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Keywords = circularization

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15 pages, 6661 KiB  
Article
The Development of a Novel Aluminosilicate Catalyst Fabricated via a 3D Printing Mold for Biodiesel Production at Room Temperature
by Selene Díaz-González, Karina Elvira Rodríguez and Laura Díaz
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031094 - 22 Jan 2025
Abstract
Biodiesel production has gained attention as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, but challenges related to catalyst recovery and energy consumption remain. In this study, a novel lithium-impregnated aluminosilicate catalyst (LiSA) was developed using a 3D-printed mold, providing precise control over its structure [...] Read more.
Biodiesel production has gained attention as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, but challenges related to catalyst recovery and energy consumption remain. In this study, a novel lithium-impregnated aluminosilicate catalyst (LiSA) was developed using a 3D-printed mold, providing precise control over its structure to optimize performance. The structured catalyst featured a cylindrical shape with multiple circular channels, enhancing fluid dynamics and reactant interaction in a fixed-bed reactor. Catalyst characterization by SEM, TGA, XRD, and ICP-MS confirmed high thermal stability and uniform pore distribution. Jatropha curcas oil was used as feedstock, with diethyl ether (DEE) acting as a cosolvent to improve methanol solubility and enable transesterification at room temperature. The process achieved a high fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield, averaging 97.1% over 508 min of continuous operation, demonstrating the catalyst’s stability and sustained activity. By reducing mass transfer limitations and energy demands, this approach highlights the potential of 3D-printed catalysts to advance sustainable biodiesel production, offering a scalable and efficient pathway for green energy technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Chemical Engineering and Organic Chemical Technology)
16 pages, 13626 KiB  
Article
Metabolomic Insights into the Potential of Chestnut Biochar as a Functional Feed Ingredient
by Serena Reggi, Sara Frazzini, Simone Pedrazzi, Martina Ghidoli, Maria Claudia Torresani, Marco Puglia, Nicolò Morselli, Marianna Guagliano, Cinzia Cristiani, Salvatore Roberto Pilu, Elisabetta Onelli, Alessandra Moscatelli and Luciana Rossi
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031084 - 22 Jan 2025
Abstract
Biochar is potentially a functional ingredient in animal nutrition that offers health benefits such as detoxification, while also promoting environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration, emission reduction, and its circular production. However, the heterogeneity of commercially available biochar products requires a detailed assessment of [...] Read more.
Biochar is potentially a functional ingredient in animal nutrition that offers health benefits such as detoxification, while also promoting environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration, emission reduction, and its circular production. However, the heterogeneity of commercially available biochar products requires a detailed assessment of their functional properties for applications in animal feed. This study evaluates chestnut biochar from morphological, chemical, and metabolomic perspectives and assesses its functional properties. Metabolomic analysis of a water extract using QTOF HPLC-MS/MS confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, such as hydroxybenzoic and succinic acids, highlighting its potential as a functional feed ingredient. The chestnut biochar inhibited the growth of the pathogenic E. coli strains F18+ and F4+, with maximum inhibition rates of 15.8% and 28.6%, respectively, after three hours of incubation. The downregulation of genes associated with quorum sensing (MotA, FliA, FtsE, and HflX, involved in biofilm formation and cellular division) suggests that biochar interferes with several aspects of the pathogenic process. Importantly, biochar was not found to adversely affect beneficial probiotic bacteria, such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Limosilactobacillus reuteri. These findings support the potential of chestnut biochar as a versatile ingredient for sustainable animal nutrition, thus promoting animal welfare while offering environmental benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction of Functional Ingredients and Their Application)
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24 pages, 8596 KiB  
Article
Stress Concentration Factors of CHS-to-CFRHS Y-Joints Under Axial Tension Loading
by Yisheng Fu and Kuan Diao
Buildings 2025, 15(3), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15030331 - 22 Jan 2025
Abstract
A CHS-to-CFRHS Y-joint that consists of a circular hollow section (CHS) brace and a concrete-filled rectangular hollow section (CFRHS) chord by welding has a simple and smooth weld profile that saves time and cost for the fabrication of CHS-to-CFRHS Y-joints and leads to [...] Read more.
