Search Results (233)

The growing global food demand has increased the use of chemical fertilizers, causing environmental issues. Previous studies have often assessed waste-derived fertilizers separately in terms of soil improvement or environmental impact, with limited integration of these aspects across different recycling processes. This study evaluated the effects on soil quality and the environmental impact of fertilizers produced with different percentages of food wastes and different recycling processes. The fertilizers investigated include vermicompost (VC, 70% wood sawdust + 30% food wastes), Compost 1 (C1, 50% wood sawdust + 50% food wastes), Compost 2 (C2, 10% straw + 90% food wastes), and sulfur–bentonite (SBC, 90% SB + 10% food wastes). Six months post-fertilization, vermicompost significantly improved soil properties, increasing soil organic matter from 3.01% to 4.70% (+56%) and total nitrogen from 0.15% to 0.22%, along with an increase in microbial biomass compared to the unfertilized control. Compost treatments also improved soil quality, although to a lesser extent. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed across the entire life cycle of the fertilizers. Vermicompost showed the lowest environmental impact, with a global warming potential of 45 kg CO₂ eq ton⁻¹, compared to 93 and 100 kg CO₂ eq ton⁻¹ for C1 and C2, respectively, and 167 kg CO₂ eq ton⁻¹ for SBC. The results evidenced that vermicompost improved soil quality by increasing soil organic matter, total nitrogen, microbial biomass, and biological activity and that it emitted less CO₂ eq, SO₂ eq and PO₄³⁻ during the vermicomposting process, emphasizing its environmental sustainability. The two composts improved soil quality with a moderate environmental impact. SBC positively affected soil properties but with a strong negative environmental impact. From the benefit–cost perspective, the sustainable fertilizer ranking was VC > C2 > C1 > SBC. These findings underscore that these waste management processes represent a possible transition to sustainable fertilizers derived from waste materials to mitigate the environmental degradation associated with the production and use of conventional fertilizers. By adopting these practices, the agricultural sector can boost productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability standards. Full article

The increasing environmental pollution with persistent organic compounds demands the development of sustainable materials capable, among others, of simultaneous adsorption and catalytic degradation of pollutants. In this study, nickel-modified biocarbons were obtained in the process of biomass pyrolysis at the temperatures of 500 and 800 °C, with the Ni content of 5 and 10% by weight, in order to determine the effect of synthesis conditions on the structure, surface chemistry and functional properties of materials. A wide range of research methods was used to analyze structural parameters, elemental composition, surface morphology, functional groups as well as adsorption and photocatalytic properties. The results indicate that the pyrolysis temperature is the main factor determining the evolution of biocarbons, leading to a decrease in the specific surface area and microporosity, an increase in carbon aromatization, a reduction in oxygen groups, and an increase in alkalinity and thermal stability. The addition of nickel promotes formation of crystalline Ni phases and redox centers, while partially blocking micropores. As a result, the materials obtained at 800 °C are characterized by an increased photocatalytic activity. The paper provides mechanistic insights into the structure–property–function relationships and practical guidance for the design of biocarbons with optimized adsorption and photocatalytic properties. Full article

The understanding of the object permanence rule (the notion that an object that has disappeared from view continues to exist) is an important issue for animal cognition studies. This ability has been tested in laboratory rodents, but no studies have been conducted using wild rodent species. The aim of this study was to compare the ability to use the object permanence rule in three species of wild rodents and to identify plausible interspecific behavioral differences. The wood mouse (Sylvaemus uralensis), the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius), and the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) were used as subjects in the puzzle-box, in which an animal is motivated to escape from a brightly lit environment into the darkness. Test stages 2, 3 and 4 required an understanding that the underpass which leads from light into the dark part of a box still exists, although it is not seen any longer. The test difficulty gradually increased: at first, the passage to the dark was unobstructed; then, it was covered with sawdust; and, finally, it was blocked using a cardboard plug. Interspecific differences were found. Wood mice and striped field mice demonstrated consistently high success rates at all stages of the test, including the most difficult one (when the passage was blocked by a plug), indicating a well-developed ability to operate the object permanence rule. In contrast, the proportion of bank voles who solved the test decreased as the test complexity increased. Bank voles were also characterized by prolonged periods of immobility and lower levels of locomotion. The data suggest that interspecies variability in object permanence task solutions is associated not only with different levels of cognitive ability per se - but also with species-specific behavioral traits, which could be linked to the ecological specialization of these species. Full article

