Search Results (755)

Petroleum reservoir systems of the South Mangyshlak Basin are characterized by a complex geological framework, pronounced geochemical heterogeneity, and evidence of inter-reservoir fluid interactions, which complicate the interpretation of oil origin and the assessment of geochemically inferred reservoir connectivity between productive horizons. In this study, a comprehensive geochemical characterization of crude oils from the basin was performed using high-resolution gas chromatography (HRGC), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), oil fingerprinting, and Rock-Eval pyrolysis. The distributions of n-alkanes, isoprenoids, terpane, sterane, and aromatic biomarker compounds were analyzed to evaluate the genetic type of the source organic matter, thermal maturity, and hydrocarbon migration processes. The results revealed the presence of marine, lacustrine, and mixed genetic oil families, together with a general tendency toward increasing thermal maturity with reservoir depth. The most pronounced evidence of vertical hydrocarbon migration and oil mixing was identified in the Uzen oil field, where the multilayer reservoir system exhibits geochemical evidence consistent with possible inter-reservoir fluid communication and geochemically inferred reservoir connectivity. The obtained results suggest that the geochemical heterogeneity of oils in the South Mangyshlak Basin reflects the combined effects of variations in source-rock organic matter, vertical hydrocarbon migration, and oil mixing within stacked petroleum reservoir systems. Full article

The intensification of poultry production in Poland generates enormous quantities of excreta and associated biomass. While these constitute valuable sources of macro- and micronutrients, inadequate waste management leads to environmental pollution, nutrient leaching, and ammonia emissions. This paper analyses the fertilising potential of avian excreta, the legal provisions governing their application, and modern management technologies within the context of the circular economy. The study addresses two global threats—antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems—evaluating mitigation strategies and advanced biotechnological processing methods. Industrial farming turns excreta into a reservoir of active antibiotics, leading to the contamination of soils, waters, and crops. As a preventative strategy to reduce reliance on veterinary antibiotics—thereby indirectly mitigating the environmental dissemination of AMR—the dietary application of phytobiotics is highlighted. To counteract eutrophication, supplementing feed with exogenous microbial phytase plays a pivotal role, improving phytate phosphorus absorption and reducing its excretion by up to 50%. Furthermore, anaerobic co-digestion with carbon-rich substrates enhances methane yield, while advanced recovery systems (struvite precipitation, electrodialysis, bioelectrochemical concentration, and membrane techniques) show significant potential for safer nutrient concentration. An integrated technological approach to waste processing constitutes the foundation of sustainable agricultural production. Full article

This study presents an integrated geochemical approach to distinguish between genetic and reservoir-related factors controlling oil compositional variability, evaluate reservoir compartmentalization, and reconstruct hydrocarbon migration pathways within the Nuraly field and the Akshabulak group of fields in the South Turgay Basin, Kazakhstan. The study aims to develop and validate an integrated approach combining biomarker analysis and oil fingerprinting to improve the reliability of oil genetic interpretation, assess reservoir fluid communication, and reconstruct secondary hydrocarbon migration pathways. This study analyzed 164 unique crude oil samples from the Akshabulak and Nuraly fields. Oil fingerprinting was performed on all 164 samples, including 128 samples from the Akshabulak group and 36 samples from the Nuraly field. A representative subset of 75 samples, comprising 39 Akshabulak oils and 36 Nuraly oils, was additionally analyzed for biomarkers. Oil fingerprinting was conducted using low thermal mass multidimensional gas chromatography (LTM-MD-GC), whereas biomarker analysis was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied separately to the oil-fingerprinting and biomarker datasets. The resulting classifications were subsequently compared and integrated to distinguish source-related genetic variability from reservoir-related compositional effects, including hydrocarbon migration, oil mixing, and reservoir compartmentalization. The proposed approach is based on the complementary diagnostic capabilities of the applied geochemical methods. Biomarkers provide information on the origin of organic matter, depositional environment, and thermal maturity of the source rocks, whereas oil fingerprinting is sensitive to hydrocarbon migration processes and the degree of hydrodynamic connectivity between reservoirs. The results indicate that the investigated oils are predominantly derived from terrigenous organic matter of lacustrine origin. The Akshabulak group is characterized by genetic homogeneity of oils despite pronounced reservoir compartmentalization, whereas the Nuraly field contains at least two genetically distinct oil populations and hydrocarbon mixing zones. Regional hydrocarbon migration was reconstructed from southeast to northwest. Paleochannel sandstones were identified as high-permeability migration conduits, while tectonic faults and facies heterogeneity were recognized as the principal controls on reservoir hydrodynamic isolation. The results demonstrate that integrating biomarker analysis with oil fingerprinting provides an effective tool for distinguishing between genetic and reservoir-related controls on oil compositional variability, evaluating reservoir compartmentalization, and improving the reliability of geological and reservoir models in structurally complex petroleum systems. Full article

