present recent advances in the performance of different hybrid nanogenerators to harvest ocean energy, including various transduction mechanisms. Furthermore, this review reports potential applications of hybrid nanogenerators to power devices in marine infrastructure or serve as self-powered MIoT monitoring sensor networks. This review discusses key challenges that must be addressed to achieve the commercial success of these nanogenerators, regarding design strategies with advanced simulation models or digital twins. Also, these strategies must incorporate new materials that improve the performance, reliability, and integration of future nanogenerator array systems. Thus, optimized hybrid nanogenerators can represent a promising technology for ocean energy harvesting with application in the maritime industry. Full article

The construction sector emphasises circular economy principles that prioritise eco-design strategies, particularly the usage of secondary raw materials. The growing interest in using industrial hemp as a sustainable building material in the construction sector is driven by its versatility. Industrial hemp has been preferential in comparison to other traditional building materials due to its lower global warming impact. Claims regarding the environmental benefits of hemp-containing construction materials based on the single impact category could be misleading; therefore, life cycle assessment (LCA) studies including multiple environmental indicators should be implemented. This study aims to compare two alternative wall designs regarding their environmental impacts. The comparative LCA study for hempcrete and prefabricated walls used in residential buildings was assessed using IPCC and ReCiPe life cycle impact assessment methods. The study highlighted a significant discrepancy depending on the number of environmental indicators considered, as well as between characterised and weighted LCA results. A hempcrete wall was recognised as a slightly (13.63%) better alternative when assessed by the single-issue IPCC method, while its total burden assessed by the ReCiPe method was recognised to be significantly (2.78 times) higher. Based on the results from this case study, regulators could re-evaluate the appropriateness of reporting LCA results solely on the midpoint level, particularly when limited to a single impact indicator, while producers in the construction sector should recognise the threat of greenwashing when reporting using a single impact indicator only. Full article

This study aims to enhance the performance of an innovative steel slag–ceramsite foam concrete (SSCFC) to advance sustainable green building materials. An eco-friendly composite construction material was developed by integrating industrial by-product steel slag (SS) with lightweight ceramsite. Employing a three-factor, three-level orthogonal experimental design at a fixed density of 800 kg/m³, 12 mix proportions (including a control group) were investigated with the variables of water-to-cement (W/C) ratio, steel slag replacement ratio, and ceramsite replacement ratio. The governing mechanisms of the W/C ratio, steel slag replacement level, and ceramsite replacement proportion on the SSCFC’s fluidity and compressive strength (CS) were elucidated. The synergistic application of range analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) quantified the significance of factors on target properties, and partial least squares regression (PLSR)-based prediction models were established. The test results indicated the following significance hierarchy: steel slag replacement > W/C ratio > ceramsite replacement for fluidity. In contrast, W/C ratio > ceramsite replacement > steel slag replacement governed the compressive strength. Verification showed R² values exceeding 65% for both fluidity and CS predictions versus experimental data, confirming model reliability. Multi-criteria optimization yielded optimal compressive performance and suitable fluidity at a W/C ratio of 0.4, 10% steel slag replacement, and 25% ceramsite replacement. Full article

Equestrian sports play a significant economic role in the horse industry. In recent years, numerous equine viruses have emerged, among which are equine Pegiviruses and the re-emerging Equine coronavirus (ECoV). These viruses are distributed globally and primarily cause subclinical infections with unknown morbidity, even if ECoV can occasionally induce febrile and diarrheic episodes. To broaden the data on the Italian equine population, a study was conducted to assess their prevalence in two distinct horse populations belonging to the Carabinieri Corps (CC) and the Italian Army (IA) of the Italian Armed Forces (IAF). Samples consisted of blood serum and rectal swabs of 436 horses collected within the national surveillance program for equine infectious anemia and gastrointestinal parasite monitoring and analyzed for Pegivirus (caballi and equi) and ECoV by Real-Time RT PCR. The prevalence detected were 6.56% and 3.53%, respectively, for Pegivirus caballi and equi for the IA, while for the CC, they were 10.13% and 0.84%. Only one sample tested positive for ECoV belonging to a horse of the CC. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out on the PCR-positive samples that were sequenced using Sanger protocols. Understanding the epidemiology of these viruses is essential for evaluating the implementation of effective prevention strategies. Full article

