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Due to their detrimental and persistent impacts on the environment, it is imperative to manage and dispose of hazardous wastes (HW) in a secure manner. This study investigates the combustion characteristics and environmental impacts of using HW as alternative fuels in clinker production. The HW categories analyzed include industrial hazardous waste (IHW), medical hazardous waste (MHW), and household hazardous waste (HHW). Specifically, IHW consists mainly of waste mineral oils, waste organic solvents, organic resin wastes, waste residues, and waste coatings. MHW primarily consists of medical plastic products. HHW mainly includes packaging from waste pharmaceuticals, waste pesticides, disinfectants, and waste paints. Compared to traditional pulverized coal, hazardous waste alternative fuel (HWAF) exhibits a lower fixed carbon content, with its heat generation primarily dependent on volatile substances, and a higher ash content, chemically similar to coal ash. The combustion process of HWAF involves three stages: moisture evaporation (0 °C–150 °C), volatile matter combustion (150°C–400 °C), and fixed carbon combustion (400 °C–550 °C). The primary emissions from this process include CO 2 , CO, trace amounts of SO 2 , NO 2 , H 2 O, and various complex organic compounds such as carboxylic acids, alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes. While HWAF ignites more readily than pulverized coal, it burns more slowly and less completely. The incorporation of combustion by-products into the cement clinker formulation does not interfere with the clinker's hydration processes or reactions. HWAF ensures a reduced heavy metal input rate in the firing system without significantly impacting the heavy metal content in the clinker. Mortar samples produced with this clinker meet the heavy metal leaching standards, affirming the environmental safety of the cement product. Increasing the proportion of HWAF results in a reduction in standard coal consumption and an increase in CO 2 reduction, achieving a maximum coal saving of 3.67 kgce/t.cl and a CO 2 emission reduction of 10.11 kg/t.cl. This study presents a clean production model for the co-processing of HWAF, effectively transforming waste into valuable resources by using hazardous waste materials as alternative fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient utilization of organic solid waste resources can help reducing the consumption of conventional fossil fuels, mitigating environmental pollution, and achieving green sustainable development. Due to its dual nature of being both a resource and a source of pollution, it is crucial to implement suitable recycling technologies throughout the recycling and upgrading processes for plastics and biomass, which are organic solid wastes with complex mixture of components. The conventional pyrolysis and hydropyrolysis were summarized for recycling plastics and biomass into high‐value fuels, chemicals, and materials. To enhance reaction efficiency and improve product selectivity, microwave‐assisted pyrolysis was introduced to the upgrading of plastics and biomass through efficient energy supply especially with the aid of catalysts and microwave absorbers. This review provides a detail summary of microwave‐assisted pyrolysis for plastics and biomass from the technical, applied, and mechanistic perspectives. Based on the recent technological advances, the future directions for the development of microwave‐assisted pyrolysis technologies are predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater processing plants (WWTPs) produce large amounts of sewage sludge that are mainly disposed of on the land. This represents a health hazard due to the high loads of human bacterial pathogens (HBPs) the sludge generally contains. Vermicomposting, a mesophilic process, can reduce HBPs in organic wastes. This raises the question as to how earthworms eliminate HBPs. We aimed to determine whether earthworms reduce the levels or eliminate HBPs from sewage sludge and to establish whether the reduction/elimination occur during active (earthworm casts) or maturation (vermicompost) stages of vermicomposting. To this end, we analyzed HBPs (Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and total E. coli) in sewage sludge samples from three WWTPs and the fresh earthworm casts and vermicomposts by using qPCR, to assess the impact of earthworms on reducing and/or eliminating HBPs. We did not detect either Salmonella spp. nor E. coli O157 in any of the samples. Earthworms removed or significantly reduced the amounts of E. coli and L. monocytogenes (mean relative abundances of 2.4 × 10−7 and 1.5 × 10−8 respectively) in the sewage sludge. Thus, the abundance of these HBPs was lower (or not present) in casts than in sewage sludge. This was also observed in vermicomposts (95% and 43% reduction in E. coli abundance in casts and vermicompost, respectively). Finally, our findings indicate that vermicompost derived from sewage sludge meets the requirements of organic fertilizers at least regarding the microbial pathogen content. Thus, vermicomposting seems to be a promising technique for managing municipal waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is an effective biomass thermochemical conversion technology that can convert organic waste into energy products. However, the HTL process is influenced by various complex factors such as operating conditions, feedstock properties, and reaction pathways. Machine learning (ML) methods can utilize existing HTL data to develop accurate models for predicting product yields and properties, which can be used to optimize HTL operation conditions. This paper presents a bibliometric review on ML applications in HTL from 2020 to 2024. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibexcel were used to analyze seven key bibliometric attributes: annual publication output, author co-authorship networks, country co-authorship networks, co-citation of references, co-citation of journals, collaborating institutions, and keyword co-occurrence networks, as well as time zone maps and timelines, to identify the development of ML in HTL research. Through the detailed analysis of co-occurring keywords, this study aims to identify frontiers, research gaps, and development trends in the field of ML-aided HTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the potential for generating biogas and clean energy by processing organic waste, a process that can become a sustainable solution to Syria's energy needs. Focusing on agricultural residues generated from citrus fruit orange, date, and jujube cultivation in Syria, this study evaluates the potential for anaerobic digestion of these residues for biogas production. It highlights the influence of substrate composition and the optimization of fermentation processes on biogas and methane production. The study focuses on evaluating the anaerobic digestion process by examining various dosages ranging from 20% to 50% dry matter for citrus orange waste, and different types of substrate with a fixed ratio of 20% substrate dry matter. It specifically discusses the factors influencing the inhibitory effect of anaerobic digestion, giving particular consideration to orange waste, a significant byproduct of the citrus industry. The biogas produced maintained a stable methane content when a citrus‐to‐inoculum ratio of 30:70 was used. Jujube waste, characterized by a composition rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, exhibited a higher potential for biogas and methane generation among the fruit waste investigated, particularly when combined with the inoculum in a 20:80 ratio. The research findings underscore the potential of using Syrian agricultural residues, including orange citrus peel, date, and jujube fruit, for the production of biogas through anaerobic digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The larval excretions/secretions (ES) of blowflies contain proteolytic enzymes and bacteria that assist with tissue breakdown. Decomposition fluid (DF) contains organic and inorganic waste products from cell death. This study investigated if human DNA recovery from blood was impacted by exposure to ES and DF over time. Lucilia sericata ES were collected daily from 50 larvae, and all available DF was collected from two fetal piglets left to decompose for 2 weeks. Daily for 3–5 days, 28 μL‐30 μL of ES, DF, or a 1:1 mixture of the fluids was added to 30 μL of blood on cotton. Three bloodstains per treatment were sampled every 12 h up to 3 days and at 1 and 2 weeks after initial addition of fluid. No PCR inhibition was detected, but DNA degradation increased over time, primarily in samples exposed to ES and ES/DF mixtures. The amount of DNA recovered decreased over time, but generally more DNA was recovered from DF samples than other samples. Full profiles, or partial profiles suitable for routine database searching (14–39 alleles), were generated from all DF and ES samples and at least one mixture sample at all timepoints. Partial profiles of between 1 and 13 alleles were obtained from all other mixture samples, except one mixture sample which generated no profile. These findings indicate bloodstain evidence recovered from maggot‐infested and/or decomposing bodies may generate forensically useful DNA evidence and should be analyzed as quickly as possible after collection or stored appropriately to prevent further degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a product of carbon rich mass produced through the pyrolysis of organic wastes. Several reviews have been published demonstrating the effects of biochar on soil health, plant productivity and on the amelioration of adverse effects of climate. Depending upon the type of biomass and pyrolysis conditions maintained, biochar acquire specific characteristics like cation exchange capacity, pore size, surface