Search Results (261)

The contamination of drinking water by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) presents a global concern due to their extreme persistence, driven by strong C–F bonds. This study investigated the potential of graphene as a filtration material for PFAS removal, focusing on six key compounds regulated by the U.S. EPA: PFOA, PFNA, GenX, PFBS, PFOS, and PFHxS. Using molecular simulations, adsorption energy, diffusion coefficients, and PFAS-to-graphene distances were analyzed. The results showed that adsorption strength increased with molecular weight; PFOS (500 g/mol) exhibited the strongest adsorption (−171 kcal/mol). Compounds with sulfonic acid head groups (e.g., PFOS) had stronger interactions than those with carboxylate groups (e.g., PFNA), highlighting the importance of head group chemistry. Shorter graphene-to-PFAS distances also aligned with higher adsorption energies. PFOS, for example, had the shortest distance at 8.23 Å (head) and 6.15 Å (tail) from graphene. Diffusion coefficients decreased with increasing molecular weight and carbon chain length, with lower molecules like PFBS (four carbon atoms) diffusing more rapidly than heavier ones like PFOS and PFNA. Interestingly, graphene enhanced PFAS mobility in water, likely by disrupting the water structure and lowering intermolecular resistance. These results highlight graphene’s promise as a high-performance material for PFAS removal and future water purification technologies. Full article

Groundwater is one of the main water sources for consumption, domestic use, agriculture, and tourism in coastal communities. However, high total dissolved solids (TDS) levels in the water (700–2000 mg L⁻¹ TDS) and electrical conductivity (3000–5000 µS cm⁻¹) threaten the health and economic growth opportunities for residents. This research aims to evaluate the performance of a laboratory-scale electrodialysis system as a technology for desalinating brackish water. For this purpose, water samples were collected from real groundwater sources. Batch experiments were conducted with varying operational parameters, such as voltage (2–10 V), feed volume (100–1600 mL), recovery rate (50–80%), and cros-flow velocity (1.3–5.1 cm s⁻¹) to determine the electrodialysis system setup that meets the requirements for drinking water in terms of TDS and energy efficiency. A total specific energy consumption of 1.65 kWh m⁻³, including pumping energy, was achieved at a laboratory scale. The conditions were as follows: flow velocity of 5.14 cm s⁻¹, applied voltage of 6 V, feed volume of 1.6 L, and a water recovery of 66%. Furthermore, increasing the flow velocity and the applied voltage enhanced the desalination kinetics and salt removal. Additionally, the system presented opportunities for scalability. This research aims to evaluate a sustainable membrane-based treatment technology for meeting the growing demand for water resources in coastal communities, particularly in developing countries in South America. Full article

Background/Objectives: Higher energy density (ED; kJ/g) and higher levels of processing of foods and beverages have been associated with childhood obesity and reduced diet quality. This study described and examined the distribution of ED and levels of processing of new food and beverage products intended for Australian children (0–4 years, 5–12 years). Methods: This study used 2013–2023 data from the Mintel Global New Products Database. Products were classified by ED (low ≦ 4.184 kJ/g, medium > 4.184 kJ/g and <12.552 kJ/g, or high ≧ 12.552 kJ/g) and level of processing (using the NOVA classification system; unprocessed/minimally processed foods; processed culinary ingredients; processed foods; ultra-processed foods (UPFs)). Non-parametric statistics were used to examine ED and level of processing by age and ‘Food’ and ‘Drink’ groups. Results: Of the 1770 products analysed, 56% were classified as high-ED and 81% as UPF. Among ‘Food’ products intended for children ‘5–12 years’, 93% were classified as UPFs. The differences in ED classification between non-UPFs and UPFs were significant for ‘Food’ products intended for children aged ‘0–4 years’ (p < 0.001) but not for children aged ‘5–12 years’ (p = 0.149). Conclusions: The prevalence of high-ED and UPFs in the Australian packaged food supply demonstrates the need to tighten regulations around products intended for children. The regulation of low-ED UPFs (i.e., recognised by Australian Dietary Guidelines as ‘healthy’) may also be required. Full article

