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Based on the reports presented in various studies, it appears that in the Czech Republic, in 2002, as a result of a fluvial flood, chlorine and other chemicals in a factory were washed away and led to various epidemiological effects [1]. This paper presents a Decision Support System (DSS) based on Random Forest (RF) artificial intelligence technique and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) [2] to minimize the chemical risks in industrial factories and control possible pollution from crystallization plants. The methodology is demonstrated by its application on real crystallization plant in Liberec, Czech Republic. The investigations demonstrated that the RF algorithm has the ability to predict the severity of the occurrence and the Risk Probability Number (RPN) of spreading pollution with more than 90% regression coefficient. On the other hand, combining the machine learning method with the risk analysis has the possibility of heavy metal emission risk detection as well as the presentation of available solutions using the classic Delphi technique [3,4]. The evaluations of this research proved that the proposed methdology can significantly increase the biological security of citizens in crisis conditions.Keywords: Flood; Decision Support System; Machine Learning; Risk Analysis; Czech Republic. Reference[1] Gautam, K.P. and Van Der Hoek, E.E., 2003. Literature study on environmental impact of floods. DC1-233-13.[2] Gheibi, M., Karrabi, M. and Eftekhari, M., 2019. Designing a smart risk analysis method for gas chlorination units of water treatment plants with combination of Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Shannon Entropy, and Petri Net Modeling. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 171, pp.600-608.[3] Zabihi, O., Siamaki, M., Gheibi, M., Akrami, M. and Hajiaghaei-Keshteli, M., 2023. A smart sustainable system for flood damage management with the application of artificial intelligence and multi-criteria decision-making computations. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 84, p.103470.[4] Akbarian, H., Gheibi, M., Hajiaghaei-Keshteli, M. and Rahmani, M., 2022. A hybrid novel framework for flood disaster risk control in developing countries based on smart prediction systems and prioritized scenarios. Journal of environmental management, 312, p.114939.

In this study, nanoiron and nanoiron+Au particles were synthesised using aqueous Aegle marmelos extract using a facile and one-pot approach. Lower size non-magnetic nanoiron (~34 nm) and nanoiron (~34 nm) +Au particles (1 to 1.5 µm) were produced from the same medium individually. Nanoparticles suspension behaviour and structural characterisations were carried out by UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron microscopy and by X-ray diffraction techniques. Primarily, for synthesis, a simple bioreduction approach generated amorphous nanoiron particles, which on annealing produced magnetic maghemite, γ-Fe2O3 type nanoparticles with sizes 100 to 1000 nm. Posteriorly, the bioreduction process also produces nanoiron+Au particles and can be used for multifunctional applications. As a model application, catalytic application of the as-prepared nanoiron and nanoiron+Au particles towards methylene blue, a thiazine dye degradation is investigated and found to be effective within 20 min. Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model was exploited to know the degradation behaviour, and the model was found to be fit based on R 2 values with the observed experimental data. We suggest that the formed highly stable nanoiron particles with in situ stabilisation offer benefits like consistency, environmental friendliness and suits well for large-scale applicability.

Various bimetallic nZVI were used in the degradation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOC) in spiked water and real groundwater. It was found that Ni may be a good alternative to Pd to be used along with nZVI for dechlorination of CVOC.

Assorted nanoclay composites with sustainable, safer features and innovations are described for multifaceted applications.

This review summarizes and broadly classifies all of the major sustainable natural carbohydrate bio-macromolecular manifestations in nature - from botanical (cellulose, starch, and pectin), seaweed (alginate, carrageenan, and agar), microbial (bacterial cellulose, dextran, and pullulan), and animal (hyaluronan, heparin, chitin, and chitosan) sources - that have been contrived into electrospun fibers. Furthermore, a relative study of these biomaterials for the fabrication of nanofibers by electrospinning and their characteristics viz. solution behavior, blending nature, as well as rheological and fiber attributes are discussed. The potential multidimensional applications of nanofibers (filtration, antimicrobial, biosensor, gas sensor, energy storage, catalytic, and tissue engineering) originating from these polysaccharides and their major impacts on the properties, functionalities, and uses of these electrospun fibers are compared and critically examined.

