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Every year, the problem of environmental pollution from metallurgical waste is gaining momentum. In particular, these are metallurgical wastes containing residual metals. However, with the help of innovative methods of processing lead-containing slags, they can be turned into valuable resources with minimal impact on the environment. This article discusses the importance of recycling lead-containing slag and describes various methods of recycling. The scientific novelty of the article is to analyze the influence of the content of toxic metals, such as lead, chromium, zinc, and copper, in the products obtained after roasting around the waste storage. The results of the optimization of experimental data allowed to specify the composition of the mixture temperature of the process of ignition of residual and corrosion-protective metals chromium and nickel, with the indicators of dependencies in the three-dimensional model. The results of the mathematical planning of the processing of waste slag and galvanic sludge showed that the recovery of lead reached 93-95%, chromium-94-96% nickel-93%, and copper-90%. The obtained product is identified as a composite material by its elemental composition and microstructure. In the general structure of the surface, firing products are characterized by the presence of the aluminosilicate minerals melilite, merwinite, and ockermanite, as well as calcium monosilicates, in the form of irregular forms of light gray lamellar crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the construction of a numerical three-dimensional model of the area of the Żelazny Most Mining Waste Storage Facility (MWSF). In the study area, the difficult geological conditions associated with glaciotectonics are accompanied by a complex hydrotechnical system of sediment deposition and sedimentary water drainage. In order to effectively reflect the water flow paths, a detailed schematization was carried out, using 700,000 boreholes and more than 300 hydrogeological cross-sections. In addition, numerous drainage sections, streams, and ditches were included to reliably assess the amount of saline water entering the underlying aquifers. This research was supported by magnetic resonance sounding (MRS) studies of the reservoir's sediments. The MWSF is currently being expanded, so the work primarily focuses on illustrating changes in the hydrodynamic field resulting from the inclusion of the new southern section. Models of similar facilities have been implemented before, but in the current one, the combination of meticulous analysis of the hydro-structural system, the water balance, a significant amount of data, the size of the facility, and the use of an unstructured discretization grid in the calculations is undoubtedly innovative and will be an important contribution to the development of analogous solutions around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complexes formed between the heaviest and lightest elements in the periodic table yield the f-block hydrides, a unique class of compounds with wide-ranging utility and interest, from catalysis to light-responsive materials and nuclear waste storage. Recent developments in syntheses and analytics, such as exploiting low-oxidation state metal ions and improvements in X-ray diffraction tools, have transformed our ability to understand, access and manipulate these important species. This perspective brings together insights from binary metal hydrides, with molecular solution phase studies on heteroleptic complexes and gas phase investigations. It aims to provide an overview of how the f-element influences hydride formation, structure and reactivity including the sometimes-surprising power of co-ligands to tune their behaviour towards a variety of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Base isolators, traditionally made from natural rubber reinforced with steel sheets (SERIs), mitigate energy during seismic events, but their use in developing countries has been limited due to high cost and weight. To make them more accessible, lighter, cost-effective reinforcement fibers have been utilized. Additionally, the increasing use of natural rubber has caused waste storage and disposal issues, contributing to environmental pollution and disease spread. Exploring recycled rubber matrices as alternatives, this study improves seismic isolators' mechanical properties through modified reinforcements and layer adhesion. Eight reinforcement materials and eight adhesives, which may be activated with or without heat application, are systematically evaluated. Employing the chosen reinforcements and adhesives, prototypes are tested mechanically to examine their vertical and horizontal performance through cyclic compression and cyclic shear testing. Two innovative devices using recycled rubber matrices were developed, one using a layering technique and another through a monolithic approach shaped with heat and pressure. Both integrate a fiberglass mesh reinforced with epoxy resin; one employs a heat-activated hybrid adhesive, while the other uses a cold bonding adhesive. These prototypes exhibit potential in advancing seismic isolation technology for low-rise buildings in developing countries, highlighting the viability of recycled materials in critical structural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystalline rocks in the subsurface are of interest for geothermal energy extraction, nuclear waste storage, and, when weathered or fractured, as aquifers. Compliant discontinuities such as microcracks, cracks and fractures may nucleate and propagate due to changes in pore pressure, stress and temperature. These discontinuities may provide flow pathways for fluids and, if fracturing extends to surrounding rocks, may allow escape of fluids to neighbouring formations. Monitoring such rocks using sonic logs, passive seismic, borehole seismic and surface seismic requires understanding of the propagation of elastic waves in the presence of such discontinuities. These may have an anisotropic orientation distribution as in situ stress may be anisotropic. As crystalline rock may display intrinsic anisotropy due to foliation and the preferential orientation of anisotropic minerals, quantification of the relative importance of intrinsic and microcrack‐induced anisotropy is important. This may be achieved based on the stress sensitivity of elastic wave velocities. A method that allows both the orientation distribution of microcracks and the stress dependence of their normal and shear compliance to be estimated independently of the elastic anisotropy of the background rock is presented. Results are given for anisotropic samples of gneiss from Bukov in the Czech Republic and granite from Grimsel in Switzerland based on the ultrasonic velocity measurements of Aminzadeh et al. The microcrack orientation distribution is approximately transversely isotropic for both samples with a preferred orientation of microcrack normals perpendicular to foliation. This preferred alignment is stronger in the sample of gneiss than in the granite sample, and the normal and shear compliance of the microcracks decreases with increasing compressive stress. This occurs because the contact between opposing faces of the discontinuities grows with increasing compressive stress, and this results in a decrease in elastic anisotropy with increasing compressive stress. At low stress, the ratio of microcrack normal compliance to shear compliance is approximately 0.25 for the granite sample and 0.7 for the sample of gneiss. The normal compliance ZN for both samples decreases faster with increasing compressive stress than the shear compliance ZT, resulting in a decrease in ZN/ZT with increasing compressive stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the total effective dose (external and internal) in the radioactive liquid Waste Hall (WH) in the Radiochemistry Laboratories building (RCL) in Al- Tuwaitha site in order to estimate the radiation risk for workers in this place. The external effective dose was calculated by an indirect method using ThermoLuminescent Dosimeters (LiF: Mg, Ti (TLD-100)) by placing them in the waste hall for one month. The internal effective dose was estimated by collecting eight air samples (environmental samples) from different locations in WH using an air sampler pump (Sniffer) to collect air samples loaded with particles or dust which are deposited on cellulose filter papers (φ 125mm). This was done for two flow rates the lowest and the highest values of the air sampler pump of 5CFM and 20CFM, respectively.The filter papers were chemically treated using the digestion method. The radionuclides in these samples were measured using a gamma spectrometry system equipped with a high-purity germanium detector (HPGe), and the radioactivity concentration was measured using a gross alpha beta gamma system. The results showed 137Cs of low concentration was deposited on the filter paper. The total annual effective dose rate (external and internal) results showed that the highest in WH was (6358.97μSv/year) for the low probability scenario and (1589.74 μSv/year) for the realistic scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compacted bentonite is under consideration as a backfill material for engineered barrier systems in a geological repository for high-level radioactive waste. Coupled THM (thermal–hydrological–mechanical) models for laboratory tests have been effective in understanding coupled processes and improving modeling capability. While studies on bentonite behavior under heating temperatures < 100 °C have been extensively conducted, models and tests for high temperatures are relatively sparse. A bench-scale laboratory experiment at a high temperature (200 °C) was conducted, which provided 