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There is a growing demand from the industrial sector and the population to cover the need for water temperature increases that can be covered with systems such as heat pumps. The present research aims to increase the heat transfer to the working fluid in a collector/evaporator, part of a solar-assisted direct expansion heat pump. This research was developed using a numerical analysis and by applying computational fluid dynamics; different simulations were performed to compare the performances of collector/evaporators with models exhibiting variations in the cross-section profile under similar conditions. An average incident solar radiation of 464.1 W·m−2 was considered during the analysis. For the comparison, profiles with hexagon-, four-leaf clover-, and circular-shaped sections with floral shapes, among others, were analysed, resulting in a temperature increase at the outlet of the working fluid of 1.3 °C. In comparison, the collector/evaporator surface temperature varied between 4 and 13.8 °C, while the internal temperature of the fluid reached 11.21 °C. Finally, it is indicated that the best results were presented by analysing the profile corresponding to the circular section with the flower shape.

Two indigenous hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria strains, designated as TKZ and QGR were isolated in oil rich Niger Delta of Nigeria. Determination of the nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding 16S rRNA allowed TKZ and QGR to be identified as Proteus vulgaris and Serratia marcescens. Hydrocarbon degradation potential of the strains was confirmed on hydrocarbon mineral salts medium (1 %, v/v) at 37 °C. Assessment of oil degradation capability of the isolates was monitored using gas chromatographic analysis (GC). The ability of the strains to utilize benzene, diesel, kerosene, and naphthalene was also studied. The results show maximal increase in optical densities at 540 nm and total viable counts was proportional with decrease in pH of the culture media. Percentage degradation in the culture medium showed that the two isolates exhibited biodegradation efficiency above 90 % for kerosene. The two bacterial strains also possess a plasmid of about 9.1 kb size which is suspected to influence the bacterium’s hydrocarbon degradation potential.

The process of inorganic and organic components temperature transformation of metal waste into solid and gaseous products in a continuous hot briquetting muffle furnace has been studied. The composition of the hydrocarbon atmosphere formed in the muffle under conditions of limited access to the oxidizer has been determined. It is shown that the thermal destruction of the coolant oil phase proceeds according to a complex mechanism of consecutive reactions, including polycondensation, polymerization, and deep compaction with a constant decrease in the hydrogen content and ends with the formation of a coke‑like carbon residue on the surface of metal particles and an air suspension of finely dispersed carbon particles (smoke). When it is heated to hot briquetting temperatures of 750–850 °C, chemically active dispersions of ferrous metals are protected from oxidation first by a hydrocarbon gas with a density of 9.0–13.5 kg/m3, then by a pyrocarbon coating with a thickness of 0.1–0.3 mm up to the completion of the processes of pressing and cooling the briquette.

The ecological risk and source apportionment of heavy metals and hydrocarbons in soil from the study site was carried out. Composite soil samples (n = 48) were collected from 3 sampling points (SP 1, SP 2, SP 3) within the site at 50, 200, and 500 meters, respectively, from the oil well and from a control site (Ibagwa, Abak) at 10,000 meters from the study site, using a hand-held auger. The samples were analyzed for heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES, Yobin Yvon JY-24) and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) using Agilent 6890N Gas Chromatography - Flame Ionization Detector (GC– FID model, Japan). Mean levels of heavy metals and TPH were higher in the study site compared to the control. The mean levels of heavy metals were 0.748 mg/kg (Pb), 0.754 mg/kg (Cd), 1.577 mg/kg (Ni), 0.274 mg/kg (Cr), 4.749 mg/kg (Fe), 0.020 mg/kg (V), 0.103 mg/kg (Co), 0.181 mg/kg (As), 5.544 mg/kg (Mn), and 5.187 mg/kg (TPH). The heavy metals in the soil had an increasing sequence of V

IntroductionAlthough environmental exposure to hydrocarbons has been linked to non-communicable diseases, its association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still an emerging area. Epidemiological studies associating CKD with prolonged exposure to hydrocarbons have mostly focused on occupational exposure, with fewer studies on environmental exposure from residing in contaminated areas. The aim of this study was to determine any association between long-term exposure to petrochemical products and the risk of CKD by comparing the residence and occupational history of young patients with CKD and non-CKD controls.Materials and methodsA case–control study of 74 cases and 74 age- and sex-matched non-CKD controls was carried out. Cases were patients with CKD who were aged 18–44 years and diagnosed with suspected chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). Patients were recruited from an outpatient nephrology clinic and medical wards. Patients with CKD from traditional causes were excluded. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPwise approach to the non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) instrument. To assess exposure, a detailed work history and all residential addresses where the patients have lived for at least 5 years were recorded. ‘Exposed’ status was regarded as long-term residence in a known oil-polluted area and jobs involving crude oil exploration, processing, transportation and sales, and cleanup of crude oil hazards. Absence of a history of chronic exposure or any form of exposure was regarded as ‘less exposed’.ResultsThere were 52 (70.3%) cases categorized as exposed, compared with 21 (28.4%) controls (p

