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104 pages, 2963 KiB  
Review
Advancing Textile Waste Recycling: Challenges and Opportunities Across Polymer and Non-Polymer Fiber Types
by Mehrdad Seifali Abbas-Abadi, Brecht Tomme, Bahman Goshayeshi, Oleksii Mynko, Yihan Wang, Sangram Roy, Rohit Kumar, Bhargav Baruah, Karen De Clerck, Steven De Meester, Dagmar R. D’hooge and Kevin M. Van Geem
Polymers 2025, 17(5), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17050628 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 2
Abstract
The growing environmental impact of textile waste, fueled by the rapid rise in global fiber production, underscores the urgent need for sustainable end-of-life solutions. This review explores cutting-edge pathways for textile waste management, spotlighting innovations that reduce reliance on incineration and landfilling while [...] Read more.
The growing environmental impact of textile waste, fueled by the rapid rise in global fiber production, underscores the urgent need for sustainable end-of-life solutions. This review explores cutting-edge pathways for textile waste management, spotlighting innovations that reduce reliance on incineration and landfilling while driving material circularity. It highlights advancements in collection, sorting, and pretreatment technologies, as well as both established and emerging recycling methods. Smart collection systems utilizing tags and sensors show great promise in streamlining logistics by automating pick-up routes and transactions. For sorting, automated technologies like near-infrared and hyperspectral imaging lead the way in accurate and scalable fiber separation. Automated disassembly techniques are effective at removing problematic elements, though other pretreatments, such as color and finish removal, still need to be customized for specific waste streams. Mechanical fiber recycling is ideal for textiles with strong mechanical properties but has limitations, particularly with blended fabrics, and cannot be repeated endlessly. Polymer recycling—through melting or dissolving waste polymers—produces higher-quality recycled materials but comes with high energy and solvent demands. Chemical recycling, especially solvolysis and pyrolysis, excels at breaking down synthetic polymers like polyester, with the potential to yield virgin-quality monomers. Meanwhile, biological methods, though still in their infancy, show promise for recycling natural fibers like cotton and wool. When other methods are not viable, gasification can be used to convert waste into synthesis gas. The review concludes that the future of sustainable textile recycling hinges on integrating automated sorting systems and advancing solvent-based and chemical recycling technologies. These innovations, supported by eco-design principles, progressive policies, and industry collaboration, are essential to building a resilient, circular textile economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Circular and Green Polymer Science)
25 pages, 1433 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Multi-Objective Optimization: A Decomposition-Based Approach Using the Whale Optimization Algorithm
by Jorge Ramos-Frutos, Angel Casas-Ordaz, Saúl Zapotecas-Martínez, Diego Oliva, Arturo Valdivia-González, Abel García-Nájera and Marco Pérez-Cisneros
Mathematics 2025, 13(5), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13050767 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 75
Abstract
Optimization techniques aim to identify optimal solutions for a given problem. In single-objective optimization, the best solution corresponds to the one that maximizes or minimizes the objective function. However, when dealing with multi-objective optimization, particularly when the objectives are conflicting, identifying the best [...] Read more.
Optimization techniques aim to identify optimal solutions for a given problem. In single-objective optimization, the best solution corresponds to the one that maximizes or minimizes the objective function. However, when dealing with multi-objective optimization, particularly when the objectives are conflicting, identifying the best solution becomes significantly more complex. In such cases, exact or analytical methods are often impractical, leading to the widespread use of heuristic and metaheuristic approaches to identify optimal or near-optimal solutions. Recent advancements have led to the development of various nature-inspired metaheuristics designed to address these challenges. Among these, the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) has garnered significant attention. An adapted version of the WOA has been proposed to handle multi-objective optimization problems. This work extends the WOA to tackle multi-objective optimization by incorporating a decomposition-based approach with a cooperative mechanism to approximate Pareto-optimal solutions. The multi-objective problem is decomposed into a series of scalarized subproblems, each with a well-defined neighborhood relationship. Comparative experiments with seven state-of-the-art bio-inspired optimization methods demonstrate that the proposed decomposition-based multi-objective WOA consistently outperforms its counterparts in both real-world applications and widely used benchmark test problems.  Full article
44 pages, 22197 KiB  
Review
Research Progress of Concrete Preparation Based on Solid Waste Properties of Coal Gangue
by Liang Cheng, Lin Zhao, Linfeng Cheng, Ye Gao, Hao Guo, Yuxuan Che and Hanghang Fu
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052007 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 77
Abstract
Coal gangue (CG) is one of the most frequent solid wastes in the world, and it poses a severe hazard to both human society and natural ecosystems. In light of the progressive increase in environmental awareness and the unavoidable trend of the requirements [...] Read more.