3D visualization of the density distribution via frequent X-ray CT images during the experiment, and detailed characterization of bentonite samples after the column tests was running for 1.5 years. We present here a THM model to interpret the data observed from the test, particularly focusing on the effect of the soil–water retention curve (SWRC) and the thermal conductivity function (TCF) under high temperatures. Model results provide a decent match of measured temporal and spatial changes that are the result of heating-induced desaturation, capillary-regulated hydration, swelling/shrinkage induced by local water content, temperature and pressure change, and displacement from nearby areas. The model suggests that (1) the non-linear TCF function should be chosen, (2) temperature-dependent SWRC affects the simulation results in all aspects, and (3) the linear swelling model underperforms the state surface approach in matching the displacement data. It is challenging to explain the density distribution at an early time (< 10 days) at the hydration front where increases in water content, swelling at the hydration front, and compression from nearby areas leads to high density that cannot be fully explained by the current THM model. Refinement of the mechanical model is needed in the future. Highlights: A column experiment at a high temperature (200 °C) was conducted to track THM evolution of bentonite under heating and hydration. A coupled THM model was developed to interpret the dynamic change of temperature, density, displacement. The model suggests the non-linear thermal conductivity function should be used. Temperature-dependent soil–water retention curve affects the simulation results in all aspects. The linear swelling model underperforms the state surface approach in matching the displacement data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical measurements can be used to estimate hydraulic properties such as permeability (k) in sedimentary rocks. Previous work has focused on sandstones, siltstones, and carbonates, while investigations on mudstones have rarely been reported. In this study, we report on electrical geophysical measurements for 23 mudstone samples using an experimental approach designed to reliably saturate these low permeability mudstones. The modified Hagen‐Poiseuille model linking permeability to the formation factor (F) and an effective pore radius (r) provides an excellent fit to the data set with a near‐constant pore radius, indicating that the effective porosity (1/F) is the controlling factor on k. In these samples, the surface area normalized to pore volume (Spor), frequently used in permeability estimation models, varies by 1–2 orders of magnitude and is thus not a reliable proxy of the inverse effective hydraulic radius. The formation factor also exerts the primary control on induced polarization (IP) parameters, whereas Spor shows no relation to the IP parameters. A strong linear relationship is found between IP parameters (imaginary conductivity and normalized chargeability) and surface conductivity, although the proportionality factor is significantly lower than those observed in more permeable rocks and sediments. Apparent relationships between the polarization strength‐derived and time constant‐derived geophysical length scales and the effective hydraulic radius appear to be driven by variations in the electrochemical parameters (i.e., specific polarizability and diffusion coefficient). Overall, these findings emphasize that predicting hydraulic properties from electrical measurements in fine‐grained rocks remains challenging and requires further investigation into the electrochemical properties involved. Plain Language Summary: Permeability governs the flow of fluids, such as groundwater, and the transport of solutes in the Earth's subsurface. Quantifying the permeability of low‐permeability materials is important for nuclear waste storage, carbon sequestration, geothermal energy production, and hydrocarbon exploration. Electrical geophysical methods can non‐invasively measure properties that control permeability in the subsurface. Previous studies on loose, unconsolidated sediments and relatively permeable sandstones show how electrical properties are controlled by the physical properties describing the geometry of the interconnected pore network. However, in finer‐grained sedimentary rocks like mudstones, electrical properties are not so well reported, in part due to difficulties in acquiring accurate measurements on low permeability samples with small pores. In our study of 23 mudstone samples, we find that permeability and the electrical polarization of these samples are primarily controlled by the effective porosity (a measure of the interconnected pore space through which electrical current is channeled) with the samples represented by a near constant effective pore radius. The pore surface area per unit volume is not a good measure of effective pore radius or well correlated with electrical properties. We also find that electrical polarization is correlated with magnetic susceptibility, an indicator of iron mineral concentration. Key Points: Permeability and IP parameters are predominantly controlled by the effective porosity (1/formation factor) of mudstonesThe modified Hagen‐Poiseuille equation well predicts the permeability (k) of these mudstones, with a single effective pore radiusPore geometry descriptors (Spor) show no correlation with k or IP parameters, with IP parameters strongly controlled by effective porosity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a systematic analysis of Brayton batteries using Ebsilon Professional® simulations. Over 200,000 concept configurations were evaluated, with less than 1% proving physically feasible. The research aimed to assess electricity generation; coupled generation of electricity and heat; coupled generation of electricity and cooling; and coupled generation of electricity, heat, and cooling, all with or without waste heat integration. Efficiency ranged from 20% to 50% for electricity generation alone, with higher efficiencies at a compressor discharge temperature of 625 °C compared to 450 °C. Co-generation improved the overall efficiency, although at the expense of power efficiency. Notably, simultaneous electricity, heat, and cooling generation solutions were absent within the study's parameters. Lead concepts, predominantly air-based systems with or without charging line recuperators and heat exchange at various stages, were identified. These will undergo detailed dynamic system simulations, focusing on thermal energy storage. Comparison with the existing literature was limited due to differing parameters and topologies, highlighting the value of this systematic analysis in identifying optimal solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiberglass is a waste generated in the construction materials industry, which is not dangerous for the environment, but long-term and very long-term storage is expensive. Finding a method of reuse as in creating a useful composite material led to the research work in this study. The impact of waste fiberglass and furnace slag on the characteristics of novel composite materials was examined in this study. The density and mechanical properties of the composite samples were examined to determine the impact of waste fiberglass (WFG) concentration in it. Washed river aggregates were replaced with WFG in various ratios in our laboratory tests. Concrete class C16/20 was utilized, having 0.35–0.7 w. % WFG and 2–10% slag. The obtained material was evaluated for density, workability, and compressive strength. The experiments were carried out in an accredited concrete station laboratory. The density of the resulting materials decreased as the WFG content was increased. The densities were higher than the witness sample, ranging from 2358 to 2405 kg/m3. The findings show that adding WFG and slag to concrete has a positive impact on its characteristics. With the addition of WFG, the mixture became more non-homogenous, but these characteristics can be optimized in future. Because of the differential in density between WFG and natural coarse aggregates, the fresh density of obtained composites dropped as the percentage of WFG increased; this could be an advantage, as the newly obtained material became lighter. The findings show that adding waste to concrete has a detrimental impact on its qualities. The introduction of blast furnace slag up to 5% does not modify the compressive strength, compared to the reference samples, but 10% slag causes a decrease in compressive strength of 4.2%. A proportion of 0.25% WFG causes a slight increase in mechanical strength; therefore, 0.25% WFG and 5% slag increased the compressive strength, the maximum value being obtained for a composite with 0.25% WFG, 5% slag, 5% sand and aggregates. Capitalization of WFG and slag resulted in significant economic and environmental benefits by reducing waste storage costs and production costs, and advantages resulted from the new material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electrical resistivity tomography, a new approach for detecting smouldering fires. • A region of R / R o ≥ 50 % corresponds to smouldering hotspots. • Increase in resistivity at smouldering hotspots is attributed to drop in moisture. • ERT can work well for material having moisture content as high as 50%. • ERT technology can be applied for silos and pile storage of organic material. Incidents of waste and biofuel fires are common at all stages of the waste recycling chain and have grave implications for business, employees, firefighters, society, and environment. An early detection of waste and biofuel fires in the smouldering stage could save precious lives, resources, and our environment. Existing