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Technical albumen (TA) is liquid waste from egg processing enterprises and occupies a share of 10–15% of the waste. Proteins have the property at the isoelectric point of weakening their repulsive forces. This property is the basis of a TA recovery method using pretreatment to reduce moisture before drying. In this study, we present the results of a TA processing method using two types of citric and phosphoric acids based on thermal–acid coagulation as an alternative to spray drying. By analyzing physicochemical and microbiological indicators, the raw TA and the finished product are described. In this study, the characteristics of raw TA and its final product are presented. TA contains mainly water, fat, and protein, including all essential amino acids, all of the proteins of the egg white, and some of the yolk. Initially, TA is significantly microbiologically contaminated. A better yield was obtained when using citric acid 97.79% instead of phosphoric acid. The final dried egg product from TA has a protein content of 46% and a fat content of 33%. The dried egg products undergo changes in the lipid and protein fraction during storage, but the values remain low TBARS to 4 mg MDA/kg. Microbiological contamination has decreased due to a decrease in water activity to a level that meets the requirements of European legislation for the processing of animal by-products (ABPs) and uses as feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data of the ternary system methanol–methyl formate–methylal was measured at atmospheric pressure using a modified Rose equilibrium kettle with vapor–liquid double circulation method. The experiment data were correlated with the NRTL, UNIQUAC, and Wilson activity coefficient model equations. The results shown that the root mean square deviation (RMSD) between the calculated and simulated values of the three models followed the order: UNIQUAC ≈ NRTL < Wilson, and except for the RMSD (T) in the range of 0.4–0.5, the others are less than 0.01. In addition, the NRTL model was selected to link with Aspen Plus software to simulate the separation process of polyformaldehyde (POM) waste liquid. The simulation results show that the methyl formate in POM waste stream can be purified by simple distillation, while the methylal separated from the POM waste liquid, which was affected by factors like the azeotropic behavior of binary components, necessitates a complex distillation process. Under optimal operating conditions, the recovery yield of methyl formate through direct distillation can reach 99.7%, with an economic benefit of 6960.1 CNY per ton of waste liquid. Although the economic benefit of the multi-component distillation reach 7281.2 CNY, the increase in the number of equipment and the complexity of the process have negative impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock and poultry waste liquid contains a lot of nitrogen, phosphorus, and microorganisms, and direct discharge causes great harm to the environment. Chicken manure was selected as the research object, and nanoparticle nano-Fe2O3, nano-C60, antibiotics enrofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, and oxytetracycin were selected as additives to carry out medium-temperature sequential batch anaerobic digestion experiment. The experiment lasted for 55 days. The results showed that (1) gas production reached its peak in the first 1–2 days of a single stress experiment, and the cumulative gas production in the first 10 days was as follows: R5 > R4 > R3 > R2 > CK > R1; (2) the concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) in the groups increased rapidly from day 1 to 10, and the concentrations of TVFAs in the nano-Fe2O3 and nano-C60 groups were higher than those in the other four groups. The pH of the system decreased, and the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) was consistent with the trend of TVFAs, while the pH of the nanoparticle group was lower; (3) changes in the horizontal structure of bacterial community of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were dominant bacteria in each group on the first day. On day 5, the relative abundance of actinomycetes and Bacteroidetes increased significantly. This experiment contributes to the study of the effects of adding nanoparticles and antibiotics to anaerobic digestion substrates on gas production characteristics, provides data support, and characterizes the microbial situation during digestion. This paper can help to realize carbon emission reduction in agriculture and rural areas. Based on the above background, a self-designed system for testing the anaerobic digestion potential of methane was used in this study using chicken manure. Based on the single pollutant stresses of nano-Fe2O3, nano-C60, enrofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, and hygromycin, the effects of different pollutants under independent stresses on methane production and the changes in the performance of the anaerobic digestion system for gas production were investigated. The chemical parameters and microbial diversity in the anaerobic digestion process were analyzed, and the effects of different nanoparticles and antibiotics on the anaerobic system of chicken manure were elucidated. The results of the study can provide data support for the stable operation of biogas projects, which is of great significance in promoting the sustainable development of ecological agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite adsorbents based on a natural biopolymer matrix of chitosan, to which 4-amino-N′-hydroxy-1,2,5-oxadiazole-3-carboximidamide and its Se derivative were attached, were synthesized. A complex of physicochemical analysis methods indicates that the direct introduction of a matrix with high ionic permeability into the reaction mixture contributes to the formation of homogeneous particles of composite with developed surface morphology, which enhances the kinetic and capacitive parameters of uranium sorption in liquid media. It has been established that the direct introduction of a matrix with high ionic permeability into the reaction mixture contributes to the formation of homogeneous particles with a developed surface morphology, which enhances the kinetic and capacitive parameters of uranium sorption in liquid media. The synthesized materials had increased sorption-selective properties towards uranium in the pH range from 4 to 9 under static sorption conditions. The formation of the Se derivative of amidoxime during its attachment to the polymer matrix (Se-chit) contributes to the creation of a more chemically stable and highly effective adsorbent, compared to the direct binding of 4-amino-N′-hydroxy-1,2,5-oxadiazole-3-carboximidamide with chitosan (43AF-chit). The optimal parameters for the synthesis of materials were established. It was demonstrated that the ratio of amidoxime to chitosan should be within the range of 2:1 to 1:2. As the mass content of chitosan increases, the material gradually dissolves and transforms into a gel, resulting in the formation of liquid radioactive waste with a complex chemical composition. It was found that the kinetic sorption parameters of composite materials increase 2–10 times compared to those of non-composite materials. The sorption capacity of uranium in solutions with pH 6 and pH 8 can reach approximately 400–450 mg g−1. Under dynamic sorption conditions, the effective filtration cycle values (before uranium slips into the filtrate ≥ 50%) improve significantly when transitioning from a non-composite adsorbent to a composite one: increasing from 50 to 800 b.v. for pH 6 and from 2700 to 4000 b.v. for pH 8. These results indicate that the synthesized sorbents are promising materials for uranium removal from liquid media, suitable for both purification and the recovery of radionuclides as valuable raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