Coal gangue (CG) is one of the most frequent solid wastes in the world, and it poses a severe hazard to both human society and natural ecosystems. In light of the progressive increase in environmental awareness and the unavoidable trend of the requirements of a sustainable development plan, how to efficiently use these vast quantities of CG has become an important subject in China. Concrete aggregate, which can not only solve environmental pollution but also compensate for the scarcity of natural gravel and sand resources, is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly way to utilize CG resources in accordance with the strategic requirements of green and sustainable development. However, how to deal with the preparation of high-quality gangue aggregate needs to be targeted research; blindly using gangue for concrete may bring some safety hazards. This requires that based on the source, distribution, storage, chemical composition, mineral composition of the gangue and the problems in the utilization process, efforts are made to open up the key routes of gangue concrete utilization, and to provide theoretical guidance for the high-value and environmentally friendly utilization of the CG. This paper summarizes the CG aggregate characteristics and its impact on concrete performance, discusses the technical means to improve the performance of CG aggregate concrete, and analyzes if the current CG aggregate in the concrete application of the problem still exists, with a view to gradually realize the CG of low-energy consumption bulk utilization. The popularization and application of CG aggregate will accelerate the solution of the environmental pollution problem it brings, and can to a certain extent alleviate the current situation in that the supply of natural sand and gravel resources is insufficient to meet the demand; the sustainable development of today’s research on CG aggregate for concrete has important environmental and economic significance. Full article
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28 pages, 4379 KiB  
Article
A New Approach Based on Metaheuristic Optimization Using Chaotic Functional Connectivity Matrices and Fractal Dimension Analysis for AI-Driven Detection of Orthodontic Growth and Development Stage
by Orhan Cicek, Yusuf Bahri Özçelik and Aytaç Altan
Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(3), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9030148 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 150
Abstract
Accurate identification of growth and development stages is critical for orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and post-treatment retention. While hand–wrist radiographs are the traditional gold standard, the associated radiation exposure necessitates alternative imaging methods. Lateral cephalometric radiographs, particularly the maturation stages of the second, [...] Read more.
Accurate identification of growth and development stages is critical for orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and post-treatment retention. While hand–wrist radiographs are the traditional gold standard, the associated radiation exposure necessitates alternative imaging methods. Lateral cephalometric radiographs, particularly the maturation stages of the second, third, and fourth cervical vertebrae (C2, C3, and C4), have emerged as a promising alternative. However, the nonlinear dynamics of these images pose significant challenges for reliable detection. This study presents a novel approach that integrates chaotic functional connectivity (FC) matrices and fractal dimension analysis to address these challenges. The fractal dimensions of C2, C3, and C4 vertebrae were calculated from 945 lateral cephalometric radiographs using three methods: fast Fourier transform (FFT), box counting, and a pre-processed FFT variant. These results were used to construct chaotic FC matrices based on correlations between the calculated fractal dimensions. To effectively model the nonlinear dynamics, chaotic maps were generated, representing a significant advance over traditional methods. Feature selection was performed using a wrapper-based approach combining k-nearest neighbors (kNN) and the Puma optimization algorithm, which efficiently handles the chaotic and computationally complex nature of cervical vertebrae images. This selection minimized the number of features while maintaining high classification performance. The resulting AI-driven model was validated with 10-fold cross-validation and demonstrated high accuracy in identifying growth stages. Our results highlight the effectiveness of integrating chaotic FC matrices and AI in orthodontic practice. The proposed model, with its low computational complexity, successfully handles the nonlinear dynamics in C2, C3, and C4 vertebral images, enabling accurate detection of growth and developmental stages. This work represents a significant step in the detection of growth and development stages and provides a practical and effective solution for future orthodontic diagnosis. Full article
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32 pages, 11978 KiB  
Article
Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Mitigation: The Case Study of Kochi
by Arun Antony Aloscious, Mario Artuso and Sara Torabi Moghadam
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1983; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051983 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 270
Abstract
Flood risks are escalating globally due to unplanned urban expansion and the impacts of climate change, posing significant challenges for urban areas and necessitating effective mitigation strategies. Nature-based solutions (NBSs) have emerged as innovative and sustainable approaches for managing flood risks. The International [...] Read more.
