bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between plasma microbubbles and gas-liquid dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma for pollutants degradation in water
Authors: Aggelopoulos Christos , Meropoulis Stauros
Published: August 2023

This study's main emphasis is the direct comparison between gas-liquid dielectric barrier discharge (GLDBD) and plasma microbubbles (PMB) concerning the kinetics related to the contaminant’s destruction and plasma-activated water composition. As contaminants with different structures, methylene blue (MB), methyl violet (MV), methyl orange MO) and sunset yellow (SY) were investigated. For the PMB system, low concentrations of long-lived plasma species were measured and an almost neutral pH, while on the contrary for the GLDBD high long-lived species concentrations and a significant pH decrease was recorded. This study sheds light on how the GLDBD and PMB systems can be used to expand the use of cold plasma-based wastewater treatment.
AKANoah Student Team experience: microplastics analysis technics on the Po River environment
Authors: Turdo Riccardo , Conteduca Francesco , Francardo Cecilia , Paradiso Giulio , Balestra Valentina , Bellopede Rossana , Comino Elena
Published: August 2023

AKANoah PoliTo is a student team from Politecnico di Torino which aims to design an environmental monitoring strategy for the urban river ecosystem and a plastic waste collection system.
Data gathering and analysis are key for monitoring, mitigating, and preventing pollution of such a pivotal resource as the river environment, as pointed out by the 2030 Agenda. The urban context is a critical hotspot of pollution because its high-density population leads to multiple types of contamination, such as stormwater discharges, accidental releases, littering and irresponsible use of the river infrastructure by locals. Furthermore, surface watercourses collect different pollutants along their path, becoming a very important matrix to be monitored.
The project focuses on developing and testing both the procedure and the proper instrumentation to carry out water quality assessment, microplastic sampling and macroplastic cleaning tasks, following the principles of efficiency, low environmental impact, and replicability. The monitoring and collection strategy proposed by AKANoah is a fast, efficient, and easily repeatable boat-based solution which combines macroplastic river cleaning and data acquisition on micro and macro pollutants.
This strategy is intended to bring a positive impact on both the local community and the ecosystem. It also has the potential to open new opportunities for city businesses and to bring educational values not only to students directly involved in the project but also to the citizens who benefit from a healthy, thriving urban river environment and its related ecosystem services (leisure activities, urban parks, storm flows regulation).
Growth and biochemical responses of earthworms (Dendrobaena veneta) exposed to tetracycline
Authors: Žaltauskaitė Jūratė , Miškelytė Diana , Sujetovienė Gintarė , Dikšaitytė Austra , Januškaitienė Irena , Kzacienė Giedrė , Dagiliūtė Renata
Published: August 2023

Veterinary antibiotics have received growing attention in recent years as emerging terrestrial contaminants. Livestock, animal manure and slurry land application are the main routes for veterinary antibiotics to enter the soil environment. Widespread use and distribution of tetracyclines poses a serious risk to soil dwelling organisms. Being soil keystone species, earthworms perform a number of essential functions in the soil and occupy important position in the terrestrial food chain. However antibiotic effects on earthworms are still poorly understood. Earthworms Dendrobaena veneta were exposed to tetracycline for 56 days. Mortality, body weight, and biochemical responses including the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, gluthathione-S-transferase) and oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation) were investigated. Tetracycline did not induce acute lethal toxicity to D. veneta, though impaired weight growth, antioxidant enzymes system and induced oxidative stress.
Electrified membranes for microplastic fouling mitigation
Authors: Hasan Shadi , Ouda Mariam , Banat Fawzi , Naddeo Vincenzo
Published: August 2023

The excessive use of plastics has created a route for microplastics into our water and wastewater treatment plants. Coupled with the on-going water crises, this creates a threat to fresh water availability as microplastics disrupt the operation of these plants. Microplastics result in severe fouling to low pressure membrane technologies, such as ultrafiltration. Electrified membranes are suggested as an alternative microplastic fouling mitigation strategy. In this study, polyethersulfone (PES) pellets were sulfonated to create sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES), resulting in an additional layer of negative charge for microplastic repulsion. PES and SPES membranes were then fabricated using non-solvent induced phase inversion, and tested under DC electric field as a fouling mitigation strategy. Additionally, several characterization techniques were utilized to confirm the sulfonation and study the morphology and structure of the fabricated membranes. These include Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Finally, the microplastic flux, pore characteristics, hydrophilicity and charge of the fabricated membranes were determined experimentally. The microplastic flux increased by 16% in SPES compared to PES at 0 V. Additionally, the microplastic flux increased from 22.7 ± 0.9 L/m2.h in PES at 0 V to 34.0 ± 0.9 L/m2.h in SPES at 5 V, which reflects a 49% increase. This study lays basic foundations for this system as a microplastic fouling mitigation strategy, and creates a route for future studies on suitable membrane materials to enhance the system.
Occurrence and fate of OMPs and ARGs in innovative full-scale WWTPs
Authors: Rivadulla Matias , Suarez Sonia , Garrido Juan , Omil Francisco
Published: August 2023