Water could be considered one of the essential natural resources on our planet. However, water contamination has become virtually ubiquitous during the past decades due to several factors, e.g., world population growth, water use in chemical production, and agriculture. Among contaminants, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were widely spread during the last few decades and are now present all around the world. POPs are connected with several different illnesses, and therefore the removal of these pollutants from water is a challenge for coming years. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are environmentally friendly and cheap pollutant adsorbents due to their peculiar physicochemical properties. Moreover, CDs are relatively easy to use, and many techniques are reported for their functionalization. In addition, several CD derivatives are known and some of them are commercially available. CDs and CD-functionalized materials could be used for removal of different pollutants by using various methods, e.g., adsorption/extraction, soil washing, and electrokinetic/catalytic processes. This is the first review article that provides an overview of CDs/CD-based materials and their use in the remediation of POPs listed under the Stockholm Convention. The mechanisms of the POPs removal by CDs are also discussed.

The formation of heterojunctions between semiconductors with distinct properties usually expands their capabilities. In this context, many methodologies have been employed in pursuing efficient and fruitful heterojunctions. However, poor attention has been paid to the employment of photonics-based strategies, which lately demonstrated to have great potential for the structural modification of semiconductors. In the current work, we report the laser-mediated generation of heterojunctions between Ag2CrO4 and Bi2O3, two semiconductors with contrasting properties. The products were prepared by the laser irradiation of different semiconductor’s mixture ratios and further analyzed using various electron- and photon-based characterization techniques, different from mechanical grinding, which is considered the most straightforward way to obtain heterojunctions. The laser’s intense optical field prompted not only the formation of tight and uniform junctions between the composing semiconductors but also induced Ag and Bi nanoparticles’ production on their surfaces. This resulted in a modulation of the optical band gap to the narrowest value found in the semiconductor components and low recombination of the photoinduced charge carriers regardless of the amount ratio of the composing semiconductors. Therefore, this work will be of great importance for the creation of materials with a potential exploitability in the light-powered sectors.

In this study, the potential of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MCNT) in processing rare-earth-free MnAl(MCNT)/Fe nanocomposite magnets was exploited through adopting a combination of surfactant-assisted milling and resin-bonding techniques. The required hard and soft magnetic phases such as MnAl(MCNT) and α-Fe, respectively, were individually subjected to surfactant-assisted high-energy ball milling. The surfactant-coated MnAl(MCNT) and Fe nanopowders, thus, obtained were characterized with respect to their structural and magnetic properties. Relatively, a very high coercivity, Hc (4.48 kOe), was obtained for the surfactant-coated MnAl(MCNT) powders after 6 h of milling, while in the case of Fe powders with high saturation magnetization, Ms (218.6 emu/g) was achieved at 3 h of surfactant-assisted milling. The MnAl(MCNT) powders with high Hc were mixed with the Fe powders of high Ms with different weight percentages: 0, 5 and 10. The nanocomposite powder mixtures were further milled for 1 h and then processed in the form of resin bonded magnets under aligning magnetic field of 20 kOe. The obtained bonded nanocomposite magnet, i.e. MnAl(MCNT) with 5 wt% of Fe addition demonstrated a good combination of high Ms (63.7 emu/g) and high Hc (4.46 kOe).

The disposal of natural wastes has become a global problem and the use of lower-grade gums is very limited owing to their impurities as well as sticky nature. Rather than disposing these wastes, nanoporous carbon (nC) has instead been synthesized by carbonization and exfoliation. The synthesized nC exhibits a substantially high surface area along with abundant micro/mesopores. This desirable and useful nature of nC is well-suited for water-driven effective electrical energy conversion, which enables the fast evaporation of water via a capillary action through nanopores. Under asymmetric wetting in a water container and ambient conditions, the nC-based energy harvesters showed high capability of electricity production and reliable output generation, easily turning on a blue light-emitting diode (2.5 V and 20 mA) using a stored power source. In summary, many energy harvesters can be manufactured for the scale-up of electricity, and the suitability of regenerated carbon nanomaterials for green energy harvesting can contribute toward alleviating chronic environmental issues.

