Search Results (4,774)

The transition from simple herbivory to specialised gall induction in Cynipidae marks an evolutionary peak in insect–plant interactions. This structural and ultrastructural study suggests that the gall wasp larva has evolved from a passive consumer into a biological architect, utilising a highly specialised body plan. The structure of the large midgut, the midgut epithelium reinforced by septate junctions, and the cuboidal cells of the hindgut allow for the possibility that the larva of Andricus quercustozae may control itself independently from its host, working as an active producer rather than just recycling materials. The foregut constitutes approximately 10% of the alimentary canal length, while the large blind midgut occupies 80%. The remaining 10% consists of a specialised hindgut tube, which is anteriorly closed and contains a reinforced, cuticularised external anal pore. This posterior structure, together with a dense aggregation of urocytes and oenocytes in the anal region, presumed systemic homeostasis and the symmetrical distribution of hormonal signals. These anatomical hallmarks provide a structural baseline to hypothesize that biosynthesis may represent a key mechanism for phytohormone acquisition, while suggesting that this closed-circuit anatomy could potentially be a contributing factor influencing the spherical morphogenesis of the gall. Full article

Although gastrointestinal distress is both common and debilitating in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), underpinning mechanisms—and therefore effective management strategies—are not fully elucidated. The current study employed well-established valproic acid ASD model in larval zebrafish to more comprehensively characterize mitochondrial dysregulation. Whole body redox status and mitochondrial respiration, as well as protein expression in the mitophagy-lysosomal axis in the mid-intestine was assessed. In addition, high-resolution microscopy of the gut was used to assess mitochondrial morphometrics and distribution. Redox imbalance was evident from increased oxygen radical levels and decreased endogenous antioxidant capacity, as well as depression of whole body mitochondrial respiration. Upregulation of endo-lysosomal pathway markers (Rab5, LAMP1) together with reduced expression in mitophagy and autophagy markers (PINK1, LC3B) suggests a potential impairment of canonical mitophagy in the ASD-like gut. High-resolution imaging further revealed smaller, more circular mitochondria, indicative of a morphological fission bias. Abnormal mitochondrial distribution patterns were also evident. Together, current data points to primary mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential feature of the ASD-like gut. Furthermore, data suggest potential insufficiencies in mitochondrial recycling as potential role player in ASD-associated (gut) mitochondrial pathology. Full article

Textile waste represents a growing environmental challenge, while also offering opportunities for material recovery and the development of higher-value recycled products. This study investigated the potential of post-consumer textile waste for the production of sound-absorbing acoustic panels. Five textile fiber compositions were evaluated: cotton, polyester, wool, linen, and a mixed blend consisting of 50% polyester, 30% cotton, 10% wool, 5% linen, and 5% other fibers. The panels were produced using a biopolymer binder and tested using an AFD 1000 impedance tube. The measurement software generated frequency-resolved sound absorption data from 6.25 to 6393.75 Hz at 6.25 Hz intervals; however, only the validated frequency range of 100–4000 Hz was included in the analysis. Three cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 40 mm were prepared from each material type. Sound absorption coefficients were analyzed across low- (100–250 Hz), mid- (250–1000 Hz), and high-frequency (1000–4000 Hz) ranges, and statistical differences between materials were assessed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post hoc test. The results showed no statistically significant differences between fiber types at low frequencies. In contrast, significant differences were observed in the mid- and high-frequency ranges. Cotton achieved the highest mean absorption coefficient in the mid-frequency range (α = 0.747), while polyester and wool performed best at high frequencies, with mean absorption coefficients of 0.913 and 0.850, respectively. Polyester showed the highest overall acoustic performance across the analyzed frequency range, with a mean absorption coefficient of α = 0.824. These findings demonstrate that post-consumer textile waste can be upcycled into functional acoustic materials, supporting circular economy principles and offering a potential alternative to conventional mineral-based sound absorbers in interior and construction applications. Full article