The Paper Aims: To figure out what are Analysis of problems with Composition, Properties and Biological Activity - Hydrocarbon. By using descriptive method for primary model, synthesis methods and process analysis and analysis of difficulties and discussion, The study of this problem point that, to assess the environmental impact of hydrocarbons on the biosphere, an accurate knowledge of the physical properties and chemical composition of oil and gas. Numerous tragic examples of accidents, such as those associated with a leak hydrogen sulfide gases. Hydrogen sulfide, due to its higher density relative to air settles in the lowlands of the relief, accumulating in calm weather in concentrations up to to lethal. This leads to the death of animals and the death of people. The latter could be avoid by going to elevated windward areas, i.e., knowing the physical properties of this toxic gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is carried out in the Mexican oil and gas industry. An Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) is proposed, through support modules for the human operator (fuzzy expert system and artificial neural network) that simulate, forecast and standardize operational decision criteria of a sequential pipeline pumping system, with problems of vandalism, mechanical deterioration in the face of a complex topographic profile, in order to minimize operational subjectivity and prevent contingencies. The research provides new control and monitoring alternatives that guarantee the operational reliability of a pumping station, minimizing the effects of risk by managing the knowledge of the experts involved in the problem, data mining and association of results, which allow to unify criteria decision. The originality of the work focuses on the ability to model, identify and adapt variables to current international parameters, considering previous works through a comprehensive perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sponge based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a high-capacity, ZnCl2, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) for the dewatering application of hydrocarbon fuel sorbents has been prepared in one-step preparation. The synthesized hydrophilic sponges were named V1 (PDMS: ZnCl2), V2 (PDMS: ZnCl2: PVA), V3 (PDMS: ZnCl2: PEG), V4 (PDMS: ZnCl2: PVA: PEG), V5 (PDMS: 2ZnCl2: PVA: PEG) and V6 (PDMS: 3ZnCl2: PVA: PEG), respectively. The characteristics of the sponges under the optical microscope and contact angle measurements show the formation of hydrophilic sponge and gel. ATR-FTIR characterization showed peaks at 3100- 3500 cm-1 and 1750-1735 cm-1 identified with the OH stretching vibration and C=O strain vibration, which can be ascribed to the acetate group of the PVA molecule which is responsible for increasing the hydrophilicity. On the addition of PEG, there is an absorption band from the C-H vibration at 941 cm-1, and absorption at 1459, 1351, 1299, and 1256 cm-1 is CH, CH2, and CH3 bending vibrations. The contact angle measurements showed that the solid hydrophilic sponge V4 has a hydrophilic character (contact angle of 45.5º). And also, the increase in ZnCl2 was proportional to the decrease in contact angle. However, in the composition of V5 and V6, the super hydrophilic character (V5 =38.8º, V6 =14.3º) did not produce a good solid hydrophilic sponge. Characteristics of optical properties show high transmittance of more than 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rise in population and the continued and rapid expansion of the economy, soil, and water the foundation for human survival, have been subjected to unprecedented pollution, posing a threat to human health. As a result, it is critical to investigate the impact of soil on human health. This study offers a unique viewpoint on the effects of environmental contamination from the perspectives of water and soil pollution. Humans, animals, and trees/plants are all affected by soil waste contamination consequently of diseases and complications. One of the most critical concerns that experts have been examining and searching for creative answers to is pollution and its direct and indirect detrimental effects on humans and animals. Therefore, present study clarifies the origins and effects of contaminants on the ecosystem. It also takes into account the problem of soil and water pollution caused by the improper treatment of factory, home, and other waste, as well as the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that are damaging to water, and soil environment. Management of contaminants necessitates addressing a number of difficult issues, such as balancing goals of encouraging recycling while also protecting consumers from harmful chemical substances in recycled materials; insufficient data collection; quality aspects of recycling; waste energy recovery; and waste prevention. The potential mostly pertain to a shift toward a more circular economy, which has environmental and human health benefits in addition to economic ones. Waste management must become more sophisticated as we move toward a more sustainable society. Because it lacks flexibility and long-term thinking, the standard reductionist approach is unsustainable. Therefore, a sustainable waste management system integrates feedback loops, is process-oriented, embraces flexibility, and diverts trash from landfills. Identification and implementation of leverage points that impact change are necessary for transitioning to a sustainable waste management system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrophobic pollutants remain a serious threat to animals, plants, humans, and the biological system at large if not reduced or removed from the environments. This study focused on the experimental degradation analysis of 2% each of diesel fuel and n-hexadecane utilized as a source of carbon and energy by Paenibacillus sp. D9. During the process, there was the removal of 98.4% and 61.2% n-hexadecane and diesel fuel, respectively, in the 14 days incubation period. There was involvement of degradative enzymes, namely alkane hydroxylase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and esterase as determined during the process of biodegradation. The activities of alkane hydroxylase (82 U), alcohol dehydrogenase (23 U), and esterase (0.220 U) were differentially produced, with enhanced biosurfactant activity, demonstrating their contribution to degradation of hydrocarbons. The outcomes were additionally reinforced as specific polymerase chain reaction primers were used to detect the presence of genes responsible for biodegradation and biosurfactant synthesis. The data revealed that the efficiency