Search Results (41,215)

Potassium (K) is the nutrient most required by sugarcane crops and is predominantly supplied through potassium chloride (KCl). However, as KCl production is highly concentrated in a few countries, Brazil—the world’s largest sugarcane producer—relies heavily on imported K fertilizers. In this context, identifying alternative sources, even if also imported, is strategic to diversify supply and reduce the risks associated with dependence on a single product. This study evaluated the performance of polyhalite, a natural multinutrient mineral, compared with KCl, as an alternative fertilizer for ratoon cane (CTC 4 variety) grown in a clay-textured Oxisol in Jataí, Brazil. A two-year field experiment was conducted evaluating four treatments: control (without K fertilization), KCl, polyhalite, and a 25/75 polyhalite + KCl blend. Potassium fertilization increased culm yield by about 38–61% compared with the unfertilized control. In addition, the association of polyhalite + KCl promoted greater plant height compared to the treatment without K fertilization and, when comparing the K sources applied alone, polyhalite promoted a larger culm diameter and a higher leaf S content than KCl. These results demonstrate the agronomic advantages of polyhalite and its blends for sugarcane fertilization, which reiterates their potential as efficient and sustainable alternatives to KCl and as part of a broader strategy for fertilizer-source diversification. Full article

Moringa oleifera has been recognized for its adaptability, nutritional richness, and multipurpose potential, particularly in resource-limited regions. While most research has focused on its leaves, moringa seeds remain underutilized despite their broad applicability in the environmental, agricultural, and food sectors. This review systematically and critically examines recent scientific literature on the use of M. oleifera seeds across these fields, emphasizing their functional value, applications, and challenges for sustainable use. The review follows the SALSA methodology (Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis), a structured and iterative framework designed to identify, evaluate, and integrate scientific evidence from diverse sources. The analysis encompasses three main areas: (i) water treatment, where moringa seed extracts have achieved turbidity removal efficiencies above 90% and effective adsorption of dyes and potentially toxic elements; (ii) agriculture, where seed-derived fertilizers improve soil fertility, nutrient availability, and crop yield compared to conventional inputs; and (iii) the food industry, where moringa seed derivatives enhance the nutritional, functional, and antioxidant properties of bakery, beverage, and oil-based products. Overall, M. oleifera seeds emerge as a versatile and sustainable resource with proven potential as a natural coagulant, biofertilizer, and nutraceutical ingredient. By integrating findings from both English and Spanish language studies, this work highlights their contribution to sustainable water management, agricultural productivity, and food innovation, while emphasizing the need for further safety evaluation and process optimization to support large-scale application. Full article

Transition-metal dichalcogenides have emerged as promising non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen production through the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, we fabricated the graphitic carbon nitride-decorated cobalt diselenide (gC₃N₄-CoSe₂) nanocomposites via the facile hydrothermal method. The prepared gC₃N₄-CoSe₂ nanocomposites displayed an interconnected and aggregated morphology of gC₃N₄-decorated CoSe₂ nanoparticles with offering large surface area of 82 m²/g. The gC₃N₄-CoSe₂ nanocomposites exhibited excellent HER activity with a low overpotential (141 mV) and tiny Tafel slope (62 mV/dec) with excellent durability for 100 h at 10 mA/cm² in an alkaline electrolyte. These outstanding HER performances of gC₃N₄-CoSe₂ can be ascribed to the synergistic interaction between the electrochemically active porous CoSe₂ nanoparticles and the highly conductive gC₃N₄ nanosheets. These results indicate that the gC₃N₄-CoSe₂ nanocomposites hold promising and efficient HER electrocatalysts for sustainable green hydrogen production. Full article

