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In mushroom cultivation, it is important to be aware of the impact of the growing substrate. This study investigated the cultivation of various oyster mushrooms, including Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus citrinopileatus, and Pleurotus djamor, on different types of wood sawdust. Total phenolic content, condensed tannins, antioxidant activity by ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, protein and sensory evaluations were performed in cultivated oyster mushrooms. Wood sawdust of Fagus orientalis (oriental beech), Alnus glutinosa (alder), Castanea sativa (chestnut), and Juglans regia (walnut) were used as substrate for studied mushroom type, separately. Because champignon (Agaricus bisporus) was the most consumed mushroom, it was used as control sample. Methanolic extracts of dried mushrooms were used to measure bioactive characteristics. Pleurotus ostreatus samples cultivated in Alnus glutinosa (alder) sawdust substrate had the highest antioxidant activity. The lowest antioxidant activity values were found in Pleurotus djamor cultivated in Juglans regia (walnut) wood sawdust substrate. The highest protein content was measured in Agaricus bisporus as 13,84 %. The other highest protein concentration was found in Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated in Alnus glutinosa (alder) sawdust substrate, at 13,75 %. The lowest protein concentration belonged to Pleurotus citrinopileatus cultivated in Fagus orientalis (oriental beech) sawdust substrate as 9,86 %. While Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus had the highest overall appreciation score, Pleurotus citrinopileatus had the lowest. It has been observed that the substrate content has an important impact on chemical and sensory properties of the oyster mushrooms. This study provides knowledge on the chemical and sensory characteristics of three different Pleurotus mushroom species cultivated on different composts.

The research was carried out with the objective of characterization the chemical properties of the soil of two farms in the Pastaza province in Ecuador. The Procel farm is located at 10 31´47,514´´ S, 780 0´13,782´´W and the Victoria farm 1031´46,9236´´S, 7800´19,3557´´ W. Sampling was carried out at a depth of 20 cm and 40 cm, four samples were made from the mixture of 15 subsamples taken in Zig- Zag in each growing area. Using the electrometric method, the pH was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the content of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+ +. The result showed that the soils of these farms are acidic, that there is a high concentration of P2O5 and low organic matter content in these soils., La investigación se realizó con el objetivo de caracterizar las propriedades químicas del suelo de dos fincas de la provincia Pastaza en el Ecuador. La finca el Procel se encuentra ubicada a los 10 31´47,514´´ S, 780 0´13,782´´W y la Finca Victoria 1031´46,9236´´S, 7800´19,3557´´ W. El muestreo se realizó a profundidades de 20 cm y 40 cm; se conformaron cuatro muestras a partir de la mezcla de 15 submuestras tomadas en zig-zag en cada área de cultivo. Por el método electrométrico se determinó el pH; por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica, el contenido de P2O5, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+ El resultado evidenció que los suelos de estas fincas son ácidos, que existe una alta concentración de P2O5, y bajos contenidos de materia orgánica en dichos suelos.

Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University Solapur's Board of Studies in Economics is introduced Labour Welfare subject from June 2023-24 for BA II Economics class.This is the Interdisciplinary subject for the Students. I'm very happy to be this book is useful for this Students.In this book in Semester III chapters are Labour Welfare, Labour problems and Labour market. In Semester IV chapters are Labour Welfare agencies, Social Security and India's Legislature on Social Security.In a book many photos and references are including. Many references are using for the book writing. I'm thankful to the all authors.I'm very thankful to the Kripa Drishti Publication, Pune.

Totora is a fast-growing plant with a production potential of up to 58 t of dry mass/ha/year. However, totora has an underappreciated industrial potential. Currently, it is mainly used by indigenous people and occasionally by designers for various design works. If totora is to be used more industrially, we need to thoroughly investigate its properties, especially the mechanical properties of its stems. Therefore, this study presents a comprehensive study of totora stems, namely presents its chemical composition, mechanical prop-erties, and also correlations between dimensions of totora stem and its mechanical and chemical properties. The results showed that totora stems are composed mainly of cellulose (49.62% in totora pith and 40.97% in totora rind). Lignin content of totora rind is 20.14%, whereas totora pith consists only of 6.93% lignin. Totora stems exhibited relatively high mechanical properties, tensile strength was 10.52 MPa, compressive strength 1.65 MPa, and bending strength was 7.75 MPa. It was found that mechanical properties nor chemical properties are not correlated with the area of the stem cross section at a level of 0.05. Only one correlation was found at a level of 0.1.

Machine Learning (ML) is increasingly applied to fill data gaps in assessments to quantify impacts associated with chemical emissions and chemicals in products. However, the systematic application of ML-based approaches to fill chemical data gaps is still limited, and their potential for addressing a wide range of chemicals is unknown. We prioritized chemical-related parameters for chemical toxicity characterization to inform ML model development based on two criteria: (1) each parameter's relevance to robustly characterize chemical toxicity described by the uncertainty in characterization results attributable to each parameter and (2) the potential for ML-based approaches to predict parameter values for a wide range of chemicals described by the availability of chemicals with measured parameter data. We prioritized 13 out of 38 parameters for developing ML-based approaches, while flagging another nine with critical data gaps. For all prioritized parameters, we performed a chemical space analysis to assess further the potential for ML-based approaches to predict data for diverse chemicals considering the structural diversity of available measured data, showing that ML-based approaches can potentially predict 8-46% of marketed chemicals based on 1-10% with available measured data. Our results can systematically inform future ML model development efforts to address data gaps in chemical toxicity characterization.

Monitoring structural behavior of earth structures during construction and in service is a common practice done for safety reasons, consolidation control and maintenance needs. Several are the techniques available for measuring displacements, water pressures and total stresses, not only in these geotechnical structures but also at their foundations. Materials testing has been used for calibrating models for structural design and behavior prediction, and these models can be validated with instrumentation data as well. Relatively recent investigation on the behavior of these materials considering their degree of saturation focuses on monitoring the evolution of water content or suction as function of soil-atmosphere interaction, necessary to predict cyclic and/or accumulated displacements, and has huge potential to predict the impact of climate changes on the performance of existing geotechnical structures. This new need justifies the investment on developing sensors able to be used for in situ monitoring of water in the soils, such as those presented here. Testing and monitoring becomes even more important nowadays when, for sustainability purposes, traditional construction materials are replaced by other geo-materials with unknown behavior and long-term performance (mainly accumulated displacements). Existing experimental protocols and monitoring equipment are used for such cases, however new techniques must be developed to deal with particular behaviors. Three case studies are presented and discussion is made on monitoring equipment used and how monitored data helped understanding the behaviors observed., Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public., Geo-engineering

The chemical and physical characteristics of several flavonoid compounds such as geraniol, thymoquinone, betaine, apigenin, N-acetylcysteine, catechin, l-carnosine, epigallocatachin, and saponarin were examined in this work. Numerous molecular properties of all flavonoid compounds used in this study were calculated using the Calculate Molecular Properties module of Accelrys Discovery Studio v20.1.0.19295.0. These properties included molecular polar surface area, total solvent accessible surface area, and heat of formation. We used the MCNPX general-purpose Monte Carlo code in combination with the Phy-X PSD software to determine gamma-ray interaction parameters such as attenuation coefficients, effective atomic numbers, and buildup factors. The findings indicate that the flavonoids’ elemental compositions have a direct effect on their chemical and physical properties. Additionally, a synergistic interaction of chemical and physical behaviors has been observed. Among the flavonoids studied, saporanin was shown to have the highest polar surface area and solvent accessible surface area, as well as the highest stability. Additionally, saporanin had the strongest gamma-ray attenuation characteristics across a broad photon energy range. It may be inferred that saporanin’s elemental structure enables a synergistic relationship between its chemical and physical characteristics. The findings of this study may contribute to the evaluation of saporanin’s hypoglycemic, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective effects. Copyright © 2022 Tekin, ALMisned, Issa, Kasikci, Arooj, Ene, Al-Buriahi, Konuk and Zakaly.