area, mineral contents, energy density and adsorption capacity and help in serving a prime role in agriculture, climate change and waste management. Biochar significance also stems from its ability to sequester significant amount of carbon and reducing the efflux of greenhouse gas emission in the environment. Biochar is an important ecological niche for microbes, as biochar porous structure and high surface area, if maintained, helps in proliferation of microbes (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and mycorrhization). Biochar amendment has multiple effects on biological and biochemical properties, e.g. retention of nutrients (N, P, K), organic matter (C), water holding capacity and soil respiration, ultimately improving crop yield. In addition, it facilitates in providing tolerance against different abiotic and biotic stresses. Surface modification of biochar with nanomaterial is a promising strategy affecting its sorption capacity for contaminant removal. This review focuses on evaluating the role of biochar alone and in combination with PGPR on soil health, plant productivity under stress, enhancement of systemic resistance in plants and waste management. Further, this review demonstrates the modulation of functional characteristics of biochar as affected by nanomaterial in concert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to valorise different organic waste streams and the subsequent use of resulting larvae as a feedstock ingredient is increasing rapidly in several regions across the globe. The lack of knowledge about several safety issues including chemical contaminants (e.g. heavy metals) seems to affect the upscaling and commercialisation of this product. This study evaluates the safety of the BSFL against chemical contaminants including heavy metals and mycotoxins in both BSFL and frass samples reared with different food waste streams (e.g. soy waste, customised bread‐vegetable diet, food waste mixture, supermarket and childcare centre) from two commercial production facilities. The effect of larval instars and post‐harvest treatments (e.g. blanching and drying) on the safety of the BSFL was also investigated. The concentration of heavy metals was primarily influenced by the concentration in the food waste streams. The concentration was also higher in 6th instar compared to 5th instar larvae. The effect of blanching and drying have a varied effect on the concentration of heavy metals. Mycotoxins were found to be below the limit of quantification for all samples. The outcomes of this study indicated that BSFL grown on food waste streams and the resulting frass is safe against different heavy metals analysed. The findings of this study will assist the commercial BSFL manufacturers with the identification of relevant control points to ensure the chemical safety of their products. Therefore, encourage the use of different food waste streams as feedstock for rearing BSFL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the enormously growing amount of kitchen waste and wasted sludge has greatly received global attention. Vermicomposting has been represented as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for organic waste management. This study utilized kitchen waste generated by the university canteen and excess sludge from municipal wastewater treatment to collaboratively realize waste to resource through vermicomposting with a composting control. The results indicated that the treatment utilizing an equal mass ratio of wasted sludge and kitchen waste (T3) exhibited the greatest reduction in total organic carbon and the highest increase in total nitrogen. Furthermore, the predominant phyla observed were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes. Functional prediction analysis demonstrated higher relative abundances of β-glucosidase (ascF) and 6-phospho-β-glucosidase (bglA, celF) in the vermicomposting, suggesting that the earthworms essentially enhanced the cellulose degradation. More importantly, the co-occurrence network analysis demonstrated that the vermicomposting showed a stronger interaction between Gordonia and other bacteria, thereby enhancing its ability to degrade macromolecular compounds. In general, the vermicomposting can smoothly and remarkably stabilize the kitchen waste, assisted by excess sludge and sawdust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recovery of energy potential through anaerobic digestion is a widely used method for treating biodegradable waste. However, challenges related to operational issues, waste characterization, and process instability hinder its widespread application and result in low methane yields. This review aims to organize and analyze the static and dynamic parameters that influence biogas yield in order to optimize its production. Biogas typically consists of 50–70% methane (CH4) and 30–50% carbon dioxide (CO2) along with traces of other gases. The paper highlights various solutions to enhance CH4 production, including substrate pre-treatment, co-digestion, Fe0 powder addition, anaerobic fungi, multi-stage biodigester design, and controlling factors influencing anaerobic digestion. These factors primarily include methanogenic potential, C/N ratio, digestion temperature, pH, reactor tightness, and Pressure. However, the use of bioreactors faces technical, socio-economic, and environmental constraints that vary between developed and less developed countries, as discussed in the paper. Through an analysis of over 30 substrate types, the optimum ratios for certain substrates to achieve higher biogas yields were identified. For cow manure mixed with other materials, the yield increases within a C/N ratio of 20–30 and decreases at a ratio of 35. In the case of poultry droppings mixed with other substrates, the yield increases within a C/N ratio of 18–22. Food waste yield, on the other hand, varies significantly due to the differing characteristics of food waste sources. In summary, this study emphasizes the importance of optimizing biogas production through understanding and controlling the influencing factors. It provides insights into potential solutions and optimum substrate ratios for improved biogas yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an organic waste reducer, Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae are an alternative in overcoming organic waste problems. Environmental conditions, larval density, amount of waste, time of waste application, and type of waste are reasons why the existing organic waste treatment with BSF larvae still needs to be improved. The main objective of this research is to develop the potential of black soldier fly larvae in reducing various types of organic waste (vegetable, fruit, restaurant waste, and mixed waste). To achieve the main objective of this study, the steps taken were analyzing the environmental conditions at the research site, the density of larvae in the reactor, the amount of organic waste, and the time of waste feeding on larval survival and the effectiveness of organic waste reduction. To implement the stage, sample preparation, selection of waste samples, making reactors, starting waste treatment, and measuring the results were carried out. It was found that BSF larvae at temperatures up to 34 °C, pH 8 with a larval density of 200 larvae, feeding 100--200 mg/larvae/day for 21 days were able to reduce organic waste by 84.5% with a waste reduction index value of 4.02%, a digested feed conversion efficiency value of 16.15% and a larval survival rate of 100%. Environmental conditions, larval density, amount of waste, time of waste feeding, and type of waste fed succeeded in reducing organic waste quickly compared to other organic waste treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on how management approaches influence methane emissions from landfills. The project team created various landfill operational scenarios for different regions of the planet with respect to waste composition, organic waste reduction and landfill gas recovery timing. These scenarios were modelled by applying a basic gas generation model according to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations. In general, the IPCC's recommended modelling parameters and default values were used. Based on the modelling undertaken, two options stand out as being the most effective methane mitigation measures in a wide range of conditions throughout the world: (a) early gas recovery and (b) reduction of the amount of biodegradable organic waste accepted in a landfill. It is noted that reduction of organic input to any given landfill can take many years to realize. Moreover, suitable alternative processing or disposal options for the organic waste can be unaffordable for a significant percentage of the planet's population. Although effective, organic waste reduction cannot therefore be the only landfill methane mitigation measure. Early landfill gas recovery can be very effective by applying basic technologies that can be deployed relatively quickly, and at modest cost. Policymakers and regulators from around the globe can significantly reduce adverse environmental impacts from landfill gas emissions by stimulating both the early capture and flaring and/or energy recovery of landfill gas and programmes to reduce the inflow of organic waste into landfills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of organic additives is an efficient strategy to promote the vermicomposting of organic wastes. This study investigated the changes in earthworm growth, nutrients, enzyme activities, microbial composition, and seedling growth during 60 days of vermicomposting of white wine distillers' grains (WWDG) mixed (50:50, w/w) with green waste (GW), green waste compost (GWC), or cow dung (CD). Our data showed that GW, GWC, and CD addition significantly enhanced the survival rate (73.33%–89.17%), growth, and reproduction of earthworms compared to the