Search Results (819)

Agronomic practices can modify cereal grain chemical composition and processing performance. Long-term evidence linking agricultural management with functionality-related quality remains limited, especially in terms of combined tillage x crop residue management strategy. We evaluated the effects of long-term tillage simplifications and straw management on productivity and processing-relevant traits of winter wheat and spring barley in a split-plot field experiment (Lithuania). Straw was either removed (S0) or chopped and retained (S1), and six tillage systems were compared (conventional ploughing (CP), shallow ploughing (SP), shallow cultivation (SOW), stubble over winter, no-till with cover crops (NTC), and no-till without cover crops (NT)). The yield and starch content of winter wheat and spring barley groats increased with the addition of straw and the application of SOW, NTC, and NT systems. The hectolitre mass of winter wheat and spring barley grains increased with the addition and removal of straw using SP technology. The protein content and wet gluten content of winter wheat and spring barley grains decreased, while the starch content increased, with the addition and removal of straw using SC technology. In wheat, protein content showed weak separation among treatments, while wet gluten and Zeleny sedimentation displayed mostly directional trends (wet gluten–sedimentation correlation: r = 0.844 under S0 and r = 0.984 under S1). In terms of the tillage systems, it can be stated that in most cases, SP and NT increased grain yield and improved quality indicators, while SC and NTC technologies showed opposite results. Soil-function assessment (CEI, 10–25 cm) indicated substantially higher integrated soil functioning under conservation agriculture (e.g., SOW/NTC/NT: 5.28–5.70) than under conventional systems (CP: 3.23). The results support framing sustainable soil management for cereal functionality as a system package: residue retention enables the productivity benefits of reduced-tillage systems while maintaining key quality proxies. Full article

Stone coal is an important vanadium-bearing resource and a potential source of rare earth elements (REEs). Previous studies have mainly focused on the bulk occurrence, resource potential, and leaching behavior of V or REEs in stone coal, whereas the microscale spatial relationships between V and REEs and their evolution during leaching remain poorly constrained. In this study, three representative stone coal samples were analyzed by synchrotron radiation micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) to characterize the microscale distributions of V and REEs in raw samples and corresponding leaching residues. Pearson correlation analysis was further used to quantify changes in V–REE spatial relationships during leaching. The results showed that V–REE relationships were generally weak and were modified to different extents after leaching. In the GZ sample, the V–Eu correlation coefficient decreased from 0.63 to 0.34, indicating that the migration of V and REEs was not fully synchronized. The three samples also showed different REE distribution tendencies after leaching: GZ showed partial transfer of REEs to the leachate with residual retention, PX showed mixed behavior with appreciable retention in the residue, whereas PZ retained REEs predominantly in the residue. These results suggest that the integrated utilization of V and REEs in stone coal can be better achieved through a staged recovery route, in which the REE recovery pathway is determined according to their actual distribution between the leachate and the residue after V leaching. This study provides a microscale basis for the comprehensive utilization of coal-related critical metal resources. Full article

Pharmaceutical residues continue to increasingly contaminate water systems at a global level, and conventional wastewater treatment plants are unable to completely remove these emergent compounds. This study investigates the benzocaine adsorption from aqueous solutions onto Amberlite XAD-7 (X7) resin, with emphasis on quantitative performance metrics and mechanistic understanding. Adsorption occurred rapidly, reaching equilibrium within 60 min, with a maximum adsorption capacity (Q_e) of 140 mg/g and a Langmuir monolayer capacity of 147 mg/g. Experimental parameters strongly influenced X7 performance: resin dosage (0.01–0.05 g) and agitation speed (25–200 rpm) enhanced removal efficiency from 10% to 99.9%, while pH variation (5–9) had a negligible effect, confirming a predominantly hydrophobic, non-ionic adsorption mechanism. Equilibrium data are best described by the Langmuir model (R² = 0.9920, b = 5.2 L/mg, RL = 0.0003), indicating highly favorable monolayer adsorption, while kinetic behavior is described by the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model. FTIR-ATR analysis confirms benzocaine retention through characteristic shifts in aromatic, amine, and ester bands. TG/DSC measurements prove the thermal stability of X7 and the incorporation of benzocaine within the polymeric matrix. Desorption efficiencies ranged from 40% (NaOH) to 97% (HCl-ethanol mixture), demonstrating that X7 was regenerated under the tested conditions with a single cycle. Overall, X7 exhibits high capacity, robustness, and recyclability, highlighting its strong potential for efficient benzocaine removal from contaminated wastewater. Full article