90Sr is one of the highly radioactive and hazardous nuclides in nuclear waste liquids. The high water solubility and mobility of 90Sr2+ ions make it difficult to effectively remove 90Sr from the complex aqueous environment. Herein, K2SbPO6, a phosphatoantimonate ion exchange material with an excellent removal ability for Sr2+ ions, has been organically granulated with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) by an automated method to form K2SbPO6/PAN composite microspheres. The K2SbPO6/PAN microspheres with radiation resistance exhibit a high maximum adsorption capacity (qmSr) of 131.15 mg g−1 for Sr2+ ions and retain the high removal rate (RSr) in a wide pH range (pH = 3–12). It is important that K2SbPO6/PAN microspheres could efficiently treat Sr2+ ions solutions in a dynamic adsorption manner even at 970 bed volumes (RSr > 81%). This work paves the way for the preparation of low-cost ion exchange materials with the advantages of regular shape and easy operation by a simple and fast method and the practical application of powdered ion exchange materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In quest of a substantial reduction in potentially toxic gas emissions into the air from industrial plants, dry flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems offer several advantages, such as reduced operational costs, adaptability, ease of use, and the elimination of liquid waste. This study describes the development of a laboratory-scale pilot system for conducting SO2 abatement experiments using a fixed-bed reactor. To validate the experimental setup, the reactor was equipped with a control system for measuring and monitoring relative humidity, temperature, and total flux composition. The study utilized two standards, slaked lime and 13X zeolite, under identical experimental conditions to ensure comparability. This research will significantly advance the understanding of adsorbent materials for capturing low SO2 concentrations by measuring adsorption kinetics and equilibrium data. The findings highlight the impact of distinct morphological, chemical, and crystallographic properties on the efficiency of dry FGD systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large variations in water quality and quantity are the main characteristics of rural wastewater in China, and the biggest impact caused by this is the lack of carbon sources. In this study, an anoxic–oxic (A/O) biological contact oxidation (BCO) reactor was used to explore the feasibility of using food waste fermentation liquid as the supplementary carbon source for enhanced nitrogen removal from rural wastewater. After using the carbon source supplements, the removal performance of the A/O BCO system was improved, with the removal efficiencies of COD, NH4+–N, and TN at 92.4%, 97.8%, and 67.6%, respectively. Mechanism studies showed that the activities of key denitrifying enzymes (NAR, NIR, NOR, and NOS) for nitrogen removal were improved, with NIR activity increasing by 36.9%. Microbial community analysis revealed that food waste fermentation liquid increased the diversity of denitrifying microbial populations. Notably, insights from metagenomics showed that the relative abundances of two key genes (nirS and nirK), which are vital indicators of the denitrification process, were significantly improved with the addition of food waste fermentation liquid as a supplemental carbon source, resulting in the enhancement of nitrogen removal from rural wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whey is the largest waste product of the cheese-making industry and the current methods of extracting the nutrients from it are costly and inefficient. This study assessed the feasibility of using crude polysaccharides to flocculate proteins from liquid whey waste. The flocculants used were a sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) extract, as well as commercial seaweed polysaccharides, alginate and k-carrageenan, to recover proteins from the liquid whey waste. Physicochemical and functional parameters including protein content, protein recovery efficiency, mineral content, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity, color, water- and oil-holding capacity, gelling capacity, foaming activity and stability, and emulsifying activity and stability were tested on the resulting flocculates. The yield of the dried flocculates by use of alginate, the sugar kelp polysaccharide extract (SKPE), and carrageenan were 1.66, 0.98, and 1.22 g/100 g of liquid whey with protein contents of 27.4%, 45.5%, and 37.5%, respectively. The protein recovery efficiency from the whey was 57.5%, 56.2%, and 57.9% using alginate, SKPE, and carrageenan, respectively. The alginate flocculate had the highest oil-holding capacity and foaming abilities while the carrageenan flocculate had the best gelling ability and the highest emulsifying activity and stability. TPC and antioxidant activity were highest in the SKPE flocculate. All three flocculates presented slightly different compositional and functional qualities, which could be used for a variety of products. This study showed that seaweed polysaccharides present a simple and effective way to extract protein from liquid whey waste while creating a functional and high-protein ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wood vinegar is a waste liquid recovered from the pyrolysis of wood to produce charcoal and a complex mixture. It is an environmentally friendly, high-quality product that can bring additional economic benefits to the plant. It is due to the diversity of its composition in agricultural practices that wood vinegar is a natural antimicrobial agent, but no study has yet investigated its antimicrobial mechanism. In this work, we evaluate the effects of wood vinegar on Escherichia coli (E. coli) in vitro, including inhibiting the growth curve of E. coli, disrupting the cellular morphology of E. coli, and crumpling E. coli cell membranes. In addition, the hypothesis that wood vinegar may inhibit biofilm formation in E. coli by suppressing the expression of malE, which in turn initiates a series of inhibitory effects, is also proposed in this study through transcriptome sequencing results. It provides a theoretical basis for the mechanism of wood vinegar as a natural antibacterial agent. To solve the problem of large-scale growth of wetland reeds, wood vinegar, a by-product of pyrolysed reed wood vinegar, can be used as a natural antimicrobial agent. In this study, we compare the changes in growth and bacterial morphology of Escherichia coli (E. coli) treated with reed wood vinegar at different pyrolysis temperatures (300 °C, 500 °C and 700 °C) and reveal the bacterial inhibition mechanism of reed wood vinegar by RNA-Seq. The results of bacteria inhibitory activity showed that 1/2MIC 500 °C wood vinegar had the most prominent bacteria inhibitory activity. qPCR results showed that reed wood vinegar was able to significantly inhibit the expression of E. coli biofilm and genes related to the cell membrane transporter proteins. Electron microscopy observed that the wood vinegar disrupted the cellular morphology of E. coli, resulting in the crumpling of E. coli cell membranes. RNA-Seq showed the multifaceted antimicrobial effects of wood vinegar and demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of wood vinegar on E. coli was mainly realized through the inhibition of the expression of malE, which is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter complex of E. coli. In conclusion, our study provides an effective method and a theoretical basis for the mechanism of reed wood vinegar as a natural antimicrobial agent and its pathway of bacterial inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Italy, watermelon cultivation spans 9510 hectares, with production levels largely influenced by seasonal market demand. As a result, surplus watermelon left unsold by September often remain in the fields, where they decompose naturally and go to waste. A chemical analysis of the watermelon liquid fraction waste (WW) indicates a high carbohydrate concentration, highlighting the potential for biotechnological valorization of this waste stream, converting it into lipids or exopolysaccharides (EPSs). This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing WW as an alternative growth substrate for microalgae, aligning with circular economy principles and advancing sustainable agricultural practices. By repurposing agricultural byproducts, this research supports biorefinery objectives, aiming to convert biomass into high-value secondary products, including biofuels, pigments, and nutraceuticals. Scenedesmus and Chlorella strains demonstrated promising growth and adaptability in WW, achieving biomass yields of 0.95 ± 0.07 g L−1 and 0.37 ± 0.02 g L−1, respectively, with a significant EPS production observed as medium gelation. Although lipid accumulation was limited in this case by the WW substrate, the lipid profiles of both strains were distinctively altered, notably lacking linolenic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though indium has been removed from the fifth list (2023) of critical raw materials for the European Union list of critical metals, its recovery is still of paramount importance due to its wide use in a series of high-tech industries. As its recovery is closely associated with zinc mining, the recycling of In-bearing wastes is also of interest, for both profitable and environmental reasons. With unit operations (in hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy or extractive metallurgy) playing a key role in the recycling of indium, the present work reviewed the most recent innovations (2024) regarding the use of these operations in the recovery from this valuable metal from different solid or liquid wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest World Food Security Outlook predicted stabilization in global food security by 2024; however, nearly one billion people still face the threat of food insecurity. Fertilisers, crucial for maximizing crop yields, are the subject of scrutiny due to their environmental impact and health concerns. Efforts are being made to use fertilisers more efficiently and maintain soil nutrient balance to address these issues. In this research, different solid and liquid wastes from the food industry were used to granulate organic biofertilisers with a rotary drum granulator. This included buckwheat biomass (BBM), buckwheat husks (BH), buckwheat husk ash (BHA), bone meal (BM), molasses solution (MS), and beaten eggs (BE). Using standardized fertiliser testing methods, it was found that the biofertilisers produced by the drum granulator comply with the requirements for bulk fertilisers, as they are rich in plant nutrients, the static strength of their granules is high (7–14 N/granule), and their moisture content is higher (4–8%) than that of conventional mineral fertilisers, but the hygroscopicity of the granules when stored in standard conditions (30–60% humidity, temperature of 20–25 °C) is low. Due to their slightly alkaline pH, it is likely that such fertilisers could be used in acidic soils and would have a double effect—they would improve plant growth and soil properties (increase the amount of organic matter and reduce acidity). