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Despite being a promising biomass source for gasification, the practical use of rice straw in Vietnam is hindered by its low gasification efficiency. This study introduces an innovative approach by integrating the production of syngas and CO 2 adsorbent during the gasification process of rice straw, departing from the conventional focus solely on improving gasification efficiency. Results showed that the gasification of rice straw, conducted in the 20 kWe commercial gasification system (PP20 All Power Lab), attained a thermal conversion efficiency of 58.7%. Syngas produced exhibited consistent composition, with CO and H 2 content ranging from 12.1% to 15%, CO ranging from 16.9% to 22.1%, and CH 4 ranging from 1.9% to 3.9% throughout the operation, demonstrating relative stability. Notably, a considerable amount of residual char, accounting for 22.1 wt% of the initial feedstock, was generated. Characterized by notable traits such as high surface basicity, aromaticity, and a dense concentration of (ultra-)micropores, the residual char demonstrates suitability for applications in CO 2 adsorption. In controlled laboratory conditions (25 °C, 1 atm, without heat-mass transfer limitations), the adsorption capacity reached 1.2 mmol g−1. Transitioning to more practical conditions (40 °C, 1 atm, within a 2-cm adsorbent bed subject to diffusion constraints), the CO 2 adsorption capacity of the residual char ranged between 2% and 4.8% of the adsorbent's weight, while the CO 2 /N 2 selectivity measured between 25.5 and 29.7. These findings underscore the significant potential of integrating syngas and CO 2 adsorbent production through rice straw gasification, indicating a promising avenue for sustainable energy and carbon capture technologies. [Display omitted] • Stable syngas quality obtained throughout rice straw gasificatiom. • Use of residual char after gasification as cost-effective and scalable CO 2 adsorbents. • CO 2 capture capacities reached up to 1.2 mmol g−1 at 25 °C, 1 atm. • Potential for cascading use of rice straw for energy and adsorbent production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durian is one of the most valuable and expensive fruits in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Leaf nutritional disorders are considered to be causes of reductions in fruit yield and quality. However, studies on the nutritional balance in durian leaf are limited. In this study, we used the DRIS method for leaf limitation nutrient diagnosis at the stage 2 months before durian flowering. Our objectives were to (i) establish DRIS norms for the macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) in durian leaf and (ii) determine nutrient value ranges that are insufficient or excessive in durian production. A total of 180 leaf samples were collected and examined from 90 durian orchards cultivated on alluvial soils in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. The results indicate that DRIS establishment for durian was highly reliable due to the significant positive correlation (r > 0.5) among nutrient indices. The limiting nutrients in durian leaf at the investigation stage were S, Mg, Ca, and P, where S and Mg were the most deficient. The optimal ranges of nutrients in durian leaf were determined and recommended in this study. Further studies are necessary to validate the efficiency of DRIS using nutrient omission trials under durian cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vietnam's Mekong Delta region contains a sizable amount of acid-sulfate soil, which has properties that harm plants, such as low pH, aluminum and iron toxicity, hydrogen sulfide and sulfate acid. The study aims to gather helpful information about the problems with acid sulfate soils' chemical makeup so that suggestions can be made for improving these soils in the Mekong Delta. These methods mainly review studies and projects on the properties, constraints and management improvement of acid-sulfate soils and recommend the proper methods for sustainable use. The Mekong Delta contains many sulfidic or acid-sulfate-producing materials. Soils that contain acid sulfate are especially vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. Therefore, evaluating and predicting how acidic soil impacts soil quality and the affected factors such as drought, water scarcity, rainstorms, floods and saltwater intrusion are essential. Selecting cultivars that can withstand acid sulfate or salt is easy and inexpensive. Designing appropriate farming models is necessary in the interim. To correctly manage and exploit acid sulfate soils in the current situation, one must also be aware of their distribution, physicochemical makeup and biological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vietnam heavily relies on pork as its primary source of animal protein. Traditional farming methods, characterized by small-scale operations, dominate the industry. However, challenges such as rising feed costs, disease outbreaks, and market volatility are prompting many farmers to abandon their businesses. Recognizing the pivotal role of the swine sector in both economic development and nutrition, authorities must intervene to prevent its collapse. In developed nations, smart pig farming, utilizing technologies like sensors and cameras for data collection and real-time decision-making, has significantly improved health and productivity. These technologies can detect subtle indicators of animal well-being, enabling prompt intervention. This review aims to analyze the drivers of Vietnam's swine farming, identify existing production system flaws, and explore innovative precision farming methods worldwide. Embracing precision farming promises to enhance Vietnam's competitiveness in export markets and bolster consumer confidence. However, reliance solely on expensive foreign technologies may benefit large-scale farms, leaving smaller ones behind. Therefore, fostering local innovation and validating cost-effective solutions will be crucial for the sustainable growth of small- and medium-scale pig farming in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfills have the potential to contribute to mercury (Hg) pollution, due to the burial of waste containing mercury. Mercury from domestic waste can enter the soil surrounding landfills through surface runoff and leachate. In this study, we assessed the levels of Hg in the paddy soil around the Nam Son landfill, the largest landfill in the North of Vietnam, during both rainy (September 2021) and dry (January 2022) seasons. The concentration of Hg was in the range of 20.5 to 79.7 μg/kg dry w.t. in Bac Son and Nam Son, and 16.6 μg/kg dry w.t. at a higher reference site. In most of the samples, the rainy season showed higher Hg concentrations than the dry season. Soil samples taken closer to the landfill exhibited higher levels of Hg contamination compared to those in more distant paddy areas, suggesting a decreasing trend of Hg concentration as one moves away from the pollution source. Additionally, Hg concentration was found to decrease vertically from the surface, with the higher value observed in the surface layer (0–5 cm), and the lower in the bottom layer (20–25 cm). The geo-accumulation index showed that all the sampling points were moderately to heavily polluted, indicating that Hg was lost from the waste source in the landfill. This study provides valuable insights into the spatial and vertical distribution of Hg pollution in the topsoil and highlights the importance of managing and assessing the risks of Hg-containing waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]