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Due to its fundamental position in the aquatic food chain linking primary producers (phytoplankton) to higher trophic levels (fish), zooplankton has a crucial influence on the structure and function of lakes. The scientific literature shows that zooplankton is an effective indicator of eutrophication. However, according to the requirements of the Water Framework Directive, zooplankton is still not included as one of the biological components for assessing the ecological status of lakes. In Poland, the zooplankton-based method (ZIPLAs) has been developed to assess the ecological status of deep stratified lakes. Shallow lakes function differently from deep lakes, and literature data show that the response of zooplankton indices to eutrophication parameters is much weaker than in deep lakes. This paper presents the Zooplankton Index for Shallow Lakes' Assessment (ZISLA), a new method for assessing ecological status based on zooplankton community structure. The ZISLA includes the body size index of Daphnia cucullata (BSI), the percentage share of high trophy-indicating rotifer species (IHTROT), the number of rotifer species (NROT), and the Margalef index (D). The ZISLA shows a strong, significant correlation with total phosphorus and total nitrogen (Spearman's coefficient (R = −0.77, R = −0.74; p < 0.0001) and slightly weaker with Secchi disk visibility (R = 0.72; p < 0.0001). The ZISLA index shows a statistically significant good/moderate distinction for all water quality parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is an organic solvent with stable chemical properties and high boiling point. Based on its good solubility, DMF is widely used in synthetic textile, leather, electronics, pharmaceutical and pesticide industries. However, the DMF pollutes the environment and does harm to human liver function, kidney function, and nerve function. Herein, an efficient DMF-degrading strain, DM175A1-1, was isolated and identified as Paracoccus sulfuroxidans. This strain can use DMF as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Whole-genome sequencing of strain DM175A1-1 revealed that it has a 3.99-Mbp chromosome a 120-kbp plasmid1 and a 40-kbp plasmid2. The chromosome specifically harbors the dmfA1 and dmfA2 essential for the initial steps of DMF degradation. And it also carries the some part of genes facilitating subsequent methylotrophic metabolism and glutathione-dependent pathway. Through further DMF tolerance degradation experiments, DM175A1-1 can tolerate DMF concentrations up to 10,000 mg/L, whereas the majority of Paracoccus strains could only show degradation activity below 1,000 mg/L. And the efficiency of organic nitrogen conversion to NH3-N in DMF can reach 99.0% when the hydraulic retention time (HRT) is controlled at 5 days. Meanwhile, it showed a significant degradation effect at a pharmaceutical enterprise in Zhejiang Province with high concentration of DMF wastewater. This study provides a new strain Paracoccus sulfuroxidans DM175A1-1 which shows a significant influence on DMF degradation, and reveals the characterization on its DMF degradation. It lays the foundation for the application of biological method in the efficient degradation of DMF in industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation of oxygen concentration in underground coal mines is an efficient method to prevent coal spontaneous combustion. The screening and development of efficient oxygen-consuming microbial flora is a fundamental prerequisite for the application of biotechnology in preventing coal spontaneous combustion. For the initial screening, activated sludge obtained from Qinglong Coal Mine in China was utilized as an inoculum source to cultivate a group of Aerobic microbiota (AMS) with a relatively stable community structure. Afterward, the community structure of AMS was analyzed using 16SrRNA gene sequencing technology. Subsequently, single-factor experiments were conducted to optimize culture conditions (carbon source concentration, pH, inoculum amount) based on the growth characteristics of dominant strains. Finally, the oxygen consumption characteristics of AMS were investigated using a range of indicators, including oxygen consumption rate, CO2 generation and growth concentration (OD) as measured by AMS. The results indicated that the growth activity of AMS was most robust when the carbon source concentration was 1%, pH was 7, and the inoculation amount was 10%, with an oxygen consumption rate of 94.83%. The experiment observed a significant increase in the concentration of CO2, which rose from 0.096% to 30.272%. This gas is the primary product of AMS. Interestingly, growth was possible in environments with O2 concentrations ranging from 5% to 29%, indicating that AMS is adaptable and can survive in environments with significant changes in O2 concentrations. In addition, the combined effect of reducing O2 concentration and inerting the mining zone made AMS more effective in suppressing spontaneous combustion of relict coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the properties and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesised through a green method using Salvia officinalis. Extracts were obtained from sage at two different temperatures, and these extracts were then used to synthesise silver nanoparticles through a reaction with AgNO₃. The characteristics of resulting silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial effects on foodborne pathogenic bacteria were examined. During the synthesis, the colour of the silver nanoparticle solution changed from yellow to dark brown, and a significant absorbance peak was observed at 360 nm. The sizes of the synthesised silver nanoparticles were found to be 53.77 and 57.08 nm for the two different extraction temperatures, respectively. The nanoparticles exhibited spherical-rod shapes with silver contents of 83.91% and 84.38% and crystal sizes of 37.15 nm and 34.81 nm, corresponding to the two temperatures. The reduction of silver ions involved functional groups like C=C or C=O. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesised silver nanoparticles was evaluated at concentrations of 10 and 25 mg.mL-1 using the paper disc method against several foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Notably, the sage extract displayed antimicrobial efficacy against Salmonella Typhi, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. However, no significant antimicrobial effect was observed against Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Background: Waste recycling using biological methods has received great interest from researchers, with a focus on environmental remediation and the promotion of sustainable practices. Aim: The study aimed to identify relevant studies on waste materials, focusing on living organisms like microbes, fungi, or plants Method: Between 2010 and 2023, a systematic review of scholarly literature on biological waste recycling was conducted. The review identified 14 articles, analyzed their data, and categorized them based on waste stream and recycling technology. Result and conclusion: The 14 studies categorized waste into food waste, plastics, e-waste, and industrial residues. Anaerobic digestion was the most researched biological recycling method, followed by composting and bioleaching. Microbiology has advanced biological recycling, and further research could expand its practical applicability.

Because of high moisture content, blueberries are susceptible to disease and insect infestation leading to corruption and deterioration, which has serious influence on the shelf life of blueberry fruits. This article summarizes the cause mechanism of postharvest quality deterioration of blueberry fruits and the research progress of blueberry preservation technology at home and abroad, mainly including physical, chemical and biological preservation methods; and emphasizes the application of biological methods in the postharvest preservation of blueberries.

The present study investigated the properties and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesised through a green method using Salvia officinalis. Extracts were obtained from sage at two different temperatures, and these extracts were then used to synthesise silver nanoparticles through a reaction with AgNO₃. The characteristics of resulting silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial effects on foodborne pathogenic bacteria were examined. During the synthesis, the colour of the silver nanoparticle solution changed from yellow to dark brown, and a significant absorbance peak was observed at 360 nm. The sizes of the synthesised silver nanoparticles were found to be 53.77 and 57.08 nm for the two different extraction temperatures, respectively. The nanoparticles exhibited spherical-rod shapes with silver contents of 83.91% and 84.38% and crystal sizes of 37.15 nm and 34.81 nm, corresponding to the two temperatures. The reduction of silver ions involved functional groups like C=C or C=O. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesised silver nanoparticles was evaluated at concentrations of 10 and 25 mg·mL–1 using the paper disc method against several foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Notably, the sage extract displayed antimicrobial efficacy against Salmonella Typhi, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. However, no significant antimicrobial effect was observed against Escherichia coli O157:H7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the in vitro biological responses to reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and looks at how rGO can be synthesized from Rumex vesicarius leaf extract, a more environmentally friendly approach. A range of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques thoroughly describe the environmentally produced rGO. From the XRD spectral data, a clear 2θ increase to 24.25° can be seen, confirming the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) into rGO. Furthermore, FTIR spectra indicate that deoxygenation of GO is indeed successful. Using FESEM, it can be explained how rGO is created through a morphological change in GO, and EDX analysis reveals that there has been an initial decrease from 38% to only 18%. Allowing the biotinylated rGO nanosheets to successfully synthesize Rumex vesicarius, a green reducing agent (i.e., one that acts as an antioxidant), takes advantage of all bioactive compounds in its leaf extract, exerting their individual effects upon it. This bio-reduced rGO also has remarkable antibacterial properties. In particular, it is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This research is directed to the dire urgency for novel, efficient biomaterials in light of highly infectious pathogenic bacterial strains resistant to traditional antibiotics. They note that cells of bio-reduced rGO have the potential as a medical agent to combat antibiotic resistance, stressing the importance of bio-reduction in current time when there is mounting concern about antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to optimize the Green synthesis of AgNPs using various quantities (0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75 ml) of Ruta leaf extracts, the biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using several methods such as UV-Vis spectrum, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), FESEM, EDX analysis, DLS and zeta potential. The examination of the visible and ultraviolet spectra revealed an absorption peak in the region of 405–420 nm. Through the use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the functional groups that were found in the Ruta plant extract were analyzed in order to locate the components that were accountable for reducing the silver nitrate. Through XRD, which occurs in the form of (111) lattice planes in the face-centered cubic (FCC) structure of metallic silver, the biosynthesized AgNPs were a semispherical shape with a nanoscale size ranging between 30–50 nm and moderately stable at −22.53 mV and −25.88 mV. From the results of the tests, it was found from results that the optimum value for the extract volume is (1.5 ml) to show the optimal properties of silver nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Machinery is the property of Food & Machinery Editorial Office 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 China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher 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 Industrial Minerals & Processing / Huagong Kuangwu yu Jiagong is the property of Industrial Minerals & Processing Editorial Office 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 Advances in New & Renewable Energy is the property of Editorial Office of Advances in New & Renewable Energy 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.)

Due to its fundamental position in the aquatic food chain linking primary producers (phytoplankton) to higher trophic levels (fish), zooplankton has a crucial influence on the structure and function of lakes. The scientific literature shows that zooplankton is an effective indicator of eutrophication. However, according to the requirements of the Water Framework Directive, zooplankton is still not included as one of the biological components for assessing the ecological status of lakes. In Poland, the zooplankton-based method (ZIPLAs) has been developed to assess the ecological status of deep stratified lakes. Shallow lakes function differently from deep lakes, and literature data show that the response of zooplankton indices to eutrophication parameters is much weaker than in deep lakes. This paper presents the Zooplankton Index for Shallow Lakes’ Assessment (ZISLA), a new method for assessing ecological status based on zooplankton community structure. The ZISLA includes the body size index of Daphnia cucullata (BSI), the percentage share of high trophy-indicating rotifer species (IHTROT), the number of rotifer species (NROT), and the Margalef index (D). The ZISLA shows a strong, significant correlation with total phosphorus and total nitrogen (Spearman’s coefficient (R = −0.77, R = −0.74; p < 0.0001) and slightly weaker with Secchi disk visibility (R = 0.72; p < 0.0001). The ZISLA index shows a statistically significant good/moderate distinction for all water quality parameters.

Metallurgy is pivotal for societal progress, yet it yields wastewater laden with hazardous compounds. Adhering to stringent environmental mandates, the scientific and industrial sectors are actively researching resilient treatment and disposal solutions for metallurgical effluents. The primary origins of organic pollutants within the metallurgical sector include processes such as coke quenching, steel rolling, solvent extraction, and electroplating. This article provides a detailed analysis of strategies for treating steel industry waste in wastewater treatment. Recent advancements in membrane technologies, adsorption, and various other processes for removing hazardous pollutants from steel industrial wastewater are comprehensively reviewed. The literature review reveals that advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) demonstrate superior effectiveness in eliminating persistent contaminants. However, the major challenges to their industrial-scale implementation are their cost and scalability. Additionally, it was discovered that employing a series of biological reactors instead of single-step biological processes enhances command over microbial communities and operating variables, thus boosting the efficacy of the treatment mechanism (e.g., achieving a chemical oxygen demand (COD) elimination rate of over 90%). This review seeks to conduct an in-depth examination of the current state of treating metallurgical wastewater, with a particular emphasis on strategies for pollutant removal. These pollutants exhibit distinct features influenced by the technologies and workflows unique to their respective processes, including factors such as their composition, physicochemical properties, and concentrations. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for customized treatment and disposal approaches, which are the central focus of this review. In this context, we will explore these methods, highlighting their advantages and characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to compare different approaches and efficacies during the biological production of nanoparticles (NPs). Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are produced by Fusarium oxysporum at two different temperatures. One flask is incubated at 37 °C ("Common") and the other is directly heated for 5 min at 80 °C ("Heat‐treated"). Obtained AuNPs are analyzed and compared by spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF‐AAS) is used to determine the particle concentration after the AuNPs production. The AuNPs prepared by both (the Common and the Heat‐treated) methods exhibit maximum absorption peaks at 541 and 528 nm, respectively, and have round shapes and sizes of less than 50 nm. Their zeta potential is about −28 mV. GF‐AAS shows that the efficiency of AuNP production in Common‐ and Heat‐treated samples is equal, between 65% and 68%. Since the Heat‐treated sample shows a better size distribution, the use of higher temperature and shorter time period is preferable for the bioproduction of AuNPs. It seems that shortening the time for the production of AuNPs prevents the formation of larger NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dangkwisoo-san (DS) is a traditional Korean herbal medicine used to treat traumatic diseases, including pulmonary contusions, traumatic pneumothorax, bruising, and ankle sprain. Quality control (QC) biomarkers for DS can help ensure its safety and efficacy. Although chemical quality assessments are performed to ensure consistent efficacy of DS, the identity and quantity of the compounds contained within a given natural product is a frequent complication. We conducted a literature review to identify biological assays that support the chemical QC of DS. The results of our investigation confirmed that in vitro experiments with aqueous and alcoholic extracts of DS exhibited positive effects on many aspects of treatment. With 80% EtOH extraction, a low concentration of DS (1 μg/ml) significantly diminished the expression of inflammatory factors, such as nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, in the Raw264.7 cell line. MeOH extracts activated NRF2 and antioxidant activities in response to the inflammatory inducer LPS, and water extracts of DS remarkably reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels compared to dexamethasone and cyclosporin treatments. Aqueous extracts of DS at a moderate dose of 125 μg/ml supported bone regeneration, recovered ischemic injury in an eNOS-dependent manner, and prevented metabolic disorders (TRPM7 channel inhibition). Cytokines, NO, and immunoglobulins are potential biological QC biomarkers to assess the anti-inflammation and immune response to DS. Future quality evaluation studies of herbal medicines (herbal prescriptions) should aim to select the mechanism-based in vitro efficacy evaluation methods that can estimate consistent clinical effects.

Introduction and Objective Nowadays, it is necessary to use new methods to resolve the issue of soil erosion instead of traditional methods in order to achieve more accurate knowledge and appropriate planning. The cheapest and most appropriate way to conserve the soil is to use vegetation. Therefore, considering the high costs and adverse environmental effects of mechanical methods compared to biological methods of soil conservation, the present study aims to investigate the effect of planting two varieties of fodder vetch as a biological, economic and environmentally friendly solution to reduce runoff, sediment and improve soil properties.Materials and Methods This research was carried out using standard experimental plots with dimensions of 22 × 1.8 meters and a slope of 9%, so that totally nine experimental plots including three treatments and three replications were applied and executed in the form of a randomized complete block design. The three treatments studied in this experiment included Maragheh vetch, Golshan vetch and native wheat of the study region (control treatment), and the studied vetch varieties were planted simultaneously with wheat cultivation in the fall in two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021. Finally, the mean data of runoff, sedimentation and stability of soil aggregates were compared and statistically analyzed.Results and Discussion In general, the studied fodder plants had a significant effect on reducing the runoff and sediment generated from the experimental plots, which shows the importance and role of these plants for the purposes of soil and water conservation. In particular, Maragheh fodder vetch showed excellent performance in reducing runoff and sediment in the study area, therefore planting the mentioned varieties in order to conserve soil and water is prioritized in the study area. The stability of soil aggregates also did not show any significant difference in the studied treatments during the experimental period. Therefore, it can be concluded that the stability of soil aggregates will not change within two years, and more time is needed to observe the change in this soil characteristic.Conclusion and Suggestions The results of this research revealed the significant effect of using forage plants, especially Maragheh and Golshan forage plants, on reducing runoff and sediment in line with the goals of soil and water protection. The use of fodder legumes compatible with the climatic conditions of each region that have suitable plant characteristics such as a strong and dense root and stem system as well as a suitable canopy in order to conserve soil and water and improving the livelihood of the residents of the region and also carrying out early irrigation and supplementary irrigation is recommended in the important stages of the plant growth under drought and low rainfall conditions. Also, conducting researches that investigate the effect of rainfall intensity, amount of rainfall, soil moisture, soil texture and chemical properties of soil on the effectiveness of dry fodder plants in water and soil conservation, as well as the relationship between different climatic, morphological and hydrological conditions of upstream and the effectiveness of dry land fodder plants in the qualitative and quantitative control of runoff, is suggested.

