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24 pages, 13567 KB  
Article
Characterization of Glass-Cutting Sludge and Process Wastewater Toward Resource Recovery and Sustainable Water Management
by Paweł Kwaśnicki, Ludmiła Marszałek, Dariusz Augustowski, Katarzyna Grąz, Agnieszka Generowicz and Anna Sykuła
Water 2026, 18(15), 1825; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18151825 - 27 Jul 2026
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive and integrated characterization of solid and liquid residues generated during industrial glass-cutting operations, highlighting the novelty of treating glass-cutting sludge and process wastewater as compositionally linked outputs of the same industrial comminution process. The research examined the morphology, [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive and integrated characterization of solid and liquid residues generated during industrial glass-cutting operations, highlighting the novelty of treating glass-cutting sludge and process wastewater as compositionally linked outputs of the same industrial comminution process. The research examined the morphology, elemental composition, and selected physicochemical properties of sludge and wastewater-derived particulates to assess material-recovery potential and provide a basis for further evaluation of water reuse. Samples were analyzed using particle morphology assessment, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and pH measurements. The results showed that the solid fraction consisted predominantly of soda–lime–silica glass constituents, with oxygen, silicon, sodium, calcium, and magnesium as the main components, while potentially problematic contaminants remained at low levels. Although isolated particles enriched in Fe, Cu, Ni, Sn, La, or Ce were detected, their occurrence was limited and did not significantly affect the average particulate composition observed within the SEM-EDS dataset. This is particularly important for coated glass, where functional coatings contribute negligibly to the bulk glass matrix. From a material-recovery perspective, the sludge should be regarded as a promising glass-derived mineral residue requiring further route-specific qualification rather than as waste intended solely for disposal. However, this study does not demonstrate suitability for any specific reuse route, and additional validation is needed regarding compositional consistency, variability, moisture and organic content, leaching behavior, and route-specific acceptance criteria. For process wastewater, contamination was governed mainly by suspended glass-derived solids, indicating that solid–liquid separation is the key treatment step. However, the present dataset is insufficient to confirm the suitability of treated water for direct industrial recirculation, and the results should therefore be interpreted as indicating potential for further evaluation after appropriate clarification. This work establishes an empirical multi-scale characterization framework that links glass-cutting sludge and process wastewater as compositionally related outputs of the same comminution process, thereby supporting circular-economy strategies by jointly informing sludge valorization and water-clarification pathways. Overall, this work establishes a multiscale characterization framework for integrated residue management, jointly supporting sludge valorization and wastewater clarification assessment within a circular-economy perspective. Full article
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17 pages, 1765 KB  
Article
Seed Priming with Erucic Acid or Glucosinolates Enhances Germination and Cold Tolerance in Rapeseed
by Xiaoyan Liu, Min Chen, Linjie Wang, Tai Cheng, Qinqi Zhu, Huijie She, Yechun Tu, Ziwei Sheng, Bo Wang, Jie Zhao, Jing Wang, Jie Kuai, Zhenghua Xu and Guangsheng Zhou
Agriculture 2026, 16(15), 1598; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16151598 - 27 Jul 2026
Abstract
Low temperature during germination of late-seeded rapeseed disrupts multiple physiological and biochemical processes and thus limits growth and yield. Accordingly, methods to improve cold tolerance in late-sown rapeseed are needed. In this study, Zhongshuang 11 seeds were primed for 10 h with different [...] Read more.
