bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding the enzyme for the reductive cleavage of diaryl ether bonds of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in Geobacillus thermodenitrificans UZO 3
Authors: Suzuki Yuzo , Nakamura Masaya , Otsuka Yuichiro , Sato-Izawa Kanna , Hishiyama Shojiro , Kameyama Koki , Kameyama Toshiji , Takahashi Atsushi , Katayama Yoshihiro
Published: November 2022

We have previously reported that a cell-free extract prepared from Geobacillus thermodenitrificans UZO 3 reductively cleaves diaryl ether bonds of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD), a dioxin with the highest toxicity, in a sequential fashion producing 3’,4’,4,5-tetrachloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (TCDE) as the intermediate, and 3,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) as the final reaction product (1). The detection of TCDE implicated the discovery of an unprecedented dioxin-degrading enzyme that reductively cleaves the diaryl ether bonds. In this study, we report the cloning and sequencing of the dioxin reductive etherase gene dreE which codes for the 2,3,7,8-TCDD-degrading enzyme. We showed that dreE was expressed in Escherichia coli and that the product of the expression could reductively cleave diaryl ether bonds of 2,3,7,8-TCDD to produce TCDE. Furthermore, we established that the amino acid sequence encoded by dreE was homologous to an enzyme with yet unknown function that is encoded by a gene located in the riboflavin (vitamin B2) biosynthesis operon in Bacillus subtilis. We also showed that the amino acid sequence possesses a coenzyme A (CoA) binding site that is conserved in the N-acyltransferase superfamily. For the first time, the degradation of 2,3,7,8-TCDD at the molecular level using a enzyme of bacterial origin has been demonstrated.
Assessing the Ecological Footprint of Natural Science Students: A case Study of Düzce University
Authors: Gültekin Yaşar , Gültekin Pınar , Doğan Tuba
Published: November 2022

People are consuming the nature's products and services because all people act on earth. The concept of ecological footprint is accepted as an important indicator of sustainable life issue and calculating human impact on nature. Education should be started from the relevant part of the society which are the natural science students in order to enable people to realize the negative effects they have on nature and to direct them to reduce their ecological footprints. Educators and youngsters working in the field of natural sciences, adopting sustainable living principles as a way of life, are accepted as the most effective stakeholders creating environmental awareness and understanding the importance of the subject.
In this study, ecological footprints were calculated and evaluated according to the consciousness and consumption habits of Düzce University forestry faculty landscape architecture and forest engineering students. In the study, ecological footprint calculation questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. Full counting method was used in the data collection stage. A questionnaire was applied to the students. Descriptive and descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data. As a result of the calculations, suggestions were made to reduce ecological footprint averages and to increase environmental awareness.
Statistical prediction models for the odour emissions quantification in terms of odour concentration: Analysis and comparison
Authors: Galang Mark Gino , Ballesteros Jr. Florencio , Zarra Tiziano , Naddeo Vincenzo , Belgiorno Vincenzo
Published: November 2022

Measuring odour concentration is a significant step to achieve efficient environmental odour management in continuous, objective and repeatable manner. To deal with this, researchers developed instrumental odour monitoring systems (IOMS) by applying odour monitoring models (OMM) for prediction. At present, limited data are available in the literature regarding the exploration of different prediction models to quantify the odour emissions in terms of odour concentration.
This study presents and compares different types of parametric and nonparametric predictive models (i.e., artificial neural network (ANN), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARSpline), partial least squares (PLS), multiple linear regression (MLR), response surface regression (RSR)) with the aim to increase the reliability of the odour concentration prediction by using IOMS for environmental odour monitoring. The experimental studies are carried out considering odour samples collected from the organic fractions in municipal solid waste. All samples undergone seedOA eNose and dynamic olfactometry analysis as reference methods. The coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) were used to measure the goodness-of-fit of the models.
Results indicate the strengths and weaknesses of the analyzed models and highlight their accuracy in terms of odour concentration prediction.
Combined use of anaerobic and aerobic moving bed biofilm reactors for micropollutants’ removal from wastewater
Authors: Stasinakis Athanasios , Kora Elianta , Theodorelou Danae , Herpich Alexandra , Gatidou Georgia , Fountoulakis Michael
Published: November 2022

A novel laboratory-scale continuous flow wastewater treatment system, consisting of an anaerobic moving bed biofilm reactor (AnMBBR) and an aerobic MBBR, was used for investigating the removal of hydroxybenzothiazole (OH-BTH) and selected benzotriazoles from municipal wastewater. The system was operated under three different Experimental Phases where different organic loadings were applied: 0.82 kg COD m-3 d-1 (Phase A), 0.2 kg COD m-3 d-1 (Phase B) and 2.1 kg COD m-3 d-1 (Phase C). The system achieved sufficient COD removal, nitrification and biogas production. All target micropollutants were partially removed during the experiments. Total removal efficiencies ranged from 32% for 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (5TTR) to 97% for OH-BTH. The contribution of the strictly anaerobic bioreactor was important for 5TTR, 5-chlorobenzotriazole (CBTR) and xylytriazole (XTR), while the use of aerobic bioreactors resulted to important increase of target compounds removal and it was exclusively responsible for the removal of OH-BTH and benzotriazole (BTR).
Investigation of food additives readily biodegradability in respirometric tests
Authors: Gatidou Georgia , Vazaiou Niki , Arvaniti Olga , Stasinakis Athanasios
Published: November 2022