Ochratoxins are the secondary metabolites of Penicillium and Aspergillus, among which ochratoxin A (OTA) is the most toxic molecule. OTA is widely found in food and agricultural products. Due to its severe nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and teratogenic mutagenesis, it is essential to develop effective, economical, and environmentally friendly methods for OTA decontamination and detoxification. This review mainly summarizes the application of technology in OTA prevention, removal, and detoxification from physical, chemical, and biological aspects, depending on the properties of OTA, and describes the advantages and disadvantages of each method from an objective perspective. Overall, biological methods have the greatest potential to degrade OTA. This review provides some ideas for searching for new strains and degrading enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dangkwisoo-san (DS) is a traditional Korean herbal medicine used to treat traumatic diseases, including pulmonary contusions, traumatic pneumothorax, bruising, and ankle sprain. Quality control (QC) biomarkers for DS can help ensure its safety and efficacy. Although chemical quality assessments are performed to ensure consistent efficacy of DS, the identity and quantity of the compounds contained within a given natural product is a frequent complication. We conducted a literature review to identify biological assays that support the chemical QC of DS. The results of our investigation confirmed that in vitro experiments with aqueous and alcoholic extracts of DS exhibited positive effects on many aspects of treatment. With 80% EtOH extraction, a low concentration of DS (1 μg/ml) significantly diminished the expression of inflammatory factors, such as nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, in the Raw264.7 cell line. MeOH extracts activated NRF2 and antioxidant activities in response to the inflammatory inducer LPS, and water extracts of DS remarkably reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels compared to dexamethasone and cyclosporin treatments. Aqueous extracts of DS at a moderate dose of 125 μg/ml supported bone regeneration, recovered ischemic injury in an eNOS-dependent manner, and prevented metabolic disorders (TRPM7 channel inhibition). Cytokines, NO, and immunoglobulins are potential biological QC biomarkers to assess the anti-inflammation and immune response to DS. Future quality evaluation studies of herbal medicines (herbal prescriptions) should aim to select the mechanism-based in vitro efficacy evaluation methods that can estimate consistent clinical effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camellia oleifera seed meal is a kind of by-product and rich in various nutrients, which can be used as a high-quality unconventional feed ingredient. Tea saponin is the main anti-nutritional component in Camellia oleifera seed meal. Excessive tea saponin could cause hemolysis in livestock and poultry, thus the application of Camellia oleifera seed meal in the feed industry is severely limited. Currently, the detoxification methods of tea saponin include steam explosion, solvent extraction, biological method, and etc. To further expand the application scope and improve the comprehensive utilization value of Camellia oleifera seed meal, the present review summarized the detoxification methods of tea saponin in Camellia oleifera seed meal, the application of Camellia oleifera seed meal in livestock, and the development and utilization of tea saponin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and application of photodegradation synergetic biotechnology in the field of VOCs treatment in the past ten years are reviewed. The advantages of the combined technology are illustrated by comparing it with a single technology，and the interaction between photodegradation and biological system is analyzed. The existing problems and future research directions of photodegradation synergetic biotechnology are pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and the high P fertilizer cost are reasons why it is necessary to find sustainable phosphorus (P) sources for sesame, in which bacteria are potential candidates. The aim of this study was to determine a level of the applied P fertilizer and P-solubilizing rhizosphere bacteria (PSRB) for the maximum growth and yield of sesame. A two-factor experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design. The first factor (i) was the P fertilizer rate, including 0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% P of the recommended fertilizer rate (RFR); the other was (ii) the supplementation of the PSRB, including no supplemented bacteria, a single strain of Enterobacter asburiae ASD-56, ASD-15, or ASD-43, and the mixture of all the three strains, with five replications. The results revealed that fertilizing with 100% P of the RFR enhanced means of the plant height (5.4 cm), the number of capsules (4.4 capsules plant−1), the total P uptake (34.3 mg P pot−1), and the sesame seed yield (16.4 g pot−1) in comparison with the case with no P fertilizer. The supplementation of the E. asburiae ASD-56, ASD-15, and ASD-43 improved values of the soluble P in soil, the total P uptake in plants, and the seed yield at 82.6 mg P kg−1, 73.1 mg P pot−1, and 15.2 g pot−1, respectively, compared with 72.2 mg P kg−1, 45.5 mg P pot−1, and 10.6 g pot−1 in treatment with no supplemented bacteria. Individually or aggregately applying the three E. asburiae ASD-56, ASD-15, and ASD-43 strains not only reduced the average amount of the P fertilizer used by 25–50% P of the RFR but also increased the P uptake in plants by 8.50–36.9% and the average sesame seed yield by 2.94–58.7%, in comparison with those in the treatment fertilized with 100% P of the RFR. The mixture of the PSRB contributed to reducing 50% of the RFR, and increasing the yield by 43.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Brewing is the property of China Brewing Editorial Office 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.)