The cosmetics industry has been seeking to develop products with renewable natural ingredients to reduce the use of or even replace synthetic substances. Biosurfactants can help meet this demand. These natural compounds are renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic or have low toxicity, offering minimal risk to humans and the environment, which has attracted the interest of an emerging consumer market and, consequently, the cosmetics industry. The aim of the present study was to produce a biosurfactant from the yeast Starmerella bombicola ATCC 22214 cultivated in a mineral medium containing 10% soybean oil and 5% glucose. The biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72.0 ± 0.1 mN/m to 33.0 ± 0.3 mN/m after eight days of fermentation. The yield was 53.35 ± 0.39 g/L and the critical micelle concentration was 1000 mg/L. The biosurfactant proved to be a good emulsifier of oils used in cosmetic formulations, with emulsification indices ranging from 45.90 ± 1.69% to 68.50 ± 1.10%. The hydrophilic–lipophilic balance index demonstrated the wetting capacity of the biosurfactant and its tendency to form oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, with 50.0 ± 0.20% foaming capacity. The biosurfactant did not exhibit cytotoxicity in the MTT assay or irritant potential. Additionally, an antioxidant activity of 58.25 ± 0.32% was observed at a concentration of 40 mg/mL. The compound also exhibited antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms. The characterisation of the biosurfactant using magnetic nuclear resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the biomolecule is a glycolipid with an anionic nature. The results demonstrate that biosurfactant produced in this work has potential as an active biotechnological ingredient for innovative, eco-friendly cosmetic formulations. Full article

This study evaluates the replacement of petroleum-based naphthenic oil with four types of soybean-derived alternatives—virgin soybean oil (SBO), epoxidized SBO (ESBO), expired SBO, and recycled SBO—in styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) composites. The materials were tested in both staining rubber (SR) and non-staining rubber (NSR) systems to assess processing characteristics, mechanical performance, and environmental durability. Among the alternatives, SBO demonstrated the best overall performance, improving processability and tensile strength by over 10%, while ESBO enhanced ozone resistance by 35% due to its epoxide functionality. Expired and recycled SBOs maintained essential mechanical properties within 90% of virgin SBO values. The full replacement of CH450 with SBO in tire prototypes resulted in burst strength exceeding 1000 kPa and stable appearance after 5000 km of road testing. To validate industrial relevance, the developed green tire was exhibited at the 2025 Taipei International Cycle Show, attracting interest from international buyers and stakeholders for its eco-friendly composition and carbon footprint reduction potential, thereby demonstrating both technical feasibility and commercial viability. Full article

The use of methane as a carbon source for producing bacterial single-cell protein (SCP) has been one of the most interesting developments in recent years. Most of these upcoming industries are using a methanotroph, Methylococcus capsulatus Bath, for SCP production using natural gas as the substrate. In the present study, we have explored the possibility of using an indigenously isolated methanotroph from a rice field in India, Methylomagnum ishizawai strain KRF4, for producing SCP from biogas [derived from cow dung]. The process was eco-friendly, required minimal instruments and chemicals, and was carried out under semi-sterile conditions in a tabletop fish tank. As the name suggests, Methylomagnum is a genus of large methanotrophs, and the strain KRF4 had elliptical to rectangular size and dimensions of ~4–5 µm × 1–2 µm. In static cultures, when biogas and air were supplied in the upper part of the growing tank, the culture grew as a thick pellicle/biofilm that could be easily scooped. The grown culture was mostly pure, from the microscopic observations where the large size of the cells, with rectangular-shaped cells and dark granules, could easily help identify any smaller contaminants. Additionally, the large cell size could be advantageous for separating biomass during downstream processing. The amino acid composition of the lyophilized biomass was analyzed using HPLC, and it was seen that the amino acid composition was comparable to commercial fish meal, soymeal, Pruteen, and the methanotroph-derived SCP-UniProtein^®. The only difference was that a slightly lower percentage of lysine, tryptophan, and methionine was observed in Methylomagnum-derived SCP. Methylomagnum ishizawai could be looked at as an alternative for SCP derived from methane or biogas due to the comparable SCP produced, on the qualitative level. Further intensive research is needed to develop a continuous, sustainable, and economical process to maximize biomass production and downstream processing. Full article

High demand for sustainable solutions in the construction industry determines the significant relevance of developing new eco-friendly composites with a reduced carbon impact on the environment. The main aim of this study is to investigate the possibility and efficiency of using technical sulfur (TS) as a modifying additive for geopolymer composites and to select the optimal content of polypropylene fiber (PF). To assess the potential of TS, experimental samples of geopolymer solutions based on metakaolin and fly ash were prepared. The TS content varied from 0% to 9% by weight of binder in 3% increments. In the first stage, the density, compressive and flexural strength, capillary water absorption and microstructure of hardened geopolymer composites were tested. The TS additive in an amount of 3% was the most effective and provided an increase in compressive strength by 12.6%, flexural strength by 12.8% and a decrease in capillary water absorption by 18.2%. At the second stage, the optimal PF content was selected, which was 0.75%. The maximum increases in strength properties were recorded for the composition with 3% TS and 0.75% PF: 8% for compression and 32.6% for bending. Capillary water absorption decreased by 12.9%. The geopolymer composition developed in this work, modified with TP and PF, has sufficient mechanical and physical properties and can be considered for further study in order to determine its competitiveness with cement composites in real construction practice. Full article