of the biosurfactant in accelerating the degradation and solubilization of these hydrocarbons was ensured with high hydrophobicity, emulsifying capacities, and surface tension reduction. Therefore, due to the production of enzymes, Paenibacillus sp. D9 strain was active than reported biosurfactant-producing bacteria in the biodegradation of hydrophobic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper aims to analyze studies conducted over recent years (2011–2021) on hydrocarbon pollution in the Danube's Romanian sector. This involves looking at three main issues: Space-related Romanian Danube hydrocarbon pollution; the nature of samples and the types of tests used for hydrocarbon authentication; hydrocarbon effects on bioindicators and fish cell lines. The papers extracted for this review were selected from three scientific article platforms: Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, by using keywords, a specific search protocol and various selection filters. The main results of the present analysis are the following: the highest levels of hydrocarbon contamination in suspended particulate matter and sediments were found in the sector Iron Gates-Călărași (2013), and the main pollution sources were industry, navigation and wastewater discharges; sediment and biological samples accumulate higher concentrations of hydrocarbons than water samples, and are a good indicator for these pollutants' presence; the most widely used bioindicators are aquatic worms, mollusks, crustaceans, the wild common bleak, and, in the laboratory, fish cells; various methods are used in order to confirm hydrocarbon presence and/or their effects on biota: fluorescence, comet assay technique, micronucleus test, complementary passive samplers, in vitro bioassays, fugacity-based calculation model, sensors, oil spill modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of hydrocarbons in the soil is considered one of the main problems of pollution. In our current study, eight samples isolated from soil saturated with hydrocarbons were taken from different areas of Baghdad, Iraq. In this study, 5 isolates belonging to Pseudomonas aeruginosa by 99%, 4 isolates to Klebsiella pneumoniae by 98%, and 3 isolates to Enterobacter hormaechei by 97% were diagnosed in different ways. A molecular examination was also conducted by 16sRNA. We recorded P. aeruginosa, K. Pneumoniae and E. hormaechei as new local isolates in NCBI. In addition, a comparison was made between our isolates and the global isolates to determine the degree of convergence in the evolutionary line. The genes alkB and nahAc7 were diagnosed in P. aeruginosa capable of degradation hydrocarbons. The aim of this study was to identify the bacterial species that resist the presence of hydrocarbons in the soil and also to diagnose some genes in the bacteria responsible for degradation of hydrocarbons in order to find the biological treatment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article demonstrates the implementation of recurrent neural network (RNN) model in optimizing amplitude versus offset (AVO) attributes for indicating lithology and hydrocarbon zone on seismic data. Several drawbacks exist in the conventional implementation of AVO attributes for hydrocarbon exploration, including ambiguous AVO amplitude response as direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHIs), high cost of conventional seismic inversion and ambiguity from a non-absolute range of AVO scale of quality factor of P-wave (AVO SQp) and AVO scale of quality factor of S-wave (AVO SQs) attributes. Hence, this study aimed to optimize the application of AVO attributes by implementing an RNN model that solves nonlinear approximation with a faster, more economical, and reliable approach, supplied with well data as the data control. Sixteen features were extracted from seismic data as input with two targets of SQp and SQs from wells as output in the Angsi field. The model consisted of the improved algorithm of standard RNN called gated recurrent unit layers, followed by a simple RNN layer, and fully connected dense layers to predict SQp and SQs as lithology and hydrocarbon indicators, respectively. The model managed to predict the I-35 hydrocarbon reservoir zone anomalies, characterized by low SQp (sand-prone interval) and high SQs (hydrocarbon-bearing interval). The results indicated that the proposed RNN model performed efficiently as an alternative approach to bypass the conventional seismic inversion method and to optimize the application of AVO attributes in indicating lithology and hydrocarbon zone in seismic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthetic access to macrocyclic molecular topologies with interesting photophysical properties has greatly improved thanks to the successful implementation of organic and inorganic corner units. Based on recent reports, we realized that pseudo‐meta [2.2]paracyclophanes (PCPs) might serve as optimal corner units for constructing 3D functional materials, owing to their efficient electronic communication, angled substituents and planar chirality. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization and optical properties of four novel all‐carbon enantiopure macrocycles bearing three to six pseudo‐meta PCPs linked by 1,3‐butadiyne units. The macrocycles were obtained by a single step from enantiopure, literature‐known dialkyne pseudo‐meta PCP and were unambiguously identified and characterized by state of the art spectroscopic methods and in part even by x‐ray crystallography. By comparing the optical properties to relevant reference compounds, it is shown that the pseudo‐meta PCP subunit effectively elongates the conjugated system throughout the macrocyclic backbone, such that already the smallest macrocycle consisting of only three subunits reaches a polymer‐like conjugation length. Additionally, it is shown that the chiral pseudo‐meta PCPs induce a remarkable chiroptical response in the respective macrocycles, reaching unprecedented high molar circular dichroism values for all‐carbon macrocycles of up to 1307 L mol−1 cm−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of technological advancements, reliable calculation of hydrogen (H 2) solubility in diverse hydrocarbons is now required for the design and efficient operation of processes in chemical and petroleum processing facilities. The accuracy of equations of state (EOSs) in