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Featured Application: The potential applications of this work include the reconstruction of artificial bacterial consortia that are able to resist and/or reduce chromium and are robust over time for a bioremediation application at the Quimica Central site (Mexico). Industrial residues with high concentrations of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], characterized by an alkaline pH (between 9 and 13) and high salinity (around 100 psu), were used as a source for extremophilic chromium-resistant and -reducing microorganisms. An investigation of biodiversity through MiSeq showed the presence of 20 bacterial classes, with Bacilli (47%), Negativicutes (15%), Bacteriodia (8%), Gammaproteobacteria (7%) and Clostridia (5%) being the most abundant. The bioprospection allowed the cultivation of 87 heterotrophic bacterial colonies and 17 bacterial isolates at the end of the isolation, and screening procedures were obtained. The isolates were related to Cellulosimicrobium aquatile, C. funkei, Acinetobacter radioresistens, Staphylococcus equorum, S. epidermis, Brachybacterium paraconglometratum, Glutamicibacter creatinolyticus, Pseudomonas songnenensis, Microbacterium algeriense and Pantoea eucalypti, most of them being resistant to Cr(VI). Resistances of up to 400 m g. L − 1 of chromate were obtained for four related strains (QReMLB55A, QRePRA55, QReMLB33A and QReMLB44C). The C. aquatile strain QReMLB55A and the P. songnenensis strain QReMLB33A were exposed to K 2 C r 2 O 7 (200 m g. L − 1 ) under optimal conditions, diminishing 94% and 24% of the Cr(VI) in 6 days, respectively. These strains exhibited a high potential for chromium remediation biotechnologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Murray Rothbard's "For a New Liberty," highlighting its early and influential contribution to libertarian philosophy. Rothbard systematically applies anarcho-capitalist principles to contemporary societal issues, notably addressing concerns regarding conservation, ecology, and population growth in contrast to mainstream political ideologies.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established regulations for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, although these regulations do not apply to residential water wells. However, the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recommends testing and treating water well systems for PFAS. The EPA is providing funding to assist states and territories in implementing PFAS testing and treatment. The EPA has also proposed including PFAS in the definition of hazardous waste and has added sites with groundwater contamination to the Superfund National Priorities List. Ohio has launched a program to eliminate PFAS in firefighting foam, and the EPA has formed a task force to protect water systems from cyber attacks. The EPA's website offers resources and guidance for safeguarding the water sector's infrastructure. [Extracted from the article]

The current investigation concerns with preparation eco-friendly and cost-effective adsorbent (mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SBL)) based on black liquor (BL) containing lignin derived from sugarcane bagasse and combining it with sodium silicate derived from blast furnace slag (BFS) for thorium adsorption. Thorium ions were adsorbed from an aqueous solution using the synthesized bio-sorbent (SBL), which was then assessed by X-ray diffraction, BET surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Th(IV) sorption properties, including the pH effect, uptake rate, and sorption isotherms across various temperatures were investigated. The maximum sorption capacity of Th(IV) on SBL is 158.88 mg/L at pH value of 4328 K, and 60 min contact time. We demonstrated that the adsorption processes comport well with pseudo-second-order and Langmuir adsorption models considering the kinetics and equilibrium data. According to thermodynamic inspections results, the Th(IV) adsorption process exhibited endothermic and random behavior suggested by positive ΔH° and ΔS° values, while the negative ΔG° values indicated a spontaneous sorption process. The maximum Th(IV) desorption from the loaded SBL (Th/SBL) was carried out at 0.25 M of NaHCO3 and 60 min of contact. Sorption/desorption processes have five successive cycles. Finally, this study suggests that the recycling of BFS and BL can be exploited for the procurement of a promising Th(IV) adsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," have been used in various industries since the 1940s and can be found in consumer products and the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the health risks associated with certain PFAS and has taken steps to regulate them. There are ongoing efforts to establish drinking water limits and designate PFAS as hazardous substances. Congress has introduced bills to regulate PFAS and provide funding for research and remediation. Litigation related to PFAS contamination has been ongoing since the late 1990s, with recent settlements reached in cases involving water supply contamination. However, some states have opposed these settlements. Litigation also continues regarding PFAS contamination in food packaging and cosmetic products. PFAS regulation and litigation are expected to continue in the future. [Extracted from the article]

