Search Results (785)

Environmental concerns associated with the construction industry have drawn increasing attention worldwide. This study addresses the dual challenges of carbon emissions from cement production and construction waste disposal by developing and characterizing a fiber-modified geopolymer recycled aggregate porous concrete (GRAPC). An orthogonal experiment first optimized the GRAPC mix proportion (slag content = 40%, alkali modulus = 1.4, alkali content = 8%). Subsequently, the effects of coir, basalt, and steel fibers (0.25% and 0.5%) on its properties were investigated through laboratory experiments combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The results show that steel fibers at 0.25% dosage enhanced compressive strength by approximately 25% due to their effective stress-bearing capacity. In contrast, 0.5% coir and basalt fibers reduced compressive strength by approximately 20.5% and 22.2%, respectively, due to low intrinsic strength and agglomeration. In addition, 0.25% coir and steel fibers increased effective porosity by 18.4% and 17.4%, respectively, owing to their uniform dispersion. All fibers promoted a more ductile-like failure mode, with coir fibers providing the best toughness improvement. This study elucidates how fiber type and dosage regulate the macro-properties and micro-mechanisms of GRAPC, providing a basis for designing sustainable eco-friendly concrete with great potential for non-primary load-bearing engineering fields. Full article

Compared to polysomnography (PSG) and actigraphy, contactless consumer sleep-tracking devices (CCSTDs) are low-cost, user-friendly, and non-disruptive to sleep. This study evaluated the performance of two inexpensive, representative first-generation Chinese-made CCSTDs (the iSleep S200G and Sleep Dot B501) against PSG and actigraphy, using standardized validation protocols. The objective was to assess their feasibility as alternatives for large-scale, long-term preliminary research that does not rely on single-day high-precision sleep data. Eleven healthy young adults (mean age = 26.5 ± 4.8 years) participated in a two-night sleep laboratory study using four devices in parallel. Compared with PSG, the iSleep S200G exhibited no significant differences in TST and SE, while the Sleep Dot B501 showed no significant differences in TST, SE, SOL, and WASO. The intraclass correlation coefficient values and epoch-by-epoch agreement of the iSleep S200G and Sleep Dot B501 were as good as or better than those of actigraphy. Notably, the epoch-by-epoch agreement metric of both devices was not inferior to other consumer sleep-tracking devices already used for long-term, large-scale sleep monitoring. Therefore, even within budget constraints, first-generation CCSTDs can effectively meet the requirements for long-term, large-scale sleep monitoring without sleep stage detection. The results also provided data references for researchers using iteratively upgraded CCSTDs. Full article

Sand, a widely used material in construction, often presents challenges in engineering applications due to its loose granular structure. To address this issue, lignosulfonate (LS), an eco-friendly industrial by-product, is explored as a stabilizing agent in this study. This research investigates the effects of LS on the static and dynamic properties of sand, including its impact on compaction, compressive strength, and shear strength. A combination of laboratory tests, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS), direct shear tests, and resonant column tests, was used to evaluate the performance of LS-treated sand under different conditions. The study reveals that LS enhances the compaction, shear strength, and dynamic stiffness of sand, with an optimal LS content of 8%. This work contributes to the development of sustainable geotechnical materials and offers valuable insights for improving soil properties in foundation and subgrade applications under dynamic loading conditions. Full article

While rubberized asphalt with a crumb rubber content of 20% to 40% can improve asphalt performance, it also faces prominent issues such as increased construction viscosity and intensified fume emissions. Currently, systematic studies on high-content deodorized rubberized asphalt across different preparation temperatures remain insufficient, particularly regarding the synergistic optimization of performance enhancement and fume emission control, including gaseous pollutants and particulate matter. To address this, deodorized crumb rubber (G-CR), a surface-treated crumb rubber produced by coating with a deodorizing agent, was introduced in this study and blended with base asphalt to prepare deodorized rubberized asphalt (G-CRA). Through laboratory binder tests, the coupled effects of crumb rubber content and preparation temperature (170–200 °C) on the conventional properties, rheological characteristics, and fume emissions of G-CRA were systematically analyzed. The results show that at 30% crumb rubber content and 190 °C preparation temperature, the asphalt binder achieves an optimal balance among penetration, ductility, and softening point, along with significantly improved high-temperature stability and aging resistance. Compared to conventional crumb rubber asphalt (CRA, without deodorant treatment), G-CRA achieves a significant reduction in fume emissions, with SO₂ reduction reaching up to 81%. This study demonstrates that deodorized crumb rubber can effectively synergize performance enhancement and gaseous emission control under high-content conditions, providing laboratory-level data support for the development of environmentally friendly rubberized asphalt. Full article

