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Search Results (1,130)

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Keywords = petroleum potential

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21 pages, 1245 KiB  
Article
Geochemical Behaviour of Trace Elements in Diesel Oil-Contaminated Soil During Remediation Assisted by Mineral and Organic Sorbents
by Mirosław Wyszkowski and Natalia Kordala
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8650; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158650 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
The topic of environmental pollution by petroleum products is highly relevant due to rapid urbanisation, including industrial development, road infrastructure and fuel distribution. Potential threat areas include refineries, fuel stations, pipelines, warehouses and transshipment bases, as well as sites affected by accidents or [...] Read more.
The topic of environmental pollution by petroleum products is highly relevant due to rapid urbanisation, including industrial development, road infrastructure and fuel distribution. Potential threat areas include refineries, fuel stations, pipelines, warehouses and transshipment bases, as well as sites affected by accidents or fuel spills. This study aimed to determine whether organic and mineral materials could mitigate the effects of diesel oil pollution on the soil’s trace element content. The used materials were compost, bentonite and calcium oxide. Diesel oil pollution had the most pronounced effect on the levels of Cd, Ni, Fe and Co. The levels of the first three elements increased, while the level of Co decreased by 53%. Lower doses of diesel oil (2.5 and 5 cm3 per kg of soil) induced an increase in the levels of the other trace elements, while higher doses caused a reduction, especially in Cr. All materials applied to the soil (compost, bentonite and calcium oxide) reduced the content of Ni, Cr and Fe. Compost and calcium oxide also increased Co accumulation in the soil. Bentonite had the strongest reducing effect on the Ni and Cr contents of the soil, reducing them by 42% and 53%, respectively. Meanwhile, calcium oxide had the strongest reducing effect on Fe and Co accumulation, reducing it by 12% and 31%, respectively. Inverse relationships were recorded for Cd (mainly bentonite), Pb (especially compost), Cu (mainly compost), Mn (mainly bentonite) and Zn (only compost) content in the soil. At the most contaminated site, the application of bentonite reduced the accumulation of Pb, Zn and Mn in the soil, while the application of compost reduced the accumulation of Cd. Applying various materials, particularly bentonite and compost, limits the content of certain trace elements in the soil. This has a positive impact on reducing the effect of minor diesel oil pollution on soil properties and can promote the proper growth of plant biomass. Full article
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20 pages, 10391 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Substitution of Petroleum-Based Processing Oils with Soybean-Derived Alternatives in Styrene–Butadiene Rubber: Effects on Processing Behavior and Mechanical Properties
by Yang-Wei Lin, Tsung-Yi Chen, Chen-Yu Chueh, Yi-Ting Chen, Tsunghsueh Wu and Hsi-Ming Hsieh
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152129 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 242
Abstract
This study evaluates the replacement of petroleum-based naphthenic oil with four types of soybean-derived alternatives—virgin soybean oil (SBO), epoxidized SBO (ESBO), expired SBO, and recycled SBO—in styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) composites. The materials were tested in both staining rubber (SR) and non-staining rubber (NSR) [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the replacement of petroleum-based naphthenic oil with four types of soybean-derived alternatives—virgin soybean oil (SBO), epoxidized SBO (ESBO), expired SBO, and recycled SBO—in styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) composites. The materials were tested in both staining rubber (SR) and non-staining rubber (NSR) systems to assess processing characteristics, mechanical performance, and environmental durability. Among the alternatives, SBO demonstrated the best overall performance, improving processability and tensile strength by over 10%, while ESBO enhanced ozone resistance by 35% due to its epoxide functionality. Expired and recycled SBOs maintained essential mechanical properties within 90% of virgin SBO values. The full replacement of CH450 with SBO in tire prototypes resulted in burst strength exceeding 1000 kPa and stable appearance after 5000 km of road testing. To validate industrial relevance, the developed green tire was exhibited at the 2025 Taipei International Cycle Show, attracting interest from international buyers and stakeholders for its eco-friendly composition and carbon footprint reduction potential, thereby demonstrating both technical feasibility and commercial viability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers and Their Composites for Sustainable Development)
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21 pages, 5409 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Rubber Solutions: A Study on Bio-Based Oil and Resin Blends
by Frances van Elburg, Fabian Grunert, Claudia Aurisicchio, Micol di Consiglio, Auke Talma, Pilar Bernal-Ortega and Anke Blume
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2111; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152111 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 281
Abstract
One of the most important challenges the tire industry faces is becoming carbon-neutral and using 100% sustainable materials by 2050. Utilizing materials from renewable sources and recycled substances is a key aspect of achieving this goal. Petroleum-based oils, such as Treated Distillate Aromatic [...] Read more.