Orange peel waste has potential to be valorized from agro-industrial and food sectors to formulate products for personal hygiene and public health. This study presents the formulation of alcohol-based antibacterial gels incorporating essential oils extracted from Citrus sinensis orange peel waste and its sensory evaluation among 770 participants in a holistic approach. The orange essential oil, obtained via hydrodistillation, demonstrated a high limonene content of 96.5% by GC-MS. Antibacterial activity assessed by agar diffusion assays showed orange essential oil efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zones of 25.9 mm and 23.62 mm, respectively. Two gel prototypes, GSA and GSB, were developed and sensorily evaluated. GSA was preferred for its superior appearance, spreadability, absorption, and smell, with 99% acceptability. Appearance and spread sensory parameters were the differentiators between both formulations according to user preferences. Thus, 93% of respondents are willing to use either GSA or GSB as a daily hygiene product over commercial ones. Although the gels exhibited reduced antibacterial activity relative to essential oil, with inhibition zones measuring 8.3 mm for E. coli and 9.0 mm for S. aureus, they retained satisfactory user acceptability. These findings support the use of citrus biowaste-derived essential oils in sustainable personal hygiene products. Full article

Oats are regaining interest because of their nutritional and agro-environmental benefits. Hence, research into increasing oat productivity through sustainable agronomic practices has become increasingly important, especially as new varieties are developed and weather patterns become more unpredictable. The paper presents the effects of the cropping system (six-field crop rotation, continuous cropping since 1968), variety (two per six-year period), chemical crop protection (control, herbicide, herbicide plus fungicide), and study year, on spring oat grain yields for two six-year crop rotation cycles (2011–2016, 2017–2022) of a long-term experiment in Poland. The cropping system was the most influential factor. Studies confirmed that growing oats in crop rotation ensures higher productivity than continuous cropping and sustains satisfactory yields in Polish conditions despite yearly weather variability. The cultivated varieties differed in yield levels and degree of yield reduction in response to continuous oat cropping. Only during the 2011–2016 cycle was a decreasing trend in yields observed as continuous cropping was prolonged. Oats grown in crop rotation rarely benefited from chemical protection against weeds and pathogens. In continuous cropping, herbicide and fungicide treatments typically did not mitigate oat yield losses associated with the system, exacerbating them in the 2017–2022 cycle. Among the evaluated agronomic practices, the six-field crop rotation system proved the most reliable yield-enhancing strategy, whereas chemical protection rarely improved oat performance. In individual years, contradictory reactions of the two cultivated varieties to cropping systems and crop protection levels were often noted. Full article

The gut-brain axis is a complex communication network linking the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, in which the gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in regulating intestinal homeostasis, immune responses and neuroendocrine functions. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of the porcine gut microbiota in the functioning of the gut-brain axis and examines nutritional strategies aimed at its modulation. Key production-related stressors, such as weaning, transport and handling, disrupt microbiota composition, increase intestinal permeability and activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to heightened stress responses, impaired immunity and behavioral disturbances. Evidence indicates that supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, or postbiotics stabilizes the gut microbiota, enhances the production of bioactive metabolites, supports intestinal barrier integrity and alleviates oxidative stress. Such interventions improve adaptation to environmental stress, animal welfare and performance, while potentially reducing the need for antibiotics. Maintaining a balanced gut microbiota is therefore essential for the proper functioning of the neuroendocrine and immune systems in pigs. An integrated approach utilizing omics technologies (metagenomics, metabolomics, proteomics) may further elucidate microbiota-brain interactions and support the development of sustainable and ethical swine production strategies. Full article

Background: Lavandula stoechas and Artemisia absinthium essential oils (EOs) were evaluated as natural antimicrobial and repellent agents. Methods: The chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion method, and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined for antifungal activity, while the repellent effect against mill moth was tested by fumigation. Results: Camphor was the main component in both EOs, accounting for 31.83% of L. stoechas and 41.92% of A. absinthium. In antibacterial assays, both EOs showed very good activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with inhibition zone diameters (IZDs) higher than 15 mm, and average activity against Gram-negative bacteria, with IZDs ranging from 8 to 14 mm. The EOs reduced Aspergillus niger mycelial growth by 61% to 80% for LsEO and 50% to 61% for AaEO at concentrations ranging from 1 to 3 mg/mL. The oils exhibited variation in repellent and insecticidal potential, with L. stoechas showing higher activity, while both had an impact on development and fecundity of Ephestia kuehniella.Conclusions: Thus, the two EOs may be effective as biological and sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical products for food preservation. Full article