Understanding hydrocarbon accumulation in deep and ultra-deep tectonically active basins demands an integrated evaluation of conventional and unconventional petroleum systems. The Kuqa Depression, a gas-prone foreland basin along the northern margin of the Tarim Basin, serves as an ideal case for investigating hydrocarbon enrichment mechanisms within a tectonically reworked Whole Petroleum System. Through burial and thermal history reconstruction, structural analysis, and petroleum-system evaluation, this study elucidates the evolution of hydrocarbon generation, redistribution, and retention. The results reveal that rapid Neogene-Quaternary burial accelerated the maturation of Triassic–Jurassic source rocks, triggering concentrated gas generation and widespread overpressure development. Successive foreland deformation has persistently modified reservoirs, migration pathways, and trap geometries, resulting in large-scale hydrocarbon redistribution via fault–fracture networks. Conventional and unconventional accumulations share common source kitchens, burial histories, pressure systems, and tectonic controls, but differ in hydrocarbon retention mechanisms. Conventional accumulations are dominated by migration processes, whereas unconventional accumulations are governed by retention processes. A generation–redistribution–retention framework is proposed to explain hydrocarbon enrichment within a tectonically reworked Whole Petroleum System. This framework provides a unified interpretation of conventional–unconventional hydrocarbon accumulation in the Kuqa Depression and offers insights for deep and ultra-deep petroleum exploration in tectonically active basins. Full article

Traditional fermented foods are important reservoirs of wild microorganisms with technological, sensory, protective, and functional potential. However, the performance of these isolates in controlled or compositionally different food matrices remains fragmented across microbial groups and food systems. This systematic review synthesized evidence on using wild microbial isolates from traditional fermented foods and beverages as starters or potential probiotic cultures. The conducted a systematic search exclusively in Scopus, following PRISMA 2020, to include original research articles published between 2021 and 2026, yielding 68 eligible studies. The included studies were analyzed by geographical origin, isolation source, recipient matrix, microbial group, and key physicochemical, technological, sensory, microbiological, nutritional, and functional outcomes. The evidence was organized into wild yeasts and filamentous fungi, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Bacillus isolates, and defined mixed microbial cultures. Across food matrices, microbial incorporation frequently accelerated acidification, shortened fermentation time, modified volatile compound profiles, and altered texture, color, enzymatic activity, or substrate utilization. Sensory responses improved aroma, flavor, texture, and acceptance, whereas others produced profiles that deviated from the characteristic product and reduced overall liking. Functional effects included increases in phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, GABA, folate, peptides, and resistant starch, along with reductions in phytates, nitrites, biogenic amines, aflatoxins, and nondigestible oligosaccharides. Researchers also reported antimicrobial, antifungal, protective, and preliminary probiotic properties. Defined mixed microbial cultures often provided complementary metabolic effects, although true synergistic interactions were demonstrated only sporadically. Overall, wild isolates from traditional fermentations represent promising resources for food bioprocessing; however, their performance varies widely across strains, recipient matrices, experimental conditions, and outcomes evaluated. Consequently, their application requires strain–matrix validation, comprehensive sensory assessment, safety characterization, and evaluation under processing and storage conditions relevant to industrial production. Full article

Leaf senescence is a highly programmed developmental process that enables nutrient remobilization from source to sink organs in plants. Chloroplasts serve as the primary nitrogen reservoir, and the timely degradation of their constituent proteins is essential for sustaining seed fill and crop yield. For efficient nitrogen recycling, the chloroplast proteome must be dismantled in a controlled manner through coordinated proteolytic pathways that function both inside and outside the organelle. Protein abundances are progressively reduced during senescence through the balanced action of degradation and the suppression of new synthesis, depending on the plant’s carbon–nitrogen status. Malfunctioning or damaged chloroplast components are selectively eliminated. To date, three major classes of chloroplast protein degradation systems have been characterized: the cytoplasmic ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS), vacuolar degradation pathways, and intra-chloroplast proteases. Here we provide an updated, comprehensive overview of the three chloroplast protein degradation machineries and discuss their coordinated roles in nitrogen remobilization. We also consider how these pathways might be manipulated to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and crop productivity. Full article