The fabrication of decellularized small intestinal submucosa (dSIS) requires a precise balance between effective cellular removal and the preservation of structural integrity. In this study, we compared four published dSIS protocols representing detergent-based, chaotropic-salt-based, and sequential ionic/alkaline–acidic strategies. Their performance was evaluated based on residual DNA, collagen preservation, surface ultrastructure, and mechanical properties. The best decellularization protocol demonstrated the lowest residual DNA levels, together with better collagen retention, scaffold architecture, and mechanical performance than the other methods tested. The selected decellularized scaffold was used in a murine acute wound model and showed good biocompatibility and integration with the surrounding tissue at 10 days after implantation. However, further extensive testing in murine models is essential before future scaling. Finally, this comparative study provides a practical framework for selecting dSIS preparation methods for skin repair applications. Full article

While valorisation pathways are increasingly promoted as sustainable solutions, their ability to genuinely minimise environmental harm and contribute to long-term material circularity remains uneven. This study systematically identifies and maps existing valorisation routes across the EU and UK, with particular attention to their environmental performance and economic viability through a material value retention lens. A literature review highlights a spectrum of practices—from soil amendment and composting to bioenergy recovery and bio-based construction materials—each offering different sustainability benefits but varying significantly in their capacity to preserve material quality and function. To address the absence of robust comparative approaches, this paper introduces a novel evaluative framework centred on intrinsic material value retention, a key principle in sustainable and circular material systems. Building on established scholarship, the framework provides a structured means of comparing valorisation options based on how effectively they conserve material properties, particularly in terms of the material’s structural and functional values, and enable high-value reuse. Supported by a dedicated classification tool and a set of guiding questions refined through expert interviews, the framework complements existing environmental assessment methods by foregrounding material circularity. In doing so, it supports more integrated, holistic decision-making for the development of a resilient and sustainable circular bioeconomy. This research is intended for academic audiences and may also be of relevance to industry practitioners. Full article

Mango leaves (Mangifera indica), an underutilized residue, represent a promising source of functional proteins with potential applications in emulsion-based delivery systems. Leaf protein concentrate (LPC) was extracted and modified by high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) to enhance its techno-functional properties. The modified protein was subsequently used as a natural emulsifier to develop oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions enriched with Curatella americana leaf extract, a phenolic-rich source of antioxidant bioactive compounds. Ultrasound-assisted emulsification (UAEm) conditions were optimized using a Box–Behnken experimental design, evaluating the effects of protein concentration (0.5, 1, and 1.5%), oil-to-water ratio (1:4, 1:4.5, and 1:5, mL:mL), and sonication time (2.5, 5, and 7.5 min) on droplet size (D_[4,3], µm). The optimized formulation consisted of 1.5% protein, an O/W ratio of 1:4 mL, and a time of 7.5 min, producing an emulsion with a droplet diameter of 7.23 µm. The emulsions exhibited high resistance to storage, pH variation (2–10), ionic strength (100–500 mM NaCl), and thermal treatments up to 50 °C. Additionally, incorporating C. americana extract enhanced thermal stability, photostability, and antioxidant retention under UV exposure, suggesting the formation of reinforcing protein–polyphenol interactions. These findings demonstrate the potential of mango leaf protein as a sustainable emulsifier and protective carrier for sensitive bioactive compounds, supporting its application in functional food and nutraceutical formulations. Full article

