Search Results (1,047)

Plains River networks are important natural ecosystems that play a vital role in storing, draining, conserving, and purifying water. This study selected the river network in the northern plain of Jiaxing as the research area. Samples were collected in October 2023. Sediments were collected using a sampler and divided into five layers according to the collection depth, namely the surface layer (5 cm), the second layer (15 cm), the third layer (25 cm), the fourth layer (35 cm), and the bottom layer (45 cm). This study analyzed the vertical distribution of each form of phosphorus, the vertical distribution of the microbial community, and the response between the two in the sediments of this plain river network. The results showed high sediment TP concentrations (633.9–2534.7 mg/kg) in this plain river network. The vertical distribution trend of Fe-P was almost the same as that of TP and had the highest concentration (134.9–1860.1 mg/kg). Ca-P is the second highest phosphorus content, which is also an inert phosphorus component, as well as Al-P, and both exhibit a relatively low percentage of surface layers. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria showed heterogeneity in the vertical distribution of sediments. The river network sediments in the Plains River have a high potential for phosphorus release, with most sites acting as phosphorus “sources”. The sediments in the second of these layers show a strong tendency to release phosphorus. Bottom sediments have a low capacity to both adsorb and release phosphorus. The findings of this study will provide a theoretical foundation for the prevention and management of river networks in this plain. Full article

High ash content in algal biomass limits its suitability for biofuel production by reducing combustion efficiency and increasing fouling. This study presents a green deashing strategy using nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and deionized (DI) water to purify Scenedesmus algae, which was selected for its high ash removal potential. The optimized sequential treatment (DI, NTA chelation, and DI+NTA treatment at 90–130 °C) achieved up to 83.07% ash removal, reducing ash content from 15.2% to 3.8%. Elevated temperatures enhanced the removal of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, while heavy metals like lead and copper were reduced below detection limits. CHN analysis confirmed minimal loss of organic content, preserving biochemical integrity. Unlike traditional acid leaching, this method is eco-friendly after three cycles. The approach offers a scalable, sustainable solution to improve algal biomass quality for thermochemical conversion and supports circular bioeconomy goals. Full article

Surfactants are widely utilized in agriculture as emulsifying, dispersing, anti-foaming, and wetting agents. In these adjuvant roles, the inherent biological activity of the surfactant is secondary to the active ingredients. Here, the hydrophilic non-ionic surface-active tri-block copolymer Pluronic^® F68 is investigated for direct biological activity in wheat. F68 binds to and inserts into lipid membranes, which may benefit crops under abiotic stress. F68’s interactions with Triticum aestivum (var Juniper) seedlings and a seed-borne Bacillus spp. endophyte are presented. At concentrations below 10 g/L, F68-primed wheat seeds exhibited unchanged emergence. Root-applied fluorescein-F68 (fF68) was internalized in root epidermal cells and concentrated in highly mobile endosomes. The potential benefit of F68 in droughted wheat was examined and contrasted with wheat treated with the osmolyte, glycine betaine (GB). Photosystem II activity of droughted plants dropped significantly below non-droughted controls, and no clear benefit of F68 (or GB) during drought or rehydration was observed. However, F68-treated wheat exhibited increased transpiration values (for watered plants only) and enhanced shoot dry mass (for watered and droughted plants), not observed for GB-treated or untreated plants. The release of seed-borne bacterial endophytes into the spermosphere of germinating seeds was not affected by F68 (for F68-primed seeds as well as F68 applied to roots), and the planktonic growth of a purified Bacillus spp. seed endophyte was not reduced by F68 applied below the critical micelle concentration. These studies demonstrated that F68 entered wheat root cells, concentrated in endosomes involved in transport, significantly promoted shoot growth, and showed no adverse effects to plant-associated bacteria. Full article

