Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (1,950)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = high-level waste

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
19 pages, 1495 KiB  
Review
Computer Vision for Low-Level Nuclear Waste Sorting: A Review
by Tianshuo Li, Danielle E. Winckler and Zhong Li
Environments 2025, 12(8), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12080270 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Nuclear power is a low-emission and economically competitive energy source, yet the effective disposal and management of its associated radioactive waste can be challenging. Radioactive waste can be categorised as high-level waste (HLW), intermediate-level waste (ILW), and low-level waste (LLW). LLW primarily comprises [...] Read more.
Nuclear power is a low-emission and economically competitive energy source, yet the effective disposal and management of its associated radioactive waste can be challenging. Radioactive waste can be categorised as high-level waste (HLW), intermediate-level waste (ILW), and low-level waste (LLW). LLW primarily comprises materials contaminated during routine clean-up, such as mop heads, paper towels, and floor sweepings. While LLW is less radioactive compared to HLW and ILW, the management of LLW poses significant challenges due to the large volume that requires processing and disposal. The volume of LLW can be significantly reduced through sorting, which is typically performed manually in a labour-intensive way. Smart management techniques, such as computer vision (CV) and machine learning (ML), have great potential to help reduce the workload and human errors during LLW sorting. This paper provides a comprehensive review of previous research related to LLW sorting and a summative review of existing applications of CV in solid waste management. It also discusses state-of-the-art CV and ML algorithms and their potential for automating LLW sorting. This review lays a foundation for and helps facilitate the applications of CV and ML techniques in LLW sorting, paving the way for automated LLW sorting and sustainable LLW management. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3140 KiB  
Article
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Conversational and Emerging Pollutants in Fecal Sludge from Rural Toilets, China
by Lin Lin, Yilin Shen, Guoji Ding, Shakib Alghashm, Seinn Lei Aye and Xiaowei Li
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7088; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157088 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Effective management of fecal pollutants in rural sanitation is crucial for environmental health and public safety, especially in developing regions. In this study, temporal and regional variations in nutrient elements, heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms (PMs), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of fecal samples [...] Read more.
Effective management of fecal pollutants in rural sanitation is crucial for environmental health and public safety, especially in developing regions. In this study, temporal and regional variations in nutrient elements, heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms (PMs), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of fecal samples from rural toilets in China were investigated. The moisture contents of the fecal samples average 92.7%, decreasing seasonally from 97.4% in summer to 90.6% in winter. The samples’ pH values range from 6.5 to 7.5, with a slight decrease in winter (6.8), while their electrical conductivity varies from 128.1 to 2150 μs/cm, influenced by regional diets. Chromium (9.0–49.7 mg/kg) and copper (31.9–784.4 mg/kg) levels vary regionally, with higher concentrations in Anhui and Guangxi Provinces due to dietary and industrial factors. Zinc contents range from 108.5 to 1648.9 mg/kg, with higher levels in autumn and winter, resulting from agricultural practices and Zn-containing fungicides, posing potential health and phytotoxicity risks. Seasonal and regional variations in PMs and ARGs were observed. Guangxi Province shows the high PM diversity in summer samples, while Jiangsu Province exhibits the high ARGs types in autumn samples. These findings highlight the need for improved waste management and sanitation solutions in rural areas to mitigate environmental risks and protect public health. Continued research in these regions is essential to inform effective sanitation strategies. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

27 pages, 1491 KiB  
Article
Spent Nuclear Fuel—Waste to Resource, Part 1: Effects of Post-Reactor Cooling Time and Novel Partitioning Strategies in Advanced Reprocessing on Highly Active Waste Volumes in Gen III(+) UOx Fuel Systems
by Alistair F. Holdsworth, Edmund Ireland and Harry Eccles
J. Nucl. Eng. 2025, 6(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/jne6030029 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Some of nuclear power’s primary detractors are the unique environmental challenges and impacts of radioactive wastes generated during fuel cycle operations. Key benefits of spent fuel reprocessing (SFR) are reductions in primary high active waste (HAW) masses, volumes, and lengths of radiotoxicity at [...] Read more.