The presence of antibiotic resistance determinants in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) presents a potential risk for human health and for the environment (Manaia et al., 2018). The scientific knowledge related to this topic is still limited, while new technologies are being implemented to reduce the environmental impact associated to conventional WWTPs. Besides removing conventional pollutants; innovative technologies should deal with contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). CECs are typically divided into chemicals (for example pharmaceuticals and other organic micropollutants, OMPs) and biological pollutants, such as pathogens or antibiotic resistant microbes (ARMs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the occurrence and fate of some CECs in two full-scale urban WWTPs based on advanced technologies. The selected CECs were 8 OMPs (antibiotics) and 35 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Two sampling campaigns were performed to determine the presence and the removal efficiencies of the selected CECs in each treatment step. The results of the first sampling campaign showed moderate removal efficiencies for OMPs, between 20 and 80 %; and a higher distribution of ARGs in the sludge line, compared to the water line, where a removal of 2-3 log10 units was achieved. A second campaign was already completed and the results will be available in coming weeks.
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the Spanish State Research Agency (EEA) through ANTARES (PID2019-110346RB-C21) project. The authors also want to acknowledge the companies FCC Aqualia and Viaqua for the technical support
Black Carbon characterization with Raman spectroscopy and machine learning techniques: first results for urban and rural area
Authors: Drudi Lia , Giardino Matteo , Janner Davide , Pognant Federica , Matera Francesco , Sacco Milena , Bellopede Rossana
Published: August 2023

Among the chemical substances of Particulate Matter (PM), there is a considerable quantity of black carbon (BC), which is linked to adverse public health effects and climate change. This study aims to develop an innovative method for the source apportionment of BC inside the PM, using Raman spectroscopy and machine learning techniques.
Different BC sources, including biomass ashes and vehicle emissions, and different PM samples from air quality monitoring stations have been analyzed with a Raman spectrometer. The PM samples used in the present study are collected from two different locations: an urban environment (Turin, Italy) and an alpine valley context (Oulx, Italy).
To each obtained spectrum, which presents the characteristic G and D bands, a five-band fitting has been applied to gather information that can lead to the identification of the different BC sources. Machine learning techniques, including the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithm, have been applied to calculate the cluster resolution through a value of accuracy. Finally, the same algorithm, trained on the BC emission sources' data, tries to associate each BC in the PM to its source. In particular, a large amount of BC from diesel engine car exhaust emissions is found in all the considered PM samples.
Mitigating the impact of antineoplastic drugs on aquatic environment: nanofiltration as a promising tertiary wastewater treatment
Authors: Gouveia Teresa , Cristóvão Beatriz , Pereira Vanessa , Crespo João , Alves Arminda , Ribeiro Ana , Silva Adrián , Santos Mónica
Published: August 2023

Pharmaceuticals known as antineoplastic agents are increasingly prescribed in the fight against cancer. This is causing some concern in the scientific community due their poor treatment in many conventional wastewater treatment plants and poor environmental biodegradability, posing a potential risk to eukaryotic organisms. Finding treatment solutions to prevent the entry and buildup of these compounds in the environment becomes urgent. In this study, ten antineoplastic drugs and one corticosteroid, five of which had never been examined before, were monitored in a real wastewater effluent and their removal using a nanofiltration pilot scale unit with a Desal 5DK membrane was evaluated. Average removals of 68±23% were attained for the eleven compounds, being the lowest one 3010% for mycophenolate mofetil and the highest one 98.30.4% for megestrol. Except for cyclophosphamide, for which a high risk was estimated in the permeate, the remaining risks determined in the permeate for aquatic organisms from receiving bodies were low (capecitabine, mycophenolic acid and flutamide) or null. Phytotoxicity tests revealed that the permeate appears to have a lower negative impact on the growth of Sinapis alba plants' roots than the feed stream.
5. Acknowledgments
This research was financially supported by: (i) Project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031297 (CytoStraTech)—funded by FEDER funds through COMPETE2020—Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) and by national funds (PIDDAC) through FCT/MCTES; (ii) NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000069 (Healthy Waters) co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through North Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement; (iii) LA/P/0045/2020 (ALiCE), Base Fundings UIDB/00511/2020 and UIDP/00511/2020 (LEPABE) and UIDB/50020/2020 and UIDP/50020/2020 (LSRE-LCM), funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC). iNOVA4Health – UIDB/04462/2020 and UIDP/04462/2020, a program financially supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, through national funds is acknowledged. Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry- LAQV which is financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES (UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020) is gratefully acknowledged. Teresa I.A. Gouveia would like to thank the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for her Ph.D. grant (SFRH/BD/147301/2019). Mónica S.F. Santos and Ana R.L. Ribeiro acknowledge FCT funding under DL57/2016 Transitory Norm Programm
Synthesis of Two-Dimensional Nanomaterial Based Hybrid Membrane for Antibiotic Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Hasan Shadi , AbuZaid Malak , Pandey Ravi , Naddeo Vincenzo , Banat Fawzi , Yousef Ahmed
Published: August 2023

