Search Results (293)

The development of sustainable food systems requires the appraisal of novel methods of maintaining soil nutrients and the evaluation of alternative crops and sward systems. Accordingly, this study examined how agricultural hemp responded to an organic fertiliser produced from black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) frass. The results indicate that at equivalent N-rates (approx. 0.16 g N per pot), a commercial BSF frass fertiliser (“HexaFrass”) produced similar increases in shoot growth of monoecious and dioecious hemp seedlings as was achieved with established organic fertilisers (chicken manure; Miracle-gro). In one cultivar, CFX-2, it was shown that positive effects on shoot growth could be achieved at low fertiliser rates (≤4 g per pot), and additional fertiliser dd not induce additional shoot growth. Application of HexaFrass increased the shoot content of P, K, and Mg but not N, an important consideration if hemp straw and foliage are to be used as livestock feed. Insect frass fertilisers can supply hemp seedlings with the nutrients required for accelerated shoot growth, but further work is needed to evaluate different fertiliser regimes (e.g., split application; liquid extracts) and to assess how frass fertilisers affect yield and chemical profiles of hemp seeds. Full article

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) offers a sustainable solution for converting agro-industrial bio-byproducts into high-quality animal protein. This study evaluated two abundant residues from the Santarém region of Portugal, melons and olive pomace, as substrates for larval rearing. Two experimental diets were formulated using these byproducts and compared to a standard Gainesville-based control diet, with all diets adjusted for moisture and protein content. Larval performance was assessed through metrics including individual weight, biomass, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and bioconversion rate. Diets 1 (melon-based) and 2 (melon + 55.2% olive pomace) yielded larval biomass of 1.82 ± 0.17 kg and 1.80 ± 0.11 kg per box, respectively, compared to the control (1.60 ± 0.03 kg). The FCRs were lower in the experimental diets (7.47 ± 0.75 and 7.53 ± 0.49) than in the control (8.42 ± 0.16), and the bioconversion rates were higher (13.48% and 13.31% vs. 11.88%). These results suggest that combining melon and olive pomace improves larval development and conversion efficiency, compared to the literature. This study demonstrates the potential of using local bio-byproducts to enhance insect-based protein production while reducing waste and supporting circular economy practices. Full article

Phosphorus (P) stock scarcity is driving the need to develop alternatives to mineral fertilizers. The growing production of insects for high-protein feed results in significant amounts of residues (frass), which can be used as fertilizers. However, its efficiency as such a basic indicator for promoting the recycling of these residues has been rarely assessed. This work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of frass as a P fertilizer. To this end a study was conducted involving P fractionation of frass from two different species (TM: Tenebrio molitor and BSF: black soldier fly or Hermetia illucens) together with vermicompost and a 48-day pot experiment with lettuce (Lactuca sativa). In both frasses, water-soluble P and organic P accounted for more than 30% and 50% of total P, respectively. These P fractions explained the short- and long-term effects of frasses as P fertilizer, which showed a higher P use efficiency than mineral phosphate and vermicompost, with mineral fertilizer replacement values (MFRVs) of 150 and 180% for BSF and TM frass, respectively. Additionally, frass increased P bioavailability in soils more than superphosphate and boosted C and P cycling, thereby enhancing the soil P availability to plants. Therefore, frasses can be effective alternatives to mineral P fertilizers which also contribute to the enhancement of soil health indicators. Full article

The black soldier fly, BSF (Hermetia illucens) has extensive applications in insect protein production and organic waste conversion, serving as a crucial resource insect. However, large-scale breeding faces challenges such as low adult mating rates, unstable oviposition, and inefficient egg collection, which significantly hinder the industrial application of BSF. In this study, we aimed to enhance the oviposition efficiency of BSF by utilizing the microbes within it. We isolated a strain of Serratia marcescens from the ovaries of the BSF, which can attract BSF to lay eggs by producing dimethyl disulfide. Genome analysis of the bacterium revealed a total length of 5,244,812 bp with a GC content of 59.18%. Based on KEGG database annotations, 5486 genes were identified through genome sequencing. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for enhancing BSF production efficiency and offer insights for further microbial regulation development. Full article