Some of nuclear power’s primary detractors are the unique environmental challenges and impacts of radioactive wastes generated during fuel cycle operations. Key benefits of spent fuel reprocessing (SFR) are reductions in primary high active waste (HAW) masses, volumes, and lengths of radiotoxicity at the expense of secondary waste generation and high capital and operational costs. By employing advanced waste management and resource recovery concepts in SFR beyond the existing standard PUREX process, such as minor actinide and fission product partitioning, these challenges could be mitigated, alongside further reductions in HAW volumes, masses, and duration of radiotoxicity. This work assesses various current and proposed SFR and fuel cycle options as base cases, with further options for fission product partitioning of the high heat radionuclides (HHRs), rare earths, and platinum group metals investigated. A focus on primary waste outputs and the additional energy that could be generated by the reprocessing of high-burnup PWR fuel from Gen III(+) reactors using a simple fuel cycle model is used; the effects of 5- and 10-year spent fuel cooling times before reprocessing are explored. We demonstrate that longer cooling times are preferable in all cases except where short-lived isotope recovery may be desired, and that the partitioning of high-heat fission products (Cs and Sr) could allow for the reclassification of traditional raffinates to intermediate level waste. Highly active waste volume reductions approaching 50% vs. PUREX raffinate could be achieved in single-target partitioning of the inactive and low-activity rare earth elements, and the need for geological disposal could potentially be mitigated completely if HHRs are separated and utilised. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1859 KiB  
Article
Suspension Fertilizers Based on Waste Organic Matter from Peanut Oil Extraction By-Products
by Sainan Xiang, Baoshen Li and Yang Lyu
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1885; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081885 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
The use of chemical fertilizers has significantly increased crop yields but has also led to soil problems such as nutrient imbalance and salinization. In response, organic fertilizers have emerged as a crucial component for sustainable agricultural development. This study was designed to develop [...] Read more.
The use of chemical fertilizers has significantly increased crop yields but has also led to soil problems such as nutrient imbalance and salinization. In response, organic fertilizers have emerged as a crucial component for sustainable agricultural development. This study was designed to develop an easily applicable organic suspension fertilizer using peanut bran, the primary by-product of peanut oil extraction, as the main raw material. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that 80 °C is the optimal heating temperature for forming a stable peanut-bran suspension. A comprehensive experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of different peanut bran addition levels, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and suspending agents on the stability of suspension fertilizers. The results identified the optimal suspension fertilizer formulation as comprising 20% peanut bran, 0.5% sodium bentonite, 0.1% monoglyceride, 0.2% sucrose ester, 0.02% carrageenan, and 0.3% xanthan gum. This formulation ensures good stability and fluidity of the suspension fertilizer while maintaining a low cost of 0.134 USD·kg−1. The findings provide a scalable technological framework for valorizing agro-industrial waste into high-performance organic fertilizers. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1356 KiB  
Review
Mobile Thermal Energy Storage—A Review and Analysis in the Context of Waste Heat Recovery
by Marta Kuta, Agata Mlonka-Mędrala, Ewelina Radomska and Andrzej Gołdasz
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4136; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154136 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
The global energy transition and increasingly rigorous legal regulations aimed at climate protection are driving the search for alternative energy sources, including renewable energy sources (RESs) and waste heat. However, the mismatch between supply and demand presents a significant challenge. Thermal energy storage [...] Read more.
The global energy transition and increasingly rigorous legal regulations aimed at climate protection are driving the search for alternative energy sources, including renewable energy sources (RESs) and waste heat. However, the mismatch between supply and demand presents a significant challenge. Thermal energy storage (TES) technologies, particularly mobile thermal energy storage (M-TES), offer a potential solution to address this gap. M-TES can not only balance supply and demand but also facilitate the transportation of heat from the source to the recipient. This paper reviews the current state of M-TES technologies, focusing on their technology readiness level, key operating parameters, and advantages and disadvantages. It is found that M-TES can be based on sensible heat, latent heat, or thermochemical reactions, with the majority of research and projects centered around latent heat storage. Regarding the type of research, significant progress has been made at the laboratory and simulation levels, while real-world implementation remains limited, with few pilot projects and commercially available systems. Despite the limited number of real-world M-TES implementations, currently existing M-TES systems can store up to 5.4 MWh in temperatures ranging from 58 °C to as high as 1300 °C. These findings highlight the potential of the M-TES and offer data for technology selection, simultaneously indicating the research gaps and future research directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Highly Efficient Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Technologies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 470 KiB  
Article
Early Effect of Supplementation with Essential Amino Acids on Cardiac Performance in Elderly Patients with Heart Failure and Sarcopenia
by Giuseppe Armentaro, Velia Cassano, Pasquale Loiacono, Carlo Fuoco, Giandomenico Severini, Carlo Alberto Pastura, Alberto Panza, Marilisa Panza, Elisa Mazza, Sofia Miceli, Arturo Pujia, Tiziana Montalcini and Angela Sciacqua
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7533; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157533 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
The aim of the present observational study was to evaluate the early effect of free-form essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation on cardiac and muscular performance in elderly patients with chronic heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and sarcopenia, as add-on to [...] Read more.