The presence of high concentrations of antibiotics in wastewater has paved the way for the development and spread of pathogens with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Coupled with the global water stress, this leads to adverse effects on both the environment and human health. Conventional wastewater treatment plants lack antibiotic removal efficiency, hence untreated wastewater eventually finds its way into groundwater or surface water. Nanomaterial-based membrane technology has shown outstanding characteristics, particularly two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. In this study, graphene oxide (GO), MXene (Ti3C2Tx), and GO)/MXene composite (50% GO/Ti3C2Tx) membranes were fabricated by vacuum-assisted filtration for antibiotic removal from wastewater. The membranes’ rejection and permeability were tested. Membrane hydrophilicity and surface morphology were evaluated through water contact angle and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) respectively. When compared to pristine GO and Ti3C2Tx membranes, the composite GO/Ti3C2Tx membrane possessed a lamellar structure with a higher interlayer spacing and higher stability. Additionally, the fabricated membranes resulted in more effective tetracycline removal from water.
Assessment of exposure to fine and ultrafine particulate-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during prescribed burns
Authors: Oliveira Marta , Teixeira Joana , Morais Simone , Rodrigues Francisca , Delerue-Matos Cristina
Published: August 2023

Portugal is one of the most affected countries in southern Europe by wildfires. The human exposure characterization to fine particulate matter (PM) during fires remains limited; no information is available for ultrafine particles nor their composition on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This work assesses fine and ultrafine PM levels and their composition on 18 PAHs during two prescribed burns performed in Porto (North of Portugal). A low-pressure impactor was used to collect 14 PM fractions (PM15nm to PM10µm) at the firefighting area. Concentrations of PM were determined by gravimetry, and its PAHs content was determined with a microwave-assisted extraction and analyzed by liquid chromatography with fluorescence/UV-Vis detectors. Total cumulative concentrations of collected PM varied between 0.34 to 1.41 mg/m3 with fine (PM156nm to PM2.5µm) and ultrafine (PM15nm to PM95nm) PM accounting for 48.6-63.1% and 11.7-31.4% of total PM, respectively. Benzo(a)pyrene, carcinogenic PAH, was detected in all PM fractions with values ranging from 5.72×10-5 to 2.63×10-3 µg/m3. The PM-bound possible or probable carcinogenic PAHs represented up to 7.62% of total PAHs. Further studies concerning humans, e.g., firefighting forces and local population exposure to fine/ultrafine PM and PAHs are urgently needed to pursue preventive measures to promote human health.
Reimbursement of aluminum and PET packaging project at a University Campus: a case study
Authors: Castro A , Gomes A , Correia A , Ribeiro H , Queirós A
Published: August 2023

Deposit Return Systems were created to increase the recycling rate of single-use beverage containers and meet the recycling targets in European Union. REAP - Recycling and Reimbursement of Aluminum and PET Packaging is an initiative that took place within the scope of the sustainability policies created at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, allowing students and staff to be reimbursed for each PET beverage bottle/ aluminum can returned after consumption. This selective collection reduces the degree of contamination of the waste and increases the quality of the waste to be incorporated into the recycling industry and in the PET packaging production chain. This paper aims to promote reimbursement systems and bottle-to-bottle mechanisms as a measure for sustainability and circular economy. This article analyses the REAP case study monitoring results during the first year. The results indicate an increase in the number of returned packages during the year and return rates of 41% for PET bottles and 26% for aluminum cans in the first year of implementation. The increase in the number of users shows that the project has been a good instrument in raising environmental awareness among the academic community for the importance of packaging separation for subsequent recycling.
A Machine Learning Approach for the prediction of solid fuels consumption in Turkey
Authors: Konyalioglu Aziz , Celik Nuri
Published: August 2023

Solid fuels are very crucial energy sources as most of industries use them for obtaining heat, electricity and light. Furthermore, since solid fuels are scarce sources in Turkey, it is very important to forecast the consumption in order to effectively manage the energy policies and to conduct an effective planning for industries. In this study, it is aimed to forecast and to model the produce of solid fuels like lignite and coal in Turkey. In statistical analysis, machine learning techniques are applied for forecasting. There are several types of different machine learning algorithms such as supervised and unsupervised learning, reinforced learning, self-learning, feature learning etc. The methods we used are categorized as supervised learning since they build a mathematical model of a set of data that contains both the inputs and the desired outputs.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis Assisted by Portable Sensing Devices for Precise Assessment of Indoor Environmental Conditions
Authors: Gialelis Yiannis , Bali Nadia , Voultsidis Dimitris
Published: August 2023

