Search Results (29,966)

Lipopeptide biosurfactants and petroleum sulphonates (PSs) have complementary molecular structures that can achieve ultralow interfacial tension (IFT), which is considered the primary mechanism for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In this study, the phase behavior of lipopeptide compounded with PS/crude oil/water was investigated, which revealed that lipopeptide addition led to the formation of Winsor III middle-phase microemulsion. The synergistic mechanism of ultralow IFT and microemulsion formation enables the lipopeptide-compounded system (LASP) to achieve superior oil displacement efficiency compared with the regular alkaline/surfactant/polymer (ASP) flooding system. Core flooding results proved that under the same conditions, the LASP system increased oil recovery by 10.58% relative to the ASP system. Furthermore, when the ASP system could no longer improve recovery, switching to the LASP system provided an additional 9.55% oil recovery rate. Moreover, the LASP system exhibited superior wettability, interfacial activity, and anti-adsorption properties. These findings highlight the potential of lipopeptide biosurfactants as high-performance, environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic surfactants in EOR processes. Full article

Gelsemium elegans is a traditionally utilized medicinal plant in China, renowned for its well-documented therapeutic properties and substantial economic potential. The primary bioactive components in this plant are indole alkaloids. It is used clinically to treat conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathic pain, and some cancers. Additionally, the whole plant can be processed into livestock feed. Climate change is anticipated to substantially impact the future suitable habitat of this species. Utilizing the Biomod2 ensemble model and 18 environmental variables (bio01, bio03, bio04, bio05, bio06, bio09, bio11, bio17, hf, elev, aspect, slope, gm_lc, gm_ve, ph_water, usda, d1_swr, annual_mean_uv-b) this study projected the geographical distribution of G. elegans under current and future climate scenarios; the periods of the 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s were analyzed using SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5. Current ecological niche modeling predicts that G. elegans is predominantly distributed in southern China, with its climatically and edaphically most suitable habitats concentrated in Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, and Hainan provinces. Across the three future time periods under various scenarios, the overall extent of suitable habitat is projected to increase, with a northward expansion of the suitable distribution range. Key environmental factors shaping the distribution of G. elegans include Isothermality (bio03), Max Temperature of Warmest Month (bio05), Min Temperature of Coldest Month (bio06), Precipitation of Driest Quarter (bio17), and Annual Average UV Radiation. The study aims to develop a scientifically grounded theoretical framework to support the conservation-oriented management and climate-resilient utilization of G. elegans resources under ongoing climate change. Full article

Olive leaves are an abundant agro-industrial by-product rich in oleuropein, yet they remain largely underutilized. The objective of this study is to a) develop a green microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method for an oleuropein-rich extract, b) encapsulate it into edible natural zeolite to form OLE@NZ nanohybrids, and, c) evaluate their application in fortified salt and active gelatin films. MAE using only water at 96 °C for 5 min yielded a dry extract with 25.4% (w/w) oleuropein and a total phenolic content of 781 mg GAE/100 mL. The extract was successfully adsorbed onto clinoptilolite-type zeolite and the resulting nanohybrids showed strong antioxidant activity (EC_50,DPPH = 2.74 mg, TPC = 426 mg GAE/g). A fortified salt containing 5% w/w OLE@NZ fully preserved the nanohybrid’s antioxidant activity. Extruded gelatin films incorporating 5–15% OLE@NZ exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant activity (up to 14-fold higher than the blank film), together with a 5- to 7-fold enhancement, while maintaining good mechanical properties. The total phenolic content of the films correlated linearly with nanohybrid loading, with phenolic recovery of 68% both at 5 and 10% loading and 58% at 15%). Overall, these findings demonstrate that MAE is a rapid, and environ-mentally friendly approach for obtaining oleuropein-rich olive leaf extract (OLE), while OLE@NZ nanohybrids provide effective antioxidant additives for functional salt formulations and active gelatin films, supporting a circular bioeconomy strategy. Full article

