Search Results (526)

Background: While several test-automation maturity models (e.g., CMMI, TMMi, TAIM) exist, none explicitly integrate ISO 9001-based quality management systems (QMS), leaving a gap for organizations that must align E2E test automation with formal quality assurance. Objective: This study proposes a test-automation maturity model (TAMM) that bridges E2E automation capability with ISO 9001/ISO 9004 self-assessment principles, and evaluates its reliability and practical impact in industry. Methods: TAMM comprises eight maturity dimensions, 39 requirements, and 429 checklist items. Three independent assessors applied the checklist to three software teams; inter-rater reliability was ensured via consensus review (Cohen’s κ = 0.75). Short-term remediation actions based on the checklist were implemented over six months and re-assessed. Synergy with the organization’s ISO 9001 QMS was analyzed using ISO 9004 self-check scores. Results: Within 6 months of remediation, mean TAMM score rose from 2.75 → 2.85. Inter-rater reliability is filled with Cohen’s κ = 0.75. Conclusions: The proposed TAMM delivers measurable, short-term maturity gains and complements ISO 9001-based QMS without introducing conflicting processes. Practitioners can use the checklist to identify actionable gaps, prioritize remediation, and quantify progress, while researchers may extend TAMM to other domains or automate scoring via repository mining. Full article

South Dongting Lake is an essential aquatic ecosystem that receives substantial water inflows from the Xiangjiang and Zishui Rivers. However, it is significantly impacted by human activities, including mining, smelting, and farming. These activities have led to serious contamination of the lake’s sediments with heavy metals (HMs). This study investigated the distribution, mobility, and influencing factors of HMs at the sediment–water interface. To this end, sediment samples were analyzed from three key regions (Xiangjiang River estuary, Zishui River estuary, and northeastern South Dongting Lake) using traditional sampling methods and Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films (DGT) technology. Analysis of fifteen HMs (Pb, Bi, Ni, As, Se, Cd, Sb, Mn, Zn, V, Cr, Cu, Tl, Co, and Fe) revealed significant spatial heterogeneity. The results showed that Cr, Cu, Pb, Bi, Ni, As, Se, Cd, Sb, Mn, Zn, and Fe exhibited high variability (CV > 0.20), whereas V, Tl, and Co demonstrated stable concentrations (CV < 0.20). Concentrations were found to exceed background values of the upper continental crust of eastern China (UCC), Yangtze River sediments (YZ), and Dongting Lake sediments (DT), particularly at the Xiangjiang estuary (XE) and in the northeastern regions. Speciation analysis revealed that V, Cr, Cu, Ni, and As were predominantly found in the residual fraction (F4), while Pb and Co were concentrated in the oxidizable fraction (F3), Mn and Zn appeared primarily in the exchangeable fractions (F1 and F2), and Cd was notably dominant in the exchangeable fraction (F1), suggesting a high potential for mobility. Additionally, DGT results confirmed a significant potential for the release of Pb, Zn, and Cd. Contamination assessment using the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) identified Pb, Bi, Ni, As, Se, Cd, and Sb as major pollutants. Among these, Bi and Cd were found to pose the highest risks. Furthermore, the Risk Assessment Code (RAC) and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) highlighted Cd as the primary ecological risk contributor, especially in the XE. The study identified sediment grain size, pH, electrical conductivity, and nutrient levels as the primary influencing factors. The PMF modeling revealed HM sources as mixed smelting/natural inputs, agricultural activities, natural weathering, and mining/smelting operations, suggesting that remediation should prioritize Cd control in the XE with emphasis on external inputs. Full article

This comprehensive study investigates the spatial distribution of metals in surface water, their accumulation in fish tissues, and their impact on the gut microbiome dynamics of fish in the Qi River, Huanggang City, Hubei Province. Three distinct sampling regions were established: the mining area (A), the transition area (B), and the distant area (C). Our results revealed that metal concentrations were highest in the mining area and decreased with increasing distance from it. The bioaccumulation of metals in fish tissues followed the order of gut > brain > muscle, with some concentrations exceeding food safety standards. Analysis of the gut microbiota showed that Firmicutes and Proteobacteria dominated in the mining area, while Fusobacteriota were more prevalent in the distant area. Heavy metal pollution significantly altered the composition and network structure of the gut microbiota, reducing microbial associations and increasing negative correlations. These findings highlight the profound impact of heavy metal pollution on both fish health and the stability of their gut microbiota, underscoring the urgent need for effective pollution control measures to mitigate ecological risks and protect aquatic biodiversity. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring and exploring potential remediation strategies to restore the health of affected ecosystems. Full article