The use of plastic has increased markedly in recent years which has led to more fossil fuels being used and more plastic in nature. This is a literature study that researches on how bio- based plastics can be used instead of plastics made from fossil fuels. The report is written in collaboration with Biotage, which is a global impact tech company that wants to use plastic parts that are made of more sustainable plastic for their products. Relevant and contemporary literature is reviewed, and several alternatives are addressed. The mechanical and physical properties of the different plastics are compared. Laboratory tests are performed on bio-based polyethylene, poly (lactic acid), bio-based polypropylene, polypropylene that contains wood fibre, recycled polypropylene and fossil-based polypropylene that is currently used by Biotage. The properties and way of manufacturing the plastics is discussed according to environmental aspects, as well as cost and recycling. This leads to the result that different plastics can be used for the different parts but plastics produced from bioethanol or biomass would be a more sustainable choice than plastic from fossil fuel.

Indian cedar (Acrocarpus fraxinifolius) is a wood species that occurs naturally in India, Myanmar (Bur-ma) and Bangladesh, and has a high commercial value, with characteristics like mahogany and native cedars. The planting of Indian cedar has been undertaken in Brazil, but there is little information available regarding the characterization of the species. Therefore, considering its timber potential and its possibility of develop-ment in the country, the present work aimed to evaluate the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of 9-year-old Indian cedar wood, planted in the southern region of Brazil. A low specific mass (502 kg/m³), low average dimensional stability (anisotropy coefficient of 2,09 %) was observed, in addition to the low content of extractives (1,94 %). From the mechanical characterization, an average value for the elastic modulus of 8963 MPa was obtained, and for the compressive strength parallel to the grain the average and characteristic values were 32,14 MPa and 21,46 MPa, respectively. This indicates that this wood belongs to resistance class C20 (dicotyledons). The results obtained classify the wood for use in light, external, or internal civil construction

The long-term overuse of fertilizers negatively affects soil chemical properties and health, causing unsustainable agricultural development. Although many studies have focused on the effects of long-term fertilization on soil properties, few comparative and comprehensive studies have been conducted on fertilization management over the past 35 years in China. This meta-analysis (2058 data) evaluated the effects of the fertilizer, climate, crop types, cultivation duration and soil texture on the soil chemical properties of Chinese croplands. NPKM (NPK fertilizers + manure) led to the highest increase in pH (−0.1), soil organic carbon (SOC) (+67%), total nitrogen (TN) (+63%), alkali-hydrolysable nitrogen (AN) (+70%), total phosphorus (TP) (+149%) and available potassium (AK) (+281%) compared to the unfertilized control, while the sole nitrogen fertilizer (N) led to the lowest increase. The SOC (+115%) and TN (+84%) showed the highest increase under the influence of NPKM in an arid region. The increase in the chemical properties was higher in unflooded crops, with the maximum increase in the wheat–maize rotation, compared to rice, under NPKM. The SOC and TN increased faster under the influence of organic fertilizers (manure or straw) compared to mineral fertilization. Fertilizers produced faster effects on the change in the SOC and TN in sandy loam compared to the control. Fertilizers showed the highest and lowest effects on change in pH, organic C to total N ratio (C/N), TP and TK in clay loam with the cultivation duration. NPKM greatly increased the C/N compared to NPK in an arid region by 1.74 times and in wheat by 1.86 times. Reaching the same SOC increase, the lowest TN increase was observed in wheat, and the lowest increase in TP and AK was observed in rice, compared to the other crops. These results suggest that organic fertilizers (manure or straw) play important roles in improving soil fertility and in acidification. NPKM greatly increased the potential for soi

Chemical data for thousands of substances are available for safety, risk, life cycle and substitution assessments, as submitted for example under the European Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation. However, to widely disseminate reported physicochemical properties as well as human and ecological exposure and toxicological data for use in various science and policy fields, systematic methods for data harmonization and selection are necessary. In the present study, we developed a semi-automated method for deriving appropriate substance property values as input for various risk and impact assessment frameworks with different requirements for resolution and data quality. Starting with data reported for a given substance and property submitted under the REACH regulation as example data source, we propose a set of aligned data selection and harmonization criteria to obtain a representative mean value with related confidence intervals per chemical-property combination. The proposed method was tested on a set of octanol-water partition coefficients (Kow) reported for a set of 20 example substances. Our method is applicable to any set of substances, and can assess specific distribution in quality and variability across reported data. Further research can likely extend the method for mining information from text fields and adapt it to available data reported or collected from other sources and other substance properties to improve the reliability of input data for risk and impact assessment.

Monitoring structural behavior of earth structures during construction and in service is a common practice done for safety reasons, consolidation control and maintenance needs. Several are the techniques available for measuring displacements, water pressures and total stresses, not only in these geotechnical structures but also at their foundations. Materials testing has been used for calibrating models for structural design and behavior prediction, and these models can be validated with instrumentation data as well. Relatively recent investigation on the behavior of these materials considering their degree of saturation focuses on monitoring the evolution of water content or suction as function of soil-atmosphere interaction, necessary to predict cyclic and/or accumulated displacements, and has huge potential to predict the impact of climate changes on the performance of existing geotechnical structures. This new need justifies the investment on developing sensors able to be used for in situ monitoring of water in the soils, such as those presented here. Testing and monitoring becomes even more important nowadays when, for sustainability purposes, traditional construction materials are replaced by other geo-materials with unknown behavior and long-term performance (mainly accumulated displacements). Existing experimental protocols and monitoring equipment are used for such cases, however new techniques must be developed to deal with particular behaviors. Three case studies are presented and discussion is made on monitoring equipment used and how monitored data helped understanding the behaviors observed., Postprint (author's final draft)

The deterioration of the refractory lining represents a significant problem for the smooth operation in the ferroalloys industry, particularly in the production of silicomanganese, due to the periodic requirements of substitution of the damaged refractory. Within this context, magnesia refractories are commonly employed in the critical zones of the furnaces used in silicomanganese production since the slag involved in the process has a basic character. The behavior of MgO–ZrO2 ceramic composites with different ZrO2 nanoparticles (0, 1, 3, and 5 wt.%) contents in the presence of silicomanganese slags is proposed in this manuscript. XPS, XRD and SEM–EDX were used to evaluate the properties of the ceramic composite against the silicomanganese slag. The static corrosion test was used to evaluate the corrosion of the refractory. Results suggest that corrosion is controlled by the change in slag viscosity due to the reaction between CaZrO3 and the melted slag. Besides, ZrO2 nanoparticles located at both triple points and grain boundaries act as a barrier for the slag advance within the refractory. The utilization of MgO refractories with ZrO2 nanoparticles can extend the life of furnaces used to produce silicomanganese.