fire detection methodologies e.g. handheld temperature sensors, IR cameras, gas sensors, and video and satellite-based monitoring techniques have inherent limitations to efficiently detect smouldering fires. An attempt was made to explore the potential of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) as an alternate tool to address the problem. In the experiments an externally powered resistive wire was employed to initiate the smouldering fire inside the test material (wood pellets, wood shavings, wood fines). Time series of ERT that followed the initiation and development of smouldering were recorded using an automated monitoring instrument setup. The actual geometry of the experimental sample container and electrode setup was integrated in the 3D finite element method (FEM) model grid to perform inverse numerical modelling (inversion) and to develop resistivity tomographic images. The study shows a sharp increase in ratio of resistivity (R / R o ≥ 50 %) in the test material in the region of smouldering hotspot and demonstrates the potential use of ERT technique for the detection of smouldering hotspots in silos and pile storage of organic material such as wood-based fuels, wood waste, coal, municipal solid waste (MSW), recyclables etc. More research is however required for enabling the use of this technique at the practical scale for different storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shock waves in geological materials are characterized by a sudden release of rapidly expanding gas, liquid, and solid particles. These shock waves may occur due to explosive volcanic eruptions or be artificially triggered. In fact, underground explosions have often been used as an engineering solution for large‐scale excavation, stimulating oil and gas recovery, creating cavities for underground waste storage, and even extinguishing gas field fires. As such, hydrocodes capable of simulating the rapid and significant deformation under extreme conditions can be a valuable tool for ensuring the safety of the explosions. Nevertheless, as most of the hydrocodes are often formulated in an Eulerian grid, this setting makes it non‐trivial to track the deformation configuration of the materials without a level set. The objective of this paper is to propose the use of the material point method equipped with appropriate equation of state (EOS) models as a hydrocode suitable to simulate underground explosions of transverse isotropic geomaterials. To capture the anisotropic effect of the common layered soil deposits, we introduce a new MPM hydrocode where an anisotropic version of the Mie‐Gruneisen EOS is coupled with a frictional Drucker‐Prager plasticity model to replicate the high‐strain‐rate constitutive responses of soil. By leveraging the Lagrangian nature of material points to capture the historical dependence and the Eulerian calculation of internal force, the resultant model is capable of simulating the rapid evolution of geometry of the soil as well as the high‐strain‐rate soil mechanics of anisotropic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory (Switzerland), an interdisciplinary examination program is carried out to increase knowledge about coupled hydro-mechanical effects in Opalinus Clay, which are of significant interest regarding the stability and integrity of a potential storage facility for high-level radioactive waste. This article focuses on the characterization of the claystone in the near field of excavations and related hydraulic effects due to excavation and ventilation. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is applied to characterize the OPA: Several open fractures correlate with regions of high resistivity values, indicating potential preferential flow paths that are relevant for transport processes. Due to the combined interpretation of ERT long-term monitoring and seasonally repeated nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements, a relationship between electrical resistivity and water content can be established, resulting also in a time-dependent map of the water content around excavations with different climatic conditions. The statistical interpretation of these measurements indicates the existence of small-scale singularities in contrast to dominating, more homogeneous zones. The presented approach leads to a better process understanding of these heterogeneous near field effects and provides a valuable basis for a pragmatic approach to safety assessment. Highlights: Methodic approach to provide a time-dependent map of the water content around an excavation in the sandy facies of Opalinus Clay (OPA). Identification and statistical evaluation of potential flow paths (micro-cracking areas) in the near field of excavations with regard to numerical safety analysis. Establishment of the relationship between electrical resistivity and water content in the sandy facies of OPA based on combined evaluation of ERT and NMR measurements. Impact of heterogeneity and technical boundary conditions on the evolution of the water content and the permeability. Combined interpretation of multi-disciplinary methods aiming on a detailed process understanding and characterization of coupled hydraulic-mechanical effects in Mont Terri OPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of Th into synthetic disordered fluorite-type Gd2Zr2O7 induces a transition to an ordered pyrochlore-type phase at a Th concentration of 10 % at the Gd site (Gd1.8Th0.2Zr2O7 composition). The degree of order of the fluorite-type phase reaches 50 % for a Th concentration of 25 % (Gd1.5Th0.5Zr2O7 composition). Upon application of high pressure, the Gd2Zr2O7 phase retains the fluorite-type structure until 33 GPa (K0 = 167(1) GPa), where it undergoes reversible amorphization. The Gd1.7Th0.3Zr2O7 phase was found to be stable up to at least a pressure of 25 GPa (K0 = 169(3) GPa). Upon heating to Tmax of 1135 K, the Gd2Zr2O7 phase retains its disordered fluorite-type structural arrangement (α = 3.03 × 10−5 K−1). The excellent stability of the Gd2−xThxZr2O7 phases under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure makes Gd2Zr2O7 a promising candidate as a host matrix for radioactive elements for safe long-term underground storage of nuclear waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective waste management in Tehran faces significant challenges arising from urbanization and population growth. This study delves into the current state of municipal solid waste management in Tehran, examining technical, social, economic, environmental health, and structural dimensions to identify key issues. Data collection involved questionnaires and consultations with experts. Results indicate various problems, including incomplete waste production data recording systems, inefficient source separation programs, inappropriate waste storage, high collection frequencies, subpar compost production, unregulated informal waste picking, landfill non-compliance, and limited management capacities. Evidence-based solutions encompass comprehensive waste production monitoring systems, public education, improved storage infrastructure, reduced collection frequencies, modern composting technology adoption, and landfill upgrades. Policymaking recommendations include incentivizing informal waste collectors to formalize, preventing child labor, enhancing public participation, mitigating corruption, streamlining contracts, and promoting coordination. Overall, a collaborative approach, emphasizing personnel training, infrastructure enhancement, public awareness campaigns, and research and development, is pivotal in establishing an effective and sustainable waste management system in Tehran. This study contributes to crucial insights into Tehran's waste management challenges and offers potential pathways for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research identifies the productivity of landfill gas actively captured at a municipal waste landfill site with a waste mass exceeding 1 million Mg from sectors in the operational and non-operational phases, considering meteorological conditions. Based on the analysis of landfill gas, including emissions and composition (CH4, CO2, O2, and other gases), the processes occurring demonstrate the impact of the decomposition of deposited waste on the activity of the deposit. With average monthly gas emissions exceeding 960,000 m3, the average content of CH4 (30–63%) and CO2 (18–42%) and the varied content of O2 (0.3–9.8%) in individual sectors of the landfill site were significant. The statistically significant relationship between CH4, CO2, and landfill gas emissions exhibited a noticeable decrease in methane content. Despite the abandonment of waste storage, a high correlation is present between the emission level and methane content (0.59) and carbon dioxide (0.50). In the operational part of the landfill, this relationship is also statistically significant but to a lesser extent; Spearman's R-value was 0.42 for methane and 0.36 for carbon dioxide. The operational and post-operational phases of the municipal waste landfill demonstrated a noticeable impact from the amount of precipitation, relative humidity, and air temperature, on landfill gas productivity. The generally progressive decline in the activity of the waste deposit, which reflects a decreasing trend in the methane content of approximately 2% annually in the total composition of landfill gas, as well as the share below 50%, indicates the need only to utilise landfill without producing energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research explores the potential of manganese oxide waste ore in energy storage applications, focusing on supercapacitors. The investigation assesses the electrochemical capabilities of natural manganese oxides obtained from the Drama region, which has