This study develops a quantitative risk assessment framework that explicitly incorporates site-dependent variability in NATM (New Austrian Tunneling Method) tunnel construction projects. The underlying motivation is that identical risk factors can exhibit substantially different risk levels depending on project-specific site conditions. Conventional risk assessment approaches, which rely primarily on probability and impact ratings, are inherently limited in their ability to capture such variations across different project environments. To address this gap, key site condition factors affecting NATM tunnel construction were systematically identified and integrated into the existing risk assessment framework through a structured scoring and weighting process. Eight site condition factors were selected based on an extensive review of domestic and international literature, underground safety evaluation reports, tunnel design standards, geotechnical information databases, standard cost data, and expert consultation. These factors—Geotechnical Condition, Construction Schedule Float, Construction Budget Contingency, Spoil Bank Location, Likelihood of Civil Petitions, Underground Water Level, Environmental (Noise, Vibration), and Site Accessibility (Traffic Constraints)—were each quantified using a five-level scale ranging from 0.6 (very favorable) to 1.4 (very unfavorable). Subsequently, a composite site condition index was derived by combining the assigned scores with corresponding weights, and this index was incorporated as an adjustment coefficient into the conventional risk scoring system. The results demonstrate that, when the composite site condition index is considered, both the final risk magnitude and management priority vary depending on site-specific conditions, even for identical risk factors. This indicates that the proposed framework provides a more refined representation of actual project environments than traditional probability–impact-based approaches. The model can also serve as an effective decision-support tool for developing risk mitigation strategies tailored to specific site characteristics. Accordingly, the proposed model enhances the accuracy of risk assessment in tunnel projects and facilitates the rational identification of critical risks requiring prioritized management. However, because certain evaluation criteria rely on expert judgment, further validation through diverse real-world case studies and improvements to the objectivity of the evaluation framework remain necessary. Full article

The Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia is an ecologically and socioeconomically important region increasingly threatened by environmental degradation driven by unsustainable land and water use, population growth, and climate variability. This review synthesizes existing literature to provide an integrated assessment of hydrological, ecological, and social dimensions in the CRV. The study draws on published data and reports to evaluate water resource depletion, pollution, biodiversity loss, wetland degradation, land use change, and their impacts on livelihoods and habitability. Results indicate that lakes and groundwater resources are under severe stress from agricultural intensification, industrial expansion, and urbanization, leading to declining water availability and deteriorating quality. Land cover change, wetland loss, and deforestation have reduced ecosystem resilience and accelerated biodiversity decline. Governance frameworks remain fragmented and often fail to address the complex interactions between hydrology, ecology, and human activities. The review concludes that adopting a Critical Zone Science (CZS) perspective offers a comprehensive framework for linking land, water, ecological, and social processes, and that integrated land and water management, ecosystem restoration, and climate-resilient strategies are essential to improve sustainability and community well-being. Full article

Calcium copper titanate (CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂, abbreviated as CCTO) has emerged as a versatile, high-performance material distinguished by its remarkable dielectric, photocatalytic, and environmental properties, positioning it at the forefront of ongoing research and technological innovation. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of CCTO, emphasizing its growing relevance in catalytic and environmental applications. Beginning with an overview of its unique structural and dielectric properties, we discuss how these attributes underpin CCTO’s multifunctionality. Various synthesis methods are examined for their effects on CCTO’s microstructure and performance. Furthermore, we investigate the photocatalytic potential of CCTO under visible light, particularly for applications such as water splitting, CO₂ reduction, and degradation of organic pollutants. Environmental applications, including gas sensing and wastewater treatment, are also evaluated, highlighting CCTO’s chemical robustness and suitability under diverse operating conditions. Lastly, key challenges in scalability, cost, and environmental adaptability are discussed, along with future directions, including hybrid composite development and machine-learning-assisted material design. Together, these insights position CCTO as a promising material for advancing sustainable technologies in energy and the environment. Full article