One of the most important challenges the tire industry faces is becoming carbon-neutral and using 100% sustainable materials by 2050. Utilizing materials from renewable sources and recycled substances is a key aspect of achieving this goal. Petroleum-based oils, such as Treated Distillate Aromatic Extract (TDAE), are frequently used in rubber compounds, and a promising strategy to enhance sustainability is to use bio-based plasticizer alternatives. However, research has shown that the replacement of TDAE oil with bio-based oils or resins can significantly alter the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the final compound, influencing the tire properties. In this study, the theory was proposed that using a plasticizer blend, comprising oil and resin, in a rubber compound would result in similar Tg values as the reference compound containing TDAE. To test this, the cycloaliphatic di-ester oil Hexamoll DINCH, which can be made out of bio-based feedstock by the BioMass Balance approach, was selected and blended with the cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon resin Escorez 5300. Various oil-to-resin ratios were investigated, and a linear increase in the Tg of the vulcanizate was obtained when increasing the resin content and decreasing the oil content. Additionally, a 50/50 blend, consisting of 18.75 phr Hexamoll DINCH and 18.75 phr Escorez 5300, resulted in the same Tg of −19 °C as a compound containing 37.5 phr TDAE. Furthermore, this blend resulted in similar curing characteristics and cured Payne effect as the reference with TDAE. Moreover, a similar rolling resistance indicator (tan δ at 60 °C = 0.115), a slight deterioration in wear resistance (ARI = 83%), but an improvement in the stress–strain behavior (M300 = 9.18 ± 0.20 MPa and Ts = 16.3 ± 0.6 MPa) and wet grip indicator (tan δ at 0 °C = 0.427) were observed. The results in this work show the potential of finding a balance between optimal performance and sustainability by using plasticizer blends. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploration and Innovation in Sustainable Rubber Performance)
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24 pages, 8636 KiB  
Article
Oil Film Segmentation Method Using Marine Radar Based on Feature Fusion and Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
by Jin Xu, Bo Xu, Xiaoguang Mou, Boxi Yao, Zekun Guo, Xiang Wang, Yuanyuan Huang, Sihan Qian, Min Cheng, Peng Liu and Jianning Wu
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(8), 1453; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13081453 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 158
Abstract
In the wake of the continuous development of the international strategic petroleum reserve system, the tonnage and quantity of oil tankers have been increasing. This trend has driven the expansion of offshore oil exploration and transportation, resulting in frequent incidents of ship oil [...] Read more.
In the wake of the continuous development of the international strategic petroleum reserve system, the tonnage and quantity of oil tankers have been increasing. This trend has driven the expansion of offshore oil exploration and transportation, resulting in frequent incidents of ship oil spills. Catastrophic impacts have been exerted on the marine environment by these accidents, posing a serious threat to economic development and ecological security. Therefore, there is an urgent need for efficient and reliable methods to detect oil spills in a timely manner and minimize potential losses as much as possible. In response to this challenge, a marine radar oil film segmentation method based on feature fusion and the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is proposed in this study. Initially, the raw experimental data are preprocessed to obtain denoised radar images. Subsequently, grayscale adjustment and local contrast enhancement operations are carried out on the denoised images. Next, the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) features and Tamura features are extracted from the locally contrast-enhanced images. Then, the generalized least squares (GLS) method is employed to fuse the extracted texture features, yielding a new feature fusion map. Afterwards, the optimal processing threshold is determined to obtain effective wave regions by using the bimodal graph direct method. Finally, the ABC algorithm is utilized to segment the oil films. This method can provide data support for oil spill detection in marine radar images. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
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27 pages, 18566 KiB  
Article
Geochemical Characteristics and Controlling Factors of Lower Cretaceous Lacustrine Hydrocarbon Source Rocks in the Erdengsumu Sag, Erlian Basin, NE China
by Juwen Yao, Zhanli Ren, Kai Qi, Jian Liu, Sasa Guo, Guangyuan Xing, Yanzhao Liu and Mingxing Jia
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2412; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082412 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 193
Abstract
This study analyzes the lacustrine hydrocarbon source rocks of the Lower Cretaceous in the Erdengsumu sag of the Erlian Basin, evaluating their characteristics and identifying areas with oil resource potential, while also investigating the ancient lake environment, material source input, and controlling factors, [...] Read more.