However, in cases where MNA is not the only remedy implemented for groundwater, regulatory guidance, and the traditional linear project planning process (Figure 1), result in the processes of active groundwater remediation and MNA being evaluated separately over distinct periods. Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA), Monitored Natural Recovery (MNR), and Natural Source Zone Depletion (NSZD) are natural remedies for groundwater, sediments, and nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPL), respectively. In accordance with U.S. EPA's directives (U.S. EPA [35], [25]), the first line of evidence for MNA as an effective remedy is demonstration of a stable to decreasing area and/or mass of contaminants in groundwater over time after all engineered remedies have been completed. While MNA is a natural remedy for groundwater, MNR is a natural remedy for sediment. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of ESPOCH Congresses: The Ecuadorian Journal of S.T.E.A.M. is the property of Knowledge E DMCC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The rapid rise in the emphasis on the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contaminant class is one of the most dramatic and important trends in groundwater remediation research and practice. Because PFASs can associate with multiple interfaces, a quantitative framework that, along with PFAS physical-chemical properties, considers PFAS speciation and corresponding phase distribution in groundwater, surface water, and soils/sediments is required to evaluate the relative importance of key processes and each of the phases in overall transformation and migration. Polyfluoroalkyl substances requiring a renewed focus on groundwater-surface water interactions Other scenarios include the application of PFAS-impacted biosolids to agricultural fields (e.g., Schaefer et al. [101]), use of PFAS-containing ski wax at ski areas (e.g., Carlson et al. [16]), and discharge of PFAS-containing industrial wastewater to surface waters (e.g., Kurwadkar et al. [63]). Consequently, PFAS concentrations in the stream increased by about 17,000 ng/L as it flowed past the FTA (upstream of the FTA stream PFAS concentrations are about 8,000 due to contributions from other sources). [Extracted from the article]

Fluoride (F) contamination in industrial waste is a significant challenge for sustainable materials recycling. Existing techniques for mitigating F contamination focus on immobilization, converting F compounds to insoluble forms while leaving the total F content untreated. Chelator-assisted washing is considered a promising alternative remediation strategy that can indirectly release F by entrapping and dissolving F-bearing minerals. This study evaluates the effectiveness of chelator-assisted washing in removing F from three real F-contaminated waste samples (TCS-49, TCS-51, and TCS-52) by treating with four different chelators, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylenediamine N , N ′-disuccinic acid (EDDS), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and 3-hydroxy-2,2′-imino disuccinic acid (HIDS). The influence of key washing variables, including chelator type, solution pH, chelator concentration, washing time, and liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio toward F extraction was assessed and optimized for attaining the maximum extraction. All chelators exhibited the highest F extraction from TCS-49 and TCS-51 at pH 11, whereas in TCS-52 it showed a discrete extraction pattern. Under optimized conditions (concentration, 10 mmol L−1; pH, 11; washing duration, 3 h; and L/S ratio, 10:1), EDTA outperformed the other chelators, enhancing F extraction by 2.1 and 1.2 times for TCS-49 and TCS-51, respectively, compared with those of control treatments. However, for TCS-52, the efficiency of EDTA was analogous to that of the control under the same washing conditions. The linear correlation between the extracted F and F-containing minerals suggests that the chelator-induced F removal from contaminated waste involves the entrapment and dissolution of F-bearing minerals, especially Ca and Fe. The subsequent post-washing immobilization of chelator-washed waste residues using CaO or H 3 PO 4 significantly reduced the content of leachable F under the regulatory limit. [Display omitted] • Chelator-induced F extraction significantly correlated with washing parameters. • All chelators showed peak F extraction at pH 11, with distinct patterns for TCS-52. • EDTA showed the highest F extraction efficiency among the tested chelator variants. • Chelator-aided F removal involves entrapment and dissolution of F-bearing minerals. • CaO- and H 3 PO 4 -based immobilization reduced F-leaching below the regulatory limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a review of recent highlights in the field of supramolecular chemistry. It discusses several key findings, including the development of a neutral urea cryptand that can bind sulfate in water, the observation of photo-triggered disassembly of a supramolecular polymer using atomic force microscopy, the creation of circularly polarized luminescence materials that can emit both left-handed and right-handed luminescence, the discovery of a quadruple amide receptor that selectively binds multivalent anions, the formation of hydrogels at physiological pH using amino-acid appended perylene bisimides, and the study of arylaminopyrazoles as a new class of small molecule photo-switch. These findings contribute to the understanding and potential applications of supramolecular chemistry. [Extracted from the article]