A CHS-to-CFRHS Y-joint that consists of a circular hollow section (CHS) brace and a concrete-filled rectangular hollow section (CFRHS) chord by welding has a simple and smooth weld profile that saves time and cost for the fabrication of CHS-to-CFRHS Y-joints and leads to a superior fatigue performance, compared with other welded tubular joints. This investigation presented an analysis of the stress concentration factors (SCFs) of CHS-to-CFRHS Y-joints subjected to axial tension loading of the brace. First, a finite element (FE) modelling method, which was validated with the experimental results cited in the reference, was utilised to establish the FE models of CHS-to-CFRHS Y-joints. Then, a parametric analysis was conducted to investigate the influences of the significant non-dimensional geometric parameters on the SCFs of CHS-to-CFRHS Y-joints. It is found that the intersection angle of the brace and chord has an important influence on the magnitudes of the SCF values. An increase in the intersection angle of the brace and chord will increase the values of the SCFs at the 60° location and saddle. The values of the SCFs at the 60° location and saddle reach the maximum value when the intersection angle of the brace and chord reaches 90°. Furthermore, on the basis of the large database of the SCF results, empirical design equations were established to calculate the SCFs at the crown toe, 60° location and saddle via multiple regression analysis. A safety factor was applied to the empirical design equations to ensure safe and reliable results of SCF calculations for the fatigue design of CHS-to-CFRHS Y-joints in a composite truss structure. Ultimately, a comparative analysis of SCFs was conducted with the FE models of welded tubular joints with rectangular hollow section (RHS) chords and CFRHS chords. The results reveal that infilling concrete in the chord leads to a reduction in SCFs along the weld profile of more than 11% on average, and the peak SCF decreases by more than 15%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Steel and Composite Structures)
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23 pages, 30948 KiB  
Article
Adapting the Formula for Planar Spiral Inductors’ Inductance Computation to the New Oval Geometric Shape, Ideal for Designing Wireless Power Transfer Systems for Smart Devices
by Claudia Pacurar, Vasile Topa, Claudia Constantinescu, Calin Munteanu, Marian Gliga, Sergiu Andreica and Adina Giurgiuman
Mathematics 2025, 13(3), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13030348 - 22 Jan 2025
Abstract
The most used spiral inductors, in the available scientific literature and in our research activities, so far, have been those with square, hexagonal, octagonal, and circular geometric shapes. Geometry plays an important role in the efficiency of these inductors when used in wireless [...] Read more.
The most used spiral inductors, in the available scientific literature and in our research activities, so far, have been those with square, hexagonal, octagonal, and circular geometric shapes. Geometry plays an important role in the efficiency of these inductors when used in wireless power transfer. In this article, a new geometric shape is designed by combining the square and the circle to create an oval shape of a planar spiral inductor. Inductors with this new shape are designed, numerically modelled, and practically constructed for experimental testing. The formula for inductance computation for planar spiral inductors is adapted for this new oval shape. New geometric coefficients, required for inductance computation formula, have been determined. The new formula for inductance computation is validated both analytically, by comparing the results with those from numerical modelling, and experimentally, by comparing with measurements, for a wide range of oval spiral inductors. Five sets of different oval spiral inductors are optimally designed, numerically modelled, practically constructed, and experimentally tested. By designing this new shape for planar spiral inductors, the inductance is increased 2.16 times compared to square, 1.84 times compared to hexagonal, 2.12 times compared to octagonal, and 2.52 times compared to circular shapes. The new oval spiral inductor design will be very useful for constructing wireless power transfer systems for pacemakers, smartphones, smartwatches, and/or any other type of smart device. Full article
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28 pages, 5609 KiB  
Review
A Microbial-Centric View of Mobile Phones: Enhancing the Technological Feasibility of Biotechnological Recovery of Critical Metals
by Chiara Magrini, Francesca Verga, Ilaria Bassani, Candido Fabrizio Pirri and Annalisa Abdel Azim
Bioengineering 2025, 12(2), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12020101 - 22 Jan 2025
Abstract
End-of-life (EoL) mobile phones represent a valuable reservoir of critical raw materials at higher concentrations compared to primary ores. This review emphasizes the critical need to transition from single-material recovery approaches to comprehensive, holistic strategies for recycling EoL mobile phones. In response to [...] Read more.