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study solved a set of equations to verify the dynamic optimal conditions of nonthermal plasma (NTP)-chemical conversion of solid polyolefin wastes into liquid petroleum hydrocarbons. Furthermore, a novel optimisation model was validated with non-linear experimental conditions to assess the quantitative relationship between the process variables responsible for the degradation rate of wastes. The central composite design (CCD) experimental design was developed based on the Response Surface Model (RSM) technique. These techniques significantly improved the model predictions because of the more-detailed electrochemical description. Experiments were conducted in an in-house-designed and -developed NTP system with advanced data acquisition schemes. Both experimental and the numerical findings exhibited a good agreement, and the results indicated that the electrical factors of NTP could significantly affect the conversion yield (Yconv%) of solid polyolefin-derived wastes to liquid hydrocarbons. Additionally, the model investigation indicated that factors such as power discharge ( x 1 ), voltage intensity ( x 2 ), and reaction retention time (RTT) ( x 3 ) significantly influenced the conversion yield. After optimisation, a maximum conversion percentage (Yconv%) of ≈93% was achieved. The findings indicated that this recommended framework could be effectively employed for scaling the plasma synergistic pyrolysis technique for generating the maximal Yconv% of plastic wastes to yield an oil. Thereafter, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was applied to examine the accuracy of the developed structure in order to upgrade this laboratory-scale processes to an industrial-scale process with >95% effectiveness. The calorific value of the produced oil was seen to be from 43,570.5 J/g to 46,025.5 J/g due to changes of the arrangements of the process factors, which specified that the liquid hydrocarbons showed similar characteristics like commercial diesel in this respect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the energy potential of switchgrass (SG) was analyzed to find promising directions for producing bioenergy from this biomass. The first direction is determining the thermal energy of bioethanol extracted from SG biomass after its pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis (saccharification), and fermentation of the resulting glucose. It was established that after a two-stage pretreatment of 1 ton of SG with dilute solutions of nitric acid and alkali, the largest amount of bioethanol can be extracted with an energy potential of 4.9 GJ. It is also shown that by the utilization of solid and liquid waste, the production cost of bioethanol can be reduced. On the other hand, the direct combustion of 1 ton of the initial SG biomass used as a solid biofuel provides an increased amount of thermal energy of 18.3 GJ, which is 3.7 times higher than the energy potential of the resulting bioethanol extracted from 1 ton of this biomass. Thus, if the ultimate goal is to obtain the maximum energy amount, then another direction for obtaining bioenergy from biomass should be implemented, namely, direct combustion, preferably after pelletizing. Studies have shown that fuel characteristics of SG pellets such as the gross thermal energy and density of thermal energy are lower than those of wood pellets, but they can be improved if the SG biomass is densified into pellets together with binders made from polymer waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of organic dyes in aqueous environments is extremely hazardous to life due to the toxicity of these compounds. Thus, its removal from these various aquatic media is of the utmost importance, and several technologies are constantly being tested to meet this goal. Among these technologies, various types of degradation and adsorption techniques are typically used, and of the various types of materials used within these technologies, nanomaterials are constantly being developed and investigated, likely due to the various properties that these nanomaterials have. This work reviewed recent developments (in 2023) about the use of these nanomaterials in the treatment of solutions contaminated with these toxic organic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sustainable low-cost activated carbon substitute was produced based on pretreated lignocellulosic biomass, especially spruce sawdust. A harmful liquid waste, desalination brine, was used for the treatment of a solid wood industry waste, spruce sawdust. This approach is in the circular economy theory and aims at the decarbonization of the economy. Pretreated sawdust was tested as an adsorbent appropriate for the removal of a commonly used pollutant, methylene blue, from industrial wastewater. The adsorption capacity of the pretreated material was found to have increased four times compared to the untreated one in the case that the Freundlich equation was fitted to the isotherms' data, i.e., the one with the best fit to the isotherm's experimental data of the three isotherm models used herein. The treatment experimental conditions with desalination brine that gave maximum adsorption capacity correspond to a 1.97 combined severity factor in logarithmic form value. Moreover, a kinetic experiment was carried out with regard to the methylene blue adsorption process. The desalination brine-pretreated sawdust adsorption capacity increased approximately two times compared to the untreated one, in the case when the second-order kinetic equation was used, which had the best fit of the kinetic data of the three kinetic models used herein. In this case, the pretreatment experimental conditions that gave maximum adsorption capacity correspond to −1.049 combined severity factor in logarithmic form. Industrial scale applications can be based on the kinetic data findings, i.e., spruce sawdust optimal pretreatment conditions at 200 °C, for 25 min, with brine solution containing 98.12 g L−1 NaCl, as they are related to a much shorter adsorption period compared to the isotherm data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato waste, characterized by high organic matter and moisture content, offers a promising substrate for anaerobic digestion, though rapid acidification can inhibit methanogenic activity. This study investigated the performance of a 10.25 L anaerobic fixed biofilm reactor for biogas production using liquid tomato waste, processed through grinding and filtration, at high organic loading rates, without external pH control or co-digestion. Four scouring pads were vertically installed as a fixed bed within a fiberglass structure. Reactor performance and buffering capacity were assessed over three stages with progressively increasing organic loading rates (3.2, 4.35, and 6.26 gCOD/L·d). Methane yields of 0.419 LCH4/gCOD and 0.563 LCH4/g VS were achieved during the kinetic study following stabilization. Biogas production rates reached 1586 mL/h, 1804 mL/h, and 4117 mL/h across the three stages, with methane contents of 69%, 65%, and 72.3%, respectively. Partial alkalinity fluctuated, starting above 1500 mg CaCO3/L in Stage 1, dropping below 500 mg CaCO3/L in Stage 2, and surpassing 3000 mg CaCO3/L in Stage 3. Despite periods of forced acidification, the system demonstrated significant resilience and high buffering capacity, maintaining stability through hydraulic retention time adjustments without the need for external pH regulation. The key stability indicators identified include partial alkalinity, effluent chemical oxygen demand, pH, and one-day cumulative biogas. This study highlights the effectiveness of anaerobic fixed biofilm reactors in treating tomato waste and similar fruit and vegetable residues for sustainable biogas production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the toxicity of the condensates produced during the gasification of two waste types. Coffee grounds, pine pellets, and a mixture of both substrates at a ratio of 1:1 were used in the study. Two microbiotests were applied for soil plants and aquatic macrophytes, and quantitative analysis of the soil microbiome for primary taxonomic groups of microorganisms was conducted. Three contamination rates were used in the Phytotoxkit test and the microbiological tests, 100, 1000, and 10,000 mg·kg−1 d.m. of soil, while in the aquatic organism studies, successive two-fold serial dilutions of condensates were used. The presence of liquid waste from the gasification process adversely affected the germination and development of terrestrial plants and the vegetative growth of aquatic plants. The condensate components modified the