Search Results (2,107)

The uncontrolled discharge of synthetic azo dyes such as methyl orange (MO) into water bodies has become a major environmental concern because of their strong chemical stability, limited biodegradability, and harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems. In this study, MgNiFe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized through a co-precipitation route using a molar ratio of (Mg + Ni)/Fe equal to 3, and their adsorption ability toward MO in aqueous media was investigated. The prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The characterization results revealed the successful formation of a hydrotalcite-like layered structure with good crystallinity, a relatively uniform distribution of metallic species, and the incorporation of carbonate anions within the interlayer galleries. In addition, the adsorption performance was evaluated by studying the effects of several operational factors, namely adsorbent dosage, initial pH, and contact time. To better understand the interaction between these parameters and identify the optimum operating conditions, a Box–Behnken response surface design was applied. The results indicate solution pH is the most influential parameter in the adsorption process. Under optimized conditions, a maximum removal efficiency of 86.86% was obtained, corresponding to an adsorption capacity of approximately ~86.86 mg·g⁻¹ (based on 100 mL solution volume). The enhanced adsorption performance may be attributed to the combined effect of the multivalent metal cations (Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Fe³⁺), likely increases the surface positive charge density of the LDH and promotes interactions with anionic dye molecules. These interactions are suggested to involve electrostatic attraction and possible surface adsorption processes. However, in the absence of post-adsorption characterization, the exact adsorption mechanism remains hypothetical. Overall, the results demonstrate the promising potential of MgNiFe LDHs as efficient adsorbent materials for the treatment of dye-contaminated wastewater. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are highly toxic pollutants in marine ecosystems, necessitating efficient remediation. This study synthesized magnesium phthalocyanine (MgPc) and its modified derivatives, magnesium azaphthalocyanine (NMgPc) and methyl-substituted magnesium azaphthalocyanine (MeNMgPc), as visible-light-driven photocatalysts for PAH degradation. To enhance efficiency and recoverability, these photosensitizers were immobilized onto coconut shell activated carbon (AC) via multiple ultrasonic impregnation. Characterizations (UV-Vis, SEM, EDAX, BET) confirmed successful active component deposition; nitrogen substitution and peripheral methyl groups synergistically tuned the electronic structure and suppressed aggregation. Under xenon lamp irradiation, the MeNMgPc/C composite exhibited superior activity, degrading 90.55% of naphthalene. Box-Behnken response surface optimization identified optimal conditions (13.18 g/L dosage, 20 A, 2.28 h), yielding 96.67% experimental removal and adhering to pseudo-first-order kinetics. Mechanistic studies via electron spin resonance identified hydroxyl (•OH) and superoxide radicals (O₂^•−) as primary reactive species. GC-MS analysis elucidated a sequential phenanthrene ring-opening pathway, progressing to ultimate mineralization into CO₂. Consequently, MeNMgPc/C presents a highly efficient, recoverable photocatalytic platform for marine PAH remediation. Full article

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS), the main by-product of mushroom production, is rich in valuable compounds that could be recovered by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and exploited as fat-mimetic functional ingredients in food formulations. In this study, low-fat cookie prototypes were developed by incorporating a dietary fiber extract obtained from SMS using UAE. The extraction process was optimized following a Box–Behnken experimental design, identifying optimal conditions at a specific energy input of 200 J/mL, a particle size of 2 mm, and a solvent-to-solute ratio of 27%, yielding a dietary fiber recovery of 30.82%. The optimized SMS extract exhibited high oil-holding capacity (OHC) (1.39 g/g), emulsion stability (ES) (80%), and foaming capacity (FC) (83.55%). Four cookie formulations were evaluated, among which G1 (50% fat replacement) showed the best balance between consumer acceptability and an improved nutritional profile, characterized by higher protein (8.4 g/100 g), total dietary fiber (TDF) (7.10 g/100 g), and mineral contents. Notably, G1 cookies displayed a significant reduction in predicted glycemic index (pGI), decreasing from 83.84 in the control to 69.65. Overall, these results demonstrate that optimized SMS-derived dietary fiber is an effective functional ingredient for the development of low-fat, high-fiber, and reduced-glycemic cookies, contributing to the valorization of agro-industrial by-products within a circular economy framework. Full article