Shiitake grows on lignin-rich materials and can be cultivated on wood substrate (sawdust), to which wheat, rice, and/or corn bran is added to correct the C/N ratio. In addition to the C/N ratio, another concern regarding substrate production is pH and calcium supply. Therefore, this manuscript seeks to elucidate the agronomic parameters of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) cultivated with different doses of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and gypsum (calcium sulfate, CaSO₄) in a substrate based on eucalyptus sawdust. Three doses of carbonate (0, 1, and 2%) and three doses of gypsum (0, 2.5, and 5%) were used, totaling nine treatments. Two experiments were conducted, each with a different strain (LED 19/11 and LED 22/02). The results indicate that gypsum supplementation is not required, as it led to a decrease in yield and biological efficiency. Conversely, the incorporation of 1% calcium carbonate enhanced productivity in the LED 19/11 strain. Calcium source and dosage significantly influenced the agronomic performance of L. edodes, with 1% calcium carbonate providing the most consistent positive effects on yield and biological efficiency. These findings emphasize the importance of strain-specific mineral management to optimize productivity and substrate chemical balance in shiitake cultivation. Full article

To improve the extrusion processing of wood–plastic composites (WPCs), functional additives known as internal lubricants are incorporated into the composite formulations. The lubricants play a crucial role in decreasing the melt viscosity of WPCs, which in turn has a positive impact on energy consumption, productivity, and overall composite performance. This study shows the effect of suberinic acids (SAs), extracted from birch outer bark via alkaline water and water–ethanol hydrolysis at different pH values, on the processing behavior and properties of a recycled polypropylene-based composite filled with pine microfibers. The extracted SAs were characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The conducted analyses revealed notable differences in the chemical composition, molecular weight, and molecular polydispersity of the SAs. Betulin was identified as the dominant component (49–86%). The pine sawdust was treated with 2% NaOH at 90 °C for 90 min prior to composite fabrication. The incorporation of 4.0 wt% SAs into the WPC formulations reduced the extruder rotor’s maximum and minimum torques torque, indicating improved processability of the composite. Mechanical and wetting properties of the WPC samples were evaluated. The samples containing SAs exhibited an increased elongation at break by 37.9–51.6% and bending deformation by 12.8–17.5%, depending on the extraction conditions of SAs, accompanied by a slight reduction in the mechanical properties and slight increase in water sorption compared with the composite filled with the alkaline-treated pine microfibers. The results showed enhanced flexibility and ductility in the SAs-containing WPCs. The presence of a 1.0 wt% maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene in the samples led to an increase their mechanical properties, along with the reduced water sorption. Full article