The rapid growth of electronic waste (e-waste) has emerged as a significant global environmental challenge, driven by increased consumption of electronic devices and shortened product lifecycles. E-waste contains a complex mixture of metals, polymers, and hazardous substances that, under physical, chemical, and biological processes, can transform into nanoscale materials. These electronic waste-derived nanomaterials are increasingly recognized for their potential environmental mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity. This review critically examines their generation pathways during recycling and environmental weathering, their release into environmental systems, and associated risks to ecosystems and human health. It also highlights current analytical approaches, regulatory challenges, and sustainable mitigation strategies. Full article

In most developing countries, the composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) arriving at final disposal sites (FDSs) differs from that at the source due to informal segregation of potentially recyclable waste (PRW) during its management, as well as because FDSs typically receive MSW from multiple municipalities. After exhaustively reviewing methods and studies of MSW characterization at their source, in collection trucks, and at FDSs, a lack of standardized methods for in situ characterization was identified, so this work proposes an innovative methodology to characterize MSW in situ at FDSs through the integration of geographic information systems to delimit the FDS or the selected cell(s) and the application of systematic sampling based on the NMX-AA-132-SCFI-2016 standard. To validate its applicability, MSW was sampled and characterized during the 2023 and 2024 dry (DS) and rainy seasons (RS) at a waste integral center in Tenango del Valle, Estado de México. The average compositions of organic waste were 15.3 ± 0.8% and 10.6 ± 0.1%; for PRW, they were 59.3 ± 5.4% and 50.5 ± 4.0%; and for the residual fraction, they were 25.4 ± 4.6% and 39.0 ± 4.1% in DS and RS, respectively; however, significant differences between seasonal or annual means could not be determined due to the limited sample size. The high percentages of PRW determined in situ are attributed to mixed household collection and show the potential to be recovered. The use of the proposed methodology enables representative in situ characterization of MSW after disposal with a lower level of significance, and it can be useful for decision-making regarding sustainable waste management projects. Full article

The growing demand for electric traction batteries, together with their high content of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), necessitates comprehensive life cycle environmental assessments. Limited attention in the literature has been devoted to explicitly disentangling the role of individual CRMs in shaping both environmental burdens and potential end-of-life benefits. This study presents a “cradle-to-grave” life cycle assessment (LCA) of a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery for electric vehicle applications, aiming to identify the contributions of individual life cycle phases and quantify the role of CRMs. The life cycle inventory was developed using data from the literature and the Ecoinvent database, with impacts assessed using the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint hierarchist (H) method. LCA results indicate that the material manufacturing phase dominates most impact categories. A gravity analysis demonstrates that a limited set of CRMs (aluminium, copper, and lithium) structurally governs both environmental burdens and recycling benefits. Monte Carlo analysis indicates low uncertainty for most impact categories. A first sensitivity analysis reveals that improvements in round-trip efficiency exert the strongest influence on environmental performance. A second sensitivity analysis assesses the effect of different energy mixes used to model electricity consumption during the use phase. Full article

The growing generation of end-of-life tires and the structural deficiencies of tertiary road networks in developing regions represent two interconnected challenges that call for integrated engineering solutions. Although recycled tire geocells have been explored as a reinforcement alternative for unpaved roads, their mechanical performance has not been systematically compared against conventional high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geocells under controlled cyclic loading, nor has the material valorization potential been quantified in terms of waste diversion capacity. This study systematically evaluates and compares the deformation response, stress distribution, and aggregate degradation of both systems through large-scale laboratory testing. An instrumented steel chamber was used to apply up to 100,000 load cycles at 600 kPa contact pressure, across two cell heights (150 mm and 200 mm) and two granular infill qualities. The 200 mm recycled tire geocell reduced permanent surface deformation by up to 84% relative to the unreinforced condition, and Traffic Benefit Ratio values reached up to 1.6 times those recorded for HDPE geocells under lower-quality infill. The viscoelastic response of rubber promoted energy dissipation and limited aggregate particle breakage. Confinement performance was fully preserved after surface reconditioning, confirming the durability of the reinforcement system under maintenance cycles. The fabrication process requires no chemical transformation, valorizing approximately 16 end-of-life tires per square meter—equivalent to 56,000 tires per kilometer of reinforced road. These findings support the large-scale valorization of end-of-life tires as functional geotechnical materials, offering a circular economy pathway for solid waste diversion in regions where both road infrastructure deficits and tire disposal challenges coexist. Full article