This study analyzes the lacustrine hydrocarbon source rocks of the Lower Cretaceous in the Erdengsumu sag of the Erlian Basin, evaluating their characteristics and identifying areas with oil resource potential, while also investigating the ancient lake environment, material source input, and controlling factors, ultimately developing a sedimentary model for lacustrine hydrocarbon source rocks. The findings suggest the following: (1) The lower Tengger Member (K1bt1) and the Aershan Formation (K1ba) are the primary oil-producing strata, with an effective hydrocarbon source rock exhibiting a lower limit of total organic carbon (TOC) at 0.95%. The Ro value typically remains below 0.8%, indicating that high-maturity oil production has not yet been attained. (2) The oil generation threshold depths for the Dalestai and Sayinhutuge sub-sags are 1500 m and 1214 m, respectively. The thickness of the effective hydrocarbon source rock surpasses 200 m, covering areas of 42.48 km2 and 88.71 km2, respectively. The cumulative hydrocarbon generation intensity of wells Y1 and Y2 is 486 × 104 t/km2 and 26 × 104 t/km2, respectively, suggesting that the Dalestai sub-sag possesses considerable petroleum potential. The Aershan Formation in the Chagantala sub-sag has a maximum burial depth of merely 1800 m, insufficient to attain the oil generation threshold depth. (3) The research area’s productive hydrocarbon source rocks consist of organic matter types I and II1. The Pr/Ph range is extensive (0.33–2.07), signifying a reducing to slightly oxidizing sedimentary environment. This aligns with the attributes of small fault lake basins, characterized by shallow water and robust hydrodynamics. (4) The low ratio of ∑nC21−/∑nC22+ (0.36–0.81), high CPI values (>1.49), and high C29 sterane concentration suggest a substantial terrestrial contribution, with negligible input from aquatic algae–bacterial organic matter. Moreover, as sedimentation duration extends, the contribution from higher plants progressively increases. (5) The ratio of the width of the deep depression zone to the width of the depression in the Erdengsumu sag is less than 0.25. The boundary fault scale is small, its activity is low, and there is not much input from the ground. Most of the source rocks are in the reducing sedimentary environment of the near-lying gently sloping zone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Petroleum and Gas Engineering, 2nd edition)
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18 pages, 1033 KiB  
Article
Analyzing the Impact of Carbon Mitigation on the Eurozone’s Trade Dynamics with the US and China
by Pathairat Pastpipatkul and Terdthiti Chitkasame
Econometrics 2025, 13(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/econometrics13030028 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 139
Abstract
This study focusses on the transmission of carbon pricing mechanisms in shaping trade dynamics between the Eurozone and key partners: the USA and China. Using Bayesian variable selection methods and a Time-Varying Structural Vector Autoregressions (TV-SVAR) model, the research identifies the key variables [...] Read more.
This study focusses on the transmission of carbon pricing mechanisms in shaping trade dynamics between the Eurozone and key partners: the USA and China. Using Bayesian variable selection methods and a Time-Varying Structural Vector Autoregressions (TV-SVAR) model, the research identifies the key variables impacting EU carbon emissions over time. The results reveal that manufactured products from the US have a diminishing positive impact on EU carbon emissions, suggesting potential exemption from future regulations. In contrast, manufactured goods from the US and petroleum products from China are expected to increase emissions, indicating a need for stricter trade policies. These findings provide strategic insights for policymakers aiming to balance trade and environmental objectives. Full article
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16 pages, 1640 KiB  
Article
Polydroxyalkanoates Production from Simulated Food Waste Condensate Using Mixed Microbial Cultures
by Konstantina Filippou, Evaggelia Bouzani, Elianta Kora, Ioanna Ntaikou, Konstantina Papadopoulou and Gerasimos Lyberatos
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2042; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152042 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 379
Abstract
The growing environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based plastics require the development of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable bioplastics, offer a promising potential as eco-friendly substitutes due to their renewable origin and favorable degradation properties. This research investigates the use [...] Read more.