Nanotechnology explores nanoscale materials that can be used in a wide range of industries such as biotechnology, cosmetics, drug delivery, nanomedicine, and biosensors. Nanoparticles in diverse shapes and sizes can be prepared through physical, chemical, and biological methods. The employment of reducing agents, which will change their form, size range, level of stability, and interaction, is a crucial part thus employing a biological approach is necessary. Chemically generated metal oxide nanoparticles raise considerable issues owing to the usage of hazardous and poisonous chemicals, as well as the potential for conservational impairment. In contrast, the production of silver nanoparticles using the principal method of green synthesis has found a special place in research that is considered more environmentally approachable requiring the use to produce non-toxic nanomaterials. Plants and polymer materials have received a lot of interest in the preparation of nanoparticles since they are renewable and affordable. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of more ecologically friendly synthesis techniques that use plant extracts to make silver nanoparticles and their application as antibacterial agents, as well as toxicity features based on the shape, size range, and phytochemical mechanism of plants.

Watershed management practices (WMP) are widely used in catchments as a measure to reduce soil erosion and sediment-related problems. We used a paired catchment in the Gonbad region of Hamadan province, Iran, to evaluate sediment yield response to watershed management practices (WMP) by employing the concept of sediment connectivity (SC). To do this, the SC index as a representation of sediment yield was firstly simulated for the control catchment that there is no WMP. In the next step, the SC index was simulated for impacted catchment, including some WMP, i.e., seeding, pit-seeding, and exclosure. After assessing the accuracy of the produced SC maps using filed observations and erosion plots, the SC maps using quantile-quantile plot (Q-Q plot) were compared to achieve the role of WMP in reducing the rate of sediment yield. The Q-Q plot showed that there is a strong similarity between the SC of catchments, it can be concluded that the WMP has no significant impact on the reducing rate of the sediment yield in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chill is a limiting factor in commercial production of temperate fruit due to their dormancy mechanism. Thus, knowledge of chill requirements of cultivars is important to reach successful production. This study aimed at evaluating responses given by different pecan cultivars subject to artificial chill. Pecan branches were collected from twelve 9-yearold cultivars – Success, Shoshoni, Farley, Elliott, Mohawk, Jackson, Desirable, Barton, Importada, Shawnee, Choctaw and Melhorada – in two orchards located in Canguçu, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, Brazil, in 2017 and 2018. Treatments consisted in exposing branches to 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 chill hours in a cold chamber (4.0 ± 0.5 °C) and then taking them to the germination chamber (25 ± 0.5 °C and photoperiod of 16 hours of light) until the end of the evaluations. Final budbreak rate (FBR) of every cultivar and the number of days required to reach 50% of budbreak (DD50%) were evaluated. Chill required by cultivars to start budbreak varied in both years under evaluation. Both FBR and DD50 were higher in 2017 than in 2018. Due to high variation in FBR and DD50, chill requirements of pecan cultivars could not be clearly determined by the biological method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxins are the secondary metabolites of Penicillium and Aspergillus, among which ochratoxin A (OTA) is the most toxic molecule. OTA is widely found in food and agricultural products. Due to its severe nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and teratogenic mutagenesis, it is essential to develop effective, economical, and environmentally friendly methods for OTA decontamination and detoxification. This review mainly summarizes the application of technology in OTA prevention, removal, and detoxification from physical, chemical, and biological aspects, depending on the properties of OTA, and describes the advantages and disadvantages of each method from an objective perspective. Overall, biological methods have the greatest potential to degrade OTA. This review provides some ideas for searching for new strains and degrading enzymes.