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruit pulp (BFP) is particularly noted for its high concentrations of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, vitamins (notably vitamin C), and dietary fiber, surpassing common fruits such as oranges in ascorbic acid content. Despite its long-standing use in local communities as a functional food ingredient, BFP drinks face significant challenges related to their sensory parameters and shelf life, particularly due to rapid microbial growth under tropical conditions. This study investigated the effects of two hydrocolloids, xanthan gum (XG) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), on the viscosity, shelf-life stability, and consumer acceptance of BFP drinks. Seven samples were formulated with these hydrocolloids at different concentrations, namely, BXG1 (95% BFP:5% XG), BXG2 (90% BFP:10% XG), BXG3 (85% BFP:15% XG), BCMC1 (95% BFP:5% CMC), BCMC2 (90% BFP:10% CMC), and BCMC3 (85% BFP:15% CMC), alongside a control sample (100% BFP) and a commercially synthetic drink (CSD) for comparison. The results indicate that BFP drink sample (BXG1) stored under refrigeration (4 °C) for up to 14 days retains acceptable sensory qualities with minimal microbial growth (9 CFU/mL). However, storing at room temperature (ca. 25 ± 2 °C) led to rapid microbial proliferation (oral observation) within four days. These findings also confirm that BFP drinks can provide significant nutritional value, offering 330.64 kcal/100 g of metabolizable energy. This study suggests that, while BFP drinks offer several healthy benefits, enhancing their stability using hydrocolloids and appropriate storage conditions is essential. Future studies should focus on the incorporation of natural preservatives to enhance their stability while preserving their nutritional integrity. Full article

Arsenic contamination poses a severe health risk in regions with high water vulnerability and limited treatment infrastructure. This study evaluates a photovoltaic-powered water treatment system for arsenic removal in La Yarada Los Palos District, Tacna, Peru, where arsenic concentrations reached up to 0.0417 mg/L, significantly surpassing the World Health Organization (WHO) limit of 10 µg/L (0.01 mg/L) for drinking water. The system integrates a natural sedimentation pretreatment stage in a geomembrane-lined reservoir, followed by oxidation with sodium hypochlorite, coagulation, and adsorption. Arsenic removal efficiencies ranged from 99.72% to 99.85%, reducing residual concentrations below WHO guidelines. Pretreatment significantly improved performance, reducing turbidity by up to 66.67% and TSS by up to 70.37%, optimizing subsequent treatment stages. Operationally, pretreatment decreased cleaning frequency from six to four cleanings per month, while backwashing energy consumption dropped by 33% (from 45.72 kWh to 30.48 kWh). The photovoltaic system leveraged the region’s high solar radiation, achieving an average daily generation of 20.31 kWh and an energy surplus of 33.08%. The system’s performance was evaluated within the context of existing arsenic removal technologies, demonstrating that the integration of natural sedimentation and renewable energy constitutes a viable operational alternative. Given the regulatory framework in Peru, where arsenic limits align with WHO standards, conventional water treatment systems are normatively and technically unfeasible under national legislation. Furthermore, La Yarada Los Palos District faces challenges due to its limited infrastructure for conventional electrification via power grid, as identified in national reports on rural electrification and gaps in access to basic services. Beyond its performance in the study area, the system’s modular design allows adaptation to diverse water sources with varying arsenic concentrations, turbidity levels, and other physicochemical characteristics. In remote regions with limited access to the power grid, such as the study site, photovoltaic energy provides a self-sustaining and replicable alternative, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas with high solar radiation. These conditions are not exclusive to Latin America but are also prevalent in remote regions of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania, where groundwater arsenic contamination is a significant issue and renewable energy availability can enhance water treatment sustainability. These findings underscore the potential of using sustainable energy solutions to address water contamination challenges in remote areas. The modular and scalable design of this system enables its replication in regions with adverse hydrogeological conditions, integrating renewable energy and pretreatment strategies to enhance water treatment performance. The framework presented in this study offers a replicable and efficient approach for implementing eco-friendly water treatment systems in regions with similar environmental and resource constraints. Full article