The biodegradability of fourteen (14) food additives, belonging to different groups such as artificial sweeteners, preservatives and coloring agents, was evaluated using the OECD 301F protocol (manometric respirometry test). According to the results, seven out of fourteen compounds, namely Aspartame, Cyclamate Na, Saccharin, Erythritol, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid and Sodium Ascorbate are characterized as readily biodegradable with biodegradation rates of 83.6 ± 11.4%, 91.5 ± 5.8%, 81.0 ± 9.6%, 76.3 ± 9.2%, 104.1 ± 8.9%, 100.4 ± 4.0% and 85.9 ± 7.7%, respectively, during the 28-d experiment. On the other hand, Alitame, Xylitol, Curcumin, Ponceau 4R, Allura Red, Sunset Yellow and Azorubine did not meet the strict definition of ready biodegradability. Further biodegradations tests are required for these compounds in order to investigate their biodegradation potential under different experimental conditions.
Feasibility of combined anaerobic-aerobic system for textile wastewater contained C. I. Acid Red 88 dye treatment: HRT effects and functional resilience
Authors: Gadow Samir , Li Yu-you
Published: November 2022

An integrated continuous anaerobic–aerobic system has been employed as the treatment for synthetic textile wastewater contained C. I. Acid Red 88 dye. A laboratory scale of upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) flowed by activated treatment was operated at hydraulic residence time (HRT) of 24, 12, 6, and 3 h. the system showed high performance on the removal of color and COD within the HRT ranged between 24 and 6 hrs. At different organic loading rates (OLR), the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in the UASB was reached to 86.6% and up to 97% were obtained in the aerobic reactor. The system performance appeared to be more resilient to the inapt decrease in the HRT. The experimental analysis results indicated that the maximum methane yield was 13.2 mmol CH4 g COD-1 d-1 at HRT 6 h, and the system is expected to have a better economic performance under HRT 12 h.
How to identify a representative subset of hydro-climatic simulations for impact modelling studies?
Authors: PECHLIVANIDIS ILIAS , Gupta Hoshin , Bosshard Thomas
Published: November 2022

Uncertainties in hydro-climatic projections are (in part) related to different components of the modeling chain. Although a combination of numerous projections (ensemble) would be needed to characterize the overall uncertainty, in practice a small set of scenario combinations are constructed to provide users with a subset that is manageable for decision-making. Given that all projections are unavoidably uncertain, and that multiple projections are typically informationally redundant to a considerable extent, it would be helpful to be able to identify an informationally representative subset in a large model ensemble. The approach is based on a framework, rooted in the information theoretic Maximum Information Minimum Redundancy (MIMR) concept, for identifying a representative subset from an available large ensemble of hydro-climatic projections. We analyze an ensemble of 16 precipitation and temperature projections for Sweden, and use these as inputs to the HBV hydrological model to simulate river discharge until the mid of the 21st century. Representative subsets are judged in terms of different statistical characteristics for precipitation, temperature and discharge and the sensitivity of the identified subset is assessed for different seasons and future periods. Results indicate that a 20-35% subset of the available set of projections can represent a large fraction (more than 80%) of the ensemble range of hydro-climatic changes. We find that the identified representative subsets are sensitive to the regional hydro-climatic characteristics and the choice of variables, seasons and future periods of interest. Therefore we recommend that the identification should not be solely based on climatic variables but, rather, should also consider variables of the impact model.
The importance of the Ecosystem Approach in management of the marine environment
Authors: Tseliou Fani , Tselepides Anastasios
Published: November 2022

The present paper focuses on the importance of the Ecosystem Approach (EA) for the preservation and conservation of the marine environment. Marine ecosystems are complex entities that contribute significantly to the sustainable well being of people by providing a wide range of goods and services. The economic benefits acquired, due to their function, are enormous and to a large extent impossible to estimate. Thus, due to the extensive and irrational use, and overexploitation of marine resources, arises the need for an integrated, holistic, approach in order to achieve sustainable management. The EA is based on the deeper understanding of the ecological, economical, societal and cultural interactions and constitutes the ultimate tool for the implementation and achievement of sustainable development. EA is the key for balancing out a number of users of marine resources and stakeholders so as to promote the critical role of the green economy and (sustainable) blue growth, which includes maritime activities, fisheries, renewable energy, blue biotechnology etc. The objective always remains to optimize the benefits provided by the oceans while at the same time the EA contributes to minimize the pressures of human activities.
Changing Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Practices: Implications for Promoting Sustainable Growth of Agriculture in West Bengal, India
Authors: Pani Amartya , Mishra Pulak
Published: November 2022