To promote the high-value utilization of industrial solid wastes and address the disposal of excavated soils, a novel low-carbon composite cementitious material, solid waste-based geopolymer cement (SGPC), was developed, consisting of soda residue (SR), granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), phosphogypsum (PG), and ordinary Portland cement (PC) in a mass ratio of 10:81:9:25, with industrial solid wastes accounting for 80% of the binder. The effects of water-to-solid ratio (W/S = 0.41–0.49) on the workability, mechanical performance, and microstructural evolution of SGPC-stabilized soil were systematically investigated to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional cement-based stabilizers. The results indicate that the optimum water-to-solid ratio is 0.43 (SGPC43), with a 28-day unconfined compressive strength of 1450 kPa, exceeding the engineering requirement of 0.8 MPa and reaching over 85% of that of a pure cement system (C43). The flowability remained 163 mm after 60 min, with initial and final setting times of 43 h and 58 h, respectively. Microstructural analysis revealed that the alkalinity provided by soda residue promotes the hydration of slag and phosphogypsum, forming interwoven calcium (alumino) silicate hydrate (C–(A)–S–H) and ettringite (AFt), which fill pores and form a dense structure, thereby enhancing mechanical performance. Environmental and economic assessments show that the CO₂ emission of SGPC43 per ton of binder decreases from 930 kg CO₂-e/t to 235 kg CO₂-e/t (approximately 74.7% reduction), while the material cost decreases from 110 USD/t to 53 USD/t (approximately 51.8% reduction). A simplified uncertainty analysis indicates that the carbon reduction remains at 70% ± 5% and the cost reduction at 50% ± 5%, confirming the robustness of the results. Overall, SGPC43 demonstrates excellent engineering performance, environmental benefits, and economic feasibility, highlighting its potential as a low-carbon and sustainable stabilizing material. Full article

The Water-Sediment Regulation Scheme (WSRS) rapidly delivers large amounts of water, sediment, and nutrients to the Yellow River Estuary (YRE) in summer (wet season). However, how these abrupt environmental changes affect phytoplankton distribution through bottom-up versus top-down control mechanisms remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the spatiotemporal distribution of environmental drivers, grazing pressure, and phytoplankton communities in surface and bottom layers of the YRE during WSRS. Our results indicate that the WSRS transitioned phytoplankton distribution from a relatively uniform pattern pre-WSRS to a highly heterogeneous one during the sediment regulation stage. Before WSRS, phytoplankton abundance peaked near the river mouth and was co-dominated by chlorophytes, cryptophytes, and diatoms in both layers. During the water regulation stage, abundance decreased across layers, with the surface community incorporating more dinoflagellates and the bottom layer transitioning toward higher diatom and lower chlorophyte proportions. Subsequently, vertical stratification intensified during the sediment regulation stage, characterized by a chlorophytes-dominated surface hotspot (with abundance 6.8-fold higher than pre-WSRS levels) in contrast to a depauperate bottom layer. Regression tree and redundancy analysis results showed that WSRS shifts phytoplankton regulation from a bottom-up state in the pre-stage to top-down dominance during the water regulation stage, and finally to a vertically stratified regulatory state in the SR stage, with top-down control in the surface layer and bottom-up control in the bottom layer. Our findings highlight that trophic interactions and physical processes play more critical roles than previously recognized in regulating phytoplankton distribution in estuaries subjected to high-intensity hydrological disturbances. Full article

The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied to six agronomic scenarios for durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) in the Capitanata plain (Apulia, southern Italy), combining three sowing dates (15 October, 1 November, and 15 November) with two water regimes (rainfed; supplemental irrigation at flowering). Five performance indicators were derived from AquaCrop-GIS simulations coupled with cradle-to-gate life-cycle assessment: grain yield, CO₂-equivalent emissions (CO₂_eq), carbon footprint (CFP), total water consumption (TotW), and water footprint (WFP). Six theoretical decision profiles were defined through a symmetric weight scheme (w = 0.60 for the dominant criterion, w = 0.10 for each of the remaining four; balanced profile with equal weights). The rankings revealed a systematic inversion between absolute and ratio indicators: under absolute-metric profiles, the lowest-yielding scenario paradoxically ranked first because reduced productivity mechanically lowered per-hectare resource consumption, whereas under ratio-metric and balanced profiles, early-November rainfed sowing consistently led the rankings. Switching point analyses quantified the weight thresholds at which leadership transitions occurred, providing a continuous sensitivity assessment of the dominant weight, and the AHP procedure was also applied to the 72 simulation replicates spanning the soil × climatic-cell variability of the 2013–2023 dataset to obtain empirical rank distributions for each scenario under each profile. The results highlight that the choice between absolute and ratio environmental indicators is a substantive methodological decision that directly affects the ranking of agronomic alternatives in multi-criteria evaluation. Full article