SBS modified bitumen is popularly utilized in road construction owing to its outstanding performance and competitive pricing. However, like normal bitumen, SBS modified bitumen will also be aged and causing asphalt pavement distress and the need for maintenance, resulting in a significant amount of wasted modified asphalt. Recycling waste asphalt is critical for lowering road construction and maintenance costs, conserving original resources, and protecting the environment. Since recycled bitumen waste deteriorates over time, rejuvenators can be used to restore its properties. Many rejuvenators, on the other hand, only rejuvenate aged bitumen, and the excellent performance of SBS modified bitumen is largely attributable to the SBS polymer and polymer network structure in it. As a necessary consequence, it is critical to consider the simultaneous rejuvenation of both aged bitumen and degraded SBS polymer. In this research, SBS modified bitumen was aged with thin-film oven test (TFOT), followed by pressure aging vessel (PAV), and various contents and proportions of reference rejuvenators, physical rejuvenators, and chemical rejuvenators were applied to the aged bitumen. Dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) tests were conducted on aged and rejuvenated bitumen samples to study rejuvenation effects with different types of oil, SBS content, and chemical compounds by comparing rheological and chemical properties. The study showed that the rejuvenation effects of pure oil based rejuvenators are intimately connected to environmental temperature and oil molecular weight. High molecular weight oil provides better rutting resistance in high temperatures and low molecular weight oil provides better cracking and fatigue resistance at low temperatures. Rejuvenated bitumen with chemical rejuvenators performed admirably at high temperatures but with poor cracking and fatigue resistance in low temperatures. Increasing the SBS content in physic, CIE5050-09 Additional Graduation Work, Research Project, Civil Engineering

Linum usitatissimum L. contains up to 45% oil. Linseed oil is a favourable fatty acid composition with a high linolenic acid content. Flaxseed oil is a valuable raw material for food and medical purposes due to its fatty acid composition and high content of linolenic acid. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have shown that these compounds have therapeutic potential in several indications in neurology, psychiatry and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of flax seed oils extracted from flax seed produced under different environmental conditions. Flax seed quality is highly dependent on weather conditions in the year of flax production, therefore the influence of the extreme weather events to the seed quality traits were also examined. The material consisted of nine samples of cold extracted oil from three flax varieties. Flaxseed oil production took place at five locations from 100 m to 700 m above sea level. The results indicate that high quality flax seed oil production is conditioned with proper farm technology, weather conditions and adequate storage. Oil rancidity and self - ignition of seed appeared in a case of improper seed storage. The expansion of the oilseed flax production should be accompanied by the education of farmers and potential consumers of flax products.

In this excel file, biocide properties are listed for a number of biocides that have relevance for the Netherlands.

Food packaging is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of food. Excessive food packaging made out of plastics could be harmful to the environment. Plastic food packaging takes a long period of time to biodegrade while most of them do not biodegrade and are harmful to the environment. In order to improve the properties of packaging and extend the shelf-life of packaged food, development of biodegradable food packaging is implemented by using natural and renewable resources for the main materials such as extracts from plants due to its ability to decompose and biodegrade in a short time. In this case, biodegradable polymers and films are needed to reduce the external influence of environment such as oxygen and moisture. In this paper, the usage of red cabbage and rose as pH indicator was introduced through extractions using solvents of ethanol and water. The production of film for packaging incorporates starch and chitosan solution and were compared with commercial packaging. Each of the samples or rose and red cabbage were used for the preparation of film by using hot press method. This paper will examine the results of chemical properties such as interaction in the mixture by using FTIR and biodegradability of the film, mechanical properties like tensile strength, and physical properties like pH, colour and the thickness of the film. Commercial packaging gave a better result in term of tensile strength and biodegradability. It also showed that rose is better than red cabbage in terms of preventing food spoilage.  The FTIR results for all samples were quite similar as all the peaks fall into a single bond region.

Mining activities for mineral resources over the years have, according to certain people, resulted in soil damage in the Atok area because of huge amounts of waste earth and rock that was brought to the surface, this waste often becomes toxic when it comes into contact with air and water. However, the geology of the area which is mafic in composition has caused major damage to the soil in the area as well. Due the removal process of desired mineral materials, soil textures have been destroyed, various nutrient cycles disturbed, and microbial communities altered, changing the vegetation and leading to the format of land in the area. Therefore, soil restoration of mining lands became a very important part of sustainable development strategies and also prescribed by law in South Africa. The geochemistry and mineralogy of soil samples taken from the area of Atok were studied using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and physio-chemical parameter analysis. These methods are used for investigating the element and mineral associations and the distribution of heavy metals in these soils around the mine. The chemical and mineralogical data from soil and tailings were collected from each of the following areas around Atok: (Sefateng, Moonametsi, Mohlahlaneng, Sefateng Tailing Dam and Mafeo), the samples were collected at various depths; at each sampling points. The results of XRF analysis indicated that the soils are rich in MgO, CaO and Fe2O3 with minerals such as pyroxenes, plagioclase feldspar and occasional olivine being dominant. An excess of these minerals caused the soil to be infertile. The physio-chemical analysis showed that the soil texture is sandy, therefore this is the reason that the soil has low water holding capacity (27%) and low soil moisture (1.2%), the pH (8.50) and EC (<0.50 dS/m). Keywords: Soil composition, chemical properties, heavy metal, contamination.

[ES] El presente trabajo de fin de máster ha consistido en el muestreo, análisis y cartografiado de los suelos hídricos de todo el Parque Natural de la Albufera de Valencia. Se han realizado un total de 113 sondeos mediante barrena helicoidal, obteniendo de cada uno de ellos cuatro muestras correspondientes a las profundidades 0-20cm, 20-40cm, 40-60cm y 60-80cm. De cada una de estas muestras se han analizado las siguientes propiedades físico-químicas: pH1/2.5, conductividad eléctrica 1/5, carbonatos totales, materia orgánica total, nitrógeno total, hierro total y fracciones y clase textural. Con los resultados obtenidos se ha realizado un análisis estadístico para estudiar sus valores medios, máximos y mínimos, así como su variabilidad y las correlaciones existentes entre ellos. Además se han cartografiado las propiedades en cada uno de las 4 profundidades y se ha analizado la distribución espacial., [EN] This master thesis has consisted on the sampling, analysis and mapping of hydric soils from the whole Albufera de Valencia Natural Park. A total amount of 113 explorations has been made with the help of an helical drill. From each exploration, four samples have been taken, covering the following depths: 0-20cm, 20-40cm, 40-60cm and 60-80cm. Every sample has then been analyzed in the laboratory in order to find out about their physical and chemical properties, specifically pH1/2.5, electric conductivity 1/5, total carbonates, total organic matter, total nitrogen, total iron and textural fractions as well as textural classification. Once the results were ready, a statistical analysis has been carried out with the aim of determining mean, maximum and minimum values, as well as their variability and the existing correlations between them. In addition to this, all properties have been mapped in every depth and the special distribution of the results analyzed.

This paper reviews the raw materials, additives, general properties, oxidation and corrosion of MgO-C refractories, which are irreplaceable in the steelmaking process. Because it is a composite refractory, it benefits from the combined properties of magnesia and carbon. High-purity magnesia aggregates (fused as well as sintered), graphite as a carbon source, additives like antioxidants (primarily metal powders) and organic binders (resins) are used in manufacturing MgO-C refractories. The properties of the refractories may be tuned as per application demands by varying their carbon content. MgO-C refractories are majorly used in steelmaking converters for the entire lining of basic oxygen furnaces, electric arc furnaces, steel ladles and secondary steelmaking. (Authors.), This paper reviews the raw materials, additives, general properties, oxidation and corrosion of MgO-C refractories, which are irreplaceable in the steelmaking process. Because it is a composite refractory, it benefits from the combined properties of magnesia and carbon. High-purity magnesia aggregates (fused as well as sintered), graphite as a carbon source, additives like antioxidants (primarily metal powders) and organic binders (resins) are used in manufacturing MgO-C refractories. The properties of the refractories may be tuned as per application demands by varying their carbon content. MgO-C refractories are majorly used in steelmaking converters for the entire lining of basic oxygen furnaces, electric arc furnaces, steel ladles and secondary steelmaking. (Authors.)