The relationships between availability of irrigation facilities and changes in cropping patterns, especially in an agrarian economy like India, require deeper investigation for rational use of water and promoting sustainable growth of agriculture sector. The existing studies generally focus on how access to irrigation can change cropping patterns. Accordingly, policy changes and institutional arrangements are suggested to provide the farmers greater access to irrigation facilities. While this is imperative to promote inclusive agricultural growth, ensuring its sustainability requires exploring how changes in cropping patterns subsequently affect extent and patterns of irrigation. For example, cropping patterns dominated by cereals have different irrigation requirements as compared to when it has concentration of pulses and vegetables. In this perspective, the present paper attempts to understand how changes cropping patterns have affected irrigation requirements and its structures in the Indian state of West Bengal. The rationale for carrying out the study in the context of West Bengal lies in its agrarian
nature with highly fragmented landholdings, existence of large number of small and
marginal farmers and increasing emphasis on minor lift irrigation. The study uses both secondary and primary data to address the research objective. While the secondary data are compiled from various official sources, the primary data are collected through focus group discussions and semi-structured questionnaire. The paper finds that there has been significant shift of cultivated area towards boro paddy, although aman paddy still remains the most important crop in the state. Further, while area under high yielding paddy, jute and potatoes as proportion of gross cropped area has increased, that under pulses has declined sharply. Such changes in cropping patterns coupled with drying natural water bodies with high siltation, degraded environment and ecosystem, erratic rainfall and deterioration in quality of surface water seem to have created further pressure on groundwater level. While deeper investigation at micro level is necessary to draw more robust conclusions, initiatives should be taken towards guiding the farmers towards choice of appropriate cropping patterns for more judicious use of water. The local level institutions like water users’ association should play a crucial role in this
regard.
Wastewater disinfection applying solar energy
Authors: ZKERI EIRINI , Vourdoubas Ioannis , Katsivela Eleftheria
Published: November 2022

Solar Water Disinfection Process (SODIS) is a simple technology using solar UV-A radiation (wavelength 320-400 nm) and elevated water temperature to inactivate pathogens. In the present survey, the effect of solar radiation on the disinfection of domestic secondary treated wastewater from the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) of the Municipality of Chania (Crete, Greece) was investigated during the day hours in summer. The used secondary treated wastewater samples had initial turbidity of 6 ΝΤU, BOD5 of 23 mgO2/L, and concentration of 4.6 × 104 and 2.6 × 104 CFU/100ml for the total heterotrophic bacteria cultivated at 37οC and at 22οC respectively, 5.5 × 105 CFU/100ml for the total coliforms, 1.5 × 105 CFU/100ml for the fecal coliforms, and 2 × 104 CFU/100ml for the fecal Enterococcus. The experiments were carried out in transparent Polyethylene Terephthalate plastic bottles during the months July, August and September. An average reduction of 97-99% of the concentration of the total heterotrophic bacteria, and of 99.5-99.9% of the total and fecal coliforms, as well as of the fecal Enterococcus was obtained after 6 hours of exposition in solar radiation with intensity ranging from 500 to 1,280 W/m2 and temperature from 33οC to 49οC in the wastewater. The results showed that solar disinfection of secondary treated domestic wastewater with turbidity less than 6 ΝΤU could be applied during the period of sunlight in WWTPs of settlements ≤15,000 equivalent population, of at least 6 hours in tanks with deepness of 10cm or tubes with a diameter of 10cm.
Origin of the salinity in the groundwater of the El Attaf alluvial aquifer
Authors: Richa A , Djezzar M , DOUAOUI A
Published: November 2022

The choice of this research theme was guided by the desire to better understand environmental issues, namely salinity and its origin, through the use of geophysical data from various surveys carried out between 1969 (CGG) and 2002 (IFES), to highlight the impact of the geological and structural upheavals that occurred during the earthquake of October 10, 1980, on the hydrodynamic processes.
The interpretation of the resistivity data revealed that water salinity is highly variable and generally high near Jebel Témoulga. Chemical analyzes of all wells in the region confirm this. The hydrochemical study has shown the influence of local geology on the chemistry of the waters of the neighboring aquifer, and raises the question of the importance of gypso-saliferous facies in the region of El Attaf. The multifunctional statistical analysis revealed two chemical profiles within the same aquifer, but it should be noted that the highest concentrations were recorded on the Hay Bel Abbes - Bir Saf Saf axis.
Unbiodegradable soluble COD removal from industrial wastewater by a hybrid moving bed biofilm reactor
Authors: Milia Stefano , Carucci Alessandra , Cappai Giovanna , Camedda Claudia , Erby Giovannimatteo , Puggioni Giulia , Tocco Giaime
Published: November 2022

In this study, plastics industry wastewater (PIWW) characterized by high total and soluble chemical oxygen demand (tCOD and sCOD, up to ~2200 and ~1500 mg/L, respectively) and remarkable unbiodegradable soluble COD (usCOD, 508±224 mg/L, 31±14% of tCOD) concentrations was treated at laboratory scale using a hybrid moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR). Interestingly, the MBBR showed average tCOD, sCOD and usCOD removal efficiencies of 26±6, 32±11 and 36±11%, respectively, which were comparable to those achieved by the coagulation/flocculation pre-treatment currently applied at full-scale. Such results encourage the application of MBBR as a cost-effective option for the removal of recalcitrant soluble organics from PIWW and other similar industrial wastewaters.
Thermal bridge modelling, based on conjugated heat transfer and CFD methods
Authors: Ivanov Martin , Mijorski Sergey
Published: November 2022

