Search Results (1,101)

The increased demand for food worldwide has led to the widespread use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. Since the Green Revolution, the use of such chemical fertilizers has been in high demand as a nutrient input in agriculture. The increased application of fertilizer to upsurge crop yields is not suitable for the long term and leads to nutrient loss, as well as severe environmental and ecological consequences. In contrast to conventional fertilizers, nano fertilizers, which are designed at the 1–100 nm size, provide focused nutrient delivery, decreased leaching, and improved plant absorption. They accomplish this by greatly increasing crop yields, enhancing fertilizer usage efficiency, and facilitating sustainable farming in the face of obstacles, including resource scarcity, climate change, and a projected population size of 10 billion by 2050. In comparison to typical NPK fertilizers at equal nutrient rates, nano fertilizers enhanced crop yields by an average of 20–23% across cereals, legumes, and horticulture crops according to studies conducted between 2015 and 2024. In particular, using nano urea with rice increased grain yields by 28.6% with 44% less nitrogen input, and applying nano zinc to wheat increased yields by 31.2% and improved the grain’s Zn content by 41%. Through targeted foliar or soil application, nano fertilizers frequently increase nutrient use efficiency (NUE) by more than 50% as opposed to 30–50% for conventional fertilizers. Nano fertilizer is prepared based on the encapsulation of plant essential minerals and nutrients with a suitable polymer matrix as a carrier and then delivered as nano-sized particles or emulsions to the plants. Natural plant openings like stomata and lenticels in plant parts facilitate the uptake and diffusion, leading to higher NUE. This review provides an overview of current knowledge on the development of advanced nano-based and smart agriculture using nano fertilizer to improve nutritional management. Furthermore, nanoscale fertilizers and their formulation, nano-based approaches to increase crop production, the different types of fertilizers that are currently available, and the mechanism of action of the nano fertilizers are discussed. Thus, it is expected that a properly designed nano fertilizer could synchronize the release of nutrients in crop plants as and when needed. Full article

To address the need for enhanced geotechnical performance in gravelly soil stabilization, this study investigated the synergistic effects of guar gum as an additive in enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP) treatment. Through systematic experimentation combining unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, carbonate content quantification, and triaxial analysis, the mechanical behavior of treated soils was evaluated under varying EICP solution concentrations (0–2 mol/L) and curing durations. Results demonstrated that a 1.5 mol/L EICP solution achieved peak strength and carbonate precipitation before subsequent decline, while a 1% guar gum dosage optimized mechanical properties by balancing initial strength enhancement and precipitation efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy revealed microstructural mechanisms wherein guar gum provided heterogeneous nucleation sites for calcite crystals, while its interaction with EICP enabled dual-phase pore filling and interparticle bonding. This synergistic effect created a three-dimensionally reinforced matrix, significantly improving both UCS and unconsolidated undrained shear strength compared to native and EICP-only specimens. The findings establish a theoretical framework for regulating calcite precipitation patterns and enhancing cementation mechanisms in gravelly soil improvement, offering practical guidelines for foundation engineering applications through the combined use of guar gum and EICP. Full article

Engineering sizing of seasonal underground thermal energy storage (SUTES) systems remains constrained by the complex coupling of heat and moisture transport in unsaturated porous media. Neglecting these coupling effects can lead to significant errors in the design of borehole length and spacing. This study presents a three-dimensional numerical investigation of a coaxial borehole heat exchanger (CBHE) field over a full annual cycle, including storage, transition, extraction, and recovery stages. A coupled heat–moisture transfer model for the soil–CBHE system is developed and validated against experimental data, yielding mean relative errors of 6.8% for temperature and 7.7% for volumetric water content. The model is then used to quantify the sensitivity of SUTES performance to the initial volumetric water content (θ₀). Increasing θ₀ from 0.20 to 0.40 m³·m⁻³ enhances the average heat injection rate per unit depth by 6.6% (from 53.84 to 57.39 W·m⁻¹) and the heat extraction rate by 7.1% (from 23.73 to 25.41 W·m⁻¹). This enhancement is primarily attributed to increased effective thermal conductivity and heat capacity, together with moisture migration and the associated latent-heat effects within the soil matrix. While the variations in seasonal energy and exergy efficiencies are within 1 percentage point, radial soil-temperature uniformity and effective heat diffusion are significantly improved in moister soils. These findings clarify the coupled transport mechanisms in borehole seasonal storage and provide engineering guidance for sizing CBHE fields in unsaturated formations. Full article