composition of the soil microbiome, adversely affecting soil fertility. The negative impact increased with increasing levels of contamination and primarily depended on the type of substrate from which the gasification process produced the liquid waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient segregation of radioactive nuclides from low-level radioactive liquid waste (LLRW) is paramount for nuclear emergency protocols and waste minimization. Here, we synthesized Na3FePO4CO3 (NFPC) via a one-pot hydrothermal method and applied it for the first time to the selective separation of Sr2+ from simulated LLRW. Static adsorption experimental results indicated that the distribution coefficient Kd remained above 5000 mL·g−1, even when the concentration of interfering ions was more than 40 times that of Sr2+. Furthermore, the removal efficiency of Sr2+ showed no significant change within the pH range of 4 to 9. The adsorption of Sr2+ fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model, with an equilibrium time of 36 min and a maximum adsorption capacity of 99.6 mg·g−1. Notably, the adsorption capacity was observed to increment marginally with an elevation in temperature. Characterization analyses and density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidated the adsorption mechanism, demonstrating that Sr2+ initially engaged in an ion exchange reaction with Na+. Subsequently, Sr2+ coordinated with four oxygen atoms on the NFPC (100) facet, establishing a robust Sr-O bond via orbital hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that heavy-metal contamination of seawater is getting worse, building a quick, accurate and portable device for detecting trace zinc in seawater in real time would be very beneficial. In this work, a microfluidic system was developed that includes a planar disc electrode, a micro-cavity for detection, an electrochemical workstation, a computer, a container for waste liquid reprocessing, an external pipeline and other components as well as a graphene/cerium oxide/nano-cerium oxide/Nafion composite membrane was used to modify the planar disc electrode (GR/CeO2/Nafion/Au) to investigate the electrochemical behaviour of Zn(II) using cyclic voltammetry, square-wave voltammetry and orthogonal test methods. Under optimal experimental conditions, the peak reaction current of Zn(II) showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of Zn(II) in the range of 1–900 μg/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.998, and the detection limit of the method was 0.87 μg/L. In addition, the microfluidic system had good stability, reproducibility and anti-interference. The system was used for determining zinc ions in real seawater samples, and the results were very similar to those of inductively coupled plasma–emission spectrometry, demonstrating the practicality of the system for the detection of trace zinc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste glycerol can be subjected to various processing operations, including purification and refining, to obtain glycerol of an appropriate purity. Alternative methods for utilising waste glycerol are also being sought, e.g., by converting it into other valuable chemical products or biofuels. Therefore, various technologies are being developed to ensure effective and sustainable utilisation of this type of waste. The production of value-added products from waste glycerol strongly determines the improvement of the economic viability of biofuel production and corresponds to the model of a waste-free and emission-free circular economy. This paper characterises the mechanisms and evaluates the efficiency of existing methods for microbiological utilisation of waste glycerol into liquid biofuels, including biodiesel, bioethanol and biobutanol, and identifies further production avenues of value-added products. In addition, it presents the results of a bibliographical analysis of publications related to the production of liquid fuels and economically valuable products from glycerol, assesses the progress of research and application work and, finally, identifies areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel pretreatment strategy utilizing a combination of NaOH and 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) was proposed to enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of abandoned Medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The synergistic effect of NaOH and [Bmim]Cl pretreatment significantly improved the glucose yield, reaching 445.8 mg/g within 72 h, which was 5.04 times higher than that of the untreated samples. The working mechanism was elucidated according to chemical composition, as well as FTIR, 13C NMR, XRD, and SEM analyses. The combined effects of NaOH and [Bmim]Cl led to lignin degradation, hemicellulose removal, the destruction and erosion of crystalline regions, pores, and an irregular microscopic morphology. In addition, by comparing the enzymatic hydrolysis sugar yield and elemental nitrogen content of untreated MDF samples, eucalyptus, and hot mill fibers (HMF), it was demonstrated that the presence of adhesives and additives in waste MDF significantly influences its hydrolysis process. The sugar yield of untreated MDF samples (88.5 mg/g) was compared with those subjected to hydrothermal pretreatment (183.2 mg/g), Ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment (406.1 mg/g), and microwave-assisted ionic liquid pretreatment (MWI) (281.3 mg/g). A long water bath pretreatment can reduce the effect of adhesives and additives on the enzymatic hydrolysis of waste MDF. The sugar yield produced by the combined pretreatment proposed in this study and the removal ability of adhesives and additives highlight the great potential of our pretreatment technology in the recycling of waste fiberboard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The qualitative impact of pollutants on water quality is mainly related to their nature and their concentration, but in any case, they determine a strong impact on the involved ecosystems. In particular, refractory organic compounds represent a critical challenge, and several degradation processes have been studied and developed for their removal. Among them, heterogeneous Fenton treatment is a promising technology for wastewater and liquid waste remediation. Here, we have developed mono- and bimetallic formulations based on Co, Cu, Fe, and Mn, which were investigated for the degradation of three model organic dyes (methylene blue, rhodamine B, and malachite green). The treated samples were then analyzed by means of UV-vis spectrophotometry techniques. Bimetallic iron-based materials achieved almost complete degradation of all three model molecules in very short time. The Mn-Fe catalyst resulted in the best formulation with an almost complete degradation of methylene blue and malachite green at pH 5 in 5 min and of rhodamine B at pH 3 in 30 min. The results suggest that these formulations can be applied for the treatment of a broad range of liquid wastes comprising complex and variable organic pollutants. The investigated catalysts are extremely promising when compared to other systems reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient utilization of waste heat from industrial processes can provide a significant source of energy savings for production plants, as well as be a driver of sustainable operations and the abatement of emissions. Industrial waste heat usually is contained in liquid or gaseous outlet streams. Although the possible ways to utilize waste heat are discussed in a wide variety of papers, these either provide only a general overview of utilization options and opportunities or focus on a narrow range of industrial processes. The aim of the present paper is to discuss the practical aspects of waste heat utilization in the European Union so that the reader can gain perspective on (i) the thermal classification of waste heat, (ii) liquid and gaseous waste streams and their typical temperatures for industrial use cases, (iii) the technical, economic, physical, and environmental aspects barring full utilization of the available waste heat, (iv) waste heat sources in various industries, and (v) standardized equipment and technologies applicable to industrial waste heat utilization, including their advantages, disadvantages, and weak points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to realize the effective separation of palladium from high-level liquid waste (HLLW), a ligand-supported adsorbent (NTAamide(C8)/SiO2-P) was prepared by the impregnation method in a vacuum. The SiO2-P carrier was synthesized by in situ polymerization of divinylbenzene and styrene monomers on a macroporous silica skeleton. The NTAamide(C8)/SiO2-P adsorbent was fabricated by impregnating an NTAamide(C8) ligand into the pore of a SiO2-P carrier under a vacuum condition. The adsorption performance of NTAamide(C8)/SiO2-P in nitric acid medium has been systematically studied. In a solution of 0.2 M HNO3, the distribution coefficient of Pd on NTAamide(C8)/SiO2-P was 1848 mL/g with an adsorption percentage of 90.24%. With the concentration of nitric acid increasing, the adsorption capacity of NTAamide(C8)/SiO2-P decreases. Compared to the other 10 potential interfering ions in fission products, NTAamide(C8)/SiO2-P exhibited excellent adsorption selectivity for Pd(II). The separation factor (SFPd/other metals > 77.8) is significantly higher than that of similar materials. The interference of NaNO3 had a negligible effect on the adsorption performance of NTAamide(C8)/SiO2-P, which maintained above 90%. The adsorption kinetics of Pd(II) adsorption on NTAamide(C8)/SiO2-P fits well with the pseudo-second order model. The Sips model is more suitable than the Langmuir and Freundlich model for describing the adsorption behavior. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the adsorption of Pd(II) on NTAamide(C8)/SiO2-P was a spontaneous, endothermic, and rapid process. NTAamide(C8)/SiO2-P also demonstrated good reusability and economic feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, wheat straw residue and pulping waste liquid were collected from pulping mill and mixed to prepare bio-based granular fuels by using compression molding technology, and to explore the comprehensive utilization of the industrial waste of pulping and papermaking. The effects of pulping waste liquid on granular fuel properties were analyzed systemically. Further study of the function of pulping waste liquid, cellulose and hemicellulose was used to replace wheat straw residue and avoid the interference factors. Therefore, the prediction models of granular fuels were established with influencing factors that included cellulose, hemicellulose and pulping waste liquid. The granular fuels had the best performance with 18.30% solid content of pulping waste liquid. The highest transverse compressive strength of granular fuel was 102.61 MPa, and the activation energy was 81.71 KJ·mol−1. A series of curve fitting prediction models were established to clarify the forming process of granular fuel, and it turned out that the pulping waste liquid could improve the adhesion between solid particles and increase their compression resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to various historical events, in the Russian Federation, in addition to the radioactive waste storage facilities used in world practice, there are various nuclear and radiation hazardous facilities that require special procedures for monitoring and decommissioning. One of these facilities is the disposal site for LRW on the territory of the JSC Siberian Chemical Plant, where specially prepared waste is injected into sand reservoirs lying at depths of 300–350 m between clayey strata. This study examines in detail the features of the lithological and mineral composition of reservoir sands and aquitards. The processes of environmental transformation in reservoir sands, which lead to changes in the composition and structure of rocks, were characterized. These processes manifest themselves in the form of the development of leaching zones and their "healing" with newly formed smectite, the destruction of terrigenous grains, including the development of cracks, and the growth of newly formed smectite in the pore space of reservoirs. The forms of occurrence and localization of authigenic smectite formed as a result of technogenic impact are described. It has been shown that, despite the obvious impact of highly reactive solutions accompanying liquid radioactive waste, the insulating properties of the geological environment are maintained and even improved to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Olive mill waste-water (OMWW) is a liquid waste produced by the olive oil industry that has been recently regarded as a good source of polyphenols. Phenolic molecules are among the most active secondary molecules in the gut for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. They may also contribute to positively changing the distribution of gut microbial species, but their effects have not been widely explored in pigs. The intestinal porcine epithelial cell line IPEC-J2 represents a good model for the study of innate immunity and inflammatory response in animal intestinal diseases and has already been used to investigate the effect of phytogenic feed additives on swine intestinal epithelium. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effects of an OMWW extract enriched in polyphenols on Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) infection in IPEC-J2 cells. Polyphenols extracted from OMWW showed the ability to regulate the host–pathogen interaction by decreasing S. typhimurium invasiveness and modulating the expression of many innate immune genes. The dietary supplementation of olive oil by-products, including olive mill waste-water (OMWW) in animal diets, is a novel application that allows for their re-utilization and recycling and could potentially decrease the use of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance risk in livestock species, and the occurrence of intestinal diseases. Salmonella serovar typhimurium is one of the most widespread intestinal pathogens in the world, causing enterocolitis in pigs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an OMWW extract enriched in polyphenols (hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol) in the immune response of an intestinal porcine epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) following S. typhimurium infection. Cells were pre-treated with OMWW-extract polyphenols (OMWW-EP, 0.35 and 1.4 µg) for 24 h and then infected with S. typhimurium for 1 h. We evaluated bacterial invasiveness and assayed IPEC-J2 gene expression with RT-qPCR and cytokine release with an ELISA test. The obtained results showed that OMWW-EP (1.4 µg) significantly reduced S. typhimurium invasiveness; 0.35 µg decreased the IPEC-J2 gene expression of IL1B, MYD88, DEFB1 and DEFB4A, while 1.4 µg down-regulated IL1B and DEFB4A and increased TGFB1. The cytokine content was unchanged in infected cells. This is the first study demonstrating the in vitro immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activity of OMWW extracts enriched in polyphenols, suggesting a protective role of OMWW polyphenols on the pig intestine and their potential application as feed supplements in farm animals such as pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of microbial biofilms increases the survival of microorganisms in the extreme conditions of ecosystems contaminated with components of liquid radioactive waste (LRW) and may contribute to the successful bioremediation of groundwater. The purpose of this work was to compare the composition of the microorganisms and the exopolysaccharide matrix of the biofilms formed on sandy loams collected at the aquifer from a clean zone and from a zone with nitrate and radionuclide contamination. The aquifer is polluted from the nearby surface repository for liquid radioactive waste (Russia). The phylogenetic diversity of prokaryotes forming biofilms on the sandy loams' surface was determined during 100 days using high-throughput sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA genes. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the development of microbial biofilms on the sandy loams. The ratio of proteins and carbohydrates in the biofilms changed in the course of their development, and the diversity of monosaccharides decreased, depending on the contamination of the sites from which the rocks were selected. The presence of pollution affects biofilm formation and EPS composition along with the dominant taxa of microorganisms and their activity. Biofilms establish a concentration gradient of the pollutant and allow the microorganisms involved to effectively participate in the reduction of nitrate and sulfate; they decrease the risk of nitrite accumulation during denitrification and suppress the migration of radionuclides. These biofilms can serve as an important barrier in underground water sources, preventing the spread of pollution. Pure cultures of microorganisms capable of forming a polysaccharide matrix and reducing nitrate, chromate, uranyl, and pertechnetate ions were isolated from the biofilms, which confirmed the possibility of their participation in the bioremediation of the aquifer from nonradioactive waste components and the decrease in the radionuclides' migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the potential of natural minerals for purification of liquid radioactive wastes (LRW) from radionuclides has been widely studied, the use of hybrid polymer composites made of zeolite is still rather scarce. This article reports on the preparation of zeolite-based hybrid polymer composites using the in situ polymerization technique in the body of mineral matrix and its intercalated with copper ferrocyanide (CuFC) forms. This hybrid polymer composites have shown unique and enhanced properties for the removal of micropollutants from wasted water as compared to the individual mineral. The change in conventional properties of two mixed minerals, such as zeolite and bentonite, and their intercalated with CuFC forms were probed using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS) and FT-IR analysis. The totality of analysis showed a coexistence of intercalated and percolated zeolite phases. The hybrid polymer composites exhibited both adsorption and ion-exchange properties in the removal of 134,137Cs+, 57,60Co2+ and 85Sr2+ radionuclides from LRW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient separation of Zr(IV) ions from strong acidic and radioactive solutions is a significant challenge, especially in the context of the aqueous reprocessing of nuclear fuels. The complexity of such solutions, which are often characterized by high acidity and the presence of radioactive elements, poses formidable challenges for separation processes. Herein, several mesoporous silicas (HMS, MCM-41, KIT-6, and SiO2-70 Å) with excellent acid and radiation resistance properties were employed as sorbents to remove Zr(IV) ions from simulated high-level liquid waste. The batch experiments were designed to investigate the influence of adsorption time, HNO3 concentration, initial Zr(IV) concentration, adsorbent dosage, and temperature on the adsorption behavior of Zr(IV). The results indicate that the adsorption equilibrium time of mesoporous silica materials was approximately 8 h, and all the adsorption processes followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics equation. The isotherms of Zr(IV) adsorption by KIT-6 exhibited good agreement with the Langmuir model, while the Freundlich model could be utilized to fit the adsorption on HMS, MCM-41, and SiO2-70 Å. The adsorption capacity of MCM-41 for Zr(IV) in 3 mol/L HNO3 was 54.91 mg/g, which is three times the adsorption capacity reported for commercial silica gel (17.91 mg/g). The thermodynamic parameters indicate that the adsorption processes for zirconium are endothermic reactions. Furthermore, the mesoporous silicas exhibited a pronounced selectivity in the adsorption of Zr(IV) within a simulated high-level liquid waste containing 10 co-existing cations (3 mol/L HNO3). This suggests that mesoporous silicas have great potential for Zr(IV) removal in actual radioactive liquids with high acidity during spent fuel reprocessing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of waste in the production of building materials is one of the possible ways to solve problems related to the sustainable management of non-degradable waste and difficult-to-recycle secondary resources. In this paper, a method is proposed for the non-autoclave production of an ultra-lightweight cellular concrete based on Portland cement, glass waste and liquid glass. A mixture of sodium hexafluorosilicate and hydroxide is used as a hardening activator, an aluminum powder serves as a gas-forming agent. The setting and hardening of raw mixtures occurs under the action of exothermal heat release due to a complex of chemical reactions occurring in the system, and the resulting material does not require additional heat treatment. It is optimal to use two fractions of glass waste to achieve acceptable material strength: coarse crushed (fineness modulus Fm = 0.945) and finely ground (specific surface Ssp = 450–550 m2/kg) glass. Glass particles of the fine fraction of glass, along with Portland cement, participate in hydrolytic and structure-forming processes, while glass particles of the coarse fraction play the role of reinforcing filler. The influence of the dispersion of glass and the density of liquid glass on the density, porosity, strength, water absorption and water resistance of the resulting cellular material was determined. At an average density of cellular concrete in the dry state of 150–320 kg/m3, the following characteristics can be achieved: a compressive strength up to 2.0 MPa, bending strength up to 0.38 MPa, thermal conductivity coefficient of the material in the range 0.05–0.09 W/(K·m), and a maximum operating temperature of 800 °C. The proposed ultra-lightweight cellular concrete can be used as a non-combustible heat and sound insulation material, as well as a repairing composition; the cellular concrete blocks can be used as filling masonry and for the construction of non-bearing internal walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a two-phase decanter (TwPD) for olive-oil extraction produces wastes and byproducts (a small volume of water from oil washing, olive leaves from the defoliator, and a high moisture pomace which can be destoned) that contain valuable bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and/or triterpenic acids. So far, there is no (water) or limited information (leaves and the destoned pomace fraction) on their content of bioactives, especially triterpenic acids. To contribute to the characterization of such streams from cultivars of international interest, in the present study, samples obtained from five mills from the region of Laconia (from one or two harvests) in Greece, where Koroneiki cv dominates, were screened for phenols and/or triterpenic acids. The leaves and pomace were dried at two temperatures (70 °C and/or 140 °C), and the pomace was also destoned before analysis. The liquid wastes contained low amounts of total (TPC) phenols (<140 mg gallic acid/L), hydroxytyrosol (<44 mg/L), and tyrosol (<33 mg/L). The olive leaves varied widely in TPC (12.8–57.4 mg gallic acid/g dry leaf) and oleuropein (0.4–56.8 mg/g dry leaf) but contained an appreciable amount of triterpenic acids, mainly oleanolic acid (~12.5–31 mg/g dry leaf, respectively). A higher drying temperature (140 vs. 70 °C) affected rather positively the TPC/oleuropein content, whereas triterpenic acids were unaffected. The destoned pomace TPC was 15.5–22.0 mg gallic acid/g dw, hydroxytyrosol 3.9–5.6 mg/g dw, and maslinic 5.5–19.3 mg/g dw. Drying at 140 °C preserved better its bioactive phenols, whereas triterpenic acids were not influenced. The present findings indicate that TwPD streams may have a prospect as a source of bioactives for added-value applications. Material handling, including drying conditions, may be critical but only for phenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liquid waste (LW) discharged during bioethanol production needs treatment. In this study, LW was applied to corn, and its effects on corn growth, yield, and nitrogen (N) content, as well as on soil chemical properties, were evaluated. Five treatments were applied during corn cultivation: no fertilizer (NF), chemical fertilizer (CF), LW at a standard application rate (LW1.0), LW at 1.7 times the rate of LW1.0 (LW1.7), and split application of LW1.7 (S-LW1.7) in six replications. The amount of N applied was 30 kg 10a−1 for CF and LW1.0, and 51 kg 10a−1 for LW1.7 and S-LW1.7. N was applied separately three times in CF, LW1.0, and LW1.7 and six times in S-LW1.7. A higher corn yield, corn ear weight, and number of leaves was observed in LW treatments than in CF. N content of the corn plant top was higher in S-LW1.7 than in LW1.7; N availability was 56.9% and 40.5% higher, respectively, indicating that split application improved N availability. Soil total N content increased significantly in LW treatments, and soil total carbon content tended to increase in S-LW1.7. Therefore, application of LW could increase corn yield and soil fertility, and its effect could be enhanced by split application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment results in large amounts of sewage sludge in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) which imposes on its reuse. The most promising application is as a fertilizer in agriculture which is regulated by national and European legislation. Along with the mandatory determination of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), in order to assess not only the risks, but also the beneficial properties, the determination of the total chemical composition is desirable. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is the most promising technique for multielement characterization which can be applied both for quantitative and semiquantitative analysis. A significant difference between the approaches is that the semiquantitative analysis is performed after a calibration with one standard solution containing at least three elements, but, at the same time, the accuracy is worse. In the present work, the accuracy of semiquantitative analysis with a different number of calibration elements using both water standard solutions and certified reference material (CRM) for calibration was investigated for the determination of 69 elements in sewage sludge CRMs and samples. It has been found that the accuracy can vary within a wide range, depending on the concentration of the elements, the number of calibration elements, and/or the presence of neighboring masses. In order to obtain an accuracy of up to 30%, it is recommended to shorten the mass intervals and perform the calibration with at least 18 elements, mainly microelements. The method was applied for fast panoramic analysis of sewage sludge samples from WWTPs and the concentrations were close to the data from quantitative analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odor and discoloration in water-based cutting fluids are caused by the growth of microorganisms and putrefying bacteria. This significantly reduces cutting performance, prevents rust, and deteriorates the working environment. To overcome these drawbacks, we developed a compact air-cooled coaxial dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) with a bubbler. Bacteria and microorganisms living in waste cutting fluids were sterilized by the high concentration of ozone produced under the optimized conditions of the compact air-cooled coaxial DBD. Moreover, it was confirmed that 99.99% of bacteria and microorganisms were completely removed. Ozone was found to not affect property changes such as the composition, concentration, and pH of the water-based cutting fluids. The chromaticity and complex odor of waste cutting liquids were thus found to have been improved by the effects of microorganism and bacterial sterilization. We conclude that the proposed a compact air-cooled coaxial DBD with a bubbler is an efficient method for sterilizing water-based cutting fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A crown ether-loaded hybrid adsorbent suitable for the separation and enrichment of strontium from high-level liquid waste was synthesized. 