The global seafood industry generates millions of tons of by-products each year, creating environmental and economic challenges but also presenting a valuable opportunity for resource recovery. These by-products, rich in bioactive compounds such as proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, collagen, chitin, and antioxidants, have traditionally been underutilized due to inefficient and energy-intensive conventional extraction processes. Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology has emerged as a promising, non-thermal, and environmentally friendly method for valorizing seafood by-products by enhancing the permeability of biological membranes through electroporation, thereby facilitating the efficient extraction of high-value compounds. This manuscript critically reviews the scientific principles underpinning PEF, including dielectric breakdown and transmembrane potential generation, and explores its mechanisms for improving mass transfer during extraction and dehydration. Applications of PEF for recovering proteins, lipids, and antioxidants from diverse seafood side streams are comprehensively discussed, with emphasis on its advantages such as reduced energy consumption, preservation of thermolabile compounds, and improved product quality compared to conventional methods. Despite demonstrated laboratory-scale successes, industrial adoption of PEF remains limited due to challenges in process optimization, economic feasibility, and regulatory frameworks. This review synthesizes current knowledge and provides guidance for future research to advance the industrial implementation of PEF as a sustainable and efficient tool for seafood by-product valorization. Full article

Cadmium contamination of water resources represents a serious environmental and public health challenge, with conventional treatment methods often proving inadequate for industrial-level remediation. In this study, we present a novel, sustainable composite material, functionalized cellulose nanocrystal polyvinyl alcohol zinc oxide ferric chloride (CNC-PVA-ZnOFe) beads for the efficient removal of cadmium from contaminated water. The material integrates adsorption, coagulation, and flocculation mechanisms within a single hybrid platform, with coagulation–flocculation serving as the dominant mechanism given the material’s macroporous structure and limited surface area (1.2–3.3 m²/g). Functionalized cellulose nanocrystals provide supporting adsorptive sites for metal binding, while a PVA matrix incorporating ZnOFe improves structural integrity, mechanical stability, and coagulation performance. Characterization confirmed successful functionalization, enhanced thermal stability, and a macroporous structure (12–52 nm pores) conducive to floc entrapment, though with limited surface area (1.2–3.3 m²/g) for conventional adsorption. Under optimized conditions (pH 7–10, initial Cd²⁺ concentration of 100 mg/L, coagulant dose of 0.1 g, and sedimentation time of 60 min), the functionalized CNC-PVA-ZnOFe beads achieved a cadmium removal efficiency of 78%, achieving significantly higher cadmium removal efficiency than traditional coagulants, such as aluminum sulfate (69%). The beads also demonstrated good reusability, retaining 85% removal efficiency after five regeneration cycles. This work presents a scalable, eco-friendly material for cadmium removal under controlled laboratory conditions using synthetic solutions. However, further evaluation in real wastewater matrices containing competing ions and organic matter is necessary to establish practical applicability for water treatment applications. The study highlights the combined potential of multifunctional hybrid materials while acknowledging the need for validation under environmentally relevant conditions. While the results indicate successful integration of multiple removal mechanisms, direct validation of synergistic interactions through techniques such as zeta potential and XPS analysis remains an important direction for future research. Full article