The native Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) serves as a cornerstone for aquaculture development in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Its adaptability to diverse culture systems, including backyard farming, highlights its potential to address food insecurity and poverty in rural communities. However, the long-term sustainability of this initiative depends on the genetic health and management of the cultured populations. This study investigated the evolutionary history, genetic diversity, and differentiation of O. mossambicus across five localities in Limpopo Province (Cordier reservoir, Nandoni reservoir, Mall of the North pond, University of Limpopo pond, and Polokwane Farm) using the combined mitochondrial DNA (COI + D-loop) dataset. Phylogenetic analysis revealed monophyly, with three well-supported clades. There was evidence of genetic affinities among some individuals within the five localities, supported by low genetic variation among populations and a common haplotype shared across all five localities. The Mall of the North population showed no genetic variation (Hd = 0.00; π = 0.00), indicating high homogeneity, whereas Nandoni exhibited the highest diversity (Hd = 0.83; π = 0.01), suggesting its potential as a primary broodstock source. These findings provide an important genetic baseline for farmed O. mossambicus, offering essential information for sustainable aquaculture management and conservation planning in the province. Full article

Magnetothermally responsive nanocarriers represent a promising platform for spatio-temporally controlled drug delivery by combining alternating magnetic field (AMF)-induced heating with thermally triggered cargo release. Among the available architectures, magnetite-core/mesoporous-silica-shell (Fe₃O₄@mSiO₂) nanoparticles functionalized with thermoresponsive polymer gatekeepers are particularly attractive. These systems integrate a magnetic heat source, a mesoporous drug reservoir, and temperature-dependent control of pore accessibility. This review examines the fundamental principles of magnetic hyperthermia, including heat-generation mechanisms, specific absorption rate (SAR), intrinsic loss power (ILP), AMF parameters and safety, and the interplay between Néel and Brownian relaxation. It also critically discusses core–shell synthesis and architecture, drug-loading strategies, PNIPAM-, PNVCL-, and other LCST-type gatekeepers, and the physicochemical characterization required to validate the complete nanocarrier. Evidence for combined magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy is assessed together with hemocompatibility, immunogenicity, oxidative stress, biodistribution, degradation, long-term retention, and clearance. Although promising magnetothermal release and therapeutic effects have been reported, evidence remains dominated by in vitro studies, with limited in vivo validation. Current clinical experience concerns locally administered iron-oxide hyperthermia rather than complete thermoresponsive Fe₃O₄@mSiO₂ drug-delivery systems. Translation will require standardized magnetothermal and release testing, reproducible scale-up, validated sterilization and endotoxin control, component-resolved pharmacokinetics, and integrated development of the nanocarrier and AMF applicator. Full article

Coal-bearing tight gas and deep coalbed methane (CBM) widely co-occur in China, and integrated commingled production outperforms separate development. Conventional separated simulation fails to capture coupled reservoir–wellbore gas–water flow. This study develops an integrated geomechanical coupled numerical model with multi-scale fractures and multi-phase wellbore flow: tight gas reservoirs use a stress-sensitive single-porosity model, deep CBM adopts a dual-porosity model for matrix desorption, and EDFM characterizes non-Darcy flow in hydraulic fractures. The Gray gas column and liquid column methods calculate layered bottomhole pressure according to reservoir vertical distribution, and matrix bordering solves the whole coupled system. Validated by field data of Well C-1 in Shanxi, the model yields average relative errors of 8.76% for daily gas output and 2.92% for daily water output. Sensitivity analysis on Well C-2 indicates vertical reservoir stacking controls interlayer pressure difference, and commingled gas curves show dual peaks with shifting dominant gas sources over production stages. A 3.9% rise in deep coalbed methane gas content significantly boosts mid-term peak production and cumulative gas output, making reservoir gas content the dominant geological factor governing commingled production performance. A 120.0% increase in tight gas saturation only delivers a slight uplift in cumulative production under low-porosity conditions. Elevated reservoir stress sensitivity triggers a cumulative gas production reduction of over 50%. Cumulative gas output varies proportionally with hydraulic fracture length, while fracture network width brings mismatched production improvement due to pressure drawdown funnel effects. Therefore, hydraulic fracturing operations should prioritize extending artificial fractures to expand the drainage area of commingled wells. Schemes with constant bottomhole flowing pressure and constant gas rate exert marginal influences on ultimate cumulative production and can be flexibly switched on site. To stabilize daily gas deliverability throughout the early, middle and late production stages, a bottomhole pressure drawdown rate of 0.05 MPa/d or a fixed daily gas rate of 4000 m³/d is recommended. This work provides theoretical support for optimizing commingled development of superimposed tight gas and deep CBM reservoirs. Full article