4′,4′(5″)-di(tert-butylcyclohexano)-18-crown-6 (DtBuCH18C6) and its modifiers dodecyl benzenesulfonic acid (DBS) and 1-dodecanol were impregnated into silica-based polymer support. The hybrid adsorbent exhibited excellent Sr(II) selectivity ability, and effective chromatographic separation and recovery of Sr(II) from simulated high-level liquid waste could be achieved with a (DtBuCH18C6 + DBS + dodec)/SiO2-P packed column. The recovery rate of Sr(II) calculated based on the mass balance was approximately 99% and over 80% for the other coexisting metal ions. An appropriate increase in the concentration of Na-DTPA eluent was favorable to improve the efficiency of the elution process because of the increased complexation capacity of [DTPA]5− to Sr(II). The developed theoretical model can simulate the dynamic breakthrough curves of the material on the basis of short column data, thereby predicting the scale-up column of the practical operation. Density functional theory calculation was used to explore the action mechanism of DBS modifiers on the Sr(II) complexation process of crown ether groups. Two Sr(II) complexation isomeric models of DtBuCH18C6 were established, and the calculation results revealed a similar complexation ability. DtBuCH18C6 could form a stable Sr(II) complexation structure with DBS coordination, which further indicated that DBS could be a ligand to promote the Sr(II) adsorption ability of crown ether materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the environmental impacts of producing 1 kg of biomass for animal feed grown in inland fisheries effluents as a culture medium using the ReCiPe method. Four scenarios with two downstream alternatives were modeled using the life cycle assessment method: Algal Life Feed (ALF), Algal Life Feed with Recycled nutrients (ALF+Rn), Pelletized Biomass (PB), and Pelletized Biomass with Recycled nutrients (PB+Rn). The findings reveal a substantial reduction in environmental impacts when wastewater is employed as a water source and nutrient reservoir. However, the eutrophication and toxicity-related categories reported the highest normalized impacts. ALF+Rn emerges as the most promising scenario due to its reduced energy consumption, highlighting the potential for further improvement through alternative energy sources in upstream and downstream processes. Therefore, liquid waste from fish production is a unique opportunity to implement strategies to reduce the emission of nutrients and pollutants by producing microalgae rich in various high-value-added metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the low-temperature pyrolysis of a real plastic mixture sample collected at a WEEE-authorised recycling facility has been investigated. The sample was pyrolysed in a batch reactor in different temperature and residence time conditions and auto-generated pressure by following a factorial design, with the objective of maximising the liquid (oil) fraction. Furthermore, the main polymers constituting the real sample were also pyrolysed in order to understand their role in the generation of oil. The pyrolysis oils were characterised and compared with commercial fuel oil number 6. The results showed that in comparison to commercial fuel oil, pyrolysis oils coming from WEEE plastic waste had similar heating values, were lighter and less viscous and presented similar toxicity profiles in fumes of combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plum stone stands out as an alternative biomass source in terms of obtaining fuel and chemicals with or without catalysts under different conditions. Under variable heating rates (10, 50, and 100 °C min−1) and pyrolysis temperatures (400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 °C), plum stone was pyrolyzed at a constant rate in a constant sweep gas flow (100 cm3 min−1) in a tubular fixed-bed reactor. According to the results, an oil yield reaching a maximum of 45% was obtained at a heating rate of 100 °C min−1 and pyrolysis temperature of 550 °C in the non-catalytic procedure. The catalytic pyrolysis was carried out with two selected commercial catalysts, namely ZSM-5 and PURMOL-CTX and clinoptilolite (natural zeolite, NZ) under optimum conditions with a catalyst ratio of 10% of the raw material. With the addition of catalyst, the quantity and quality of bio-oil increased, including calorific capacity, the removal of oxygenated groups, and hydrocarbon distribution. In the presence of catalysts, an increase was observed in terms of desirable products such as phenol, alkene, and alkane, and a decrease in terms of undesirable products such as acids. Considering and evaluating all the results, the use of zeolite materials as catalysts in pyrolysis is a recommended option for obtaining enhanced chemicals and fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the paper industry has led to the discharge of a large amount of papermaking waste liquid containing lignosulfonate. These lignin black liquids cause a lot of pollution in nature, which runs counter to the current environmental protection strategy under the global goal. Through the development and use of lignosulfonate in papermaking waste liquid to increase the utilization of harmful substances in waste liquid, we aim to promote waste liquid treatment and reduce environmental pollution. This paper proposes a new strategy to synthesize novel glue-free biocomposites with high-performance interfacial compatibility from papermaking by-product sodium lignosulfonate/chitosan (L/C) and waste bamboo. This L/C bamboo biocomposite material has good mechanical properties and durability, low formaldehyde emissions, a high recovery rate, meets the requirements of wood-based panels, and reduces environmental pollution. This method is low in cost, has the potential for large-scale production, and can effectively reduce the environmental pollution of the paper industry, promoting the recycling of biomass and helping the future manufacture of glue-free panels, which can be widely used in the preparation of bookcase, furniture, floor and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Defects in the bottom of the primary tank are mapped by data from an ultrasonic sensor pulled through narrow air slots in the space between primary and secondary tanks. The location of data collection points is critical to map accuracy. Laboratory experiments suggest that analyzing videos from cameras on the front and back crawlers moving the sensor can help track sensor location with sufficient accuracy for map creation. Double-shell tanks (DSTs) are a critical part of the infrastructure for nuclear waste management at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford site. They are expected to be used for the interim storage of partially liquid nuclear waste until 2050, which is the target date for completing the immobilization process for all Hanford nuclear waste. At that time, DSTs will have been used about 15 years beyond their original projected lifetime. Consequently, for the next approximately 30 years, Hanford DSTs will undergo periodic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) to ensure their integrity. One approach to perform NDE is to use ultrasonic data from a robot moving through air slots, originally designed for cooling, in the confined space between primary and secondary tanks. Interpreting ultrasonic sensor output requires knowing where measurements were taken with a precision of approximately one inch. Analyzing video acquired during inspection is one approach to tracking sensor location. The top edge of an air slot is easily detected due to the difference in color and texture between the primary tank bottom and the air slot walls. A line fit to this edge is used in a model to calculate the apparent width of the air slot in pixels at targets near the top edge that can be recognized in video images. The apparent width of the air slot at the chosen target in a later video frame determines how far the robot has moved between those frames. Algorithms have been developed that automate target selection and matching in later frames. Tests in a laboratory mockup demonstrated that the method tracks the location of the ultrasonic sensor with the required precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the European Union's initiative toward achieving carbon neutrality, the utilization of water electrolysis for hydrogen production has emerged as a promising avenue for decarbonizing current energy systems. Among the various approaches, Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) presents an attractive solution, especially due to its potential to