Indoor air quality has become an emergent issue for human health since burdened outdoor environments, stagnant air conditions and indoor human activities (cooking, cleaning, etc.) increase the pollutant concentration. Some of the pollutants that interest the most for indoor environments are PM2.5, CO2, CO, VOCs, and NO2. These are measured by a wearable sensor- kit that is constructed by Applied electronics lab (APEL). Various working scenarios are set, such as human presence/absence and doing some indoor activities to measure the pollutants concentration in each case. Three kits are used and two of them are placed in the enclosed space and one close to the human body (wearable-kit). Most of the time it is noticed higher pollutant concentrations in enclosed space than those measured in atmospheric air by other local sensors. Along with the experiments, the enclosed space is computationally reconstructed and simulated for Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis. The momentum, mass transport phenomena were coupled and solved using Ansys CFX software. The same cases were tested and compared with the experimental measurements. Conclusions such as the poor quality of indoor space under various flow conditions and at specific hours during the day have been noticed, as well as the assessment of human exposure have been performed to improve the indoor environment.
Development of Scenario-based Decision-Making Framework for Marine Oil Spill Waste Management
Authors: Li Jianbing , Hosseinipooya Ashkan
Published: August 2023

This study developed a scenario-based decision-making framework to help select the appropriate strategy to deal with marine oil spill response waste by considering different impact factors, including the type of spilled oil, the quantity and quality of waste, the capacity of transportation, the capacity and location of treatment and disposal facilities, and the feasibility of strategies. Based on the combination of impact factor conditions, 1600 and 4608 input scenarios were generated for liquid and solid oily waste, respectively. An optimization model with an objective of minimizing costs was developed and programmed in RStudio to evaluate each input scenario. The real-world data was collected for the optimization modeling parameters. The results indicated that the best strategy for managing liquid oily waste from spilled refined oil (e.g., diesel and bunker) should be the sending of waste to a processing facility for physical and chemical separation. For solid oily waste, pyrolysis is the best option if available followed by incineration.
Techno-economic assessment of a high temperature thermal storage integration into a sludge drying process in combination with PV electricity
Authors: Vlachokostas CHRISTOS , Papadopoulos AGIS , Makris DIMITRIOS , Alexopoulos SPIROS ORESTIS , Schruefer Johannes , Hoegemann DANIEL
Published: August 2023

During the ongoing transition towards cleaner energy production to tackle climate change, it is important to identify economically viable solutions. While Renewable Energy Sources (RES) offer clean energy, they cannot consistently meet energy demand. Therefore, energy storage technologies are necessary, particularly for thermal demand where thermal energy storage is the most sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective solution. In this study, a combination of RES, thermal storage, and electrical resistors converting electrical energy into thermal energy is proposed to hypothetically meet the energy requirements of a sludge drying facility. The implementation feasibility of such a setup is assessed, by using commercially available software tools but also developing a new methodology. This methodology calculates the efficient dimensioning of the initial setup (RES and storage technology), based on the hourly energy demand and RES production. Two main technical scenarios were identified. At the end, the most energy efficient scenario was chosen. The economic benefits were extracted, using the setup and the dimensioning proposed from this scenario. The future step of this assessment is to evaluate the environmental profitability of this setup, under the third sustainability development pillar.
Acclimation of microbial consortia on acidogenic effluents for enhanced production of polyhyrtoxyalkanoates.
Authors: Ntaikou Ioanna , Rokizas Stylianos , Kora Elianta , Kalogirou Thomai , Antonopoulou Georgia , Lyberatos Gerasimos
Published: August 2023

The aim of the present study was to develop efficient MMCs via their acclimation to a mixture of volatile fatty acids, sugars, and lactate i.e. the acidogenic effluents of a hydrogen-generating bioreactor processing food wastes. Acclimation was conducted under sequential carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) limitation in draw fill reactors with organic loading 3 g/L (in terms of the chemical oxygen demand (COD)) in the C phase and ammonium chloride as N source in the N phase. Two DFRs were operated simultaneously with different carbon-to-nitrogen ratios (C/N) i.e. 10 g COD/g N-NH4+ and 50 g COD/g N-NH4+ and differences in the operational efficiency and microbial structure were assessed. Subsequently, batch experiments were conducted with both of the acclimated MMCs and with different initial substrate concentrations (6 -24 g COD/L) and different C/N ratios (50-200 g COD/g N-NH4+). It was shown that the feeding strategy during acclimation resulted in the domination of different microbial genera of Betaproteobacteria and affected greatly the yields and production rates of PHAs at batch mode, with the highest obtained yield exceeding 0.7 g PHAs/ g microbial biomass.
Green management as an instrument of activation of employees in the mature age
Authors: Kamińska Anna , Dereń Aldona , Rutkowska Małgorzata , Skonieczny Jan
Published: August 2023