Microbial reduction in hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a well characterized bioremediation strategy, yet the mechanistic diversity among bacterial taxa necessitates detailed investigations into strain-specific pathways. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of Bacillus safensis BSF-4, a halophilic bacterium derived from saline-alkali soil, which demonstrates efficient Cr(VI) reduction capacity. Physiological assays showed that BSF-4 achieved 89.15% reduction of 20 mg/L Cr(VI) within 72 h, with Cr(III) identified as the primary extracellular end product. Resting cell assays and subcellular fractionation analyses confirmed that Cr(VI) reduction predominantly occurs in the extracellular milieu. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) further revealed soluble Cr(III) complexed with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Transcriptomic profiling indicated upregulation of membrane-associated transport systems (facilitating Cr(VI) exclusion) and quorum sensing (QS) pathways (mediating adaptive stress responses). These findings highlight a dual mechanism: (1) extracellular enzymatic reduction mediated by EPS-bound redox proteins, and (2) intracellular detoxification via QS-regulated defense pathways. Collectively, Bacillus safensis BSF-4 exhibits robust Cr(VI) reduction capacity under saline conditions, positioning it as a promising candidate for bioremediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated saline soils and aquatic ecosystems. Full article

The global escalation of organic waste generation, coupled with rising protein demand and environmental pressure, necessitates innovative, circular approaches to resource management. Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly, BSF) has emerged as a leading candidate for integrated waste-to-resource systems. This review examines BSF biological and genomic adaptations underpinning waste conversion efficiency, comparative performance of BSF bioconversion versus traditional treatments, nutritional and functional attributes, techno-economic, regulatory, and safety barriers to industrial scale-up. Peer-reviewed studies were screened for methodological rigor, and data on life cycle traits, conversion metrics, and product compositions were synthesized. BSF larvae achieve high waste reductions, feed-conversion efficiencies and redirect substrate carbon into biomass, yielding net CO₂ emissions as low as 12–17 kg CO₂ eq ton⁻¹, an order of magnitude below composting or vermicomposting. Larval biomass offers protein, lipids (notably lauric acid), micronutrients, chitin, and antimicrobial peptides, with frass serving as a nutrient-rich fertilizer. Pathogen and antibiotic resistance gene loads decrease during bioconversion. Key constraints include substrate heterogeneity, heavy metal accumulation, fragmented regulatory landscapes, and high energy and capital demands. BSF systems demonstrate superior environmental and nutritional performance compared to conventional waste treatments. Harmonized safety standards, feedstock pretreatment, automation, and green extraction methods are critical to overcoming scale-up barriers. Interdisciplinary innovation and policy alignment will enable BSF platforms to realize their full potential within circular bio-economies. Full article

Urbanization has profoundly transformed land surface morphology and amplified thermal environmental modifications, culminating in intensified urban heat island (UHI) phenomena. Local climate zones (LCZs) provide a robust methodological framework for quantifying thermal heterogeneity and dynamics at local scales. Our study investigated the Changsha–Zhuzhou–Xiangtan urban agglomeration (CZXA) as a case study and systematically examined spatiotemporal patterns of LCZs and land surface temperature (LST) from 2002 to 2019, while elucidating mechanisms influencing urban thermal environments and proposing optimized cooling strategies. Key findings demonstrated that through multi-source remote sensing data integration, long-term LCZ classification was achieved with 1,592 training samples, maintaining an overall accuracy exceeding 70%. Landscape pattern analysis revealed that increased fragmentation, configurational complexity, and diversity indices coupled with diminished spatial connectivity significantly elevate LST. Rapid development of the city in the vertical direction also led to an increase in LST. Among seven urban morphological parameters, impervious surface fraction (ISF) and pervious surface fraction (PSF) demonstrated the strongest correlations with LST, showing Pearson coefficients of 0.82 and −0.82, respectively. Pearson coefficients of mean building height (BH), building surface fraction (BSF), and mean street width (SW) also reached 0.50, 0.55, and 0.66. Redundancy analysis (RDA) results revealed that the connectivity and fragmentation degree of LCZ_8 (COHESION8) was the most critical parameter affecting urban thermal environment, explaining 58.5% of LST. Based on these findings and materiality assessment, the regional cooling model of “cooling resistance surface–cooling source–cooling corridor–cooling node” of CZXA was constructed. In the future, particular attention should be paid to the shape and distribution of buildings, especially large, openly arranged buildings with one to three stories, as well as to controlling building height and density. Moreover, tailored protection strategies should be formulated and implemented for cooling sources, corridors, and nodes based on their hierarchical significance within urban thermal regulation systems. These research outcomes offer a robust scientific foundation for evidence-based decision-making in mitigating UHI effects and promoting sustainable urban ecosystem development across urban agglomerations. Full article