This study investigated the integration of advanced Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) within the design process of building energy systems, focusing on the water–energy nexus in the context of a real-life hospital building. It is based on a simulation approach, recognised as a viable means to analyse and enhance AWG potentialities. However, the current state of research does not address the issue of AWG integration within building plant systems. This study contributes to fill such a research gap by building upon an authors’ previous work and proposing an enhanced methodology. The methodology describes how to incorporate a multipurpose AWG system into the energy simulation environment of DesignBuilder (DB), version 7.0.0116, through its coupling with AWGSim, version 1.20d, a simulation tool specifically developed for atmospheric water generators. The chosen case study is a wing of the Mondino Hospital in Pavia, Italy, selected for its complex geometry and HVAC requirements. By integrating AWG outputs—covering water production, heating, and cooling—into DB, this study compared two configurations: the existing HVAC system and an enhanced version that includes the AWG as plant support. The simulation results demonstrated a 16.3% reduction in primary energy consumption (from 231.3 MWh to 193.6 MWh), with the elimination of methane consumption and additional benefits in water production (257 m³). This water can be employed for photovoltaic panel cleaning, further reducing the primary energy consumption to 101.9 MWh (55.9% less than the existing plant), and for human consumption or other technical needs. Moreover, this study highlights the potential of using AWG technology to supply purified water, which can be a pivotal solution for hospitals located in areas affected by water crises. This research contributes to the atmospheric water field by addressing the important issue of simulating AWG systems within building energy design tools, enabling informed decisions regarding water–energy integration at the project stage and supporting a more resilient and sustainable approach to building infrastructure. Full article

Plastic waste and water pollution demand circular economy-driven innovations. This review examines metal–organic framework (MOF) synthesis from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste for wastewater treatment. Depolymerized PET yields terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol—essential MOF precursors. We evaluate the following: (1) PET depolymerization (hydrolysis, glycolysis, ammonolysis) for monomer recovery efficiency; (2) MOF synthesis (solvothermal, microwave, mechanochemical) using PET-derived linkers; (3) performance in adsorbing heavy metals, dyes, and emerging contaminants. PET-based MOFs match or exceed commercial adsorbents in pollutant removal while lowering costs. Their tunable porosity and surface chemistry enhance selectivity and capacity. By converting waste plastics into functional materials, this strategy tackles dual challenges: diverting PET from landfills and purifying water. The review underscores the environmental and economic benefits of waste-sourced MOFs, proposing scalable routes for sustainable water remediation aligned with zero-waste goals. Full article

Water scarcity is a growing global challenge, intensified by climate change, seawater intrusion, and pollution. While conventional desalination methods are energy-intensive, solar-driven interfacial evaporators offer a promising low-energy solution by leveraging solar energy for water evaporation, with the resulting steam condensed into purified water. Despite advancements, challenges persist, particularly in addressing volatile contaminants and biofouling, which can compromise long-term performance. The integration of photocatalysts into solar-driven interfacial evaporators has been proposed as a solution, enabling pollutant degradation and microbial inactivation while enhancing water transport and self-cleaning properties. This review critically assesses testing methodologies for solar-driven interfacial evaporators incorporating both photothermal and photocatalytic functions. While previous studies have examined materials and system design, the added complexity of photocatalysis necessitates new testing approaches. First, solar still setups are analyzed, particularly concentrating on the selection of materials and geometry for the transparent cover and water-collecting surfaces. Then, performance evaluation tests are discussed, with focus on the types of tested pollutants and analytical techniques. Finally, key challenges are presented, providing insights for future advancements in sustainable water purification. Full article