been the main mining center of Greece for manganese ore, especially that of battery-grade quality. Samples were collected from abandoned mining sites in the Kato Nevrokopi area, Drama. The structure and composition of the manganese minerals were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electrochemical tests involved the preparation of electrodes using natural nsutite and heat-treated nsutite (hausmannite). Then, the designed electrodes were subjected to cyclic voltammetry tests and charge–discharge measurements. The hausmannite electrode exhibited a higher specific capacitance of 667 F/g at a current density of 0.2 A/g, and the electrode material retained 98.3% of its initial capacitance after 1000 cycles. This study provides new perspectives on simple and efficient methods for transforming natural nsutite material from mining waste to hausmannite with greater structural homogeneity and better electrochemical behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear energy production generates nuclear waste. Nuclear and radioactive waste, especially high level waste (HLW) and intermediate level waste (ILW), require special long-term safe management solutions. One part of the solution involves recycling through reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Recycling reduces the volume of nuclear waste and allows for the reuse of some of its components. This can be achieved through methods such as adsorption, ion exchange, coagulation, flotation, filtration, chemical precipitation, reverse osmosis, and solvent extraction, like the PUREX process. Another possible future solution involves partitioning and transmutation technology, which can reduce the production of nuclear waste. The best long-term solution is the immobilisation of HLW and ILW in a solid matrix. Materials used for this purpose include glasses, cements, bitumen, geopolymers, concrete, and ceramics as a promising material. While cementation is still the most commonly used immobilisation method due to its low cost and simplicity, vitrification is a more permanent long-term solution. Deep geological disposal in combination with vitrification and a robust multi-barrier system is considered the most acceptable solution for safe nuclear waste isolation. This review provides insight into the mostly commonly used and promising immobilisation materials, as well as the most effective methods and technologies currently in use and under development for the management of HLW and ILW in nuclear waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalysis is considered as simple, green, and the best strategy for elimination of hazardous organic contaminants from wastewater. Herein, new broad spectrum photocatalysts based on pure and Sm-doped CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 ternary composites were simply prepared by co-precipitation approach. The X-ray diffraction results proved the formation of a composite structure. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images displayed that most particles have a spherical shape with average mean sizes within 26–29 nm. The optical properties of both samples signified that the addition of Sm ions significantly improves the harvesting of the visible light spectrum of CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 ternary composites. The photocatalytic study confirmed that 97% of norfloxacin and 96% of methyl green pollutants were photo-degraded in the presence of the Sm-doped CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 catalyst after 50 and 40 min, respectively. The total organic carbon analysis revealed the high mineralization efficiency of the Sm-doped CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 catalyst to convert the norfloxacin and methyl green to carbon dioxide and water molecules. During three cycles, this catalyst presented a high removal efficiency for norfloxacin and methyl green contaminants. As a dielectric energy storage material, the Sm-doped CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 ternary composite has large dielectric constant values, mainly at low frequencies, with low dielectric loss compared to a pure CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal and aromatic plants, such as wild garlic (Allium ursinum), are valuable sources of bioactive compounds in traditional and modern medicine. However, the challenges in cultivating wild garlic and its seasonality limit its availability primarily to early spring. To maintain the quality of wild garlic, effective postharvest practices are essential, considering the delicate nature of its leaves and their susceptibility to rapid decay. This study focuses on implementing eco-friendly postharvest practices to address the seasonality and perishability of wild garlic. Optimizing storage conditions and drying processes is essential for extending its shelf life and preserving bioactive components. Two postharvest approaches were evaluated, with vacuum packaging at 4 °C demonstrating the most effective preservation of sensory attributes and bioactive composition over a 9-day period. Additionally, different drying methods, including convective and vacuum drying at various temperatures, were investigated. When the best drying temperature was selected, the results revealed that convective drying is more efficient at preserving phenolic compounds in wild garlic leaves at 60 °C. Conversely, vacuum drying shows superior preservation of alliinase activity and total thiosulfinate content at 70 °C. Furthermore, this study explores the utilization of unused wild garlic, which is typically discarded as waste during storage. By employing suitable drying methods, this material can be preserved and provide a valuable source of phenolic compounds (7.17–10.12 g GAE/100 g) and thiosulfinate (9.35–12.72 mg AC/110 g) compounds for various extraction processes. Accordingly, this research presents significant implications for the integration of wild garlic into diverse industries, particularly in the fields of food and pharmaceutical sectors. The findings offer opportunities for sustainable utilization, economic benefits, and a more environmentally friendly and economically viable approach to wild garlic production and processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance sequencing using the Illumina technology has been used to investigate the diversity of prokaryotes in three soil samples (Technosols) selected on the territory of the former tailings of liquid waste of chemical production near the city of Kirovo-Chepetsk, Kirov oblast. The taxonomic richness and phylogenetic diversity of microbial communities formed in the process of regenerative succession of the technogenic landscape, in comparison with alluvial soil (Fluvisols)—a natural analogue of the one that was disturbed as a result of the disposal of waste from a chemical enterprise—is assessed. The analysis of the indicators of taxonomic richness and diversity demonstrate their lower values in the soils formed on waste in comparison with the natural soil of the background site. Twenty-six bacterial and 2 archaeal phyla of prokaryotes are identified, accounting for more than 95% of the number of classified sequences. The phylum Actinobacteria (22–41%) and Proteobacteria (20–26%) dominate. At the level of higher taxa in disturbed soils, compared with the community of natural alluvial soil, trends in the representation of phylum are revealed: a decrease in the proportion of Verrucomicrobia and an increase in the proportion of Cyanobacteria. The greatest differences between the communities of technosols and background soil are revealed at the levels of orders, families, and genera. Common and unique genera have been identified for each of the four microbiomes. The detected differences in the composition and structure of the prokaryotic component of microbial communities of disturbed soils are related to the complex of their physicochemical properties (granulometric composition, pH of soil solution, Corg content, composition of toxicants of industrial origin, humidity regime, etc.) and the nature of vegetation cover. The results are of interest for the development of new approaches in future studies of the relationship of soil microbiota with ecosystem changes caused by human activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valorisation of sewage sludge for sustainable agricultural use and biofuel production proposes an effective and beneficial management of sewage sludge in a closed-loop cycle. The management of sewage sludge biowaste is a rising problem due to increasing waste storage expenses. In this sense, the use of circular economy principles in sewage sludge management creates opportunities to develop new technologies for processing. The biorefinery model allows the application of wasteless technologies via sewage sludge valorisation in terms of agricultural use and biofuel production, especially with the hydrothermal carbonisation method. Applying hydrothermal carbonisation in the treatment of biosolid sewage sludge has numerous benefits due to processing highly hydrated organic waste into carbon hydro char, a high-quality solid biofuel. The direct use of sewage sludge in the soil does not allow for full use of its functional properties. However, the hydrothermal carbonisation of sewage sludge results in biocarbon pellets, making it a viable approach. This work also discusses the barriers (legal, chemical, biological, and technical) and possibilities related to sewage sludge biorefining processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Many countries are in the process of designing a deep geological repository (DGR) for long-term storage of used nuclear fuel. For several designs, used fuel containers will be placed belowground, with emplacement tunnels being backfilled using a combination of highly compacted powdered bentonite clay buffer boxes surrounded by a granulated "gapfill" bentonite. To limit the potential for microbiologically influenced corrosion of used fuel containers, identifying conditions that suppress microbial growth is critical for sustainable DGR design. This study investigated microbial communities in powdered and gapfill bentonite clay incubated in oxic pressure vessels at dry densities between 1.1 g cm−3 (i.e. below repository target) and 1.6 g cm−3 (i.e. at or above repository target) as a 1-year time series. Results Our results showed an initial (i.e. 1 month) increase in the abundance of culturable heterotrophs associated with all dry densities <1.6 g cm−3, which reveals growth during transient low-pressure conditions associated with the bentonite saturation process. Following saturation, culturable heterotroph abundances decreased to those of starting material by the 6-month time point for all 1.4 and 1.6 g cm−3 pressure vessels, and the most probable numbers of culturable sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) remained constant for all vessels and time points. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed a change in microbial community composition from the starting material to the 1-month time point, after which time most samples were dominated by sequences associated with Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Cupriavidus , and Streptomyces. Similar taxa were identified as dominant members of the culture-based community composition, demonstrating that the dominant members of the clay microbial communities are viable. Members of the spore-forming Desulfosporosinus genus were the dominant SRB for both clay and culture profiles. Conclusions After initial microbial growth while bentonite was below target pressure in the early phases of saturation, microbial growth in pressure vessels with dry densities of at least 1.4 g cm−3 was eventually suppressed as bentonite neared saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metallurgical sector is one of the important sectors of the Slovak economy. Its integral part is the storage of metallurgical waste, which is accompanied by noise that bothers the inhabitants of the surrounding urban areas. This paper focuses on the analysis of the problem of noise propagation into protected areas located in the vicinity of the metallurgical plant. The paper describes a number of measurements that have been carried out at the slag landfill. Based on these measurements, simulations were performed using a mathematical model, and predictions of noise propagation in the exterior were made. Subsequently, noise reduction measures were proposed. The results obtained by the authors form a methodological basis for addressing such situations, since, during the solution, it was often necessary to deal with non-standard situations that were specific to the area of the technology addressed. This solution was then applied in real practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass-derived carbon material has the advantages of economy and high reversible capacity, and become the research hotspot of anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, a facile process to prepare carbon material derived from pyrolysis of cotton stalks was reported. As an anode material for SIBs, the sample shows reversible capacity of 76 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.05 A g−1. In addition, it has specific capacity of 70 mA h g−1 after 1000 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. This paper provides a new idea to produce carbon material from biomass waste for energy storage and makes a certain contribution to the sustainable development of waste resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing trend of waste production in the hotel industry, a turn to green waste management would greatly alleviate costs and carbon footprint. Although policies are being updated to accommodate the transition to eco-friendlier management, there is little literature about technologies used to reduce pollution. This study assessed the economic effectiveness and cost improvement of the hotel industry in Western Visayas using cleaner production technology practices. This study utilized a descriptive survey research approach. The 156 participants, which consisted of hotel owners, managers, and employees, were chosen using a stratified random sampling technique using G* power version 3.0. The statistical tools employed were frequency counts, percentages, rankings, averages, standard deviation, and one-way ANOVA. Results revealed that the top five cleaner production technology practices implemented that suggest sustainability were: “modify facilities/equipment”, “adequate proper control operations”, “improves facilities/equipment layout”, “provides training and incentive programs”, and “improves wastes segregation and storage”. The study shows no significant differences observed in the scope of practices for stars 3-5. On the contrary, there is a significant difference seen in the scope of 2- star hotel practices. The use of cleaner production technology and green practices has also decreased the hotel's use of energy, water, and solid waste management. Importantly, the cost of consumption in each hotel unit decreased. The findings of this study will enable hotels to adopt efficient waste sorting techniques, paving the way for a greener transition in the hospitality industry. By doing so, future research, projects, and policy implementations may be directed to a better tomorrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian federal government has recently recommenced a previously paused process to select a site for a national nuclear waste storage facility despite significant opposition from Australian Indigenous communities and others. This article considers what some might understand as a contemporary issue by examining its relationship to previous events. It emphasizes how Western linear temporality facilitates disregard for negative community sentiment and the consigning of previous wrongs to the past. In contrast, Indigenous temporalities – where time is understood as immanent and space and time intermingled – emphasize positive relationships and require the remediation of past wrongs to support just futures. Thus, historical nuclear weapons testing in Australia, current plans for waste storage, and historical and ongoing ecological and social consequences of resource extraction are all related, reflecting the violence of British colonization and contemporary settler colonial governance. Using a literary studies approach, this article examines historically significant moments of Indigenous Australian protest writing regarding extractive industries, nuclear waste storage, and settler colonial governance, to show that some Indigenous communities in Australia have clearly communicated their negative sentiments. It argues for equitable relationships as a first step towards the restitution of past wrongs and the creation of just futures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines household solid waste generation patterns and collection systems in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, utilizing a mixed research design combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A sample of 380 heads of households was randomly selected, and data were collected through surveys, in-depth interviews, and field observation. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, with Chi-square analyses revealing relationships between waste quantities and socio-demographic characteristics. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The results indicate that food waste constitutes 66% of total waste, with compound sweepings and papers trailing at 20%. Most households (60%) generate 1–3kg of waste daily, yet face significant inconsistencies (74%) in waste collection schedules. Despite the common use of sacks (97%) for waste storage, an underperforming collection system results in uncertainty among residents, leading to roadside dumping. Notably, homeowners produce significantly higher quantities of waste (p<0.001), and larger family household sizes correlate with increased waste generation (p<0.000). The study unveils challenges in waste collection due to inadequate infrastructure and technology, resulting in environmental and health risks from waste accumulation in public areas. Recommendations include: investing in infrastructure and technology to enhance waste collection efficiency, increasing financial allocations through partnerships and grants, and launching public awareness campaigns for improved waste segregation, and adherence to collection schedules. Additionally, promoting sustainable recycling and composting practices is advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The transport and radiological traces of natural and artificial radionuclides in the samples taken from the boron waste storage area of the Bandırma boron production facility have been investigated. Boron raw materials were supplied from Kirka (Turkey) and Emet (Turkey) quarries. Radiological dose values were examined in nine different samples. The samples coded A3, A10 and A11 represent waste derived from just the Emet deposit, whereas samples A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, and A9 were waste derived from both Kirka and Emet deposits. Natural and artificial radionuclide concentration levels of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in these wastes were determined using a high-purity germanium detector. The calculations showed that the activity concentration values for 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs were compatible with the waste analysis results in the literature. In this study, many parameters