Global growth in electric mobility, portable electronics, and renewable energy storage has increased concerns about the environmental and economic impacts of managing end-of-life lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Although these batteries support the transition to renewable energy, their disposal presents significant challenges. Recycling has emerged as a key strategy to reduce resource depletion, limit pollution, and recover valuable materials. This study systematically reviewed and quantitatively synthesised the literature published between 2000 and 2025, assessing the environmental impacts of battery recycling programs. The review followed PRISMA guidelines to ensure a transparent and rigorous study selection process. Data from peer-reviewed articles, industry reports, and policy documents were analysed, focusing on indicators such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, material recovery efficiency, and economic returns. Statistical methods, including Hedges’ g, heterogeneity testing, and sensitivity analysis within a random-effects model, were applied to account for variability across technologies and battery types. The results show that recycling generally lowers emissions and improves resource recovery compared to virgin material extraction, though performance varies. Lead-acid recycling demonstrates stronger environmental benefits due to mature technologies and established systems, while lithium-ion recycling shows positive but lower gains, limited by higher energy demands and less-developed processes. Overall, recycling is essential for reducing environmental impacts and supporting a circular economy, though lithium-ion systems require further technological and policy advancements. These findings can be used by governments to strengthen regulatory frameworks to support recycling industries and invest in advanced lithium-ion recycling technologies to improve efficiency. Despite the existing limitations, the benefits of recycling outweigh the drawbacks, making it a necessary strategy for sustainable battery waste management. Full article

Rapidly increasing manufacturing waste intensifies the need for highly efficient and economically feasible waste-to-resource technologies. This research presented an upcycling strategy that transforms silver (Ag)-bearing waste into functional silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag₂O NPs) for potential use in biomedical applications. A two-step process of silver purification and the bio–sonochemical synthesis of Ag₂O NPs was employed. First, the sequential purification of Ag via melt-refining and electrorefining was utilized to efficiently achieve a silver purity of ≥99.90%. This purification encouraged the recycling of various forms of Ag-bearing waste. Subsequently, the purified Ag was prepared as the precursor for the bio–sonochemical synthesis of Ag₂O NPs, using Cannabis sativa SUT CBD12 flower extract as a natural reducing agent. The optimal conditions were adapted from a preliminary test using AgNO₃ as the precursor. At initial concentrations of 0.01 M Ag solution, 1 mM PVP solution, and 10 g dried weight of Cannabis sativa SUT CBD12 added to 100 mL DI water, the optimal condition was obtained at the capping agent:reducing agent:precursor volume ratio of 0.6:0.006:1, pH 10–12, under a short sonication time of 2 min. The purified Ag (waste-derived) and AgNO₃-derived Ag₂O NPs shared similar spherical shapes and sizes of ~100–130 nm. The Ag₂O NPs showed antibacterial effectiveness against S. aureus (ZOI of 26–29 mm) and E. coli (ZOI of 16–20 mm). Preliminary observations into the incorporation of Ag₂O NPs into polycaprolactone (PCL) to produce electrospun PCL/Ag₂O NPs nano fabrics shows a bead-free morphology, raising the possibility of a potential use in wound dressing. Following these preliminary explorations into potential uses and emission controls, a circular design maximizing the use of recycled resources is emphasized. Full article

Rubusoside is the major sweet bioactive compound in Rubus chingii var. suavissimus (S.K.Lee) L.T.Lu, characterized by high sweetness, low caloric value, and favorable safety, with potential applications as a natural sweeteners and in functional foods. However, efficient green extraction technologies and their mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. Here, a microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) system was developed for rubusoside recovery. The ternary DES composed of choline chloride, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol (1:2:2) showed the best performance and outperformed microwave-assisted water extraction. Response surface methodology identified optimal conditions of 33% moisture content, a liquid–solid ratio of 21 mL/g, 6 min, and 320 W, yielding 7.89 ± 0.25% rubusoside. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, electrostatic potential, atoms-in-molecules theory, and independent gradient modelling based on Hirshfeld partition analyses revealed significant non-covalent interactions between the ternary DES and rubusoside. Scanning electron microscopy showed that DES and microwave treatment synergistically disrupted plant tissues and enhanced mass transfer. LX-28 macroporous resin enabled rubusoside separation, and the recovered DES retained stable performance after five reuse cycles. These results demonstrate a green, efficient, and recyclable strategy driven by cooperative hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions between the ternary DES and the rubusoside glycosyl moiety, together with DES–microwave-induced tissue disruption and mass-transfer enhancement. Full article