Green bionanocomposites have garnered considerable attention and applications in the pharmaceutical and packaging industries because of their intrinsic features, such as biocompatibility and biodegradability. The work presents a novel approach towards the combined effect of glycerol, tween 80 and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the physicochemical properties of lyophilized chitosan (CH) scaffolds produced via a green synthesis method.The produced bionanocomposites were characterized with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The swelling behavior, water vapor transmission rate, moisture retention capability, degradation in Hanks solution, biodegradability in soil, mechanical strength and electrochemical performance of the composites were evaluated. The addition of additives to the CH matrix alters the physicochemical and biological functioning of the matrix. Plasticized scaffolds showed an increase in swelling degree, water vapor transmission rate and degradability in Hank’s balanced solution compared to the blank chitosan scaffolds. The addition of tween 80 made the scaffolds more porous, and changes in physicochemical properties were observed. Green-synthesized AgNPs showed intensified antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Incorporating biogenic nanoparticles into the CH matrix enhances the polymer composites’ biochemical properties and increases the demand in the medical and biological sectors. These freeze-dried chitosan-AgNPs composite scaffolds had tremendous applications, especially in biomedical fields like wound dressing, tissue engineering, bone regeneration, etc.

Climate change, critical material shortages and environmental degradation pose an existential threat to the entire world. Immediate action is needed to transform the global economy towards a more circular economy with less intensive use of fossil energy and limited resources and more use of recyclable materials. Recyclable materials and manufacturing techniques will play a critical role in this transformation. Substantial advancements will be needed to achieve a more intelligent materials design to enhance both functionality and enhanced sustainability. The development of hybrid materials combining functionality at macro and nano scales based on organic and inorganic compounds, that are entirely recyclable could be used for tremendous applications. In this mini-review, we provide the reader with recent innovations on hybrid materials for application in water, energy and raw materials sectors. The topic is very modern and after its deep study we propose a creation an international research centre, that would combine the development of hybrid materials with green manufacturing. We have highlighted a framework that would comprise critical themes of the initial research needed. Such a centre would promote sustainable production of materials through intelligent hybridisation and eco-efficient, digital manufacturing and enable a circular economy in the long term. Such activities are strongly supported by current environmental and economical initiatives, like the Green Deal, REPower EU and digital EU initiatives.

To reduce the dependency on petro-based conventional plastics, research focusing on bioplastics derived from biological origin has gained precedence. Herein, we report an ecofriendly and a facile s...

The effect of the zeta potential of nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) and carbocatalyst on the activation of persulfate was investigated. The oxidation experiments were performed on three different compounds, with variously modified nZVI and three distinct carbocatalysts. From the obtained results, an evident linear correlation between nanoparticles’ zeta potential and reaction rate constants of these three compounds oxidation may be observed. This phenomenon is not mechanism-specific and occurs for the radical and non-radical processes. The present work indicates the critical influence of the surface charge of nZVI and carbocatalysts on the persulfate catalytic activation.

Lindane (γ-hexachlorocyclohexane) and its isomers (HCH) are some of the most common and most easily detected organochlorine pesticides in the environment. The widespread distribution of lindane is due to its use as an insecticide, accompanied by its persistence and bioaccumulation, whereas HCH were disposed of as waste in unmanaged landfills. Unfortunately, certain HCH (especially the most reactive ones: γ- and α-HCH) are harmful to the central nervous system and to reproductive and endocrine systems, therefore development of suitable remediation methods is needed to remove them from contaminated soil and water. This paper provides a short history of the use of lindane and a description of the properties of HCH, as well as their determination methods. The main focus of the paper, however, is a review of oxidative and reductive treatment methods. Although these methods of HCH remediation are popular, there are no review papers summarising their principles, history, advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, recent advances in the chemical treatment of HCH are discussed and risks concerning these processes are given.