In the building structure, the “thermal bridge” is defined as an isolated zone, where construction elements have higher thermal conductivity, compared with the rest of the building envelope. Thus, a significant temperature difference may exist between adjacent solid and air volumes within the developments, especially in winter conditions. The existence of thermal bridge mostly affects the energy performance of buildings, due to the increased heat losses from the occupied spaces. But also, the decreased surface temperature in these zones, could lead to moisture accumulation and substantial humidity related problems in the indoor environment.
Considering these important effects, the presented study describes the development of numerical model of a thermal bridge distribution, based on conjugated heat transfer in concrete external wall section. The thermal bridge distribution is analyzed relative to the indoor and outdoor air parameters, and the envelope thermal properties. The achieved surface temperature sensitivity results may be used for further moisture accumulation model development or enhancements.
An initial study of the opinions of car purchasers in Poland: do they choose electric vehicles?
Authors: Bienias Karolina , Kowalska- Pyzalska Anna , Ramsey David
Published: November 2022

Road transport causes one fifth of the EU's total emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), which are especially high in cities. A suggested solution to this situation is the introduction of electric vehicles (EV). However, evidence from European countries shows that, the sales of EVs are low in comparison to other vehicles, especially without any governmental support. Our pilot study, conducted in Wrocław (Poland), shows that car purchasers in Poland are aware of the difference between pure electric and hybrid vehicles (HEVs). However, the potential for sales of EVs and HEVs still seems limited as most car purchasers buy on the second-hand market. Our study shows that consumers have a generally positive opinion about EVs. However, they see strong barriers in adopting EV as none of 52 respondents decided to buy an EV.
A simple and flexible flowsheet process for recycling efficiently and selectively metals from spent fluid cracking catalysts
Authors: Soares Helena , Sadeghi Maryam , Jesus João , Pinto Edgar , Almeida Agostinho
Published: November 2022

Fluid cracking catalysts (FCCs) are used in the oil industry to crack large molecules into smaller hydrocarbons of interest, such as gasoline and other products. Considering the large volume of FCCs waste generated on a yearly basis (about 20 thousand tons of spent FCCs worldwide) as well as its content in rare earth metals (REMs) of strategic importance, recycling of this material may be a relevant secondary source of REMs, such as lanthanum (La) and cerium (Ce).
Based on these facts, the main aim of this study was to recycle the main metals (La and Al) present in a spent FCC catalyst using a sequential process, which combined a microwave-assisted acid leaching step followed by a bi-stage purification step.
Microwave-assisted leaching proved to be an effective strategy to extract all [(99±1) %] La and significant amount of Al (34%) in a shorter period of time (90 seconds) using a lower concentration (1 M) of hydrocloric acid. Subsequently, two sequential selective precipitation (by raising the pH up to 6 followed by oxalate precipitation using a low oxalate concentration, 0.1 M, respectively) steps allowed an almost complete recovery of Al and La from the leachate with high purity (>95 and 99%, respectively).
Evaluation of risk and the beneficial effects of synthesized nano silver-based disinfectant on poultry mortality and health
Authors: Kumar Indrajeet , Bhattacharya Jayanta
Published: November 2022

This study was evaluated for the potential use of nanosilver (nAg) as a disinfectant and antimicrobial growth promoter supplement for the poultry. The experiments were conducted in the Kangsabati river basin region, in West Medinipur district, West Bengal, India for six months. Two poultry farms were adopted for the experiment. The rural economy of this region from Jhargram to Barkola is heavily dependent on contract poultry farming. The water samples were collected from the water source of poultry farm which has been used for poultry drinking purpose. The bacteriological analysis of water sample revealed that the total bacterial count (total coliform and E. coli) were higher than the acceptable standards. The bacterial loads badly affected the growth performance and health of the poultry. For disinfection, a number of chemical compounds (like formaldehyde, calcium hypochloride, sodium hypochloride, and sodium bicarbonate) have been used in typical commercial formulations. However, the effects of all these chemical compounds have not been significant over time. As a part of our research-to-market initiative, we used nanosilver (nAg) formulation as a disinfectant. The nAg formulation was synthesized by hydrothermal technique and characterized by UV-visible, TEM, SEM, and EDX. The obtained results revealed that the mortality rate of poultry was reduced due to nAg formulation compared to the mortality rate of the negative control. Moreover, the income of the farmer family was increased by 10-20% due to less mortality and better health of the poultry.
Evaluation of Photocatalytic Materials for Water Purification: Overview of the New CEN Standard Test
Authors: Hiskia Anastasia , Triantis Theodoros , Kaloudis Triantafyllos
Published: November 2022

