Search Results (660)

Soil moisture exhibits high spatio-temporal variability that necessitates dense monitoring networks, yet the cost of commercial sensors often limits widespread deployment. Despite the mass production of low-cost capacitive soil moisture sensors driven by IoT applications, significant gaps remain in their robust characterisation and in the availability of open-source, reproducible monitoring systems. This study pursues two primary objectives: (1) to develop an open-source, low-cost, off-grid soil moisture monitoring station (picoSMMS) and (2) to conduct a sensor-unit-specific calibration of a popular low-cost capacitive soil moisture sensor (LCSMS; DFRobot SEN0193) by relating its raw output to bulk static relative dielectric permittivity (${ϵ}_s$), with the additional aim of transferring technological gains from consumer electronics to hydrological monitoring while fostering community-driven improvements. The picoSMMS was built using readily available consumer electronics and programmed in MicroPython. Laboratory calibration followed standardised protocols using reference media spanning permittivities from 1.0 (air) to approximately 80.0 (water) under non-conducting, non-relaxing conditions at 25 ± 1 °C with temperature-dependency characterisation. Models were developed relating the sensor’s output and temperature to ${ϵ}_s$. Within the target permittivity range (2.5–35.5), the LCSMS achieved a mean absolute error of 1.29 ± 1.07, corresponding to an absolute error of 0.02 ± 0.01 in volumetric water content (VWC). Benchmarking revealed that the LCSMS is competitive with the ML2 ThetaProbe, and outperforms the PR2/6 ProfileProbe, but is less accurate than the SMT100. Notably, applying the air–water normalisation procedure to benchmark sensors significantly improved their performance, particularly for the ML2 ThetaProbe and PR2/6 ProfileProbe. A brief field deployment demonstrated the picoSMMS’s ability to closely track co-located HydraProbe sensors. Important limitations include the following: inter-sensor variability assessment was limited by the small sensor ensemble (only two units), and with a larger sample size, the LCSMS may exhibit greater variability, potentially resulting in larger prediction errors; the characterisation was conducted under non-saline conditions and may not apply to peat or high-clay soils; the calibration is best suited for the target permittivity range (2.5–35.5) typical of mineral soils; and the brief field deployment was insufficient for long-term validation. Future work should assess inter-sensor variability across larger sensor populations, characterise the LCSMS under varying salinity, and conduct long-term field validation. Full article

Modern agricultural production faces challenges, caused by soil degradation, declining natural fertility, and a lack of organic matter and productive moisture in the arable layer, which is especially relevant in the context of global climate change and rising prices for fuel and lubricants, mineral fertilizers, and plant protection products. Five tillage systems (moldboard, flat-cut, adaptive, shallow and surface) and three fertilization options (no fertilization, by-product, by product + N₆₅P₆₀K₇₀) were tested. The combination of adaptive cultivation and organic-mineral fertilization resulted in the highest input of crop by-products (up to 1.26 g cm⁻³), elevated humus reserves (69.2 t ha⁻¹ in the 0–40 cm layer), reduced bulk density in the root zone (down to 1.26 g cm⁻³), improved soil moisture conditions, and, consequently, the highest grain yield—4.34 t ha⁻¹, which is 7.4–21.4% higher than in other treatments. The use of adaptive cultivation with differentiation of the depth and type of loosening allowed the humus reserve to be increased to 66.4 t ha⁻¹, the productive moisture in the 0–40 cm layer to reach 86 mm, and ensured an increase in the yield of the grain units to 4.34 t ha⁻¹. The obtained results prove the validity of the efficient integration of the plant biomass on light-textured soils with low physicochemical parameters and humus content as a renewable resource in sustainable agriculture technologies, especially in conditions of climate instability and the rising costs of the resources. Full article