An economical and easy one-step method for the biosynthesis of highly stable molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanoparticles was developed using gum arabic as a bio-template; ensuing nanoparticles (NP) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The crystallinity and purity of MoO3 nanoparticles in the orthorhombic phase were confirmed by XRD analysis, and their rod-shaped identity (average sizes ranging from 7.5 to 42 nm) were observed by TEM. Cytotoxic effects of the NP were monitored using Hep G2 (human liver cancer) and HEK 293 (human embryonic kidney) cell lines via 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide assays. The results of this study revealed that MoO3 nanoparticles are nontoxic towards Hep G2 cell lines and displayed negligible toxicity, even at very high concentrations (1000 ppm), although had moderate toxicity towards HEK 293 cells. Furthermore, their catalytic activity was evaluated for the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol. Synopsis: Green synthesis of MoO3 nanorods using gum arabic demonstrated as an eco-friendly catalyst for the conversion of p-nitrophenol with negligible toxicity towards Hep G2 cell lines.

The performance of new nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles produced by a promising new milling method in organic solvent was examined. The basic feature of the new process involves the addition of abrasive alumina particles having an average particle size of 5¿µm during milling. The milled particles with alumina had a specific surface area exceeding 20¿m2·g-1 as well as high percentages of Fe(0) content of 75–80%. The reactivity against Cr(VI), Trichloroethylene, and Tetrachloroethylene was determined and in all cases, the removal capacity of the milled particles was higher than that of commercial available nZVI particles. This high reactivity may be related to the absence of a thick and continuous oxide layer on the surface, the high disorder levels of the metallic structure and the large number of reaction sites. Sedimentation tests revealed very good suspension stability, while in mobility tests, the particles could be distributed throughout the column length. The results showed a low tendency to agglomerate in aqueous solution. This behaviour has been attributed to two factors related to the milling process: first, the high ¿-Potential found in the particles, which enhances electrostatic repulsion. The second factor is the significant decrease of saturation magnetization of the milled particles with alumina in comparison with the values of the commercial nZVI particles, leading to a reduction in magnetic interparticle interaction. This decrease may be related to the introduction of a significant carbon content in the iron particles (0.65–1.35%wt, depending on the sample) and the presence of a highly deformed nanostructure.

In the current paper, the production of homogeneous mixed nanocrystals based on Fe and Cu was successfully accomplished despite these two transition metals exhibiting extremely low miscibility in their phase diagram. The synthesis was carried out by the laser-mediated reduction of metal salts that were dissolved in different kinds of solvents, water, acetone and ethylene glycol. The greatest value of the methodology is that it allows the generation of mixed nanocrystals formed by transition metals with low miscibility in the presence of different solvents, taking metal salts as precursor agents, which are conventionally used in traditional wet synthesis techniques, but in contrast with the most popular approaches, the process requires neither special conditions nor hazardous reducing agents. Therefore, the presented methodology represents a clean and promising alternative for the synthesis of mixed nanocrystals composed of materials with low miscibility.

The interfacial layer that has formed during the deposition of ∼240-nm thick Sm-Co films on the bare Si (100) substrate was investigated at different deposition temperatures, Td,Sm-Co: 400, 450 and 500 °C with respect to structural and magnetic properties of Sm-Co films. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the crystallization of both Sm2Co17(R) and SmCo5(H) magnetic phases. Rutherford back scattering studies demonstrated that the surface-diffusion reactions between the Sm-Co layer and Si-surface not only accompanied by the quasi-layered growth of CoSi2-phase; but also led to the formation of SmCoSi2-phase. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed uneven boundary with deeply grown CoSi2-layer and Moire fringes at limited regions of Co/Si interface. Magnetic measurements showed a square hysteresis loop with maximum values of coercivity (11.6 kOe) and remanence ratio (0.99) for the films grown at 500 °C. Magnetic force microscopy images depicted patch-like domains with increasing phase contrast against Td,Sm-Co. In addition, the changes that has occurred in the magnetization reversal processes accompanied by coercivity enhancement due to higher Td,Sm-Co is discussed in the context of domain morphology and first-order reversal curves.