The aim of the present observational study was to evaluate the early effect of free-form essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation on cardiac and muscular performance in elderly patients with chronic heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and sarcopenia, as add-on to the optimized medical therapy (OMT) for HF. The present study included 60 elderly Caucasian patients suffering from HFrEF and sarcopenia. At the baseline and at follow-up, all patients underwent complete physical examination with the determination of the main anthropometric and hemodynamic parameters. After 6 months of supplementation with EAAs, we observed significant improvements in the parameters of sarcopenia. In addition, there was a significant improvement in glycol-metabolic parameters, and in inflammatory index as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). In accordance with these results, significant decreases were observed in circulating levels of oxidative stress biomarkers Nox-2 (p < 0.001) and 8-Isoprostane (p < 0.001), and platelet aggregation biomarkers such as sP-Selectin (p < 0.001) and Gp-VI (p < 0.001). Of particular interest, after 6 months’ follow-up, there was a significant improvement in LVEF and global longitudinal strain (GLS). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that targeted nutritional intervention with EEAAs represents a viable therapeutic strategy for addressing the complex interplay between cardiac dysfunction and skeletal muscle wasting in elderly HF patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathology and Treatment of Heart Failure)
18 pages, 674 KiB  
Article
Oil Extraction Systems Influence the Techno-Functional and Nutritional Properties of Pistachio Processing By-Products
by Rito J. Mendoza-Pérez, Elena Álvarez-Olmedo, Ainhoa Vicente, Felicidad Ronda and Pedro A. Caballero
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2722; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152722 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Low-commercial-value natural pistachios (broken, closed, or immature) can be revalorised through oil extraction, obtaining a high-quality oil and partially defatted flour as by-product. This study evaluated the techno-functional and nutritional properties of the flours obtained by hydraulic press (HP) and single-screw press (SSP) [...] Read more.
Low-commercial-value natural pistachios (broken, closed, or immature) can be revalorised through oil extraction, obtaining a high-quality oil and partially defatted flour as by-product. This study evaluated the techno-functional and nutritional properties of the flours obtained by hydraulic press (HP) and single-screw press (SSP) systems, combined with pretreatment at 25 °C and 60 °C. The extraction method significantly influenced flour’s characteristics, underscoring the need to tailor processing conditions to the specific technological requirements of each food application. HP-derived flours presented lighter colour, greater tocopherol content, and higher water absorption capacity (up to 2.75 g/g), suggesting preservation of hydrophilic proteins. SSP-derived flours showed higher concentration of protein (44 g/100 g), fibre (12 g/100 g), and minerals, and improved emulsifying properties, enhancing their suitability for emulsified products. Pretreatment at 25 °C enhanced functional properties such as swelling power (~7.0 g/g) and water absorption index (~5.7 g/g). The SSP system achieved the highest oil extraction yield, with no significant effect of pretreatment temperature. The oils extracted showed high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid (~48% of ω-9), highlighting their nutritional and industrial value. The findings support the valorisation of pistachio oil extraction by-products as functional food ingredients, offering a promising strategy for reducing food waste and promoting circular economy approaches in the agri-food sector. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3816 KiB  
Article
Charging Station Siting and Capacity Determination Based on a Generalized Least-Cost Model of Traffic Distribution
by Mingzhao Ma, Feng Wang, Lirong Xiong, Yuhonghao Wang and Wenxin Li
Algorithms 2025, 18(8), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/a18080479 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
With the popularization of electric vehicles and the continuous expansion of the electric vehicle market, the construction and management of charging facilities for electric vehicles have become important issues in research and practice. In some remote areas, the charging stations are idle due [...] Read more.