Low temperature during germination of late-seeded rapeseed disrupts multiple physiological and biochemical processes and thus limits growth and yield. Accordingly, methods to improve cold tolerance in late-sown rapeseed are needed. In this study, Zhongshuang 11 seeds were primed for 10 h with different concentrations of erucic acid (EA) or glucosinolates (GSLs). After drying, seeds were germinated at low temperature (15 °C/10 °C, 16 h/8 h light/dark) for 14 days. Compared with the control (distilled water priming), the optimal treatments—500 mg/L EA and 300 mg/L GSLs—increased germination rates by 2.9% and 15.6%, respectively, and raised total seedling biomass by 14–24%. Physiological assays on day 14 showed that EA priming increased peroxidase (POD) activity by 28.3%, while GSL priming enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and POD activities by 12.6% and 36.2%, respectively. EA seed priming increased auxin (IAA), brassinolide (BR), cytokinin (CTK), and gibberellin (GA) contents in underground tissues by 37.2%, 18.7%, 53.9%, and 46.7%, respectively, while GSL priming raised IAA, BR, and GA levels in aerial tissues by 74.0%, 59.0%, and 26.6%. Moreover, EA seed priming significantly increased the activities of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (LACS) and carnitine acyltransferase (CPT) in rapeseed seedlings, whereas GSL priming elevated glutathione S-transferase (GST) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activities. Field experiments confirmed that EA and GSL priming enhanced seedling biomass accumulation, producing 31.4% and 23.8% increases in total dry weight, respectively, and increased silique number per plant by 15.6% and 17.3%, ultimately raising grain yield by 12.9% and 20.0%. These results indicate that EA or GSL seed priming can improve cold tolerance and yield of late-seeded rapeseed, although further multi-environment and mechanistic studies are required. Full article
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22 pages, 780 KB  
Article
Phytochemical Analysis of Extracts from Waste of Technical Grape Varieties and Pomegranate Peel Processed in South Kazakhstan
by Almira A. Saparbekova, Gulzhan O. Kantureyeva, Alimjon D. Matchanov, Ulugbek R. Togaev, Amanbay J. Pirniyazov, Darikha E. Kudassova, Gulnur M. Kaldybekova and Alina Altekey
Separations 2026, 13(8), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13080213 - 26 Jul 2026
Abstract
The food industry is interested in utilizing active compounds from agri-food waste to produce healthy products and promote sustainability and resource efficiency. This study aimed to conduct a phytochemical analysis of grape pomace derived from Vitis vinifera wine grape varieties Saperavi and Cabernet [...] Read more.
The food industry is interested in utilizing active compounds from agri-food waste to produce healthy products and promote sustainability and resource efficiency. This study aimed to conduct a phytochemical analysis of grape pomace derived from Vitis vinifera wine grape varieties Saperavi and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel of the Nar-Shirin variety, which are widely processed in South Kazakhstan. The extraction processes were simple and employed water and ethanol, two food-grade solvents widely used in green extraction due to their low toxicity and compatibility with food applications.Among the extraction methods tested, aqueous–alcoholic extraction demonstrated the highest efficiency in recovering total phenolic content (TPC), yielding 225.5 ± 1.46 mg GAE/g extract from pomegranate peel, 153.9 ± 1.25 mg GAE/g extract from Cabernet Sauvignon pomace, and 98.6 ± 0.83 mg GAE/g extract from Saperavi pomace. Phenolic profiling of the aqueous–alcoholic extract was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF MS/MS). The total ion chromatograms revealed the presence of predominant phenolic compounds in all analyzed samples. Key identified constituents in grape pomace included kaempferol 3-O-β-D-xylofuranoside, kaempferol 3-O-β-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-α-L-arabinoside, genistin, and megastigmane glycoside. In pomegranate peel, compounds such as myricetin, 5-(2Z,8Z)-pentadecadien-1-yl-1,3-benzenediol were identified for the first time. These findings highlight the rich phenolic composition of grape pomace and pomegranate peel’s extracts and support their potential as valuable sources of bioactive compounds for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Analysis of Food and Beverages, 2nd Edition)
25 pages, 5119 KB  
Article
GF-5 Hyperspectral Soil Moisture Content Inversion Based on Fractional-Order Differentiation and Dual-Band Spectral Index Selection
by Lu Liu, Deng Yang, Shengqi Tian, Yikang Ren, Shaoyu Wang, Zhitao Zhang, Jiang Bian and Junying Chen
Agronomy 2026, 16(15), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16151407 - 24 Jul 2026
Viewed by 158
Abstract
Accurately acquiring soil moisture content (SMC) and its spatial distribution is of great significance for water-saving irrigation and sustainable agricultural development in arid regions. However, the complex soil background noise and weak moisture absorption features in the Xinjiang region severely restrict the accuracy [...] Read more.