TiO2 photocatalysis offers an attractive alternative to conventional water treatment technologies leading directly to the degradation of organic pollutants, compared to transferring them from one phase to another as in the case of membranes or activated carbon. There is an increasing interest on using photocatalysis for water treatment, rendering reliable evaluation of performance of the catalytic materials necessary. Methods for testing photocatalysts used in water treatment are generally not harmonized. Two ISO standards are available for assessing the photocatalytic activity of surfaces with regards to water purification, which are based on the photo-bleaching of methylene blue and the oxidation of DMSO, respectively. A new European standard for assessing the photocatalytic activity of materials has been developed and is under publication by the European Committee for Standardization, CEN TC386/WG3. Evaluation of the performance of photocatalytic materials in water purification is based on measurement of phenol degradation with UV irradiation under controlled conditions. The proposed standard method is applicable to materials in the form of powders (suspensions in water, slurries). İn this study, the new CEN standard test will be presented, while its differentiation from the existing ones, its applicability and the process followed for its validation, will be discussed.
Characterization of activated carbon prepared from Aegina pistachio shells for Hg removal
Authors: Karagianni Eleftheria , Chatzitheodoridis Elias , Papassiopi Nymphodora
Published: November 2022

Preparation of activated carbon from agricultural bio-products is a promising way to produce useful adsorbents for Hg removal. In this study Aegina pistachio shells were used as raw materials and the activation was carried out by impregnation with ZnCl2 and heating at 750oC under N2 atmosphere. Three different levels of impregnation ratios (IR) were used for the chemical activation procedure, i.e. IR 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 grams of ZnCl2 per gram of raw material. Further sulfurization treatment of the chemically activated carbons was also examined as a means to improve the adsorption capacity of activated carbons toward Hg. Overall six different types of activated carbons were produced and characterized regarding their physicochemical properties and their capacity to adsorb mercury. The specific surface area and the pore size distribution were determined by the BET method. The morphology of produced activated carbons was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface chemical characteristics of activated carbons and the mechanisms of Hg retention were investigated using the FT-IR spectroscopic method. Preliminary Hg adsorption experiments indicated that the sulfur modified carbons were much more efficient for the removal of Hg from aqueous streams compared to simple chemically activated carbons.
Screening strains of genus Pleurotus for biomass production in solid state fermentation of agricultural residues
Authors: Diamantopoulou Panagiota , Melanouri Eirini , Papanikolaou Serafeim
Published: November 2022

The ability of several strains belonging to Pleurotus ostreatus and P. eryngii mushroom genera to grow on various agricultural residues was examined and their mycelium growth rates and biomass production (estimated as glucosamine content) were compared. Four P. ostreatus (AMRL 137, 144, 147, 150) and four P. eryngii (AMRL 160, 163, 166, 173-6) strains were cultivated on wheat, barley and oat straw, oak- and beech-wood sawdust, cotton and coffee residues, corn-cobs, rice bark, olive cake supplemented with wheat bran on a final C/N 20-30. Colonization rate measurements of mycelium demonstrated faster colonization on wheat, oak, barley and oat, corn-cobs and rice with values of ~1.5 mm/day, yet the faster colonizers were P. ostreatus 144, 150 and P. eryngii 166, 173-6. Glucosamine content was similar for P. ostreatus and P. eryngii strains and the most pronouncing substrates for more biomass production were barley and oat straw, beech-wood sawdust, cotton and coffee residues, corn-cobs (max 170 mg/g d.w.). However, in most of the cases, glucosamine content was opposite to mycelial growth rate, as strains with high colonization rates produced the least biomass. These results are evaluated in the view of bio-converting agricultural wastes into mushrooms, an added value food with medicinal properties.
Overrated Credence to the Outdated Sand Mining Legislations - A hydrologically challenged measure
Authors: Varadharajan Sasi
Published: November 2022

The recent floods in the 'God's own Paradise'(Kerala) reminds the Indian Sub-Continent as well as the Global spectators of not just heavy rainfall but also the 'hungry water effect' from deranged desiltation. Laws from the first decade of independence decide the commercial desiltation permits and procedures in most parts of the country with renewed guidelines. The presentation attempts to map the in-river sand mining in all the Indian States, analyze the spatial extent and technology used, resulting degradation of the completely dug-out rivers, alterations in the geomorphology, base flow and river course, conditional water flow into the distributing channels which tend to stand at a higher surface than the further lowered river bed, impact on the continued cultivation in delta regions triggering the contingencies of extreme drought and flood. Poor and delayed adherence to the ecological economic estimates of this evolving nation and the enviro-legal regime can be traced as barriers of environmental restoration. Rampant dredging often with the under and over utilization of mining techniques, reluctant attitude to alternative construction materials raise serious economic & environmental concerns questioning the future livability of the Sub-continent.
Magnetite nanoparticles activated coal fly ash zeolites with application in waste water remediation
Authors: Boycheva Silviya , Miteva Simona , Trendafilova Ivalina , Zgureva Denitza , Václavíková Miroslava , Popova Margarita
Published: November 2022