indicating radiological hazards have been calculated. In this study, the radiological risk assessment parameters for samples taken from the boron waste storage site were determined and compared with the world average values. The results obtained from the analyses showed that the best waste value belonged to sample A6 from the Kirka deposit in Turkey. In addition, due to environmental effects and the presence of other wastes (A11), the radiological hazard level was high in waste from the Emet deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of animal waste storage on GHG emissions and climate change is a serious issue for agriculture. The carbon emissions that are generated from barns represent a relevant source of emissions that negatively affect the environmental performance measures of livestock production. In this experiment, CO2 and CH4 emissions from different animal wastes, namely, digestate, slurry, and manure, were evaluated both in their original form and with a biochar addition. The emissions were monitored using the static camber methodology and a portable gas analyzer for a 21-day period. The addition of biochar (at a ratio of 2:1 between the substrates and biochar) significantly reduced the emissions of both gases compared to the untreated substrates. Slurry exhibited higher emissions due to its elevated gas emission tendency. The biochar addition reduced CO2 and CH4 emissions by 26% and 21%, respectively, from the slurry. The main effect of the biochar addition was on the digestate, where the emissions decreased by 45% for CO2 and 78% for CH4. Despite a lower tendency to emit carbon-based gases of manure, biochar addition still caused relevant decreases in CO2 (40%) and CH4 (81%) emissions. Biochar reduced the environmental impacts of all treatments, with a GWP reduction of 55% for the digestate, 22% for the slurry, and 44% for the manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) waste that is generated from oil and gas production and decommissioning activities could have radiological effects on human health and the environment. Therefore, safe and sustainable management of NORM is crucial. In this paper, a review of the NORM waste management systems, particularly for oil and gas operations in four Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries (i.e., Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam), is carried out. Through the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of such systems, this paper finds that among the four countries, Malaysia has the most comprehensive legal framework for NORM waste management, which includes specific guidelines for managing NORM waste from the oil and gas industry. Since proper NORM waste disposal facilities are currently unavailable in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, they should be developed. However, this task is not easy, particularly finding an appropriate site. Despite having disposal facilities specialized for NORM waste, Malaysia should build more facilities that are designed following the newly published guidance. Although some legal and guiding documents on radioactive or NORM waste have been drafted in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, specific ones should be established to manage NORM waste from oil and gas activities. In Indonesia, the enhancement of local capacity building and construction of laboratories that are capable of NORM concentration analysis will help strengthen the implementation of NORM-related regulations. Meanwhile, more storage facilities for NORM waste should be built in Thailand, and NORM waste from the oil and gas industry should be managed as radioactive waste in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the application of fluorescence optical fiber coupled to a telecom grade fiber as a sensor for alpha particles using alpha-specific ZnS(Ag) scintillation materials whose wavelength is down-shifted into a low-loss region of the telecom grade fiber transmission band. Telecom-grade fiber optics offer a solution for sensing alpha radiation in deep repositories and cask storage for radioactive materials due to the stability of SiO2 under normal environmental conditions and its relative radiation hardness at low radiation doses. Long-term nuclear waste storage facilities require sensors for the detection of leakage of radioactive materials that are maintenance-free, do not require power and can survive with no 'wear out' mechanisms for decades. By accomplishing the wavelength transformation, we maximize efficiencies in the detection of α -particles and signal transport and can detect alpha scintillation at distances on the order of >1 km with a sensor that is ~3% efficient and can be easily scaled as a sensor array. This paper describes the construction and testing of the sensor including manufacture of the controlled thickness films, verification of the wavelength shift from 450 to 620 nm and optimization of the sensitivity as a function of thickness. We also model the relative sensitivity of the film as a function of film thickness, and we demonstrate a signal-to-noise ratio of 10 at a range of greater than 1 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the construction of a numerical three-dimensional model of the area of the Żelazny Most Mining Waste Storage Facility (MWSF). In the study area, the difficult geological conditions associated with glaciotectonics are accompanied by a complex hydrotechnical system of sediment deposition and sedimentary water drainage. In order to effectively reflect the water flow paths, a detailed schematization was carried out, using 700,000 boreholes and more than 300 hydrogeological cross-sections. In addition, numerous drainage sections, streams, and ditches were included to reliably assess the amount of saline water entering the underlying aquifers. This research was supported by magnetic resonance sounding (MRS) studies of the reservoir’s sediments. The MWSF is currently being expanded, so the work primarily focuses on illustrating changes in the hydrodynamic field resulting from the inclusion of the new southern section. Models of similar facilities have been implemented before, but in the current one, the combination of meticulous analysis of the hydro-structural system, the water balance, a significant amount of data, the size of the facility, and the use of an unstructured discretization grid in the calculations is undoubtedly innovative and will be an important contribution to the development of analogous solutions around the world.

Purpose: The aim of the article is to provide objective information about the classification of medical waste and its storage and transport based on the Silesian waste transport company – Ekomed. Generally, waste is very marginalized by society, therefore the article aims to present the further way of dealing with medical waste. Design/methodology/approach: The basic research methods were the analysis of literature on the safety of transport of medical waste, along with their categorization based on the BDO system, by example of Silesian waste transport company – EKOMED. Findings: Disposing of medical or chemical waste is a unique responsibility. Leaving such a sensitive procedure to the wrong companies or people who do not have adequate technical and personal resources may not only have dangerous consequences, but also be severely punished by applicable law. Therefore, it is worth trusting certified companies that not only have many years of experience, but also perfectly understand the responsibility of waste producers. Research limitations/implications: In the future, research will be continued in the field of medical waste transport in context of safety, especially during pandemic. Practical implications: This article provides an overview of quantitative research and diversity of medical waste from medical facilities in Poland. This review shows the importance and scale of the problem and allows for further continuation of research to manage the generated waste. The author has also noted that people generally forget about waste when they get into the bin. The main aim is to get people’s attention what is happening later with the medical waste. Originality/value: Based on empirical research, the article shows the scale of the problem that, through the new EU directives on the recycling and sustainable development, will be a forwardlooking and important issue. Additionally, the article presents concepts for medical waste transport based on a Silesian company EKOMED. It’s twenty years of daily practice of transporting medical waste to the place of its disposal allowed the development of effective logistic solutions for its safe transport, which turned out to be of invaluable value during the SARS-COV-2 virus pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constanta Port is the largest port on the Black Sea. Only here are operated the largest ships that have access through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. Of these, the largest tonnage is operated in berths 80 – 84 belonging to COMVEX SA. In the port there are also terminals for operating bulk cargo belonging to SOCEP and Minmetal. During the operation of ships, transport and storage of bulk cargo, basic activities of the terminal, losses of bulk materials occur, which periodically collected are waste because they no longer meet the original characteristics of the goods. According to GD 111/2002, these quantities of materials are called technological losses and are a mixture of iron ore, bauxite, coke and coal. The mineral components of this waste, defined as mineral waste, are from the handled materials, and which are of the highest quality. This quantity cannot be shipped to customers and therefore the respective quantities of goods represent operating and storage losses. Periodically, this mixture must be removed so that the land surfaces on which the stacks of materials are formed remain clean. The production of mineral waste is closely linked to the activity of the Ore Terminal. The mineral mixture from cleaning operations is stored in temporary storage dumps. In addition to the fact that these quantities of goods represent losses, they also represent an impact on the environment. The storage of this waste involves occupying important, available, adjacent areas and sometimes production areas. This also has implications for the operator's handling capacity as it requires additional operations involving energy consumption, labour consumption, vehicle use, etc. In conclusion, this scenario negatively affects the economic and social development of the company operating with bulk materials. Due to the specificity of the bulk cargo handling terminal, between 1991 and until now, significant quantities of mineral waste valued at approx. 