Hermetia illucens, the black soldier fly, is a common and widespread fly of the family Stratiomyidae. Its ability to grow on contaminated substrates suggests the production of antimicrobial peptides that enable its survival. This study aimed to verify the impact of direct and indirect infection with Salmonella enteritidis on the expression of defensins and cecropins in Hermetia illucens larvae. In addition to an infection with a microorganism, it was interesting to verify if the expression of peptides and the relative action of hemolymph changed in larvae subjected to mechanical stress by abdominal puncture. The peptide fraction of the hemolymph of infected larvae was tested using antibiogram and minimum inhibitory concentration tests against Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium. Both molecular and microbiological tests were carried out at three different time points, on larvae not subjected to any treatment (T-0), four hours after treatment (T-1), and 24 h after treatment (T-2). The results of the microbiological tests showed the antimicrobial action of the peptide fraction of the hemolymph against both S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis; for the latter one, the action was more marked. Interesting results were also found for larvae subjected only to mechanical stress by puncture. Molecular tests on the expression of defensins and cecropins were in full agreement with those obtained in the microbiological tests, with expression more pronounced in larvae infected directly with Salmonella enteritidis. Temporal and condition-specific regulation of defensins and cecropins highlights the complexity of the immune response and suggests sophisticated mechanisms by which the host fine-tunes antimicrobial peptide expression to enhance pathogen defense while preventing excessive immune activation. Full article

Freshwater resources are scarce in tropical island areas. Treating rainwater to produce drinking water through biological slow filtration (BSF) technology can significantly alleviate the problem of freshwater shortages. The characteristics of the filter material are the key factors determining the decontamination performance of BSF technology. However, most existing studies focus on a single filter material. This study was conducted using volcanic rock and coconut shell activated carbon to compare their pollutant removal characteristics in slightly polluted rainwater during the early stage of BSF operation (from the start of operation to day 6, with the first sampling time being 48 h after operation) and during the stable stage (26 days later) and further explore the influence of their mixing ratio. The results show that in the early stages of operation, the pollutant removal performance of volcanic rock and coconut shell activated carbon is better than that of quartz sand. Among them, coconut shell activated carbon showed average removal rates for NH₃-N, TOC, and Cr(VI) that were 6.72, 8.46, and 19.01 percentage points higher than those of volcanic rock, respectively, but its average turbidity removal rate decreased by 5.00%. The removal effect of the mixed filter material was enhanced through the synergistic adsorption mechanism, but most of the improvements were within the standard deviation range and did not exceed the removal range of the single filter material. When the mixing ratio was 1:3, the average total organic carbon removal rate of the filter material was 71.51 ± 0.64%, approximately 0.96 percentage points higher than that of coconut shell activated carbon (70.55 ± 0.42%). While coconut shell activated carbon showed the best removal effect among all single filter materials, this improvement was still within the standard deviation range. Full article