The application of zeolites in wastewater treatment is studied long ago but still many unexploited opportunities exist. Recent investigations on natural and synthetic zeolites in water decontamination are focused on the improvement of their adsorption and ion-exchange properties modifying them by functionalization, acidic treatment or by incorporation of metal nanoparticles. Another target is to obtain magnetic zeolites to facilitate their powders separation from decontaminated media. In the context of environmental protection and conservation of natural resources, zeolites are derived from waste aluminosilicates including also coal fly ash (FA). Fly ash zeolites (FAZ) with excellent surface characteristics are synthesized by double stage fusion-hydrothermal activation including high thermal stage prior to the hydrothermal. Drawback of this synthesis manner is that magnetite from FA undergoes thermal oxidation to hematite preventing the simultaneous presence of Fe2+/3+ ions into FAZ, which is otherwise important for their decontamination efficiency. Thus prepared FAZ also suffer from the disruption of their magnetic activity, as the magnetic zeolites adsorbents are removed from decontaminated media by a simple magnetic process. In this study, FAZ are loaded by magnetite nanoparticles between the two synthesis stages. The obtained nanocomposites and their parent FAZ are tested for decontamination of polluted waters.

Acknowledgements
This work was financially supported by National Science Funds, Ministries of Education and Science of Republic Bulgaria and Slovak Republic in the frame of bilateral research project under Grant DNTS Slovak Republic 01/6 (SK-BG-2013-0025).
Geochemical modeling as a tool to investigate chromium contamination in groundwater
Authors: Apollaro Carmine , Fuoco Ilaria
Published: November 2022

The geochemical modeling is an essential tool to understand the water-rock interaction processes. In this work has been used the reaction path modelling to investigate the release and fate of geogenic Cr in ophiolitic Italian areas. During the water-rock interaction the geogenic trivalent Cr hosted in Cr-bearing minerals (serpentine minerals, spinels, pyroxene, etc.) of serpentinites rocks is oxidized in Cr (VI) highly mobile and toxic, resulting largely dangerous for environment and human health.
Although generally accepted hypothesis is that geogenic Cr(III) oxidation is driven by the reduction of trivalent and tetravalent Mn, we performed a modeling varying Fe2O3/(FeO+Fe2O3) weight ratios considering the trivalent Fe the only oxidant present in suitable amounts in serpentinite rock. Indeed , the amount of Mn in studied serpentinites rocks is very low.
The reaction paths reproduces the analytical concentrations of relevant solutes, including Cr(VI), in the Mg-HCO3 groundwater hosted in the ophiolitic aquifers of Italy. Although others investigation are need, this result is a new perspective to understand well the environmental issue of Cr-rich groundwater of worldwide.
Preliminary study on Cr-rich groundwater treatment by membrane processes
Authors: Fuoco Ilaria , Apollaro Carmine , Figoli Alberto , brozzo gianpiero , De Rosa Rosanna , Bloise Andrea , Criscuoli Alessandra
Published: November 2022

The aim of this work has been treat Cr- rich groundwaters through membranes processes as alternative to conventional methods. Chromium (Cr) is a dangerous element for environment and human health. Commonly, the highest concentrations Cr are detected in ophiolitic areas where ultramafic and serpentinite rocks crop up and the weathering processes of these rocks are the main cause of Cr-rich groundwaters in worldwide.
The sample water taken into account comes from Bonassola serpentinitic aquifer (La Spezia, Liguria, Italy) and the Cr concentration detected are 84 μg/l. This value is above to the WHO threshold for drinking water set to 50 μg/L and moreover starting from 1 January 2019 the potability threshold value for Cr (VI) was lowered to 10 μg (D.M. 06/07/2017) by Italian government.
In this regards, NF/RO laboratory-scale system with membrane modules named DK (proprietary thin-film), AD (polyamide) and CD (cellulose acetate) were used to treating polluted groundwater and experiments were conducted at different operating pressure The treatment have shown a lowering of Cr concentration within the threshold values with rejection around 95%. These preliminary results are quite promising for future developments on Cr removal from contaminated groundwater in the world.
Lessons from long-term field phytostabilisation studies
Authors: Siebielec Siebielec , Siebielec Sylwia , Stuczynski Tomasz , Sugier Piotr
Published: November 2022

Smelter waste deposits pose a threat to environment and human health worldwide. There is limited availability of long-term phytostabilization field studies evaluating and documenting persistence of tested remediation methods. The paper combines experience from greenhouse testing of most effective soil amendments and long-term field experiments aimed at optimizing phytostabilisation of toxic smelter waste deposits. We compared the impact of novel soil amendments and their combinations with traditional materials on metal solubility and the response of plants, soil organisms and microbial activity. A range of tested parameters included metal extractability and bioaccessibility, soil pH, electric conductivity and enzymatic activity. Soil pore waters were collected to determine trace element concentrations. A separate test was performed to study amendment effects on earthworm behaviour and metal accumulation. Field evaluations involved long-term smelter wasteland site reclaimed with biosolids and by-product limestone combined with implementation of resistant grass species. The data on metal extractability and bioavailability, plant cover, microbial activity, abundance and biodiversity is presented.
Tissue-specific TfR expression in organs of immature mice after chronic exposure to CoCl2
Authors: Pavlova E. , Gluhcheva Y. , Petrova E. , Tinkov A. , AJSUVAKOVA O. , Rashev Pavel , Vladov I. , Skalny A.
Published: November 2022