control treatment. The degradation rate of TOC, the increasing rate of nutriments (total N, total P, total K, available P, available K, humic acid, NH4+, NO3−), and the germination index were significantly higher in the additive treatments than in the control treatment. Dehydrogenase, phosphatases, and urease activities were significantly elevated in the vermicompost amended with additives. The additives remarkably stimulated bacteria, such as Streptomyces, Steroidobacter, Bacillus, Luteibacter, and Rhodanobacter, etc., which were closely related to the biocontrol of phytopathogens and the decomposing recalcitrant substances. Moreover, additives significantly promoted the generation and growth parameters of tomato and lettuce seedlings when compared with the control. In summary, these results indicated that all three additives facilitated the vermicomposting of WWDG and improved the compost quality by enhancing earthworm and enzyme activities as well as altering compost bacterial community, especially when the GWC addition yields the best compost quality and shows strong potential for future application. This study developed a new method for improving WWDG utilization rate and it will promote organic waste recycling in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural utilization of processed municipal organic waste (AUPMOW) offers a method of recycling organic waste to enhance crop productivity, maintain soil health, and increase carbon storage in plants. By effectively implementing AUPMOW, it can significantly contribute to a circular economy by managing waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This review examines existing research on carbon mitigation through AUPMOW to guide future decisions on its implementation. It explores the mechanisms of carbon flow in agriculture and the characteristics of processed municipal organic waste (PMOW). Additionally, environmental, managerial, and systemic factors affecting AUPMOW efficacy are analyzed. Furthermore, it discusses the impact of policies and regulations on AUPMOW implementation. Some recommendations are made for optimizing current AUPMOW practices, including strengthening regulatory frameworks, managing soil contamination risks, reducing CH4 and N2O emissions during storage, considering long-term environmental impacts, selecting suitable locations, and employing minimally invasive farming methods. This review demonstrates how PMOW can improve soil carbon sequestration and offers a sustainable agricultural solution. It provides an overview of current research on the carbon mitigation potential of AUPMOW, recommends best management practices (BMPs) for future implementations, and identifies key insights for policymakers, emphasizing reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers and highlighting areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient utilization of agricultural wastes and reduction of chemical fertilizer inputs are crucial for sustainable development of agriculture. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are widely used as biofertilizers to partially replace chemical fertilizers in agricultural production. The functional performance of PGPR strains is closely related to their root colonization capacity. Some organic acids from root exudates can recruit PGPR to colonize the root. In this study, agricultural organic wastes such as mushroom bran and tobacco waste materials were used to produce organic acids through the hypoxic hydrolysis process. The hydrolysis conditions were optimized to maximize the production of a mixture of complex organic acids from the hypoxic hydrolysis of these materials, employing both single-factor and orthogonal experimental methods. The diluted hydrolysates were tested for their effects on the rhizosphere colonization of the PGPR strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9 using fluorogenic quantitative PCR in greenhouse pot experiments. The results demonstrated that hypoxic hydrolysates from tobacco waste and mushroom bran significantly enhanced the colonization of SQR9 in the maize rhizosphere. Specifically, a 2000-fold dilution of tobacco waste hydrolysate yielded the most effective result, while a 5000-fold dilution of mushroom bran hydrolysate provided the best outcome. All treatments combining these hydrolysates with SQR9 significantly increased maize stem dry weight, indicating that with appropriate treatment, such as anaerobic fermentation, these agricultural organic wastes can serve as synergistic agents of microbial fertilizers, contributing to agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, poplar sawdust (PS), walnut shell (WS), sugarcane bagasse (SB), polyethylene (PE), and paper napkin (PN) were selected as typical organic solid waste for the study of steam (co-)gasification coupled with on-line analysis of H 2 -rich syngas. The carbon conversion efficiency of PE is only 10.8% and needs to be improved. The mixture of SB + PE exhibited the most pronounced positive synergies, with H 2 /CO reaching 2.40 without catalyst and the synergistic indices of 0.320, 0.298, and 0.226 for H 2 yield, syngas yield, and H 2 /CO, respectively, and these synergies were evident throughout the entire gasification process. The synergistic mechanism was analyzed through the interphase migration of alkali and alkaline earth metals and the morphological properties of the char. Compared with the co-gasification at 900 °C, the synergistic indices of the SB + PE co-gasification parameters at 800 °C were reduced to different degrees, and even the co-gasification at 700 °C showed a remarkable negative synergism. [Display omitted] • Steam co-gasification of various MSWs was carried out online for H 2 -rich syngas. • Co-gasification of SB + PE showed optimal synergy for both H 2 yield and H 2 /CO. • Synergistic mechanism was discussed in terms of AAEMs migration and char structure. • High temperatures of 800∼900 °C contributed to unleashing synergistic potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovering energy from biomass and treating organic waste can be done effectively through a biogas digester system. However, monitoring the performance and control of the system to produce biogas is possible through the online process. Therefore, this study developed a novel low-cost gas and temperature profiling system (GTPS) and data acquisition system (DAS) used in biogas digester. The GTPS is designed to monitor and record the amount of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), the main constituent of biogas, from 0 to 100% and to measure the slurry temperature in the digester using a K-type thermocouple. To test the developed monitoring system, the biogas yield (%) and temperature were monitored, and the result obtained agreed with that reported and obtained in the literature (50–70% and 30−40%) for CH4 and CO2, respectively, followed by the desired mesophilic temperature condition for biogas production (20–35 °C). The study employed an RS-232/RS-485 converter for data communication and a low-cost thermocouple module (isolated analog input) that was installed in the data acquisition system. Interestingly, the application of the converter equipment has never been used in any study on monitoring a biogas digester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the invasive seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae has had a huge environmental impact on marine biodiversity, fisheries, GHG emissions and public health along much of the Iberian Peninsula and islands coastline. Due to the enormous amount of algae biomass that is expelled to the beaches where it slowly rots, some circular economy business initiatives, such as composting, are emerging. In the present study, we compared the quality of compost obtained from earthworms (Dendrobaena veneta), cockroaches (Eublaberus sp.), mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens). Batches fed with 100% organic kitchen waste (control group) were compared with batches fed with 50% algae and 50% kitchen waste (treatment group). Our results show that the most sensitive species (D. veneta and T. molitor) to R. okamurae toxins compost adequately. The C/N ratio, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total organic matter (TOM), C, K, K2O, Mg, MgO, N, P, P2O5, B, Cu, Ni and Zn of the compost obtained were determined. A high quality compost was obtained in which only the EC values are slightly elevated. Particularly good was the compost obtained with H. illucens and Eublaberus sp. This quality is in agreement with previous research on the mass balance of composting. Therefore, both species offer, in the field of circular economy, encouraging prospects for the development of composting enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the Buckets Revolution, an urban agroecological movement in a Brazilian favela that emerged to address waste management issues. We aim to explore the movement’s achievements in promoting socio—cological justice in a vulnerable community of the Global South through agroecology, investigating: i) what socio-ecological problems and intersected demands for justice boosted the emergence of the Buckets Revolution? and ii) what demands for justice the BR has been dealing with to overcome the socio-ecological injustices borne by the Chico Mendes community? We apply the socio-ecological justice model as our theoretical framework, with a decolonial and feminist intersectional approach to embrace the complexity of the case study. The research methods focus on embracing the local reality and the community views, encompassing bibliographical research, a focus group, and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that this agroecological movement has effectively addressed organic waste management, food insecurity, and other socio-ecological issues, contributing to socio-ecological justice in the Chico Mendes community. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the a) interconnections of social and ecological problems, b) intersected dimensions of justice, and c) needs and views of the community when developing environmental urban policies to achieve social justice and ecological sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, insect meal has gained popularity in the animal feed industry, particularly in aquafeed, due to rising costs and decreased availability of fish meal (FM) and fish oil. Initially met with skepticism, insect meal is now seen as a promising ingredient because of its high nutrient profile. Research worldwide is exploring its potential as a FM replacement. Insects are abundant, nutritious, and environmentally friendly, as they can be reared on organic waste, minimizing the need for land, water, and energy. This research aims at obtaining a comprehensive and in‐depth understanding of the current status and research trend patterns in this research field. To achieve this goal, this study conducts a mini systematic review and scientometric analysis of the global research published from 2013 to 2022 on the usage of insect meal in aquaculture. In the scientometric analysis, a total of 354 papers published by 1800 authors in 124 different journals from the Web of Science (WoS) core collection were analyzed, evaluating the number of publications, most relevant authors, organizations, top cited countries, most globally cited publications, and trending research themes in this field. The result showed that the University of Turin was the leading organization in insect meal research, whereas aquaculture was the leading journal, and author Laura Gasco was the prominent researcher in this field in the studied time frame (2013–2022). Italy was the leading country in Europe, while China dominated Asia in terms of the number of publications. The annual growth rate in insect meal research was found to be positive (23.11%), with 36.95 average citations per document. This study helps practitioners and scholars understand the current state of insect meal in aquaculture and identifies research requirements that can benefit both academia and industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the experimental intensification and modeling of the extraction process of antioxidants from rice husks using different organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, and acetone, and their mixtures with water) were analyzed and discussed. The best experimental extraction conditions to recover polyphenols from rice husks were identified, and the extraction kinetic data were modeled using the mechanistic and pseudo–second‐order models. The experimental results showed that the solvent‐based extraction of polyphenols from rice husks was endothermic where the ethanol and methanol offered the best separation performance. The polyphenol extraction process using ethanol and acetone was mainly influenced by the percentage of water contained in the solvent mixture used as separation medium, whereas the extraction temperature significantly affected the polyphenol extraction with methanol. The rice husk‐based extracts obtained with methanol and ethanol showed the highest total content of polyphenols (66.72 and 60.68 of gallic acid equivalent/g of biomass) and antioxidant capacity (71.93% and 72.02% 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] inhibition). The mechanistic model offered the best performance to describe the experimental polyphenol extraction, and its results were used to discuss and analyze the mass transfer parameters associated with the intraparticle diffusion of this extraction process. These results contribute to the valorization of rice husk residues as a potential feedstock to be incorporated in the biorefinery context for obtaining value‐added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia Illucens can grow rapidly and on a wide variety of organic materials, and it is extensively used as a means of disposing of household organic waste. Different phases of the life cycle of BSF larvae (BSFL) are used in this work to extract chitin after the removal of lipids, mineral salts, and proteins. Multiple techniques, such as X-ray diffractometry, infrared spectroscopy, solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C ss-NMR) and thermogravimetric analysis, are used to investigate the chemical and physical characteristics of the extracted samples of chitin, which shows a high degree of acetylation (from 78% to 94%). The extracted chitin shows an increase of the thermal stability of 20 °C in the initial stage of life and 35 °C at the end of the life cycle if compared with a commercial standard. Moreover, the extracted chitin shows an increase in the crystallinity degree during the BSFL growth time (from 72% to 78%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterostructure photocatalytic materials with a high surface area have garnered significant attention in recent years. In this investigation, we successfully synthesized g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 tubes using an enhanced impregnation-calcination method. The photocatalytic efficiency of the composite tubes was evaluated by examining the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) solution, revealing a photocatalytic degradation rate 3.7 times and 8.0 times higher than that of pure TiO 2 and g-C 3 N 4 when subjected to simulated sunlight. The enhanced photocatalytic performance can be ascribed to the expanded specific surface area and enhanced separation rate of photo-generated charge carriers. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and trapping experiments revealed a possible photogenerated electrons transfer pathway in the degradation process of TCH. The photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) system composed of the g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 tubes demonstrated remarkable performance in the concurrent degradation of TCH and electricity generation when being exposed to light. It achieved a short circuit current density of 26.9 mA/g/cm2 and a power density of 5.51 mW/g/cm2. The present study offers a cost-effective approach for both organic waste treatment and electrical power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable organic waste offers significant opportunities for resource recovery within the frame of the circular economy. In this work, the effects of carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles and ozone pre-treatments in the mesophilic methanogenic stage of a temperature-phased an-aerobic digestion have been studied using biochemical methanogenic potential (BMP) tests and modeling simulation. To do that, digestates from a pre-treated thermophilic acidogenic reactor that co-digested sludge and wine vinasse were used. The addition of nanoparticles favored the removal of particulate matter, which increased by 9% and 6% in terms of total solids and volatile solids, respectively. When combined with ozone pre-treatment, these increases were 27% and 24%, respectively, demonstrating enhanced AD efficiency. The dose of iron nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon did not result in a statistically significant increase in methane production when sludge and vinasse were used as feedstock. The combination of nanoparticles with the ozone pre-treatment significantly improved the methanogenic phase of the second stage, increasing the methane production yield by 22% and reducing the lag phase from 10 days to 3 days, according to the modified Gompertz model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus fruits are widely grown, processed, and distributed in more than 140 countries, with annual global production exceeding 124.3 million metric tons. This substantial consumption generates significant organic waste, accounting for approximately 50–60% of the total fruit mass, primarily in the form of peel, pulp, and seeds. Often discarded or reused as animal feed, these wastes contribute to significant environmental pollution and economic losses. Therefore, the valorization of these by-products represents an important opportunity to mitigate these challenges and improve the sustainability of the Citrus-related industry. This review highlights Citrus seed waste concerning its invaluable bioactive compounds, including fatty acids, phenolic compounds, limonoids, dietary fibers, vitamins, and carotenoids. Chemical compositions of Citrus seed biowaste differ depending on a variety of factors, such as Citrus variety, fruit maturity, environmental conditions, waste storage conditions, and extraction methods. The extraction and purification of phytochemicals from Citrus seed biowaste are one of the major procedures for valorizing waste. The two types of effective extraction methods are traditional (conventional extraction) and innovative (green extraction). Furthermore, Citrus seeds have been demonstrated to exhibit several biological activities and health-promoting properties including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. Therefore, these wastes are safe and beneficial compounds used in the production of functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. A conclusion can be reached by emphasizing the abundance of bioactive compounds in Citrus seed wastes, which makes them an excellent opportunity for increased environmental and economic utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global shift towards sustainable waste management has led to an intensified exploration of co-digestion and co-treatment of sewage and organic waste using anaerobic reactors. This review advocates for an integrated approach where organic waste is treated along with the sewage stream, as a promising solution to collect, treat, and dispose of organic waste, thereby reducing the environmental and economic burden on municipalities. Various efforts, ranging from laboratory to full-scale studies, have been undertaken to assess the feasibility and impacts of co-digestion or co-management of sewage and organic waste, using technologies such as up-flow anaerobic sludge blankets or anaerobic membrane bioreactors. However, there has been no consensus on a standardized definition of co-digestion, nor a comprehensive understanding of its impacts. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in liquid anaerobic co-digestion systems, which typically operate at 1.1% total solids. The research aims to investigate how the integration of organic waste into mainstream anaerobic-based sewage treatment plants has the potential to enhance the sustainability of both sewage and organic waste management. In addition, utilizing the surplus capacity of existing anaerobic reactors leads to significant increases in methane production ranging from 190 to 388% (v/v). However, it should be noted that certain challenges may arise, such as the necessity for the development of tailored strategies and regulatory frameworks to enhance co-digestion practices and address the inherent challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Insects are emerging as a promising alternative source in animal nutrition, offering high protein content and a low environmental impression compared to traditional feed sources. This abstract explores the potential role of insects in reducing the environmental impact of livestock production. Insects such as black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and crickets are rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, amino acids, fatty acids and so on. They can be efficiently farmed on organic waste streams, contributing to resource efficiency and waste lessening. Additionally, insect farming needs a small quantity of water, less land, and emits fewer greenhouse gases than conventional animal feed production. Despite these benefits, several challenges must be addressed to realize their potential, including regulatory approval, consumer acceptance, production scalability, and ensuring consistent nutritional quality. By overcoming these challenges through research, innovation, and policy support, insects can be integrated into mainstream animal feed systems, significantly reducing the environmental impact of livestock farming and contributing to a more sustainable agricultural future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe escalating growth in municipal solid waste production underscores the imperative need for efficient waste management, especially given that a substantial portion of MSW comprises biodegradable materials suitable for composting. This study investigates the impacts of using a synthetic bulking agent (perforated plastic balls) in conjunction with biochar, a natural bulking agent, on the aerobic composting of kitchen waste. The study aim to evaluate the effectiveness of this combined approach in optimizing the composting process. Four trials, each spanning 30 days, were conducted to assess the effects of different combinations of synthetic and natural bulking agents. The study uses a uniform-size perforated synthetic bulking agent in combination with biochar to enhance the composting process. Results indicate that incorporating the perforated plastic balls (8% by weight) alongside biochar significantly influenced key composting parameters. This approach accelerated the initial rise in temperature to 55°C, enhanced the reduction of total organic carbon, improved total Kjeldahl nitrogen retention, and facilitated the achievement of optimal carbon-nitrogen (C/N) ratios ranging from 19 to 20. Furthermore, the analysis of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) loss during composting revealed that potassium is more susceptible to leaching than phosphorus due to its higher mobility. The study concludes that the addition of a uniform-size perforated synthetic bulking agent, constituting 8% (by weight), in conjunction with a natural bulking agent, effectively enhances the composting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rik Peels's (2017) Fundamental Argument is an important argument against epistemic scientism. The crucial premise of the Fundamental Argument is that if nonscientific sources of belief did not provide us with knowledge, neither could the sciences. But, the sciences do provide us with knowledge. Thus, epistemic scientism is false. This paper defends Peels's argument against recent criticisms. In particular, Hietanen and colleagues criticize Peels's argument for resting on what they call the "garbage in, garbage out" principle (GIGO). This paper strengthens their attacks on the GIGO principle. It shows, however, that we don't need the GIGO principle to motivate the crucial premise of the Fundamental Argument. Instead, it argues that the crucial premise is true for the following reasons: scientific knowledge is the result of successful inquiry; at some point we lacked scientific knowledge; and, we cannot successfully inquire without some prior knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research evaluated cow dung compost (CDC), goose dung compost (GDC), and duck dung compost (DDC) as peat addition in growing media used for the production of pumpkin seedlings. Commercial substrate (peat: vermiculite: perlite=3:1:1, v/v) was used as the control (CK). The partial addition in peat of each waste compost in the mixtures were 10%, 20%, and 30% (v/v). The results showed that all compost in mixtures increased bulk density, total porosity, electrical conductivity, and mineral content, but negatively affected the pH and organic matter of the growing media compared to CK. CDC in mixture increased ventilation porosity and gaswater ratio and decreased water-holding porosity compared to CK, which was the opposite of the effect of GDC and DDC. The mixtures elaborated with GDC showed better growth, biomass, gas exchange parameters, and physiological indicators of seedling plants than other treatments in varying degrees, which depended on the additional amount of GDC. DDC inhibited plant growth and gas exchange parameters, especially in high addition rate; however, it had a slight promotion effect on chlorophyll content and quality because DDC was rich in minerals. GDC was better than CDC and DDC as a partial addition for peat in the cultivation of pumpkin seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of the work is the characterization of lightweight aggregates intended for construction using the example of silica-clay raw material from south-eastern Poland (Dylągówka-Zapady deposit). The primary objective of the research is to assess the possibility of managing the accumulated organic waste, including cellulose pulp. This storage is problematic for processing plants and local government bodies and incurs high costs annually. Therefore, based on the patent (Kukułka et al. Method of producing raw meal, dried clay granules, and fired clay granules and the production line of raw meal, dried clay granules, and baked clay granules. Patent RP no P.429284.), an attempt was made to confirm the assumptions of the technology of fired clay granules, which can be used for zootechnical, agricultural, and construction purposes. The presented work assessed the physicochemical transformations in the clay-silica raw material after adding a significant amount of cellulose waste (10%, 20%, and 30%) in the temperature range of 25–1300 °C were assessed. Thermal methods such as thermodilatometry, Hot-Stage Microscopy with image analysis (IA-HSM) and thermal DSC/TG analysis with gas analysis were used for this purpose. Based on the first method, a temperature range was established in which sintering occurs without an apparent effect of densification. Therefore, the range of 850–950 °C was used to obtain fired granules, which were tested as a material for lightweight aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas, a fuel derived from organic waste, has gained popularity as a sustainable energy source. The adaptability of biogas allows its utilization for electricity and heating. This study aims to evaluate the risk of biogas leakage using ALOHA gas dispersion modeling and Bowtie analysis to identify hazard zones and evaluate the effectiveness of preventive and mitigation measures. The research method using Gas dispersion modeling in ALOHA software can simulate the spread of leaked biogas, identify potential hazard zones, and inform emergency response planning. The results show that gas dispersion reaches up to 296 meters from the leak source in a worst-case scenario without ignition, with significant implications for safety. The ignition scenario produces high thermal radiation, further exacerbating the risk. In conclusion, these findings highlight the intolerable risk of biogas leakage, requiring comprehensive risk mitigation measures. This study recommends the implementation of a robust control system, routine maintenance, and emergency response plan to ensure the safety and sustainability of biogas facility operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biomethane potential of insect frass and leachates from waste (larvae feedstock) stockpile was evaluated. Frass was derived from a black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) operation that uses a fruit and vegetable waste diet. The two waste streams were characterized and the results of their compositional, proximate, and ultimate analysis were used in estimating methane yields from these materials. The estimated biomethane potential (BMP) of the frass ranged 149–275 L/kgVS depending on the calculation method used. This result compares well with that of empirical studies for cow manure whose BMP ranges 110–275 L/kgVS. Cow manure is the most popular biogas feedstock globally. Leachates reported an estimated BMP of 150 L/kgCOD. We conclude that it may be technically feasible to produce biogas from BSFL frass and from fruit and vegetable waste leachates. However, standard BMP experiments and semicontinuous pilot studies are still necessary before commercialization of these findings. These extra tests are executed to validate these findings and ascertain the life cycle attribute and long‐term process stability and hence determine the economics of using these potential substrates for biogas production as a strategy to implementing circularity in the fruit and vegetable industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The black soldier fly (BSF) has recently gained global popularity for converting organic waste into valuable biomass for animal feed. Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of BSF larvae to consume various food wastes and animal manure. In this study, we used sugarcane by-products—such as bagasse, vinasse, and molasses—as a food source for BSF larvae and compared their development and nutritional value with those fed with university canteen leftovers (UCLs). The BSF larvae grew longer and heavier when fed university canteen leftovers compared to other treatments. The UCL treatment also resulted in the larvae's highest protein and oil content. Overall, the BSF larvae exhibited the best growth on the UCL substrate, while the combination of bagasse and vinasse (BV) proved to be the most suitable substrate among the sugarcane by-products for BSF larva development. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can convert organic waste into high-quality biomass. In this study, we tested the potential of sugarcane by-products as a food source for BSFL and compared larval development and nutritional value with some other organic substrates. Seven different substrates were used, including carrot pomace (C), carrot pomace and leftover bread (CB) (50/50), bagasse and vinasse (BV), bagasse and molasses (BM), bagasse, vinasse, and molasses (BVM), a mixture of all the above treatments (MX), and university canteen leftovers (UCLs). The larval weight and length were measured for two weeks from day 5 to 19. Then, the BSFL were harvested and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, oil, ash, mineral, and fatty acid composition. Larval weight and length varied depending on the feeding substrate provided. University canteen leftovers resulted in the BSFL having at least 18% greater length (17.00 mm) and 56% greater weight (3.15 g) compared to other treatments. The highest amounts of protein (38.9%) and oil (39.06%) were observed in the UCL treatment, while the BV treatment larvae had the highest quantities of ash (28.9%) and dry matter (28.0%). The fatty acid profile of the BSFL revealed three-times-higher levels of saturated fatty acids than unsaturated fatty acids in the UCL treatment and was at least twice as high in other treatments. Overall, the BSFL had the best growth on the UCL substrate, and the combination of bagasse and vinasse (BV) was the most appropriate substrate for BSFL development among the sugarcane by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphite is the main anode active material used in commercial lithium ion batteries and it is currently included in the European Union's Critical Raw Materials list. Due to increased demand in the battery market, a global graphite shortage is expected within the next five years. Therefore, an alternative anode active material is needed to substitute graphite. Motivated by this need, this paper proposes a green synthesis method for producing SiOx/C nanocomposite anode active material from an organic waste, namely rice husk, via a single-step induction heating process. In this study, for the first time in the open literature, rice husk is pyrolyzed under a controlled atmosphere with fast heating (> 50 °C/min) to be used as an alternative to graphite for lithium ion batteries. Fast heating is employed to preserve the maximum amount of carbon in the structure with minimal agglomeration. Four samples (800-Ar, 750-Ar, 700-Ar, 700-Ar-H) are fabricated to study the effect of pyrolysis conditions (temperature and atmosphere) on the formation of rice husk-derived amorphous SiOx/C nanocomposite anodes, also referred to as biochar. Their electrochemical performances are then tested. Biochar produced at 700 °C under the argon atmosphere (700-Ar) delivers the highest specific capacities of 1366, 800, and 275 mAh/g in the 1st, 5th, and 200th cycles. This is attributed to the reduction of silica to SiOx and high amount of carbon, which creates conductive pathways in the structure while buffering volumetric expansion during cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has emerged as a sustainable biomaterial with diverse industrial applications. This paper examines BC production through a circular economy framework, focusing on organic waste as a primary feedstock. It compares static and agitated cultivation methods for BC production, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Static cultivation using Gluconacetobacter xylinum yields high-quality cellulose films but is constrained by lower yields and longer incubation times. Agitated cultivation accelerates production but may affect fiber uniformity. This paper emphasizes sustainability by exploring organic waste materials such as coffee grounds, tea leaves, and food scraps as cost-effective nitrogen and carbon sources. These materials not only lower production costs but also support circular economy principles by converting waste into valuable products. BC produced from these waste sources retains key properties, making it suitable for applications in the textile and other industries. In addition, BC production can align with vegan principles, provided that all additives and processing methods are free of animal-derived components. The paper discusses BC's potential to replace synthetic fibers in textiles and reduce environmental impact. Case studies show successful BC integration into textile products. In conclusion, this paper calls for more research to optimize BC production processes and explore new industrial applications. Using organic waste in BC production can help industries adopt sustainable practices, reduce environmental footprints, and create high-value materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huge quantities of municipal solid waste and food chain supply waste are unfavourable outcomes of rapid population growth and urbanization. Organic municipal waste majorly consists of decomposable, recyclable, and inert waste and contributes to 57% of municipal waste generated globally. Fruits and vegetables wastes are major component of organic municipal waste, and contains significant amount of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and fibres that can be valorised through various innovative and sustainable strategies. One of the most important approaches is leveraging the catalytic capabilities of microbial enzymes to convert complex organic compounds to varied valuable products like, essential oils, bio-oil, ethanol, biogas, phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanin, dietary products etc. Development of environment friendly sustainable processes also handles the challenges associated with waste disposal and boost nation's financial status through circular bioeconomy. The present review focusses on details of major organic municipal waste, with specific emphasis on fruit and vegetable remains, their composition, management and value-added products obtained from these resources. It also gives a detailed account on green technology approach of waste valorisation through microbial enzymes, recent technological interventions involved in the process and discusses the future market potential and growth prospects in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland (VSSF-CW) was evaluated to neutralise acid mine drainage (AMD) using organic waste and planted with mangroves. The type and composition of media, as well as the improper assembly and operation of the system, are among the reasons why the wetland system has not been effective and efficient so far. The main objective of this research is to develop a method to neutralise AMD using organic waste (oil palm empty fruit bunches and eucalyptus leaf waste). To achieve this research’s main goal, the steps were to analyse the characteristics of AMD at the research site, analyse the type and composition of organic waste, determine the retention time, and analyse the concentration of contaminants in the water after the treatment process. To implement the stages, sample preparation, plant acclimatisation, organic material selection, primary characterisation of samples, assembly of the CW reactor, and operation of the system were carried out. After the study, it was found that the system maximally increased the pH from 3.32 to 7.34 in the 12-day retention time oil palm empty fruit bunches reactor, and maximally removed total suspended solids (TSS) and manganese (Mn) with efficiencies of 97.52% (from 444 to 11 mg/L); and 95.97% (from 4.47 to 0.18 mg/L) in the 12-day retention time eucalyptus leaf waste reactor, respectively. Rhizophora sp. showed bioaccumulation ability > 1 (accumulator) and translocation < 1 (phytostabiliser). The media type and composition, as well as the assembly and operation of the system in this study successfully neutralised AMD with good efficiency and a relatively short time. In addition, the addition of mangrove plants and fly ash-bottom ash (FABA) bricks, also contributed to the good results of AMD treatment and also became an innovation in AMD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Trichoderma species (Trichoderma sp.) is commonly found in nature, particularly in soil and roots, often thriving in plants rich in cellulose such as oil palm. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize Trichoderma sp. in each substrate as well as to assess cellulolytic and ligninolytic potential in vitro using a specific medium. Characterization and utilization of the plant were examined to efficiently manage empty fruit bunch (EFB) waste in Indonesian oil palm plantations. By exploring the biological, ecological, and biochemical attributes of Trichoderma sp., this study examined the mechanisms associated with efficacy in bioconversion processes and waste remediation. METHODS: A survey method was used to determine sampling locations, and purposive sampling was utilized in the field. Furthermore, several stages were undertaken including isolation, identification, as well as testing of morphology and potential in vitro. FINDINGS: The results showed that the growth characteristics of Trichoderma sp. in filling a petri dish spanned approximately five days, forming colonies with a dark green hue. Microscopically, the isolates consisted of conidiophores, phialides, and conidia. Meanwhile, in vitro potential was assessed through cellulolytic and lignocellulolytic assays, with each isolate demonstrating varying capabilities in breaking down cellulose and lignocellulose. The highest cellulase activity (3.55 units per gram) was observed in enzyme starter granules treated with air drying. The highest viability per gram was found in spore inoculum (17.0 x 107) with air drying treatment. The greatest reduction in weight of oil palm EFB waste (65.3 percent) was achieved through the application of Trichoderma sp. enzyme starter granules with air drying treatment. Furthermore, eight isolates demonstrated cellulolytic and ligninolytic potential. Isolates sourced from soil had rapid growth on starter and baglog mediums, indicating potential for subsequent field applications as a biodegradation agent for organic waste. CONCLUSION: Based on the macroscopic (shape and color of mycelium) and microscopic characteristics (mycelium form), a total of eight Trichoderma sp. isolates were obtained. During the potential test, it was observed each isolate had different cellulolytic and ligninolytic activities. This study provided valuable insights into the diversity and enzymatic potential of Trichoderma sp. fungi, underscoring the importance of selecting suitable strains and optimizing cultivation conditions for various biotechnological applications. By exploring cellulolytic and ligninolytic capabilities, the results contributed to the development of more efficient and sustainable strategies for organic waste management and bioconversion. In general, this study represented a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable waste management solutions in agriculture, offering a promising pathway towards mitigating environmental impact and promoting the long-term sustainability of oil palm cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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.)

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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.)

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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.)

Thailand is a prominent global producer of mangoes, providing a wide range of mango cultivars and dealing with the challenge of managing biomass. Thus, biorefining mango peel to extract valuable components has the potential to reduce organic waste and create a new revenue source for the mango processing sector. This study aims to examine the physiology, physiochemical, and chemical characteristics in peel of nine Thai mango cultivars, along with the relationship between their characteristics. The Thai mango cultivars Mahachanok, Chok anan, and Rad exhibited a yellow appearance, while the other six cultivars appeared yellow-green. However, the firmness of the fruit was directly correlated with the firmness of the pulp. A proximate composition study revealed that the predominant constituent of mango peel was carbohydrates, comprising up to 75% of its composition. This was followed by fibre, which accounted for up to 13%. The Nga mango had the highest levels of total phenolic content (220 mgGAE/g) and total flavonoid content (5.5 mgCE/g). The primary phenolic acids identified in Thai mango peel were epicatechin, caffeic acid, catechin, and gallic acid. The Mahachanok cultivar exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, as determined by the ABTS and DPPH assays, with values of 85.67% and 85.78%, respectively. This study demonstrated the connections between the physiochemical characteristics of mangoes and their chemical compositions in different cultivars, indicating the possibility of choosing particular cultivars for extracting targeted bioactive compounds. The multivariate analyses revealed that there was no correlation between the physiochemical and chemical profiles of mangoes. This study highlights the significance of mango peel as a valuable by-product that has significant environmental and economic ramifications for the mango processing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to demonstrate the capability of Oil Palm Boiler Ash (OPBA)-based organomineral fertilizer (OMF) to maintain the growth, green biomass yield, and N uptake of green mustard under a reduced N application rate. This research was carried out from March to May 2021 in a research area in Bengkulu City with a Randomly Complete Block Design scheme and three replications. The treatment consisted of P0 = control (without OMF or urea), P1 = 200 kg urea ha-1, P2 = 325 kg OMF ha-1 + 50 kg urea ha-1, P3 = 650 kg OMF ha-1 + 50 kg urea ha-1, P4 = 975 kg OMF ha-1 + 50 kg urea ha-1, and P5 = 1300 kg OMF ha-1 + 50 kg urea ha-1. The results showed that the growth and green biomass yield increased as the application rate of OMF increased. Treatment of P5 produced the highest growth, green biomass yield, and N uptake, equivalent to P2 treatment. The green biomass yield at P5 was 161% higher than that at P0. Therefore, OMF has the potential to promote the agronomic performances of green mustard under 50% reduced N dose in Ultisols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise: an enemy to be dealt with and a major factor limiting communication system performance. However, what if there is gold in that garbage? In conventional engineering, our focus is primarily on eliminating, suppressing, combating, or even ignoring noise and its detrimental impacts. Conversely, could we exploit it similarly to biology, which utilizes noise‐alike carrier signals to convey information? In this context, the utilization of noise, or noise‐alike signals in general, has been put forward as a means to realize unconditionally secure communication systems in the future. In this tutorial article, we begin by tracing the origins of thermal noise‐based communication and highlighting one of its significant applications for ensuring unconditionally secure networks: the Kirchhoff‐law‐Johnson‐noise (KLJN) secure key exchange scheme. We then delve into the inherent challenges tied to secure communication and discuss the imperative need for physics‐based key distribution schemes in pursuit of unconditional security. Concurrently, we provide a concise overview of quantum key distribution schemes and draw comparisons with their KLJN‐based counterparts. Finally, extending beyond wired communication loops, we explore the transmission of noise signals over‐the‐air and evaluate their potential for stealth and secure wireless communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic resources are being devastating rapidly due to the continuous intrusion of untreated wastes into the environment due to rapid industrialization and causing severe problems to aquatic life. Different physicochemical methods have been used to reduce these pollutants but all have their own limitations including production of secondary pollutants. The current study was designed to show the effect of cellulolytic and sulphate-reducing bacterial species in the form of a co-culture to treat an in-vitro prepared sulphate-rich wastewater while employing various agro-industrial organic waste as economical growth substrates. A combination of sulphate-reducing and cellulolytic bacteria in a ratio of 1:1 (v/v) was proved to be efficient for the reduction of sulphate in controlled as well as in the experimental conditions. The implicated microbial co-culture reduced 96 and 93 % of the added sulphate (5 gL-1) while using rice straw and animal manure, respectively in a 60-day trial of anaerobic incubation. Mixture of industrial and agricultural waste reduced about 90 % of the total added sulphate. A trend of decrease in pH with time was observed in all the incubated cultures. Our findings will be helpful for devising sustainable waste management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid byproducts and organic wastes generated from dairy processing units contribute as the largest source of industrial food wastewater. Though bacteria-mediated treatment strategies are largely implemented, a more effective and innovative management system is needed of the hour. Thus, the current study involves the cultivation of centric diatoms, Chaetoceros gracilis, and Thalassiosira weissflogii in simulated dairy wastewater (SDWW) formulated using varying amounts of milk powder with artificial seawater f/2 media (ASW). The results revealed that cell density and biomass productivity were highest in the 2.5% SDWW treatment cultures of both the strains, the maximum being in C. gracilis (7.5 × 106 cells mL − 1; 21.1 mg L−1 day−1). Conversely, the total carotenoid, chrysolaminarin, and phenol content were negatively impacted by SDWW. However, a considerable enhancement in the total lipid content was reported in the 2.5% SDWW culture of both species. Furthermore, the fatty acid profiling revealed that though the total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content was highest in the control setups, the total mono polyunsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content was higher in the 5% SDWW setups (30.66% in