Accurately acquiring soil moisture content (SMC) and its spatial distribution is of great significance for water-saving irrigation and sustainable agricultural development in arid regions. However, the complex soil background noise and weak moisture absorption features in the Xinjiang region severely restrict the accuracy and reliability of remote sensing inversion for SMC. To address the challenges of difficult feature capture and low estimation accuracy in soil moisture monitoring, this study utilized GF-5 satellite hyperspectral data and ground-measured SMC data. First, the effects of Fractional-Order Differentiation (FOD) at orders 0–2 (with a 0.2 step size) on spectral moisture response were systematically evaluated. Next, 60 dual-band spectral indices (DBIs) were constructed from full-band combinations under the optimal differentiation orders, and highly correlated indices were selected as candidate features. Finally, three variable screening methods were coupled with three machine learning models to construct nine SMC inversion schemes, and the optimal model combination was employed to map the spatial distribution of SMC in the study area. Results showed that FOD at orders 0.8–1.2 effectively enhanced spectral responses at soil moisture absorption bands, the introduction of DBI concentrated high-correlation band combinations in moisture-sensitive regions, and the optimal scheme (BSS-PLSR) demonstrated good predictive performance and stability. These findings provide data support for precision irrigation decision-making and soil moisture management in arid farmlands. Full article
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24 pages, 132522 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Driving Mechanisms of Carbon–Water Coupling Coordination in the Dongping Lake Basin from 1990 to 2020
by Ge Gao, Hongyan An, Yibing Wang, Mingming Li, Bo Li, Shitao Geng, Xinfeng Wang and Yinhong Xiong
Land 2026, 15(8), 1331; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15081331 - 24 Jul 2026
Viewed by 152
Abstract
The Dongping Lake Basin (DLB) serves as a critical water regulation and supply zone for the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China. Understanding the coupling effects and influence mechanisms between ecosystem services is essential for regional ecological restoration and sustainable development. This study [...] Read more.
The Dongping Lake Basin (DLB) serves as a critical water regulation and supply zone for the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China. Understanding the coupling effects and influence mechanisms between ecosystem services is essential for regional ecological restoration and sustainable development. This study employed the Coupling Coordination Degree (CCD) model, Random Forest, and Geodetector. We analyzed the spatiotemporal characteristics and driving factors of the relationship between carbon storage and water yield in the DLB from 1990 to 2020. The results showed that: (1) Carbon storage and water yield exhibited a pronounced spatial mismatch. This was generally characterized by a pattern of high in the eastern/northeastern regions and low in the west/southwest. (2) The overall coordination between carbon storage and water yield remained at a medium-to-low level. Temporally, the CCD followed a trajectory of initial stability, abrupt decline post-2000, and subsequent low-level stagnation. Spatially, the CCD presented an agglomeration gradient of “high in the northeast and low in the southwest”. It also exhibited a significant positive correlation with rising elevation, peaking in mid-to-high altitude zones. Furthermore, the overall coupling relationship showed a continuous degradation trend, heavily concentrated in the southwestern region. (3) Land use type and topographic slope were the primary driving factors shaping the CCD pattern. However, the synergistic interaction between precipitation and soil sand content demonstrated the strongest spatial explanatory power. This underscores the necessity of adapting localized management to specific environmental conditions. This study provides scientific support for carbon sink enhancement and water resource management in lake basins, thereby mitigating potential negative impacts on human well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)
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24 pages, 6950 KB  
Article
Development and Optimization of a Nanoemulsion-Based Lip Balm Incorporating Mycosporine-like Amino Acids from Catenella sp. for Enhanced Photoprotection
by Vanessa Urrea-Victoria, Valentina Aranzazu Suárez, Santiago Andrés Barrero Salinas, Yoshie A. Hata, Daniel Cárdenas Ballesteros, Leonardo Castellanos and Diana Marcela Aragón Novoa
Cosmetics 2026, 13(4), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics13040190 - 24 Jul 2026
Viewed by 218
Abstract
Background: Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major contributor to skin damage, driving the demand for safer and more sustainable photoprotective systems. Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) have emerged as promising natural UV filters due to their strong absorption and photostability; however, their application [...] Read more.