Electrospinning and electrospraying nanotechnologies were used to valorise agro-industrial residues into biohybrid controlled-release polyphenol (CRP) scaffolds. Four polyhydroxybutyrate ± polycaprolactone (PHB±PCL) architectures were fabricated that differed in polymer phase, Klason lignin from hazelnut shell (HS-KL) presence vs. absence, and co-location with grape-pomace polyphenols (GP-PPs), as well as in distribution between fibres and bead-like depots. Scaffolds were characterised using optical microscopy/stereomicroscopy/SEM, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and dynamic water contact angle (absorption). GP-PP release was monitored for 14 days at ~25 °C and 37 °C, the latter representing shallow-soil hot-spell conditions in Mediterranean zones. All matrices exhibited multimodal release, with modest initial bursts and three phases (burst, mid, and late tail), analogous to controlled-release fertiliser profiles. At ~25 °C, the PHB/PCL matrix with HS-KL confined to PHB fibres and GP-PP in large PCL beads showed the highest total GP-PP release, whereas the architecture with HS-KL and GP-PP co-located in both PHB and PCL fibres and in PCL depots combined high total release with a smoother, well-metered late phase. At 37 °C, this HS-KL-GP-PP co-located scaffold was the most robust, retaining the highest total and late tail release. These results identify HS-KL-GP-PP co-located PHB/PCL architectures as promising carriers for temperature-resilient delivery of bioactive polyphenols in Mediterranean agrosystems. Full article

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) are incorporated into automotive coatings to enhance durability, corrosion, UV resistance, and, in some formulations, photocatalytic self-cleaning. While the toxicology of pristine TiO₂ is well studied, the behavior of TiO₂ NPs embedded in polymer matrices and subjected to real-world aging, maintenance, and removal remains poorly characterized. This narrative review synthesizes 24 publications spanning the lifecycle of TiO₂ nano-enabled automotive coatings, from synthesis and formulation through application, in-service weathering, repair, refinishing, and end-of-life environmental fate. Upstream properties, such as coating functionality and performance, have been examined as determinants of later-life release, exposure, and fate. Across studies, dispersion state, interfacial compatibility, and surface modification—together with transformations such as agglomeration, photocatalysis, weathering, and eco-corona formation—shape particle stability, release, exposure relevance, and toxicological risk. Evidence indicates that sanding and accelerated weathering predominantly generate matrix-associated, polymer-fragment-dominated aerosols rather than pristine TiO₂ NPs, while NP-specific exposure measurements during spray application remain limited. Hazard data suggest matrix embedding may attenuate, but does not eliminate, biological responses relative to pure particles. Wastewater treatment plants and biosolids have been shown to act as sinks with potential for soil accumulation following sludge application. Regulatory frameworks rarely account for aging, transformation, and release, stressing the need for synchronized testing of aged materials and nano-specific exposure metrics to support safer-by-design coatings and risk governance. Full article

Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most persistent pollutants in the environment. Here, we enriched a microbial consortium (PEH) and isolated a bacterial strain, Bacillus cereus PE-1, capable of degrading PE from landfill soil using PE as the sole carbon source. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant surface erosion, while weight loss reached up to 4.57% after 30 days. TGA showed a 5.88% decrease in onset degradation temperature, and contact angle measurements indicated increased hydrophilicity. Elemental analysis confirmed oxygen incorporation into the polymer matrix. Genome sequencing revealed genes associated with biofilm formation (epsA, epsB, pgaC), oxidation (laccase, copper oxidase), hydrolysis (esterase, lipase, PHB depolymerase), and β-oxidation pathways. While these genomic findings indicate a predicted capacity for assimilation, no transcriptomic or proteomic validation was performed in this study. These findings suggest that PE-1 can colonize PE, initiate oxidative cleavage, and potentially assimilate breakdown products. This study provides new insights into the microbial degradation of polyolefins and identifies a promising bacterial candidate for plastic bioremediation. Full article