Flood risks are escalating globally due to unplanned urban expansion and the impacts of climate change, posing significant challenges for urban areas and necessitating effective mitigation strategies. Nature-based solutions (NBSs) have emerged as innovative and sustainable approaches for managing flood risks. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines NBSs as actions that conserve, manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems to address societal concerns while benefiting both people and the environment. This research focuses on developing NBS strategies for the most flood-prone area within Kochi, a city highly vulnerable to flooding. The study begins with a comprehensive site examination to identify flood sources and causes in Kochi, aiding in selecting flood vulnerability indicators. An analytical framework incorporating flood risk assessment and exposure studies using physical and social indicators, alongside GIS mapping techniques, revealed that approximately half of Kochi is affected. The study identified key vulnerability hotspots, particularly within the Central Business District (CBD), where high population density and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate flood risks. Proposed NBS interventions include restoring natural floodplains, enhancing canal capacities, creating urban forests, and establishing green infrastructure like permeable pavements and rainwater harvesting systems. Key findings emphasize the effectiveness of integrating NBSs with traditional flood management strategies, forming a mixed flood control system. These interventions mitigate flood risks, improve biodiversity, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance community well-being. Importantly, the research underscores the role of public participation and community-driven maintenance plans in ensuring the sustainability of NBS interventions. Aligning these strategies with Kochi’s Master Plan 2040 ensures coherence with broader urban planning and climate resilience goals. The research anticipates changes in climate, land use patterns, and urban dynamics to inform NBS suitability in Kochi. Ultimately, the research demonstrates how implementing NBSs can deliver a range of socio-environmental benefits, significantly influencing urban development in vulnerable zones. By advocating for the integration of NBSs into urban infrastructure planning, this study offers a blueprint for resilient and sustainable flood management strategies that are applicable to other coastal cities facing similar challenges. Full article
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30 pages, 2870 KiB  
Article
Thermal Expansion of Electrofused MgO-Based Spinel Systems Containing Fe2O3, Al2O3-Fe2O3, Al2O3-Cr2O3-Fe2O3 and Al2O3-NiO-Fe2O3
by Tilo Zienert, Otávio H. Borges, Victor C. Pandolfelli and Christos G. Aneziris
Crystals 2025, 15(3), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15030220 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 57
Abstract
Magnesia-spinel multicomponent materials have been used as refractories for a long time. In addition to a few binary systems, the influence of spinel phases on the thermal expansion (α) of MgO or the resulting compound has not been studied so far. [...] Read more.
Magnesia-spinel multicomponent materials have been used as refractories for a long time. In addition to a few binary systems, the influence of spinel phases on the thermal expansion (α) of MgO or the resulting compound has not been studied so far. As α is critical for refractories in application, this work investigates the thermal expansion of complex MgO-based spinel systems using X-ray diffraction (XRD) in combination with Rietveld refinement in the temperature range between 30 °C and 1200 °C. All studied periclase solid solutions, in contact with spinels of the systems Mg1.01(Al0.23Cr1.64Fe0.13)O4, Fe3O4MgFe2O4, NiFe2O4–NiAl2O4, MgAl2O4–MgFe2O4, Fe3O4–FeAl2O4 and Fe3O4·NiFe2O4·2MgAl2O4 showed α trends below plain MgO, or even decreasing values above 1000 °C. Many spinels showed large negative thermal expansion coefficients. It was found that the structural change in spinels is constrained, leading to a common analytical expression to calculate the lattice parameter of spinels with temperature, which was used to study the nature of the investigated spinels in more detail. The work highlights that Cr-free MgO-spinel systems show similar or even better high-temperature behaviour than commonly used magnesia–chrome aggregates. Full article
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15 pages, 4909 KiB  
Article
Agar/β-Cyclodextrin Composite Cryogels for Controlled Release of Aripiprazole
by Siyka Stoilova, Georgy L. Georgiev, Rositsa Mihaylova, Bistra Kostova and Petar D. Petrov
Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051051 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 95
Abstract
Aripiprazole (ARZ) is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat a variety of mood and psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, autism, and Tourette’s syndrome. Although ARZ offers significant therapeutic benefits, its poor solubility in water requires the development [...] Read more.