Background: Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major contributor to skin damage, driving the demand for safer and more sustainable photoprotective systems. Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) have emerged as promising natural UV filters due to their strong absorption and photostability; however, their application is limited by poor chemical stability in aqueous environments. Objective: The present study aimed to develop and optimize a nanoemulsion-based lip balm incorporating a MAAs-rich extract from Catenella sp., addressing stability limitations while enhancing photoprotective performance. Methods: A MAAs-rich extract was obtained and characterized by UHPLC-DAD, followed by cytotoxicity evaluation in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and stability assessment under stress conditions. A water-in-oil (w/o) nanoemulsion was rationally developed using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and optimized through a Box–Behnken experimental design, considering aqueous phase, surfactant mixture, and sonication time as key variables. The optimized nanoemulsion was subsequently incorporated into a lip balm matrix, which was formulated and optimized using a mixture design approach to evaluate thermal, mechanical, and sensory properties. Results: The extract exhibited a high MAAs content (9.53 mg g−1 DW) and low cytotoxicity (IC50 > 100 µg/mL), but pronounced hydrolytic instability, particularly under alkaline conditions, while remaining photostable. The optimized nanoemulsion achieved a droplet size below 200 nm and low polydispersity (PDI < 0.3). Importantly, incorporation of MAAs into nanoemulsion significantly enhanced the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF), increasing from 16.1 (extract) to 35.4, while maintaining broad-spectrum UV coverage (λc = 380 nm). The blank nanoemulsion also contributed to UV attenuation, indicating a synergistic effect of the colloidal system. The optimized lip balm formulation (33% beeswax, 40% nanoemulsion, 22% shea butter, 1% candelilla wax, 4% carnauba wax) demonstrated suitable melting behavior, mechanical resistance, and high sensory acceptance. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that nanoemulsion-based structuring combined with statistical formulation design provides an effective strategy to stabilize MAAs and enhance their photoprotective efficacy, supporting the development of high-performance, natural sunscreen products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Molecules as Novel Cosmetic Ingredients, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 6039 KB  
Article
DC Magnetron Sputtering for Synthesizing Bimetallic NiFe Thin Films as Efficient OER-Catalyzing Electrodes
by Daniyal Hasan, Albano Cavaleiro, Diogo Cavaleiro, Jose David Castro, Jolanta Ewa Klemberg-Sapieha, Eduardo Silva and Sandra Carvalho
Materials 2026, 19(15), 3155; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19153155 - 23 Jul 2026
Viewed by 189
Abstract
Industrial water electrolysis systems for hydrogen production use noble metal-based RuO2/IrO2 to catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Replacing noble metal compounds with earth-abundant NiFe compounds requires a scalable synthesis technique with structural and morphological control. In this study, DC [...] Read more.
Industrial water electrolysis systems for hydrogen production use noble metal-based RuO2/IrO2 to catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Replacing noble metal compounds with earth-abundant NiFe compounds requires a scalable synthesis technique with structural and morphological control. In this study, DC magnetron sputtering was systematically investigated as a scalable approach for synthesizing NiFe bimetallic thin-film electrocatalysts as alternatives to noble metal-based materials. NiFe thin films (~200 nm) with varying Fe contents were deposited on SS-316L substrates and characterized using compositional, morphological, structural, and electrochemical techniques. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a columnar morphology, while X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of a NiFe random solid solution. The Fe ratio was found to strongly influence OER performance, with the Fe24Ni76 composition exhibiting the best activity, requiring an overpotential of 361 mV vs. RHE to achieve 10 mA · cm−2 and delivering a current density of 363 mA · cm−2 at 1.7 V vs. RHE. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the enhanced activity of Fe24Ni76 originated from increased oxidation of metallic Ni and a higher density of catalytically active oxide species. These results demonstrate that sputtered NiFe thin films, particularly at optimized compositions, are promising scalable and low-cost OER electrodes for next-generation water electrolysis systems. Full article
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20 pages, 2176 KB  
Article
Comprehensive Assessment of Drought Tolerance in Native Melon Germplasms from Xinjiang at the Germination Stage
by Yafei Li, Qingqing Wang, Junzhuo Yang, Shan Su, Tiantian Yang, Huilin Wang, Zuyun Dai, Zhongzhou Yang, Feishi Luan, Shi Liu, Chong Du and Chaonan Wang
Plants 2026, 15(15), 2249; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152249 - 23 Jul 2026
Viewed by 201
Abstract
Drought and water deficit have severely restricted melon (Cucumis melo L.) production in Xinjiang, and large-scale systematic evaluations of drought tolerance at the germination stage are still extremely limited. Physiological and biochemical indicators related to the germination stage, including osmotic adjustment substances [...] Read more.