This work aims to assess the droplets produced by a novel evaporation process, proposed as an alternative for managing tequila vinasses, using a spectral camera with three spectral bands and a thermal camera mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). High-resolution satellite images with seven spectral bands complemented this characterization. The spectral characterization was conducted by comparing three experimental conditions: the background of the study area without droplets, the droplets generated from purified water, and the droplets produced from tequila vinasses. Two monitoring campaigns, conducted in November 2024 and January 2025, revealed that the tequila vinasse droplets exhibited a maximum influence radius of 16 m, primarily regulated by wind speed conditions (6–16 km/h). Thermal analysis identified the droplet plume as a zone with a lower temperature, creating a thermal contrast of up to 6.6 °C against the average background temperature of 36.6 °C. No significant difference was observed in the influence radius between the droplets generated from vinasse and those from potable water. Spectral analysis of the UAV and satellite images showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in reflectance when the droplets were present (e.g., the coastal blue band increased from an average of 14.43 to 95.59 when vinasse droplets were present). This suggests that the presence of chemical compounds altered light absorption and reflection. However, the instrument’s sensitivity limited the detection of organic compounds at concentrations below its detection limit. The monitoring data presented in this manuscript is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the potential environmental impacts of the droplets emitted by this novel process. Full article

The possibility of collecting new archaeological elements useful in reconstructing the dynamics of population, production and commercial activities in the Bronze Age at the edge of the central-southern Venice Lagoon was provided between 2023 and 2024 thanks to an intervention of rescue archaeology planned during some water restoration works in the Giare–Mira area. Three small excavations revealed, approximately one meter below the current surface and covered by alluvial sediments, a rather complex palimpsest dated to the late Recent and the early Final Bronze Age. Three large circular pits containing exclusively purified grey/blue clay and very rare inclusions of vegetable fibres, and many large, fired clay vessels’ bases, walls and rims clustered in concentrated assemblages and random deposits point to potential on-site production. Two pyro-technological structures, one characterised by a sub-circular combustion chamber and a long inlet channel/praefurnium, and the second one with a sub-rectangular shape with arched niches along its southern side, complete the exceptional context here discovered. To analyse the relationship between the site and the natural sedimentary succession and to evaluate the possible extension of this site, three electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and low-frequency electromagnetic (FDEM) measurements were collected. Several manual core drillings associated with remote sensing integrated the geophysical data in the analysis of the geomorphological evolution of this area, clearly related to different phases of fluvial activity, in a framework of continuous relative sea level rise. The typology and chronology of the archaeological structures and materials, currently undergoing further analyses, support the interpretation of the site as a late Recent/early Final Bronze Age productive site. Geophysical and geomorphological data provide information on the palaeoenvironmental setting, suggesting that the site was located on a fine-grained, stable alluvial plain at a distance of a few kilometres from the lagoon shore to the south-east and the course of the Brenta River to the north. The archaeological site was buried by fine-grained floodplain deposits attributed to the Brenta River. The good preservation of the archaeological structures buried by fluvial sediments suggests that the site was abandoned soon before sedimentation started. Full article

The present study compared the adsorption properties of two plant materials and the waste products after their essential oil extraction for removing Cu(II) ions from contaminated water. Methods like SEM, XRD, nitrogen adsorption, DTA, TGA, FTIR, and XPS were used for characterization of the materials. All materials showed similar porosity and structure, favoring Cu(II) biosorption. The effects of contact time, pH, temperature, sample amount, and initial metal concentration on Cu(II) removal were examined. Optimal pH was 4, with equilibrium reached in less than 10 min. Temperature and sample amount do not significantly influence the biosorption. The experimental data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models, and maximum adsorption capacities were calculated. The four plant materials proved to be effective biosorbents for removing copper ions from contaminated water. Desorption experiments using 1 M HNO₃ and 0.1 M EDTA showed 100% recovery. The reusability of the most effective biosorbent was confirmed through four adsorption/desorption cycles with EDTA. This material was also used to study the possibilities of purifying a real sample of contaminated water. Full article