In the purpose of enhancing solar cell efficiency and sustainability, zinc selenide (ZnSe) and silicon (Si) play indispensable roles, offering a compelling combination of stability and transparency while also highlighting their abundant availability. This study utilizes the SCAPS_1D tool to explore diverse heterojunction setups, aiming to solve the nuanced correlation between key parameters and photovoltaic performance, therefore contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions. Exploring the performance analysis of heterojunction solar cell configurations employing ZnSe and Si elements, various configurations including SnO₂/ZnSe/p_Si/p⁺_Si, SnO₂/CdS/p_Si/p⁺_Si, TiO₂/ZnSe/p_Si/p⁺_Si, and TiO₂/CdS/p_Si/p⁺_Si are investigated, delving into parameters such as back surface field thickness (BSF), doping concentration, operating temperature, absorber layer properties, electron transport layer properties, interface defects, series and shunt resistance. Among these configurations, the SnO₂/ZnSe/p_Si/p⁺_Si configuration with a doping concentration of 10¹⁹ cm⁻³ and a BSF thickness of 2 μm, illustrates a remarkable conversion efficiency of 22.82%, a short circuit current density (J_sc) of 40.33 mA/cm², an open circuit voltage (V_oc) of 0.73 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 77.05%. Its environmentally friendly attributes position it as a promising contender for advanced photovoltaic applications. This work emphasizes the critical role of parameter optimization in propelling solar cell technologies toward heightened efficiency and sustainability. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Black Soldier Fly (BSF) wholemeal on the content of bioactive compounds in broiler chicken breast meat. The experiment involved 45 male Ross 308 broiler chickens randomly assigned to three dietary groups: control diet, control diet supplemented with 5% (HI5), or 10% (HI10) black soldier fly (BSF) wholemeal. The diets were administered for 35 days. The study found that higher levels of BSF wholemeal meal inclusion significantly improved creatine and carnosine levels, with increases of 22% and 26%, respectively, in the HI10 group compared to the control group. In addition, HI supplementation improved the fatty acid profile, significantly increasing the levels of EPA, DHA, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), while reducing the total PUFA and ALA levels. Antioxidant activity, measured using the FRAP and ABTS assays, was also significantly higher in the BSF-fed groups, particularly in the HI10 group. These results suggest that BSF wholemeal flour can improve the functional and nutritional qualities of chicken meat, thereby enhancing its potential as a sustainable ingredient in poultry diets. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable protein sources highlights Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly, BSF) as a promising alternative. However, microbiological safety remains a key concern. This study investigated the microbial diversity of BSF larvae, comparing two processing methods: (1) boiling followed by drying and (2) drying alone. Microbial diversity was assessed via 16S rRNA sequencing, while bacterial loads were quantified using culture-based methods on samples from a French company. A systematic review complemented this analysis by synthesizing the existing knowledge on BSF microbiota. The rearing conditions varied, with substrate pH ranging from 4.1 to 9.0 and ambient temperatures between 24.6 °C and 42.7 °C. Mesophilic bacteria, spores, and lactic acid bacteria reached up to 8.6, 7.7, and 8.5 log CFU/g in the substrates and larvae, while yeasts, molds, and sulfite-reducing bacteria remained below 4.8 log CFU/g. Boiling reduced most loads below detection thresholds, particularly for yeasts, molds, and ASR. Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Cronobacter sp., and coagulase-positive staphylococci were absent, whereas Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli were variably detected. Metabarcoding showed shifts in composition, with Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and Firmicutes (Bacillota and Clostridiota) dominating. Process 1 more effectively reduced the bacterial loads, though Bacillus and Clostridium remained. Campylobacter sp. detection in powders raises food safety concerns. Full article