This study focuses on the development of wood-based particleboard that address resource efficiency, environmental sustainability, and health-related concerns. The conventional particleboard industry relies on synthetic, predominantly formaldehyde-based adhesives, which pose environmental, health, and end-use risks. Rising raw material prices, regulatory restrictions, and increasing competition in the wood-processing sector have further highlighted the importance of alternative biomass resources for particleboard production. In response to these challenges, this study investigates the suitability of available sawdust resources derived from the production residues of cellular wood materials and recycled particleboards, combined with natural suberinic acids mixture obtained from birch outer bark as a binder. The effects of furnish structure, binder content (15–21%), pressing temperature (190–220 °C), pressing rate (0.9–1.7 min/mm), and board density (650–850 kg/m³) on the resulting particleboard properties were evaluated. The results demonstrate that it is possible to meet the requirement values for thickness swelling (≤17%) and internal bonding strength (≥0.40 N/mm²) specified for interior fitment boards, including furniture applications according to EN 312, Type P2. The bending properties of the best-performing particleboards are very close to the requirement values (MOE ≥ 1800 N/mm², MOR ≥ 11 N/mm²), indicating the potential for further improvement at the target density range. Furnish structure, board thickness, density, and pressing temperature were identified as the most influential factors affecting the final board properties. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable fertilization practices has stimulated interest in circular fertilizers derived from agro-industrial and agricultural wastes. This study assessed the agronomic and biological performance of several waste-based fertilizers—produced through composting, vermicomposting, and sulfur–bentonite enrichment—on chemical and microbiological soil properties. Composts and vermicomposts were prepared from olive pomace, citrus residues, wood sawdust, and straw, with or without elemental sulfur obtained from petroleum gas desulfurization. Field trials were conducted on a sandy loam soil (Motta San Giovanni, Italy) to compare the different formulations. After six months, soils amended with waste-based fertilizers exhibited significant improvements in key parameters relative to both the control and mineral fertilizer treatment. Vermicompost applications (SV1, SV2) increased total organic carbon by 20–30% (up to 2.1%), total nitrogen by 35–45% (0.22–0.23%), microbial biomass carbon by ~25% (≈1090 µg C g⁻¹), and dehydrogenase and fluorescein diacetate activities by 10–20% compared with compost or sulfur–bentonite treatments. Compost amendments (SC1, SC2) raised soil pH (8.2–8.3) and organic matter content (≈3.3–3.6%), while sulfur–bentonite formulations lowered pH to 7.1–7.3 and increased water-soluble phenols (up to 40 µg TAE g⁻¹ d.s). The highest cation exchange capacity (22–23 cmol (+) kg⁻¹) was observed in vermicompost-amended soils. Microbial community analysis revealed greater fungal abundance under sulfur–bentonite treatments, whereas bacteria and actinomycetes predominated in compost-amended soils. Principal Component Analysis (explaining 76% of variance) identified two main functional pathways: vermicompost treatments clustered with indicators of high biological activity (TOC, TN, MBC, and enzyme activities), while compost and sulfur–bentonite treatments were associated with pH, phenolic compounds, and fungal biomass, reflecting slower but more stable organic matter turnover. Overall, vermicompost-based fertilizers proved most effective in enhancing short-term nutrient availability and microbial activation, whereas composts favored long-term soil carbon accumulation and stability. These results highlight the potential of circular fertilizers derived from agro-industrial wastes to restore soil health, close nutrient cycles, and reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers—thereby advancing sustainable and circular agriculture. Full article

Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass) is one of the most invasive plant species in the eastern United States, posing a consistent problem to practitioners working in stream restoration and often necessitating treatment using non-selective herbicides to reduce invasion. Herbicide use frequently results in collateral damage to desirable native species and can lead to reinvasion after treatment. This study evaluated alternatives to herbicide referred to collectively as cultural controls, the use of which draws conceptually from the interaction of stress and disturbance in plant communities that predicts reduced invasion and increased competitive success of native species with higher levels of environmental stress. We tested several preventative cultural approaches, including (intended stressor in parentheses): (1) canopy shade (light limitation), (2) sawdust soil amendments (short-term nitrogen limitation), (3) wood mulch soil amendments (longer-term nitrogen limitation), and (4) double seeding rates (native species competition), as well as a combination of these treatments. Over a two-year field study within a restored stream corridor, we found that high carbon: nitrogen ratio soil amendments such as sawdust were the most effective at attenuating M. vimineum invasion and that shade promoted native species competition with this invader. Our results suggest a set of best practices that stream restoration practitioners could consider during the design and construction phases of a stream restoration project, particularly on sites with increased risk of M. vimineum incursion. Full article

The problem of urban surface runoff (USR) treatment is associated with the presence of high concentrations of specific pollutants. One of these pollutants is petroleum product (PP), whose concentration depends on the season and the location of the formation of snow masses, meltwater, and rainwater. For USR treatment, it is possible to use very environmentally friendly and inexpensive technologies. The article discusses natural sorbents based on wood materials, which effectively remove dissolved petroleum products from water. Pine sawdust and shredded branches of maple, birch, and poplar are used as raw materials, which are waste products from the city’s woodworking enterprise and utilities. These materials were pre-microwave (MW) treated to improve their sorption properties. As a result of the experiment, it turned out that modified pine sawdust and crushed maple pinwheels proved to be the most effective sorbents. The maximum sorption capacity values were 0.689 mg/g and 0.952 mg/g for pine and maple sorbents, respectively. This article proposes schemes for filtering devices that can be used in practice in an urban environment. Full article