650.000 t. Similar wastes are a characteristic of large ports, which transit such bulk goods, such as: Rotterdam – EMO operator – Netherlands, Dunkirk and Sollac sur Mer – France, Tianjin – China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion is widely used to process and recover value from food waste. Commercial food waste anaerobic digestion facilities seek improvements in process efficiency to enable higher throughput. There is limited information on the composition of microbial communities in food waste prior to digestion, limiting rational exploitation of the catalytic potential of microorganisms in pretreatment processes. To address this knowledge gap, bacterial and fungal communities in food waste samples from a commercial anaerobic digestion facility were characterised over 3 months. The abundance of 16S rRNA bacterial genes was approximately five orders of magnitude higher than the abundance of the fungal intergenic spacer (ITS) sequence, suggesting the numerical dominance of bacteria over fungi in food waste before anaerobic digestion. Evidence for the mass proliferation of bacteria in food waste during storage prior to anaerobic digestion is presented. The composition of the bacterial community shows variation over time, but lineages within the Lactobacillaceae family are consistently dominant. Nitrogen content and pH are correlated to community variation. These findings form a foundation for understanding the microbial ecology of food waste and provide opportunities to further improve the throughput of anaerobic digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clay minerals in soils and rocks exhibit large volume change upon interaction with water and this behavior becomes even more complex when the strata are being stressed by the engineering and environmental loads. Therefore, a realistic prediction of the hydro-mechanical behavior of the clay-bearing strata is always a challenge due to their coupled swelling-mechanical response in the cases of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering problems, nuclear waste storage in clay-bearing rock repositories, shale gas extraction, and other uses of clay in the manufacturing industry. All the existing behavior models have restricted applications in the engineering and other fields of practice mainly due to the partial consideration of the structure and fabric of clay-bearing strata in the model formulation. In this study, a hydro-mechanical behavior model has been formulated using the parameters acquired from the molecular-level simulations and modeling of the volume change and stress–strain behavior of the clay-bearing structure. The Molecular Mechanics and Molecular Dynamic simulations were performed on the natural structure of the clay-bearing strata formulated using Monte Carlo technique. The mathematical model, developed from the simulation results, can predict the overall hydro-mechanical behavior of clay-bearing strata for all possible combinations of clay minerals, non-clay minerals, salts causing cementation of the soil/rock structure, confining pressures, and the induced strain levels. The developed model has successfully been validated through laboratory and field testing on the clay-bearing strata in both the elastic and elasto-plastic regions of the stress–strain behavior and also from the data of two (02) swelling clays (MX-80 and FEBEX Bentonite) from the existing literature, supporting the universal nature of the developed behavior model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the immutability of blockchain, the integration with big-data systems creates limitations on redundancy, scalability, cost, and latency. Additionally, large amounts of invaluable data result in the waste of energy and storage resources. As a result, the demand for data deletion possibilities in blockchain has risen over the last decade. Although several prior studies have introduced methods to address data modification features in blockchain, most of the proposed systems need shorter deletion delays and security requirements. This study proposes a novel blockchain architecture called Unlichain that provides data-modification features within public blockchain architecture. To achieve this goal, Unlichain employed a new indexing technique that defines the deletion time for predefined lifetime data. The indexing technique also enables the deletion possibility for unknown lifetime data. Unlichain employs a new metadata verification consensus among full and meta nodes to avoid delays and extra storage usage. Moreover, Unlichain motivates network nodes to include more transactions in a new block, which motivates nodes to scan for expired data during block mining. The evaluations proved that Unlichain architecture successfully enables instant data deletion while the existing solutions suffer from block dependency issues. Additionally, storage usage is reduced by up to 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a 3D-2D-1D mixed-dimensional diffusive model in a fractured porous medium coupling the 1D model along the centerline skeleton of a tubular network, the 2D model on a network of planar fractures and the 3D model in the surrounding matrix domain. The transmission conditions are based on a potential continuity assumption at matrix fracture interfaces, and on Robin type conditions at the resolved interfaces between the tubular network and the matrix and fracture network domains. The discretization of this mixed-dimensional model is formulated in the gradient discretization framework (Droniou, J., Eymard, R. & Herbin, R. (2016) Gradient schemes: generic tools for the numerical analysis of diffusion equations. ESAIM Math. Model. Numer. Anal., 50, 749–781), which covers a large class of conforming and nonconforming schemes and provides stability and error estimates based on general coercivity, consistency and limit-conformity properties. As an example of discretization fitting this framework, the mixed-dimensional version of the vertex approximate gradient (VAG) scheme is developed. It is designed to allow nonconforming meshes at the interface between the 1D and 3D-2D domains, to provide a conservative formulation with local flux expressions and to be asymptotic preserving in the limit of high transfer coefficients. Numerical experiments are provided on analytical solutions for simplified geometries, which confirm the theoretical results. Using its equivalent finite volume formulation, the VAG discretization is extended to a drying mixed-dimensional model coupling the Richards equation in a fractured porous medium and the convection diffusion of the vapor molar fraction along the 1D domain. It is applied to simulate the drying process between an operating tunnel and a radioactive waste storage rock with explicit representation of the fractures in the excavated damaged zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the factors that determine farmers' intention to improve animal waste storage facilities using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The model was tested using Structural Equation Modelling. Data were collected from 376 small and medium livestock farmers in Turkey. The results showed farmers' intention to improve waste facilities was primarily determined by their attitudes. Subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were almost equally influential. Multiple-Group Analysis determined the effects of control variables. The attitude of less-educated farmers, who owned more extensive livestock operations and relied solely on income from livestock, had a significant and positive effect on the intention to improve farm waste management. SN and PBC were significant determinants of the behavior of farmers' who were more educated, had more prominent families, and employed higher-paid labor. The results will help central and local governments, industry investors, and growers' associations understand farmers' attitudes toward waste storage issues and develop more effective strategies to ensure environmental sustainability and better use of investment and training opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two outstanding phenomena have taken place in earlier geological era where Gabon is now located: the presence of natural nuclear reactors and the appearance of a very elaborated form of life for its age. Calculations performed to establish the sustained fission history of Oklo site are presented first. Second, possible correlations between these two anomalies are discussed. Could the presence of ionizing radiation be the cause of genetic mutations? Today's isotopic measurements allow us to improve our understanding of the irradiation suffered by organic matter over all times. The first objective is therefore to quantify the possible effects of such ionizing radiation. A second objective naturally appears: the