N uses the methane as a fuel, and the methane will not be treated as a taxable chemical. Butane is subject to the same special rule as methane.[25] Therefore, any butane that is used as a fuel or to produce motor fuels is exempt from the Chemicals Superfund Tax. Similarly, if a marketer sells methane to a refinery for use as a fuel or in the production of motor fuels, the methane would be excepted from being treated as a taxable chemical. Although M is the importer of the methane and M sold the methane, M is not liable for the tax because M did not use the methane otherwise than as a fuel. [Extracted from the article]

We discussed several examples with Dr. Kosson, but we focus this essay on three major issues: siting of hazardous waste facilities in New Jersey, demilitarization of the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile, and nuclear waste management. SITING HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITIES IN NEW JERSEY AND THE UNITED STATES In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the recognition of hazardous waste as a serious problem was new, with public concerns running far ahead of public policy. NUCLEAR WASTE MANAGEMENT While the DOD had to deal with the obsolete chemical weapons, the Department of Energy (DOE) has legacy nuclear wastes to remediate, which are the responsibility of the Office of Environmental Management. Individual states realized they needed to find places to safely store hazardous and nuclear wastes, and the federal government pressed every state to find solutions that excluded landfills as much as possible. [Extracted from the article]

• Positively charged magnetic nanorod was synthesized by PEI micelle induction. • Transformation of nanosphere to nanorod improved separation of nanoemulsion by 45%. • Nanorod enhanced destruction of surfactant interfacial-film and network structure. The separation of ultrafine oil droplets from wasted nanoemulsions stabilized with high concentration of surfactants is precondition for oil reuse and the safe discharge of effluent. However, the double barriers of the interfacial film and network structures formed by surfactants in nanoemulsions significantly impede the oil-water separation. To destroy these surfactant protective layers, we proposed a newly-developed polyethyleneimine micelle template approach to achieve simultaneous surface charge manipulation and morphology transformation of magnetic nanospheres to magnetic nanorods. The results revealed that positively charged magnetic nanospheres exhibited limited separation performance of nanoemulsions, with a maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 50%, whereas magnetic nanorods achieved more than 95% COD removal in less than 30 s. The magnetic nanorods were also applicable to wasted nanoemulsions from different sources and exhibited excellent resistance to wide pH changes. Owing to their unique one-dimensional structure, the interfacial dispersion of magnetic nanorods was significantly promoted, leading to the efficient capture of surfactants and widespread destruction of both the interfacial film and network structure, which facilitated droplet merging into the oil phase. The easy-to-prepare and easy-to-tune strategy in this study paves a feasible avenue to simultaneously tailor surface charge and morphology of magnetic nanoparticles, and reveals the huge potential of morphology manipulation for producing high-performance nanomaterials to be applied in complex interfacial interaction process. We believe that the newly-developed magnetic-nanorods significantly contribute to hazardous oily waste remediation and advances technology evolution toward problematic oil-pollution control. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swarm foraging is a common test case application for multi-robot systems. In this paper RepAtt algorithm is used for improving coordination of a robot swarm by selectively broadcasting repulsion and attraction signals. This is a chemotaxis-inspired search behaviour where robots use the temporal gradients of these signals to navigate towards more advantageous areas. Hardware experiments were used to model and validate realistic, noisy sound communication and vision system. We then show through extensive simulation studies that RepAtt significantly improves swarm foraging time and robot efficiency under realistic communication and vision models. Note to Practitioners—This research developed a swarm foraging algorithm that takes into consideration the vision and communication sensing noise levels faced by robots in real world applications. The algorithm, known as RepAtt, was developed with the aim of emphasizing algorithmic simplicity and limiting the hardware requirements for the robots in the swarm. In this paper, we have focused on the problem of deploying swarm robots to forage litter in an environment such as a park. The communication model of the robots was based on the physics of sound, while their vision system was modelled using experiments with deep neural networks based object detectors. The results show that the RepAtt algorithm is robust to different distributions of targets (or litter) in the search space, exhibits good swarm efficiency with changes in swarm population and is robust to noise in its communication and vision systems. Apart from the RepAtt algorithm, other contributions made by this research include modelling of robot vision system to aid extensive study of the impact of communication and vision noise on swarm coordination. This will be relevant for extensive testing and validation before deployment to swarm robots hardware. The sound communication used in this research limits the kinds of environment the robots can be deployed in. Echoes within an enclosed environment and bandwidth limitation for communication frequency and public disturbance due to sound emitted by the robots can all contribute to this limitation. Thus, this research can be improved by investing in the development of a communication technology with similar physics. Other areas of improvement include adopting better obstacle avoidance algorithms and implementing suitable manipulators for handling litter objects. The algorithm can be extended to make it applicable for solving other problems such as search and rescue operations where foraging targets could be disaster survivors; demining and hazardous waste cleanup, where targets are the mines or waste material; and planetary exploration, where targets could be interesting features of the planets are the targets searched for by the robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the court case Guam v. U.S. wherein the Supreme Court resolved a circuit split on how entities that clean up Superfund sites regulated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act can pursue costs from other parties responsible for the hazardous wastes. Topics include the significance of the ruling to communities affected by hazardous wastes, the legal background of the case and the history of the Ordot Landfill being disputed in the case.