The widespread utilization of synthetic dyes within the textile industry, driven by their chemical recalcitrance and diverse chromatic spectra, constitutes a significant global environmental challenge. Improper discharge of these highly stable effluents into natural water bodies leads to severe ecological imbalances, affecting aquatic life and soil integrity while posing indirect risks to human health due to their mutagenic potential. Conventional physicochemical treatment methods are often hindered by prohibitive operational costs and the frequent generation of hazardous secondary pollutants. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for sustainable biotechnological alternatives to mitigate these industrial impacts. Bioremediation, specifically using white-rot fungi, represents a robust and eco-friendly strategy for the degradation of complex aromatic structures. Species such as Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Phanerochaete chrysosporium utilize a specialized extracellular enzymatic complex to mineralize toxic compounds effectively. Here we review the ligninolytic capacity of white-rot fungi and their specialized enzymatic systems for environmental sustainability. The primary points are: (i) the biochemical mechanisms of the ligninolytic system of laccases and peroxidases during dye degradation; (ii) the influence of operational parameters such as pH, temperature, and nutrient availability on fungal metabolic efficiency; (iii) the diverse environmental applications of these microorganisms in treating real textile effluents; (iv) the current biotechnological challenges, including maintaining enzymatic stability in non-sterile industrial environments; and (v) the future perspectives for scaling up fungal treatment systems from laboratory research to large-scale industrial implementation. Full article

Microbiological contamination of drinking water remains a significant public health concern worldwide, necessitating the development of efficient and environmentally friendly disinfection technologies. This study investigated the effectiveness and physicochemical mechanisms of water treatment using high-frequency electrical discharge plasma. Experimental research was conducted employing a laboratory dielectric barrier discharge reactor operating at 10–30 kHz and 10–25 kV, with treatment durations ranging from 5 to 20 min. Plasma exposure resulted in pronounced physicochemical changes in the aqueous medium, including a decrease in pH from 7.1–7.3 to 5.4–6.0 and an increase in electrical conductivity from 280–340 µS/cm to 480–620 µS/cm. The formation of reactive oxygen species, including hydroxyl radicals, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide, was confirmed, with hydrogen peroxide concentrations varying between 0.35 and 1.20 mg/L. Microbiological analysis demonstrated a reduction in microbial concentration from approximately 10⁵–10⁶ CFU/mL to 10²–10³ CFU/mL, corresponding to 3–4 log inactivation. The results indicated that microbial reduction was strongly associated with the generation of reactive species and treatment duration. Energy density within the range of 0.3–1.2 kWh/m³ was found to support effective disinfection performance. The findings demonstrated that high-frequency plasma treatment established a strong oxidative environment leading to microbial membrane disruption and cellular damage. Overall, the study confirmed the potential of high-frequency electrical discharge plasma technology as a promising approach for drinking water disinfection and provided a basis for further optimization and scale-up investigations. Full article

The sustainable management of balneological resources is vital for the development of eco-friendly health tourism and regional economic stability. This study presents a comprehensive physicochemical and eco-toxicological characterization of the therapeutic peloids (mud) from Lake Maly Akkol, which is located in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan. Utilizing an integrated approach of laboratory analysis and Python-based statistical modeling, we evaluated the resource’s clinical potential and environmental safety. The results identify the deposit as a high-quality sulfide–silt peloid with a mean humidity of 66.91% (95% CI: [65.21, 68.60]) and a mineralization level of 11.21 g/dm³ (95% CI: [10.84, 11.57]). Statistical validation using one-sample t-tests confirmed that critical therapeutic indicators, including shear strength ($\mu$ = 2593.72 dyne/cm²) and total sulfide content ($\mu$ = 0.079%), are significantly aligned with international balneological standards (p < 0.05). Eco-toxicological screening for heavy metals revealed that Lead (37.03 mg/kg) and Cadmium (0.06 mg/kg) remain well below safety thresholds, ensuring the resource’s “clean” environmental profile. These findings establish a statistically robust “Digital Quality Passport” for the Lake Maly Akkol deposit, providing the scientific foundation necessary for its sustainable industrial utilization and long-term ecological preservation. Full article