Drought and water deficit have severely restricted melon (Cucumis melo L.) production in Xinjiang, and large-scale systematic evaluations of drought tolerance at the germination stage are still extremely limited. Physiological and biochemical indicators related to the germination stage, including osmotic adjustment substances and antioxidant enzyme activities, have not yet been incorporated into prediction models for the rapid identification of germplasm drought resistance. To address these research gaps, this study selected 60 accessions of local melon germplasm resources in Xinjiang and used polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions at four different concentrations (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) to simulate drought stress conditions. Drought tolerance was evaluated to develop a method for the rapid screening of drought-tolerant germplasms. The findings demonstrated that PEG stress significantly suppressed seed germination and had both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on radicle growth. With the increase in PEG concentration, germination indices consistently exhibited a downward trend. Under 10% PEG treatment, the variation among different germplasms was relatively small, while 30% PEG completely inhibited seed germination. Notably, 20% PEG fell within the semi-lethal concentration range for all tested germplasms and yielded the maximum coefficient of variation for germination rate, which could maximally differentiate the drought resistance differences among germplasms. Therefore, 20% PEG was determined to be the optimal screening concentration. Under 20% polyethylene glycol (PEG) stress, the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), contents of osmotic regulators (proline, Pro; soluble protein, SP), and activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; peroxidase, POD; catalase, CAT; ascorbate peroxidase, APX) in the radicles of melon germplasms were universally elevated. However, the variation ranges and trends of biochemical indices among different germplasms exhibited significant differences. The proline content of melon accessions with strong drought resistance increased, the malondialdehyde (a product of membrane damage) was low, and the enzyme activities increased significantly. The proline content of non-drought-tolerant melon accessions increased less, malondialdehyde accumulated in large amounts, and the activity of some protective enzymes decreased. Correlation analysis demonstrated that Pro exerted a synergistic effect in conjunction with antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) to mitigate drought stress. Cluster analysis classified the germplasm into 14 high-tolerance types, 10 medium-tolerance types, and 9 low-tolerance types. Based on extreme germination phenotypes, 27 germplasms were identified as drought-sensitive types. A prediction model for drought tolerance was established via stepwise regression: D = −0.309 + 0.053 × Pro (proline content) + 0.319 × RL (radicle length) + 0.469 × MDA (malondialdehyde) + 0.137 × SOD (superoxide dismutase), with four core indicators (RL, MDA, Pro, SOD) identified. These findings provide a scientific basis and technical support for drought tolerance breeding, parental selection, and large-scale, precise, and rapid drought tolerance screening of melon germplasms in the arid regions of Xinjiang. Full article
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27 pages, 11213 KB  
Article
Influence of Thermal Treatment and Rapid Air Cooling on Waste Rock Wool Fiber-Reinforced Cement Mortar for Enhanced Sustainability
by Gamal S. Abdelhaffez, Azza I. Anan, Mostafa Abdel-Bary Ebrahim and Amr B. ElDeeb
J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(7), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10070378 - 22 Jul 2026
Viewed by 195
Abstract
The disposal of waste rock wool insulation materials has become an increasing environmental concern, while their reuse in cementitious composites remains insufficiently explored, particularly under elevated-temperature conditions. Moreover, limited information is available regarding the influence of fiber pretreatment on the residual mechanical performance [...] Read more.
The disposal of waste rock wool insulation materials has become an increasing environmental concern, while their reuse in cementitious composites remains insufficiently explored, particularly under elevated-temperature conditions. Moreover, limited information is available regarding the influence of fiber pretreatment on the residual mechanical performance of cementitious mortars after fire exposure. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of untreated rock wool fibers (URWFs) and hydrothermally treated rock wool fibers (TRWFs) on the mechanical and thermal performance of cementitious mortar. The waste fibers were hydrothermally treated by immersing 40 g of fibers in 1 L of water, stirring for 10 min, followed by filtration and oven drying at 105 °C for 24 h. Mortar specimens incorporating eight fiber dosages (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.0%, 12.5%, 15.0%, 17.5%, and 20.0% by weight of cement) were tested for compressive strength after 28 days of curing and after exposure to elevated temperatures of 400, 500, and 600 °C for 2 h, followed by natural air cooling. The results demonstrated that hydrothermal treatment significantly enhanced the residual compressive strength of fiber-reinforced mortars compared with untreated fibers, with the greatest improvement observed after exposure to high temperatures. The optimum fiber content (2.5–5.0%) provided the highest retained strength ratio, improving residual compressive strength by 25.1% compared with the corresponding URWF, while exhibiting a retained strength ratio of 54.8%, slightly exceeding the control mixture 54.5%. TRWF mortars also exhibited lower water absorption of up to 18% reduction, and lower densities of up to 60% reduction compared to URWF mortars, indicating improved matrix densification, fiber–matrix bonding, and thermal stability. These findings demonstrate that hydrothermal treatment is an effective and sustainable approach for upgrading waste rock wool fibers into value-added reinforcement for lightweight, low-permeability cementitious mortars with improved fire resistance. The study is limited to compressive strength evaluation, and future work should investigate tensile and flexural behavior, ductility, energy absorption, crack propagation, and long-term durability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Fiber Composites for a Sustainable Built Environment)
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25 pages, 3144 KB  
Article
Environmental and Mechanical Performance of Green Concrete Utilizing Coarse Copper Slag Aggregate
by Sandra Guševac, Vesna Marjanović, Olivera Đokić, Aleksandar Radević, Sandra Milutinović, Jelena Đorđević and Dragana Adamović Marković
Materials 2026, 19(14), 3142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19143142 - 22 Jul 2026
Viewed by 203
Abstract
This study investigates the environmental potential and viability of replacing natural river aggregates (RAs) with copper slag aggregates (CSAs) in concrete production. The primary objective was to assess the structural performance of these eco-concrete mixtures and determine the optimum copper slag content for [...] Read more.
