Search Results (3,514)

The agro-industrial sector in Indonesia produces significant amounts of nutrient-rich waste and wastewater, which pose environmental risks but also present opportunities for valorization within a circular bioeconomy. Microalgae provide a promising solution for transforming these wastewaters into valuable products such as biomass for bioenergy, biofertilizers, or pigments, all while helping to remediate pollutants. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the use of major Indonesian agro-industrial effluents, specifically palm oil mill effluent (POME), byproducts from cassava and sugarcane, and soybean residues, as substrates for microalgal biomass production and cultivation. Furthermore, various cultivation strategies are summarized, including autotrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic methods, as well as the use of open ponds, photobioreactors, and hybrid systems. These cultivation processes influence biomass yield, metabolite production, and nutrient removal. Reported studies indicate high removal efficiencies for organic loads, nitrogen, and phosphorus, along with considerable production of lipids, proteins, pigments, and biofuels. Yet, effluent pretreatment, concerns about heavy metal and pathogen contamination, high downstream processing costs, and biosafety issues remains as challenges. Nonetheless, the application of microalgal cultivation into Indonesia’s agro-industrial wastes treatment can provide the dual benefits of waste mitigation and resource recovery, helping to advance climate goals and promote rural development. Full article

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has been widely utilized in products such as cotton textiles, hydraulic oils, coatings, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc. Now it is widely distributed in various environmental media, wildlife, and human bodies. Polystyrene (PS) as a kind of plastics, their products under the physical, chemical, and biological decomposition in the environment are widely distributed in the air, soil, oceans, surface water, and sediments. However, PS and PFOS often coexist in the environment, making the study of their combined exposure mechanisms more aligned with actual conditions. This research integrates network toxicology and molecular biology techniques to predict the toxicity and common differentially expressed gene enrichment pathways of PFOS and PS. This study investigates the toxic effects of combined exposure to PFOS and PS on the mouse growth and development, immune functions, and other aspects. Additionally, it delves into the expression differences in various genes in mice after stimulation by PFOS and PS, the pathological changes in multiple organs, and the toxic effects on organs such as the liver, kidneys, and intestines. The results reveal that combined exposure to PFOS and PS does not significantly damage the kidney but leads to morphological damage in the liver and intestinal tissues, reduced antioxidant capacity, and the occurrence of inflammation. Based on the network toxicology findings, it is hypothesized that during combined exposure to PFOS and PS, the exacerbation of inflammatory responses further mediates the reduction in antioxidant capacity and the intensification of oxidative stress, ultimately resulting in tissue damage. This study provides innovative theoretical and research directions for the detection and prevention of combined exposure to PFOS and PS, offering a new paradigm for toxicological research, with significant theoretical and practical implications. Full article

Food safety and quality are paramount global concerns, with the complexities of the modern supply chain demanding advanced technologies for monitoring, preservation, and decontamination. Conventional methods often fall short due to limitations in speed, sensitivity, cost, and functionality. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of crystalline porous materials, have emerged as a highly universal platform to address these challenges, owing to their unprecedented structural tunability, ultrahigh surface areas, and tailorable chemical functionalities. This comprehensive review details the state-of-the-art applications of multifunctional MOFs across the entire spectrum of food safety and quality enhancement. First, the review details the application of MOFs in advanced food analysis, covering their transformative roles as sorbents in sample preparation (e.g., solid-phase extraction and microextraction), as novel stationary phases in chromatography, and as the core components of highly sensitive sensing platforms, including luminescent, colorimetric, electrochemical, and SERS-based sensors for contaminant detection. Subsequently, the role of MOFs in food preservation and packaging is explored, highlighting their use in active packaging systems for ethylene scavenging and controlled antimicrobial release, in intelligent packaging for visual spoilage indication, and as functional fillers for enhancing the barrier properties of packaging materials. Furthermore, the review examines the direct application of MOFs in food processing for the selective adsorptive removal of contaminants from complex food matrices (such as oils and beverages) and as robust, recyclable heterogeneous catalysts. Finally, a critical discussion is presented on the significant challenges that impede widespread adoption. These include concerns regarding biocompatibility and toxicology, issues of long-term stability in complex food matrices, and the hurdles of achieving cost-effective, scalable synthesis. This review not only summarizes recent progress but also provides a forward-looking perspective on the interdisciplinary efforts required to translate these promising nanomaterials from laboratory research into practical, real-world solutions for a safer and higher-quality global food supply. Full article