C. gracilis and 33.21% in T. weissflogii). In addition to it, in the cultures utilizing energy from external carbon sources provided by SDWW, the biodiesel produced was also enhanced owing to the heightened cetane number. Thus, the current study evidently highlights the organic carbon acquisition potential of marine diatoms with the scope of providing sustainable biorefinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Heavy metal contamination in soil refers to the excessive accumulation of elements called heavy metals, which are capable of causing significant levels of biological toxicity. These metals, in concentrations higher than of tolerable threshold of plants, often cause metabolic disorders, inhibition of growth and physiological process and eventually lead to death of plants. Lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn), as the two common coexisting mineral heavy metals around the world, accumulate in the soil due to mining activity and can adversely affect the crop productivity, the agro-ecosystem components and ultimately the human and environmental health. Biochar, as a potent soil amendment agent, is often obtained by pyrolysis of agricultural organic wastes such as crop residues under low oxygen pressure condition. Trichoderma harzianum, as a plant growth promoter, has capability in stimulating plant growth under varying environmental stresses and therefore, inoculation of plant roots with this fungus could be a conceivable approach to cope with the heavy metal stress. Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) is a winter annual forage species that shows better growth performance than the other forage legumes such as alfalfa or clover under the severe environmental conditions, especially winter frost and drought.phosphorus supplementation and their interactions on the growth, physiology and P, Pb and Zn uptake by hairy vetch in heavy metal-polluted soil. Materials and methods: The experiment was carried out in the greenhouse of Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Mohaghegh Ardabili University as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design (CRD) in three replications. Heavy metal contaminated soil was collected from wheat fields around Angouran village (Angouran Rural District, Angouran District, Mahneshan County, Zanjan Province, Iran), downstream of the Zanjan's lead and zinc processing plant (Calcimin® Co.; 36°34'13.2"N 47°37'21.4"E), from a depth of about 0 to 25 cm. Two levels of biochar application (non-biochar control, 5% peanut hull-derived biochar), two levels of Trichoderma inoculation (non-inoculation control and inoculation with conidial suspension) and three levels of P supplementation (0P, non-supplementation; 11P, 11 mg P.kg-1 and 22P, 22 mg P.kg-1) were applied as the three experimental factors. The feedstock of peanut hull (PH) used in the present experiment were purchased from the local market. After thorough washing, PHs were air-dried and then well ground with a lab-scale mill and sieved using a 100 mesh sieve size. T. harzianum Rifai - T22 isolate acquired from the Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili was revived on PDA (potato dextrose agar) medium and further incubated for at least one week at 28 °C. This experiment was conducted in an open-air vegetation yard with mean day/night temperatures of 25/17 °C, respectively. The experiment lasted for 50 days, in the period from May 16, 2020 (sowing the seeds) until July 5, 2020 (final sampling). In each plastic pot (25 cm in diameter x 20 cm in height), pre-filled with the pot mixture according to the treatments, 20 surface-sterilized hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth., Local landrace from Ardabil, Iran) seeds were sown and irrigated with tap water (EC = 0.21 dS m-1 and pH = 7.2) to 100% field capacity. Throughout the experiment, all the pots were re-irrigated when the soil water content dropped to 70% of the field capacity. Results and discussion: Application of biochar and Trichoderma fungus at not using phosphorus (P0), resulted in higher aerial biomass. Trichoderma fungus alone or with P11 level had a better result in increasing plant height. The concentration of chlorophyll a was in highest level by biochar combined Trichoderma, and P0 phosphorus applied, as well as the application of Trichoderma caused the highest concentration of chlorophyll b. The changes in relative leaf water content ranged from 85.5 to 90.5% among the treatment combinations. Phosphorus consumption at the maximum level (P22) showed the same effect in improving leaf protein compared to the P0 level. Moderate phosphorus consumption (P11) combined with biochar and Trichoderma caused the highest soluble sugar content. The highest proline content of leaves was obtained by using Trichoderma without applying biochar and phosphorus. The use of biochar alone or with Trichoderma could improve the amount of phosphorus absorption as much as the use of phosphorus fertilizer alone. Combined application of biochar and Trichoderma fungus with P11 and P22 fertilizer levels increased phosphorus absorption by 41.6% and 22.3% respectively compared to P0 level. Trichoderma fungus had no significant effect on the amount of Pb and Zn absorption in the aerial parts, but biochar significantly reduced their absorption in the aerial parts of Hairy vetch plants. Conclusion: Based on the results, the application of biochar alone or in combination with Trichoderma fungus improved the vegetative traits and physiological characteristics, including increasing the concentration of photosynthetic pigments, the relative content of leaf water and soluble sugar, the content of protein and proline in the cluster flower vetch. Phosphorus absorption increased significantly when using biochar and Trichoderma. It seems that biochar helps to increase photosynthesis by creating suitable conditions in soil porosity, humidity, increasing cation exchange capacity and reducing the concentration of heavy elements, with better absorption of elements and thus improving plant growth and development. Trichoderma fungus with biological control increases the availability of elements including phosphorus by increasing the transfer of sugar and amino acids and creating induction resistance and stimulating the growth of beneficial microorganisms, and by making changes in the physiological characteristics, it increases the resistance of the plant against the stress of heavy elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, vermicomposted corn waste was applied to the organic cultivation of cherry tomato seedlings under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Brazilian semiarid region, and the effects were evaluated in the soil-plant system. Method: The vermicomposts were prepared by mixing corn waste in an organic substrate. The experiment was divided into two parts: sowing in trays and growing seedlings in pots. In both steps, the following biometric attributes were evaluated: plant size, root length, root weight, aboveground biomass, leaf weight, and leaf area. Three vermicompost concentrations were assessed: 1.5%, 3.0%, and 6.0% (m/m). As a control, a soil sample without vermicompost was also evaluated. Results: In general, plants that grew in a substrate containing vermicompost developed more when compared to the sample control (19.2-22.0 vs 15 cm). Furthermore, in general, plants cultivated with higher vermicompost concentrations presented better results in all evaluated parameters. In addition, a sample composed of a mixture of corn straw and cob showed the best results, indicating that joint management of both residues is advantageous for all assessed attributes. Conclusion: The results confirm the expectation that it is possible to apply vermicomposted corn residues in the organic cultivation of cherry tomatoes and that the strategy of carrying out germination in a tray, followed by transplantation into pots, had a positive effect on the development of seedlings. When compared to other studies, the climatic and edaphoclimatic conditions experienced in this work did not interfere with plant development, since the seedlings showed good development results in all evaluated parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The transformation of Organic Waste through composting has become a source of organic matter that, through microbial action, generates molecules conducive to phosphate solubilization and produces fractions of Po and Pi readily available for plants. For this reason, this review focused on analyzing various research studies where OrganicWaste is utilized to release available phosphorus and thus improve agricultural production. Method: One hundred and eighteen articles were analyzed and synthesized from recognized databases, addressing the following topics: Phosphorus in the Earth's crust, phosphorus recovery from Organic Waste, compost, metabolic pathways for phosphorus release in compost, and microbial activity for phosphorus release in compost. Results: The selection of organic materials and the incorporation of MSP during the composting process favor the availability of P for plants. The compost microbiota associated with phosphorus not only enhances its availability but also may promote plant growth. Various mechanisms exist for P release, such as the enzymes ß-1,4-glucosidase and ß-D-fructofuranosidase, along with mycorrhizae facilitating P transport, the enzymatic cofactor pyrroloquinoline quinone, and the function of phosphorus genes contributing to its availability, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Conclusion: Composts can serve as valuable P sources for plants, wherein their existing microbiota enhances phosphorus availability, facilitating increased phosphorus recycling through symbiotic relationships, microbial interactions, and the action of phosphorus genes, thereby ensuring sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]