With the popularization of electric vehicles and the continuous expansion of the electric vehicle market, the construction and management of charging facilities for electric vehicles have become important issues in research and practice. In some remote areas, the charging stations are idle due to low traffic flow, resulting in a waste of resources. Areas with high traffic flow may have fewer charging stations, resulting in long queues and road congestion. The purpose of this study is to optimize the location of charging stations and the number of charging piles in the stations based on the distribution of traffic flow, and to construct a bi-level programming model by analyzing the distribution of traffic flow. The upper-level planning model is the user-balanced flow allocation model, which is solved to obtain the optimal traffic flow allocation of the road network, and the output of the upper-level planning model is used as the input of the lower-layer model. The lower-level planning model is a generalized minimum cost model with driving time, charging waiting time, charging time, and the cost of electricity consumed to reach the destination of the trip as objective functions. In this study, an empirical simulation is conducted on the road network of Hefei City, Anhui Province, utilizing three algorithms—GA, GWO, and PSO—for optimization and sensitivity analysis. The optimized results are compared with the existing charging station deployment scheme in the road network to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 913 KiB  
Article
Fermentation Efficiency and Profile of Volatile Compounds in Rye Grain Mashes from Crops Fertilised with Agrifood Waste Ashes
by Łukasz Ściubak, Andrzej Baryga, Maria Balcerek, Katarzyna Pielech-Przybylska, Urszula Dziekońska-Kubczak and Stanisław Brzeziński
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3251; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153251 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
The utilisation of agrifood waste ashes has the potential to enhance the nutrient content of cereal crops, thereby optimising both yield and grain quality. This study investigated rye grain composition, the fermentation efficiency, and volatile compounds in mashes made from crops fertilised with [...] Read more.
The utilisation of agrifood waste ashes has the potential to enhance the nutrient content of cereal crops, thereby optimising both yield and grain quality. This study investigated rye grain composition, the fermentation efficiency, and volatile compounds in mashes made from crops fertilised with agrifood waste ashes derived from the combustion of corn cob, wood chips, and biomass with defecation lime. The ashes were applied at 2, 4, and 8 t/ha, separately and as mixtures of corn cob (25%) with wood chips (75%) and corn cob (50%) with biomass and defecation lime (50%). Rye mashes were prepared using the pressureless starch liberation method. The starch content in the majority of the rye grains was comparable to the control sample (57.12 g/100 g). The range of ethanol concentrations observed in the fermented mashes was from 55.55 to 68.12 g/L, which corresponded to fermentation yields of 67.25–76.59% of theoretical. The lowest fermentation yield was exhibited by the mash derived from rye cultivated on soil fertilised with a 50:50 mixture of ashes from corn cob and biomass with defecation lime at 8 t/ha. This mash contained more than double the acetaldehyde concentration and total aldehyde content compared to the other samples. These findings demonstrate the potential of using waste biomass ash as a source of macro- and microelements for rye cultivation, enabling the production of agricultural distillates. To ensure high fermentation efficiency and low aldehyde levels, ash dosage and composition need to be established based on experimental optimisation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Chemistry)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1541 KiB  
Article
Economic Dispatch Strategy for Power Grids Considering Waste Heat Utilization in High-Energy-Consuming Enterprises
by Lei Zhou, Ping He, Siru Wang, Cailian Ma, Yiming Zhou, Can Cai and Hongbo Zou
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2450; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082450 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 203
Abstract
Under the construction background of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, high-energy-consuming enterprises, represented by the electrolytic aluminum industry, have become important carriers for energy conservation and emission reduction. These enterprises are characterized by significant energy consumption and high carbon emissions, greatly impacting the [...] Read more.