The Qingshankou Formation shale in the Changling Sag of the Songliao Basin represents a typical lacustrine pure-shale reservoir, characterized by high organic matter abundance, high maturity, high clay mineral content, and strong heterogeneity. To elucidate the pore structure and heterogeneity of this shale, a comprehensive suite of analytical techniques—including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry (MICP), and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption—was employed to investigate its pore types and fractal characteristics systematically. On this basis, lithofacies classification and FHH fractal modeling were conducted to quantitatively assess the complexity of pore–throat structures and their influence on reservoir properties. The results indicate that shale-dominated lithofacies (Types A–C) exhibit higher surface fractal dimensions (D₁ = 2.51–2.58) and structural fractal dimensions (D₂ = 2.73–2.81), corresponding to low porosity, low permeability, and high displacement pressure. In contrast, carbonate- and clastic-dominated lithofacies (Types D–G) display lower fractal dimensions, suggesting more regular pore–throat structures and better connectivity. Overall, both D₁ and D₂ show negative correlations with porosity and permeability but positive correlations with displacement pressure, and are negatively correlated with TOC content, reflecting the intrinsic coupling among pore–throat complexity, reservoir capacity, and organic matter abundance. These findings reveal that the Qingshankou shale reservoir has undergone a geometric evolutionary pathway of “shale compaction → siltstone transition → carbonate porosity reconstruction.” The fractal dimensions effectively characterize the reservoir heterogeneity and pore–throat connectivity, providing a new theoretical basis for the quantitative characterization, classification, and potential prediction of continental shale oil reservoirs. Full article

Hydrophobic and oleophobic photocatalytic coatings are specialised surface treatments that combine either hydrophobicity or oleophobicity and photocatalytic activity. This combination supports applications such as self-cleaning surfaces, anti-fouling, oil–water separation, air purification, and durability enhancement in construction and other industries. These coatings work by creating a surface with carefully engineered surface energy and roughness that resists wetting by both water and oils, while exposing photocatalytic nanoparticles that activate under light to degrade organics. They are often transparent and durable and are now expanding to cementitious building materials, contributing to sustainable, clean, and resilient infrastructure. The motivation for conducting this bibliometric review arises from the fragmented and interdisciplinary nature of the literature on hydrophobic and oleophobic photocatalytic coatings for construction materials, the rapid growth of research in this field, and the absence of a systematic mapping that integrates publication trends, research hotspots, and practical applications. This review delivers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of publication dynamics, encompassing growth trajectories, global research distribution, and thematic evolution, while uncovering dominant and emerging topics. By mapping established innovations and milestones and exposing critical research barriers, it establishes a knowledge framework that will guide future researchers in advancing hydrophobic and oleophobic photocatalytic coatings for construction materials. Another contribution of this review is its ability to capture both past achievements, such as heritage protection and reduced maintenance of existing structures, and ongoing (as well as future) demands, including sustainability, smart city applications, and multifunctional surface technologies, thereby underscoring its relevance across the full spectrum of the built environment. Full article

Electrolysis and biological processes, such as fermentation and microbial electrolysis cells, offer efficient hydrogen production alongside wastewater treatment. This study presents a novel microbial electrolyzer (ME) comprising a titanium dioxide (TiO₂) anode, a nickel–iron–carbon (NiFeC) cathode, and a cellulose nanocrystal proton exchange membrane (CNC-PEM) designed to generate hydrogen from palm oil mill effluent (POME). The system is powered by a 12 V electric double-layer organic supercapacitor (EDLOSC) integrated with a ZnO/PVA-based solar thin film. Power delivery to the TiO₂-NiFeC-PEM electrolyzer is optimized using an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). Laboratory-scale pilot tests demonstrated effective degradation of POME’s organic content, achieving a hydrogen yield of approximately 60%. Additionally, the nano-structured ZnO/CuO–ZnO/PVA solar film facilitated stable power supply, enhancing in situ hydrogen production. These results highlight the potential of the EDLOSC-encased ZnO/PVA-powered electrolyzer as a sustainable solution for hydrogen generation and industrial wastewater treatment. Full article