End-of-life (EoL) mobile phones represent a valuable reservoir of critical raw materials at higher concentrations compared to primary ores. This review emphasizes the critical need to transition from single-material recovery approaches to comprehensive, holistic strategies for recycling EoL mobile phones. In response to the call for sustainable techniques with reduced energy consumption and pollutant emissions, biohydrometallurgy emerges as a promising solution. The present work intends to review the most relevant studies focusing on the exploitation of microbial consortia in bioleaching and biorecovery processes. All living organisms need macro- and micronutrients for their metabolic functionalities, including some of the elements contained in mobile phones. By exploring the interactions between microbial communities and the diverse elements found in mobile phones, this paper establishes a microbial-centric perspective by connecting each element of each layer to their role in the microbial cell system. A special focus is dedicated to the concepts of ecodesign and modularity as key requirements in electronics to potentially increase selectivity of microbial consortia in the bioleaching process. By bridging microbial science with sustainable design, this review proposes an innovative roadmap to optimize metal recovery, aligning with the principles of the circular economy and advancing scalable biotechnological solutions for electronic waste management. Full article
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24 pages, 4169 KiB  
Article
Open-Set Automatic Modulation Recognition Based on Circular Prototype Learning and Denoising Diffusion Model
by Huiying Niu, Xun Xie, Xiaojing Cheng and Jing Bai
Electronics 2025, 14(3), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14030430 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 23
Abstract
Automatic modulation recognition (AMR) technology is a critical component of modern communication systems. However, conventional AMR methods based on the closed-set assumption struggle to detect unknown classes that may appear during testing. To address this limitation, this paper proposes an open-set automatic modulation [...] Read more.
Automatic modulation recognition (AMR) technology is a critical component of modern communication systems. However, conventional AMR methods based on the closed-set assumption struggle to detect unknown classes that may appear during testing. To address this limitation, this paper proposes an open-set automatic modulation recognition (OSAMR) framework, termed CPLDiff, that integrates circular prototype learning (CPL) with a denoising diffusion model (DDM) to detect unknown classes. The core idea of CPLDiff is to jointly leverage the class-level and instance-level information of the training samples. To achieve this, CPL is used to extract class-level information, while the diffusion model is employed to extract instance-level information. (1) Circular Prototype Learning: Prototype vectors are pre-optimized and fixed, and a bias radius is introduced to expand the feasible encoding space. (2) Denoising Diffusion Model: Noise is added to the sample, and the DDM is used to remove this noise. The probability of a sample belonging to a known class is proportional to the extent of noise removal. (3) Final Integration: The outputs of the CPL and the DDM are combined to perform OSAMR. We conducted comparative experiments and evaluated the proposed method using diverse metrics to ensure a comprehensive assessment of its effectiveness. The experimental results demonstrate that the CPLDiff method significantly improves the detection capability for unknown classes compared to state-of-the-art methods. Full article
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22 pages, 6884 KiB  
Article
Challenges in the Design for Disassembly of Light Timber Framing Panelized Components
by Valentina Torres, Guillermo Íñiguez-González, Pierre Blanchet and Baptiste Giorgio
Buildings 2025, 15(3), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15030321 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 78
Abstract
The construction sector generates more than one-third of global waste. Although there is a consensus on the need to reduce it, empirical research evaluating current systems to develop circular solutions remains limited. Using a full-scale model, this article evaluates the disassemblability of the [...] Read more.
The construction sector generates more than one-third of global waste. Although there is a consensus on the need to reduce it, empirical research evaluating current systems to develop circular solutions remains limited. Using a full-scale model, this article evaluates the disassemblability of the corner joint between two prefabricated lightweight timber-framed walls, a system widely adopted in residential construction in North America. The analysis deconstructed the disassembly actions, identified their level of difficulty, and classified the recovered materials into three categories: reusable, recyclable, and waste. The results reveal that the lack of design criteria for disassembly significantly limits the system’s circularity, as it prioritizes assembly speed and energy performance. The predominant use of nails as fasteners complicates the separation of layers, damages materials, and restricts their reuse. This highlights the urgent need to redesign construction solutions that enable efficient disassembly, promote component recovery, and extend their time in circulation. This study establishes a foundation for the evolution of lightweight timber-framed panel design toward systems more aligned with circularity principles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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21 pages, 7669 KiB  
Review
Material Sustainability of Low-Energy Housing Electric Components: A Systematic Literature Review and Outlook
by Francisco A. Carrasco and Johanna F. May
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030852 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 117
Abstract
As part of the energy transition, near-Zero-Energy-Buildings use electric systems that reduce emissions and consumption. Nevertheless, the increased use of such systems comes with the E-waste challenge. Circular Economy concepts try to make more efficient use of these materials, but sustainable evaluations mainly [...] Read more.