Background and Objectives: The goal of this study was to introduce a novel device, the iMPACT implant planer, designed to machine (create a complete smooth surface) contaminated implant surfaces intraorally, promoting peri-implant tissue healing and possible re-osseointegration, and the new Quadrant protocol, evaluating them in vitro and clinically. The null hypothesis was that there would be no improvement in the clinical parameters for the implants with peri-implantitis (PI) treated with the new protocol and tool. Materials and Methods: The Quadrant protocol was used in conjunction with the iMPACT tool, which primarily functions to remove biofilm and microbial contaminants from the exposed implant surface, while simultaneously preparing the surface through standardized implantoplasty, thereby enhancing the potential for re-osseointegration. An in vitro analysis was developed, and three medium/long-term cases were presented, detailing the procedures and outcomes. Results: The in vitro assessment showed smooth surfaces after treatment. Different areas presented minimal particles (<1 μm) on the implant surface, with a high content of titanium (Ti) and tungsten (W). In case 1, severe and advanced peri-implantitis around implants #46 and #47 was found. A combination of resective (Quadrant + iMPACT) and regenerative surgery was used for treatment, along with a buccal single flap (BSF). Significant clinical and radiographic improvements were observed at 14 and 43 months postoperatively, including vertical bone gain with re-osseointegration and stable probing depths (PDs). In the second case, a severe PI and prosthesis instability were observed. Resective (Quadrant + iMPACT) and regenerative procedures were applied. At 3 and 12 months postoperatively, clinical and radiographic evaluations demonstrated significant improvements with re-osseointegration, including PDs reduced to 0–1 mm and a vertical bone gain of approximately 6.5 mm. In case 3, mandibular implants from 42 to 47 exhibited inflammation, suppuration, and moderate-to-severe bone loss. Just resective surgery (Quadrant + iMPACT), without grafting, was performed. At 6- and 12-month follow-ups, clinical and radiographic assessments showed the resolution of inflammation, stable bone levels, and healthy peri-implant gingiva. Conclusions: Favorable outcomes were achieved using the iMPACT and Quadrant protocols in the three clinical cases, resulting in re-osseointegration when combined with regenerative procedures. The favorable medium/long-term outcomes achieved, despite the patient’s complex medical history and, at times, inconsistent oral hygiene, underscore the potential efficacy of such interventions. Full article

This study investigates the influence of input values for building energy model parameters on simulation results, with the aim of improving the reliability and sustainability of energy performance assessments. Dynamic simulations were conducted in TRNSYS for three theoretical multi-residential buildings, varying parameters such as referent model dimensions, infiltration rates, envelope thermophysical properties, and interior thermal capacitance. The case study, based in Slovenia, demonstrates that glazing-related parameters, particularly the solar heat gain coefficient (g-value), exert the most significant influence—reducing the g-value from 0.62 to 0.22 decreased simulated heating (q_H,nd) and cooling (q_C,nd) demands by 25% and 95%, respectively. In contrast, referent dimensions for modeled floor area proved least influential. For Building III (BSF = 0.36), dimensional variations altered results by less than ±1%, whereas, for Building I (BSF = 0.62), variations reached up to ±20%. In general, lower shape factors yield more robust energy models that are less sensitive to input deviations. These findings are critical for promoting resource-efficient simulation practices and ensuring that energy modeling contributes effectively to sustainable building design. Understanding which inputs warrant detailed attention supports more targeted and meaningful simulation workflows, enabling more accurate and impactful strategies for building energy efficiency and long-term environmental performance. Full article

The need to find sustainable solutions to conventional plastics has driven research into alternative materials, including bioplastics, which represent a promising option for reducing pollution and enhancing the value of renewable resources. In this study, bioplastics made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and proteins extracted from the larvae of Black Soldier Fly (BSF), an insect capable of converting organic waste into high-value biomass, were produced and characterized. The proteins were obtained by hydrolysis of defatted BSF larvae with superheated water, avoiding harsh chemical reagents. Next, polymer films were fabricated by mixing PVA and hydrolyzed BSF proteins in different proportions and analyzed for morphological, physical-chemical, mechanical and biodegradability characteristics. The results obtained show that as the BSF protein content increases, the films show a reduction in thermal stability and mechanical properties, and also, they exhibit higher biodegradability, correlated with higher wettability, solubility and ability to absorb moisture. This research highlights the value of using organic waste-fed insects as a resource for bioplastic production, offering an alternative to traditional polymers and contributing to the transition to sustainable materials. Full article