Bio-Based/Biomass Feedstocks Using renewable biomass as feedstock for chemical manufacturing in a closed carbon cycle could significantly reduce the industry's carbon emissions. Some multinational chemical companies have made commitments to clean power purchase agreements that move them toward carbon neutrality; however, these efforts alone will be insufficient, as the carbon footprint of organic chemicals is made up of both process emissions and embedded carbon from the industry's petrochemical products, which is released at end-of-life (e.g., incineration or decomposition) (Figure 2). The Molecular Redesign Strategy I The industry should develop innovative new platform and tunable chemistries based on the principles of green chemistry and engineering i . [Extracted from the article]

Nanotechnology has introduced many useful uses to people's lifestyles in various fields such as health care, agriculture, the food industry, and separate industries during the previous few decades, and it is now available to the majority of the world's population. Among these applications, nanotechnology is critical in the realm of medical therapy. Many forms of studies indicate that nanoparticles, particularly metal oxide, can make a significant contribution to this field. In the current work, we examined one of them, MgO, a critical inorganic oxide used in a variety of applications. MgO is a multilateral oxide material with several properties, including great thermodynamic stability and a low refractive index and dielectric constant. The wide bandgap allows for a variety of uses in ceramics, catalysis, hazardous waste remediation, and antibacterial materials as a refractory additive paint and as a superconductor product. MgO NPs have been used in a variety of disciplines due to their extensive properties and functions, which we will discuss in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the application of quality methods has grown significantly during the past 100 years, starting with the studies of variation in repeatable processes by quality pioneer Walter Shewhart and early efforts to master the production of interchangeable parts. Today, the quality discipline provides foundations for effective and efficient manufacturing, new product development, enhanced educational and government systems. INSET: EVOLUTION OF SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AT ASQ.

Background: Particulate matter (PM) containing environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are formed during various combustion processes, including the thermal remediation of hazardous wastes. Exposure to PM adversely affects respiratory health in infants and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to acute lower respiratory tract infections. We previously reported that early-life exposure to PM damages the lung epithelium and suppresses immune responses to influenza virus (Flu) infection, thereby enhancing Flu severity. Interleukin 22 (IL22) is important in resolving lung injury following Flu infection. In the current study, we determined the effects of PM exposure on pulmonary IL22 responses using our neonatal mouse model of Flu infection. Results: Exposure to PM resulted in an immediate (0.5–1-day post-exposure; dpe) increase in IL22 expression in the lungs of C57BL/6 neonatal mice; however, this IL22 expression was not maintained and failed to increase with either continued exposure to PM or subsequent Flu infection of PM-exposed mice. This contrasts with increased IL22 expression in age-matched mice exposed to vehicle and Flu infected. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which mediates the induction and release of IL22 from immune cells, was also transiently increased with PM exposure. The microbiome plays a major role in maintaining epithelial integrity and immune responses by producing various metabolites that act as ligands for AhR. Exposure to PM induced lung microbiota dysbiosis and altered the levels of indole, a microbial metabolite. Treatment with recombinant IL22 or indole-3-carboxaldehyde (I3A) prevented PM associated lung injury. In addition, I3A treatment also protected against increased mortality in Flu-infected mice exposed to PMs. Conclusions: Together, these data suggest that exposure to PMs results in failure to sustain IL22 levels and an inability to induce IL22 upon Flu infection. Insufficient levels of IL22 may be responsible for aberrant epithelial repair and immune responses, leading to increased Flu severity in areas of high PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]