In response to the significant seasonal fluctuations in heating and cooling loads in greenhouses for high-value fruit trees in northern China, as well as issues such as heat accumulation on the ground-source side and high carbon emissions from coal-fired heating, this paper proposes a coupled energy supply system comprising a PVT system, a mine pit seasonal thermal storage unit, a ground-source heat pump and a cooling tower. Taking a 30,000 m² cherry greenhouse and an existing 15,000 m³ mine pit thermal storage reservoir in Weifang, Shandong Province, as the research objects, annual design-stage simulations with a 0.125 h time step were conducted using SketchUp-TRNBuild and TRNSYS. Discrete sensitivity analyses and engineering constraints were used to determine the PVT area and cooling tower outlet temperature. Heating demand mainly occurred from November to February, whereas cooling demand was concentrated from June to September. The selected 2452 m² PVT system supplied direct heating for 34 days, covered 23.05% of the seasonal heating demand, and achieved a storage efficiency of 69.17%. Without a cooling tower, the first-year soil temperature increased by 1.1 °C. With a 26 °C cooling tower outlet temperature, the soil thermal imbalance ratio decreased to 2.4%, and the 15-year soil temperature rise was limited to 0.28 °C. The recommended system required 1.3239 million kWh of net purchased electricity annually, reduced operating costs by approximately CNY 802,800 (USD 118,243) and operational emissions by 2027.8 tCO₂-eq per year relative to the baseline, and had a static payback period of 6.4 years. The annual operational emission reduction was linearly extrapolated over a 20-year assessment period under fixed weather, load, equipment performance, and grid emission assumptions, resulting in a scenario-based carbon reduction threshold of 40,556 tCO₂-eq. Net life cycle carbon savings would be possible if the additional emissions from construction, equipment replacement, and end-of-life treatment remained below this threshold. Full article

This study aims to spatially analyze the potential soil loss rates of the Özkonak Watershed, located within Nevşehir Province, using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies. In the 149.9 km² watershed, the main parameters triggering erosion—rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), slope length and steepness (LS), land cover and management (C), and support practices (P)—were modeled in a GIS environment. According to the spatial analysis results, 85.8% of the watershed area falls within the “very low” and “low” erosion susceptibility classes. Nevertheless, erosion increases markedly in the northern areas with high slope gradients and in areas where agricultural activities are concentrated. The mean soil loss across the watershed was calculated as 2.75 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. The eroded and transported material was determined to constitute a threat to the dam. The findings indicate that conservation plans, including afforestation in the upper watershed, adjustment of land use to natural land capability, and construction of check dams, should be implemented to ensure sustainable management of the watershed. From a soil and sediment remediation perspective, the identification of erosion-source areas and sediment-transport pathways provides a scientific basis for source-control measures aimed at reducing sediment delivery and associated water-quality deterioration in the Bayramhacılı Dam reservoir. Full article

Background/Objectives: Melioidosis is an environmentally acquired infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei). Although historically framed as a tropical disease, evidence indicates that recognized risk can extend beyond classical endemic regions. This narrative review synthesized Digital Object Identifier (DOI)-verified evidence on environmental persistence, climate-sensitive risk, geographic emergence, and One Health preparedness. Methods: Structured narrative searches of PubMed/Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Europe PubMed Central (Europe PMC), Crossref, and publisher records were conducted for literature available up to 19 June 2026. Forty-four DOI-verified sources were retained. Evidence categories were derived inductively by inferential function during thematic synthesis and used as a qualitative interpretive framework, not as a validated quantitative risk score. Results: B. pseudomallei persists in soil and water, survives nutrient limitation, and clusters in environmental microfoci, but the interpretive value of detection depends on viability, exposure context, and diagnostic endpoint. Rainfall, humidity, flooding, and cyclones are associated with incidence, severity, or mobilization in several settings, supporting climate-sensitive risk rather than uniform geographic spread. Case-based evidence is strongest when it separates importation, local acquisition, environmental establishment, source attribution, and animal sentinel signals. Human risk depends on exposure route, host susceptibility, diagnostic recognition, and access to prolonged antimicrobial management, whereas animal evidence is best interpreted as sentinel or common-exposure evidence unless reservoir or direct-transmission data are available. Conclusions: Melioidosis beyond the tropics requires graded evidence interpretation because environmental detection, modeled suitability, animal signals, and human cases support different levels of geographic and One Health inference; this approach links early signals to surveillance while reserving higher-confidence claims for convergent evidence. Full article