The fabrication of bioplastic fibers from gum arabic (GA), a natural tree gum exudate, is described via the electrospinning method. The enrichment in surface properties of this bioplastic fiber was...

Hybrid disintegration of waste activated sludge (WAS) before the thermophilic anaerobic stabilization of WAS contributes to the intensification of organic compounds decomposition and increases the effectiveness of the anaerobic stabilization process compared to the fermentation of raw WAS. This article investigates the influence of a chemical-thermal pretreatment procedure with the use of NaOH and freezing by the dry ice on WAS. We found that the hybrid pretreatment of WAS causes higher concentration of released organics in the liquid phase (represented here as a change in soluble chemical oxygen demand - SCOD value) in comparison to these disintegration techniques used separately. The use of disintegrated WAS (WASD) as an additional material in the digester chambers impacts (varying on its proportion added), the generation of biogas and its yield. The recorded amount of the produced biogas and biogas yield after 21 days of fermentation increased by 26.6% and 2.7%, respectively (in comparison to blank sample). In addition, it was observed that the hybrid process before anaerobic stabilization contributes to a higher hygienisation of the digested sludge.

The accumulation of organic contaminants including dyes in aquatic systems is of significant environmental concern, necessitating the development of affordable and sustainable materials for the treatment/elimination of these hazardous pollutants. Here, a green synthesis strategy has been used to develop a self-assembled gum kondagogu-sodium alginate bioconjugate sponge adorned with silver nanoparticles, for the first time. The properties of the nanocomposite sponge were then analyzed using FTIR, TGA, SEM, and MicroCT. The ensued biobased sponge exhibited hierarchical microstructure, open cellular pores, good shape memory, and mechanical properties. It merges the attributes of an open cellular porous structure with metal nanoparticles and are envisaged to be deployed as a sustainable catalytic system for reducing contaminants in the aqueous environment. This nanocomposite sponge showed enhanced catalytic effectiveness (km values up to 37 min−1 g−1 and 44 min−1 g−1 for methylene blue and 4-nitrophenol, respectively), antibacterial properties, reusability, and biodegradability (65% biodegradation in 28 days).

The food packaging industry explores economically viable, environmentally benign, and non-toxic packaging materials. Biopolymers, including chitosan (CH) and gelatin (GE), are considered a leading replacement for plastic packaging materials, with preferred packaging functionality and biodegradability. CH, GE, and different proportions of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used to prepare novel packaging materials using a simple solution casting method. The functional and morphological characterization of the prepared films was carried out by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical strength, solubility, water vapor transmission rate, swelling behavior, moisture retention capability, and biodegradability of composite films were evaluated. The addition of AgNPs to the polymer blend matrix improves the physicochemical and biological functioning of the matrix. Due to the cross-linking motion of AgNPs, it is found that the swelling degree, moisture retention capability, and water vapor transmission rate slightly decrease. The tensile strength of pure CH–GE films was 24.4 ± 0.03, and it increased to 25.8 ± 0.05 MPa upon the addition of 0.0075% of AgNPs. The real-time application of the films was tested by evaluating the shelf-life existence of carrot pieces covered with the composite films. The composite film containing AgNPs becomes effective in lowering bacterial contamination while comparing the plastic polyethylene films. In principle, the synthesized composite films possessed all the ideal characteristics of packaging material and were considered biodegradable and biocompatible food packaging material and an alternate option for petroleum-based plastics.