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) are key tools for providing comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for healthy eating using simple and understandable holistic diet approaches. This study aims to review national FBDGs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), examine and compare their dietary and lifestyle recommendations, and explore the inclusion of environmental sustainability considerations. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO’s) global online FBDGs repository, Google Scholar, and ministry websites were consulted. Results showed that national FBDGs were available in 12 out of the 22 EMR countries (54.5%). The main purpose of these FBDGs was the promotion of general health by emphasizing the adoption of healthy dietary and lifestyle patterns. The various FBDGs categorized their foods into five, six, or seven different groups, the main differences being related to the inclusion of legumes and nuts as a distinct food group in some guides (instead of being in the group of meats and alternative), and to the featuring of fats and oils as a separate food group. In addition to promoting healthy and varied diets, all FBDGs in the region addressed food safety (100%), physical activity (100%), meal patterns (42%), maintenance of healthy body weight (83%), sleep (50%), and emotional well-being (17%). Aspects related to environmental protection were only considered by six national FBDGs (50%), of which only four addressed sustainability (33%). The study’s findings show that a minority of the FBDGs have undertaken revisions, which are particularly important in light of the global calls for promoting diets that are healthy for both people and the planet. Full article

Nanotechnology offers innovative approaches to improve ruminant nutrition by enhancing feed efficiency, nutrient utilization, animal health, and environmental sustainability. This review highlights the use of nano-minerals, nano-encapsulated bioactives, enzyme nano-particles, and nano-sensors to optimize rumen function, digestion, and immunity. Nano-minerals provide high bioavailability at lower doses and may replace antibiotics. Encapsulated compounds like essential oils, probiotics, and vitamins improve rumen fermentation and product quality. Nanotechnology allows precise nutrient delivery through encapsulation, chelation, and nano-packaging without affecting feed sensory properties. Nano-particles are classified as inorganic, organic, or complex nano-structures and are synthesized using physical, chemical, or biological methods. While promising, nanotechnology adoption must address concerns related to safety, environmental impact, and cost. Robust risk assessments and regulatory frameworks are essential. Overall, nanotechnology represents a powerful tool for advancing sustainable and profitable ruminants, and continued multidisciplinary research is needed to fully realize its benefits and ensure its responsible application in animal agriculture. Full article

The growing medium is one of the key factors determining the yield and quality of lavender oil. The research conducted in greenhouse conditions aimed to assess the impact of a substrate with a reduced peat content enriched with compost from sewage sludge and bark on the growth, yield, and chemical composition of the oil from the inflorescences and leafy stems of English lavender ‘Sentivia Blue’. The plants were grown in pots filled with peat and chemical fertilizer, or in a substrate containing bark and sewage sludge compost, with or without fertilizer. Media affected the growth, leaf greenness index, and biomass production of lavender. Plants growing in peat with fertilizer were the tallest and widest. In turn, the highest number of inflorescences and the highest dry weight of inflorescences and leafy stems were found in plants grown in a mixture of bark and sewage sludge compost, with the addition of fertilizer. A significant interaction between the plant organ and the type of substrate was demonstrated, which affected the content of specific oil components. The content of essential oil was higher in inflorescences (1.15%) than in leaves (0.21%). The oil from the inflorescences was dominated by linalool, caryophyllene oxide, and linalyl acetate, while caryophyllene oxide, borneol, and geranyl acetate dominated in the leafy stems. The highest linalool content was found in oil obtained from inflorescences of plants grown in both media, based on bark and sewage sludge compost. The results show that the best quality parameters of the raw material and oil, including particularly high dry weight and linalool content, were obtained when the plants were grown in a medium consisting of bark, sewage sludge compost, and chemical fertilizer. Full article