Under the construction background of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, high-energy-consuming enterprises, represented by the electrolytic aluminum industry, have become important carriers for energy conservation and emission reduction. These enterprises are characterized by significant energy consumption and high carbon emissions, greatly impacting the economic and environmental benefits of regional power grids. Existing research often focuses on grid revenue, leaving high-energy-consuming enterprises in a passive regulatory position. To address this, this paper constructs an economic dispatch strategy for power grids that considers waste heat utilization in high-energy-consuming enterprises. A typical representative, electrolytic aluminum load and its waste heat utilization model, for the entire production process of high-energy-consuming loads, is established. Using a tiered carbon trading calculation formula, a low-carbon production scheme for high-energy-consuming enterprises is developed. On the grid side, considering local load levels, the uncertainty of wind power output, and the energy demands of aluminum production, a robust day-ahead economic dispatch model is established. Case analysis based on the modified IEEE-30 node system demonstrates that the proposed method balances economic efficiency and low-carbon performance while reducing the conservatism of traditional optimization approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1192 KiB  
Article
Net and Configurational Effects of Determinants on Managers’ Construction and Demolition Waste Sorting Intention in China Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and the Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis
by Guanfeng Yan, Yuhang Tian and Tianhai Zhang
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6984; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156984 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 268
Abstract
Construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) contains various types of substances, which require different processing methods to maximize benefits and minimize harm to realize the goal of the circular economy. Therefore, it is urgent to promote the on-site sorting of C&D waste and [...] Read more.
Construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) contains various types of substances, which require different processing methods to maximize benefits and minimize harm to realize the goal of the circular economy. Therefore, it is urgent to promote the on-site sorting of C&D waste and explore the determinants of managers’ waste sorting intention. Based on a comprehensive literature review of C&D waste management, seven determinants are identified to explore how antecedent factors influence waste sorting intention by symmetric and asymmetric techniques. Firstly, the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted to analyze the data collected from 489 managers to assess the net impact of each determinant on their intentions. Then, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) provided another perspective by determining the configurations of the causal conditions that lead to higher or lower levels of intention. The PLS-SEM results reveal that all determinants show a significant positive relationship with the intention except for the perceived risks, which are negatively correlated with managers’ attitudes and intentions regarding C&D waste sorting. Moreover, top management support and subjective norms from other project participants and the public exhibit a huge impact, while the influence of perceived behavioral control (PBC) and policies is moderate. Meanwhile, fsQCA provides a complementary analysis of the complex causality that PLS-SEM fails to capture. That is, fsQCA identified six and five configurations resulting in high and low levels of intention to sort the C&D waste, respectively, and highlighted the crucial role of core conditions. The results provide theoretical and practical insights regarding proper C&D waste management and enhancing sustainable development. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2809 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Baby Leaf Products Using Hyperspectral Imaging Techniques
by Antonietta Eliana Barrasso, Claudio Perone and Roberto Romaniello
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8532; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158532 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 100
Abstract
The transition to efficient production requires innovative water control techniques to maximize irrigation efficiency and minimize waste. Analyzing and optimizing irrigation practices is essential to improve water use and reduce environmental impact. The aim of the research was to identify a discrimination method [...] Read more.
The transition to efficient production requires innovative water control techniques to maximize irrigation efficiency and minimize waste. Analyzing and optimizing irrigation practices is essential to improve water use and reduce environmental impact. The aim of the research was to identify a discrimination method to analyze the different hydration levels in baby-leaf products. The species being researched was spinach, harvested at the baby leaf stage. Utilizing a large dataset of 261 wavelengths from the hyperspectral imaging system, the feature selection minimum redundancy maximum relevance (FS-MRMR) algorithm was applied, leading to the development of a neural network-based prediction model. Finally, a mathematical classification model K-NN (k-nearest neighbors type) was developed in order to identify a transfer function capable of discriminating the hyperspectral data based on a threshold value of absolute leaf humidity. Five significant wavelengths were identified for estimating the moisture content of baby leaves. The resulting model demonstrated a high generalization capability and excellent correlation between predicted and measured data, further confirmed by the successful training, validation, and testing of a K-NN-based statistical classifier. The construction phase of the statistical classifier involved the use of the experimental dataset and the critical humidity threshold value of 0.83 (83% of leaf humidity) was considered, below which the baby-leaf crop requires the irrigation intervention. High percentages of correct classification were achieved for data within two humidity classes. Specifically, the statistical classifier demonstrated excellent performance, with 81.3% correct classification for samples below the threshold and 99.4% for those above it. The application of advanced spectral analysis and artificial intelligence methods has led to significant progress in leaf moisture analysis and prediction, yielding substantial implications for both agriculture and biological research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Automation and Controls of Agri-Food Systems)