Nanotechnology is constantly expanding, with nanomaterials being more and more used in common commercial products that define our modern life. Among all types of nanomaterials, nanoparticles (NPs) occupy an important place, considering the great amount that is produced nowadays and the diversity of their applications. Conventional techniques applied to synthesize NPs have some issues that impede them from being appreciated as safe for the environment and health. The alternative to these might be the use of living organisms or biological extracts that can be involved in the green approach synthesis of NPs, a process that is free of harmful chemicals, cost-effective and a low energy consumer. Several factors, including biological reducing agent concentration, initial precursor salt concentration, agitation, reaction time, pH, temperature and light, can influence the characteristics of biologically synthesized NPs. The interdependence between these reaction parameters was not explored, being the main impediment in the implementation of the biological method on an industrial scale. Our aim is to present a brief review that focuses on the current knowledge regarding how the aforementioned factors can control the size and shape of green-synthesized NPs. We also provide an overview of the biomolecules that were found to be suitable for NP synthesis. This work is meant to be a support for researchers who intend to develop new green approaches for the synthesis of NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes the research progress of micro plastic removal technology, including physical method, chemical method, biological method, etc., and compares the removal efficiency, advantages and disadvantages of different treatment methods. The methods with better removal effect include biodegradation method, filtration method and photocatalytic method, and the treatment efficiency of other methods still needs to be improved. At the same time, it prospects the development trend of micro plastic removal technology in the future, such as the research on micro plastic targeting technology, modification of micro plastics and more detailed and unified chemical and physical characterization of plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are highly effective bactericidal drugs that are widely used in human medicine, aquaculture and animal husbandry. Antibiotics enter the aquatic environment through various routes due to low metabolic levels and increased use. Not only are antibiotics inherently toxic, but the spread of potential drug resistance introduced has been identified by the World Health Organization as one of the major threats and risks to global public health security. Therefore, how to efficiently remove antibiotics from water and eliminate the ecological safety hazards caused by antibiotics has been a hot topic in recent years. There are various research methods for decontaminating water with antibiotics. This paper reviews the research and application of various biological, physical, chemical methods and combined processes in antibiotic pollution control. Moreover, this paper describes the degradation mechanism, removal efficiency, influencing factors and technical characteristics of different antibiotics by various methods in detail. Finally, an outlook on future research in antibiotic removal is provided to help promote the development of antibiotic removal technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food industrial wastewater was briefly reviewed, including the development of food industry in China, the source and characteristics of wastewater. Aiming at the treatment of food industrial wastewater, the existing common methods were summarized. Among them, chemical method has a good effect on the treatment of difficult biodegradable pollutants, but it is easy to cause secondary pollution due to chemical reagents and side reactions. Physicochemical method has a good effect but the cost is higher. Biological method can degrade most pollutants with low cost and large treatment capacity. Besides, it has the possibility of energy recovery and utilization, but it also covers a large area. It is expected to provide some references for later researchers in this filed by summarizing and comparing various food industrial wastewater treatment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hydrometallurgy of China is the property of Hydrometallurgy of China Editorial Office 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.)