This study investigates the environmental potential and viability of replacing natural river aggregates (RAs) with copper slag aggregates (CSAs) in concrete production. The primary objective was to assess the structural performance of these eco-concrete mixtures and determine the optimum copper slag content for structural applications. The experimental program evaluated concrete mixtures with natural river aggregate replacement levels of 20% + 20% and 50% + 100% for the 8/16 mm and 16/32 mm fractions, respectively, using coarse copper slag aggregate (CCA). The results indicate that incorporating CCA increases concrete compressive strength, successfully meeting the requirements for strength class C25/30. The petrographic assessment indicated a shift towards an aggregate mixture, in which the dominant quartzite and a constant quartz-mineral fraction of 16.5% provide a stable structure alongside the CSA grains. However, a significant increase in water penetration depth (up to 22%) was observed, highlighting the enhanced water penetration depth of these concretes. SEM microstructural analysis attributed the improved bond between the cement matrix and CCA grains to a compact interfacial transition zone. Additionally, leaching tests confirmed that heavy metals are effectively immobilized in the cement paste for mixtures with lower replacement levels (up to 20%), thereby meeting environmental standards. The study concludes that copper slag at these controlled replacement levels represents a sustainable, high-quality alternative for construction materials in drainage infrastructure. Incremental analysis in accordance with NEN 7375 showed that the tested material behaves as an insoluble matrix, with no evidence of diffusion-controlled leaching. The cumulative leaching values obtained after 64 days of testing in accordance with NEN 7375 were significantly below the regulatory limits for all components analyzed. These findings indicate a low potential for contaminant release and favorable environmental stability of the 20% replacement mixture, though further leaching evaluation is required for maximum slag contents. Full article
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23 pages, 14321 KB  
Article
Characterization of Forestiera tomentosa Fruit: Proximate Composition, Physicochemical Parameters, Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity, and Toxicological Assessment
by Salvador Hernández-Estrada, Luis Antonio Ramirez-Contreras, Luis Alfonso Hernández-Villaseñor, Jorge Manuel Silva-Jara, Efigenia Montalvo-González, Zuamí Villagrán, Noé Rodríguez-Barajas, Jorge L. Mejía-Méndez, Carlos Arnulfo Velázquez-Carriles, Martin Zermeño-Ruiz and Luis Miguel Anaya-Esparza
Molecules 2026, 31(14), 2542; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31142542 - 22 Jul 2026
Viewed by 554
Abstract
The demand for sustainable nutrients and bioactive compounds has increased interest in underutilized wild plants. Forestiera tomentosa, a Mexican drupe-bearing species, is largely unexplored. This study evaluated the proximate composition, physicochemical and functional properties, phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity, and toxicological safety of [...] Read more.