Background/Objectives: Prussian blue (PB) is the agent of choice for internal cesium (Cs) decorporation, yet its performance is critically dependent on gastrointestinal (GI) pH and formulation attributes. Hypochlorhydria, common in patients treated with proton pump inhibitors, may alter the stagewise distribution of Cs binding during GI transit. This study aimed to compare the performance of different PB formulations in sequential in vitro models simulating normogastria and hypochlorhydria: normogastric regimen (NG) and hypochlorhydric regimen (HC). Methods: A static, enzyme-free sequential model was applied using compendial simulated fluids (SGFs pH 1.2 or acetate pH 4.0, SIF pH 6.8, and phosphate buffer pH 7.2). The formulations tested included PB active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) (bulk), compression blend, PB tablets 500 mg (PB tablets), and Radiogardase^®. For each stage, cesium bound (qs, mg/g PB), fractional contributions (fs), and total capture (qtotal) were quantified. Additional analyses included sensitivity to initial Cs concentration (C₀) and desorption in mineralized water. Results: Overall performance was primarily determined by formulation (p < 0.0001), with a significant formulation × regimen interaction. The compression blend and PB tablets exhibited the highest decorporation capacity, PB-API showed intermediate performance, and Radiogardase^® was clearly lower. Under HC, capture was concentrated in the gastric stage (44–47%), whereas in NG, it shifted toward intestinal stages. Desorption in the mineralized water was statistically significant but negligible compared with total capture, supporting the stability of cesium sequestration. Conclusions: Formulation and gastric acidity regimens not only determine the total cesium capture but also redistribute it across the GI tract. PB tablets represent an effective and accessible alternative to Radiogardase^®, maintaining robust decorporation capacity under clinically relevant pH conditions. Full article

Background/Aim: Immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps present thin dentinal walls and open apices, making them highly susceptible to cervical fractures even after apexification. This study aimed to compare stress distribution patterns produced by different coronal base materials following mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apexification using three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods: A CBCT-based model of a maxillary immature incisor was reconstructed and modified to simulate six restorative scenarios: control (sound tooth), MTA + conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC), MTA + resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), MTA + bulk-fill flowable composite, MTA + conventional composite resin, and MTA + flowable composite resin. A 100 N oblique load (45°) was applied, and von Mises stress, displacement, and periodontal ligament strain were analyzed. Inter-model comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests (p < 0.05). Results: All models exhibited maximum stress concentration in the cervical third of the root. Bulk-fill flowable composite and RMGIC generated lower cervical stress and more homogeneous distribution compared with GIC or conventional composite resin. Conventional composite resin produced the highest stress concentration due to its higher stiffness. Derived biomechanical metrics confirmed statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The coronal base material strongly affects the biomechanical behavior of immature incisors restored after MTA apexification. Selecting low-modulus, stress-dissipating materials such as bulk-fill flowable composites or RMGICs may minimize cervical stress and potentially reduce fracture risk. These computational findings warrant validation through in vitro and clinical studies. Full article

The water level fluctuation zone (WLFZ) of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) represents a distinctive ecotone with inverted hydrological regimes, where elevation gradients play a critical role in determining the spatial distribution and stability of soil organic carbon (SOC). The objective of this study was to test whether soil particle size mediates the effects of hydrological fluctuations on SOC dynamics across elevation gradients. In this study, soils from three elevation zones (155–165 m, 165–175 m, and non-flooded zones) were collected, and bulk soil and particle-size fractions (sand, silt, and clay) were incubated for 60 days to assess SOC mineralization. The results indicated that the SOC stock in the main stream was greater at middle elevations (3.94 ± 0.26 kg·m⁻²) than at high elevations (3.20 ± 0.18 kg·m⁻²), whereas the SOC stock in the tributary was greater at high elevations (3.39 ± 0.18 kg·m⁻²). Random forest and linear regression analyses revealed that total nitrogen (TN) and sand contents were the primary factors controlling SOC. Despite its lower SOC content, the sand fraction presented significantly higher turnover rates (102.14 ± 36.13 μg CO₂-C·g⁻¹C·h⁻¹) than the finer fractions, indicating lower carbon stability. These findings suggest that hydrological fluctuations regulate SOC by altering the soil particle-size composition across elevation gradients. Full article

This study investigates the performance of mineral–cement–emulsion (MCE) mixtures produced with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled mineral aggregates for use in road base layers. The aim was to evaluate the mechanical properties, field performance, and key factors influencing the cracking behavior of these sustainable cold-recycled mixtures. Approximately 160 laboratory tests were performed to determine indirect tensile strength (ITS), stiffness modulus (IT-CY), bulk density, and air-void content. The MCE mixture achieved an average ITS of 1.09 MPa and stiffness modulus of 5873 MPa after 28 days of curing, confirming compliance with design requirements. The field investigation of a test section showed good structural integrity and compaction, although several transverse cracks developed during the first year of service. The mechanistic interpretation attributed these cracks to combined cement hydration shrinkage and thermal contraction effects. The results indicate that MCE mixtures made with recycled materials can meet technical specifications while reducing environmental impact, provided that binder proportions and curing conditions are carefully optimized. Full article