Ricotta cheese whey (RCW) is a by-product with nutritional potential, but its use in the human diet is limited due to its high salinity. Chlorella vulgaris can use RCW as a substrate to enhance biomass productivity. The aim of this work was to evaluate different conditions for C. vulgaris growth in RCW, during scaling-up analysis. After preliminary assays to select growth conditions, two systems were prepared as follows: 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks (control-system) and a 3 L Bioreactor. Microfiltrated RCW was used as a substrate for C. vulgaris LPMA39 production. Biomass was measured and productivity at 96 h, cell growth kinetics behaviour, biomass biochemical characterisation, and the efficiency of nutrient removal were determined. Both systems presented the same biomass concentration at 96 h (2.2–2.8 g·L⁻¹) and productivity (0.021–0.027 g·L⁻¹·h⁻¹). Nevertheless, 11 h lag-period for cell adaptation to the 3 L Bioreactor was required; thereafter, cells grew faster (µ_max: 0.32 ± 0.08 h⁻¹) than control-system. Finally, slight but significantly lower C_max: 2.14 ± 0.08 was obtained when comparing it to control-system. Lipids, proteins, and pigment contents decreased by the scaling-up; meanwhile, higher reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus, and total nitrogen were recorded in the 3 L Bioreactor. Identifying the operating conditions that improve C. vulgaris performance in non-diluted RCW remains a challenge from a sustainability standpoint. Full article

Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) is a nutritionally important and climate-resilient crop with high potential for enhancing food security. Despite its significance, taro remains underutilized and excluded from major agricultural policies in Rwanda, resulting in low national yields. This gap hinders evidence-based planning and limits the crop contribution to resilience amidst population growth and climate change. By taking Rwanda as an example, a worldwide top 10 taro-producing country but still facing food insecurity issues, this study conducted a nationwide land suitability assessment to identify optimal areas for taro cultivation and quantify the production gap. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model was integrated with GIS, where climatic, topographic, and a remotely sensed soil dataset were weighted and combined to generate a composite suitability index. Results revealed that 22.8% of Rwanda's land is highly suitable (S1) and 55.7% is moderately suitable (S2) for taro cultivation. Within agricultural land, 30.2% is highly suitable, of which a significant portion (28.7%) remains largely underutilized, especially in the Eastern province. The national production gap was estimated at 32.4%, with over half of the districts exceeding 30%. The study highlights the importance of aligning taro cultivation with biophysical suitability and integrating spatial planning into national agricultural policies. The developed suitability map provides a critical decision-support tool for policymakers, agricultural planners, and extension services. By promoting sustainable taro production, improving farmer livelihoods and food security in Rwanda, it provides a global model for sustainable development for developing countries and advances research on orphan crops such as taro. The methodology offers a replicable framework for evaluating underutilized crops globally, contributing to sustainable agricultural diversification and food security. Full article

The present study evaluates the quality of charcoal produced from Quercus scytophylla Liebm. in Guerrero, Mexico, using a portable metal oven, namely, the Guadiana Valley Experimental Field (CEVAG) type. A $2\times 3$ factorial design was employed to analyse the influence of wood heterogeneity (sapwood vs. heartwood) and position within the oven (low, medium, high) on the yield and physicochemical properties of the charcoal. The mean yield of the process was found to be 20.0–26.7%. The characteristics of six properties were determined: moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon, basic density, and calorific value. The charcoal exhibited a low moisture content (1.49–3.56%) and ash content (2.18–2.52%), meeting international standards. Volatile matter was higher in heartwood (22%). Fixed carbon (73.73–74.05%) was close to the optimal parameters of international standards. The calorific value exhibited marked variations in accordance with the position during the process of carbonisation, with elevated values observed in the lower section (6751–7508 cal g⁻¹). The basic density of the wood was higher in the sapwood, with a maximum value of 0.57 g cm⁻³ observed in the upper section. A positive linear relationship was identified between the basic density and calorific value, although the coefficient of determination was small ($R^2=0.67$) and therefore inconclusive. The analysis showed the type of relationship that can be established between these two variables. The upper part of the kiln exhibited the optimal physicochemical properties, with the levels deemed acceptable. The utilisation of this oak for charcoal production fosters sustainable forest management and engenders direct economic benefits for rural communities. In conclusion, the research provides a viable technical model for sustainable wood energy production in forestry regions and underscores the need to evaluate other timber species with this potential. Full article