This study proposed a standardized oilseed rape seedling-carrying potting molding method to improve the adaptability of mechanical transplanting of potting seedlings. This method aims to address the failure in seedling pick-up and transport during the mechanized transplanting of rapeseed pot seedlings, which is caused by matrix breakage and seedling damage. This study selected cylindrical oilseed rape seedling-carrying potting as the research object and investigated the relationship between the physical characteristics of seedling-carrying potting and the proportion of the composition of the matrix soil as well as the characteristics of seedling growth after planting. The optimal parameter combination of the matrix soil was obtained using Design-Expert 8.0.6 software: dry matter ratio of 4:1, compression ratio of 0.36, and moisture content of 45%. A single-factor test was conducted using a seedling-carrying potting test bed. According to the single-factor test results, the dry matter ratios (commercial substrate: clay loam mass ratios of 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1), matrix soil compression ratios (0.35, 0.40, and 0.45), and matrix soil moisture content (35%, 40%, and 45%) were selected as the factors of influence, while the drop loss rate, shear resistance, and scattering rate were used as the indicators of evaluation. The drop loss rate of seedling-carrying potting under this parameter combination was 1.5%, the shear resistance was 7.1 N, and the scattering rate was 34.9%. Validation tests were conducted on a seedling-carrying potting test bed, and the relative errors between the actual and simulated values of the drop loss rate, shear resistance, and scattering rate were 7.1%, 7.0%, and 8.4%, respectively, verifying the accuracy of the model and the optimized parameters. Comparison tests of the growth characteristics of the optimized seedling-carrying potting, hole-tray seedling, and bare seedling in field transplanting were conducted. The results displayed that root length, root diameter, root dry matter, chlorophyll content, and seedling vigor index consistently followed the same descending order: seedling-carrying potting > hole-tray seedlings > bare seedlings. Compared to hole-tray seedlings, the corresponding growth characteristics of seedling-carrying potting were 11.7%, 10%, 21.7%, 2.8%, and 27.8% higher, respectively. Compared to bare seedlings, they were 17.1%, 12.5%, 32.2%, 10.8%, and 32.7% higher, respectively. The seedling length, seedling width, plant taper angle, and dry matter mass of stem and leaves were, in descending order, greater in hole-tray seedlings, followed by seedling-carrying potting, and then bare seedlings. In comparison, the corresponding growth characteristics of seedling-carrying potting were 8.9%, 9.8%, 2.3%, and 30.6% higher than those of bare seedlings, respectively. Full article

Industrial coastal basins that host heavy industry can concentrate metal-bearing dust in school environments. We performed a screening multi-matrix assessment across six schools in Quintero–Puchuncaví (central Chile). We measured As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Mn in surface soils (winter 2023; E1–E4 only), indoor settled dust, and settleable particulate matter (SPM) collected in winter (July 2023) and summer (November 2023). Concentrations were determined by ICP-OES/ICP-MS and interpreted with enrichment factors and the geoaccumulation index. A U.S. EPA screening framework was used to estimate non-carcinogenic hazard (HQ) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, as well as cumulative indices for non-carcinogenic (HI) and carcinogenic risk (Risk). SPM carried the strongest anthropogenic signal (EF up to 9900 for Cd, 408 for Cu, and 143 for Pb) and the highest summer loads (Cu > 5000 mg kg⁻¹; Ni > 1000 mg kg⁻¹). Cu dominated non-carcinogenic hazard (HQ up to 137), whereas ILCR was driven by Ni, As, and Cr, exceeding 10⁻⁴ and reaching 10⁻³ at inland/valley schools in summer. Indoor dust showed intermediate burdens, indicating indoor accumulation of outdoor-derived metals, while the winter soil survey provides a baseline indication of outdoor metal reservoirs at the sampled schools. Despite the limited sample size, the results provide screening-level evidence to inform emission control and dust mitigation in school microenvironments. Full article

This study’s primary objective is to determine how boron-containing wastes from the stripping areas of the Emet–Bigadiç (Türkiye) boron deposits affect the mechanical performance of cement-based mortars and the effectiveness of weak soil improvement. The Bigadiç samples contain colemanite, calcite, dolomite, and quartz minerals, whereas the Emet samples predominantly comprise calcite. The wastes were incorporated into the cement matrix in two different forms: (i) solid-phase cement replacement and (ii) boron waste solution additive. Experimental findings demonstrated that replacing 10% of cement with a 4% Bigadiç-origin boron waste solution resulted in a compressive strength of 55.37 MPa after 7 days of curing, which is higher than that of the reference mixture. Also, the study revealed that the addition of 15% boron waste to weak soils increased the soil density to 1728 kg/m³ by filling micro-voids and enhancing intergranular interlocking. Due to this physical filling and chemical bridging effect, CBR value increased from an initial 4 to 6, providing a significant improvement in the soil’s deformation modulus and bearing capacity. Consequently, used boron wastes not only provide high mechanical performance in cement-based systems but also offer potential as an alternative additive material for sustainable and cost-effective soil stabilization applications. Full article