Green management combines the concepts of environmental management and human resources management in such a way as to develop "green" skills and motivate and ensure pro-ecological activation of employees - by placing sustainable development at the center of the organization's HR processes. The aim of the article is to present the concept of green management as an instrument of activation of the elderly. We conclude that it is necessary to maintain the awareness that work is an important factor affecting the activity of the elderly and determines their place in the social structure. The challenge is to create such employment conditions that employees of mature age (aged 60 and over) have a suitable job that would take into account their aspirations, skills, and health). It is necessary to conduct appropriate policies aimed at activating mature workers and reducing the level of unemployment among them by changing the pension system, as well as health care and granting social benefits, promoting flexible forms of employment, increasing the possibility of undertaking and continuing various activities, ensuring optimal working time and working conditions, implementation of innovative processes, counteracting discriminatory behavior, increasing employability and encouraging lifelong learning.
Effects of High Temperature and Liquid Nitrogen Cooling: A Case Study of granite rocks from Kazakhstan
Authors: Longinos Sotirios , Tuleugaliyev Mirlan , Begaliyev Dastan , Hazlett Randy
Published: August 2023

Cryogenic fracturing using liquid nitrogen (LN2) is a new geothermal well stimulation method to augment porosity, permeability, and overall contact area in Hot Dry Rock (HDR) reservoirs in an environmentally acceptable way, without potential surface or groundwater contamination, formation damage, and huge water consumption. Procedures representing different exposure times and frequencies were compared by investigating the degree of rock integrity damage created. Granite rocks equilibrated at different elevated temperatures from 200oC to 500oC were immersed in LN2 for different freezing times (FT) and a variable number of freezing-thawing cycles (FTC). Rock strength was measured in compression tests. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to confirm the extent of visible damage and catalog the fracture evolution of our granite specimens. Two different granite rocks were studied: Zhylgyz (sample 1) and Sayac (sample 2). The experiments document mechanical rock damage by thermal shock and the degree of thermo-fracturing rises with temperature difference and time of LN2 treatment in both freezing time and freezing-thawing cycle methods.
A Deep Learning Model, interpreted with an XAI technique, to simulate and optimize the remediation of oil-drilling cuttings in bubble flow reactors
Authors: Tsakiroglou Christos , Kalari Krisana , Christodoulis Konstantinos , Bali Nadia , Theodoropoulou Maria
Published: August 2023

A multitask deep neural network (DNN) is developed to simulate the ozonation of oil-drilling cuttings (ODC) and is interpreted through a technique of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to provide knowledge about the experimental conditions that will maximize the decontamination of ODC. On a semi-batch bubble flow column, ozonation experiments of ODC are carried out after pretreatment with synthetic seawater (SW) and the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The performance of ozonation experiments is evaluated by measuring the removal efficiency of the total organic carbon (TOC). The experimental data are used for training and testing an DNN that can predict accurately the TOC removal efficiency of the ozonation process as well as the values of different variables such as pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), temperature (T), pressure drop (ΔP), based on the values of the input variables of the model. The acquired model is interpreted through the Shapley Additive explanations (SHAP) method, an important advancement in the field of machine learning interpretation provided by XAI, regarding the significance of the models’ input variables in the TOC removal efficiency. This step aims at establishing the experimental conditions that lead to the highest remediation rate.
Environmental and Economic Life Cycle Assessment of a Spanish whisky
Authors: San Miguel Guillermo , Cely-Parra Paola , Beltrán Marcos
Published: August 2023

A considerable literature has been dedicated to evaluating the carbon footprint of fermented beverages such as wine and beer. However, far fewer studies have been committed to assess the environmental and economic sustainability of spirit distillates. The aim of this paper was to compile a complete life cycle inventory of a commercial whisky produced in Spain and to identify environmental and economic hotspots from a streamlined LCA. The system boundaries covered a cradle-to-gate approach, which included production and transport of raw materials (barley and corn), whisky manufacturing including distillation, packaging and distribution. Two functional units were considered: 100 l of whisky and one degree of alcohol content. The analysis considered four impact categories including climate change, acidification, eutrophication, and tropospheric ozone formation, calculated using the EF 3.0 impact assessment method. The results described that most of the impacts associated with this product were attributable to packaging, followed by grain alcohol and cereal production. Environmental impacts generated by the fabrication were very limited, although this stage contributed significantly to the life cycle cost of the final product. Packaging burdens (mainly from the glass bottle) can be minimized through reuse or recycling strategies.
A new trend for urban planning: the vision and the challenges
Authors: Voukkali Irene , Papamichael Iliana , Loizia Pantelitsa , Zorpas Antonis , Stylianou Marinos
Published: August 2023

