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Global energy consumption is increasing yearly, yet the world is trying to move toward carbon neutrality to mitigate global warming. More research is being done on energy storage devices to advance these efforts. One well‐known and widely studied technology is Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs). Therefore, this paper demonstrates how laser irradiation at wavelengths of 266 and 1064 nm, in the presence of air or water, can enhance the electrochemical performance of metallic zinc anode in alkaline electrolyte. The obtained samples are characterized using X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Then, the electrochemical properties are studied by cyclic voltammetry and impedance measurements. Results indicate that the laser processing of the Zn sample increases surface‐specific capacity by up to 30% compared to the non‐irradiated Zn sample. Furthermore, electrochemical measurements reveal enhanced participation of metallic Zn grains in the oxidation and reduction processes in irradiated samples. In future research, integrating laser treatment into electrode preparation processes can become essential for optimizing anode battery materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture's role in addressing food security has grown, with a spotlight on Asian carp species. Polyculture, i.e. cultivating multiple fish species in a single system, is being increasingly adopted for its resource efficiency and economic benefits. This practice for Asian fish for food and ornamental purposes is gaining traction in Europe despite their invasive potential. Rising temperatures due to climate change offer an opportunity for thermophilic Asian carps (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Aristichthys nobilis). Using GIS modeling (Maxent), we identified the possible settlement of Asian carp in Northern Europe amidst climate change. We analyzed carp global distribution centers, assessed the potential carp spread in Europe, and evaluated their potential suitability for polyculture systems. By 2050, H. molitrix may extend its range to 58–62° N latitude, with a potential 1.7-fold habitat increase, while A. nobilis, which are more heat-tolerant, may move north to 52–58° N latitude, with a 1.3-fold potential increase. Despite the slight ecological differences in their native habitats, niche modeling indicates that these carp can occupy similar niches in Europe (proven statistically). The eventuality of using Asian species for polyculture in Europe presents both opportunities and challenges in the face of a changing climate as long as invasion risks are prevented. Envisaging such polyculture, yet very carefully for the protection of ecosystems, can help food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater ecosystems are exceptionally vulnerable to biological invasions. The introduction of non-native species of fish to Europe has been a common practice, including the introduction of the North American pumpkinseed, Lepomis gibbosus. The range expansion of this species has continued across the continent, with new areas occupied in Ukraine. Using a species distribution modelling approach, predictions are made of the geographic range of the fish based on presence records and environmental variables from the Near-global environmental information for freshwater ecosystems database likely to be associated with habitat suitability and important for the possible further expansion of L. gibbosus. Results show the current widespread distribution of L. gibbosus in Ukraine and prospects for future expansion of the species into Belarus and the Baltic countries. In Latvia, at the potential range edge of L. gibbosus, chances for a spontaneous invasion are relatively low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Simple, easy to use and selective method of Al(III) sorption–spectroscopic (SS) determination was proposed. For this purpose, silica modified with tridecyloctadecylammonium chloride(SGII) using adsorption technique and glass slide modified with thin silica–poly(dimethyldiallyl-ammonium chloride) (SGI) composite film obtained by sol–gel technique were worked out. It was shown that lumogallion (LG) easily absorbs on SGI and SGII. Obtained sorbents SGIII and SGIV, respectively, were used for aluminum(III) determination by diffuse reflectance and spectrophotometric methods. The ranges of determination were (mgL−1): (0.08–0.54), s r ≤0.13, n =4 for SGIII and (0.05–2.0), s r ≤0.11, n =4 for SGIV. The detection limits (blank+3σ) for aluminum were 70 and 30μgL−1 using SGIII and SGIV, respectively, where σ is the standard deviation of blank estimation. The accuracy of the developed spectrophotometric method was examined by the determination of standard addition of aluminum in alcohol-free beverages. The relative error did not exceed 9%. SGIII can be regenerated by 0.05M EDTANa2H2 solution and reused. SGIV was shown to be perspective for determination of aluminum in solution in the range of 0.01–0.13mgL−1 by solid phase luminescent technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]