Temperature distribution induced by laser radiation is a very important parameter for an efficient and safe application of lasers in different ceramic processing techniques. This paper presents the results of an infrared thermography (IRT) application for monitoring temperature distribution on a ceramic surface during Nd: YAG laser irradiation with different fluences and 8ns pulse duration. FLIR, E40 and SC7200 IR cameras were used with the aim of recording the maximum temperature in the irradiated zones. It was expected that IRT could give some information related to the heat affected zone and possible damage to the base material; however, the results have shown that IR cameras, even those with high performance such as SC7200, cannot record the maximum temperature value at the moment of laser operation, but only the average temperature of the bulk sample material after laser pulses. The results of the numerical simulation have confirmed the value of the thermographic measurements. The microstructure and micromorphology of the ceramic surface before and after the laser treatment were analysed by optical and scanning electron microscopy as well as by examining the roughness of the irradiated and non- irradiated surfaces, while the micromechanical changes were analysed by comparing the micro-hardness of the irradiated and non-exposed surfaces.

Black pine (Pinus nigra) is a significant raw material source for the forest products industry in Turkey. The purpose of this research was to study some chemical, anatomical, physical, and mechanical properties of wood obtained from juvenile black pines planted in Kavaklıdere - Muğla, originating from five different locations: Muğla, Balıkesir, Denizli, Bursa, and Kütahya. Although pines originating from Muğla and Balıkesir were good in terms of wood properties, those from Denizli, Bursa, and Kütahya exhibited no remarkable features. Black pine of Muğla origin was recommended for planting in Kavaklıdere and similar habitats, whereas pines of Denizli, Bursa, and Kütahya origins were not recommended. However, pine of Balıkesir origin may be an alternative to that of Muğla origin for black pine plantations at Kavaklıdere and similar sites

Co-composting is an effective approach to biowaste management. The co-composting potential of banana pseudostem (BPS) and mushroom media waste (MMW) with chicken manure (CM) has not been explored, let alone their suitable ratios of co-composting being determined. Meanwhile, the imbalance ratios of the feedstocks used in the process severely restrict the physicochemical properties and quality of the finished product. For this reason, six different ratios of BPS, MMW, and CM, viz. 1:1:1, 1:2:1, 1:3:1, 2:1:1, 2:2:1, and 2:3:1, respectively (T1–T6), were composted together in aerobic conditions to identify the suitable ratio by evaluating the changes in the physicochemical properties in the composting process. According to the ratio of treatments, the feedstocks were mixed on fresh weight basis. The turning process of co-composting piles was repeated at seven-day intervals to maintain the uniform aeration throughout the composting period. The piles having BPS, MMW, and CM at ratios of 1:2:1, 1:3:1, and 2:3:1, respectively, demonstrated a longer thermophilic phase, indicating more complete decomposition and earlier maturity compared to piles with higher amount of BPS. Of the ratios, BPS:MMW:CM at 1:2:1 ratio (T2) resulted in the highest total nitrogen (1.53%), lowest C:N ratio (12.4), organic matter loss (54.5%), and increased CEC (41.3 cmol/kg). The highest germination index (129%) was also recorded in the T2 compost, indicating that it was toxic-free and safe for seed germination. The nutrient-rich compost with high alkaline pH (≥10) can effectively ameliorate soils of an acidic nature, for example, the acidity of Ultisols and Oxisols.

Se planteó la investigation para analizar como la implementación de la herramienta Baamboozle contribuye a la enseñanza de la tabla periodic en estudiantes de tercero de secondaryia; a cuasiexperimental methodology, of a longitudinal cohort; después de aplicar la herramienta los results de indicaron que el uso de la herramienta digital favorece la enseñanza y comprension de la tabla periódica. Los estudiantes presentaron predisposición para el aprendizaje del tema, por lo tanto, el uso de herramientas digitales mejora el aprendizaje de la tabla periódica y además permiten atraer a los estudiantes al aprendizaje de esta herramienta chemistry., Se planteó la investigación para analizar como la implementación de la herramienta Baamboozle contribuye a la enseñanza de la tabla periódica en estudiantes de tercero de secundaria; para este estudio se planteó una metodología cuasiexperimental, de cohorte longitudinal; después de aplicar la herramienta los resultados de indicaron que el uso de la herramienta digital favorece la enseñanza y comprensión de la tabla periódica. Los estudiantes presentaron predisposición para el aprendizaje del tema, por lo tanto, el uso de herramientas digitales mejora el aprendizaje de la tabla periódica y además permiten atraer a los estudiantes al aprendizaje de esta herramienta química.

Technological properties of tobacco that determine its usability are variable, so the quality of tobacco and tobacco products depends on the interaction of type and variety genetic properties on the one hand and agroecological growing conditions on the other.The aim of this experiment was to determine the influence of agroecological conditions on the smoke sensory properties of Burley tobacco type from experimental plots in five production areas in Serbia: Senta, Čoka, Šabac, Bajina Bašta and Vranje, during 2013. Hydrometeorological conditions data for vegetation period were taken from the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia. The analysis of soil and basic chemical properties of first class middle leaves tobacco, after air curing and leaf processing, was performed using standardized methods. Cigarettes were made and the sensory characteristics of smoke (physiological strength, taste and aroma of tobacco smoke, fullness of smoking and cigarette combustion) were determined, using the key for sensory evaluation of quality according to Sozonović. The best sensory characteristics were determined in Berlej from the production area of Šabac, and the worst from the area of Vranje. Šabac as a region had the most uniform temperatures and the least amount of precipitation in the vegetation period; the soil had the highest pH value and contains a significant amount of organic matter. Vranje as a region had the lowest temperatures and the highest amount of precipitation in the vegetation period; the soil had the lowest pH value and the lowest content of organic matter. Growing conditions had an impact on the smoke sensory properties through the accumulation of chemical components in the tobacco leaf, since the same agro technical measures were performed in all five production areas. Agrotechnical measures that are adapted to the production area characteristics could reduce the impact of agroecological conditions to a minimum, which would enable the production of tobac

Het Shared Research Centre Biorizon liet in een webinar of ‘superieure verf lijm en rubber’ zien dat er vaak groene alternatieven zijn voor chemicaliën die nu nog grotendeels uit fossiele grondstoffen worden gemaakt. Deze zogeheten bio-aromaten zijn niet alleen duurzaam, ze hebben vaak ook betere eigenschappen.

Bodem bestaat uit fysische, chemische en biologische eigenschappen, die elkaar onderling beïnvloeden. Tot nu toe wordt de toestand van de bodem meestal afgelezen aan de fysisch-chemische eigenschappen. Door toenemend inzicht in het bodemleven kunnen nu ook gaan nadenken over hoe bodembiodiversiteit kan bijdragen aan de maatschappelijke opgaven voor de samenleving.