To address the low mechanization level, high labor intensity, and severe substrate disturbance in intertidal shellfish harvesting, a vibratory harvesting method based on local vibration-induced substrate fluidization was proposed, and a vibratory harvesting device for Mactra veneriformis was developed. Bench and intertidal field tests were conducted to systematically investigate the effects of vibration frequency, vibration pressure, and vibration amplitude on substrate fluidization, clam uplift, and harvesting performance. The single-factor results showed that all three parameters significantly affected the pore water pressure ratio, substrate viscosity, uplift distance, and harvesting rate, with better fluidization obtained at 8 Hz, 30 kPa, and 25 mm. A Box–Behnken response surface design was further used to establish quadratic regression models for these responses, and all models were highly significant with a non-significant lack of fit. The optimized parameter combination was 10 Hz, 35 kPa, and 25 mm, under which the predicted pore water pressure ratio and uplift distance were 101.3% and 97.2 mm, respectively, and the substrate viscosity was 1364 Pa·s. Field tests showed that the pore water pressure ratio remained above 85.3%, viscosity decreased to 1331–2639 Pa·s, shear strength decreased by 57.2–64.9%, and the average uplift distance at 100 mm burial depth reached 80–92 mm. The results indicate that vibratory harvesting can effectively promote substrate fluidization and reduce clam uplift resistance, providing a reference for the development of low-disturbance mechanized harvesting equipment for intertidal shellfish. Full article

A Fe₃O₄/HNTs composite was synthesized, characterized by SEM, TEM, XPS, adsorption–desorption N₂, XRD, FTIR, VSM and Zeta potential, and was used for an ibuprofen adsorption and Fenton oxidation study. The response surface methodology (RSM) and Box–Behnken experimental designs were employed. The effects of pH, contact time, ibuprofen concentration, and Fe₃O₄/HNTs dosage on ibuprofen adsorption were evaluated. Additionally, adsorption isotherms and a kinetic study were performed. The effects of pH, H₂O₂ concentration, and Fe₃O₄/HNTs dosage for IBU removal were also studied. The results of ibuprofen adsorption on Fe₃O₄/HNTs indicate that adsorption was favored at acidic pH. The adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and a Freundlich isotherm. Under mild conditions (pH 7, 298.15 K) with a Fe₃O₄/HNTs dosage of 1.5 g L⁻¹ and 0.5 M H₂O₂, the heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction achieved 99% ibuprofen removal and 60% mineralization. The Fe₃O₄/HNTs catalyst demonstrated high efficiency for aqueous ibuprofen removal under environmentally mild pH and temperature conditions, and it was easily recoverable and reusable. Full article

Yellow onion (Allium cepa L.) outer skins are a high-volume agricultural waste that can be converted into commercially valuable bioproducts using various extraction techniques. This research focused on optimizing a green ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method which allows for the isolation of several phytochemicals valued for their health benefits, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. HPLC/UV analysis of the extracts showed that the main component was quercetin. A one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) design was used to identify the extraction parameters needed in order to maximize the amount of extracted target phytochemicals. The polyphenols, flavonoids and quercetin contents, along with the antioxidant activity of the extracts, were optimized by response surface methodology using a Box–Behnken design. Ultrasound amplitude, ethanol concentration, and time were selected as the most appropriate variables. The final results showed that TPC ranged from 78.16 to 97.16 mg GAE/g DM, TFC ranged from 22.77 to 26.46 mg QE/g DM, while CUPRAC values varied between 145.24 and 163.75 mg TE/g DM. The optimal extraction conditions were determined using a Box–Behnken model as 30% ultrasound amplitude, 53% ethanol concentration, and an extraction time of 13 min. The use of these conditions allowed the TPC, TFC and CUPRAC to show predicted values of 97.8 mg GAE/g DM, 27.2 mg QE/g DM, and 159.8 mg TE/g DM, respectively. These findings indicate that onion skin extracts could represent a green and promising source of antioxidant phytochemicals. Full article