Groundwater, which constitutes 95% of the world’s freshwater resources, is widely used for drinking and domestic water supply, agricultural irrigation, energy production, bottled water production, and commercial use. In recent years, due to pressures from climate change and excessive urbanization, a noticeable decline in groundwater levels has been observed, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The corresponding changes have been analyzed using a diverse range of methodologies, including data-driven modeling techniques. Recent evidence has shown a notable acceleration in the utilization of such advanced techniques, demonstrating significant attention by the research community. Therefore, the major aim of the present study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis to investigate the application and evolution of machine learning (ML) techniques in groundwater research. In this sense, studies published between 2000 and 2023 were examined in terms of scientific productivity, collaboration networks, research themes, and methods. The findings revealed that ML techniques offer high accuracy and predictive capacity, especially in water quality, water level estimation, and pollution modeling. The United States, China, and Iran stand out as leading countries emphasizing the strategic importance of ML in groundwater management. However, the outcomes demonstrated that a low level of international cooperation has led to deficiencies in solving transboundary water problems. The study aimed to encourage more widespread and effective use of ML techniques in water management and environmental planning processes and drew attention to the importance of transparent and interpretable algorithms, with the potential to yield rewarding opportunities in increasing the adoption of corresponding technologies by decision-makers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artificial sweeteners (ASs) are food additives used to impart sweetness to various food products. Common sweeteners used individually or in combination include acesulfame-K, aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin, sucralose, and neotame. While traditionally considered harmless, emerging research suggest potential health implications. This study aims to analyze commonly consumed food products in Croatia for ASs presence, quantify four ASs, and estimate daily intake of ASs. Additionally, product labeling was assessed for compliance with Regulation 1169/2011 on food information to consumers. Methods: This study assessed the presence of acesulfame-K, aspartame, cyclamate, and saccharin dihydrate in 121 frequently consumed food products from the Croatian market using a high-performance liquid chromatography method. Based on obtained concentrations, data from a parallel consumption study, and existing literature on acceptable daily intake (ADI), we assessed exposure to ASs. Results: ASs were found in a substantial proportion of analyzed products, with multiple sweeteners often present in a single product. Specifically, ASs were detected in 74% of carbonated drinks, 54% of fruit juices, 86% of energy drinks, 70% of high-protein milk products, and 66% of chewing gums. Hypothetical consumption scenarios demonstrated that children, due to their low body mass, are at the highest risk of exceeding ADI values. Conclusions: The widespread presence of ASs in food products raises concerns about excessive intake, particularly among children who frequently consume soft drinks, instant beverages, and protein drinks. These findings highlight the need for further research into cumulative ASs exposure and its potential health effects, as well as the importance of public health strategies to regulate ASs consumption. Full article

The drying of hydroxide sludge is a critical step in its valorization process in drinking water treatment plants (WWTPs), due to the high energy requirements associated with this operation. This study investigates the convective drying behavior of hydroxide sludge using a convective micro-dryer, with air heated to temperatures between 70 °C and 110 °C, velocities ranging from 1 m/s to 3 m/s, and constant absolute humidity of 0.005 kg of water per kg of dry air. The process was continuously monitored through X-ray microtomography, allowing the nondestructive observation of external surface texture evolution, shrinkage, and crack formation. A significant shrinkage, with a volume reduction ranging from 30% to 45%, was observed as the moisture content decreased. The experimental data were used to develop a characteristic drying curve specific to hydroxide sludge, which remained consistent across different operational conditions. The results showed that increasing air temperature and velocity enhanced the drying flux and reduced drying time, while higher air humidity produced the opposite effect. Additionally, the crack formation observed towards the end of the drying process was associated with internal moisture transfer limitations. Effective diffusivity increased with air temperature, highlighting the significant impact of temperature on the activation energy of the drying process. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the energy efficiency of sludge-drying operations. Full article

Functional beverages comprise a special category of drinks free of alcohol that contain bioactive components from plant, animal, marine, or microorganism sources that contribute to the reinforcement of human health. Functional beverages are mainly divided into the following basic categories: (i) dairy-based beverages and (ii) non-dairy-based beverages. Functional beverages have several positive functional properties such as the rehydration of the body, recovery of lost energy, the increase of athletic performance, the prevention of pain in joints, the improvement of heart health, the improvement of immunity and the digestive system, and the creation of the feeling of satiety and boosting mood. However, according to health experts, there are also functional beverages that induce obesity and heart diseases because of their high content of sugars, sweeteners, and other components such as caffeine, taurine, taurine combined with caffeine, creatinine, etc. The scope of this review was to highlight the main components and the functional properties of energy drinks along with the effects of functional beverages on human health. Limited review articles address this overall hypothesis in the recent literature, thus comprising the significance of the current study. Full article