Oil-based drill cuttings (OBDCs) have received extensive attention for their environmental impacts and safe disposal. In this study, a high-performance sorbent material was prepared via the chelation and carbonization reaction for the high-value resource utilization of OBDCs. The coordination interaction between the organic acids and metal ions acted as a carbon source. Then, the metal elements were encapsulated into the formed carbon matrix. The results showed that the obtained composites exhibited abundant honeycomb-like pore structures. The addition of citric acid facilitated the formation of graphitized carbon materials and increased the specific surface area and surface functional groups. Impressively, the composites exhibited excellent adsorption performance for Cr(VI), with a maximum adsorption capacity of 56.84 mg/g. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and was mainly dominated by chemical adsorption. The excellent adsorption properties were attributed to the unique properties of the prepared carbon-based composites, including their large surface area, numerous pore structures, and abundant surface functional groups. This study provides new ideas related to the resource utilization of hazardous organic waste. Full article

Continuous use of clear aligners modifies the oral environment and may favor bacterial colonization. Integration of topical fluoride-based agents could strengthen enamel and reduce biofilm formation. This study evaluated the effects of a galenic fluoride-mint spray (225–250 ppm fluoride and 1–2% peppermint essential oil) on salivary fluoride concentration and bacterial biofilm during orthodontic treatment. Ten patients using 3D-printed nighttime aligners were enrolled. Saliva samples were analyzed with an ion-selective electrode (ISE) at baseline, immediately after inserting the sprayed aligners and after 15, 30, 45 min post application. Biofilm morphology was qualitatively assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) in three aligners: unused, worn 14 nights without spray, worn 14 nights with spray. Salivary fluoride increased from 0.7–0.8 mg/L at baseline to 5.96 mg/L when the spray was applied on a new aligner and 8.42 mg/L on a used aligner, then progressively decreased, returning close to baseline at 45 min with the new aligner and remaining higher with the used aligner. SEM images showed mature and heterogeneous biofilm on used aligners without the spray, while aligners with nightly spray application exhibited qualitatively reduced and less organized surface deposits. The fluoride- and mint-based spray rapidly increases salivary fluoride and reduces biofilm formation on nighttime clear aligners, improving preventive oral health during orthodontic treatment. Full article

Pore systems in continental shales are controlled by lithofacies and show strong heterogeneity, which challenges shale oil development. The Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao Basin is a major shale oil play in China. Previous studies have focused on macroscopic reservoir properties, with limited analysis of pore differences among lithofacies. This study integrates mineralogy, organic geochemistry, and multi-scale pore structure characterization to examine four typical lithofacies: argillaceous, siliceous, calcareous, and mixed shales. Results show that pore evolution in the Qingshankou Formation can be divided into five stages: immature (Ro < 0.6%), low maturity (0.6% < Ro ≤ 0.8%), middle maturity (0.8% < Ro ≤ 1.0%), high maturity (1.0% < Ro ≤ 1.2%), and over maturity (Ro > 1.2%). The overall pattern follows a “three declines and two increases” trend. Due to differences in mineral composition and organic matter (OM), each lithofacies displays dis-tinct pore characteristics, which further influence oil-bearing potential and mobility. Siliceous shale, rich in felsic minerals, exhibits well-preserved pores and a developed micro-fracture network, providing the largest pore volume and average diameter. This facilitates the storage and flow of free oil, making it the preferred exploration target. Argillaceous shale, characterized by abundant clay minerals and OM, supports micropore development and offers the highest specific surface area (SSA). This yields significant adsorbed oil potential, highlighting its value as a secondary exploration target. This study clarifies the lithofacial controls on pore development in continental shales, providing a scientific basis for predicting favorable intervals and optimizing exploration strategies in the Qingshankou Formation and analogous basins. Full article