The utilization of plant isolates as dyes in applied fields has gained considerable interest due to growing environmental concerns associated with the toxic synthetic dyes. In the present work, the agro-waste (such as grape leaves) has been valorized as a rich source of flavonoid-based natural dye for sustainable dyeing of woolen yarn. Microwave irradiation was further applied to dye molecules and wool yarn to enhance the dye uptake and process efficiency. Processing parameters for dyeing were optimized using Box–Behnken as a statistical design, and the results of the analysis revealed that the processing parameters, including temperature (80 °C), time (25 min), pH 5, and salt concentration (3 g/100 mL), significantly influence the color strength. The microwave irradiation of both flavonoid-based grape leaf extract and yarns up to 4 min, followed by dyeing, has given improved color yield up to a K/S value of 5.38. Metal mordants and bio-mordants were analyzed to improve dye fixation and sustainability. The pretreatment of yarn with Fe²⁺-salt, post-treatment with Al³⁺-salt, and addition of tannic acid during the dyeing process improved the color strength and dye fixation. Furthermore, the addition of red sumac extract during the dyeing of yarns and the pretreatment of yarn with myrobalan as bio-mordants increased the color depth. The colorfastness rating shows that mordanting has improved color stability and has offered maximum resistance to color fading. It is concluded that agro-waste valorization, statistical modeling coupled with radiation treatment, has not only added value in process optimization but also mordanting in the coloring of yarn with grape leaf extract has valorized the green dyeing. Full article

Coaxial electrospinning technology enables the fabrication of nanofibers with a core-shell structure, thereby facilitating the encapsulation of functional materials. Its efficacy lies in the precise regulation of mass transfer behavior at the sensing interface. However, achieving the controllable preparation of core-shell fiber structures in complex environments and quantitatively predicting their mass transfer kinetics remain challenging. This study aims to establish a predictive framework combining simulation and experiment. Firstly, finite element simulations using COMSOL clarified that increasing the shell thickness or decreasing its effective diffusion coefficient can significantly delay analyte transport. A model incorporating time-varying parameters further revealed the influence of polymer swelling on the initial release kinetics. Using the diffusion of an aqueous KCl solution as a model system, experiments confirmed that increasing the shell solution concentration is an effective processing strategy for enhancing the mass transfer barrier. Based on the Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology (RSM), a quantitative model linking key process parameters to release kinetic parameters was established. Model diagnostics indicated that the regression equation is significant and reliable. Validation experiments demonstrated that the model possesses good predictive capability for the key release kinetic parameters, with prediction errors within an acceptable range. The framework established in this study indicates that active design of the mass transfer behavior of core-shell fibers can be achieved through process control, providing a quantitative predictive tool and methodological reference for the preparation of controllable mass transfer interfaces for sensing applications. Full article

This study addresses a persistent challenge in polymer joining: the laser welding of two incompatible thermoplastics, polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The key innovation lies in modifying HDPE with 3 wt% graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) via material extrusion (MEX), which raises its melting temperature from 136.8 °C to 138.8 °C and increases crystallinity from 46.9% to 51.4%, as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This thermal adjustment brings HDPE closer to PP’s melting behavior, enabling effective laser butt welding using a pulsed CO₂ laser. A Box–Behnken design within response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to model the individual and interactive effects of laser power (30–50 W), welding speed (15–25 mm/s), and pulse frequency (25–35 Hz) on the flexural and impact strength of the welded joints. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that optimal welding conditions—laser power of 49 W, welding speed of 20 mm/s, and pulse frequency of 35 Hz—produce a defect-free interface with complete polymer chain interdiffusion. Under these optimized conditions, the regression models predicted a flexural strength of 69.7 MPa and an impact strength of 21.9 kJ/m². Confirmation experiments yielded 68.2 MPa and 22.6 kJ/m², with relative errors below 4%, validating the predictive capability of the models. This work demonstrates that GNP-mediated thermal property modification, coupled with statistical process optimization, offers a viable pathway for manufacturing high-performance dissimilar polymer joints for lightweight structural applications. Full article