estimating H 2 solubility is restricted, particularly in high-pressure or/and high-temperature conditions, which could result in energy loss and/or potential safety and environmental problem. Two strong machine learning techniques for building advanced correlation were used to evaluate H 2 solubility in hydrocarbons in this study which were Group method of data handling (GMDH) and genetic programming (GP). For that purpose, 1332 datasets from experimental results of H 2 solubility in 32 distinct hydrocarbons were collected from 68 various systems throughout a wide range of operating temperatures from 98 K to 701 K and pressures from 0.101325 MPa to 78.45 MPa. Hydrocarbons from two distinct classes include alkane, alkene, cycloalkane, aromatic, polycyclic aromatic, and terpene. Hydrocarbons have a molecular mass range of 28.054–647.2 g/mol, which corresponds to a carbon number of 2–46. Solvent molecular weight, critical pressure, and critical temperature, as well as pressure and temperature operational parameters, were used to create the features. With a regression coefficient (R2) which was equal to 0.986 and root mean square error (RMSE) which was 0.0132, the GP modeling approach estimated experimental solubility data more accurately than the GMDH approach. Operating pressure, followed by molecular weight of hydrocarbon solvents and temperature, had the greatest influence on estimation H 2 solubility, according to sensitivity analysis. The GP model shown in this paper is a reliable development that may be used in the chemical and petroleum sectors as a reliable and effective estimator for H 2 solubility in diverse hydrocarbons. • Solubility of hydrogen in various hydrocarbons is predicted. • White-box machine learning approaches comprising GMDH and GP are implemented. • GP estimated experimental solubility data more accurately than the GMDH. • Sensitivity analysis highlighted the effect of operating pressure on solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As our study showed, the PLS, SVR, and ANN models based on I S. peregrina i puparial hydrocarbons could be used to estimate the weathering time of the empty puparium. In this study, the results indicated that the hydrocarbon of I S. peregrina i puparium changed with weathering time, which is consistent with that of Zhu (2007), who found that puparial hydrocarbons of I C. megacephala i could be used as an indicator of PMI [[11]]. Keywords: Sarcophaga peregrina; hydrocarbon; PMI; ANN EN Sarcophaga peregrina hydrocarbon PMI ANN N.PAG N.PAG 10 09/27/22 20220901 NES 220901 1. [Extracted from the article]

Characterizations of hydrocarbon microseepage-induced surface sediments are essential to utilize remote sensing and geochemistry as effective petroleum exploration tools. However, only few researchers have attempted spectroscopic and geochemical characterizations of microseepage-affected sediments and that too are focussed on arid or semi-arid climatic regions. This article aims to delineate the spectral, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the microseepage-affected sediments in Assam–Arakan Fold Belt (AAFB), NE India, dominated by intense precipitation. The analytical approach followed consists of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analyses. Reflectance spectroscopy reveals that microseepage-induced sediments are enriched in illitic clay and deficient in goethite than the unaffected regions. XRD studies support the presence of illitic clays in the sediments. Major element analyses indicate higher Al2O3 and K2O and lower Na2O and SiO2 in the altered sediments. Trace element patterns point out enrichment of V, Cu, Zn, Ga, Zr, and Mo and depletion of Li, Cr, Co, Ni, Rb, Sr, Sc, and Y in the microseepage-affected sediments. Normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns are similar for both the altered and unaltered sediments, but the former are deficient in REE contents. Though based on limited sample analysis, the study indicates microseepage affected and unaffected sediments differ in spectral and geochemical characters. This may help in strengthening the microseepage model for hydrocarbons in high precipitation areas and thereby may help in reducing exploration risks in the basin. Research Highlightst: The study uses spectroscopy and geochemistry to characterize hydrocarbon microseepage-induced sediments. Spectroscopic study indicates abundance of clay minerals and deficiency of ferric iron in microseepage-affected sediments. Geochemical analysis shows minor compositional differences between microseepage-affected and unaffected sediments in terms of major and trace element distribution patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petroleum hydrocarbons are one of the most well-known environmental pollutants not only for plants, and animals but also for humans because of their carcinogenic mutagenic, toxic, and teratogenic effects. Hence, various remediation technologies have been used to overcome these environmental pollutants. Among them, bioremediation is novel promising sustainable approach for treating petroleum and petroleum derivative raw material deleterious components with their effective, low-cost eco-friendly features. In this perspective, the evaluation of soil samples was collected from areas containing petroleum and petroleum derivatives from Kazanlı and Karaduvar refinery regions in Mersin-Turkey. Hence, potential hydrocarbon and petroleum degrading bacteria were identified and characterized by the MALDI-TOF MS method as well as biochemical, physiological, and morphological tests. According to the MALDI-TOF MS analysis; members of Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Cupriavidus, Acinetobacter, and Escherichia were successfully identified as hydrocarbon and petroleum degrading bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike electric vehicles and electric aircrafts, hydrocarbon-fuelled (fossil) engine systems are much noisier. By conducting one-step chemical reaction-thermodynamics-acoustics coupling studies and experimental measurements, we explore the universal physics of how hydrocarbon-fuelled combustion is a noise maker. We also explain that how combustion-sustained noise at a particular frequency ω is intrinsically selected. These frequencies correspond to the acoustic resonance nature of the combustor. We find that a reacting gas in which the rate of chemical reacting