Anthropogenic polymers have become an increasingly important class of emerging contaminants in terrestrial ecosystems. While extensive research has focused on microplastics in aquatic environments, their interactions with soil systems and particularly with soil organic matter (SOM) remain insufficiently understood. Soil represents a major environmental sink for polymer residues originating from agricultural practices, urban activities, and atmospheric deposition. Accordingly, associations between polymers and SOM, including humic substances, may significantly influence the retention, mobility, and transformation of carbon in soil systems. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the influence of synthetic polymers on soil organic matter dynamics. A bibliometric and qualitative literature analysis based on publications indexed in Web of Science and Scopus from 1979 to 2025 was conducted to identify major research trends and knowledge gaps. The results indicate that polymer particles can alter soil structure, microbial activity, and sorption processes, thereby affecting the stability and cycling of soil organic carbon. Interactions between polymer surfaces and humic substances may modify aggregation processes and influence the persistence and mobility of both polymers and organic carbon compounds. Despite the rapid growth of research on microplastics, studies addressing polymer–SOM interactions remain limited and methodologically heterogeneous. Greater integration between polymer research, soil science, and land use studies is necessary to better understand the implications of polymer contamination for soil quality and carbon cycling. The findings highlight the need for standardized analytical approaches and interdisciplinary research frameworks to assess the long-term effects of polymers in soil ecosystems. Full article

Drought stress severely restricts agricultural productivity. Effective drought mitigation requires both improved rhizosphere water retention and enhanced nutrient availability. Poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) was expected to enhance water retention, while residue after evaporation (RAE) of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid fermentation was expected to supply labile carbon and promote nutrient mobilization. We hypothesized that their combined application would synergistically optimize the rhizosphere environment and enhance maize seedlings’ resistance to drought. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth of maize under simulated drought conditions, containing four treatments: control (C), RAE alone (R), PGA alone (P), and their combination (M). Results demonstrated that the M treatment synergistically promoted maize seedling growth, increasing the seedling growth index by 125% compared to the control. Co-application also synergistically enhanced the accumulation of osmotic adjustment substances (proline, soluble proteins, and soluble sugars) and ascorbic acid content, while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Furthermore, the M treatment markedly increased soil ammonium nitrogen and total organic carbon, thereby improving soil moisture and optimizing the rhizosphere conditions. Mantel analysis revealed that the M treatment restructured soil bacterial communities and enzyme activities by enhancing nutrient and organic carbon availability, which subsequently improved overall soil properties. These findings suggest that co-application of PGA and RAE improves maize seedling drought resilience and soil nutrient supply, offering a promising and economically viable strategy for sustainable agriculture in drought-prone regions by valorizing industrial by-products. Full article

Grape pomace represents a widely available agro-industrial by-product in Chile with considerable potential for valorization within circular economy frameworks; however, its functionality as a cosmetic ingredient depends on both grape cultivar and processing strategy. In this study, the direct incorporation of solid grape pomace residues into cream formulations was first evaluated, revealing limitations related to color control, homogeneity, and sensory performance. Subsequently, the influence of varietal origin (Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, and Grenache) on the extraction, stability, color behavior, and functional performance of anthocyanin-rich extracts was investigated for cosmetic applications. pH-standardized color analysis revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) varietal differences, with Malbec extracts showing superior chromatic stability under acidic and near-neutral conditions, exhibiting lower reduction in a* values across the pH range compared to other varieties. In contrast, Syrah, Grenache, and Merlot showed a more pronounced decrease in red chromaticity, indicating higher sensitivity to pH-induced structural transformations. Although Merlot and Syrah exhibited higher ABTS antioxidant activity, Malbec presented the highest total phenolic content and the most balanced functional profile when considering both stability and color retention. Incorporation of anthocyanin-rich extracts into cosmetic cream formulations demonstrated that a 4.5% (m/v) loading ensured a skin-compatible pH (4.5–5.5), with Malbec-based creams exhibiting superior color stability and formulation performance over time. These findings demonstrate that grape pomace valorization requires variety-specific evaluation and identify extraction as a key enabling step for the development of sustainable, bio-based color-functional cosmetic ingredients. Full article