Aripiprazole (ARZ) is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat a variety of mood and psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, autism, and Tourette’s syndrome. Although ARZ offers significant therapeutic benefits, its poor solubility in water requires the development of delivery systems aimed at improving the solubility and bioavailability of the drug. In this work, cryogels based on two natural products—agar and β-cyclodextrin (CD)—were developed and evaluated as a drug delivery system for ARZ. The cryogels were prepared by cryogenic treatment of aqueous solutions of agar and the β-CD/ARZ complex, followed by thawing. The main characteristics of the material, including gel fraction yield, swelling degree, pore volume, elastic properties, and morphology were studied in detail. The release of ARZ from composite cryogels was assessed in two media resembling the pH in stomach and intestine. The system exhibited a pH-dependent release of ARZ, with a slower rate in acidic media (pH 1.2) than in the neutral phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). Under in vitro conditions, the amount of released ARZ over 48 h reached 33%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Applications of Natural Polymers and Their Derivatives)
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28 pages, 780 KiB  
Review
Options for Forest Sector Participation in International Carbon Markets: Unlocking the Carbon Market Potential of Australia’s Forest Sector
by Shaun Suitor, David Hadley and Fabiano Ximenes
Land 2025, 14(3), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030473 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
Carbon markets have emerged as a central component of international climate change policies. Within these markets, forest carbon offset projects have become a key nature-based solution due to their low cost, large scale, and co-benefits. However, despite Australia’s vast forest estate, forest sector-specific [...] Read more.
Carbon markets have emerged as a central component of international climate change policies. Within these markets, forest carbon offset projects have become a key nature-based solution due to their low cost, large scale, and co-benefits. However, despite Australia’s vast forest estate, forest sector-specific offsets remain nascent in the Australian Carbon Market, the ACCU Scheme. Only 3.27% of Australian Carbon Credit Units have been issued to forest sector projects. This limited participation can be attributed to several constraints within the ACCU Scheme, principally the limited number of methods available for the forest sector to engage in. As a result, less than 1% of Australia’s current forest estate, both plantation and native forests, is considered eligible to participate in the ACCU Scheme. This limited eligibility is further compounded by the complexity and cost of participation, which act as significant barriers for forest projects within the ACCU Scheme. This paper explores the potential to expand forest sector involvement in the Australian carbon market through a comprehensive literature review of forest sector involvement in international carbon markets. The review found extensive participation by the forest sector in international carbon markets, with various methods available across 20 markets, including the largest voluntary and compliance markets. These methods cover plantation forests, native forests, the bioeconomy, and the built environment. Key results indicate that revising existing methods, developing new ones through the ACCU Scheme’s proponent-led method development process, and increasing participation in international voluntary methods could significantly expand the types of forest sector projects contributing to emissions reductions through carbon markets. Broader conclusions suggest that by embracing lessons from international practises and addressing current methodological constraints, Australia can realise this potential. Doing so would not only bolster the nation’s climate change mitigation efforts, but also unlock the co-benefits of biodiversity, water quality, soil productivity, and ecosystem resilience, ultimately contributing to a sustainable and resilient bioeconomy. Full article
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19 pages, 5083 KiB  
Article
Ecological Restoration and Regeneration Strategies for the Gumi Mountain Mining Area in Wuhan Guided by Nature-Based Solution (NbS) Concepts
by Li Hong, Shuowen Feng, Panru Li and Aoxue Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051913 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 151
Abstract
To remedy ecological damage and soil contamination in mining brownfields, this research focuses on the Gumi Mountain mining area in Wuhan. It proposes restoration strategies based on Nature-based Solutions (NbSs). Besides terrain restoration and soil enhancement, it also involves the redesigning of water [...] Read more.