Syftet med föreliggande uppdrag har varit att utreda orsaken till de höga sensitiviteter som uppmätts för lera från Västernorrlands län och om dessa sensitiviteter innebär ökad risk för skred med stor utbredning. I rapporten redovisas bakgrunden till svensk praxis för att bestämma lerors sensitivitet, sambandet mellan flytindex och sensitivitet samt olika metoder för att bestämma sensitivitet. En kort beskrivning görs av processerna vid bildning av högsensitiv lera och kvicklera. I rapporten redovisas även förutsättningarna för bildning av saltvattenavsatta sediment i och kring Bottenhavet. Sammanställningar och analyser av uppmätta sensitiviteter mellan Hudiksvall och Örnsköldsvik redovisas. Fördelning av olika sensitivitetsvärden för jordprover från Västernorrlands län och fyra regioner utanför Västernorrlands län presenteras och jämförs. I rapporten presenteras några utvalda skred som skett i Västernorrlands län och även en diskussion om trolig skredutlösning och eventuell koppling till högsensitiv lera för dessa. I rapporten ges även en sammanställning av internationella och svenska undersökningar avseende lerors störningskänslighet och sprödhetsparametrar. Från sammanställningar och analyser som utförts inom uppdraget har följande slutsatser och förslag tagits fram. Dessa finns redovisade i detalj i Kapitel 9 (Diskussion och slutsatser) och i Kapitel 10 (Förslag på arbetssätt, dimensioneringsprinciper och fortsatt utveckling). Såväl förutsättningar för höga sensitiviteter som förekomst av högsensitiv jord finns längs kuststräckan mellan Hudiksvall och Örnsköldsvik. Skred i högsensitiv jord och kvicklera har skett men få av dessa har haft en stor utbredning. Det saknas underlag för att visa om leror i Västernorrlands län är mer eller mindre lättstörda än leror i andra delar av Sverige. Det kan dock konstateras att lerorna har högt kvasiflytindex och höga sensitiviteter, liknande lerorna på Västkusten. De processer som gett upphov till höga sensitiviteter fö

For the solar energy industry to increase its competitiveness, there is a global drive to lower the cost of solar-generated electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) module assembly is material-demanding, and the cover glass constitutes a significant proportion of the cost. Currently, 3-mm-thick glass is the predominant cover material for PV modules, accounting for 10%–25% of the total cost. Here, we review the state-of-the-art of cover glasses for PV modules and present our recent results for improvement of the glass. These improvements were demonstrated in terms of mechanical, chemical and optical properties by optimizing the glass composition, including addition of novel dopants, to produce cover glasses that can provide (i) enhanced UV protection of polymeric PV module components, potentially increasing module service lifetimes; (ii) re-emission of a proportion of the absorbed UV photon energy as visible photons capable of being absorbed by the solar cells, thereby increasing PV module efficiencies and (iii) successful laboratory-scale demonstration of proof of concept, with increases of 1%–6% in Isc and 1%–8% in Ipm. Improvements in both chemical and crack resistance of the cover glass were also achieved through modest chemical reformulation, highlighting what may be achievable within existing manufacturing technology constraints. © 2020 The Authors.

[ES] Debido al problema del uso incontrolado del agua subterránea en la agricultura, así como la introducción de agroquímicos en los cultivos, es necesario estudiar las debilidades de los acuíferos, los principales peligros a los que están sometidos, las características que influyen en su contaminación y la legislación que regula el uso de estos productos. En este trabajo los diferentes temas mencionados anteriormente serán tratados con la máxima simplicidad posible, dando a conocer los peligros a los que se enfrentarán las aguas subterráneas del mundo en los próximos años., [EN] Due to the problem of the uncontrolled use of groundwater in agriculture, as well as the introduction of agrochemicals into crops, it is necessary to study the weaknesses of the aquifers, the main hazards to which they are subjected, characteristics influence their contamination and the legislation that regulates the use of these products. In this work the different topics previously mentioned will be treated with the maximum simplicity possible, making known the dangers to which the underground waters of the world are facing in the coming years.

Hydromagnesite was calcined into light-burned magnesia, and the effects of calcination conditions, such as the size fraction of the ore and calcination temperature, and holding time on the loss on ignition and MgO grade were investigated. The calcination mechanism of hydromagnesite ore was analysed by characterising the calcinate with respect to its chemical and physical properties. The results indicate that the most suitable particle size of the ore is −2 mm and calcination after grinding leads to the incomplete decomposition of the hydromagnesite ore. With an increase in calcination temperature and holding time, the loss on ignition of calcination and MgO grade of light-burned magnesia was higher until the calcination temperature is 900 degrees C for 3 h, after which the hydromagnesite ore was completely decomposed. At 800 degrees C, the gangue mineral aragonite was completely decomposed. As the calcination temperature increased, the crystal form of periclase became perfect and the crystal grain size increased., Hydromagnesite was calcined into light-burned magnesia, and the effects of calcination conditions, such as the size fraction of the ore and calcination temperature, and holding time on the loss on ignition and MgO grade were investigated. The calcination mechanism of hydromagnesite ore was analysed by characterising the calcinate with respect to its chemical and physical properties. The results indicate that the most suitable particle size of the ore is −2 mm and calcination after grinding leads to the incomplete decomposition of the hydromagnesite ore. With an increase in calcination temperature and holding time, the loss on ignition of calcination and MgO grade of light-burned magnesia was higher until the calcination temperature is 900 degrees C for 3 h, after which the hydromagnesite ore was completely decomposed. At 800 degrees C, the gangue mineral aragonite was completely decomposed. As the calcination temperature increased, the crystal form of periclase became perfect and the crystal grain size increased.

The organic nitrogen types and their proportions in the coals of different ranks from Heilongjiang province were determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. There exists four types of organic nitrogen in the Heilongjiang coals, including pyridinic nitrogen (N-6), pyrrolic nitrogen (N-5), quaternary nitrogen (N-Q) and nitrogen oxide (N-X). The N-5 is the dominant organic nitrogen in the coals of low rank, while the N-Q is dominant in the coals of high rank. This indicates that the dominant organic nitrogen is gradually converted from the unstable nitrogen in a five-membered ring into the relatively stable aromatic nitrogen, and from the edge of the aromatic graphene structure to the interior during the aromatic polycondensation process of coalification. The N-5/(N-Q + N-X + N-6) and N-Q/(N-5 + N-6 + N-X) ratios can be considered as indicators of coalification because they strongly correlate with random vitrinite reflectance (Rr) of the coals of different ranks and smectite layer proportion (S%) of the smectite illite interlayers (I/S) in the corresponding coal partings., The organic nitrogen types and their proportions in the coals of different ranks from Heilongjiang province were determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. There exists four types of organic nitrogen in the Heilongjiang coals, including pyridinic nitrogen (N-6), pyrrolic nitrogen (N-5), quaternary nitrogen (N-Q) and nitrogen oxide (N-X). The N-5 is the dominant organic nitrogen in the coals of low rank, while the N-Q is dominant in the coals of high rank. This indicates that the dominant organic nitrogen is gradually converted from the unstable nitrogen in a five-membered ring into the relatively stable aromatic nitrogen, and from the edge of the aromatic graphene structure to the interior during the aromatic polycondensation process of coalification. The N-5/(N-Q + N-X + N-6) and N-Q/(N-5 + N-6 + N-X) ratios can be considered as indicators of coalification because they strongly correlate with random vitrinite reflectance (Rr) of the coals of different ranks and smectite layer proportion (S%) of the smectite illite interlayers (I/S) in the corresponding coal partings.