In this study, camel milk (CM) and Gir cow milk (GCM) were fermented through cofermentation via yeast–lactic cultures, i.e., Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (M9, MTCC 25516) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (WBS2A, MG101828), and their antioxidant and antidiabetic effectiveness were studied. To optimize the growth conditions, the level of proteolysis was evaluated by exploring various inoculation levels (1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%) as well as incubation durations (0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h). Peptides were extracted and purified through 2D gel electrophoresis as well as SDS–PAGE. Water-soluble extracts (WSEs) of ultrafiltered (UF) peptide fractions were evaluated via reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) to identify the peptide segments. By applying the Peakview tool, peptide sequences obtained from liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) were reviewed by comparison with those in the BIOPEP database. Furthermore, the elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and nitric oxide (NO) in RAW 267.4 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are considerably lower than those in cultured CM and GCM. Protein macromolecules in CMs and GCMs have been captured via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy both before and after fermentation. Full article

Background: Considering that the prevalence of obesity has risen rapidly in recent decades, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a carbohydrate mouth rinse (CMR) on the outcomes of aerobic training among adult men with obesity, focusing particularly on the effects of repeated use on body composition and exercise performance. Methods: The intervention targeted 20 men with obesity in their 20s and 30s randomly assigned to either a CMR group (n = 10) or a placebo mouth rinse (PMR) group (n = 10). Both groups completed treadmill-based aerobic training three times per week for eight weeks. Prior to each session, participants used a mouth rinse at 60, 40, and 20 s before the start of each exercise, holding either a 6% maltodextrin solution (CMR) or purified water (PMR) in their mouths for 5 to 10 s before expectorating. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included body composition (body weight and body fat percentage), resting metabolic rate (RMR), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), and exercise performance (rate of perceived exertion [RPE], exercise distance, speed, and time). Data were analyzed using 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Following the intervention, the CMR group showed significantly greater improvements than the PMR group did in body fat percentage, RMR, VO₂max, exercise distance, speed, and time (p < 0.01). However, the interaction effect for RPE was not statistically significant between the groups (p = 0.175). Overall, the repeated use of the CMR during aerobic training contributed to enhanced exercise performance and favorable physiological changes without additional caloric intake. Conclusions: A CMR may be a practical and non-caloric ergogenic aid to support exercise performance and metabolic function in individuals with obesity. Its repeated use during aerobic training appears to be effective and safe, especially when fasting while exercising, when improving endurance without compromising fat loss is essential. Full article

Background/Objectives. Flavonoids are a vast class of phenolic substances. To date, approximately 6000 plant-origin flavonoids have been discovered, with many of them being used in drug therapy. Therapeutic flavonoids are commonly formulated to conventional “one-size-fits-all” dosage forms, such as conventional tablets or hard capsules. However, the current trends in pharmacy and medicine are centred on personalised drug therapy and drug delivery systems (DDSs). Therefore, 3D printing is an interesting technique for designing and preparing novel personalised pharmaceuticals for flavonoids. The aim of the present study was to develop aqueous polyethylene oxide (PEO) gel inks loaded with rutin for semisolid extrusion (SSE) 3D printing. Methods. Rutin (a model substance for therapeutic flavonoids), Tween 80, PEO (MW approx. 900,000), ethanol, and purified water were used in PEO gels at different proportions. The viscosity and homogeneity of the gels were determined. The rutin–PEO gels were printed with a bench-top Hyrel 3D printer into lattices and discs, and their weight and effective surface area were investigated. Results. The key SSE 3D-printing process parameters were established and verified. The results showed the compatibility of rutin as a model flavonoid and PEO as a carrier polymer. The rutin content (%) and content uniformity of the 3D-printed preparations were assayed by UV spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Conclusions. The most feasible aqueous PEO gel ink formulation for SSE 3D printing contained rutin 100 mg/mL and Tween 80 50 mg/mL in a 12% aqueous PEO gel. The 3D-printed dosage forms are intended for the oral administration of flavonoids. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health concern, driven in part by the environmental release of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Aquatic systems, particularly those exposed to urban, agricultural, and industrial activity, are recognized as hotspots for AMR evolution and transmission. In Chile, the Aconcagua River—subject to multiple anthropogenic pressures—offers a representative model for studying the environmental dimensions of AMR. Methods: Thirteen surface water samples were collected along the Aconcagua River basin in a single-day campaign to avoid temporal bias. Samples were filtered through 0.22 μm membranes and cultured on MacConkey agar, either unsupplemented or supplemented with ceftazidime (CAZ) or ciprofloxacin (CIP). Isolates were purified and identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method in accordance with CLSI guidelines. Carbapenemase activity was assessed using the Blue-Carba test, and PCR was employed for the detection of the bla_VIM, bla_KPC, bla_NDM, and bla_IMP genes. Results: A total of 104 bacterial morphotypes were isolated; 80 were identified at the species level, 5 were identified at the genus level, and 19 could not be taxonomically assigned using MALDI-TOF. Pseudomonas (40 isolates) and Aeromonas (25) were the predominant genera. No growth was observed on CIP plates, while 24 isolates were recovered from CAZ-supplemented media, 87.5% of which were resistant to aztreonam. Five isolates exhibited resistance to carbapenems; two tested positive for carbapenemase activity and carried the bla_VIM gene. Conclusions: Our results confirm the presence of clinically significant resistance mechanisms, including bla_VIM, in environmental Pseudomonas spp. from the Aconcagua River. These findings highlight the need for environmental AMR surveillance and reinforce the importance of adopting a One Health approach to antimicrobial stewardship and wastewater regulation. Full article