This study aimed to develop a high-value plant-based probiotic beverage via the co-fermentation of Lactobacillus plantarum P8 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis V9 with almond hull homogenate as the fermentation substrate. Single-factor experiments combined with Box–Behnken response surface methodology were adopted to optimize the key fermentation parameters (compound bacteria ratio, inoculation amount, temperature, and fermentation time), with the probiotic proliferation multiple set as the response value. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties, active component contents, and antioxidant-related indicators of the fermented product were systematically determined and analyzed. The results showed that the optimal fermentation conditions were as follows: a P8:V9 ratio of 1:1, an inoculation amount of 0.1%, a fermentation temperature of 28 °C, and a fermentation time of 66 h. Under these optimal conditions, the fermentation effectively induced the transformation of the bound bioactive components in the almond hull, with the free-flavonoid content increasing by 20.40% and the total polyphenol content decreasing by 6.16% in the fermented product, which reflected the dynamic conversion of nutrient components during the fermentation process. Meanwhile, the antioxidant capacity of the almond hull fermented product was significantly improved compared with the unfermented control. This study confirms the feasibility of almond hull as a suitable matrix for probiotic fermentation, and the findings provide a scientific basis for the development of plant-based synbiotic products and the high-value resource utilization of almond hull as an agricultural by-product. Full article

To address soil degradation and pest accumulation in facility agriculture, this study developed an in situ soil-turning plow for deep soil inversion under spatially constrained greenhouse conditions. A reference plow surface was obtained by reverse engineering, and the final in situ plow surface was reconstructed using plow-body forming theory and a constrained soil-turning trajectory. Soil contact parameters were calibrated in EDEM using the measured soil moisture content and angle of repose. An in situ furrow soil retention rate was proposed to evaluate the proportion of disturbed soil remaining within or returning to the original furrow region. Plackett–Burman screening identified plowing width, plow-body installation angle, and soil-cutting angle as the main factors affecting the retention rate. Box–Behnken optimization yielded optimal values of 278.392 mm, 40.522°, and 23.211°, respectively, with a predicted retention rate of 81.166%. Physical validation showed a 3.13% relative error between predicted and measured values. The optimized plow provides a design reference for compact deep-tillage machinery in greenhouses where lateral soil displacement must be minimized. Full article

Soil salinization is a significant environmental factor limiting agricultural production. Developing salt–alkali-tolerant microbial resources is important for the improvement of saline–alkali land. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria stimulate crop growth by producing the plant growth hormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), but their fermentation process under salt stress still needs optimization. Single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to systematically optimize the fermentation conditions of the salt–alkali-tolerant Vreelandella titanicae J113. Key influencing factors were screened using the single-factor experiment design, and optimal process parameters were determined using the Box–Behnken design. IAA production and cell biomass were used as evaluation indicators to study the interactions of carbon sources, nitrogen sources, inorganic salts, temperature, cultivation time, and inoculum size. The optimal fermentation process was obtained: starch concentration 17.5 g/L, NaCl concentration 32.5 g/L, yeast extract 5 g/L, cultivation temperature 30 °C, inoculum size 3%, and cultivation time 144 h. After optimization, IAA production reached 23.02 μg/mL, an increase of 115% compared with before optimization. Salt stress experiments showed that the strain could still maintain high IAA production under 3% NaCl, demonstrating good salt tolerance. Maize seed germination experiments demonstrated that the optimized fermentation broth significantly promoted seed germination and seedling growth under salt stress conditions, with root length, fibrous root number, and fresh weight increasing by 61–86%, 137–200%, and 25–57%, respectively, compared to the control group. This study established an efficient IAA fermentation process for the salt–alkali-tolerant Vreelandella titanicae J113, providing technical support for developing microbial plant growth regulators suitable for saline–alkali land. The optimized strain exhibits excellent growth-promoting potential under salt stress conditions, offering favorable application prospects. Full article