Under drip irrigation conditions, the transport pattern of soil water in the root zone directly affects the water use efficiency of crops. The type of soil matrix, initial moisture content, and irrigation water quality jointly determine the hydrodynamic process of water infiltration. However, as a special type of irrigation water, the water movement mechanism of biogas slurry under drip irrigation in soilless cultivation substrates still lacks systematic investigation. In this study, transparent soil column infiltration experiments were conducted using two types of cultivation substrates—organic (coconut coir) and inorganic (desert sand)—under controlled facility conditions. Three initial moisture contents (10%, 15%, and 20%) and two irrigation water qualities (tap water and diluted biogas slurry) were combined to form twelve treatment groups. Soil moisture sensors and visualization techniques were employed to quantitatively analyze the wetting front morphology, vertical and horizontal infiltration rates, wetting ratio, and soil moisture profile distribution under different treatments. The results showed that the initial moisture content significantly influenced the advancement pattern of the wetting front. Higher initial moisture levels promoted the transformation of the wetting front shape from a “semi-pear” form to a “hemispherical” one and reduced the rate of infiltration decline. The coconut coir substrate exhibited stronger vertical infiltration capacity and a central water aggregation characteristic, whereas the desert sand demonstrated a wider horizontal expansion range. Under low and moderate initial moisture conditions, the application of biogas slurry enhanced horizontal water diffusion and improved the uniformity of the wetted zone, with the wetting ratio increasing by more than 6% compared with high moisture conditions. In addition, the power function model provided an excellent fit for the cumulative infiltration process across all treatments (R² > 0.96), indicating its suitability for describing the water transport process in facility cultivation substrates. This study provides theoretical support for precise water and fertilizer management and the efficient utilization of biogas slurry in soilless cultivation systems. Full article

Geopolymers, a class of alkali-activated aluminosilicate binders, have emerged as a sustainable alternative for expansive soil stabilization. In this study, the swelling behavior of geopolymer-treated bentonite was systematically investigated using a Taguchi orthogonal design, complemented by XRD, FTIR, and SEM analyses to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Specimens were compacted to an initial void ratio of e = 1.1, sealed, and cured under controlled conditions (22 ± 2 °C and 70 ± 2% relative humidity) prior to testing. The free swell ratio (FSR) was determined using a standardized free swelling test in accordance with GB/T 50123-2019, which is technically consistent with ISO 17892-13, under zero vertical surcharge. Each orthogonal condition was tested using a single specimen, and the reported values represent individual measurements. The results show that NaOH concentration is the dominant factor controlling swelling response, with a quantified contribution of 55.04%. The swelling behavior exhibits a distinct two-stage trend, characterized by an initial enhancement at low alkali concentrations followed by a significant suppression beyond a critical threshold of approximately 3 mol/dm³. Microstructural analyses reveal that this transition is governed by a progressive interlayer cation exchange, the structural dissolution of clay minerals, and the formation of geopolymer gel, which densifies the soil matrix and restricts interlayer expansion. These findings provide quantitative and mechanistic insight into the role of alkali activation in expansive clay stabilization and establish a practical concentration threshold for optimizing swelling suppression. Full article

This systematic review analyzes the evolution of Machine Learning and Big Data applications in agriculture from 2021 to 2025, with particular emphasis on how recent technological advances facilitate the transition from precision agriculture to Intelligent Agricultural Ecosystems. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, the ACM Digital Library, SpringerLink, and MDPI, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. After duplicate removal and a two-stage screening process (title/abstract screening followed by full-text assessment), eligible peer-reviewed studies were systematically extracted using a structured coding matrix encompassing six analytical domains: crops, soil, weather and water, land use, animal systems, and farmer decision-making. The findings reveal a substantial increase in ML-driven agricultural analytics. Although Random Forest and Convolutional Neural Networks remain widely adopted, recent studies demonstrate a marked shift toward advanced Deep Learning architectures, integrated cloud–edge–device infrastructures, Federated Learning frameworks for privacy-preserving collaboration, Explainable AI techniques to enhance transparency, and governance-oriented mechanisms to ensure interoperability. Notwithstanding these advances, several persistent challenges remain, including limited generalizability across diverse agroclimatic contexts, the high costs associated with high-quality data annotation, the integration of heterogeneous and multimodal datasets, and infrastructural constraints related to connectivity. These developments are synthesized within the IAE conceptual framework, underscoring governance- and lifecycle-aware orchestration MLOps as a critical differentiator that transcends purely technology-centric approaches. Full article