Abamectin is a widely used insecticide for controlling various pests, including the codling moth (Cydia pomonella). However, with the increasing emphasis on green agriculture, its potential risks to beneficial insects such as honeybees have attracted growing concern. To tackle these challenges, we established a novel nanopesticide delivery system. Specifically, a nanopesticide (Abm@TPP/CMCS) based on carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) cross-linked with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) was constructed to improve insecticidal efficacy while lowering environmental risks. The prepared nanoparticles presented a spherical and monodisperse morphology with an average size of 85.12 nm (at 0.3 mg/mL) and an encapsulation efficiency of 23.1%. Laboratory bioassays indicated that the nanopesticide exhibited significantly higher toxicity against C. pomonella (LC₅₀ = 0.371 μg/mL) than technical-grade abamectin (LC₅₀ = 0.580 μg/mL), with a corresponding toxicity ratio of 1.563. Its excellent control effect was further confirmed in field trials, with a control efficacy of 85.71% at 10 days after application, which was markedly higher than that of conventional formulations. Notably, nanoencapsulation significantly reduced environmental toxicity: the LC₅₀ value for Apis cerana increased from 0.312 μg/mL (highly toxic) for technical abamectin to 4.162 μg/mL (moderately toxic), and from 684.28 μg/mL to 1484.30 μg/mL for Eisenia fetida. In addition, the nanopesticide showed favorable biosafety toward wheat, maize, and beans, and even promoted root growth in maize. In summary, Abm@TPP/CMCS enhances insecticidal activity against C. pomonella, reduces toxicity to non-target organisms, and enables controlled release, which provides a promising strategy for eco-friendly pest management. Full article

The present study aims to investigate the feasibility of utilizing olive stone powder (OSP), an agricultural by-product, as a modifier for bituminous binders. OSP was incorporated into a neat bitumen at dosages of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight, and the modified binders were subjected to comprehensive laboratory tests along with the unmodified reference binder. The evaluation framework included physical, rheological, and chemical characterization tests. The results of physical tests indicate that, although the addition of OSP led to a slight increase in binder stiffness, it effectively reduced temperature susceptibility while maintaining workability within acceptable limits. Rheological results showed that OSP modification improved rutting resistance at high temperatures, while low-temperature performance was preserved at 2% and 4% OSP contents; however, increased stiffness at higher dosages (6% and 8%) may increase thermal cracking susceptibility. Chemical analyses confirmed that OSP was homogeneously dispersed within the bitumen matrix and improved binder behavior primarily through physical interactions, while also enhancing thermal stability. Overall, the results indicate that OSP behaves as a biopolymer-based, filler-like modifier and provides performance improvements primarily through physical structuring. With these characteristics, OSP offers an environmentally friendly and economical solution for bituminous binders and represents a promising option for sustainable pavement materials. Full article

Palm oil is a major agricultural commodity and an important economic driver in Asia. However, the sustainability and productivity of this crop are constantly threatened by a range of pathogenic fungi, especially Ganoderma boninense. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an eco-friendly hexaconazole-loaded nanoemulsion (Hexa-NE) for effective and targeted fungicide delivery while reducing environmental and health impacts. The optimized Hexa-NE formulation was evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, pH, viscosity, and morphology using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Fungicide release, stability, and antifungal activity were conducted to assess the overall efficacy and performance of the formulation. The Hexa-NE exhibited particle size of 105.8 nm, a PDI of 0.358, a zeta potential of −53.53 mV. The formulation remained stable over three months of storage. It also demonstrated favourable physicochemical properties including low viscosity (30.24 mPa·s), low surface tension (23.87 mN/m), and suitable pH (6.14) for foliar application. TEM and SEM analyses confirmed spherical droplets and revealed significant hyphal damage to G. boninense. The antifungal test showed a higher inhibition of 97.1% at 0.1 µM of Hexa-NE as compared to hexaconazole solution which only 40% at the same concentration. Release studies exhibited a sustained release of hexaconazole, which may prolonged fungicidal activity. In conclusion, Hexa-NE showed promising laboratory-scale antifungal performance against G. boninense. These findings support its potential for further investigation as a nanoformulated fungicide for future greenhouse and field evaluations. Full article