Active restoration structures such as microtopographic water-harvesting designs are widely implemented in dryland ecosystems to improve soil moisture, reduce erosion, and promote vegetation recovery. We assessed the combined effects of planted species identity, planting diversity (mono-, bi- and multi-species mixtures), and micro-catchment (half-moon) structures on seedling performance and spontaneous natural regeneration in a hyper-arid restoration pilot site in Sharaan National Park, northwest Saudi Arabia. Thirteen native plant species, of which four—Ochradenus baccatus, Haloxylon persicum, Haloxylon salicornicum, and Acacia gerrardii—formed the dominant planted treatments, were established in 18 half-moons and monitored for survival, growth, and natural recruitment. Seedling survival after 20 months differed significantly among planting treatments, increasing from 58% in mono-plantings to 69% in bi-plantings and 82% in multi-plantings (binomial GLMM, p < 0.001), indicating a positive effect of planting diversity on establishment. Growth traits (height, collar diameter, and crown dimensions) were synthesized into an Overall Growth Index (OGI) and an entropy-weighted OGI (EW-OGI). Mixed-effects models revealed strong species effects on both indices (F₁₂,₃₆₉ ≈ 7.2, p < 0.001), with O. baccatus and H. persicum outperforming other taxa and cluster analysis separating “fast expanders”, “moderate growers”, and “decliners”. Trait-based modeling showed that lateral crown expansion was the main driver of overall performance, whereas stem thickening and fruit production contributed little. Between 2022 and 2024, half-moon soils exhibited reduced electrical conductivity and exchangeable Na, higher organic carbon, and doubled available P, consistent with emerging positive soil–plant feedbacks. Spontaneous recruits were dominated by perennials (≈67% of richness), with perennial dominance increasing from mono- to multi-plantings, although Shannon diversity differences among treatments were small and non-significant. The correlation between OGI and spontaneous richness was positive but weak (r = 0.29, p = 0.25), yet plots dominated by O. baccatus hosted nearly two additional spontaneous species relative to other plantings, highlighting its strong facilitative role. Overall, our results show that half-moon micro-catchments, especially when combined with functionally diverse native plantings, can simultaneously improve soil properties and promote biotic facilitation, fostering a transition from active intervention to passive, self-sustaining restoration in hyper-arid environments. Full article

Zn-based ternary deep eutectic solvents (TDESs) have attracted significant attention due to their good biodegradability, stability, and sustainability. In this work, TDESs composed of choline chloride:urea (ChCl:U) and zinc salts, ZnCl₂, Zn(CH₃COO)₂, and ZnSO₄ were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI MS). Their antibacterial activity against cariogenic Streptococcus species isolates was determined by microdilution assay, while their cytotoxic potential and effect on the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction were analyzed on the MRC-5 fibroblast cell line by XTT, trypan blue, and DCF assays, respectively. FTIR confirmed that hydrogen bonds prevail in the molecular structure of ChCl:U:Zn salts, while LDI MS revealed the interactions between zinc salts and ChCl:U. The antibacterial TDES potential was high, especially against Streptococcus sanguinis, with ChCl:U:ZnCl₂ displaying the most promising effects (MICs 1.13–18.12 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity assessment showed that concentrations up to 100 µg/mL of all TDESs did not display significant cytotoxicity, while higher concentrations significantly reduced cell viability by increasing ROS production and cell membrane damage, outlining the safety window of up to 100 µg/mL. Strong antibacterial activity of low TDESs concentrations combined with their good biocompatibility highlights their potential as innovative candidates for biomedical application. Full article