As part of the energy transition, near-Zero-Energy-Buildings use electric systems that reduce emissions and consumption. Nevertheless, the increased use of such systems comes with the E-waste challenge. Circular Economy concepts try to make more efficient use of these materials, but sustainable evaluations mainly focus on energy and emissions. The developed automated text analysis tool quantifies the appearance of circularity concepts in open-access literature about different stages of production, use, and end-of-life for heat pumps, Lithium-Ion batteries, photovoltaic modules, and inverters. The energy focus is corroborated in different amounts depending on the component and stage, and when circularity concepts appear, they are centred on waste and recycling. Numerical variables to model environmental impact available in open-access literature are limited, generalised, or present in a wide range. Access to product environmental specifications should be encouraged to ensure that energy transition is sustainable in all its dimensions. Full article
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29 pages, 4030 KiB  
Review
Green Recycled Aggregate in Concrete: Feasibility Study
by Magdalena Bardan and Lech Czarnecki
Materials 2025, 18(3), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030488 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 102
Abstract
With increasing concrete production, CO2 emissions rise, and natural resources deplete, creating a need for new material solutions. This article analyzes the feasibility of using green materials, like recycled aggregate (RA) from construction and demolition waste (CDW) to be incorporated into concrete [...] Read more.
With increasing concrete production, CO2 emissions rise, and natural resources deplete, creating a need for new material solutions. This article analyzes the feasibility of using green materials, like recycled aggregate (RA) from construction and demolition waste (CDW) to be incorporated into concrete (RAC). The objective of this paper is to determine that the use of RA ensures receiving sustainable concrete in comparison with NA and LA. The sustainability assessment was conducted based on an analysis of the life cycle in terms of the environmental, economic, and public perception aspects. Additionally, the analysis was extended to include two newly introduced indicators: quality of aggregates and concrete performance. A proprietary scoring method based on ideal aggregate characteristics was used, which was enhanced by innovative multidimensional analysis, with credits assigned based on a literature review conducted using artificial intelligence (AI) statistical tools to partially assist in the selection of items. The results could even show that RA outperformed natural aggregates (NA) and artificial (light) aggregates (LA) in the environmental (over 80% of the results) results as well as the economic (over 65%) and public perception categories (over 80%). However, RA ranked second behind NA in terms of quality aggregates and concrete performance, with LA scoring lowest. The results highlight RAC as a satisfactory sustainable option compared with NAC, supporting the circular economy by reducing waste, emissions, and resource consumption. The best solution would be hybrid concrete containing a partial substitute for natural aggregates in the form of recycled aggregates, enabling the advantages of both types of aggregates to complement each other and offset their limitations. Full article
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11 pages, 656 KiB  
Article
Mother–Infant Dyadic Neural Synchrony Measured Using EEG Hyperscanning and Validated Using Behavioral Measures
by Mary Lauren Neel, Arnaud Jeanvoine, Caitlin P. Kjeldsen and Nathalie L. Maitre
Children 2025, 12(2), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020115 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 185
Abstract
Background/objective: Greater parent–infant synchrony is associated with improved child outcomes. Behavioral measures of synchrony are still developing in young infants; thus, researchers need tools to quantify synchrony between parents and their young infants. We examined parent–infant neural synchrony measured using dual EEG hyperscanning [...] Read more.
Background/objective: Greater parent–infant synchrony is associated with improved child outcomes. Behavioral measures of synchrony are still developing in young infants; thus, researchers need tools to quantify synchrony between parents and their young infants. We examined parent–infant neural synchrony measured using dual EEG hyperscanning and associations between neural synchrony, infant behavioral measures of synchrony, and maternal bondedness and depression. Methods: Our prospective cohort study included mother–infant dyads at 2–4 months of age. We collected time-locked dual EEG recordings of mother and infant and simultaneous video-recordings during a scaffolded interaction where the mother sequentially layered sensory modalities to the interaction. Neural synchrony measured using EEG hyperscanning was analyzed using the circular correlation coefficient (CCorr), infant behavioral synchrony was measured using the validated Welch Emotional Connection Screen (WECS) scores, and maternal bondedness and depression were measured using standardized questionnaires. Results: Our study included n = 47 dyads. Dyadic CCorr increased across the interaction as the mother added tactile stimulation to visual stimulation. We also found associations between behavioral and neural measures of dyadic synchrony such that infants with higher scores on behavioral measures of emotional connection on the WECS showed greater increases in CCorr indicative of dyadic synchrony with their mother across this interaction. We found no associations between neural synchrony and maternal bondedness or depression. Conclusion: These findings support the construct validity of mother–infant dyadic neural synchrony measured using EEG hyperscanning and analyzed using CCorr. Opportunities for future research on quantification of neural synchrony between parents and young infants abound. Full article
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74 pages, 7006 KiB  
Article
The Lattice Boltzmann Method with Deformable Boundary for Colonic Flow Due to Segmental Circular Contractions
by Irina Ginzburg
Fluids 2025, 10(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10020022 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 234
Abstract
We extend the 3D Lattice Boltzmann method with a deformable boundary (LBM-DB) for the computations of the full-volume colonic flow of the Newtonian fluid driven by the peristaltic segmented circular contractions which obey the three-step “intestinal law”: (i) deflation, (ii) inflation, and (iii) [...] Read more.