The demand for sustainable nutrients and bioactive compounds has increased interest in underutilized wild plants. Forestiera tomentosa, a Mexican drupe-bearing species, is largely unexplored. This study evaluated the proximate composition, physicochemical and functional properties, phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity, and toxicological safety of F. tomentosa fruit. The fruit showed high carbohydrate content [71.94% dry weight (DW)], with notable crude fiber (7.90% DW), protein (7.39% DW), and lipid (4.30% DW) contents. Analysis revealed a mildly acidic pH (5.66), titratable acidity of 0.32%, and total soluble solids of 2.33 °Brix. The fruit powder had a low water activity (0.42) and a favorable water solubility index (56.10%), oil absorption (4.54%), and foaming capacity (19.71%). The fruit contained high levels of soluble phenols (280.42 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (98.89 mg CE/g DW), anthocyanins (54.53 mg C3G/g DW), and condensed tannins (94.05 mg CE/g DW). High-performance liquid chromatography identified 20 phenolic compounds, with 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid, syringic acid, catechin, epicatechin, and gallocatechin being predominant. The fruit showed significant radical scavenging and reducing potential (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). Toxicological evaluation using the Artemia salina bioassay showed a 100% survival rate across all concentrations, indicating no acute toxicity. In silico ADMET predictions revealed favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including high intestinal absorption and compliance with Lipinski’s rule of five. These findings position F. tomentosa as a promising, non-toxic source of functional ingredients for the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries, supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource utilization. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential health benefits of this fruit in vitro and in vivo. Full article
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26 pages, 13839 KB  
Article
Impact of Water Supply and Harvest Period on Photosynthesis-Related Traits and Phytonutrient Content of Chili Pepper Varieties
by Clarice Silva e Souza, Hussein Daood, Eszter Nemeskéri, András Neményi, Sándor Takács, Lajos Helyes and Zoltán Pék
Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070896 - 22 Jul 2026
Viewed by 219
Abstract
Global warming and uneven rainfall distribution make it necessary to study not only yield but also crop quality when growing chili peppers. The yield of four chili pepper varieties (Hetényi Parázs, Unikal, Unijol and Habanero) and the changes in chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), relative [...] Read more.
Global warming and uneven rainfall distribution make it necessary to study not only yield but also crop quality when growing chili peppers. The yield of four chili pepper varieties (Hetényi Parázs, Unikal, Unijol and Habanero) and the changes in chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), capsaicin (CAP), dihydrocapsaicin (DC) and vitamin C content during fruit ripening were investigated in an open field experiment. The experiment covered two years of cultivation (dry and rainy years), three different water supply conditions and annual harvests. The aim of the experiments was to determine the most favourable harvest time for the yield of varieties under different environments, and explore the relationship between photosynthesis-related traits (SPAD and Fv/Fm) and bioactive compounds during fruit ripening. Three irrigation treatments were used: regular irrigation (I100 corresponds to 100% ET), deficit irrigation (I50 represents half of I100) and no irrigation (I0). The water supply had less influence on the CAP content but the DC content was higher under water scarcity. Late harvest resulted in low yield and high CAP and vitamin C content but differences were observed between varieties depending on water supply. During the ripening of the fruits, a negative relationship was observed between SPAD and the levels of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, while the relationship between SPAD and vitamin C was positive. These correlations indicate that changes in SPAD during ripening are associated with changes in bioactive compounds, making it possible to identify the stages associated with better fruit quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vegetable Production Systems)
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14 pages, 2515 KB  
Article
Lithium Recovery from Smectite Clays via Sulphate Roasting and Water Leaching
by Cara Philipa Haller and Christie Dorfling
Minerals 2026, 16(7), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16070760 - 21 Jul 2026
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Abstract
The growing lithium demand has led to increasing interest in low-grade clay deposits. In this study, a roast–leach process was investigated for the recovery of lithium from a Southern African smectite-rich clay deposit. Screening of various roasting additives showed that a binary system [...] Read more.
The growing lithium demand has led to increasing interest in low-grade clay deposits. In this study, a roast–leach process was investigated for the recovery of lithium from a Southern African smectite-rich clay deposit. Screening of various roasting additives showed that a binary system comprising sodium sulphate and calcium sulphate yielded the highest lithium dissolution during subsequent water leaching, and was therefore selected for optimisation tests. Roasting at 850 °C for 1.5 h, using a clay:total salt ratio of 2:1 and Na2SO4:CaSO4 ratio of 1:2, followed by subsequent water leaching at 60 °C and 30% solids, resulted in 86.3% lithium dissolution after 2 h. Compared with direct acid leaching of the same clay deposit, the roast–leach process improved lithium selectivity over multivalent ions, modified the clay’s swelling behaviour to enable leaching at higher solids content, and produced an alkaline leach solution, eliminating the need for neutralisation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy)
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22 pages, 6565 KB  
Article
Comparison of Destructive Strength Testing with Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Testing for Waste Marble Aggregate Concrete: An Experimental and Statistical Investigation
by Esra Tuğrul Tunç
Materials 2026, 19(14), 3130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19143130 - 21 Jul 2026
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Abstract
In this study, the performance of eco-friendly concrete produced by utilizing waste marble as a total aggregate replacement was evaluated. The experimental findings indicated that the developed waste marble aggregate concrete (WMC) specimens successfully met the standardized strength requirements for structural applications. The [...] Read more.