To address underground shotcrete support scenarios with potential radiation-protection requirements, a bismuth oxide/clay functional filler was incorporated into a baseline shotcrete formulation. Functional filler dosage, calcium formate dosage, and PCE dosage were selected as variables, and Box–Behnken response surface methodology was used to establish quadratic regression models for 28 d compressive strength, fluidity, and bond strength. Representative optimized mixtures were further evaluated by MCNP5 simulation, gamma-ray air-kerma attenuation tests, and SEM. The models showed good fitting and predictive performance within the investigated design space. Functional filler dosage mainly controlled compressive strength and bond strength, whereas PCE dosage dominated fluidity. Under the constraints of compressive strength ≥ 25 MPa, fluidity of 160–170 mm, and bond strength ≥ 0.8 MPa, three representative mixtures were selected for shielding-, strength-, and interface-priority strategies. Simulated and measured results showed consistent shielding-performance rankings, and the optimized mixtures exhibited higher gamma-ray attenuation than the blank mixture. BBD26 achieved the highest shielding performance, with measured shielding rates of 65.51% and 51.54% at 661.7 keV and 1.25 MeV, respectively. Thickness-gradient tests indicated exponential attenuation, while SEM revealed differences in Bi-bearing particle distribution and matrix continuity. Full article

This study investigates the extraction of perilla seed oil using an ultrasound–ethanol pretreatment combined with aqueous enzymatic extraction (UEAEE). By comparing different pretreatment groups, it was found that the combination of ultrasound and ethanol pretreatment yielded the highest oil extraction efficiency from perilla seeds. Meanwhile, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis further revealed pronounced structural disruption in seeds subjected to ultrasound–ethanol pretreatment, including extensive cellular collapse and the formation of numerous irregular pores and fissures, which facilitated subsequent oil release. The parameters of aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE) were optimized using a Box–Behnken design. The optimal conditions were determined to be a hydrolysis time of 5 h, a reaction temperature of 52 °C, an enzyme concentration of 5%, and a liquid-to-material ratio of 9.5:1 (mL/g). Compared with oils obtained by pressing extraction (PE) and Soxhlet extraction (SE), UEAEE-derived oil exhibited a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, along with lower peroxide and Acid value (AV), indicating superior quality and a reduced susceptibility to rancidity. Moreover, UEAEE oil retained markedly higher levels of micronutrients (carotenoids: 1.23 mg/kg; total flavonoids: 1.04 mg/g; total phenols: 2.79 mg/g) and demonstrated stronger antioxidant activity (DPPH: 80.60%). Overall, these results demonstrate that UEAEE is an efficient and environmentally friendly extraction method that supports the high-value utilization of perilla seed oil and aligns with modern green processing principles. Full article

Selenium (Se) biofortification is considered an effective approach to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of fungal polysaccharides. In this study, Pleurotus geesteranus was biofortified with different Se sources including sodium selenite [Se(IV)], sodium selenate [Se(VI)], potassium 2-selenocyanatoacetate (PSeCA), and selenium ore powder (SeOP) to obtain Se-enriched polysaccharides by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). UAE parameters were optimized via a Box–Behnken design; the optimized UAE model exhibited high predictability (R² = 0.9886, CV = 1.71%), enabling reliable scale-up for industrial extraction, with the PSeCA group achieving the highest polysaccharide content (75.12 mg/g) and Se level (13.85 mg/kg) compared to the control and other Se-fortified groups. The monosaccharide composition analysis on polysaccharides revealed that Se(IV) and Se(VI) primarily increased mannose and fructose contents, whereas PSeCA and SeOP exhibited characteristic glucose-dominant profiles. Furthermore, the molecular weight (Mw) distribution of fungal polysaccharides could be altered under biofortification conditions. In addition, polysaccharides of each group revealed different antioxidant bioactivities among tested free radicals. The result indicated that PSeCA as an organic Se source, rarely studied, has promising potential in P. geesteranus biofortification for obtaining antioxidant Se-polysaccharides. Full article