There is currently a lack of regulation of the caffeine found in cola and energy drinks by the FDA, which fails to protect the consumers of these products. Due to this lack of regulation, cola and energy drinks can have noticeable differences in their caffeine content when compared to the average amount per serving labelled on the product. In this study, we demonstrate the ability to analyse caffeine rapidly in under 20 s, and with HPLC pressures under 3500 psi (241 bar). To facilitate a high-throughput routine HPLC analysis of the caffeine content found in energy and cola drinks, two HPLC column technologies are studied, a conventional run HPLC column, and a newly commercialised Radial Flow Splitting end fitted HPLC column. The Radial Flow Splitting fitted column demonstrated the following benefits: a 37% reduction in pressure, an increased signal intensity sensitivity of 35%, a reduced analysis time by 20%, and improved metrics in assay precision based on triplicate injections associated with retention time, peak area, and peak height precision %RSD values. Both rapid HPLC methods offer greater opportunity for expanded beverage testing, which can ultimately help protect the consumer. The quantified energy drinks that were tested had a higher caffeine content, on average, than the labelled caffeine content, with an approximately ±16 mg difference per serving size for the energy drinks. In the case of the cola drinks, which did not include caffeine levels on the food label, we compared the levels to the USDA guidance and found up to double the recommended amount of caffeine in one serving for the samples studied. This highlights the need to have stricter regulations for caffeinated beverages to protect consumers and provide transparency regarding the caffeine content. Full article

Background: High-altitude hypoxia is known to adversely affect bone health, leading to accelerated bone loss and metabolic alterations. Recent studies suggest that factors such as bicarbonate and gut microbiota may play key roles in bone health. Mineral water, rich in bicarbonate, may influence bone health and the gut–bone axis under such conditions. Methods: Mice were exposed to hypoxia and treated with different concentrations of drinking water. Bone-related parameters were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and Micro-CT. Bone health was assessed using the measurement of serum biomarkers. Additionally, Untargeted Metabolomics was employed to analyze differential metabolites between groups, while gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: BMW consumption increased bone mineral density (BMD) and helped alleviate the damage to the microstructure of bones caused by hypoxia and delayed the progression of osteoporosis. Additionally, BMW was shown to enhance probiotics such as Akkermansia and Dubosiella and regulate the longevity-regulating pathway as well as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM) signaling pathway. This study also discovered changes in metabolic products due to BMW intervention, predominantly in pathways such as the amino acid, prostaglandin, and purine metabolisms, with correlation analysis further exploring the relationships between gut microbiota and these differential metabolites. Conclusions: Long-term exposure to high-altitude hypoxic conditions affects the structure of gut microbiota and bone metabolism in mice. The consumption of BMW improves the structure of gut microbiota and regulates the metabolic pathways to maintain bone health under high-altitude hypoxia. Full article

The demand for drinking water is a reality that plagues modern society and will worsen in the coming decades. Factors such as climate change, population growth, and intense, often disorderly urbanization are expected to limit the availability of this essential resource for life. With this justification, several technologies involving water remediation/purification have been improved to increase energy efficiency. One key approach involves the use of residual biomass derived from biological sources as adsorbents with valuable properties. This line of research supports waste management, and the materials are easily obtainable, especially on a large scale, with low costs and negligible secondary environmental impacts. In the early 2000s, it was demonstrated that these materials possess functional groups (amino, hydroxyl, and carboxyl) that are favorable for attracting certain pollutants that are present in wastewater. Generally, the unmodified precursor material has properties that are not favorable for adsorption, such as limited adsorption capacity, low mechanical resistance, and unstable surface chemistry. Therefore, there has been a strong investment in studies aimed at developing methodologies to produce bio-based materials with high properties supported by mathematical models aimed at water purification. This critical review describes the modifications, functionalization, and production of bio-based materials aimed at remediating wastewater via the adsorption process. Their use involves the elimination of organic pollutants, water/oil separation, the removal of micropollutants, and membrane filtration. The properties of bio-based materials from biopolymers and their synthesis methodologies are analyzed, with a focus on water remediation. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are highlighted, highlighting the relevance of this group of adsorbents in minimizing the challenges and limitations present in the field of water purification and providing new, innovative solutions. Full article