The world population is expanding rapidly, causing a number of economic, environmental, and social consequences including crowd roads, higher traffic demand, and longer travel times to basic services. More than two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2050. The 15-minute city concept promotes for cities where everyday destinations are within a short walk or bicycle ride. Walking to daily destinations not only reduces the environmental impact of transportation, but it is also associated with a variety of positive effects on individual psychological and physical health, as well as social capital. The idea of a 15-minute city offers an excellent, straightforward, flexible, and widely accepted perspective of urban living that has recently emerged around the world. Public schools, green spaces, libraries, super markets, department stores, employment locations, basic healthcare, and areas for entertainment are examples of services that could be found inside the 15-20 minute city. The goal is to establish dynamic and liveable communities, boost the economy, encourage social cohesiveness and sustainable development, and improve citizens' health and well-being. This research focuses on identifying the major opportunities and challenges to ensure that the concept of a 15-minute city can be applied to urban planning to reduce energy use in cities and air emissions in order to address climate change.
Circular bioeconomy in the sustainable biotransformation of agri-food residues and waste
Authors: RODINO Steliana , BUTU Alina , BUTU Marian
Published: August 2023

This paper explores the potential of sustainable biotransformation of agri-food residues and waste into a spectrum of marketable ingredients for food and feed and other bio-based products (biochemicals, biomaterials) which is at the heart of the bioeconomy. With over 80% of land covered by farms or forests and marine areas supporting fisheries of global importance, the EU is largely self-sufficient in most agri-food, forestry and some marine products. Based on available data, it is estimated that the European bioeconomy has an annual turnover of around €2 trillion and employs over 22 million people, around 9% of the total EU workforce. Its sectors have a strong potential for innovation due to their connection to a wide range of sciences and technologies, as well as local knowledge. Given that the transition from non-renewable to renewable resources is an important innovation aspect of both the circular economy and the bioeconomy agenda, the exploitation of the synergy between the two concepts in ensuring a more productive and efficient use of resources is also evaluated. There is an uneven distribution of activities associated with the development of sustainable circular bioeconomy in EU member states, which has an unwanted impact on the achievement of both European and national objectives.
Microbial inoculum production for bioleaching of critical metals from tailings
Authors: RODINO Steliana , BUTU Marian , Butu Alina
Published: August 2023

In this paper, research is presented regarding the development and testing of strategies to identify the optimal solutions for the production of microbial inoculum for the bio-recovery of critical metals from tailings. The versatility and diversity of biotechnologies available offer the opportunity for an economically viable solution for treating ores with complex mineralogy and those not suitable for processing by traditional methods. Bioleaching is a real economic alternative for the treatment of mine tailings, which allows, depending on the chosen strategy, two possible outcomes: (i) a leachate enriched in target metals or (ii) a tailings enriched in target metals by leaching interfering components. Continued population growth, ever-increasing levels of economic activity and technological innovation lead to a rapid increase in resource consumption, making the sustainable use of resources an imperative issue for humanity. Therefore, in recent years, new ideas regarding the use of materials and circularization have emerged. On the one hand, traditional mining activity produced tailings that were deposited in tailings ponds, containing metals as by-products of the extraction processes. On the other hand, as we aim to expand human presence in space, we need to find viable approaches to achieve independence from terrestrial resources and space biomining becomes of great interest.
Simulating the fate of selected PAHs in Saronikos Gulf, Eastern Mediterranean, using a far-field water-quality model.
Authors: Mazioti Aikaterini Anna , Kolovoyiannis Vassilis , Petalas Stamatios , Mamoutos Ioannis , Potiris Emmanuel , Krasakopoulou Evangelia , Tragou Elina , Zervakis Vassilis
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution of selected Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and predict their fate in the marine area of Saronikos Gulf. A three-dimensional model (Delft3D-FLOW) was used to simulate sea circulation and hydrographic variables (salinity, temperature), for a 365-day simulation time period (year 2018). A water-quality model (Delft3D-WAQ), set at the same grid as the circulation model, was used to model biogeochemical variables and as a next step, simulate the occurrence and distribution of selected PAHs in the water column. The main pathways for PAHs entering the marine environment of Saronikos have been determined and set as discharges in the modelling area. The dispersion and transformation of PAHs has been simulated, and the predicted concentrations have been compared with published observational studies. The main processes determining the fate of target compounds have been evaluated regarding their contribution to the annual mass balances.
PROMETHEUS: Services, systems and methods for HEIs in the domains of Circular Economy, and Sustainable Development
Authors: Lachana Zoi , Zlatinis Giannis , Tsigkou Konstantina , Charalabidis Yannis , Kornaros Michael , Lekkas Demetris Francis , Klontza Eleftheria
Published: August 2023