To address the environmental impact of petroleum-derived plastics, lignocellulose esters provide a promising renewable alternative. However, research has primarily focused on linear cellulose esters, leaving raw biomass aromatic derivatives largely overlooked. Herein, we report a one-pot, room-temperature synthesis of cinnamate and benzoate esters from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and raw pine sawdust. A breakthrough finding reveals that pine esters consistently outperform pure MCC, achieving tensile strengths of 5–8 MPa (vs. 1–3 MPa for MCC) possibly due to a lignin-driven synergistic effect facilitating π–π stacking. The resulting films are hydrophobic (contact angles 80–100°) and fully thermoplastic. Cinnamates emerge as a technically superior and “greener” alternative to benzoates, paving the way for the direct upcycling of wood waste into sustainable packaging materials within a circular economy. Full article

Faced with the depletion of fossil resources and the need to promote a circular economy, lignocellulosic biomass represents a solution for energy transition and bioeconomy. However, wood sawdust, which contains bioactive compounds (secondary metabolites), is often burned in the open by many sawmills. This study aims to valorize Framiré wood sawdust by extracting its secondary metabolites through maceration and infusion, then converting the depleted residue into combustible briquettes. The yellowness index of the extracts ranged from 73.490 ± 0.021 (maceration) to 81.720 ± 0.014 (infusion). The total phenolic content varied from 0.097 ± 0.001 to 0.63 ± 0.049 gGAE/100 g dry matter for maceration and infusion, respectively. The extraction of bioactive compounds did not significantly affect the energy or mechanical properties of the fuels. Their higher heating value ranged from 26,153 ± 92 to 26,201 ± 90 kJ/kg for fuels with and without secondary metabolites, respectively. The Shock Resistance Index ranged from 139.33 ± 7.51% (without metabolites) to 153.00 ± 5.20% (with metabolites). A significant difference was observed in the specific consumption of the fuels, decreasing from 1.400 ± 0.100 to 0.861 ± 0.001 kg/L for fuels without and with secondary metabolites, respectively. These results open promising prospects, particularly for the use of Framiré extracts to develop flame-retardant products for wood and its derivatives. Full article

Ganoderma tsugae is a typical white-rot fungus capable of decaying both coniferous and broad-leaved trees and is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. To elucidate the molecular basis of its broad substrate adaptability, we performed integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses of two G. tsugae strains (collected from Xingjiang on Betula and Jilin on Larix). The high-quality genomes of G. tsugae Wu 2022 from Xinjiang (40.8 Mb, 12,496 genes) and G. tsugae Cui 14110 from Jilin (45.6 Mb, 13,450 genes) were obtained. There are enriched gene families related to carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) in two G. tsugae strains. Notably, specific CAZyme families implicated in hemicellulose (GH16), chitin metabolism (GH18), and ester bond cleavage (CE10) were prominently expanded. Transcriptome analyses under the induction of Betula and Larix sawdust revealed a core adaptive response. A total of 5558 genes were differentially expressed, including 2094 up-regulated and 3464 down-regulated genes. Most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were annotated as “catalytic activity”, “metabolic processes” and specific functions such as nutrient transport (“MFS transporter”), and lipid metabolism (“3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier protein] reductase”). In addition, a conserved suite of the eleven shared DEGs were annotated as “Heat shock protein 9/12”, “alcohol dehydrogenase”, and “Cytochrome p450” related to secondary metabolites biosynthesis, transport, and catabolism. Based on the annotation results, the wood degradation mechanism of G. tsugae can be described as synthesizing and secreting degradation enzyme system to obtain energy, using protective enzyme systems to ensure its own health, and employing a transport enzyme system to recycle metabolic capacity. This progress ensures the environmental adaptability and high degradation efficiency of G. tsugae during wood degradation. Full article