Physicochemical properties of arsenic sulphide sludge (ASS) from copper smelter (ASS-I) and lead−zinc smelter (ASS-II) were examined by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM−EDS, TG−DTA, XPS and chemical phase analysis method. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), Chinese standard leaching tests (CSLT), three-stage sequential extraction procedure (BCR) and batch leaching experiments (BLE) were used to investigate the environmental stability. The ASSs from different smelters had obviously different physicochemical and environmental properties. The phase composition and micrograph analysis indicate that ASS-I mainly consists of super refined flocculent particles including amorphous arsenic sulphide adhered with amorphous sulphur and that ASS-II mainly consists of amorphous arsenic sulphide. The valence state of arsenic in both sludges is trivalent, but the valence composition of sulphur is quite different. The ASSs have thermal instability properties. The results of TCLP and CSLT indicate that the concentrations of As and Pd in the leaching solution exceed the standard limits. More than 5% and 90% of arsenic are in the form of acid soluble and oxidisable fractions, respectively, which explains the high arsenic leaching toxicity and environmental activity of ASS. This research provides comprehensive information for the disposal of ASS from copper and lead−zinc smelter. (Authors.), Physicochemical properties of arsenic sulphide sludge (ASS) from copper smelter (ASS-I) and lead−zinc smelter (ASS-II) were examined by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM−EDS, TG−DTA, XPS and chemical phase analysis method. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), Chinese standard leaching tests (CSLT), three-stage sequential extraction procedure (BCR) and batch leaching experiments (BLE) were used to investigate the environmental stability. The ASSs from different smelters had obviously different physicochemical and environmental properties. The phase composition and micrograph analysis indicate that ASS-I mainly consists of super refined flocculent particles including amorphous arsenic sulphide adhered with amorphous sulphur and that ASS-II mainly consists of amorphous arsenic sulphide. The valence state of arsenic in both sludges is trivalent, but the valence composition of sulphur is quite different. The ASSs have thermal instability properties. The results of TCLP and CSLT indicate that the concentrations of As and Pd in the leaching solution exceed the standard limits. More than 5% and 90% of arsenic are in the form of acid soluble and oxidisable fractions, respectively, which explains the high arsenic leaching toxicity and environmental activity of ASS. This research provides comprehensive information for the disposal of ASS from copper and lead−zinc smelter. (Authors.)

The effects of steel slag modifications, including acid, alkali, salt, and thermal pretreatments, on the physicochemical properties and As removal efficiency were studied and the influence of oxidation on the As removal performance of the modified steel slag was investigated. The toxic characteristics of As-laden steel slag obtained from As removal were analysed. The results show that the modified steel slag exhibits better As removal performance than the untreated one, with the improvement significant for acid- and salt-modified slag. For waste acid with As concentration of 4 200 mg/l, acid-modified steel slag was added at a solid-liquid ratio of 0.04 kg/l to remove As and the reaction kept at room temperature for 120 min. After the reaction, the residual As concentration in the waste acid had decreased to 88.44 mg/l with an As removal rate of 97.89%. An additional benefit is that the As leaching concentration of As-laden steel slag obtained from As removal is lower than the limit value of the hazardous solid waste identification standard (GB 5085.3 - 2007 5 mg/l) and can safely be stored. It is found that the acid-modified steel slag can release a large amount of Ca and Fe ions that enable As to be removed by co-precipitation and adsorption. The As removal mechanism using modified steel slag provides a feasible solution for the As-containing waste acid treatment using a stepwise process of slag pretreatment and As removal., The effects of steel slag modifications, including acid, alkali, salt, and thermal pretreatments, on the physicochemical properties and As removal efficiency were studied and the influence of oxidation on the As removal performance of the modified steel slag was investigated. The toxic characteristics of As-laden steel slag obtained from As removal were analysed. The results show that the modified steel slag exhibits better As removal performance than the untreated one, with the improvement significant for acid- and salt-modified slag. For waste acid with As concentration of 4 200 mg/l, acid-modified steel slag was added at a solid-liquid ratio of 0.04 kg/l to remove As and the reaction kept at room temperature for 120 min. After the reaction, the residual As concentration in the waste acid had decreased to 88.44 mg/l with an As removal rate of 97.89%. An additional benefit is that the As leaching concentration of As-laden steel slag obtained from As removal is lower than the limit value of the hazardous solid waste identification standard (GB 5085.3 - 2007 5 mg/l) and can safely be stored. It is found that the acid-modified steel slag can release a large amount of Ca and Fe ions that enable As to be removed by co-precipitation and adsorption. The As removal mechanism using modified steel slag provides a feasible solution for the As-containing waste acid treatment using a stepwise process of slag pretreatment and As removal.

The density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) calculation was carried out to analyse the geometric structure, frontier molecular orbital and Mulliken charge values of octyl hydroxamic acid (OHA) and oleic acid (OA) as well as their respective binding energy with Ca2+ and Ce3+ ions. Besides, pure mineral flotation was used to compare the flotation performances of OHA and OA for bastnaesite and fluorite. The DFT calculation results show that OHA anion has the highest binding atom charge, the strongest HOMO energy and the lowest EHOMO-LUMO energy gap, thus performing stronger electron donating ability and reactivity than OA; the binding energy strength decreases in such order as OHA-Ce, OA-Ce, OA-Ca and OHA-Ca. In other words, OHA has the biggest binding energy with Ce3+ and largest binding energy difference for Ca2+ and Ce3+ ions. The flotation results show that OHA has a stronger collection capacity and selectivity than OA, which is consistent with the DFT calculation results., The density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) calculation was carried out to analyse the geometric structure, frontier molecular orbital and Mulliken charge values of octyl hydroxamic acid (OHA) and oleic acid (OA) as well as their respective binding energy with Ca2+ and Ce3+ ions. Besides, pure mineral flotation was used to compare the flotation performances of OHA and OA for bastnaesite and fluorite. The DFT calculation results show that OHA anion has the highest binding atom charge, the strongest HOMO energy and the lowest EHOMO-LUMO energy gap, thus performing stronger electron donating ability and reactivity than OA; the binding energy strength decreases in such order as OHA-Ce, OA-Ce, OA-Ca and OHA-Ca. In other words, OHA has the biggest binding energy with Ce3+ and largest binding energy difference for Ca2+ and Ce3+ ions. The flotation results show that OHA has a stronger collection capacity and selectivity than OA, which is consistent with the DFT calculation results.

Special-purpose river port sediment was investigated for its potential use as a road construction material. Sediment samples were extracted from three locations in three small river ports, and detailed laboratory research was conducted to determine its basic mechanical properties and characteristics that can potentially have an adverse influence in a roadside environment. The results of the research conducted indicate that there is a need for systematic monitoring of the quality and quantity of sediment in special-purpose river ports of the Danube River Basin to maintain its mobility and prevent flooding. The basic engineering characteristics (Proctor elements, Atterberg limits, California bearing ratio, and unconfined compressive strength) determined represent the good potential of the sediment samples tested herein for use in road construction. In addition, the chemical characteristics tested indicate the need for detailed analyses of the potential environmental risk before application in civil engineering structures

Due to the low consumption of chemicals, the absence of toxic residual side products, the procedure simplicity and time-saving aspects, gamma irradiation offers advantages over the classical chemical protocols. We successfully employed gamma irradiation in order to introduce N-atoms in Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs). By irradiating GQDs water dispersions in the presence of isopropyl alcohol and ethylenediamine, at doses of 25, 50 and 200 kGy, we attached amino groups onto GQDs in a single synthetic step. At the same time, a chemical reduction is achieved, too. Selected conditions induced incorporation of N-atoms within GDQs atomic lattice (around 3 at%), at all applied doses. Additionally, the C-atoms percentage was highly increased, from 63 to 79 at % or higher. The zeta potential of dots changed from −34.6 to +9.1 mV, due to the modification of functionalizing groups localized at the surface. Produced chemical changes lead to the desired alteration of the GQDs optical properties, such as an increased photoluminescence intensity, a higher photoluminescence quantum yields (from 2.07 to 18.40%) and a narrowing of the spectral features in the emission spectra. The ability of gamma-irradiated GQDs to quench free radical species was investigated and positively assessed; additionally, non-enzymatic optical detection of Cu(II) ions using GQDs as a sensor was studied and the detection limits areherein reported. These results suggest that GQDs can be potentially applied as smart photoluminescent sensors for metal cations.