Environmental sustainability and responsible resource utilization are critical global challenges. In this work, we present a sustainable and circular-economy-based approach for synthesizing CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles by directly utilizing copper oxide minerals sourced from Chilean mining operations. Copper sulfate (CuSO₄) was extracted from these minerals through acid leaching and used as a precursor for nanoparticle synthesis via both chemical co-precipitation and microwave-assisted methods. The influence of different precipitating agents—NaOH, Na₂CO₃, and NaF—was systematically evaluated. XRD and FESEM analyses revealed that NaOH produced the most phase-pure and well-dispersed nanoparticles, while NaF resulted in secondary phase formation. The microwave-assisted method further improved particle uniformity and reduced agglomeration due to rapid and homogeneous heating. Electrochemical characterization was conducted to assess the suitability of the synthesized CuFe₂O₄ for supercapacitor applications. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) measurements confirmed pseudocapacitive behavior, with a specific capacitance of up to 1000 F/g at 2 A/g. These findings highlight the potential of CuFe₂O₄ as a low-cost, high-performance electrode material for energy storage. This study underscores the feasibility of converting primary mined minerals into functional nanomaterials while promoting sustainable mineral valorization. The approach can be extended to other critical metals and mineral residues, including tailings, supporting the broader goals of a circular economy and environmental remediation. Full article

Acid mine drainage (AMD) remains a critical environmental challenge in South Africa due to its severe impact on water quality, ecosystems and public health. Numerous studies on AMD management, treatment and resource recovery have been conducted over the past 20 years. This study presents a comprehensive review of research activities on AMD in South Africa from 1998 to 2025, highlighting key trends, emerging challenges and future directions. The study reveals a significant focus on passive and active treatment methods, environmental remediation and the recovery of valuable resources, such as iron, rare earth elements (REEs) and gypsum. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to identify the most influential studies and thematic research areas over the years. Bibliometric tools (Biblioshiny and VOSviewer) were used to analyse the data that was extracted from the PubMed database. The findings indicate that research production has increased significantly over time, with substantial contributions from top academics and institutions. Advanced treatment technologies, the use of artificial intelligence and circular economy strategies for resource recovery are among the new research prospects identified in this study. Despite substantial progress, persistent challenges, such as scalability, economic viability and policy implementation, remain. Furthermore, few technologies have moved beyond pilot-scale implementation, underscoring the need for greater investment in field-scale research and technology transfer. This study recommends stronger industry–academic collaboration, the development of standardised treatment protocols and enhanced government policy support to facilitate sustainable AMD management. The study emphasises the necessity of data-driven approaches, sustainable technology and interdisciplinary cooperation to address AMD’s socioeconomic and environmental effects in the ensuing decades. Full article

Acid mine drainage, a consequence of exposure of sulfide mining waste to weathering processes, results in significant water, sediment, and soil contamination. This contamination results in acidophilic ecosystems, with low pH values and elevated concentrations of sulfate and potentially toxic elements. The São Domingos mine, an abandoned site in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, lacks remediation measures and has numerous waste dumps, which are a major source of contamination to local water systems. Therefore, this study examines sediment accumulation in five mine dams along the São Domingos stream that traverses the entire mine complex. Decades of sediment and waste transport since mine closure have resulted in dam-clogging processes. The geochemical, mineralogical, and magnetic properties of the sediments were analyzed to evaluate the mineralogical controls on the mobilization of potentially toxic elements. The sediments are dominated by iron oxides, oxyhydroxides, and hydroxysulfates, with jarosite playing a key role in binding high concentrations of iron and toxic elements. However, no considerable correlation was found between potentially toxic elements and magnetic parameters, highlighting the complex behavior of these contaminants in acid mine drainage-affected systems. Full article