Fruit and vegetable wastes can be recycled into value-added fermentation broths (FBs) through anaerobic fermentation, but the characteristics of FBs and the effects on soil ecological processes remain insufficiently understood. This study analyzed FBs produced from 14 wastes and selected five FBs (garlic, tomato, sweet potato, apple, and lettuce) for pot experiments. The results showed significant differences among the FBs in nutrients, enzymes, and microbial communities. Garlic FB had the highest concentrations of ammonium nitrogen (309.81 mg/L), total phosphorus (327.73 mg/L), total potassium (1365.8 mg/L), and organic matter (28.99 g/L), along with the highest activity of acid phosphatase, urease, protease, and catalase (p < 0.05). FB application improved soil nutrient availability and enzyme activities, with garlic FB showing the strongest effects, increasing catalase, urease, acid phosphatase, and β-glucosidase by 83.34%, 180.72%, 112.34%, and 21.95%, respectively. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the soil treated with garlic FB contained beneficial taxa, including Saprospiraceae, Chitinophagaceae, Azotobacter, and Sphingomonas, which are associated with enzyme production and organic matter decomposition. Furthermore, the application of FBs reduced the incidence of downy mildew and leaf spot and promoted the growth of Brassica chinensis. Though chemical fertilizer produced the highest biomass due to immediate nutrient availability, the FB treatments, especially garlic FB, showed advantages concerning soil health, disease suppression, and sustainability, highlighting their potential for organic waste recycling and sustainable agriculture. Full article

The sustained expansion of printing and dyeing operations has led to the discharge of large volumes of organic wastewater containing dyes. The resulting environmental pollution demands urgent solutions, making the development of efficient and eco-friendly methods for the elimination of dyeing wastewater critically important. The combination of alginate hydrogel membranes with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for water purification represents an emerging approach in the current field of water treatment. In this study, a calcium alginate membrane was loaded with a glaze containing highly active cobalt oxide to fabricate a glaze-calcium alginate (Glaze-CaAlg) composite membrane. The membrane achieved stable degradation of Orange G dye under optimal conditions, and a series of tests were conducted under varying conditions using pollutant concentrations close to those found in real water bodies. Under optimal conditions (glaze loading = 2.5 mL, PMS = 0.3 mmol/L, cross-flow filtration mode), the membrane achieved a 93.7% degradation efficiency of Orange G (10 ppm) within 45 min, with hydroxyl radicals (·OH, ~79%) identified as the predominant reactive species. The Glaze-CaAlg membrane also exhibited excellent reusability, maintaining a degradation efficiency of over 80% for Orange G across five consecutive cycles. Furthermore, sodium citrate was employed to react with the Glaze-CaAlg membrane, enabling the recovery and secondary application of the glaze. Membranes re-fabricated from the recovered glaze showed mechanical strength and catalytic efficiency comparable to those of the pristine membrane. The Glaze-CaAlg membrane possesses high catalytic activity and good stability. This work offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and recyclable catalytic membrane that converts a traditional ceramic material into an advanced functional material for wastewater remediation, with great potential for practical application in the treatment of refractory organic pollutants. Full article