Background/Objectives: The high consumption rate of energy drinks among pupils is a serious public health concern in various countries, including South Africa. Excessive consumption of energy drinks that contain elevated caffeine and sugar levels has the potential to lead to the development of addictions, strokes, dehydration, sleeping disorders, mental health and central nervous disorders, hypertension, digestive problems, and anxiety. Most pupils regard energy drinks as regular soft drinks and lack knowledge of the active ingredients contained in energy drinks and their side effects. The objective of this study was to investigate factors influencing energy drink usage amongst pupils in the Mahikeng sub-district, Northwest Province. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 505 pupils in the Mahikeng sub-district, Northwest, using self-administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using STATA software version 18 to examine associations between variables. Results: The energy drinks consumed most by pupils were Dragon (38.21%), Switch (28.97%), and Red Bull (14.62%). Factors and reasons influencing energy drink usage among pupils include all-night parties (3.1%), concentration (20.3%), being awake (43.1%), curiosity (2.2%), energy levels (23.1%), exams (13.8%), sports (8.7%), fatigue (6.9%), and health (2.3%). There was a strong association (p ≤ 0.05) between energy drink usage and sports activities amongst pupils. Conclusions: It is concluded that health education and promotion intervention programmes are required to educate pupils about the dangers of energy drink usage to prevent public health risks. Further studies, including research on primary school pupils, are necessary, considering that a substantial number of pupils were exposed to energy drinks at an early age. Full article

Background: Nutritional expectations have been shown to influence exercise performance via placebo and nocebo effects. The present study aimed to evaluate performance-enhancement expectations for coffee and energy drinks using the Stanford Expectations of Treatment Scale. Methods: A total of 402 participants (48.5% male) with an average exercise history of 4.53 years, engaging in average physical activity 3.91 times per week, were included in the study. Data collection was conducted through the Qualtrics platform. Results: Participants exhibited significantly higher positive expectations for coffee compared to energy drinks (p = 0.002), whereas negative expectations were more pronounced for energy drinks than for coffee (p < 0.001). Males and individuals engaging in anaerobic exercise expressed more positive expectations for energy drinks than females and those participating in aerobic or mixed exercise regimens. Additionally, high-frequency exercisers (≥4 sessions per week) reported greater positive expectations for both beverages and fewer negative expectations for coffee than low-frequency exercisers (≤3 sessions per week). Correlational analyses revealed weak but significant associations between expectations and variables such as exercise history, frequency, intensity, and age. Conclusions: The findings suggest that coffee is perceived as a more effective performance enhancer and exhibits greater placebo-inducing potential than energy drinks, which may elicit stronger nocebo effects. These group-specific perceptions should be considered by trainers, coaches, and researchers when addressing placebo–nocebo mechanisms in the context of sports and exercise. Full article

The wide-scale management and treatment of urban stormwater is a promising technological advancement to address the ongoing global potable water crisis. About 26% of the global population have unsafe drinking water and 46% have no safely managed water for sanitation. However, the lack of a regulatory framework for urban stormwater usage and uncertainty in water quality pose significant threats to its wide-scale application. A total of 76 articles were gathered through the Scopus database, 63 of which were screened individually for their eligibility, and only 35 articles were selected as the most compatible with the study. Emerging conversion technologies provide a more efficient and cost-effective means to convert urban stormwater to potable water. Urban stormwater management, such as capture in large cisterns and run-off capture, provides the necessary means to properly collect and manage stormwater, while engineered stormwater treatment systems, such as stormwater biofilters, provide high reliability and performance while having zero energy consumption. By utilizing an efficient urban stormwater management system and appropriate treatment technologies, urban stormwater can be used to alleviate the problem of potable water scarcity. This study delves into utilizing urban stormwater for the generation of potable water, evaluates conversion technologies and presents its applications to mitigate the global potable water crisis. Urban stormwater management systems are thoroughly examined and treatment processes are investigated, highlighting the importance of using appropriate technologies in potable water generation. Through conversion technologies, high-volume urban stormwater can be transformed into potable drinking water, addressing water resource management problems and the ongoing global potable water crisis. This systematic review will identify existing conversion technologies and research gaps and pave the way for more efficient and cost-effective conversion technologies that will use high-volume urban stormwater for the production of water. Full article