The key to proper implant integration in bone replacement is to orchestrate the complex interactions between materials and tissues. Moreover, due to the rapid demographic shift towards aging societies and the increase in elderly and osteoporotic patients, it is of great importance that implant materials are osteointegrative in not only healthy but also compromised bone tissues. Here, titanium (Ti) scaffolds were subjected to shifted laser surface texturing (sLST) using a nanosecond pulsed laser to create an open pore macrotopography with micro-and nano-Ti droplets. In contrast to conventional laser texturing, which leads to high heat accumulation; in sLST, the frequency of laser pulses is low, allowing for resolidification, thereby creating a surface with abundant coverage micro-/nanodroplets. The main objective was to compare the cellular responses of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) on sLST-textured Ti surfaces (LT-Ti) for the first time with standard sand-blasted, acid-etched surfaces (SLA-Ti). In-depth analyses of cell survival, proliferation, shape, mineralization, and gene expression were performed. Cell survival/proliferation was found to be similar on both surfaces; however, SEM imaging revealed differences in hMSC morphology. On LT-Ti, cells adopted well-rounded shapes, whereas on SLA-Ti they assumed more planar shapes. Bulk RNA sequencing performed after short-term culture on both surfaces disclosed expression changes in genes such as DUSP6, TNFSF12-TNFSF13 and SULT1A4. Remarkably, the osteogenic differentiation capacity of hMSCs was significantly enhanced on LT-Ti compared to SLA-Ti. Furthermore, aged/osteoporotic donor cohorts showed significantly enhanced matrix mineralization on LT-Ti. In conclusion, our novel results demonstrate that sLST-Ti surfaces are safe, highly biocompatible, can rescue patient-cohort-specific mineralization behavior, and therefore hold great potential for the development into next-generation implants, which are suitable for both the elderly and bone-compromised populations. Full article

Sustainable construction requires bio-based insulation materials that achieve low thermal conductivity without compromising mechanical performance. Poplar wood, which is locally abundant in France, serves as an effective carbon sink and represents a promising resource. While recent research has explored bulk wood delignification, the characterization of such modified materials remains insufficient for practical implementation. In this work, we report the development of gradient-delignified poplar wood through partial delignification using alcoholysis and sodium chlorite bleaching. This process produced a hybrid structure with delignified outer layers and a lignified core. Microscopic analyses revealed that lignin removal led to cell wall swelling and the formation of nano-scale pores. Compared to native poplar, the modified material showed lower transverse thermal conductivity (0.057 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹), higher specific heat capacity (1.4 kJ·K⁻¹·kg⁻¹ at 20 °C), increased hygroscopicity, and reduced longitudinal compressive strength (15.9 MPa). The retention of the lignified core preserved dimensional stability and load-bearing capacity, thereby overcoming the limitations of complete delignification. In contrast to synthetic foams or mineral wools, these findings demonstrate that partial delignification can produce anisotropic wood-based insulation materials that combine thermal efficiency, mechanical stability, and biodegradability. This work highlights the potential of wood modification nanotechnology to reduce the carbon footprint of building materials. Full article

The rise in atmospheric CO₂ intensified the urgency for carbon capture and storage (CCS), yet uncertainties remain in predicting evolution of reservoir properties under CO₂ injection. This study investigates how CO₂–brine–rock interactions alter porosity and permeability in carbonate and sandstone reservoirs. We quantify pore-scale changes and effects of CO₂-saturated brine on rock. In calcite-rich carbonates, CO₂-induced acidification enhances permeability through selective dissolution. Dolomite-rich samples and sandstones exhibit suppressed permeability response due to slower dissolution and pore clogging. μCT and SEM reveal that although bulk porosity changes are small, local changes—especially formation of micropores and mineral occlusions—substantially influence permeability. Geochemical modeling confirms three-stage evolution: early dissolution, intermediate buffering with onset of precipitation, and long-term mineral trapping with near-steady porosity. The results indicate that early injectivity gains may be temporary and that proactive monitoring and management are required to safeguard long-term storage integrity. The findings provide actionable insight for sustainable CCS design, risk assessment, and reservoir stewardship. Full article