Prioritizing innovation and entrepreneurship is difficult for European Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), especially in the context of digital transformation. Despite fruitful partnerships, many HEIs struggle to interact with business leaders, share knowledge, and promote cross-border cooperation. The impact of research and teaching is hampered by a lack of institutional support, which limits opportunities for faculty and students.
Universities must allocate the necessary funds and recognize the value of knowledge exchange and collaboration with outside parties in order to address these problems. Effective knowledge exchange requires the development of strategic alliances with governmental organizations and private companies. Collaboration is facilitated, institutional reputation is improved, and funding is attracted through joint research initiatives, industry partnerships, and community engagement initiatives.
This paper presents the PROMETHEUS project which involves five HEIs and three research centers and enterprises across Europe, as a solution to the above mentioned lack, by developing and sharing capabilities in innovation and entrepreneurship related to digital transformation. PROMETHEUS focuses on institutional engagement and change, offering various services, systems, and methods to enhance Higher Education. These include schools, workshops, networking opportunities, digital platforms, and business accelerator programs.
Environmental monitoring and sustainable planning for tourism in Balos lagoon in Western Crete
Authors: Skiniti Georgia , Lilli Maria , Skarakis Nikolaos , Tournaki Stavroula , Nikolaidis Nikolaos , Tsoutsos Theocharis
Published: August 2023

Balos lagoon was used as the case study to test a new methodology developed under the CROSS-COASTAL-NET initiative, Development of a Cross-Border Network for the Promotion of Sustainable Coastal Tourism, which is underneath the Interreg Greece–Cyprus program. The project examines the regions of Balos and Akamas in an attempt to settle any concerns raised in such sensitive coastal ecosystems, due to the issue of over tourism. Thus, environmental impact assessments and planning processes are considered essential to define an area’s carrying capacity (CC), so that the foundations for its sustainable touristic growth, can be built.
In the current study, aiming to perform a holistic approach -investigation of all the aspects of sustainability, i.e., environment, society, and economy-, the methodology proposed for the carrying capacity identification is three-levelled: 1) calculation of the physical, real, and efficient carrying capacity, 2) quantification of the ecosystem’s biological quality, 3) definition of the stakeholders’ view, through ranking of proposed solutions derived from thorough research. Eventually, an integral strategy is being applied to capture a spherical view of the existing condition in Balos, as also to provide tailored made solutions.
Degradation assessment of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) debris after long exposure to marine conditions
Authors: Lourmpas Nikitas , Efthimiadou Eleni , Filippides Anastasios , Papanikos Paraskevas , Lekkas Demetris , Alexopoulos Nikolaos
Published: August 2023

In the present investigation, the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in marine environments, under ultraviolet (UV) radiation and saltwater conditions, was examined. HDPE debris were collected from the coastal areas nearby Korinthos, encompassing a wide range of exposure durations, from relatively intact to several decades of exposure in the marine environment. The debris were examined via several microstructural examinations and additionally tensile specimens were extracted to evaluate the weathering effects on the mechanical properties. The experimental test results revealed a significant decrease in the mechanical properties that ranged according to the estimated exposure of the debris to the environmental exposure. The debris were classified into three different groups, based on the decrease of their mechanical properties, to be used for recycling. This high-end discrimination of the induced damage to the material properties will probably allow for the appropriate recycling of such debris without essential decrease in the mechanical properties, as currently a small portion of the damaged debris are being used during recycling of such materials.
Treatment of two-phase olive mill waste and degradation of phenolic compounds with simultaneous bio-electrochemical conversion of CO2 to CH4 using a Microbial Electrolysis Cell
Authors: Tremouli Asimina , Kanellos Gerasimos , Monokrousou Evangelia , Lyberatos Gerasimos
Published: August 2023

This study deals with the treatment of a potent two-phase olive mill waste (TPOMW) through the degradation of its phenolic content, with simultaneous bio-electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CH4, using a dual-chamber Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC). The MEC operated for 120 days and the effects of different dilutions (1:10, 1:5 and no dilution) and applied potentials (0.5 V and 1 V) on its performance were studied. The results showed that decreasing the dilution (from 1:10 to 1:5 and to no dilution) led to an increase of the COD removal (from 74%, to 77% and to 87%, respectively), of the total phenolic content removal (from 73%, to 76% and to 79%, respectively), as well as of the produced CH4 (from 0.08, to 0.48 and to 2.33 mmols, respectively). Increasing the applied potential (from 0.5 V to 1 V), while the TPOMW was employed in the anode with no dilution, resulted in further increase of both the COD and the total phenolic content removal to 91%, while the produced CH4 further increased to 2.88 mmols. The results indicate that the MEC technology can be potentially exploited for the treatment of the potent TPOMW and produce CH4 as a waste-to-energy source.
Wetting study of PVDF - carbon nanodiscs membranes for water treatment applications via membrane distillation
Authors: Tournis Ioannis , Sapalidis Andreas , Panagiotaki Katerina , Sideratou Zili , Kouvelos Evangellos
Published: August 2023