Intercropping medicinal and aromatic plants with other crops has demonstrated substantial potential for improving sustainable agricultural systems. Across a wide range of species, including yarrow, dill, wormwood, pot marigold, ajowan, coriander, saffron, cumin, lemongrass, Moldavian dragonhead, fennel, hyssop, dragons head, lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, mint, black cumin, basil, rose-scented geranium, aniseed, patchouli, rosemary, sage, summer savory, marigold, thyme, fenugreek, and vetiver, integration with cereals, legumes, vegetables, and perennial trees enhanced both land use efficiency and overall crop productivity. These systems often resulted in improved essential oil (EO) yield and composition, optimized plant growth, and increased economic returns, particularly when combined with organic inputs or biofertilizers. In addition to productivity gains, intercropping provides important ecological benefits. It can enhance soil fertility, stimulate microbial activity, and contribute to effective pest and weed management. Incorporating medicinal and aromatic plants into orchards, vineyards, or agroforestry systems further supported biodiversity. It influenced secondary metabolite production in companion crops, demonstrating the multifunctional role of these species in integrated farming systems. Overall, intercropping medicinal and aromatic plants represents a versatile and economically viable approach for sustainable crop production. The selection of compatible species, careful management of planting ratios, and appropriate agronomic practices are critical to maximizing both biological and economic benefits. Such strategies not only increase farm profitability but also promote environmental sustainability and resilience in diverse cropping systems. This review explores the effects of MAP integration on agroecological performance and identifies key mechanisms and practical outcomes. Full article

The polyglycerol esters (PGEs) of fatty acids have a wide range of HLB values and applications in diverse industries, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. While the physicochemical properties of oil-soluble PGEs dissolved in oil phases are well studied in the literature, there is no information on their structuring in aqueous phases and emulsifying abilities. We combined rheological and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements and microscopy observations to characterize the dependence of oil-soluble PGE structuring in aqueous phases on the PGE concentration, the temperature of solution homogenization, and the PGE molecular structure. Excellent correlations between the considerable changes in solution viscosity and the temperatures of the two endo- and exothermic peaks in the DSC thermograms are observed. Single-tail PGE molecules, which have a higher number of polyglycerol units, are better organized in networks, and the viscosity of their aqueous solutions is higher compared to that of the respective double-tail PGE molecules. PGEs exhibit good emulsifying ability and the viscosity of the produced emulsions at room temperature can differ by orders of magnitudes depending on the temperature of emulsification. The reported properties of oil-soluble PGEs could be of interest for increasing the range of their applicability in practice. Full article

Moringa oleifera is a plant species well known for its high nutritional and functional value, whose seeds are a source of oil rich in Unsaturated Fatty Acids (UFAs), especially oleic acid. The quality of this oil can be influenced by agroecological conditions and the production system. Currently, there is little information about the nutritional profile of this species of seeds harvested in Paraguay, and therefore, its use among the regional population is limited. The objective of this present study was to compare the fatty acid profile and nutritional indices of Moringa oleifera seed oil from an organic crop and backyard agriculture. Analysis was performed using gas chromatography, and indicators such as the UFA/SFA (Saturated Fatty Acid) ratio, oxidisability index (OI), oxidative stability (OS), atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), and unsaturation index (DBI) were calculated. Differences between groups were analysed using Student’s t-test (p < 0.05). The results revealed statistically significant differences between the evaluated samples. The oil from backyard agriculture seeds presented a lower proportion of SFA (20.62% vs. 22.64%), with marked differences in palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), and arachidic (C20:0) acid contents. In contrast, it showed a higher content of UFA (77.21%), including a significantly higher content of oleic acid (74.77%) and eicosanoic (C20:1) and linoleic acids (C18:2). Higher values of the UFA/SFA ratio (3.74), OS (119.25) and DBI (78.17) were also observed in these samples. Furthermore, the AI was lower in the oil from backyard agriculture seeds (0.13), reinforcing its heart-healthy profile. In conclusion, the seeds used in backyard agriculture produced an oil with a healthier and more stable lipid composition. These characteristics mean that Moringa oleifera seed oil from backyard agriculture can contribute to food and nutritional security in family farming, with a focus on preventing cardiovascular disease. Full article