To remedy ecological damage and soil contamination in mining brownfields, this research focuses on the Gumi Mountain mining area in Wuhan. It proposes restoration strategies based on Nature-based Solutions (NbSs). Besides terrain restoration and soil enhancement, it also involves the redesigning of water systems, hydrological management, and the stratified planting of native species to restore plant communities. As China’s inaugural quartz optical fiber was born here, we need to consider its history when making reclamation strategy for the Optics Valley City. This research took the Pulsed High Magnetic Field Facility (PHMFF) as the prototype to build a model that integrates “mountain, river, forest, farmland and flower” ecosystems. Based on NbS, we divided the brownfield by functions and redesigned the tourist routes. This research offers new methodologies for similar efforts in mine rehabilitation. Full article
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17 pages, 2790 KiB  
Article
Development of Visualization Tools for Sharing Climate Cooling Strategies with Impacted Urban Communities
by Linda Powers Tomasso, Kachina Studer, David Bloniarz, Dillon Escandon and John D. Spengler
Atmosphere 2025, 16(3), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16030258 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 148
Abstract
Intensifying heat from warming climates regularly concentrates in urban areas lacking green infrastructure in the form of green space, vegetation, and ample tree canopy cover. Nature-based interventions in older U.S. city cores can help minimize the urban heat island effect, yet neighborhoods targeted [...] Read more.
Intensifying heat from warming climates regularly concentrates in urban areas lacking green infrastructure in the form of green space, vegetation, and ample tree canopy cover. Nature-based interventions in older U.S. city cores can help minimize the urban heat island effect, yet neighborhoods targeted for cooling interventions may remain outside the decisional processes through which change affects their communities. This translational research seeks to address health disparities originating from the absence of neighborhood-level vegetation in core urban areas, with a focus on tree canopy cover to mitigate human susceptibility to extreme heat exposure. The development of LiDAR-based imagery enables communities to visualize the proposed greening over time and across seasons of actual neighborhood streets, thus becoming an effective communications tool in community-engaged research. These tools serve as an example of how visualization strategies can initiate unbiased discussion of proposed interventions, serve as an educational vehicle around the health impacts of climate change, and invite distributional and participatory equity for residents of low-income, nature-poor neighborhoods. Full article
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36 pages, 9610 KiB  
Article
Multi-Strategy Enhanced Secret Bird Optimization Algorithm for Solving Obstacle Avoidance Path Planning for Mobile Robots
by Libo Xu, Chunhong Yuan and Zuowen Jiang
Mathematics 2025, 13(5), 717; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13050717 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 200
Abstract
Mobile robots play a pivotal role in advancing smart manufacturing technologies. However, existing Obstacle avoidance path Planning (OP) algorithms for mobile robots suffer from low stability and applicability. Therefore, this paper proposes an enhanced Secret Bird Optimization Algorithm (SBOA)-based OP algorithm for mobile [...] Read more.