Since 80’s, membrane distillation has been identified as a promising water treatment process in various wastewater treatments, such as desalination brine, textile, radioactive and oily wastewater.[1] The demand for membranes with stable flux and prolonged lifespan especially in challenging wastewaters containing oils, surfactants etc. has been increased over the last decade.[2] This research is focused on the preparation and evaluation of PVDF membranes containing functionalized carbon nanodiscs (CNDs) [3]. Specifically, carbon nanodics, a new family of nanostructured carbon(s), in order to be compatible with the hydrophobic polymer, were initially functionalized with triphenylphosphonium-functionalized derivatives of 1300 and 5000 Da molecular weight hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (PEI-TPP) and then the obtained hybrid nanomaterials were structurally characterized using various techniques, such as FTIR, Raman, XPS, NMR, SEM, TEM, etc., revealing the successful attachment of PEI-TPPs on the surface of oxCNDs. Subsequently, the CND@PEI-TPP nanoparticles were either incorporated in the matrix or coated on the top of the surface of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) porous membranes. The membranes were characterized by SEM, liquid entry pressure (LEP), contact angle, contact angle hysteresis, porosity and surface energy. Their wetting properties against brine wastewater were investigated followed by their evaluation in membrane distillation. Moreover, their fouling behaviour in the presence of various natural organic matter such as humic acid or bovine serum albumin, SDS and octane was determined. It was observed that the modified nanocomposite membranes exhibit improved permeability, salt rejection and antifouling properties compare to the neat PVDF membrane.
How science-society interactions design post-mining territories: transdisciplinary patterns in Cevennes, France
Authors: Bonincontro T , Cerceau J , Tena-Chollet F , Becerra Sylvia
Published: August 2023

Abstract In line with the European Union's guidelines, the context of a mining resurgence in metropolitan France plans the prospective opening or reopening of mines. In this general context, the politicization of the post-mining subsurface is sparked by this mining industry rebirth, linked to reminiscences of its mismanagements. Politically and socially, research advances on post-mining issues become strategic knowledge to legitimise such a position. We hypothesise that the knowledge produced in the research has a longer reach (a more robust social impact) when it is co-constructed with the inhabitants, thus leaving the confined field of science to fertilise concrete action on the territory. Based on three case studies in the Cévennes informed by a review of scientific literature and the media, semi-structured interviews with scientists and local inhabitants, and informal interactions, this paper argues that even though they were not designed as participatory, the research processes investigated have become so, via spontaneous interactions with local inhabitants. We analyse the circulation of knowledge during the research processes and its impacts on the learning of researchers and inhabitants involved and on the territory. A reflection concerning a typology of forms of transdisciplinarity ongoing, and their influence is outlined.
Understanding of consumers' water consumption preferences and environmental consciousness
Authors: Samaras Petros , Theodoridou Glykeria , Avramidou Persa , Kassianidis Panagiotis , Partalidou Maria
Published: August 2023

Water is arguably nowadays one of the most important commodities of increasing socio-economic and political value. Several studies have investigated the factors influencing consumers' perception of water quality and water service quality and conclude that are influenced by a constellation of factors both internal and external. In many cases, the assessment of water quality is mainly influenced by organoleptic properties, especially taste whereas other factors are also identified in the literature such as risk perception, water chemicals, familiarity with specific water properties, trust in suppliers and informed consumption provided either by mass media or our personal networks. This study is focused on identifying basic trends in consumer’s preference for drinking water. In particular, the main purpose of this study is to investigate if there is a correlation between the behavior of consumers choosing drinking water and their socio-demographic characteristics or their ecological consciousness towards major environmental challenges that clearly effect the availability and quality of drinking water. To address the research objective, we followed a mixed methods approach in a specific case study area in Greece. Data were obtained from a survey conducted on a random selected sample of 407 consumers in a period between June and September 2022 in the City of Kilkis. Multivariate data analysis was performed to explore the significant factors associated with consumers' choice of drinking water and identify consumer segments with similar consumption behavior based on their socio-demographic characteristics and their attitudes towards environmental issues. A focus group discussion with local experts and policy makers was also useful towards gaining insight. A better understanding of consumers' water consumption preferences and motives can be very useful for all stakeholders involved, as it can contribute to improvements both in water management and in a more effective commercialization in the market, for consumer satisfaction and ecological consciousness. Finally, it can contribute to improvements in consumer services and acceptance of future innovative approached towards water reuse.

Acknowledgements: This work has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union under the ENI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme. The contents of this document can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the Programme management structures”.