The growing environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based plastics require the development of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable bioplastics, offer a promising potential as eco-friendly substitutes due to their renewable origin and favorable degradation properties. This research investigates the use of synthetic condensate, mimicking the liquid fraction from drying and shredding of household food waste, as a viable substrate for PHA production using mixed microbial cultures. Two draw-fill reactors (DFRs) were operated under different feed organic concentrations (2.0 ± 0.5 and 3.8 ± 0.6 g COD/L), maintaining a consistent carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to selectively enrich microorganisms capable of accumulating PHAs through alternating nutrient availability and deficiency. Both reactors achieved efficient organic pollutant removal (>95% soluble COD removal), stable biomass growth, and optimal pH levels. Notably, the reactor with the higher organic load (DFR-2) demonstrated a modest increase in PHA accumulation (19.05 ± 7.18%) compared to the lower-loaded reactor (DFR-1; 15.19 ± 6.00%), alongside significantly enhanced biomass productivity. Polymer characterization revealed the formation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), influenced by the substrate composition. Microbial community analysis showed an adaptive shift towards Proteobacteria dominance, signifying successful enrichment of effective PHA producers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioplastics)
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16 pages, 1870 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Development and Industrial Applications of Wax Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review of Nano, Green, and Classic Materials Approaches
by Parham Joolaei Ahranjani, Hamed Sadatfaraji, Kamine Dehghan, Vaibhav A. Edlabadkar, Prasant Khadka, Ifeanyi Nwobodo, VN Ramachander Turaga, Justin Disney and Hamid Rashidi Nodeh
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(8), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9080395 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
Wax deposition, driven by the crystallization of long-chain n-alkanes, poses severe challenges across industries such as petroleum, oil and natural gas, food processing, and chemical manufacturing. This phenomenon compromises flow efficiency, increases energy demands, and necessitates costly maintenance interventions. Wax inhibitors, designed to [...] Read more.
Wax deposition, driven by the crystallization of long-chain n-alkanes, poses severe challenges across industries such as petroleum, oil and natural gas, food processing, and chemical manufacturing. This phenomenon compromises flow efficiency, increases energy demands, and necessitates costly maintenance interventions. Wax inhibitors, designed to mitigate these issues, operate by altering wax crystallization, aggregation, and adhesion over the pipelines. Classic wax inhibitors, comprising synthetic polymers and natural compounds, have been widely utilized due to their established efficiency and scalability. However, synthetic inhibitors face environmental concerns, while natural inhibitors exhibit reduced performance under extreme conditions. The advent of nano-based wax inhibitors has revolutionized wax management strategies. These advanced materials, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and nanocomposites, leverage their high surface area and tunable interfacial properties to enhance efficiency, particularly in harsh environments. While offering superior performance, nano-based inhibitors are constrained by high production costs, scalability challenges, and potential environmental risks. In parallel, the development of “green” wax inhibitors derived from renewable resources such as vegetable oils addresses sustainability demands. These eco-friendly formulations introduce functionalities that reinforce inhibitory interactions with wax crystals, enabling effective deposition control while reducing reliance on synthetic components. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms, applications, and comparative performance of classic and nano-based wax inhibitors. It highlights the growing integration of sustainable and hybrid approaches that combine the reliability of classic inhibitors with the advanced capabilities of nano-based systems. Future directions emphasize the need for cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions through innovations in material science, computational modeling, and biotechnology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Composites Manufacturing and Processing)
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31 pages, 2080 KiB  
Review
Isatis tinctoria L.—From Botanical Description to Seed-Extracted Compounds and Their Applications: An Overview
by Justine Dupré, Nicolas Joly, Romain Vauquelin, Vincent Lequart, Élodie Choque, Nathalie Jullian and Patrick Martin
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2304; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152304 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 451
Abstract
Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae), also known as woad or dyer’s woad, is an ancient plant with a rosy future ahead. Most of the knowledge about woad is related to indigo dye production and its medicinal applications, especially its leaves. The general interest in [...] Read more.
Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae), also known as woad or dyer’s woad, is an ancient plant with a rosy future ahead. Most of the knowledge about woad is related to indigo dye production and its medicinal applications, especially its leaves. The general interest in woad has decreased with the rise of petroleum-based products. However, nowadays this plant is attracting interest again with industries reintroducing natural dyes. To meet the market demand in a sustainable manner, recent studies have focused specifically on woad seeds, leading to a valorization of the whole woad plant. This review provides an overview of the botanical, phytochemical composition, and properties of woad seeds, primarily supporting their cosmetic and pharmaceutical potential. From a chemical point of view, woad seeds mainly contain fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols and glucosinolates. These compounds have been investigated through their extraction and analytical methods, as well as their properties and industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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17 pages, 1066 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of the Microalgae-Based Wastewater Treatment, in an Oil Refining Industry Cogeneration Concept
by Ena Pritišanac, Maja Fafanđel, Ines Haberle, Sunčana Geček, Marinko Markić, Nenad Bolf, Jela Vukadin, Goranka Crnković, Tin Klanjšček, Luka Žilić and Maria Blažina
Water 2025, 17(15), 2217; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152217 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 347
Abstract
Microalage are broadly recognized as promising agents for sustainable wastewater treatment and biomass generation. However, industrial effluents such as petroleum refinery wastewater (WW) present challenges due to toxic growth inhibiting substances. Three marine microalgae species: Pseudochloris wilhelmii, Nannochloropsis gaditana and Synechococcus sp. [...] Read more.
Microalage are broadly recognized as promising agents for sustainable wastewater treatment and biomass generation. However, industrial effluents such as petroleum refinery wastewater (WW) present challenges due to toxic growth inhibiting substances. Three marine microalgae species: Pseudochloris wilhelmii, Nannochloropsis gaditana and Synechococcus sp. MK568070 were examined for cultivation potential in oil refinery WW. Their performance was evaluated in terms of growth dynamics, lipid productivity, and toxicity reduction, with a focus on their suitability for largescale industrial use. N. gaditana demonstrated the highest growth rate and lipid content (37% d.w.) as well as lipid productivity (29.45 mg/(Lday)) with the N-uptake rate of 0.698 mmol/(gday). The highest specific DIN uptake rate was observed inn P. wilhelmii (0.895 mmol/(gday) along with the highest volumetric productivity (93.9 mg/L/day) and WW toxicity removal (76.5%), while Synechococcus sp. MK568070 demonstrated lower performance metrics. A simple numerical model was applied to calculate continuous operation based on empirical results of batch experiments. Sustainability of the microalgae-based WW remediation under the conditions of optimized lipid biomass production was estimated, regarding 2019–2022–2025 cost dynamics. Parameters for optimum open raceway pond cultivation were calculated, and the biomass production accumulation was estimated, with the highest biomass production noted in P. wilhelmii (171.38 t/year). Comparison of treatment costs, production costs and revenue showed that the best candidate for WW remediation is N. gaditana. Full article
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39 pages, 2898 KiB  
Review
Floating Solar Energy Systems: A Review of Economic Feasibility and Cross-Sector Integration with Marine Renewable Energy, Aquaculture and Hydrogen
by Marius Manolache, Alexandra Ionelia Manolache and Gabriel Andrei
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(8), 1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13081404 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 691
Abstract
Excessive reliance on traditional energy sources such as coal, petroleum, and gas leads to a decrease in natural resources and contributes to global warming. Consequently, the adoption of renewable energy sources in power systems is experiencing swift expansion worldwide, especially in offshore areas. [...] Read more.