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 3459 KiB  
Article
Compressive Behaviour of Sustainable Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes Using Waste Glass and Rubber Glove Fibres
by Zobaer Saleheen, Tatheer Zahra, Renga Rao Krishnamoorthy and Sabrina Fawzia
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2708; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152708 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 111
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 857 KiB  
Article
A Pilot Study on the Use of Pumpkin Waste as Cattle Feed
by Minori Nizuka, Hironobu Ishihara, Jun Nakahigashi, Daisaku Matsumoto and Eiji Kobayashi
Metabolites 2025, 15(8), 511; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15080511 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 250
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Pumpkin seed pulp from processing plants offers high nutritional value due to its rich β-carotene content, making it a potential functional feed ingredient. This study investigated the effects of pumpkin seed pulp, which has already been administered as livestock feed, on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Pumpkin seed pulp from processing plants offers high nutritional value due to its rich β-carotene content, making it a potential functional feed ingredient. This study investigated the effects of pumpkin seed pulp, which has already been administered as livestock feed, on key physiological parameters in cattle, including the concentration of β-carotene in the blood measured during routine health monitoring. Methods: Here, pumpkin waste cultivated in various fields was processed into cattle feed (pumpkin seed pulp flakes, PSPFs) by grinding and drying, and residual pesticide (heptachlor) and β-carotene contents were measured. A pilot feeding trial was conducted with 13 cattle (7 in the treatment group and 6 in the control group) and blood component analysis was performed, and findings were contextualized with a literature review. Results: Heptachlor concentrations varied depending on the cultivation site of raw pumpkins. Among the six lots produced using raw materials sourced from fields not contracted by the Air Water Group—a collective of companies in which Air Water Inc. holds more than 51% ownership—three exceeded the regulatory limits for animal feed established in Japan. PSPFs contained high levels of β-carotene, as expected. Blood tests before and after the feeding trial indicated absorption of β-carotene in the cattle. Maintaining high plasma β-carotene concentrations in cattle has been associated with improved immune function and reproductive performance. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that PSPFs are a promising, environmentally friendly, and natural β-carotene-rich feed ingredient. Tracing the cultivation fields of raw pumpkins can help ensure feed safety. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

28 pages, 6349 KiB  
Article
Valorization of Waste from Lavender Distillation Through Optimized Encapsulation Processes
by Nikoletta Solomakou, Dimitrios Fotiou, Efthymia Tsachouridou and Athanasia M. Goula
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2684; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152684 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 134
Abstract
This study evaluated and compared two encapsulation techniques—co-crystallization and ionic gelation—for stabilizing bioactive components derived from lavender distillation residues. Utilizing aqueous ethanol extraction (solid residues) and concentration (liquid residues), phenolic-rich extracts were incorporated into encapsulation matrices and processed under controlled conditions. Comprehensive characterization [...] Read more.
This study evaluated and compared two encapsulation techniques—co-crystallization and ionic gelation—for stabilizing bioactive components derived from lavender distillation residues. Utilizing aqueous ethanol extraction (solid residues) and concentration (liquid residues), phenolic-rich extracts were incorporated into encapsulation matrices and processed under controlled conditions. Comprehensive characterization included encapsulation efficiency (Ef), antioxidant activity (AA), moisture content, hygroscopicity, dissolution time, bulk density, and color parameters (L*, a*, b*). Co-crystallization outperformed ionic gelation across most criteria, achieving significantly higher Ef (>150%) and superior functional properties such as lower moisture content (<0.5%), negative hygroscopicity (−6%), and faster dissolution (<60 s). These features suggested enhanced physicochemical stability and suitability for applications requiring long shelf life and rapid solubility. In contrast, extruded beads exhibited high moisture levels (94.0–95.4%) but allowed better control over morphological features. The work introduced a mild-processing approach applied innovatively to the valorization of lavender distillation waste through structurally stable phenolic delivery systems. By systematically benchmarking two distinct encapsulation strategies under equivalent formulation conditions, this study advanced current understanding in bioactive microencapsulation and offers new tools for developing functional ingredients from aromatic plant by-products. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Back to TopTop