Heavy metal pollution due to mining activities poses a significant threat to agricultural production, ecosystem health, and food security in South Africa. This review integrates current knowledge on the use of mustard spinach (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) for the bioremediation of polluted water and soil, focusing on enhancing phytoremediation efficiency through the use of silicon-based biostimulant treatments. Mustard spinach is known for its capacity to accumulate and tolerate high levels of toxic metals, such as Pb, Cd, and Hg, owing to its strong physiological and biochemical defense mechanisms, including metal chelation, antioxidant activity, and osmotic adjustment. However, phytoremediation potential is often constrained by the negative impact of heavy metal stress on plant growth. Recent studies have shown that silicon-based biostimulants can alleviate metal toxicity by reducing metal bioavailability, increasing metal immobilization, and improving the antioxidative capacity and growth of plants. Combining silicon amendments with mustard spinach cultivation is a promising, eco-friendly approach to the remediation of mining-impacted soils and waters, potentially restoring agricultural productivity and reducing health risks to the resident populations. This review elucidates the multifaceted mechanisms by which silicon-enhanced phytoremediation operates, including soil chemistry modification, metal sequestration, antioxidant defense, and physiological resilience, while highlighting the practical, field-applicable benefits of this combined approach. Furthermore, it identifies urgent research priorities, such as field validation and the optimization of silicon application methods. Full article

Although measurements of urban shrinkage in China have received much attention, most have relied on statistical yearbook data based on political–administrative city boundaries, and remote-sensing-based quantification is mainly one-dimensional. This has caused problems in incorporating rural areas and spatiotemporal inconsistencies, as well as an inadequate understanding, which has subsequently resulted in an inaccurate shrinkage identification. This study merely utilized the latest multisensory and time-series remote sensing data, including nighttime light, land use, and population grids, to quantify the spatiotemporal patterns of multidimensional shrinkage based on the county-level urban entity mapping of Yangtze River Delta urban agglomerations (YRD-UAs) from 2003 to 2023. County-level urban entities were acquired from a pioneering mapping effort that utilized city-specific commuting distance and land use maps. The results demonstrated that urban entities in 215 counties grew at a generally slowing pace. The degree of economic, population, and space shrinkage was mainly slight, and the shrinking trajectory was dominated by temporary shrinkage. Most counties experienced population shrinkage in their coastal-oriented distribution, whereas economic shrinkage affected the fewest counties, with the lowest spatial clustering occurring northward. Population shrinkage also displayed the highest spatial autocorrelation, but its agglomeration weakened against space shrinkage clustering. This study concluded that the exclusive utilization of remote sensing products to measure urban-entity-based multidimensional shrinkage reduced the uncertainty associated with rural area inclusion and resulted in satisfactory assessment accuracy. The spatiotemporal patterns of multidimensional shrinkage suggested strengthening ecological land allocation within urban entities across the entire region, implementing polycentric development strategies in the north, as well as enhancing county-level economic governance in the northwest. This study presents a spatiotemporally comparable methodology for quantifying the multidimensional shrinking of county-level urban entities at a large scale and contributes to further optimizing the developments of YRD-UAs. Full article

Assessing the risks associated with waste disposal is essential for environmental protection and sustainable development, especially given concerns about the impact of industrial activities on the environment. This study analyses soil contamination in the Defor Petrila tailings-dump area caused by the deposition of waste material resulting from coal exploitation. To characterise the heavy-metal contamination in detail, we applied a comprehensive methodology that includes the calculation of the geo-accumulation index (I_geo), contamination factor (Cf), and potential ecological risk index (PERI), along with an analysis of the heavy-metal concentration isolines and a statistical analysis using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The results reveal varying levels of heavy-metal concentrations, as indicated by the calculated indices. The findings underscore the need for remediation and ongoing monitoring to mitigate the environmental impacts. This study provides a scientific basis for decision making in environmental management and highlights the importance of assessing mining-waste disposal near human settlements using various contamination-assessment methods. Full article