Polymeric nano-architectures are needed to address many of the critical challenges that we face today in areas such as energy, sustainability, clean water, health care, biotechnology, informatics, defence and security. Tree exudate gums are used in a multitude of applications, especially in the food industry but there are also numerous non-food applications such as biosynthesis and stabilization of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles, production of electrospun fibres, environmental bioremediation, biocatalysis, biosensors, and coordination complexes of metal–hydrogels, and for antimicrobial and biomedical applications. The present chapter reports an ecofriendly, facile synthetic route, biodegradable fibres, and nanoparticles prepared from the combination of tree gums with natural/synthetic materials. The major influencing factors such as biosynthesis protocol, conditions including pH, solvent, temperature, and their effect on physicochemical, structural, mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation of the composite fibres, and nanoparticles are briefly discussed. The developed tree gum-based biogenic nanoparticles, fibres, composites, and films are shown suitable for practical food packaging, energy harvesting, environmental, and biomedical applications.

Nanotechnology is increasingly being promoted to adopt “greener” technology that will improve the environmental performance of existing industries, reduce consumption of resources and energy, and enable the environmentally benign economic expansion. A novel approach in the field of sustainable/green nanotechnology is to develop advanced bio-composite materials with desirable properties using renewable and benign materials as exemplified herein by plant gum-based resources. The present chapter focuses on the fabrication and characterization of bioplastic fibers/films based on plant gums or other natural polymers via electrospinning or solution casting methods. Additionally, the integration of graphene oxide as a potential additive to blend in the plant gum based films/fibers to improve their physicochemical, tensile, thermal and antibacterial properties are investigated. Further, how the green technologies such as plasma, and γ-ray irradiation treatments on plant gum fibers/films have affected the enhancement of their structural, mechanical properties and biodegradability are also epitomized with suitable examples. The bioplastic fibers/films produced from bio-based materials played a noteworthy role in numerous imperative sectors, such as environmental bioremediation, medical, food carrying bags and packaging are appraised. This chapter would be of interest to the broad readership of material scientists, chemists, engineers and researchers associated with the sustainable developments and foresee the progress of economic and ecological products based on plant gums.

The assembly of bio-based macromolecules of gum kondagogu/sodium alginate (KO/SA) was fabricated using glycerol as a plasticiser and their optimum blending ratio was identified based on their physical and chemical, structural, mechanical, barrier, and morphological properties. The attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis show that both biomacromolecules are well organised due to the hydrogen bond interaction between molecular chains involving the hydroxyl, carbonyl, and acetyl groups. Structural identification was performed by recording X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to identify the distinction between the surface of the films of biopolymers, and their conjugates, where the addition of SA increased the surface homogeneity and smoothness. The water contact angle of the blend films reached up to 81°, although the value for pure biomacromolecule films was very low. The blend films also exhibited high tensile strength (up to 24 MPa) compared to the pure biopolymer films. Investigation of film-forming ability, mechanical strength, permeability, transparency, and biodegradability of the developed KO/SA bio-macromolecular association may be established as green and sustainable food packaging films.

Waste-activated sludge (WAS) disintegration using peroxydisulfate (PDS) has attracted scientific attention over the past few years. Despite several advantages offered by a sulfate radical-advanced oxidation process, there are still too many downsides of this treatment that limit its facile large-scale application. This study investigated whether modifying nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) with a second metal such as Ag and Cu enhanced the disruption of WAS. The disintegration efficiency was assessed using standard techniques, i.e., soluble chemical oxygen demand, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and a scanning electron microscope. The bimetallics were shown to have an improved disintegration efficiency of > 2.5-fold compared with the untreated sample. Furthermore, nZVI/Ag was found to be more efficient than nZVI/Cu for PDS activation, which was validated by the higher ratio (3 and 2.5 for nZVI/Ag and nZVI/Cu, respectively) between the soluble extracellular polymeric substances and the bound extracellular polymeric substances (S-EPS/B-EPS). Similar conclusions were derived from a SEM analysis. The improved disintegration efficiency could be related to the enhanced electron transfer from nZVI to PDS or the intrinsic properties of silver, which was found to be one of the best activators for PDS under homogeneous conditions. We believe that this study deepens the understanding of PDS heterogeneous activation processes.