Olive leaves, the main byproducts of olive cultivation, are characterized by a plethora of bioactive metabolites with significant nutritional value. Their main pentacyclic triterpenes, Oleanolic Acid (OA) and Maslinic Acid (MA), are two high added-value compounds with remarkable activities. This study aimed to develop an efficient methodology for extracting and purifying OA and MA, utilizing Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC)—two modern, scalable, and green techniques. A total of 21 g of olive leaves were subjected to SFE using supercritical CO₂ and ethanol as co-solvent. The extraction employed a step gradient mode, starting with 100% CO₂ and incrementally increasing ethanol (0–10% w/w) every 20 min. Fractions rich in OA and MA (500 mg) were further purified via CPC, utilizing pH zone refining to exploit the protonation and deprotonation properties of acidic triterpenes. The biphasic solvent system consisted of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water (8:2:5:5 v/v/v/v), with trifluoroacetic acid added to the stationary phase and triethylamine added to the mobile phase. This two-step process yielded 89.5 mg of OA and 28.5 mg of MA with over 95% purity, as confirmed by HPLC-ELSD and ¹H-NMR. Moreover, purified compounds and SFE fractions exhibited promising elastase and collagenase inhibition, highlighting them as dermocosmetic agents. Full article

Biorefinery is gaining attention as a promising approach to valorize natural resources and promote a circular bioeconomy. This study aimed to recover high-value molecules, such as xanthophylls and polar lipids with nutraceutical applications, through enzymatic pretreatment and sequential pressurized liquid extraction (PLEseq), by reusing the residual biomass of Nannochloropsis gaditana after each processing step. Remarkably, pure glycolipids (102.95 ± 1.10 mg g⁻¹ dry weight) were obtained immediately after enzymatic pretreatment, facilitating their easy recovery. Furthermore, two alternative sequential extraction processes were successfully developed, using ethanol and water as green solvents at varying temperatures and in different orders. The most effective PLEseq conditions yielded up to 48 mg mL⁻¹ of carbohydrates using water at 50 °C, and up to 44 mg mL⁻¹ of proteins via subcritical water extraction at 100 °C, prior to conventional lipid extraction with ethanol to produce various concentrated extracts. In the inverted PLEseq process—starting with ethanol extraction followed by successive water washes—isolated and purified fractions of lutein and astaxanthin were obtained, contributing to the complete depletion of the residual biomass. Overall, the development of an integrated and sequential biorefinery protocol that enables the extraction of multiple high-value compounds holds significant potential for application in the food industry. Full article