To investigate the remediation efficiency of different plant species on cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil, this study conducted a pot experiment with two woody species (Populu adenopoda and Salix babylonica) and two herbaceous species (Artemisia argyi and Amaranthus hypochondriacus). Soils were collected from an abandoned coal mine and adjacent pristine natural areas within the dam-adjacent section of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area to establish three soil treatment groups: unpolluted soil (T1, 0.18 mg·kg⁻¹ Cd), a 1:1 mixture of contaminated and unpolluted soil (T2, 0.35 mg·kg⁻¹ Cd), and contaminated coal mine soil (T3, 0.54 mg·kg⁻¹ Cd). This study aimed to investigate the growth status of plants, Cd accumulation and translocation characteristics, and the relationship between them and soil environmental factors. Woody plants exhibited significant advantages in aboveground biomass accumulation. Under T3 treatment, the Cd extraction amount of S. babylonica (224.93 mg) increased by about 36 times compared to T1, and the extraction efficiency (6.42%) was significantly higher than other species. Among the herbaceous species, A. argyi showed the maximum Cd extraction amount (66.26 mg) and extraction efficiency (3.11%) during T2 treatment. While A. hypochondriacus exhibited a trend of increasing extraction amount but decreasing extraction efficiency with increasing concentration. With the exception of S. babylonica under T1 treatment (BCF = 0.78), the bioconcentration factor was greater than 1 in both woody (BCF = 1.39–6.42) and herbaceous species (BCF = 1.39–3.11). However, herbaceous plants demonstrated significantly higher translocation factors (TF = 1.58–3.43) compared to woody species (TF = 0.31–0.87). There was a significant negative correlation between aboveground phosphorus (P) content and root Cd (p < 0.05), while underground nitrogen (N) content was positively correlated to aboveground Cd content (p < 0.05). Soil total N and available P were significantly positively correlated with plant Cd absorption, whereas total potassium (K) showed a negative correlation. This study demonstrated that woody plants can achieve long-term remediation through biomass advantages, while herbaceous plants, with their high transfer efficiency, are suitable for short-term rotation. In the future, it is suggested to conduct a mixed planting model of woody and herbaceous plants to remediate Cd-contaminated soils in the tailing areas of reservoir areas. This would synergistically leverage the dual advantages of root retention and aboveground removal, enhancing remediation efficiency. Concurrent optimization of soil nutrient management would further improve the Cd remediation efficiency of plants. Full article

Arsenic (As) contamination in the Tambo River (Perú), linked to mining activities and volcanic eruptions, poses significant health and agricultural risks. This study evaluated sodium alginate extracted from the brown macroalgae Lessonia trabeculata (LT) as a biosorbent for As removal. Water samples from three river points revealed As concentrations up to 0.309 mg/L, exceeding regulatory limits (0.1 mg/L). Sodium alginate was obtained via a simplified alkaline method, yielding an average of 21.44% (w/w relative to dry algae biomass) and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), showing structural similarity to industrial alginate (A1). Biosorption assays under simulated environmental conditions (neutral pH, 20 °C) demonstrated that LT alginate (A2) reduced As by 99% at 48 h with a 1.0 g/L dose, outperforming A1. Langmuir (q_max = 0.0012 mmol/g; b = 506.9 L/mg) and Freundlich (n = 1.94) isotherms confirmed favorable adsorption, while kinetics followed a Pseudo-Second-Order Model, suggesting physisorption. These results highlight LT alginate as a sustainable and scalable solution for remediating As-contaminated water, promoting the conservation of a vulnerable marine resource. This study underscores the potential of algal biopolymers in bioremediation strategies aligned with environmental and socioeconomic needs. Full article

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) poses significant environmental challenges globally, particularly due to mercury (Hg) use. As an example, in Ecuador, Hg use still persists, despite its official ban in 2015. This study investigated the geogenic and anthropogenic contributions of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Ponce Enriquez Mining District (PEMD), a region characterized by hydrothermally altered basaltic bedrock and Au-mineralized quartz veins. To assess local baseline values and identify PTE-bearing minerals, a comprehensive geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic analysis was conducted on bedrock and mineralized veins. These findings reveal distinct origins for the studied PTEs, which include Hg, As, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, Sb, Zn, and V. Specifically, Hg concentrations in stream sediments downstream (up to 50 ppm) far exceed natural bedrock levels (0.03–0.707 ppm), unequivocally indicating significant anthropogenic input from gold amalgamation. Furthermore, copper shows elevated concentration primarily linked to gold extraction. Conversely, other elements like As, Ni, Cr, Co, Sb, Zn, and V are primarily exhibited to be naturally abundant in basalts due to the presence of primary mafic minerals and to hydrothermal alterations, with elevated concentrations particularly seen in sulfides like pyrite and arsenopyrite. To distinguish natural geochemical anomalies from mining-related contamination, especially in volcanic terrains, this study utilizes Upper Continental Crust (UCC) normalization and local bedrock baselines. This multi-faceted approach effectively helped to differentiate basalt subgroups and assess natural concentrations, thereby avoiding misinterpretations of naturally elevated element concentrations as mining-related pollution. Crucially, this work establishes a robust local geochemical baseline for the PEMD area, providing a critical framework for accurate environmental risk assessments and sustainable mineral resource management, and informing national environmental quality standards and remediation efforts in Ecuador. It underscores the necessity of evaluating local geology, including inherent mineralization, when defining environmental baselines and understanding the fate of PTEs in mining-impacted environments. Full article