Phosphogypsum (PG) and phosphorus tailings (PT) are bulk solid wastes generated by the phosphorus chemical industry whose stockpiling poses significant environmental risks and represents a waste of resources. To achieve the goals of “treating waste with waste” and large-scale disposal, this study proposes a technical pathway involving the co-pyrolysis of phosphogypsum and phosphorus tailings to produce artificial soil-like materials. The effects of raw material ratio, pyrolysis temperature and duration, and biomass addition on the speciation transformation, leaching toxicity, and matrix characteristics of phosphorus (P) and fluorine (F) in the products were systematically investigated. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were employed to elucidate the synergistic immobilization mechanism. The results indicate that under optimized conditions (PG:PT mass ratio of 6:4, pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C, duration of 2–3 h, and biomass addition of 20%–30%), the active forms of harmful elements in the product were significantly reduced. The proportion of water-soluble fluorine decreased from ~39% in raw phosphogypsum to less than 3%, with apatite phosphorus becoming the dominant form of phosphorus. Mechanistic studies reveal that the immobilization process follows a “multi-pathway synergy” mechanism: thermal activation promotes the in situ formation of thermodynamically stable fluorapatite through the reaction of Ca²⁺, PO₄³⁻, and F⁻ (chemical fixation); iron/aluminum oxides in phosphorus tailings and the biochar derived from added biomass provide adsorption sites for surface complexation (physicochemical fixation); and the melting of silicon–aluminum components forms an amorphous silicate network that physically encapsulates pollutant microcrystals. This study provides crucial theoretical foundations and process parameters for the synergistic disposal and soil-like resource utilization of phosphogypsum and phosphorus tailings, demonstrating significant environmental and economic benefits. Full article

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) facilitate microbiome adhesion on microplastic surfaces and ensure matrix cohesion, playing a crucial role in establishing the structure and function of the plastisphere. Nevertheless, the dynamic alterations in the composition and features of plastisphere EPS and their relationships with biotic and abiotic factors remain poorly understood, especially in soil ecosystems. The study investigated the variations in the EPS secretion behavior of the plastisphere using three types of microplastics across three representative soils with three incubation durations. Results showed that plastisphere EPS had a more complex composition and lower aromaticity, apparent molecular weight, and polarity than natural soil dissolved organic matter did. Continuous changes in EPS composition and features were detected during incubation. The bacterial plastisphere community played a central role in regulating EPS secretion, and other factors (such as soil properties, incubation time and microplastic types) influenced EPS secretion via the bacterial composition of the plastisphere. A decrease in the number of microbial OTUs was significantly correlated with EPS components that governed the dynamics of the EPS composition and features of the plastisphere during incubation, a pattern that was particularly evident for bacteriomes. This study advances our insight into microbiome-EPS interactions within the soil plastisphere and deepens our understanding of its formation mechanisms. Full article

This study comprehensively evaluates the elemental composition of soil and Pinus species needle samples across 25 distinct plots established along the D825 highway in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye. Located at the confluence of the Mediterranean, East Anatolian, and Central Anatolian regions, this area represents a critical ecological transition zone. A total of 75 soil and 75 needle samples were analyzed in triplicate to assess heavy metal contamination and potential toxicity risks across these elevation gradients. According to the results, the Geoaccumulation Index (I_geo) values for all examined metals remained below zero, categorizing the study area as “unpolluted.” Enrichment Factor (EF) analyses confirmed the lithogenic origin of Cr, Mn, and Ni; however, Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) exhibited an EF of 1.34. This ‘minimal enrichment’ could potentially be associated with anthropogenic pressures, possibly stemming from traffic emissions on the highway. Although current metal levels fall below global toxicity thresholds (WHO/FAO), the positive skewness and high variation in Pb and Cd distributions suggest a likelihood of localized accumulation, which may warrant systematic monitoring. The original contribution of this study lies in its integrated assessment of plant–soil barrier mechanisms within this unique transition zone, demonstrating how forest ecosystems maintain resilience capacity despite ophiolitic parent material contributions. While soil Cr and Ni levels were elevated due to the geological structure, plant tissue concentrations remained within safe physiological limits, suggesting effective stabilization within the soil-biomass matrix. The findings suggest that these forest ecosystems play a key role in maintaining ecological health and environmental sustainability against potential anthropogenic encroachment in this strategic intersection. Full article