Hericium erinaceus is a fungus that, in addition to its health-promoting properties (including regenerative properties for gastrointestinal membranes and support for neuronal regeneration in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease), has the ability to synthesize valuable metabolites, such as flavonoids (polyphenols) and terpenoids. These compounds possess strong biocidal properties. These substances provide the growing H. erinaceus mycelium with protection against colonization by other species of rot fungi, such as Trametes versicolor. For these reasons, the biological compounds produced by H. erinaceus can be used to produce ecological fungicides, which will find innovative applications in protecting forest tree seedlings. It should also be emphasized that valuable fungal substances are synthesized primarily by the mycelium of H. erinaceus during the initial stages of its development. Therefore, we undertook to develop an updated and modernized methodology for cultivating H. erinaceus mycelium in the laboratory, with the goal of commercializing the production of this mycelium, which will be used to isolate fungicidal substances metabolized by the fungus cultures. The biocidal substances obtained will be used to produce innovative fungicides in order to protect forest tree seedlings. The studies were conducted using various types of nutrient media, including Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Malt Extract Agar (MEA), and wort medium, at various temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 25 °C. Simultaneously, experiments were conducted using solidified media with a pH ranging from 4.0 to 7.0. The research was also expanded to include the growth and execution of experiments using a processed wood substrate, namely, sawdust made from individual structural wood elements. The sawdust was prepared from the bark, sapwood, and heartwood of sessile oak. The PDA medium was more favourable to the mycelium growth of H. erinaceus at 25 °C. It was also found that an acidic pH in the range of 4.0–5.0 significantly influenced the changes in the growth rate of the mycelium species and their phenotype. It was observed that mycelial growth on a substrate of oak sawdust made from sapwood resulted in intensive mycelial growth and a significant reduction in the wood substrate compared to sawdust made from bark, heartwood, and a mixture of all types of sawdust. The reason for the low mycelial growth, low mass reduction and slight reduction in the mass of sawdust made from bark, heartwood, and a mixture of all types of sawdust was the presence of high levels of tannins, which inhibited the fungal growth. Full article

Mycelium-based composites are a promising sustainable material with inherent fire resistance and acoustic absorption properties, the extent of which depends on the fungal species, the substrate, and the growth technology. These materials exhibit superior fire performance compared to synthetic polymers, characterized by low heat release, minimal smoke production, and a high char yield that inhibits flame spread. Some composites have even demonstrated self-extinguishing capabilities. Despite these advantageous properties, their application in the construction industry remains limited. To assess mycelium’s current trajectory, this study analyzes 90 real-world architectural and design projects. Our findings indicate that Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus are the most commonly used fungi, cultivated on substrates such as straw, wood, and sawdust. Architectural applications are dominated by building blocks, insulation, and facade panels, whereas design and art applications focus on packaging, furniture, and sculptures. A key distinction emerges: architectural projects prioritize function, while artistic projects emphasize esthetic experimentation. Although commercially successful in packaging, the use of mycelium in construction is currently limited to temporary structures. Enhancing its structural and load-bearing properties through further research is essential for its widespread use in architecture. However, mycelium is poised to become a key material that drives innovation in sustainable construction. Full article

This study evaluates crushed bamboo as a coarse aggregate for structural–thermal wall composites, comparing its performance against mixes with wood sawdust and rice husk. Crushed bamboo was used in both smooth and surface-roughened conditions, where particle morphology and surface features were characterized by SEM and AFM methods. The roughened bamboo aggregate exhibited greater surface roughness, thereby improving interfacial adhesion with cement. Surface roughening increased 28-day compressive strength by ~39–44% relative to smooth particles. Incorporating fine plant-based fillers into cement–bamboo composites increased their compressive strength by ~33–75% and reduced thermal conductivity by ~12–18%, compared with the analogues without fine particles. Water-absorption tests on bamboo aggregate showed rapid uptake in the first 24 h (43–45%) and saturation after 7 days of ~65–70%, values lower than typical wood by-products, thereby helping to limit mix water demand. Findings indicate that crushed, surface-roughened bamboo, especially with fine bio-fillers, can produce sustainable wall materials with a strong balance between strength and insulation. Full article