Composting is widely used to reduce biological risks during manure recycling, but changes in viral communities and virus-associated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remain poorly resolved. This study aimed to assess changes in DNA viral communities, eukaryotic viral protein signals, virus-associated ARGs, and predicted virus–host linkages during chicken manure composting using paired analyses of total-community metagenomes and viral-particle-enriched viromes. Both approaches recovered viral assemblages dominated by Uroviricota and lytic viruses but produced distinct profiles. Viromes yielded more taxonomically assigned viral operational taxonomic units and a higher proportion of relatively complete viral genomes, whereas metagenomes produced a larger predicted virus–host network. Composting restructured viral communities, reducing manure-associated genera and enriching stage-specific groups. Eukaryotic viral protein signals declined during composting. Virus-associated ARGs accounted for 24.83–38.76% of ARG abundance in metagenomes and 5.38–45.09% in viromes, with lower abundance and richness in viromes. Selected virus-associated ARGs showed transient early enrichment, particularly in the virome. By maturity, both overall virus-associated ARG signals and higher-risk ARG signals had declined. Predicted virus–host associations included bacterial groups containing potential opportunistic pathogens. These results show that composting restructures viral communities and attenuates virus-associated ARG signals, while metagenomes and viromes provide complementary but non-interchangeable views of viral ecology and ARG risk. Full article

The durability of concrete in chemically aggressive environments remains a major concern for marine structures, wastewater systems, industrial facilities, pavements, and foundations exposed to sulfate-bearing soils. Geopolymer concrete has attracted increasing attention as a lower-carbon alternative to ordinary Portland cement concrete because its aluminosilicate-rich reaction products, reduced portlandite content, and adjustable precursor–activator chemistry may enhance resistance to various chemical attack mechanisms. However, its durability is strongly governed by mixture composition and exposure regime, and therefore cannot be generalized across all geopolymer systems. This review provides a systematic and critical synthesis of the chemical attack resistance of geopolymer concrete, focusing on acid, sulfate, chloride, marine, wastewater, and combined aggressive exposures. The effects of precursor chemistry, calcium content, activator composition, curing regime, additives, fibers, aggregate type, recycled materials, and environmental coupling are examined in relation to degradation mechanisms and durability indicators. A PRISMA-informed methodology was used to identify, screen, verify, and synthesize primary experimental and modeling studies. The reviewed evidence indicates that low-calcium and well-polymerized geopolymer systems often exhibit favorable sulfate resistance due to the reduced availability of calcium-bearing phases that form expansive products, whereas chloride resistance is primarily governed by pore refinement, chloride transport, binding capacity, pore–solution alkalinity, and reinforcement corrosion behavior. In contrast, acid resistance remains more variable, depending on acid type, pH, exposure duration, solution renewal, calcium content, and the stability of protective silica-rich layers. Additives and alternative aggregates can enhance durability by refining the pore structure, improving the interfacial transition zone, or controlling cracking, but excessive or incompatible dosages may have adverse effects. Overall, geopolymer concrete offers strong potential for chemically aggressive infrastructure when designed through performance-based criteria and validated under realistic multi-exposure conditions. Full article

Construction and demolition waste is one of the most voluminous yet poorly managed waste streams in developing cities, and Fez, Morocco, is no exception. With over 1.2 million inhabitants and an expanding construction sector, the city produces large quantities of building debris annually. Until this study, no systematic inventory of illegal dumpsites existed, and municipal documents contained no data on volumes, composition, or spatial distribution. We addressed this gap through three approaches: a field survey of 43 illegal dumpsites, a permit-based Waste Generation Rate (WGR) analysis with projections to 2040, and a Simplified Material Flow Analysis (MFA) integrating field-observed stocks and theoretical generation estimates into a city-scale mass balance. The 43 surveyed sites hold a combined volume of 15,626,019 m³, with an average inert content of 51.60%, below the 65% benchmark, reflecting systematic co-deposition with no sorting. Only 11.6% of sites showed high recovery potential. The waste generation rate estimates a total generation of 419,269–1,426,302 tonnes over 2016–2025, with demolition accounting for 64% of the output. The materiel flow analysis reveals a 2- to 7-fold discrepancy between observed stock levels and theoretical estimates. Without intervention, generation is projected to increase sevenfold by 2040. Fez is caught in an informal disposal trap. Three actions are needed: mandatory traceability, targeted enforcement at high-flow sites, and on-site recycling capacity. Full article