We extend the 3D Lattice Boltzmann method with a deformable boundary (LBM-DB) for the computations of the full-volume colonic flow of the Newtonian fluid driven by the peristaltic segmented circular contractions which obey the three-step “intestinal law”: (i) deflation, (ii) inflation, and (iii) elastic relaxation. The key point is that the LBM-DB accurately prescribes a curved deforming surface on the regular computational grid through precise and compact Dirichlet velocity schemes, without the need to recover for an adaptive boundary mesh or surface remesh, and without constraint of fluid volume conservation. The population “refill” of “fresh” fluid nodes, including sharp corners, is reformulated with the improved reconstruction algorithms by combining bulk and advanced boundary LBM steps with a local sub-iterative collision update. The efficient parallel LBM-DB simulations in silico then extend the physical experiments performed in vitro on the Dynamic Colon Model (DCM, 2020) to highly occlusive contractile waves. The motility scenarios are modeled both in a cylindrical tube and in a new geometry of “parabolic” transverse shape, which mimics the dynamics of realistic triangular lumen aperture. We examine the role of cross-sectional shape, motility pattern, occlusion scenario, peristaltic wave speed, elasticity effect, kinematic viscosity, inlet/outlet conditions and numerical compressibility on the temporal localization of pressure and velocity oscillations, and especially the ratio of retrograde vs antegrade velocity amplitudes, in relation to the major contractile events. The developed numerical approach could contribute to a better understanding of the intestinal physiology and pathology due to a possibility of its straightforward extension to the non-Newtonian chyme rheology and anatomical geometry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lattice Boltzmann Methods: Fundamentals and Applications)
13 pages, 258 KiB  
Article
Circular Economy on a Small Scale: The Sustainable Use of Olive Tree Biomass Residues as Feed for Lactating Cows in the Sorrento Peninsula
by Felicia Masucci, Francesco Serrapica, Lucia De Luca, Raffaele Romano, Francesca Garofalo and Antonio Di Francia
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030845 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 278
Abstract
To enhance the sustainability of marginal olive and dairy farms in the Sorrento peninsula, two separate crossover trials were conducted on two farms in the area to evaluate olive pruning residue (OlPr) and olive mill leaves (OlLes) as forage sources for lactating cows. [...] Read more.
To enhance the sustainability of marginal olive and dairy farms in the Sorrento peninsula, two separate crossover trials were conducted on two farms in the area to evaluate olive pruning residue (OlPr) and olive mill leaves (OlLes) as forage sources for lactating cows. Each trial lasted six weeks and consisted of two treatment periods, each including a 15-day adaptation phase followed by a 6-day measurement phase. During the measurement phase, milk production, feed intake, and olive residue consumption were assessed for two homogeneous cow groups: one receiving a ration supplemented with olive by-products and the other receiving a control diet. The olive-supplemented groups exhibited higher dry matter intake and roughage consumption (hay + olive residue) compared to the control groups. The intake of OlLes was about 30% higher than that of OlPr. Compared to the respective control, milk from OlLe-fed cows a had higher fat content and a higher fat-to-protein ratio, a more favorable fatty acid composition in terms of higher monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid contents, a reduced atherogenic index, and a saturated-to-unsaturated ratio. Likely due to the lower level of olive by-product ingestion, only marginal differences were observed in milk fatty acid composition of cows fed OlPr compared to the control. We conclude that the use of OlLes in dairy cow diets may represent a promising strategy for improving milk quality, promoting a more circular agricultural system, reducing reliance on external feed inputs, and mitigating the environmental impact of both olive and milk production. Full article
19 pages, 5101 KiB  
Article
Promoting Sustainability in the Recycling of End-of-Life Photovoltaic Panels and Li-Ion Batteries Through LIBS-Assisted Waste Sorting
by Agnieszka Królicka, Anna Maj and Grzegorz Łój
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030838 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 452
Abstract
To promote sustainability and reduce the ecological footprint of recycling processes, this study develops an analytical tool for fast and accurate identification of components in photovoltaic panels (PVs) and Li-Ion battery waste, optimizing material recovery and minimizing resource wastage. The laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy [...] Read more.