Mung beans (Vigna radiata L.) can be considered an environmentally sustainable food due to their nutritional value, environmental benefits, and their potential in reducing reliance on animal-based proteins. Mung bean protein hydrolysate (MBPH) is a plant-based functional ingredient; however, its application in beverages is restricted by intense bitterness. This study was the first one to determine the consumer rejection threshold (CRT) of MBPH in three beverage matrices [water, unsweetened brewed tea (USBT), and sweetened brewed tea (SBT)] to evaluate how sweetness modulated bitterness perception and, in turn, affected consumer acceptance. Sensory evaluation was conducted with 308 consumers to evaluate acceptance of overall quality and bitter taste (yes/no), hedonic rating (overall liking and liking of taste and bitterness; a 9-point hedonic scale), and preference (a 2-alternative forced-choice, 2-AFC test) of three beverage matrices across MBPH concentrations of 0.0–1.2% (w/v). Acceptance decreased with increasing MBPH concentration across all matrices, with distinct differences in CRT values among samples. Based on overall acceptance, CRT values were 0.40% MBPH for water, 0.48% MBPH for USBT, and 0.80% MBPH for SBT. CRT values based on bitterness liking were lower (0.18–0.64%) compared to those (0.24–0.76%) based on overall taste and overall liking, indicating that bitterness perception was the primary driver of rejection. The 2-AFC results showed consistent preference for control samples; therefore, CRT could not be determined using this method under the experimental condition in this study. Overall, CRT values increased from 0.18–0.48% MBPH for USBT to 0.64–0.80% MBPH for SBT, demonstrating a quantitative shift associated with matrix composition and the presence of sweetness, providing a practical strategy for product developers to enhance the palatability of plant-based beverages containing MBPH. Full article

Large reservoir construction generates vast drawdown zones characterized by novel hydrological regimes that impose unprecedented selective pressures. While annual plants serve as pioneer colonists during secondary succession in these ecosystems, the mechanisms allowing their seeds to persist through prolonged anti-seasonal flooding remain poorly understood. We investigated how seed germination responses to extreme submergence are influenced by dormancy traits and phylogenetic history. We conducted a field experiment on 44 common annual plant species in the Three Gorges Reservoir drawdown zone. Seeds were subjected to maximum submergence depths of 0 m (control), 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, and 20 m, along the reservoir’s hydrological gradient. Post-submergence germination percentages were measured and analyzed using linear and Bayesian phylogenetic mixed-effects models, with seed dormancy status, seed type, season, and species’ phylogenetic relationships as explanatory variables. Submergence significantly reduced overall seed germination (p < 0.001), but more than 75% of species retained germination capacity even after 20 m of submergence. Germination percentage distributions shifted from near-normal to bimodal with increasing depth. Although the regression of squared PIC values against phylogenetic branch lengths showed a significant relationship, phylogenetic signal for germination percentages was weak and non-significant across all depths (Pagel’s λ < 0.101, Blomberg’s K < 0.228, p > 0.05). Bayesian models revealed that dormancy season significantly interacted with submergence depth (Estimate = −1.41, 95% CrI [−2.16, −0.67]). Seeds dormant during autumn-winter maintained stable germination percentages across depths, while germination of spring-summer dormant seeds declined significantly with increasing depth. Our findings demonstrate that annual plant seeds possess widespread, species-specific tolerance to extreme submergence. This tolerance is primarily driven by environmental filtering rather than phylogenetic history. The seasonality of dormancy is a crucial adaptive mechanism, enabling seeds, particularly those dormant in autumn-winter, to withstand the harsh conditions of the Three Gorges Reservoir drawdown zone. This study provides a functional trait-based framework for selecting suitable species for the ecological restoration of reservoir drawdown zones globally. Full article

Rotavirus A (RVA) G3P[3] genotype is widely reported in dogs and less frequently in cats, with only sporadic human cases worldwide. All reported human infections have occurred in children, suggesting increased susceptibility likely linked to close contact with pets and age-related hygiene practices. The identification of a novel genotype constellation in Brazilian canine G3P[3] strains in 2017 prompted full-genotype characterization of the historical RVA/Human-wt/BRA/IAL-R451/2011/G3P[3] strain, previously sequenced only for VP7 and VP4, to define its genomic constellation and relatedness to canine strains. All 11 segments were analyzed by RT-PCR, sequencing and phylogenetics. The rare genotype–lineage constellation G3.III-P[3]-I2.XX-R3.II-C2.V-M3.II-A9-N2.XXIV-T3.II-E3.II-H6.I, shared with Brazilian canine strains, was identified, supporting a potential common origin. RVA/Human-wt/BRA/IAL-R451/2011/G3P[3] strain showed high genetic similarity (93.2–99%) with canine, feline and canine/feline-like human strains worldwide, with six genes (VP1, VP6 and NSP2–NSP5) closely related to Brazilian dog isolates (97.6–99%), indicating its canine origin. NSP2 clustered with strains from domestic (bovine), synanthropic (rat) and human hosts, while VP7 and VP4 were associated with wildlife (bat; raccoon dog) and environmental (sewage; river water) strains, supporting interhost reassortment and highlighting aquatic environments as reservoirs for interspecies transmission. Identification of new lineages (VP1, VP3 and NSP2) within the AU-1-like backbone reflects its underexplored diversity. This novel constellation likely circulated in dogs and may spill over to humans via close contact, reinforcing a One Health approach to understand RVA zoonotic risk, especially in hotspot regions like Brazil. Full article