increases with temperature is intrinsically and naturally unstable with respect to acoustic wave motion, since its modal growth rate α is greater than 0. Acoustic disturbances tend to exponentially i.e. exp(αt) increase first and then are limited by nonlinear effects and finally grow into limit cycle oscillations. The growth rate α is found to increase first and then decrease with the gradient of the heat release rate with respect to the temperature change, i.e. heat capacity. The maximum (α/ω)max depends on the specific heat ratio γ, which is related to the speed of sound. The unstable nature could be changed by introducing some acoustic dissipative/damping mechanisms, such as the boundary layer viscous drag and boundary losses. It is shown that such losses could lead to increased critical heat capacity, below which stable combustors can be designed. Finally, the acoustical energy consisting of both potential and kinetic energy is found to grow exponentially faster by 100% than the acoustic disturbance amplitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)‐cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is involved in the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous substances, and detoxification of insecticides. RNA interference (RNAi) of CPR in certain insects causes developmental defects and enhanced susceptibility to insecticides. However, the CPR of Acyrthosiphon pisum has not been characterized, and its function is still not understood. In this study, we investigated the biochemical functions of A. pisum CPR (ApCPR). ApCPR was found to be transcribed in all developmental stages and was abundant in the embryo stage, and in the gut, head, and abdominal cuticle. After optimizing the dose and silencing duration of RNAi for downregulating ApCPR, we found that ApCPR suppression resulted in a significant decrease in the production of cuticular and internal hydrocarbon contents, and of cuticular waxy coatings. Deficiency in cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) decreased the survival rate of A. pisum under desiccation stress and increased its susceptibility to contact insecticides. Moreover, desiccation stress induced a significant increase in ApCPR mRNA levels. We further confirmed that ApCPR participates in CHC production. These results indicate that ApCPR modulates CHC production, desiccation tolerance, and insecticide susceptibility in A. pisum, and presents a novel target for pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploitation of thermophilic hydrocarbon-utilizing bacilli could provide novel environmentally friendly surfactants. In this work, 80 thermophilic bacilli isolated from shallow hydrothermal vents of the Eolian Islands (Italy) were screened for their ability to utilize hydrocarbons and produce biosurfactants (BSs). Among them, 15 strains grew with kerosene or gasoline (2% v/v) as the only carbon and energy source, and most of them were positive to the methylene blue agar as prescreening assay for BSs production and displayed emulsifying activity. The cell-free supernatants (CFSs) from two selected strains, Bacillus licheniformis B3-15 and Bacillus horneckiae SBP3, were both surface active and able to emulsify different hydrocarbons and vegetable oils. BSs from B3-15 (910 mg L−1) and SBP3 (950 mg L−1) were chemically different surfactin-like lipopeptides, with specific mineral-, castor- and crude oil removal ability from the cotton matrix. CFSs from the 15 thermophilic strains, which harbor both lipolytic and surfactant abilities, could be suitable for industrial-based applications and environmental issues, such as oil recovery and removal from polluted areas or surfaces, (e.g., oil pipelines, bilge tankers, or industrial silos), whereas the crude BSs, as high-value compounds, may be used in different fields of application, as detergent, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oil industry is one of the causes of environmental pollution by oil spills due to drilling and extraction. In case of oil leakage from oil wells to soil and then groundwater, it leads to the movement of pollutants and the spread of pollution by groundwater. In the study area, due to the existence of two oil fields, Qaleh Nar and Balaroud, upstream of Dez Dam and their inclined slope towards Dez Dam Lake, the possibility of spreading oil pollutants through groundwater to Dez Dam was investigated and the development of new risk assessment method was also performed. Water samples from groundwater and Dez dam reservoir were analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration. A Gas Chromatograph (GC-FID) was used to measure the concentration of TPH in samples. The probability of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic diseases has been assessed according to the EPA standard. The results revealed non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) in groundwater and in Dez reservoir respectively with the highest C10 values of 38.54 μg/ml and 1.9 μg/ml. The new equation was formulated with the factor of importance and C10 was taken as the most important pollutant. The results of new method (HRA) indicated non-carcinogenic risk for C10 was highest in groundwater (well: 20.7, spring 1:22.5, spring 2:8.4, and spring 3:7.09 μg/ml) and dam reservoir in sample C (1.1 μg/ml), exceeding the safety limit of 0.6 (in the new formula). This study confirmed the entry of TPH into the reservoir of Dez Dam through groundwater and the risk of non-carcinogenic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular diffusion determines the time to reach local equilibrium in a reservoir. It can be a main production mechanism in scenarios such as production from fractured reservoirs or tight formation. However, there is a lack of high-pressure diffusion coefficients for reservoir fluids and its related systems. Many correlations exist, but there is no consensus on their accuracy for these systems. We provide a systematic review of the available data for systems related to reservoir fluids, as well as a comprehensive comparison of five commonly used correlations for hydrocarbon mixtures, including the extended Sigmund, Riazi-Whitson, Leahy-Dios-Firoozabadi, Wilke–Chang, and the Hayduk–Minhas correlations. We collected extensive data of diffusion coefficients in binary mixtures related to petroleum fluids and established a database of over 80 binaries and 1600 data points. We also