Mobile robots play a pivotal role in advancing smart manufacturing technologies. However, existing Obstacle avoidance path Planning (OP) algorithms for mobile robots suffer from low stability and applicability. Therefore, this paper proposes an enhanced Secret Bird Optimization Algorithm (SBOA)-based OP algorithm for mobile robots to address these challenges, termed AGMSBOA. Firstly, an adaptive learning strategy is introduced, where individuals enhance the diversity of the algorithm’s population by summarizing relationships among candidates of varying quality, thereby strengthening the algorithm’s ability to locate globally optimal obstacle avoidance path regions. Secondly, a group learning strategy is incorporated by dividing the population into learning and teaching groups, enhancing the algorithm’s exploitation capabilities, improving the accuracy of obstacle avoidance path planning, and reducing actual runtime. Lastly, a multiple population evolution strategy is proposed, which balances the exploration/exploitation phases of the algorithm by analyzing the nature of different individuals, improving the algorithm’s ability to escape suboptimal obstacle avoidance path traps. Subsequently, AGMSBOA was used to solve the OP problem on five maps and two OP problems in real-world environments. The experiments illustrate that AGMSBOA achieves more than 5% performance improvement in path length and a 100–win rate in runtime metrics, as well as faster convergence and stability of the solution. Therefore, AGMSBOA proposed in this paper is an efficient, robust, and robust OP method for mobile robots. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Optimization Algorithms and Its Applications)
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36 pages, 7608 KiB  
Article
Legacy Vegetation and Drainage Features Influence Sediment Dynamics and Tidal Wetland Recovery After Managed Dyke Realignment
by Samantha Crowell, Megan Elliott, Kailey Nichols, Danika van Proosdij, Emma Poirier, Jennie Graham, Tony Bowron and Jeremy Lundholm
Land 2025, 14(3), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030456 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 278
Abstract
Managed dyke realignment (MR) is a nature-based technique that shifts dyke systems farther inland, allowing for restoration of tidal flow and tidal wetland vegetation. While restoration of tidal flow can result in rapid sediment accretion and vegetation recovery, dykelands on the east coast [...] Read more.
Managed dyke realignment (MR) is a nature-based technique that shifts dyke systems farther inland, allowing for restoration of tidal flow and tidal wetland vegetation. While restoration of tidal flow can result in rapid sediment accretion and vegetation recovery, dykelands on the east coast of Canada are often agricultural, with legacy vegetation and ditches present upon initiation of MR. We combined measurements of sediment flux and accretion, digital surface and drainage network models, and vegetation mapping to understand the effects of legacy features on geomorphological evolution and restoration trajectory at a Bay of Fundy MR site. Removal of legacy vegetation and channels in a borrow pit allowed comparison with unaltered areas. Magnitudes of volumetric change from erosion at the channel mouth were similar to gains on the borrow pit, suggesting that channel mouth erosion could represent a significant sediment subsidy for restoring the marsh platform. Pre-existing pasture vegetation is likely to have slowed wetland vegetation establishment, suggesting that mowing prior to MR may speed recovery. Repeated high resolution vertically precise aerial surveys allowed understanding of the effects of elevation and proximity to the drainage network on spatial and temporal variability in marsh surface elevation increase and vegetation recovery. Full article
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18 pages, 4049 KiB  
Article
The Mapping of Global Plastic Pollution Research: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Progress and Thematic Trends
by Jun Yang, Xiaomei Hu and Fenglong Tan
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1859; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051859 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
The rapid increase in human activity over the past few decades has led to the ubiquity of plastic pollution, causing irreversible damage. This affects sustainable development in terms of the land, sea, and atmosphere. However, we currently lack a comprehensive understanding of this [...] Read more.
The rapid increase in human activity over the past few decades has led to the ubiquity of plastic pollution, causing irreversible damage. This affects sustainable development in terms of the land, sea, and atmosphere. However, we currently lack a comprehensive understanding of this issue. Therefore, in this study, based on 7899 relevant articles published in Web of Science and Scopus from 1974 to 2024, we use the R-tool knowledge mapping method to visualize the current status of global plastic pollution research; identify research hotspots and thematic trends; and summarize key elements in the field. We seek to provide governments, policymakers, and scholars with a comprehensive overview that highlights the issues in environmental science, emphasizing its importance and increasing our understanding of this field. This study indicates that significant international exchanges in plastic pollution research are centered in the UK, US, China, and Australia, with a global focus on prevention and control strategies. In addition, the inherent complexity and transboundary nature of plastic waste underscore the need for advanced technological solutions and extensive collaboration. In the future, the Plastic Pollution Research Center will prioritize technological advances and enhanced international cooperation to address the challenges of plastic pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)
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18 pages, 8855 KiB  
Article
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Surface Modification Alleviates the Toxicity of Fe-MOFs to Rice and Improves Iron Absorption
by Yuanbo Li, Yuying Tang, Yanru Ding, Yaping Lyu, Wenhao Su, Muhammad Nadeem, Peng Zhang and Yukui Rui
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(5), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15050336 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 130
Abstract
Iron-based metal–organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) are widely used for agricultural chemical delivery due to their high loading capacity, and they also have the potential to provide essential iron for plant growth. Therefore, they hold significant promise for agricultural applications. Evaluating the plant biotoxicity of [...] Read more.