Balancing tourism industry (TI) growth and ecological protection is critical for sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin (YRB), China’s vital ecological security barrier and economic belt. However, existing research lacks a spatial perspective on the coordinated development between TI and inclusive green growth (IGG), with limited understanding of cross-regional spillover mechanisms. Based on panel data from 75 cities in the YRB (2011–2023), this study constructs a comprehensive evaluation system encompassing the scale, structure, and potential dimensions of the TI and the economic, social, livelihood, and environmental dimensions of IGG. The study employs the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), and the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) to examine spatiotemporal evolution and spillover effects. The results reveal an upward yet fluctuating coordination trend with pronounced spatial heterogeneity, characterized by a “downstream–midstream–upstream” gradient pattern, dual-core radiation centered on the Jinan–Qingdao and Xi’an–Zhengzhou agglomerations, and persistent High–High clusters in the Shandong Peninsula contrasted with Low–Low clusters in the upstream Qinghai–Gansu–Ningxia region. Critically, new-quality productive forces exert significant positive direct and spillover effects, while industrial structure and government intervention have inhibitory spatial effects on adjacent cities. Regional heterogeneity analysis confirms factor-endowment-driven differentiation across upstream, midstream, and downstream areas. These findings advance spatial spillover theory in river basin contexts and provide evidence-based pathways for balancing economic growth with ecological protection in ecologically sensitive regions worldwide, directly supporting multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

This study quantifies the decarbonisation potential of enhanced material circularity in the EU27 over the 2015–2022 period by integrating material flow data with elasticity-based emissions modelling. Using panel regression and logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) decomposition, we evaluate the influence of recycling rate acceleration and material intensity decline on material-embedded emissions over the 2015–2022 period. The findings indicate that although recycling rates increased by 42% during this time, virgin materials remain responsible for over 97% of emissions. Decomposition results reveal that intensity improvements—measured as a cumulative LMDI intensity effect of −0.867 log-change units, equivalent to approximately a 58% reduction in emissions—offset most of the upward pressure from growing material demand and shifting composition. Scenario projections to 2050, based on empirically derived elasticities, show that accelerated circular economy pathways—assuming 4% annual growth in recycling rates and a 3% decline in material intensity—can reduce emissions by over 90%. In contrast, baseline policies fall short of net-zero targets. Sensitivity analysis confirms that policy ambition dominates parameter uncertainty in shaping future emissions trajectories. The study highlights the critical role of combined demand-side and supply-side measures in aligning material consumption with climate goals. The study highlights the crucial role of combined demand-side and supply-side measures in aligning material consumption with climate goals and advancing progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Full article

Astaxanthin, a high-value keto-carotenoid with potent antioxidant and health-promoting properties, has gained global attention as a sustainable nutraceutical and biotechnological product. The green microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and Chromochloris zofingiensis represent two promising natural producers, yet they differ markedly in physiology, productivity, and industrial scalability. This review provides a focused comparative analysis of these two species, emphasizing their quantitative performance differences. H. pluvialis can accumulate astaxanthin up to ~3–5% of dry biomass but typically reaches biomass densities of only 5–10 g L⁻¹, whereas C. zofingiensis achieves ultrahigh biomass concentrations of 100–220 g L⁻¹ under heterotrophic fed-batch fermentation, although its astaxanthin content is much lower (~0.1–0.5% DW). While H. pluvialis remains the benchmark for natural astaxanthin due to its exceptionally high cellular content, its thick cell wall, slow growth, and strict phototrophic requirements impose major cost and operational barriers. In contrast, C. zofingiensis exhibits rapid and flexible growth under heterotrophic, mixotrophic, or phototrophic conditions and can achieve ultrahigh biomass in fermentation, though its ketocarotenoid flux and astaxanthin accumulation remain comparatively limited. Meanwhile, a rapidly growing patent landscape demonstrates global technological competition, with major portfolios emerging in China, the United States, and Europe, spanning chemical synthesis, microbial fermentation, algal metabolic engineering, and high-density cultivation methods. These patents reveal clear innovation trends—ranging from solvent-free green synthesis routes to engineered microalgae and yeast chassis for enhanced astaxanthin production—which increasingly shape industrial development strategies. By synthesizing recent advances in metabolic engineering, two-stage cultivation, and green extraction technologies, this review identifies key knowledge gaps and outlines a practical roadmap for developing next-generation astaxanthin biorefineries, with an emphasis on scalable production and future integration into broader biorefinery frameworks. The findings aim to guide future research and provide actionable insights for scaling sustainable, cost-effective production of natural astaxanthin. Full article