Fundamental research of inorganic polymers prepared from available aluminosilicate precursors represent an innovative class of materials characterized by low energy consumption for production. This is just one of the reasons why their use is focused in protecting the environment for removing of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The concentration of hydroxide as activator solution plays an important role in the geopolymerization process. The present study examined the use of geopolymer materials, obtained in reaction of geopolymerizations of metakaolin as precursor activated with NaOH concentration 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 mol/dm(3) for removal of cadmium ions from aqueous solutions. The structure and properties of the obtained geopolymer samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and diffuse reflection infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS). To investigate the surface charge of geopolymers the zeta potential measurements were performed. Batch adsorption experiments conducted at room temperature (23 +/- 1 degrees C) showed that the adsorption pattern followed the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum removal of cadmium obtained from batch studies was 84.1% for GP6M at pH approximate to 6.7. The results generally showed that geopolymer samples could be considered as a potential adsorbent for cadmium removal from aqueous solutions.

Recent trends in healthy lifestyle and diet made functional foods rich in quality nutrients and bioactive compounds with potential health benefits highly sought after. Some cultivated plants, such as soya and chia can provide a viable source of nutraceuticals with high fibre, protein, and protective antioxidant potential. The wholegrain flours of black soya beans and black chia seeds were used in this study. Potential nutritive and health-benefitting properties of these flours were compared by assessing their chemical composition and antioxidant profile. The content of dietary fibres such as NDF, ADF, ADL and hemicellulose determined in black chia seed sample was higher than in black soya soya beans which had higher fibre content. The total protein content recorded in black soya beans was almost as twice as high (42.26+0.14%) as chia protein content (25.04+0,20%). Black soya beans had the highest content of water soluble proteins (29.00+0.13% d.m.) with NSI (nitrogen solubility index) acounting for as much as 70.96+0.31% of total proteins, while black chia seeds had the highest content of globulins (14.64+0.07% d.m.) and NSI 58.48+0.27% of total proteins. Both black soya bean and black chia contained a high amount of total phenolic compounds (830,66+5.46 and 1201.94+16.29 mg GAE/kg, respectively) and exhibited a considerable total antioxidant capacity, which makes them good contestants for functional food ingredients with potential health benefits.

Due to the low consumption of chemicals, the absence of toxic residual side products, the procedure simplicity and time-saving aspects, gamma irradiation offers advantages over the classical chemical protocols. We successfully employed gamma irradiation in order to introduce N-atoms in Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs). By irradiating GQDs water dispersions in the presence of isopropyl alcohol and ethylenediamine, at doses of 25, 50 and 200 kGy, we attached amino groups onto GQDs in a single synthetic step. At the same time, a chemical reduction is achieved, too. Selected conditions induced incorporation of N-atoms within GDQs atomic lattice (around 3 at%), at all applied doses. Additionally, the C-atoms percentage was highly increased, from 63 to 79 at % or higher. The zeta potential of dots changed from −34.6 to +9.1 mV, due to the modification of functionalizing groups localized at the surface. Produced chemical changes lead to the desired alteration of the GQDs optical properties, such as an increased photoluminescence intensity, a higher photoluminescence quantum yields (from 2.07 to 18.40%) and a narrowing of the spectral features in the emission spectra. The ability of gamma-irradiated GQDs to quench free radical species was investigated and positively assessed; additionally, non-enzymatic optical detection of Cu(II) ions using GQDs as a sensor was studied and the detection limits areherein reported. These results suggest that GQDs can be potentially applied as smart photoluminescent sensors for metal cations.

Fundamental research of inorganic polymers prepared from available aluminosilicate precursors represent an innovative class of materials characterized by low energy consumption for production. This is just one of the reasons why their use is focused in protecting the environment for removing of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The concentration of hydroxide as activator solution plays an important role in the geopolymerization process. The present study examined the use of geopolymer materials, obtained in reaction of geopolymerizations of metakaolin as precursor activated with NaOH concentration 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 mol/dm3 for removal of cadmium ions from aqueous solutions. The structure and properties of the obtained geopolymer samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and diffuse reflection infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS). To investigate the surface charge of geopolymers the zeta potential measurements were performed. Batch adsorption experiments conducted at room temperature (23 ± 1 °C) showed that the adsorption pattern followed the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum removal of cadmium obtained from batch studies was 84.1% for GP6M at pH ≈ 6.7. The results generally showed that geopolymer samples could be considered as a potential adsorbent for cadmium removal from aqueous solutions. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

In the Agro-ecological Center “Las Cañadas”located in Huatusco, Veracruz, the agro-ecological management of production systems has been implemented for approximately 20 years, as an alternative to the negative effects caused by conventional agriculture; however, thebeneficial effect and the magnitude with which each of these systems has contributed to the restoration of soil quality since its implementation is unknown. In the present work, the current state of the quality of the soil of the different agroecological production systems, as well as of the natural forest through its chemical and physical properties and the diagnosis of the state of soil fertility for crop production, were assessed. Composite soil samples were taken from the ten production systems, as well as from two areas of restored and natural vegetation, to determine their chemical and physical properties, the local inputs used in the fertilizer of the crops were also chemically characterized. In general, ecological production systems; through the addition of local organic matter, minimal tillage of the soil and complementary additions of inputs have contributed to the regeneration of the natural quality of the soil in its chemical properties, but the recycling of nutrients from local inputs is insufficient to cover the nutritional needs of crops for optimal production. Agroecological management has also contributed to the fact that physical properties such as microporosity, usable humidity and stable aggregates have managed to reach the original level in the soil, En el Centro Agroecológico ‘Las Cañadas’localizado en Huatusco, Veracruz, se implementó el manejo agroecológico de los sistemas de producción desde hace aproximadamente 20años, como alternativa a los efectos negativos ocasionados por la agricultura convencional;sin embargo, se desconoce el efecto benéfico y la magnitud con la que cada uno de estos sistemas ha contribuido en la restauración de la calidad del suelo desde su implementación. En el presente trabajo se valoró el estado actual de la calidad del suelo de los diferentes sistemas agroecológicos de producción, así como del bosque natural a través de sus propiedades químicas y físicas y diagnosticar el estado de la fertilidad del suelo para la producción de cultivos.Se tomaronmuestras compuestas de suelo de los diez sistemas de producción,así como de dos áreas de vegetación restaurada y natural, para determinar sus propiedades químicasy físicas,los insumos locales utilizados en el abonado de los cultivos también fueron caracterizados químicamente. En general, los sistemas ecológicos de producción;a través,de la adición de materia orgánica local, labranza mínima del suelo y adiciones complementarias de insumos han contribuido a la regeneración de la calidad natural del sueloen sus propiedades químicas, pero, el reciclaje de nutrientes a partir de los insumos localeses insuficiente para cubrir las necesidades nutrimentales de loscultivos para una óptima producción.El manejo agroecológico también ha contribuido a que propiedades físicas como microporosidad, humedad aprovechable y agregados estables hayan logrado alcanzar el nivel original en el suelo

Tobacco production in Republic of Serbia today includes two types of tobacco because Oriental tobacco has no longer been produced since 2016. The aim of this experiment was to determine the influence of agroecological conditions on the chemical properties of Burley tobacco from five different production areas in Serbia during 2013. First class middle leaves of Burley tobacco from Senta, Čoka, Šabac, Bajina Bašta and Vranje municipalities/towns were used as research material. Analysis included the characterization of soil (pH value and organic matter) and determination of following tobacco chemical components: total proteins, nicotine, reducing sugars, pH and ash. All analyzes were performed by standardized methods in three replications. Hydrometeorological conditions data for vegetation period were taken from the Republic Hydrometeorological Institute of Serbia. The results showed that agroecological conditions of growing had an influence on the amount of chemical components, since the same agrotechnical measures were applied in all five production areas and the same amount of fertilizer was used. The positive correlation between nicotine content and the air temperature and percentage of organic matter in the soil was determined, as well as the negative correlation with the amount of precipitation. Tobacco protein content showed positive correlation with pH value of soil and negative correlation with the amount of precipitation. In addition to that, the positive correlation was found between the sugar content of tobacco and the air temperature and soil pH value, while sugar content was in negative correlation with the amount of precipitation. The ash content and the pH value of tobacco increased with the pH and percentage of soil organic matter, but decreased with the amount of precipitation.