Iron-based metal–organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) are widely used for agricultural chemical delivery due to their high loading capacity, and they also have the potential to provide essential iron for plant growth. Therefore, they hold significant promise for agricultural applications. Evaluating the plant biotoxicity of Fe-MOFs is crucial for optimizing their use in agriculture. In this study, we used the natural biomacromolecule carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to encapsulate the Fe-MOF NH2-MIL-101 (Fe) (MIL). Through hydroponic experiments, we investigated the biotoxic effects of Fe-MOFs on rice before and after CMC modification. The results show that the accumulation of iron in rice is dependent on the dose and the exposure concentration of Fe-MOFs. CMC modification (MIL@CMC) can reduce the release rate of Fe ions from Fe-MOFs in aqueous solutions with different pH values (5 and 7). Furthermore, MIL@CMC treatment significantly increases the absorption of iron by both the aboveground and root parts of rice. MIL@CMC significantly alleviated the growth inhibition of rice seedlings and increased the aboveground biomass of rice under medium- to high-exposure conditions. Specifically, in rice roots, MIL induced a more intense oxidative stress response, with significant increases in the activities of related antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, and SOD) and MDA content. Our results demonstrated that the encapsulation of NH2-MIL-101(Fe) using CMC effectively alleviated oxidative damage and promoted the uptake and growth of iron in rice. These findings suggest that rational modification can have a positive effect on reducing the potential phytotoxicity of MOFs and improving their biosafety in agricultural applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology)
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23 pages, 7295 KiB  
Article
Navigating Flooding Challenges in Historical Urban Contexts: Integrating Nature-Based Solutions with Spatial Multi-Criteria Assessments in Quanzhou
by Mo Wang, Jiayu Zhao, Jin Su, Rana Muhammad Adnan Ikram and Manling Yang
Land 2025, 14(3), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030452 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 130
Abstract
Urban flooding presents acute challenges in heritage cities, where dense populations and valuable cultural assets coexist. While Nature-Based Solutions (NbSs) have been widely studied, their implementation in heritage cities remains underexplored due to spatial constraints and cultural sensitivities. This study develops a quantitative [...] Read more.
Urban flooding presents acute challenges in heritage cities, where dense populations and valuable cultural assets coexist. While Nature-Based Solutions (NbSs) have been widely studied, their implementation in heritage cities remains underexplored due to spatial constraints and cultural sensitivities. This study develops a quantitative evaluative framework integrating the Spatial Multi-Criteria Evaluation (SMCE) and NbSs to address urban flooding in Quanzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In GIS-based spatial analysis, the framework prioritizes high-risk zones by synthesizing hydrological and socio-economic factors. The analysis reveals that the Surface Runoff Coefficient (SRC) contributes 30% to urban flooding exposure, with high building congestion and elevated PM2.5 levels exacerbating risks by 17% and 16.8%, respectively. Vulnerability mapping underscores the critical role of cultural heritage, accounting for 71.1% of the vulnerability index, and highlights priority townships such as Linjiang, Kaiyuan, and Lizhong, with integrated exposure and vulnerability rates of 11.8%, 10.3%, and 9.5%, respectively. This study proposes four NbS models tailored to heritage urban landscapes, with Solution I—direct surface infiltration—identified as the most applicable, covering 170.9 ha, followed by Solution II—subterranean stormwater infiltration—at 52.3 ha. Despite limited spatial feasibility (1.3–33.5% of township areas), the framework demonstrates significant potential for integrating NbSs with existing grey infrastructure, contributing to flood risk mitigation and broader sustainability goals. The findings provide actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers, offering a replicable methodology for the deployment of NbSs in heritage-rich urban contexts worldwide. By bridging flood risk management with cultural preservation, this work advances the discourse on resilient and sustainable urban planning. Full article
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