To reduce the carbon footprint of the concrete industry and promote a circular economy, this study explores the reuse of waste materials such as glass powder (GP) and nitrile rubber (NR) fibres in concrete. However, the inclusion of these waste materials results in lower compressive strength compared to conventional concrete, limiting their application to non-structural elements. To overcome this limitation, this study adopts the concept of confined concrete by developing concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) stub columns. In total, twelve concrete mix variations were developed, with and without steel tube confinement. GP was utilised at replacement levels of 10–30% by weight of cement, while NR fibres were introduced at 0.5% and 1% by volume of concrete. The findings demonstrate that the incorporation of GP and NR fibres leads to a reduction in compressive strength, with a compounded effect observed when both materials are combined. Steel confinement within CFST columns effectively mitigated the strength reductions, restoring up to 17% of the lost capacity and significantly improving ductility and energy absorption capacity. All CFST columns exhibited consistent local outward buckling failure mode, irrespective of the concrete mix variations. A comparison with predictions from existing design codes and empirical models revealed discrepancies, underscoring the need for refined design approaches for CFST columns incorporating sustainable concrete infill. This study contributes valuable insights into the development of eco-friendly, high-performance structural systems, highlighting the potential of CFST technology in facilitating the adoption of waste materials in the construction sector. Full article

Water pollution caused by increasing industrial and human activity remains a serious environmental challenge, especially due to the persistence of organic contaminants in aquatic systems. Photocatalysis offers a promising and eco-friendly solution, but in the case of bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) there is still a limited understanding of how structural and morphological features influence photocatalytic performance. In this work, a straightforward hydrothermal synthesis method followed by controlled calcination was developed to produce phase-pure α- and β-Bi₂O₃ with tunable morphologies. By varying the hydrothermal temperature and reaction time, distinct structures were successfully obtained, including flower-like, broccoli-like, and fused morphologies. XRD analyses showed that the final crystal phase depends solely on the calcination temperature, with β-Bi₂O₃ forming at 350 °C and α-Bi₂O₃ at 500 °C. SEM and BET analyses confirmed that morphology and surface area are strongly influenced by the hydrothermal conditions, with the flower-like β-Bi₂O₃ exhibiting the highest surface area. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed that β-Bi₂O₃ also has a lower bandgap than its α counterpart, making it more responsive to visible light. Photocatalytic tests using Rhodamine B showed that the flower-like β-Bi₂O₃ achieved the highest degradation efficiency (81% in 4 h). Kinetic analysis followed pseudo-first-order behavior, and radical scavenging experiments identified hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, and holes as key active species. The catalyst also demonstrated excellent stability and reusability. Additionally, Methyl Orange (MO), a more stable and persistent azo dye, was selected as a second model pollutant. The flower-like β-Bi₂O₃ catalyst achieved 73% degradation of MO at pH = 7 and complete removal under acidic conditions (pH = 2) in less than 3 h. These findings underscore the importance of both phase and morphology in designing high-performance Bi₂O₃ photocatalysts for environmental remediation. Full article

This study investigates the impact of partially replacing cement with fly ash (FA) on the mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced rubberized concrete (FRRC) incorporating waste tyre rubber and recycled macro-synthetic fibers (MSF). FRRC mixtures were prepared with varying fly ash replacement levels (0%, 25%, and 50%), rubber aggregate contents (0%, 10%, and 20% by volume of fine aggregate), and macro-synthetic fiber dosages (0% to 1% by total volume). The fresh properties were evaluated through slump tests, while hardened properties including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength were systematically assessed. Results demonstrated that fly ash substitution up to 25% improved the interfacial bonding between rubber particles, fibers, and the cementitious matrix, leading to enhanced tensile and flexural performance without significantly compromising compressive strength. However, at 50% replacement, strength reductions were more pronounced due to slower pozzolanic reactions and reduced cement content. The inclusion of MSF effectively mitigated strength loss induced by rubber aggregates, improving post-cracking behavior and toughness. Overall, an optimal balance was achieved at 25% fly ash replacement combined with 10% rubber and 0.5% fiber content, producing a more sustainable composite with favorable mechanical properties while reducing carbon and ecological footprints. These findings highlight the potential of integrating industrial by-products and waste materials to develop eco-friendly, high-performance FRRC for structural applications, supporting circular economy principles and reducing the carbon footprint of concrete infrastructure. Full article