Aquaculture has become the leading source of global aquatic food production, and its continued expansion has been accompanied by an increasing burden of bacterial diseases. Aeromonas spp. are among the most damaging bacterial pathogens in aquaculture and are recognised reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance within a One Health framework. Although bacteriophages have been investigated against numerous aquaculture pathogens, evidence relating to Aeromonas-targeting phages remains dispersed across studies. This integrative review synthesises research published between 1981 and 2026 on bacteriophages targeting Aeromonas spp. and examines the development of the field from early isolation studies to current therapeutic and translational applications. Studies were identified through structured searches of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus and analysed for phage isolation, genomic characterisation, therapeutic efficacy, delivery strategies and phage-derived applications. Comparison of findings across studies reveals several consistent patterns. Phage cocktails generally provided broader antibacterial activity and reduced the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains compared with single-phage treatments. Preventive applications consistently produced higher survival rates than treatments applied after infection, while whole-genome sequencing has become a routine component of candidate phage evaluation. Recent studies have expanded the scope of phage-based interventions beyond intact virions to include phage-derived endolysins, oral delivery systems and phage lysate-based vaccine approaches. The evidence shows that bacteriophages can reduce mortality, suppress bacterial infections and improve survival across diverse aquaculture species affected by Aeromonas spp. Phage resistance, large-scale implementation and regulatory harmonisation remain important challenges, supporting further development of phage-based disease management in aquaculture. Full article

The genesis of authigenic clay minerals in tight sandstones fundamentally controls reservoir quality and micro-pore evolution. This study investigates the differential formation mechanisms of authigenic chlorite and kaolinite and their modulating effects on pore systems in the Chang-8 Member tight sandstones, Ordos Basin. Thin-section petrography, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-pressure mercury injection were utilized to quantify mineralogical and petrophysical characteristics. Results show chlorite (averaging 4.8%) and kaolinite (averaging 1.6%) are the dominant authigenic clay minerals with distinct spatiotemporal distributions. Chlorite nucleated as pore linings during early diagenesis under alkaline, oligohaline to mesohaline conditions driven by volcanic material hydration. Conversely, kaolinite precipitated as pore-filling during mid-to-late diagenesis (80–120 °C), driven by organic acid pulses from underlying source rocks causing feldspar dissolution. We conclude that early chlorite linings constructively preserve primary porosity by mechanically resisting compaction and chemically inhibiting quartz cementation, despite narrowing pore throats. Meanwhile, kaolinite acts as a pore-type modulator, restructuring macro-pores into micro-intercrystalline pores, which significantly impairs permeability only when its proportion crosses a critical threshold. The diagenetic fluid transition from alkaline to acidic ultimately dictates this mineralogical succession and subsequent reservoir heterogeneity. Full article

The increasing use of plastics in agriculture has enhanced crop productivity, water-use efficiency, and food supply stability. Nevertheless, the ongoing degradation of agricultural plastics and waste-derived materials has resulted in the widespread occurrence of microplastics (<5 mm) and nanoplastics (<1 μm) in agricultural soils, raising concerns about ecosystem functioning, food safety and human health. This review was conducted using literature obtained primarily from Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed. Publications published between 2019 and 2026 were primarily included. In addition, selected landmark studies published before 2019 were incorporated when they provided foundational concepts, methodological frameworks, or highly cited evidence that remains essential for understanding the sources, fate, and impacts of micro- and nanoplastics in agricultural systems. The review synthesizes recent scientific evidence regarding the sources, environmental fate, biological interactions, and food-chain transfer of micro- and nanoplastics within agricultural and food production systems, tracing their movement from farm to fork. Major contamination pathways include agricultural plastic materials, organic amendments, polymer-coated agrochemicals and atmospheric deposition. Mechanisms governing transport, aging, plant uptake and trophic transfer are also discussed. Current evidence suggests that agricultural soils are among the largest terrestrial reservoirs of micro- and nanoplastics; however, substantial uncertainties remain regarding environmental concentrations, plant uptake under field conditions, and human health risks due to methodological limitations and the lack of standardized analytical protocols. Future research should focus on standardized monitoring methods, enhanced risk assessment frameworks, the development of biodegradable alternatives, and integrated mitigation strategies to reduce plastic contamination. Full article