collected the data for gas diffusion in different oils and reservoir fluids, but the data in high-pressure live oils are extremely scarce. The five correlations were evaluated using the binary database, and a few selected correlations using the oil database. None of the correlations show consistent and dominant superiority for all the binary mixtures, although some are better for particular groups/regions. For oils and reservoir fluids, the composition information is often incomplete. Only a few sets allow a comparison between different correlations. Although some trends can be identified from the correlation evaluation, no conclusive recommendation is made for a particular model, due to the data scarcity. The findings underscore the need for more accurate measurement and modeling of gas diffusion in mixtures that are more representative of reservoir fluids at high pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocarbon exploration requires integration and updating of multi-source geo-scientific data for gathering knowledge of subsurface oil and gas bearing geological traps. Multi-spectral aerospace remote sensing (RS) data is an important spatial geo-scientific information source for hydrocarbon exploration, when combine with data of ground based geophysical, geochemical and well log data, using geographic information system (GIS). This paper presents a review on current status as well as future prospects of satellite RS and GIS applications in hydrocarbon exploration. In recent years, satellite RS and GIS techniques successfully used for basin wide assessment of hydrocarbon favourable areas by integration and analysis of multi-spectral RS derived geological inputs on sedimentary basin, lithology, geomorphology, terrain, geological structure, tectonic information etc. RS and digital elevation model derived geomorphic anomalies in the forms of anomalous drainage pattern and surface lineament linked with subsurface structural features are widely used in onshore hydrocarbon prospecting. Commonly, in hydrocarbon reservoirs, a well-known phenomenon called seepage (both macro and micro) is associated with oil and gas leak from subsurface accumulations to the surface. Long-term hydrocarbon seepages locally alter surface geochemical and microbial processes. Recently, hyperspectral RS successfully used in onshore hydrocarbon exploration by detection of micro-seepage based on identification and mapping of altered clay minerals, bleaching of red beds and geo-botanical effects of vegetation stress. Hyperspectral satellite derived indices viz. Hydrocarbon index, vegetation indices, and spectral angle mapper and spectral unmixing classification techniques are used in micro-seepage detection. Number of studies showed the potential utility of satellite microwave synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for offshore petroleum exploration by identification of sea surface oil slicks produced from sea floor hydrocarbon seeps. Use of satellite altimetry remote sensing technique also attempted for offshore hydrocarbon exploration by free air gravity anomalies derived geological details from satellite estimated geoid anomalies. Limited studies also highlighted potential applications of thermal and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) RS in hydrocarbon exploration. GIS aided both data and knowledge driven geospatial modelling were applied for identification of favourable potential hydrocarbon areas integration of RS derived geological and vegetation anomalies and ground geophysical, geochemical and well data. Although recent and past multi-spectral RS and GIS techniques are successfully used for petroleum exploration, in depth research studies needed in the use of hyperspectral, polarimetric microwave SAR, altimetry, thermal satellite data, UAV RS, and GIS aided spatial modeling for efficiently exploring petroleum resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diesel dual-fuel engine uses two fuels designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. Generally, the specific fuel consumption of diesel dual-fuel engines has increased. However, in combination with alternative fuels, namely compressed natural gas injected through air intake, the use of diesel fuel can be reduced. However, using two fuels in a diesel dual-fuel engine increases the equivalent ratio; therefore, the air and fuel mixture becomes richer because the air entering the cylinder during the intake stroke is partially replaced by compressed natural gas. This results in incomplete combustion and increases exhaust emissions, particularly hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. This study aims to improve the combustion process in dual-fuel diesel engines by improving the air-fuel ratio; thus, it can approach the stoichiometric mixture by adding combustion air forcibly to produce complete combustion to reduce CO and HC emissions. An experimental approach using a single-cylinder diesel engine modified into a diesel dual-fuel engine powered by crude palm oil biodiesel and compressed natural gas was adopted. The combustion air was forcibly added to the cylinder using an electric supercharger at different air mass flow rates ranging from 0.007074 to 0.007836 kg/s and different engine loads (1000 to 4000 watts). The results indicated that adding more air to the cylinder could produce complete combustion, reducing the emission levels produced by a diesel dual-fuel engine. An air mass flow rate of 0.007836 kg/s can reduce CO, HC, and particulate matter emissions by averages of 60.55%, 49.63%, and 86.87%, respectively, from the standard diesel dual-fuel engine. Increasing in the amount of oxygen concentration improves the quality of the air-fuel ratio, which results in improved combustion and thereby reducing emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of gamma ( 137 Cs, 0-250 Gy) and UV (UV-C, 0-12 h) radiation on growth and biodiesel properties of Botryococcus braunii KMITL. For gamma radiation, maximum biomass (1.37 ± 0.02 g L -1 ) was achieved with 50 Gy, while a dose of 200 Gy resulted in the highest hydrocarbon content (51.84 ± 0.20%) and yield (0.66 ± 0.01 g L -1 ). For UV radiation, a 9 h exposure produced the highest biomass (2.45 ± 0.05 g L -1 ), hydrocarbon content (55.01 ± 1.22%), and yield (1.35 ± 0.04 g L -1 ). Algae exposed to gamma radiation within the range of 0-150 Gy exhibited C16:0 as the dominant fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), similar to those exposed to UV radiation, while algae exposed to 200-250 Gy displayed C18:1n9t as the dominant FAME. High levels of gamma and UV radiation were observed to lengthen fatty acid chains and increase unsaturated fatty acids. The cetane values of biodiesel from algae exposed to gamma and UV radiation ranged from 64.55 ± 0.14-66.47 ± 0.20 and 59.43 ± 0.04-65.27 ± 0.22, respectively, all meeting standard criteria. Both gamma and UV radiation also improved the saponification value and cold flow properties of the biodiesel. These findings suggest that controlled levels of gamma and UV radiation effectively enhance hydrocarbon yields with significant implications for biofuel production., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The Sepetiba Bay (SB, SE Brazil) is a highly anthropized and industrialized area that has experienced severe environmental degradation in recent decades. This study applies a multiproxy approach to document the response of living benthic foraminifera to environmental stress and to infer the Ecological Quality Status (EcoQS) in SB. Our methodology involved a comprehensive comparison of the density and percentage of benthic foraminiferal species with physicochemical, textural, and geochemical data, specifically the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). We also statistically compared two geochemical indices, the pollution load index (PLI) and the potential ecological risk index (PERI), with two ecological indices, the Tolerant Species Index (TSI) and the Exp(H'bc). The TSI and the Exp(H'bc) indices are significantly correlated with the environmental stressors in Sepetiba Bay, namely the PTEs concentrations (As, Cd, Pb, and Zn). The most tolerant species to the enrichment of PTEs and organic matter are Ammonia tepida (Cushman, 1926), Elphidium excavatum (Terquem, 1875), Ammonia buzasi Hayward and Holzmann, 2021 and Ammonia rolshauseni (Cushman and Bermúdez, 1946). The Exp(H'bc) and TSI reveal that most stations located in the inner zone and near the margins of the bay have poor and bad EcoQS, which agrees with the distribution of the environmental stressors. Thus, the current environmental conditions of the inner area of Sepetiba Bay are of great concern. This work also shows that using the TSI and the Exp(H'bc) indices, it is possible to classify EcoQS in transitional coastal environments in the North and South Atlantic transitional waters. This work has relevant scientific and social implications due to its importance in biomonitoring and the management of the coastal regions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Abstract Subsurface images of an area with a thick volcanic layer generally cannot be well-imaged with conventional seismic exploration (seismic reflection) due to seismic wave scattering. Another method is needed to obtain an accurate subsurface image in a thick volcanic layer area. In this study, we applied ambient noise tomography (ANT) to image the shear-wave velocity (Vs) structure in the Banyumas Basin, Central Java, Indonesia, which has relatively thick volcanic layers. We aimed to delineate the sediment deposits and the sedimentary thickness in this area through the utilization of ambient seismic noise. The application of cross-correlations from ambient seismic noise has been widely applied in numerous locations to obtain a greater understanding of subsurface structures. In this study, more than 1000 pairs of vertical component cross-correlations were used to estimate the Green's Function of the Rayleigh wave. The Neighbourhood Algorithm (NA) was utilized to invert the dispersion curves at 121 grid points which were used to obtain a vertical depth profile of 1D Vs. The Vs map results show that the low Vs tend to trend in a northwest–southeast direction associated with two areas: the Majenang low, and the Citanduy low. The presence of low Vs values corresponds with Middle Miocene–Pliocene sedimentary rocks. Meanwhile, the high Vs values in this area might correspond with Oligocene–Early Miocene volcanic products and Eocene sediment. Our study was also able to reveal the thickness of sedimentary rocks in the Banyumas sedimentary basin, which is believed to have hydrocarbon potential.

The article presents the first results of magnetotelluric sounding (MTS) surveys of the Baikal foredeep. This study is part of the project of the Institute of the Earth’s Crust SB RAS, which investigates the geological and geoelectrical structure of the southeastern marginal part of the Siberian platform and updates the model of the Baikal rift zone. An objective is to preliminary assess the mining potential of the Riphean strata in the Baikal foredeep. The relevance of the study centers on the possibility of discovering a new promising oil-gas field in proximity to energy-intensive industrial and agricultural enterprises. The MTS section of the sedimentary cover shows an increased conductivity of its lower part, which is most likely due to highly porous carbonate-terrigenous rocks in the middle – lower part of the ‘Baikal three-member’ structure. The intra-lithospheric conductive layer that hosts most of the earthquake hypocenters of the Baikal rift is investigated.

Hosting a ∼1.5 bar N2 atmosphere and reducing atmospheric composition, Titan has the energy sources needed to drive disequilibrium chemistry and hosts an aerosol layer which shields the surface from incident UV radiation. This world draws parallels to an early Earth-like world (although ∼200 K cooler), and the atmospheric chemistry may be capable of forming relevant prebiotic species. Exo-Titan worlds at close-in orbits host photochemistry relevant to habitability with rich hydrocarbon chemistry. We investigate the effect of stellar type of the host star, equilibrium temperature, incident radiation, and vertical transport efficiency on the production of higher-order hydrocarbons. We find a greater incident radiation (a closer orbit) increases the rate of methane photolysis as well as photolysis of hydrocarbons. A larger H2 abundance and warmer temperature increases the rate of the back reaction H2 + CH3 → CH4 + H, and the temperature dependence is so great that CH3 recycles back into CH4 instead of forming C2H6. A larger H2 abundance and warmer temperature also encourages interesting cycling between C2H2, C2H3, and C2H4via reactions with atomic H.