In accordance with growing environmental pressures and the demand for sustainable industrial practices, membrane technologies have emerged as key enablers for increasing efficiency, reducing emissions, and supporting circular processes across multiple sectors. This review focuses on the integration among microalgae-based systems, offering innovative and sustainable solutions for biomass production, carbon capture, and industrial wastewater treatment. In cultivation, membrane photobioreactors (MPBRs) have demonstrated biomass productivity up to nine times greater than that of conventional systems and significant reductions in water (above 75%) and energy (approximately 0.75 kWh/m³) footprints. For carbon capture, hollow fiber membranes and hybrid configurations increase CO₂ transfer rates by up to 300%, achieving utilization efficiencies above 85%. Coupling membrane systems with industrial effluents has enabled nutrient removal efficiencies of up to 97% for nitrogen and 93% for phosphorus, contributing to environmental remediation and resource recovery. This review also highlights recent innovations, such as self-forming dynamic membranes, magnetically induced vibration systems, antifouling surface modifications, and advanced control strategies that optimize process performance and energy use. These advancements position membrane-based microalgae systems as promising platforms for carbon-neutral biorefineries and sustainable industrial operations, particularly in the oil and gas, mining, and environmental technology sectors, which are aligned with global climate goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Full article

Land degradation from trace metal pollution in North Africa severely compromises soil fertility. This study investigates the synergistic remediation potential of Eucalyptus biochar (EuB) and Casuarina glauca in iron mine soil contaminated with Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, and As. Seedlings were grown for six months in: non-mining soil (NMS), contaminated soil (CS), and CS amended with 5% EuB (CS + EuB). Comprehensive ecophysiological assessments evaluated growth, water relations, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, oxidative stress, and metal accumulation. EuB significantly enhanced C. glauca tolerance to multi-trace metal stress. Compared to CS, CS + EuB increased total dry biomass by 14% and net photosynthetic rate by 22%, while improving predawn water potential (from −1.8 to −1.3 MPa) and water-use efficiency (18%). Oxidative damage was mitigated. EuB reduced soluble Fe by 71% but increased Zn, Mn, Pb, and Cd mobility. C. glauca exhibited hyperaccumulation of Fe, Zn, As, Pb, and Cd across treatments, with pronounced Fe accumulation under CS + EuB. EuB enhanced nodule development and amplified trace metals sequestration within nodules (Zn: +1.4×, Mn: +2.4×, Pb: +1.5×, Cd: +2.0×). The EuB-C. glauca synergy enhances stress resilience, optimizes rhizosphere trace metals bioavailability, and leverages nodule-mediated accumulation, establishing a sustainable platform for restoring contaminated lands. Full article

Revegetation is considered a sustainable option for mine area remediation. However, the sustainability and risk evolution of revegetation for large antimony mine slag remain incompletely understood. In this study, we focused on the revegetation project of the waste slag heap of XKS, the world’s largest antimony mine. Systematically analyzed the physicochemical properties, total metal(loid) content, and BCR sequential extraction and applied the modified comprehensive pollution risk assessment (MCR) method to evaluate ecological risk evolution. The results showed that revegetation can effectively increase the nutrient content, and the total content of nitrogen and phosphorus maximally increased by 5.15 and 1.89 times, respectively, after 10 years of remediation. Long-term revegetation could mitigate the metal(loid) contamination, and the average contents of As and Sb decreased by 88.72–93.18% and 93.47–89.87%, respectively. BCR analysis showed that the percentage of residual As and residual Sb increased from 64.75% and 85.88% to 78.38% and 91.58%, respectively. The MCR assessment method showed that revegetation could effectively reduce the ecological risk level. This study provides important multidimensional evidence for the ecological restoration of antimony mining areas, which can provide practical guidance for subsequent slag management and risk control. Full article