In this study, the performance of eco-friendly concrete produced by utilizing waste marble as a total aggregate replacement was evaluated. The experimental findings indicated that the developed waste marble aggregate concrete (WMC) specimens successfully met the standardized strength requirements for structural applications. The main objective of this investigation was to determine the experimental and statistical correlation between destructive strength tests and the non-destructive ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test, taking into account the content ratios of concrete. This study presents an experimental and statistical investigation to correlate destructive strength properties with non-destructive UPV measurements in eco-friendly concrete. A total of 300 concrete cubic specimens were produced by fully substituting conventional aggregates with waste marble aggregates across five distinct water-to-cement ratios (W/C = 0.20 to 0.40) and ten aggregate-to-cement ratios (WMA/C = 1.1 to 2.0). Compressive strength (fc), splitting tensile strength (ft), and UPV tests were conducted on the 28th day. The experimental results showed that fc ranged from 19.2 to 37.5 MPa, ft from 2.3 to 4.4 MPa, and UPV from 3580 to 4386 m/s, confirming the high structural quality of the waste marble aggregate concrete. Non-linear regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22 to develop empirical models predicting destructive strengths based on mix design parameters and UPV data. The proposed statistical models demonstrated high accuracy with determination coefficients (R2) of 0.98 for fc and 0.97 for ft, backed by low mean absolute relative deviations (6% and 8%, respectively). The findings indicate that the developed empirical formulations can reliably evaluate the strength of WMC in a practical and non-destructive manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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21 pages, 24052 KB  
Article
Effects of Ultrasonic Cavitation on Damage Evolution in Coal and Coalbed Methane Production Enhancement
by Wenhao Deng, Zhixin Jin, Cunbao Deng, Xiaoyang Guo, Lemei Zhang, Yongpeng Fan, Rui Shang, Yuxin He, Hongyu Mao, Zheng Zhang and Sichen Liu
Processes 2026, 14(14), 2357; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14142357 - 21 Jul 2026
Viewed by 211
Abstract
This study addresses the significant increase in gas content and gas pressure caused by the rising proportion of high gas, low-permeability coal seams under high geostress conditions. This problem not only limits the efficient extraction of coalbed methane (CBM) but also poses a [...] Read more.
This study addresses the significant increase in gas content and gas pressure caused by the rising proportion of high gas, low-permeability coal seams under high geostress conditions. This problem not only limits the efficient extraction of coalbed methane (CBM) but also poses a serious threat to mining safety. To overcome this challenge, a novel water-based ultrasonic cavitation-enhanced coalbed methane recovery (WUC-ECBM) is proposed. A self-developed multimodal ultrasonic cavitation reaction system is used to treat coal samples at different cavitation power levels (0–1100 W). Mechanical tests are then performed, and the damage evolution process is synchronously characterised using a multichannel acoustic emission monitoring system. Permeability tests are also conducted to evaluate the effect of ultrasonic cavitation on coal seepage performance. The results show that ultrasonic cavitation systematically alters the mechanical behaviour of coal, driving the evolution from microstructural modification to macroscopic mechanical response. The compressive strength decreased by up to 53.71%, and the elastic modulus fell to 1.34 GPa, indicating a marked reduction in coal stiffness. The cumulative acoustic emission energy decreased to 0.77 × 106 mV·ms, demonstrating that ultrasonic cavitation promoted the initiation, propagation, and coalescence of internal microcracks, thereby accelerating damage evolution from microscale to macroscale. A progressive failure mechanism, characterised by primary cavitation-induced damage followed by secondary loading-induced damage, is ultimately formed. In addition, ultrasonic cavitation significantly enhanced coal permeability, with a maximum increase of 504.22%. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the further development of WUC-ECBM and for the efficient extraction of CBM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Petroleum and Low-Carbon Energy Process Engineering)
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