The Mako Belt in the Kédougou-Kéniéba Inlier (eastern Senegal) preserves Paleoproterozoic (2.3–1.9 Ga) mafic and ultramafic rocks that record early crustal growth processes within the southern West African Craton (WAC). Basalt bulk rock compositions preserve primary melt signatures, whereas the associated ultramafic cumulates are variably serpentinized and are better assessed through mineral chemistry. Basalts occur as massive and pillow lavas, with MgO contents of 5.9–9.1 wt.% and flat to slightly LREE-depleted patterns (La/Smₙ = 0.73–0.88). Primitive mantle-normalized diagrams show subduction-related signatures, including enrichment in Ba, Pb, and Rb and depletion in Nb and Ta. Most basalts and all ultramafic rocks display (Nb/La)_PM > 1, consistent with enriched mantle melting in a back-arc setting. Harzburgites and lherzolites have cumulate textures, high Cr and Ni contents, and spinel with chromian cores (Cr# > 0.6) zoned sharply to Cr-rich magnetite rims that overlap basalt spinel compositions. Integration of the petrographic, mineralogical, and whole-rock geochemical data indicates the presence of mafic melts derived from a subduction-modified mantle wedge and likely formed in a back-arc basin above a subducting slab, rather than from a plume or mid-ocean ridge setting. Regional comparisons with other greenstone belts across the WAC suggest that the Mako Belt was part of a broader arc–back-arc system accreted during the Eburnean orogeny (~2.20–2.00 Ga). This study supports the view that modern-style plate tectonics—including subduction and back-arc magmatism—was already active by the Paleoproterozoic, and highlights the Mako Belt as a key archive of early lithospheric evolution in the WAC. Full article

In this study, the effects of composting phase and bulking agent on macronutrient extraction and the chemical, physicochemical, and biological properties of 20 compost teas from poultry waste composting mixtures were evaluated. Phosphorus (P) extraction was more efficient during stabilization after the thermophilic phase; however, water-soluble P declined as composting progressed. K was more amenable to extraction, with yields ranging from 30% to 70%, followed by N (2% to 12%) and P (1% to 7%). Compost tea quality was clearly affected by both the bulking agent and the composting stage. Bulking agents that accelerate the process, such as cotton waste (CW) and Napier grass (NG), contributed to nutrient mineralization, increasing availability in the compost tea but also raising salt contents responsible for phytotoxicity. In contrast, tree trimmings (TT), sawdust (S), and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) showed better results, striking a balance between nutrient availability and salt content. The period between the thermophilic phase and cooling was the most suitable for extraction, providing the greatest contribution of water-soluble nutrients. This study highlights the influence of bulking agents and composting phases on nutrient extraction and phytotoxicity of compost teas and provides new insights into the role of electrical conductivity as a threshold indicator for safe agricultural application. Full article

Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination generates a concentrated brine byproduct rich in dissolved salts and minerals. This study presents an extensive economic and technical analysis of recovering all major ions from SWRO brine, which includes Na, Cl, Mg, Ca, SO₄, K, Br, B, Li, Rb, and Sr in comparison to conventional mining and chemical production of these commodities. Data from recent literature and case studies are compiled to quantify the composition of a typical SWRO brine and the potential yield of valuable products. A life-cycle cost framework is applied, incorporating capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), and total water cost (TWC) impacts. A representative simulation for a large 100,000 m³/day SWRO plant shows that integrated “brine mining” systems could recover on the order of 3.8 million tons of salts per year. At optimistic recovery efficiencies, the gross annual revenue from products (NaCl, Mg(OH)₂/MgO, CaCO₃, KCl, Br₂, Li₂CO₃, etc.) can reach a few hundred million USD. This revenue is comparable to or exceeds the added costs of recovery processes under favorable conditions, potentially offsetting desalination costs by USD 0.5/m³ or more. We compare these projections with the economics of obtaining the same materials through conventional mining and chemical processes worldwide. Major findings indicate that recovery of abundant low-value salts (especially NaCl) can supply bulk revenue to cover processing costs, while extraction of scarce high-value elements (Li, Rb, Sr, etc.) can provide significant additional profit if efficient separation is achieved. The energy requirements and unit costs for brine recovery are analyzed against those of terrestrial or conventional mining; in many cases, brine-derived production is competitive due to avoided raw material extraction and potential use of waste or renewable energy. CAPEX for adding mineral recovery to a desalination plant is significant but can be justified by revenue and by strategic benefits such as reduced brine disposal. Our analysis, drawing on global data and case studies (e.g., projects in Europe and the Middle East), suggests that metals and salts recovery from SWRO brine is technically feasible and, at sufficient scale, economically viable in many regions. We provide detailed comparisons of cost, yield, and market value for each target element, along with empirical models and formulas for profitability. The results offer a roadmap for integrating brine mining into desalination operations and highlight key factors such as commodity prices, scale economies, energy integration, and policy incentives that influence the competitiveness of brine recovery against traditional mining. Full article