Background/Objectives: The diagnosis of infection with Strogyloides stercoralis, recently targeted for control by the World Health Organization, (WHO), is challenging. Specific coproparasitological methods (agar plate culture [APC], Baermann sedimentation), recommended by the WHO for public health use, are labor-intensive and require bulky disposable materials as well as experienced microscopists. We explored the sensitivity of an alternative stool culture method using recyclable glass beads, followed by microscopy and PCR in comparison to routine APC and PCR performed on uncultured stool. Methods: We conducted a diagnostic sensitivity study on samples from patients with positive serology for strongyloidiasis who submitted stool specimens to our laboratory between January 2023 and December 2025 for parasitological confirmation. Samples were processed by routine APC and PCR on fresh stool, as well as experimental culture on bead-based plates (BPC), PCR on APC- and BPC-cultured stool, and PCR on stool incubated directly in the collection container. Results: Twenty-six of 110 samples (23.6%) tested positive in at least one technique. Within this subset, the most sensitive techniques were the APC and PCR after APC (both 84.62%); PCR on fresh stool was the least sensitive (42.31%) (p = 0.002). The sensitivity of BPC (65.38%) was lower than that of APC, although not statistically significantly. Comparable sensitivity was observed between microscopy and PCR after APC or BPC. PCR after incubation in the container showed a sensitivity of 57.69%. Agreement ranged from 50 to 84.6%. Conclusions: Alternative culture methods with more field-friendly implementation features could be interesting alternatives to standard methods. Further studies evaluating their performance and applicability in public health and clinical contexts are warranted. Full article

Cement is one of the primary construction materials in ground improvement applications that employ the binder stabilization method. Due to the high carbon dioxide emissions in its production, evaluating environmentally friendly alternative binder materials is a popular research topic. Industrial by-products such as fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) are alternatives to traditional cement, especially in deep soil mixing (DSM) applications, and can enhance sustainability in construction projects. Since these materials are not active when used alone, alkali activation is proposed to modify them as binding agents in ground improvement projects. This study presents the outcomes of a primary laboratory test phase for on-site applications. FA and GGBS precursors supplied by local plants, mixed with soil and activator solutions in applicable ratios, and samples were prepared for laboratory tests. Unconfined compression tests were applied with strain measurements after several curing durations, between 1 and 54 weeks. Average compression strength and modulus of elasticity values were recorded at approximately 12.3 MPa and 11.7 GPa, respectively, in samples with an average dosage. An empirical correlation between the strength and stiffness modulus was found. Strength and stiffness values were comparable to traditional materials, indicating the potential of these industrial by-products when activated under alkali conditions. The carbon footprints of cement and alkali-activated by-products were compared based on calculated CO₂-eq emissions. Full article

Biological wastewater treatment methods are considered suitable due to several advantages, such as fast processing, low operating cost, less secondary pollution, and overall, environmentally friendly. Microalgae-based wastewater treatment has promising potential, as it not only removes pollutants but also produces valuable biomass, which can be further utilised for various applications. In such systems, microalgae bacterial consortia enhance overall treatment efficiency by promoting symbiotic relationships that improve microbial activity, environmental resilience and enhance pollutant removal efficiency. The current review provides an overview of microalgae cultivation in various wastewater streams, CO₂ sequestration and the utilisation of produced microalgal biomass for multiple applications. The manuscript also focuses on the current role of molecular tools in optimisation and the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance microalgae-based wastewater treatment and management. The manuscript highlights recent progress in wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and the contribution of microalgal biomass to the emerging bioeconomy. To address the identified research gaps and promote the practical implementation of integrated algal systems, future research should focus on the combined approach of algae-based wastewater treatment and the concurrent utilisation of algal biomass. Such research should aim to optimise cultivation conditions and operational strategies to improve nutrient removal efficiency, enhance biomass valorisation for biochar, bioplastics, or feed applications, and ensure sustainable economics. This integrated perspective will help bridge the gap between laboratory-scale studies and integration at a larger scale. Overall, this review aims to guide the effective use of microalgae for treating diverse wastewater streams while supporting efforts to mitigate greenhouse gases and reduce pollution. Full article