To promote sustainability and reduce the ecological footprint of recycling processes, this study develops an analytical tool for fast and accurate identification of components in photovoltaic panels (PVs) and Li-Ion battery waste, optimizing material recovery and minimizing resource wastage. The laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique was selected and employed to identify fluoropolymers in photovoltaic back sheets and to determine the thickness of layers containing fluorine. LIBS was also used for Li-Ion batteries to reveal the elemental composition of anode, cathode, and separator materials. The analysis not only revealed all the elements contained in the electrodes but also, in the case of cathode materials, allowed distinguishing a single-component cathode (cathode A containing LiCoO2) from multi-component materials (cathode B containing a mixture of LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4). The results of LIBS analysis were verified using SEM-EDS analysis and XRD examination. Additionally, an indirect method for identifying fluoropolymers (polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)) employed to prepare dispersions of cathode materials was proposed according to the differences in wettability of both polymers. By enabling efficient material identification and separation, this study advances sustainable recycling practices, supporting circular economy goals in the renewable energy sector. Full article
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22 pages, 1005 KiB  
Review
Pig Slurry Anaerobic Digestion: The Role of Biochar as an Additive Towards Biogas and Digestate Improvement
by Inês Silva, Nuno Lapa, Henrique Ribeiro and Elizabeth Duarte
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1037; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031037 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 281
Abstract
Biowaste from livestock production is increasing globally because of the intensification of livestock farming and inefficient waste management practices. If mismanaged, biowaste can result in environmental problems, including increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Anaerobic digestion (AD) stands as an effective approach for managing [...] Read more.
Biowaste from livestock production is increasing globally because of the intensification of livestock farming and inefficient waste management practices. If mismanaged, biowaste can result in environmental problems, including increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Anaerobic digestion (AD) stands as an effective approach for managing livestock biowaste, simultaneously generating biogas for energy recovery and digestate for agronomic application, following the principles of the circular economy. Considered a biowaste-to-energy approach, AD mitigates GHG emissions, facilitates nutrient recovery, and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. Despite its acknowledged benefits and status as a mature technology, further research is required to identify the best route for optimising the process in terms of stability and performance. This review examines new research that explores innovative ways to enhance the mesophilic AD process in continuous-stirred tank reactors, including the use of additives, especially carbon-based ones like biochar. From this perspective, the key challenges are exploring new insights into future research routes to implement AD units at a real scale, and pursuing goals towards a circular economy model. Finally, new opportunities have arisen for farmers to create synergies across agro-industrial sectors, enabling them to minimise their environmental footprint and simultaneously earn additional revenue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy and Bioproducts from Biomass and Waste)
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19 pages, 4883 KiB  
Article
Improved Phosphorus Bioavailability in Lettuce Crop via Naganishia albida Inoculation of Wastewater-Derived Struvite
by Valentina Carrillo, Rodrigo Pérez, Felipe González, Christian Santander, Antonieta Ruiz, Eduardo Holzapfel, Pablo Cornejo and Gladys Vidal
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020260 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is a vital element for optimal crop growth and agricultural productivity. Struvite, a P precipitate obtained from wastewater, is recognized as a slow-release, low-solubility fertilizer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of inoculation with the yeast Naganishia [...] Read more.
Phosphorus (P) is a vital element for optimal crop growth and agricultural productivity. Struvite, a P precipitate obtained from wastewater, is recognized as a slow-release, low-solubility fertilizer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of inoculation with the yeast Naganishia albida on P bioavailability using struvite and triple superphosphate (TSP) in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants. Struvite fertilization improved N and P assimilation by 14–28% and 12–27%, respectively, compared to TSP and increased soil soluble P by 50% more than TSP and 186% more than the control. Inoculation reduced oxidative stress by 40–44%, improved plant growth by 28% with struvite and 7% with TSP, and increased acid phosphatase activity by 52.7% and 78.1%, respectively, improving nutrient bioavailability. Struvite showed high P solubility in the soil, with only a 3% difference between inoculated and non-inoculated treatments. In addition, the combination of fertilizer and yeast had a synergistic effect, increasing enzyme activity up to 1.8 times for struvite and 2.3 times for TSP. The results highlight the potential of struvite as a recycled fertilizer and the effectiveness of integrating fertilization with microorganisms to improve agricultural efficiency, reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable management in the framework of the circular economy. Full article
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