Laminar flame speed (LFS) is a key physicochemical property of a premixed fuel/oxidizer mixture, and is critical in the description of complex combustion phenomena. Accurate experimental measurements of LFSs for various fuels have been performed to develop and validate detailed kinetic mechanisms, which in turn are used to predict LFSs under various combustion conditions. However, such procedure is inefficient, especially in large-scale turbulent combustion modeling studies. Based on previous experimental studies of LFSs for various fuels, this work aims to develop a data-driven machine learning (ML) model for the prediction of LFSs of hydrocarbon and oxygenated fuels. Descriptors computed from semi-empirical quantum chemistry methods are used as input in ML models due to the simplicity and computational-efficiency. Pearson correlation analysis is used to select important features, and 5 descriptors are screened as the input features for ML model development. The accuracies and interpretabilities of existing 16 ML algorithms in the prediction of LFSs are compared through systematically evaluated the errors based on the differences between experimental data and model prediction. These ML models include regression trees, support vector machine regression, gaussian process regression, and ensemble trees. An efficient ML model for predicting LFSs of hydrocarbon and oxygenated fuels based on gaussian process regression algorithm is proposed, which exhibits good accuracy in predicting of LFSs for variable pressure, temperature, and equivalence ratio. The dependency of LFSs on the descriptors are also analysed. The developed ML model is fast enough for integration into large-scale computational fluid dynamics for combustion studies.

Underground water pollution by petroleum hydrocarbon may affect the quality of drinking water and water for other domestic uses, posing a threat to the aquatic ecosystem. This study was aimed at providing data on the physicochemical characteristics of groundwater in the vicinity of Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), for bioremediation strategy in the area. Groundwater collected at six (6) sites were analysed for physicochemical characteristics, using standard methods. The village well water was slightly acidic (5.67–6.17), while the monitoring wells were slightly alkaline (7.14-7.67). Temperature was found to be within the range favourable for Bioremediation. The dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the sites (6.70 – 7.69mg/l) are not limiting to hydrocarbon biodegradation. Low levels of nitrate and phosphate are limiting for bioremediation. High sulphate concentration in one of the dump sites wells (350mg/l) is indicative of pollution and corrosion problems. High NTU, chloride concentrations, BOD Levels and electrical conductivity are indicative of pollution.

There have been repeated calls from various quarters in Nigeria for a robust examination of Abakaliki anticlinorium and Afikpo sub-basin of the Southern Benue Trough for their mineral and hydrocarbon prospects. The Southern Benue Trough is part of a linear NE-SW trending rift system whose development is related to the breakaway of Africa from South America and the subsequent opening of the South Atlantic Ocean during the Cretaceous. Detailed geophysical studies were carried out with the high resolution aeromagnetic data using analytical techniques which include spectral analysis, analytic signal (AS) evaluations, Euler deconvolution, potential field transformation and two-dimensional potential field modelling of subsurface geology. Results reveal varying depths ranging from 0.41 to 0.67 km for depths to magnetic sources, and 1.0–5.5 km for basement depths. The presence of magnetic sources within the sedimentary basins is indicated by shallow depths to the top (DTT) of magnetic sources. Euler depth estimates ranging between 1.0 and 4.8 km for the magnetic source contacts/faults concurs with depths to the basement of between 4.5 and 4.9 km realised from the 2D modelling. Euler deconvolution of the magnetic anomalies also revealed the presence of Sill and Dyke structures at Amuzu, Enyigba, parts of Abakaliki, Utampa, Abriba, Afikpo, Ugep, and Agoi Ekpo regions with varying depths of up to 3.5 km. Structures mapped around Okposi, Amuzu, Enyigba Abakaliki, and Ishieke areas present viable prospects for hydrocarbon exploration. Structures identified at the Afikpo region could best represent mineral lode within the area. The 2D modelling shows various subsurface geological structures to include faults, fractures, sill, dyke, and considerable basement intrusion within the profile. Results from this study have identified an expanse of untapped areas with higher prospectivity which could be exploited for productive and viable mineral and hydrocarbon explorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Light hydrocarbon olefin and paraffin gas mixtures are produced during natural gas or petrochemical processing. The petrochemical industry separates hydrocarbon gas mixtures by using an energy-intensive cryogenic distillation process, which accounts for 15% of global energy consumption [1]. The development of a new energy-saving separation process is needed to reduce the energy consumption. In this research, we develop a green and low energy mechanochemical separation process in which boron nitride (BN) powders were ball milled at room temperature in the atmosphere of an alkyne or olefin and paraffin mixture gas. BN selectively adsorbs a much greater quantity of alkyne and olefin gas over paraffin gases, and thus the paraffin gas is purified after the ball milling process. The adsorbed olefin gas can be recovered from the BN via a low-temperature heating process. The mechanochemical process produces extremely high uptake capacities of alkyne and olefin gases in the BN (708 cm3/g for acetylene (C 2 H 2) and 1048 cm3/g for ethylene (C 2 H 4)) respectively. To the best of our knowledge, assisted by ball milling, BN nanosheets have achieved the highest uptake capacities for alkyne/olefin gases, which are superior to all other materials reported so far. Chemical analysis reveals that large amounts of olefin gases were quasi-chemically adsorbed on the in-situ formed BN nanosheets via C–N bond formation, whereas small amount of paraffin gases was physically adsorbed on BN nanoparticles. This scalable mechanochemical process has great potential as an industrial separation method and can realize substantial energy savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]