The wide use of cobalt (Co) due to anthropogenic and industrial activities has increased its concentration in the environment in the last years. Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) is the most commonly used agent in experimental models for inducing chemical hypoxia. The present study was designed to elucidate the effect of chronic CoCl2 exposure on transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) in various organs of immature mice in relation to iron (Fe) metabolism. Pregnant ICR mice were subjected to daily dose of 75 mg/kg body weight CoCl2x6H2O 2–3 days before they gave birth and treatment continued until days 18 and 25 after deliver. The compound was dissolved and administrated with drinking tap water. Age-matched mice obtaining regular tap water were used as a control group. On days 18 and 25 pups were sacrificed, spleens, livers, kidneys, testes and brains were excised and processed for immunohistochemical analysis. The results show altered tissue-specific TfR expression in the studied organs of CoCl2-treated immature mice. Our data on the effects of chronic CoCl2 exposure on TfR expression contribute for the elucidation of the complex regulatory machinery of iron homeostasis.
Laboratory scale study of photooxidation treatment for removal of pharmaceutical residues from water matrices
Authors: Záray Gyula , Dóbé Sándor , Gombos Erzsébet , Krakkó Dániel , Mihucz Viktor
Published: November 2022

The effluent of wastewater treatment plants applying conventional three steps treatment procedure contains non-degradable organic micro-pollutants, mostly pharmaceutical residues. In Germany and Switzerland granulated activated carbon is used to reduce the concentration of these contaminants by about 80%. Another way to treat biologically treated wastewater is the fotooxidation using a photoreactor operating with a low pressure VUV light source. In framework of a laboratory scale project the degradation of diclofenac, naproxen and carbamazepin was studied in pure and wastewater matrices. The by-products formed during the fotooxidation were determined by UHPLC-Q-TOF system. The mineralization of organic pollutants was followed by measurement of total organic content of the treated solutions.
In pure water matrix the degradation of diclofenac, naproxen and carbamazepin at concentration of 5 10-6 M needed 1: 5 and 10 minutes, however , in presence of treated wastewater matrix these time demand values increased to 5, 10 and 30 minutes, respectively. In order to reduce the treatment time oxygen or ozone was bubbled through the photoreactor resulting in mixing of water to be treated and higher number of OH• radicals.
Nitrogen co-doped with fluorine on reduced graphene oxide for enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability for ORR in alkaline fuel cells
Authors: Chuang Po-Ya Abel , Musico Yvonne Ligaya , Labata Marc Francis , Ocon Joey
Published: November 2022

Nitrogen co-doped with fluorine on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared by one-pot hydrothermal treatment method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) spectra revealed the successful doping of nitrogen and fluorine into the rGO. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) results demonstrated high surface area of N-F-rGO that are favorable for oxygen adsorption. The results show that N-F-rGO catalyst has improved the catalytic performance electrode for the ORR in alkaline environment than the fluorine undoped N-rGO. The Koutechy-Levich (KL) analysis and rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) measurements suggest that N-F-rGO dominantly favors a 4e- reduction process. The nitrogen co-doped with fluorine on rGO exhibited remarkable long-term stability towards the ORR than Pt/C. These improved electrochemical properties indicate that N-F-rGO will be a promising candidate for cost-effective electrode material for application of non-polluting alternative energy sources.
Isolation and optimization of microbial consortia for the biodegradation of two persistent fluorinated fungicides
Authors: Carvalho Maria , Alexandrino Diogo , Mucha Ana , Almeida C.
Published: November 2022

Microbial consortia capable of completely removing and defluorinating two persistent fluorinated fungicides, epoxiconazole (EPO) and fludioxonil (FLU), were enriched from an estuarine sediment and an agriculture soil. The enrichments were conducted along 6 months, during which the fungicides were supplemented individually to the cultures every 21 days at 5 mgL-1, using sodium acetate as a co-metabolite (fed twice a week at 400 mgL-1). Biodegradation of EPO and FLU was detected early on the enrichment phase and a gradual increase on their performances was observed throughout this period. After ca. 5 months, the complete removal and defluorination of EPO and FLU was observed for all cultures in a period of 10-15 days. These biodegradation efficiencies were found to be similar in the absence of a co-metabolite. The two pesticides were efficiently biodegraded at concentrations up to 10 mgL-1. By estimating the biodegradation kinetics of the enriched consortia, it was possible to determine half-life values significantly lower than those reported in the literature for these pesticides, rendering EPO and FLU as non-recalcitrant under these experimental conditions. 16S rDNA analysis showed that these consortia harbor bacteria belonging to the Proteobacteria phylum. Current work is focused on the optimization of the degrading consortia and on the elucidation of the metabolic pathways of these pesticides.
3D printed lab-scale raceway ponds reactors for photo-Fenton processes
Authors: Perez-Moya Montserrat , Nasr Esfahani Kourosh , Zandi M.D , Travieso-Rodriguez Jose Antonio , Graells Moisès
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Raceway pond reactors (RPRs) have been widely used in microalgae mass culture (Acien et al., 2013) and their application for micro pollutant removal in photo-Fenton processes has been recently assessed (Rivas et al., 2015). The main advantages of raceway pond reactors are being low cost, robust and flexible (Carra et al. 2015).