This paper introduces the physical and chemical characteristics and industrial emission characteristics of CVOC, and summarizes the research results of CVOC treatment technology in recent years from the perspective of chemical method and biological method, focuses on the analysis and research on the characteristics of catalyst selection and toxicity evaluation in catalytic decomposition technology, and discusses the CVOC catalytic decomposition mechanism. Due to the low treatment efficiency of single treatment technology, this paper introduces and discusses the application of CVOC treatment integration technology, and in particular, the coupling technology of microwave photocatalytic oxidation is prospected, and the future development of CVOC treatment technology is put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfa fibers, originating from the alfa plant (Stipa tenacissima), a type of grass within the Poaceae family, are natural materials, Extracted from the plant's stems. These fibers find extensive application across diverse sectors such as composites materials, construction, and automotive industry. Alfa fibers are valued for their mechanical characteristics, including strength and lightweight properties, as well as their affordability and environmentally friendly attributes due to their natural sourcing. These fibers are commonly incorporated into composite materials to bolster structural integrity and enhance performance, especially in terms of tensile strength, rigidity, and longevity. Consequently, alfa fibers significantly contribute to the advancement of innovative and eco-conscious materials. This study is dedicated to optimizing the mechanical properties of Alfa fibers through the implementation of the Taguchi method (L9), which considers three key factors, each associated with three variables: gauge length (20 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm), concentration of NaOH treatment (0.5 %, 2 %, 5 %), and treatment duration (48 h, 24 h, 12 h). Results obtained from tensile stress, Young's modulus, and strain assessments show a range between 461.55 MPa to 862.62 MPa, 9.494 GPa to 27.311 GPa, and 1.69–5.658 %, respectively. Optimal properties were observed with a gauge length of 60 mm, 5 % NaOH concentration, and 24 hours of treatment time. Moreover, this document includes an analysis of the fibers using FTIR spectroscopy and UV–visible spectrometer to evaluate treatment effectiveness, indicating that an increase in NaOH concentration enhances fiber purity. • Natural fiber was produced from alfa fiber. • UV–visible spectra show that fibers at a concentration of 0.5 % in NaOH exhibit the highest absorption at 413 nm. • ATR-FTIR spectra show that there are effects of chemical treatment on the chemical composition of the fibers. • Using the Taguchi method, the alfa fibers exhibit high tensile properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technologies for removing azo dyes from textile wastewater have attracted increasing attention. In this study, a biological method was developed using the halotolerant bacterial consortium DAS, which was isolated from an activated sludge sample. Under optimal conditions (i.e., 40℃, pH 6.0, 15% salinity and 400 mg·L−1 peptone), the degradation rate of Brilliant Crocein (BC) (500 mg·L−1 initial concentration) was 70.67 mg·L−1·h−1, with a removal percentage of 97.43±0.15% after an incubation period of 3 days. Growth-based characterizations showed that the addition of peptone as a cosubstrate facilitated degradation by enhancing metabolic activity and increasing the total bacterial biomass. 16 S rRNA-based gene analysis showed that the addition of peptone did not increase the abundance of degrading functional bacteria in the halotolerant bacterial community DAS. The degradation could be carried out in mediums with high salinity (up to 25%), enabling direct treatment of textile wastewater without the need for the dilution step. This biological method is promising for constructing an efficient and environmentally friendly technology for textile wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • The biological method was efficient under high salinity (up to 25%). • The co-substrate peptone promoted the biodegradation of azo dye. • Adding peptone enhanced metabolic activity and increased total bacterial biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decellularization of natural tissues to produce extracellular matrix is a promising method for three-dimensional scaffolding and for understanding microenvironment of the tissue of interest. Due to the lack of a universal standard protocol for tissue decellularization, recent investigations seek to develop novel methods for whole or partial organ decellularization capable of supporting cell differentiation and implantation towards appropriate tissue regeneration. This review provides a comprehensive and updated perspective on the most recent advances in decellularization strategies for a variety of organs and tissues, highlighting techniques of chemical, physical, biological, enzymatic, or combinative-based methods to remove cellular contents from tissues. In addition, the review presents modernized approaches for improving standard decellularization protocols for numerous organ types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarizes the enhanced biological purification technology using surfactants, fungal microorganisms and optimized bioreactors. This technology has unique advantages in the treatment of hydrophobic and refractory VOCs, and focuses on the research progress of biological purification enhancement technology in the treatment of atmospheric VOCs, pointed out that surfactants have become the focus of current research in strengthening biotechnology because of their good solubilization, low energy consumption, and no secondary pollution. The main problems and future research directions of biological purification enhancement technology are put forward, and the technology is gradually promoted to industrialization and used in conjunction with other treatment technologies according to actual conditions to produce the greatest economic and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Argentinian Horticulture / Horticultura Argentina is the property of Revista Horticultura Argentina 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.)