Excessive reliance on traditional energy sources such as coal, petroleum, and gas leads to a decrease in natural resources and contributes to global warming. Consequently, the adoption of renewable energy sources in power systems is experiencing swift expansion worldwide, especially in offshore areas. Floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) technology is gaining recognition as an innovative renewable energy option, presenting benefits like minimized land requirements, improved cooling effects, and possible collaborations with hydropower. This study aims to assess the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) associated with floating solar initiatives in offshore and onshore environments. Furthermore, the LCOE is assessed for initiatives that utilize floating solar PV modules within aquaculture farms, as well as for the integration of various renewable energy sources, including wind, wave, and hydropower. The LCOE for FPV technology exhibits considerable variation, ranging from 28.47 EUR/MWh to 1737 EUR/MWh, depending on the technologies utilized within the farm as well as its geographical setting. The implementation of FPV technology in aquaculture farms revealed a notable increase in the LCOE, ranging from 138.74 EUR/MWh to 2306 EUR/MWh. Implementation involving additional renewable energy sources results in a reduction in the LCOE, ranging from 3.6 EUR/MWh to 315.33 EUR/MWh. The integration of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems into green hydrogen production represents an emerging direction that is relatively little explored but has high potential in reducing costs. The conversion of this energy into hydrogen involves high final costs, with the LCOH ranging from 1.06 EUR/kg to over 26.79 EUR/kg depending on the complexity of the system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Utilization of Offshore Renewable Energy)
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27 pages, 36926 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Additive Manufacturing and Injection Molding of Biocomposites Reinforced with Alkali-Treated Wood Flour Derived from Recycled Wooden Pallets
by Mehmet Demir, Nilgül Çetin and Nasır Narlıoğlu
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2004; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152004 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
Biodegradable polymer composites offer promising alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, supporting the principles of a zero waste and circular economy. This study investigates the reinforcing potential of alkali-treated wood flour derived from recycled pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) and poplar (Populus alba L.) [...] Read more.
Biodegradable polymer composites offer promising alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, supporting the principles of a zero waste and circular economy. This study investigates the reinforcing potential of alkali-treated wood flour derived from recycled pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) and poplar (Populus alba L.) waste wooden pallets in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites. Wood flour was initially recovered through grinding and screening during recycling, followed by alkali treatment via a green chemistry approach to enhance interfacial bonding with the PLA matrix. The impact of alkali concentration and two fabrication methods—additive manufacturing (AM) and injection molding (IM)—on the properties of developed biocomposite materials was assessed through mechanical, physical, morphological, and thermal analyses. IM samples outperformed AM counterparts, with the IM PLA containing 30 wt% wood flour (alkali-treated with 10% solution) showing the highest mechanical gains: tensile (+71.35%), flexural (+64.74%), and hardness (+2.62%) compared to untreated samples. Moreover, the AM sample with 10 wt% wood flour and 10% alkali treatment showed a 49.37% decrease in water absorption compared to the untreated sample, indicating improved hydrophobicity. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that alkali treatment reduced void content and enhanced morphological uniformity, while thermal properties remained consistent across fabrication methods. This work introduces a green composite using non-toxic materials and treatments, facilitating eco-friendly production aligned with zero waste and circular economy principles throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites: Structure, Properties and Processing, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 29742 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Oilfield-Produced-Water Treatment Using Fe3+-Augmented Composite Bioreactor: Performance and Microbial Community Dynamics
by Qiushi Zhao, Chunmao Chen, Zhongxi Chen, Hongman Shan and Jiahao Liang
Bioengineering 2025, 12(7), 784; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12070784 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 487
Abstract
The presence of recalcitrant organic compounds in oilfield-produced-water poses significant challenges for conventional biological treatment technologies. In this study, an Fe3+-augmented composite bioreactor was developed to enhance the multi-pollutant removal performance and to elucidate the associated microbial community dynamics. The Fe [...] Read more.
The presence of recalcitrant organic compounds in oilfield-produced-water poses significant challenges for conventional biological treatment technologies. In this study, an Fe3+-augmented composite bioreactor was developed to enhance the multi-pollutant removal performance and to elucidate the associated microbial community dynamics. The Fe3+-augmented system achieved efficient removal of oil (99.18 ± 0.91%), suspended solids (65.81 ± 17.55%), chemical oxygen demand (48.63 ± 15.15%), and polymers (57.72 ± 14.87%). The anaerobic compartment served as the core biotreatment unit, playing a pivotal role in microbial pollutant degradation. High-throughput sequencing indicated that Fe3+ supplementation strengthened syntrophic interactions between iron-reducing bacteria (Trichococcus and Bacillus) and methanogenic archaea (Methanobacterium and Methanomethylovorans), thereby facilitating the biodegradation of long-chain hydrocarbons (e.g., eicosane and nonadecane). Further metabolic function analysis identified long-chain-fatty-acid CoA ligase (EC 6.2.1.3) as a key enzyme mediating the interplay between hydrocarbon degradation and nitrogen cycling. This study elucidated the ecological mechanisms governing Fe3+-mediated multi-pollutant removal in a composite bioreactor and highlighted the potential of this approach for efficient, sustainable, and adaptable management of produced water in the petroleum industry. Full article
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17 pages, 3122 KiB  
Article
Carbon:Nitrogen Ratio Affects Differentially the Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate Synthesis in Bacillus thuringiensis Isolates from México
by Marco Tulio Romero Sanchez, Shirlley Elizabeth Martínez Tolibia, Laura Jeannette García Barrera, Pavel Sierra Martínez, Jorge Noel Gracida Rodríguez, Valentín López Gayou and Víctor Eric López y López
Polymers 2025, 17(14), 1978; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17141978 - 18 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 314
Abstract
Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (P(3HB)) represents a suitable alternative for plastic replacement, since it consists of intracellularly produced polyesters by different microorganisms including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). P(3HB) conserves most of the properties of petroleum-derived plastics; however, some drawbacks are the production costs, processing times, and bioseparation [...] Read more.
Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (P(3HB)) represents a suitable alternative for plastic replacement, since it consists of intracellularly produced polyesters by different microorganisms including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). P(3HB) conserves most of the properties of petroleum-derived plastics; however, some drawbacks are the production costs, processing times, and bioseparation techniques, limiting its extended use. Bt has production advantages over other microorganisms, such as those growing in conventional or non-conventional substrates, with short periods of fermentation, which make it an interesting candidate to develop optimized production processes. In this work, we identified P(3HB) producers from 72 isolates of Bt, from which we selected four potential candidates. These isolates were cultivated under different carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratios of 3, 7, 30, and 50 in a complex medium named (CM). Here, the best conditions for growth in Bt isolates were C:N 3 and 7 ratios, whereas for P(3HB) production they were C:N 7 and 30. Following this, an experiment in a bioreactor was conducted with isolate 81C with the selected C:N ratio of 30, where the produced P(3HB) achieved a maximum at 10 h. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)was used to characterize flask and bioreactor cultures. It must be mentioned that although a higher concentration of medium was used, this did not improve P(3HB) accumulation. This research demonstrates that C:N ratios can differentially influence growth and P(3HB) accumulation in Bt isolates, which can serve as a reference to develop P(3HB) production processes using Bt as a microbial production platform. Full article
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10 pages, 558 KiB  
Communication
Carbon Sink Potential of Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria in Groundwater at Petroleum-Contaminated Sites
by Pingping Cai, Zhuo Ning and Min Zhang
Microorganisms 2025, 13(7), 1688; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13071688 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
Groundwater at petroleum-contaminated sites typically exhibits elevated dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) levels due to hydrocarbon biodegradation; however, our prior field investigations revealed an enigmatic DIC depletion anomaly that starkly contradicts this global pattern and points to an unrecognized carbon sink. In a breakthrough [...] Read more.
Groundwater at petroleum-contaminated sites typically exhibits elevated dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) levels due to hydrocarbon biodegradation; however, our prior field investigations revealed an enigmatic DIC depletion anomaly that starkly contradicts this global pattern and points to an unrecognized carbon sink. In a breakthrough demonstration, this study provides the first experimental confirmation that sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) drive substantial carbon sequestration via a coupled sulfur oxidation autotrophic assimilation process. Through integrated hydrochemical monitoring and 16S rRNA sequencing in an enrichment culture system, we captured the complete DIC transformation trajectory: heterotrophic acetate degradation initially increased DIC to 370 mg/L, but subsequent autotrophic assimilation by SOB dramatically reduced DIC to 270 mg/L, yielding a net consumption of 85 mg/L. The distinctive pH dynamics (initial alkalization followed by acidification) further corroborated microbial regulation of carbon cycling. Critically, Pseudomonas stutzeri and P. alcaliphila were identified as the dominant carbon-fixing agents. These findings definitively establish that chemolithoautotrophic SOB convert DIC into organic carbon through a “sulfur oxidation-carbon fixation” coupling mechanism, overturning the conventional paradigm of petroleum-contaminated sites as perpetual carbon sources. The study fundamentally redefines natural attenuation frameworks by introducing microbial carbon sink potential as an essential assessment metric for environmental sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Microbiology)
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