Enormous quantities of winery wastes are generated in grape-growing regions around the world. The aim of this studynwas to gather key pilot-scale data on the use of different winery wastes in a vermitechnological system to produce commercially viable soil organic amendments. Exhausted grape marc (G), lees cake mixed with exhausted grape marc (LG), and biosolid vinasse mixed with vine shoots (SV) were tested as substrates for vermicomposting. Changes in earthworm development, enzyme activities, chemical properties, organic matter fractions, and phytotoxicity were assessed along 6 months of vermicomposting and after a subsequent maturation period of 2 months. The organic matter composition of the three produced vermicomposts was also characterized using pyrolysis-gas chromatography (Py-GC). During vermicomposting, earthworm number increased significantly in both LG and SV, with earthworm biomass peaking after 2 months. By contrast, G failed to provide adequate nourishment for earthworms. Dehydrogenase and hydrolytic enzyme activities peaked after 2 months and then declined as available organic compounds diminished. Overall, hydrolytic enzyme activities tended to stabilize during maturation. After vermicomposting and maturation, total organic carbon, soluble carbon, phytotoxicity, electrical conductivity, C/N ratios, and polyphenol content decreased, whereas pH, phosphorus, micronutrients, and humification ratios increased. Using Py-GC, the vermicompost from SV was found to contain the most evolved organic matter in view of its higher degree of humification and lower mineralization index. Nevertheless, all the different winery wastes could be biotransformed, by using vermitechnology, into high value-added soil organic amendments with a degree of stability and maturity adequate to be marketed.

Industrial waste and by-products are being widely used by the cement industry to enhance process efficiency and sustainability, in keeping with EU circular economy guidelines. This study assessed the properties of newly designed cements bearing fired clay-based C&DW against European standards. The findings showed that the blended cements met all the chemical, physical and mechanical requirements presently in place. They were also observed to qualify as type II and type IV cements, inasmuch as they contained waste that reacted with the calcium hydroxide released during cement hydration to generate the respective products. In addition, the inclusion of 10% or 20% C&DW yielded cements that could be classified as European standard strength classes 42.5 and 52.5. With a 30% C&DW, the resulting binder was a low heat of hydration cement. The present research confirmed the pozzolanic behaviour of waste in cement/C&DW systems, attested to by the reduction in both pore size and portlandite content. The new hydration products forming as a result of the pozzolanic reaction enhanced the flexibility and plasticity of the mortars prepared with the new cements relative to the mortars bearing unadditioned cement.

How to precipitate ceramic nano- and microspheres in water based solutions only using inorganic ions is a challenge. In this study, spherical particles of alkaline earth phosphates and fluorides were synthesized using a precipitation reaction. Substituting ions, through inhibition of crystal growth, was used to induce sphere formation and to alter the morphology, size and composition of the spheres. The difference in ionic radius between the substituting ion (Mg, Ca and Sr) and the main cation (Sr and Ba) influenced the critical concentration to allow for sphere formation as well as the crystallinity. The larger difference, the lower was the concentration needed to form spheres. Low concentrations of Mg was enough to generate amorphous spheres of Sr- and Ba- phosphates whereas higher concentrations were needed if the radius difference were smaller. An increasing degree of substitution leads to a decrease in crystallinity of precipitated particles. The degree of substitution was determined to 16-55% where a low degree of ion substitution in the phosphates resulted in the formation of spheres (500-800 nm) with rough surfaces composed of apatite like phases. A higher degree of substitution resulted in amorphous spheres (500 nm- (1) mu m) with smooth surfaces.

Large amounts of valuable metals are contained in kiln slag produced in zinc hydrometallurgy. The waste acid in zinc metallurgy has the characteristics of complex composition, high acidity and a large amount of arsenic and other heavy metal ions. The zinc kiln slag and waste acid combined were leached according to the physical and chemical properties. The effect of the combined leaching behaviour on kiln slag and waste acid was investigated using reaction time, reaction temperature, solid-liquid ratio, the addition of H2O2, and particle size of kiln slag. The experimental results show that after two stages of reflux leaching, the leaching rates of copper, iron and zinc are higher than 90% for 50 g kiln slag, 3 h reaction time, 50 degrees C reaction temperature, 10:1 liquid-solid ratio, 16 ml H2O2, 75-106 micron kiln slag particle size. The acidity of leach solution decreases from 172.48 g/l to about 20 g/l and the arsenic concentration reaches about 9 g/l, which provide conditions for subsequent arsenic treatment. The main phases of residue are CaSO4.2H2O, SiO2 and coke according to the analysis of leaching residue. The silver grade is up to 484.7 g/t, which can be used as raw material for extracting silver., Large amounts of valuable metals are contained in kiln slag produced in zinc hydrometallurgy. The waste acid in zinc metallurgy has the characteristics of complex composition, high acidity and a large amount of arsenic and other heavy metal ions. The zinc kiln slag and waste acid combined were leached according to the physical and chemical properties. The effect of the combined leaching behaviour on kiln slag and waste acid was investigated using reaction time, reaction temperature, solid-liquid ratio, the addition of H2O2, and particle size of kiln slag. The experimental results show that after two stages of reflux leaching, the leaching rates of copper, iron and zinc are higher than 90% for 50 g kiln slag, 3 h reaction time, 50 degrees C reaction temperature, 10:1 liquid-solid ratio, 16 ml H2O2, 75-106 micron kiln slag particle size. The acidity of leach solution decreases from 172.48 g/l to about 20 g/l and the arsenic concentration reaches about 9 g/l, which provide conditions for subsequent arsenic treatment. The main phases of residue are CaSO4.2H2O, SiO2 and coke according to the analysis of leaching residue. The silver grade is up to 484.7 g/t, which can be used as raw material for extracting silver.

This study investigated changes of volatile compounds, sniffing test-assisted sensory properties, taste associated-constituent and free amino acid compositions, taste description by electronic-tongue, and chemical characteristics in Perilla frutescens Britton var. acuta Kudo after roasting at 150 °C for 0 8 min. A total of 142 volatile compounds were identified, among which methyl benzoate and limonene were predominant, regardless of roasting time, and these were also detected as the major compounds in the sniffing test by GC-olfactometry. For constituent amino acids analyzed by the acid hydrolysis method using hydrochloric acid (HCl), the concentration of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and leucine showed an increase pattern with increased roasting time, which results in umami taste, sour taste, and bitter taste, respectively. For free amino acids, valine and hydroxylysine eliciting bitter and bitter and sweet tastes, respectively, also tend to increase by roasting. The pattern of amino acid concentration by roasting was readily matched to the taste description by electronic-tongue but that of sweetness and sourness by electronic-tongue did not coincide with the amino acid composition. For the chemical properties, total phenolic content, antioxidative capacity, and browning intensity tend to increase with roasting but decreased by 8 min. The results of this study provide fundamental information on perilla in both the food industry and cooking environment for the sake of increasing the utilization of perilla as a food source and ingredient.