utilize impure water sources. This study focuses on modeling a SOEC supplied with four distinct streams of treated municipal wastewaters, using the Aspen Plus software. Through the simulation analysis, it was determined that two of the wastewater streams could be effectively evaporated and treated within the cell, without generating waste liquids containing excessive pollutant concentrations. Specifically, by evaporating 27% of the first current and 10% of the second, it was estimated that 26.2 kg/m3 and 9.7 kg/m3 of green hydrogen could be produced, respectively. Considering the EU's target for Italy is to have 5 GW of installed power capacity by 2030 and the mass flowrate of the analyzed wastewater streams, this hydrogen production could meet anywhere from 0.4% to 20% of Italy's projected electricity demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheese whey (CW) is the residual liquid waste from cheese manufacturing industries, and it is rich in diverse nutrients with the potential for usage as a growth matrix for sustaining lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation. Lactic acid (LA), phenyllactic acid (PLA), and their derivatives are green chemicals that can be produced by LAB metabolism with the revalorization of CW. LA and PLA are known for their antimicrobial properties, immunoregulatory functions, and production of biobased polymers (biodegradable plastics) like poly lactic acid and poly-phenyl lactic acid; hence, they find numerous applications in agricultural/food-based, pharmaceutical, biochemistry, or medical fields, as well as in antibiotic supplements in livestock feeds for animal husbandry. Herewith, we discuss our experimental strategy/concept (that can be implemented) for the microbial fermentation of cheese whey streams using robust LAB co-cultures to produce 3-PLA through sequential steps, adding a note upon their possible applications hereof. It is proposed that various food matrices, like raw cow milk, fermented cow milk, and fermented table olives, will be screened for the isolation of robust lactic acid bacteria that can be used as starter cultures for the fermentation of cheese whey liquids for producing augmented levels of LA and/or PLA. Moreover, we discuss the feasibility of practically producing PLA using an orchestrated assemblage of simple procedures, viz., isolating robust LAB strains from natural food matrices, tailoring LAB growth using a selective medium sustenance, adopting adaptive evolution procedures for improving resistance to higher temperatures and tolerance to lactic acid and/or cheese whey (low-cost substrate), and using FTIR and HPLC tools for analyzing the PLA content produced. Two Lactobacillus isolates (CM30_001 and CMW_10−3), sourced from raw cow milk and fermented cow milk whey, were found to produce 3-PLA contents of 39 mg/L and 32 mg/L in batch fermentation, using this proposed strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study of the synthesis and characterization of new biphasic hybrid composite materials consisting of intercalated complexes (ICC) of natural mineral bentonite with copper hexaferrocyanide (phase I), which are incorporated into the bulk of the polymer matrix (phase II). It has been established that the sequential modification of bentonite with copper hexaferrocyanide and introduction of acrylamide and acrylic acid cross-linked copolymers into its volume by means of in situ polymerization promote the formation of a heterogeneous porous structure in the resulting hybrid material. The sorption abilities of prepared hybrid composite toward radionuclides of liquid radioactive waste (LRW) have been studied, and the mechanism for binding radionuclide metal ions with the components of the hybrid composition have been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like compound found naturally in plant- and animal-derived materials. This study aimed to determine the level of CoQ10 in some food by-products (oil press cakes) and waste (fish meat and chicken hearts) to recover this compound for further use as a dietary supplement. The analytical method involved ultrasonic extraction using 2-propanol, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The HPLC-DAD method was validated in terms of linearity and measuring range, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), trueness, and precision. As a result, the calibration curve of CoQ10 was linear over the concentration range of 1–200 µg/mL, with an LOD of 22 µg/mL and an LOQ of 0.65 µg/mL. The CoQ10 content varied from not detected in the hempseed press cake and the fish meat to 84.80 µg/g in the pumpkin press cake and 383.25 µg/g in the lyophilized chicken hearts; very good recovery rates and relative standard deviations (RSDs) were obtained for the pumpkin press cake (100.9–116.0% with RSDs between 0.05–0.2%) and the chicken hearts (99.3–106.9% CH with RSDs between 0.5–0.7%), showing the analytical method's trueness and precision and thus its accuracy. In conclusion, a simple and reliable method for determining CoQ10 levels has been developed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most well-known methods of intensifying the process of anaerobic digestion is the pretreatment of raw materials. For the first time, the use of a jet-driven Helmholtz oscillator for biomass pretreatment is proposed. The design of the device is optimal for creating hydraulic cavitation; however, in this case, acoustic oscillations are generated in the system and resonance occurs. In this study, the optimal design of this device was determined for the subsequent design of a cavitation reactor. The diameter of the resonant chamber was varied in the range from 28.3 to 47.5 mm, and its length from 6 to 14 mm; in addition, the diameter of the outlet was changed from 6.1 to 6.3 mm. Based on the experimental data obtained, it was found that the optimal ratio of the length of the resonator chamber to the diameter of the inlet nozzle is 1.73, and the inner diameter of the resonator chamber to the diameter of the inlet nozzle corresponds to 5.5. Improving the technology of agricultural waste disposal will ensure their maximum involvement in economic circulation, reduce the consumption of traditional fuel and energy resources, and improve the technological and machine-building base, which makes it possible to produce competitive cavitation reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of valuable properties of waste and their reuse as raw materials is an imperative of the circular economy. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a significant source of valuable raw materials, certain metals, and rare earth elements that are the basis for highly sophisticated IT equipment production. It is estimated that the production of WEEE in Europe in 2019 was 16.20 kg/inhabitant, while quantities continue to grow at a rate of 3–4% per year. Waste liquid crystal displays used in televisions, laptops, desktops, and other devices represent a significant share of WEEE and contain 0.12–0.14% of liquid crystals whose main ingredient is indium—tin oxide. In order to investigate and determine the methods and conditions of indium recycling from waste LCDs, laboratory research was conducted. The influence of temperature, particle size, and retention time in different media with and without ultrasound treatment was monitored to provide the efficiency of indium leaching. The analysis of the results showed that 98% indium leaching was achieved with granulation samples of 10 × 10 mm at a temperature 40 °C/40 min in solution H2O:HCl: HNO3 = 6:2:1 under ultrasound conditions, while aqueous and alkaline media under the same conditions did not show significant efficiency. This study can be used as a practical reference for the recycling of indium from LCD panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste tires can be ground as crumb rubber (CR) and incorporated into asphalt pavement for efficient resource utilization. However, due to its thermodynamic incompatibility with asphalt, CR cannot be uniformly dispersed in the asphalt mix. In order to address this issue, pretreating the CR with desulfurization is a common way to restore some of the properties of natural rubber. The main technique of desulfurization and degradation is dynamic desulfurization, requiring a high temperature that may lead to asphalt fires, aging, and the volatilization of light substances, generating toxic gases and resulting in environmental pollution. Therefore, a green and low-temperature controlled desulfurization technology is proposed in this study to exploit the maximum potential of CR desulfurization and obtain high-solubility "liquid waste rubber" (LWR) close to the ultimate regeneration level. In this work, LWR-modified asphalt (LRMA) with superior low-temperature performance and processability, stable storage, and less susceptibility to segregation was developed. Nevertheless, its rutting and deformation resistance deteriorated at high temperatures. The results showed that the proposed CR-desulfurization technology could produce LWR with 76.9% solubility at a low temperature of 160 °C, which is close to or even better than the finished products produced at the preparation temperature of TB technology, i.e., 220–280 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]