The growing volume of construction and demolition waste has made discarded concrete a major source of urban solid waste, placing increasing pressure on land resources and the environment. Recycling waste concrete into recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) offers an effective solution for resource conservation and carbon reduction, aligning with the goals of sustainable development. However, due to the residual mortar, high porosity, and microcracks of recycled aggregates, RAC generally exhibits lower compactness, strength, and durability than conventional concrete, particularly under freeze–thaw conditions where degradation accelerates and service life decreases. To address these challenges, this study investigates the optimization of RAC mix design and its frost resistance performance for pavement base applications. An orthogonal experimental design was employed, with the water-to-binder ratio, recycled aggregate replacement ratio, and air-entraining agent dosage as key variables, while 7-day compressive strength, permeability coefficient, and rebound modulus served as evaluation indices. The influence and interaction of these factors were analyzed to determine an optimal mix meeting both mechanical and durability requirements. Rapid freeze–thaw cycling tests were then conducted to examine the variations in mass loss, relative dynamic modulus, and compressive strength retention, followed by exponential and damage variable modeling to characterize the degradation process. Results show that the water-to-binder ratio primarily governs strength, the replacement ratio affects stiffness and permeability, and the air-entraining agent significantly enhances frost resistance by improving pore structure. The optimized mix retained over 70% of its relative dynamic modulus after 300 freeze–thaw cycles, exhibiting superior durability. This work establishes a systematic framework for multi-factor optimization and durability evaluation of RAC, providing theoretical and practical guidance for its application in cold-region pavement bases. Full article

Leaching carbon residue (LCR) is a carbonaceous solid waste generated during the hydrometallurgical recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries. Although its high graphite content offers substantial potential for resource recovery, the residual heavy metals and fluorides present in LCR pose considerable environmental risks. Currently, LCR has not garnered sufficient attention within the industry, and the lack of recycling technologies suitable for large-scale disposal results in resource wastage and environmental pollution. To address these challenges, this study proposes an innovative strategy based on the concept of multi-field synergistic enhancement. The proposed approach involves recovering and regenerating graphite (RG) from LCR via low-temperature molten salt roasting assisted by high-pressure and mechanical activation. A combination of advanced characterization techniques was employed to compare the physicochemical properties of RG and commercial graphite (CG) and to systematically evaluate the technical feasibility of using regenerated graphite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The results demonstrate that, under optimized molten salt roasting and aqueous leaching conditions, the carbon content of RG reaches 99.94 wt%, indicating the efficient removal of non-carbon impurities from the graphite matrix. Compared to CG, RG retains a typical layered structure; however, a lower carbon content (99.94 wt%) and poorer structural order (I_D/I_G = 0.30) are observed. In terms of electrochemical performance, RG delivers a discharge specific capacity of 394.64 mAh/g during the first cycle and exhibits excellent cycling stability, with a capacity retention of 86.50% after 100 cycles. This electrochemical performance is comparable to that of commercial graphite. The proposed multi-field-assisted low-temperature molten salt roasting technique enables the efficient recovery of high-value graphite resources from LCR, establishing a full-lifecycle recycling strategy tailored for lithium-ion battery applications. Full article

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) represent an important tool for application in bio- and phytoremediation technologies due to their ability to enhance water and nutrient retention, support microclimate stability, and protect plants from environmental stress. In the present study, xanthan-like EPS produced by Xanthomonas translucens TRK8 was precipitated by ethanol and isopropanol, with the former yielding 9.2 g L⁻¹ compared with 6.7 g L⁻¹ obtained with the latter. The monosaccharide profile of the TRK8-derived EPS indicated a branched structure composed of rhamnose, mannose, glucose, and galactose residues, containing both α- and β-type pyranose units. The rheological properties of the studied EPS were compared with those of commercial xanthan at concentrations of 1–3 wt.%. Fitting the obtained data to the Ostwald–de Waele power-law model revealed that the flow behaviour index (n) values were below 1 (−0.338, −0.499, and −0.647, respectively), indicating shear-thinning behaviour (i.e., pseudoplasticity). The potential of the TRK8-derived EPS as a plant protection agent was validated by coating barley seeds with 2 wt.% EPS, resulting in a 28.6% increase in shoot length and a 64.7% increase in root length relative to the oil-stressed control. Full article