storage of radioactive waste. Calculations issued from the first objective provide access to nuclear reactor waste formations and Oklo is the unique natural analogue of a long-term storage laboratory for nuclear waste. Returning to our primary objective, it is interesting to extend our reflections to other situations of naturally radioactive environments such as very old geological formations or lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractured bedrock aquifers, especially deep aquifers, represent increasingly common targets for waste storage and alternative energy development, necessitating detailed quantitative descriptions of fracture hydraulic properties, geometry, and connectivity. Yet, multi‐scale characterization of the physical properties that govern fluid flow through and storage in fractured bedrock remains a fundamental hydrogeologic challenge. Oscillatory hydraulic testing, a novel hydraulic characterization technique, has been showing promise in field experiments to characterize the effective hydraulic properties of bedrock fractures. To date, these characterization efforts utilize simplified diffusive analytical models that conceptualize a non‐deforming, parallel‐plate fracture embedded within impermeable host rock, and have found that the returned fracture hydraulic parameter estimates exhibit an apparent period‐dependence. We conduct synthetic experiments using three different numerical models to examine proposed mechanisms that might contribute to the observed period‐dependence including heterogeneous flow and storage within the fracture (i.e., aperture heterogeneity), fracture‐host rock fluid exchange, and fracture hydromechanics. This work represents the first systematic analysis that seeks to understand the process(es) occurring within a bedrock fracture that might be contributing to this apparent period‐dependence. Our analysis demonstrates that all investigated mechanisms generate period‐dependent effective hydraulic parameter estimates, each with their own potentially diagnostic trends; however, fracture hydromechanics is the only explored mechanism that consistently reproduces period‐dependent trends in parameter estimates that are consistent with existing field investigations. These results highlight the need to develop more complex numerical modeling approaches that account for this hydromechanical behavior when characterizing fractured bedrock aquifers. Plain Language Summary: Deep aquifers frequently contain multiple fractures that provide channels for rapid transport and storage of water, heat, and contaminants through the subsurface, making them increasingly popular resources for alternative energy and waste storage. Building computer models that create accurate predictive simulations of flow and transport through fractured bedrock requires detailed knowledge and description of the physical properties that govern flow and transport through and the hydraulic processes occurring within these fractures. Periodic pressure testing has recently been used to determine these hydraulic properties; however, they have been found to be dependent on the period of the pressure signal, which indicates the presence of hydraulic processes occurring within the fracture that are not considered during analysis. We use three computer models to investigate potential mechanisms that might contribute to this apparent period‐dependence, and we find that fracture displacement due to pressure changes along the fracture leads to inaccurate averaged fracture flow parameter estimates when simple analytical expressions are used during data analysis. Key Points: Heterogeneous fracture storage, fracture‐host rock fluid exchange, and hydromechanics all produce period‐dependent effective parametersEach explored mechanism produces distinct—potentially diagnostic—period‐dependent hydraulic parameter estimatesFracture hydromechanics is the only mechanism that reproduces period‐dependent parameter trends described in previous field experiments [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is expected that due to the new European Union regulation focus on waste management, managing kitchen waste will become more important in the future, especially in households. Therefore, it is crucial to develop user-friendly and odour-free containers to store kitchen waste. The study aimed to test the effectiveness of composts' biochar in reducing noxious odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during kitchen waste storage. Various amounts of compost biochar (0%, 1%, 5%, and 10%) were added to food waste samples and incubated for seven days at 20 °C. The released VOCs were analysed on days 1, 3, and 7 of the storage simulation process. The results indicated that adding 5–10% of composts' biochar to kitchen waste significantly reduced the emissions in 70% of the detected VOCs compounds. Furthermore, composts' biochar can be used to eliminate potential odour components and specific dangerous VOCs such as ethylbenzene, o-xylene, acetic acid, and naphthalene. A new composts' biochar with a unique composition was particularly effective in reducing VOCs and could be an excellent solution for eliminating odours in kitchen waste containers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the impact of the glass network‐modifier cation field strength (CFS) on ion irradiation‐induced mechanical property changes in borosilicate (BS) glasses for the ternary M2O–B2O3–SiO2 systems with M = {Na, K, Rb} and the quaternary [0.5M(2)O–0.5Na2O]–B2O3–SiO2 systems with M = {Li, Na, K, Rb Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba}. 11B nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments on the as‐prepared BS glasses yielded the fractional population of four‐coordinated B species (B[4]) out of all {B[3], B[4]} groups in the glass network, along with the fraction of B[4]–O–Si linkages out of all B[4]–O–Si/B bonds. Both parameters correlated linearly with the (average) CFS of the M+ and/or {M(2)+, Na+} cations. Both the nanoindentation‐derived hardness and Young's modulus values of the glasses reduced upon their irradiation by Si2+ ions, with the property deterioration decreasing linearly with increasing Mz+ CFS, that is, for higher Mz+⋅⋅⋅O interaction strength. The irradiation damage of the glass network also increased linearly with the fraction of B[4]–O–Si linkages, which are the second weakest in the structure after the Mz+⋅⋅⋅O bonds. Our results underscore the advantages of employing BS glasses with high‐CFS cations for enhancing the radiation resistance for nuclear waste storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper focuses on the main geomorphological and geological, hydrographic and hydrological characteristics, as well as the main indicators of echopedological characterization and how they are manifested in the area under study, as well as a series of elements relating to the current situation of waste management in Timis County, or the composition and protection of basic and auxiliary components of the landfill, as well as a series of technical solutions for control and prevention of risk situations, the fruit of a laborious activity of observation, studies and research in interdisciplinary fields. In order to manage waste (estimated at 9.58 million tons of which 7.66 million tons of household waste) as correctly and efficiently as possible, in compliance with the European Union standards, an integrated waste management system co-financed by European funds was implemented in the Timis County, covering the entire area of the Timis County, respecting the 99 administrative units, representing 100% coverage of the county with sanitation services, divided into 5 collection areas:0 Ghizela, 1 Timisoara, 2 Jimbolia, 3 Deta, 4 Faget, superimposed on the three geomorphological sectors specific to Timis County. The importance of the subject matter derives from the fact that in addition to the requirements for food, clothing and wood, the natural environment is required by man for more and more different requirements, being used to a large extent as a place for multiple and diverse social-economic activities for various constructions, recreational spaces, platforms and places for the storage of many wastes and residues. The aim of the research undertaken originates from scientific and practical research on the accumulation of knowledge in which, through various technological and organizational measures, it is possible to reduce the area to be treated with residues by 30%, thus reducing possible pressures on the quality of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents analyses of the municipal waste stability, stored in a landfill with the specific parameters of the waste massif, such as height, width and slope inclination. The massif of waste is lined by a simple drainage/sealing layer, consisting of a sand layer, non-woven geotextile, HDPE double-textured geomembrane and two different sealing mineral layers. The structure stability analysis was performed using a numerical program, relating to the methods: Fellenius/Petterson, Bishop, Spencer, Janbu and Morgenstern-Price. The considerations were carried out according to approach 3 (DA3) for the ultimate limit state GEO of Eurocode 7. The values of the utilization factor and the factor of safety were compared. Municipal waste is generally stable if the slope of the waste is ≤25°. With a slope inclination of 30°, the structures of waste massifs are stable up to a height of 10 m. Using the Fellenius/Petterson method can lead to an underestimation of the factor of safety and an overstatement of the degree of utilization; other methods give comparable results. Changing the material of the mineral sealing layer leads to a change in the course of the circular slip line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]