Establishing artificial sand-fixing plantations is a key strategy for combating land desertification and enhancing soil carbon sequestration in arid regions. To evaluate the effects of Corethrodendron scoparium (Fisch. & C. A. Mey.) Fisch. & Basiner. plantations on soil carbon storage along the southern edge of the Tengger Desert, a systematic investigation of the 0–100 cm soil profile was conducted, using mobile sand dunes as the control (CK). The study analyzed dynamic changes in soil carbon fractions and their driving factors during the succession of C. scoparium plantations. After 40 years of vegetation restoration, total soil carbon, soil inorganic carbon (SIC), and soil organic carbon (SOC) contents increased by 0.87-, 0.77-, and 1.27-fold, respectively, while the Carbon Pool Management Index improved by 1.40-fold. Following 10 years of restoration, SIC content, as well as the ratios of particulate organic carbon/SOC, inert organic carbon (IOC)/SOC, and heavy-fraction organic carbon/SOC, increased with soil depth. In contrast, SOC content, the absolute amounts of SOC fractions, and the ratios of dissolved organic carbon/SOC, easily oxidizable organic carbon/SOC, light-fraction organic carbon/SOC, and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC)/SOC all showed decreasing trends with depth. Overall, C. scoparium plantations enhanced the contents of both labile and stable SOC fractions. The proportions of IOC and MAOC within SOC rose from 52.21% and 34.19% to 60.96% and 45.51%, respectively, indicating greater stability of the soil carbon pool. Structural equation modeling and redundancy analysis revealed that soil pH, bulk density, and soil water content were significantly negatively correlated with carbon fractions, whereas total nitrogen, vegetation cover, C/N ratio, electrical conductivity, available phosphorus, and alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen were identified as the main drivers of carbon fraction variation. Full article

The awareness of the potential risks associated with the environmental exposition of asbestos is on the rise and has facilitated a new interest in in situ identification and assessment of the hazards of fibrous minerals. The mineralised metacarbonate rocks of the Guelb Moghrein deposit have not been studied regarding the identification and characterisation of fibrous minerals occurrences. Thus, the aim of this study was to collect samples from different lithotypes with visually identifiable fibrous minerals and to examine the geological–structural features pertaining to their mode of occurrence and formation. The mineral fibre components of the rock samples demonstrate that fibrous and asbestiform mineralisation occurred via several modes, including fracture fill, slip-fibre recrystallisation and replacement. The geological diversity of fibrous amphibole mineralisation points to the chemistry of the rocks in this area and open space being the major factors controlling the presence of NOA in this deposit. The variability of NOA due to different fibrous mineral intergrowths is investigated by determining the bulk mineralogical and geochemical properties of the fibrous mineral content of each sample. A novel observation was pointed out in this study, showing the coexistence of fibrous siderite and anthophyllite. The identification of the asbestiform features exhibited by siderite, anthophyllite and talc in the mineralised metacarbonate of the Guelb Moghrein deposit underlines the necessity for further mineralogical research to enhance our understanding of fibrous minerals and how we assess their potential hazards to health. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the technical properties and assess the durability of a novel high-performance concrete with aggregates composed entirely of reactive powders derived from chalcedonite—a mineral previously not utilized in HPC technology. Since there is insufficient information on chalcedonite-based concretes in the scientific literature, the presented research aims to address these knowledge gaps. The characterization of the chalcedonite powder involved the determination of specific gravity, particle size distribution, specific surface area, and particle morphology through microscopic analysis. The hardened chalcedonite-based and reference quartz-based high-performance concretes were subjected to a comprehensive suite of tests to determine their physical properties (bulk density, water absorption, and capillary absorption) and mechanical properties (flexural and compressive strength). Durability was further assessed based on compressive strength criteria, including frost resistance and carbonation resistance. To simulate long-term performance and better evaluate the durability of the high-performance concretes, specimens were tested following standard water curing and after additional maturation processes, including thermal treatment, which in the extreme case resulted in a seven-day compressive strength of 176.9 MPa, a value higher by 56.7 MPa (corresponding to an increase of 47.1%) compared to the strength of the identical concrete not subjected to thermal treatment. To explore the potential for architectural applications, particularly in outdoor environments, capillary absorption testing was of particular importance, as it provided insight into the material’s resistance to eventual pigment leaching from the mineral matrix. Full article