The increasing occurrence of pesticides in aquatic environments has raised concern due to their potential impact on human health and ecosystems. In this context, the development of sensitive, reliable, and environmentally sustainable analytical methods is essential for monitoring these contaminants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a miniaturized dispersive solid-phase extraction (DµSPE) method for the determination of current-use multiclass pesticides in water samples using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Initially, a simple and rapid sample preparation procedure was developed, in which different experimental variables were evaluated to obtain suitable extraction efficiency. The validated method has a quantification limit of 0.01 µg L⁻¹ and was applied to the determination of pesticides in surface water from different regions in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. In addition, the environmental sustainability of the method was evaluated using the AGREEprep tool, allowing a quantitative and visual assessment of its compliance with the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. The results demonstrated that the proposed method provides adequate analytical performance for the determination of 28 compounds in water matrices while offering a simple sample preparation procedure with reduced solvent consumption and waste generation. Full article

Intensive extraction in shallow coal seam groups poses a severe threat to regional hydrogeological stability. This study investigates the evolutionary laws of water-conducting fracture zone (WCFZ) height and phreatic level response at the Wanli No. 1 Mine. Although limited to a two-dimensional physical model and a single-case study, the research integrates field monitoring with similarity simulations to evaluate the efficacy of gangue grouting backfilling (GGB). The results reveal a significant superposition effect in dual-seam mining, where cumulative disturbances trigger the reactivation of upper-seam fractures, causing the WCFZ to penetrate the surface (170 m)—a phenomenon absent in single-seam mining. Scientifically, this work identifies a dual-threshold effect for ecological and structural preservation. While an equivalent filling rate (η) of 35% is sufficient to maintain the ecological water level in single-seam mining, dual-seam extraction requires a minimum η of 65% to restrict phreatic drawdown within the 1.5 m ecological threshold. Notably, while the laboratory model suggests a higher mechanical safety limit of η = 80% to prevent fracture propagation, the 65% threshold provides a balance between backfilling efficiency and environmental protection. The primary scientific contribution of this study is the quantification of the coupling relationship between overburden mechanical stability and long-term ecological functions. By shifting the overburden failure mode from “surface-penetrating fracturing” to “controlled bending subsidence,” this research provides a robust theoretical foundation for decoupling mining intensity from hydrogeological degradation in fragile multi-seam environments. Full article

Air and water pollution pose critical threats to public health and environmental stability, particularly in rapidly urbanizing developing nations. This study investigates synergistic interactions between air and water pollutants across 14 cities in Hunan Province, China (2020–2024), using multiparametric statistical approaches. The results show that the coefficient of variation (CV) of particulate matter (PM) with diameters less than 2.5 μm (PM_2.5, CV = 46.9%) and turbidity (TU, CV = 47.4%) showed the highest variability among the air and water quality parameters, respectively. Annual trends revealed significant increases in ozone (O₃) alongside decreases in carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations. Concurrently, freshwater systems exhibited rising electrical conductivity (EC), water temperature (WT), and pH, paired with declining levels of ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), total phosphorus (TP), and turbidity (TU). Principal component analysis (PCA) and Spearman correlation analyses showed significant positive correlations between PM and nitrogen species (TN, NH₃-N), but negative correlations with TP, suggesting potential cross-media pollution interactions. Cross-correlation analysis revealed significant time-lagged relationships (1–5 months) between atmospheric pollutants and aquatic nutrients, suggesting that atmospheric deposition may serve as a contributing pathway for cross-media contamination. The study not only provides empirical evidence for integrated pollution control strategies in urbanizing watersheds, but also offers a transferable framework for addressing similar air–water quality interactions on a global scale. Full article