A polymer electrolyte is developed by integrating a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/eutectic electrolyte (EE) phase into a porous polyethylene (PE) scaffold via a solution-casting strategy. In this rigid–flexible coupled architecture, the PMMA matrix serves as a solid host that coordinates with Li⁺ through its polar carbonyl groups, thereby promoting lithium salt dissociation and establishing a stable ion transport network. The incorporated EE, composed of ethylene carbonate and LiTFSI, effectively reduces the glassy rigidity of PMMA and provides continuous pathways for fast ionic conduction. Meanwhile, the porous PE scaffold reinforces mechanical strength and resists lithium dendrite penetration, enabling a thin electrolyte membrane with excellent flexibility. The resulting electrolyte achieves an ionic conductivity of 1.59 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at 30 °C, a lithium-ion transference number of 0.45, and an electrochemical stability window up to 4.75 V. In Li||LiFePO₄ cells, it delivers stable cycling at 3 C for 1000 cycles with 76.8% capacity retention and a Coulombic efficiency exceeding 99.9%. The monomer-free design eliminates residual reactive species that commonly compromise interfacial stability, offering a reliable pathway toward high-voltage solid-state lithium-metal batteries. Full article

To achieve the same service life of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) connectors and precast concrete sandwich panels, ensuring the structural stability and safety of the walls during long-term service, it is necessary to research the durability of GFRP connectors. In accordance with the ACI 440.3R-12 test method, an accelerated aging study was conducted by immersing 90 GFRP connectors in a simulated concrete pore solution at temperatures of 40 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C for durations of 3.65, 18, 36.5, 92, and 183 days. This investigation aimed to analyze the effects of temperature and exposure time on the shear strength of the GFRP connectors. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze the micro-morphology of the specimens before and after exposure. The SEM observations revealed that after 183 days at 40 °C, the fiber-matrix interface remained relatively intact without significant debonding. However, at 60 °C, noticeable degradation occurred, characterized by corrosion of fibers and evident debonding from the surrounding matrix. At 80 °C, the GFRP specimens were severely damaged, precluding the extraction of viable samples for SEM analysis. The results further indicated that the most rapid decline in the shear strength occurred within the initial 3.65 days of exposure, with reductions of 8.62%, 10.12%, and 10.77% at 40 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C, respectively. The degradation rate subsequently decelerated with prolonged exposure. After 183 days, the residual shear strength retention rates decreased by 21.03% and 26.89% at 40 °C and 60 °C, respectively. This behavior is primarily attributed to a high moisture absorption rate driven by a significant humidity gradient between the surface and the interior, leading to rapid swelling and plasticization of the vinyl ester resin matrix, which consequently reduced the stiffness and strength of the GFRP connectors. Finally, a predictive model for the time-dependent shear strength of GFRP connectors under various temperature conditions was developed based on Fick’s law. Full article

This study investigates the influence of surface-modified fly ash particles on the fire behavior of polyamide 6 (PA6) composites containing two types of flame retardants: melamine polyphosphate (MPP) and aluminum diethyl phosphinate (AlPi). The objective was to evaluate how interfacial modification of fly ash using amino-silane (APTES), glycidoxy-silane (GPTES), or titanate coupling agents affects dispersion, thermal stability, and combustion performance. A series of 18 formulations containing up to 25 wt% of additives was prepared by melt compounding and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone calorimetry. TGA results showed that MPP-based systems favored char formation, with residues up to 21%, whereas AlPi provided higher thermal stability (T₅₀% ≈ 445 °C). The incorporation of untreated or surface-treated fly ash improved both thermal stability and char yield, depending on the nature of the coupling agent. Cone calorimeter results confirmed a strong synergistic effect between flame retardants and fly ash. The peak heat release rate (pHRR) decreased by 65–75% compared to neat PA6, while total heat release (THR) and mass loss were also significantly reduced. Titanate-modified fly ash showed the most homogeneous dispersion and provided the highest residue and lowest pHRR values. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses confirmed enhanced phosphorus retention in the residues (up to 100%), evidencing the formation of stable inorganic species and protective ceramic-like structures. These results demonstrate that surface-modified fly ash can act as an efficient synergistic additive in PA6 flame-retardant formulations, simultaneously improving fire performance and promoting the valorization of industrial by-products for sustainable polymer design. Full article