The modeling and testing of such reactors, in particular their prototyping can benefit from additive manufacturing. However, the preparation of RPRs by 3D printing to study photo-Fenton reactions has not been investigated.

In this work, two different printable materials, PLA (polylactic acid) and Timberfill were evaluated in terms of chemical resistance to photo-Fenton reactants. First, these raw materials were exposed to H2O2 solutions at pH=3 and to sunlight to simulate photo-Fenton environment. TOC analysis showed that both PLA and Timberfill did not alter the concentration of TOC of the solution in the presence of H2O2 and iron.

Furthermore, printed lab-scale raceway ponds were examined under similar conditions. Through different assays, TOC remained constant during operation, and no organic matter contaminated the solution from its container. This work shows the promising capability of PLA to be used as photo-Fenton reactor; some limitations found are discussed and further research is indicated.

References

Acién Fernández, F.G., Fernández Sevilla J.M., and Molina Grima E. (2013), Photobioreactors for the production of microalgae. Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology, 12(2), 131-151.
Carra I., Sirtori C., Ponce-Robles L., Sánchez Pérez J.A., Malato S. and Agüera A. (2015), Degradation and monitoring of acetamiprid, thiabendazole and their transformation products in an agro-food industry effluent during solar photo-Fenton treatment in a raceway pond reactor. Chemosphere, 130, 73 - 81.
Rivas G., Carra I., García Sánchez J.L., Casas López J.L., Malato S. and Sánchez Pérez J.A. (2015), Modelling of the operation of raceway pond reactors for micropollutant removal by solar photo-Fenton as a function of photon absorption, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 178, 210-217.
The influence of graphene addition on the properties of composite membranes RG / PAN and their potential application
Authors: Fryczkowska Beata
Published: November 2022

PAN is an inexpensive and popular engineering polymer, which is widely used in membrane techniques: ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), reverse osmosis (RO) and pervaporation (PV). It is characterized by good thermal stability, high thermal conductivity, chemical resistance, solubility in many classic solvents, resistance to UV radiation and good mechanical properties. It can be easily modified both chemically and physically.
The paper describes the method of obtaining composite membranes by the phase inversion method of homogeneous dispersion of graphene (RG) in a solution of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) dissolved in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The influence of RG concentration on physicochemical properties, transport and separation properties (removing microplastic), and resistance to fouling of composite was investigated.
Market and Trade Network Analysis of EU Emission Trading System
Authors: Dimos Sotirios , Fotakis Dimitris , Evangelatou Eleni , Mantis Andreas , Mathioudaki Angela
Published: November 2022

The European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS) is the world’s largest cap-and-trade system. The observed price instabilities and the oversupply of the allowances are two characteristics that affect the objectives and the efficiency of the policy.
In this article we investigate the impact of storing allowances, i.e. banking, in terms of the price level, transaction volume and importance in the underlying trading network. To that end, we used data from the EU Transaction Log (EUTL) until 2014 in conjunction with a variety of important price determinants.
Using a sectoral analysis through the years, we observe that the regulated actors participate increasingly in the transaction network in contrast with the pure financial actors that exhibit an opposite trend.
Furthermore, we quantify the relationship between banking and the carbon price by applying multiple regression on the price considering many possible price determinants both financial and EU ETS systemic in nature. We claim that after considering these factors, banking is a notable price determinant.
Finally, we examined the network of transactions of allowances with respect to the role of financial and regulated nodes. We identified the intermediary role of financial nodes from their significance in the network structure.
Onshore wind farm siting and energy carrying capacity in the municipality of Aristotle in Chalkidiki – Greece
Authors: Vagiona Dimitra , Drepaniotis Ioannis
Published: November 2022

Wind power is one of the most environmentally friendly Renewable Energy Sources, as well as one of the rapidly growing and economically viable forms of renewable energy. Today's wind turbines can be considered as a mature and cost-effective technology with reasonable efficiency rates and high reliability. The aim of this paper is to identify the appropriate areas for onshore wind farm siting, considering the restrictions imposed by the national (Greek) institutional framework for wind farm siting (Special Framework for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development for renewable energy sources / SFSPSD-RES) as well as several exclusion criteria found in the international literature. The methodology includes: i) analysis of the study area, ii) exclusion of incompatible areas, iii) exclusion of incompatible zones and iv) site area limitations. Wind velocity, slope, distances from specific areas (e.g. protected areas, settlements, monasteries, surface waters, mines) as well as from specific infrastructures (e.g. road network, electricity grid, antennas) are considered as exclusion criteria used in defining sustainable sites for wind farm deployment. The proposed methodology is applied in the Municipality of Aristotle in Chalkidiki – Greece and the main tool used in the analysis is Geographic Information System. The above analysis highlighted four appropriate areas for wind farm siting in the study area. The ownership status as well as the energy carrying capacity of the selected sites are further investigated.