bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approaches to tackle emerging challenges in European aquaculture
Authors: Jacopo Bacenetti , Federico Haaland Gaeta , Davide Facchinetti , Marco Parolini
Published: November 2022

The word demand for fish is increasing. Whilst on one hand, fishing is carried out in a not sustainable ways in the main fishing areas (e.g., overexploitation of natural stocks, remarkable fuel and energy consumption), on the other hand, acquaculture, above all when not performed inland, involves environmental concerns related to the emissions of pollutants in the sea, low resourse efficiency and the high consumption of chemicals. Thus, acquaculture should aim to reduce its environemental impact and to produced fish and seafood in a circular economy perspective. This contribution focuses on different approaches to tackle two environmental issues related to aquaculture in Europe: 1) the reduction of impact due to aquaculture farming of edible species and 2) the improvement of the farming of a cleaner fish species to reduce the overexploitation of natural stocks and to solve the dramatic problem of sealice in Atlantic salmon farming. The first approach aims at developing self-sufficient multi-trophic systems for inland aquaculture in Mediterranean areas. The second approach aims at optimizing the farming of the lumpfish that is used in sea net pen as a killer of salmon sealice. The description of the planned approaches and preliminary results of the SIMTAP (Self-sufficient Integrated Multi-Trophic AquaPonic) project and lumpfish aquaculture, including future challenges and research directions, are reported.
Investigation of Shoreline Morphometry of Kızılırmak Delta’s Lagoons Using Fractal Dimension and Shoreline Development Index
Authors: UYAR Azize , OZTURK Derya
Published: November 2022

In this study, shoreline morphometry of the Karabogaz, Balik, Uzun, Cernek, Liman, Gici and Tatli lagoons which are located in the Kızılırmak Delta, was investigated by using fractal dimension and shoreline development index. The shorelines of the lagoons were obtained from Landsat 8 OLI satellite images of June 4, 2017, using remote sensing-image processing techniques including Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), Gram-Schmidt pan-sharpening method and Iterative Self Organizing Data Analysis Technique (ISODATA) unsupervised classification method. In order to investigate the relationship between fractal dimension and the environmental conditions, also shoreline development index and the environmental conditions, the vegetation conditions surrounding the lagoons were determined using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) algorithm. The result of the study reveals that the relationship between fractal dimension and NDVI is much stronger than the relationship between shoreline development index and NDVI.
Anaerobic digestion of long-chain fatty acids (oleic, palmitic, stearic) with whey protein as the emulsifier
Authors: Eftaxias Alexandros , Michailidis Christos , Diamantis Vasileios , Aivasidis Alexandros
Published: November 2022

Long chain fatty acids are suitable for biogas production, however, they are often responsible for process inhibition, due to their high toxicity even at low concentrations. In this study, anaerobic co-digestion of whey protein emulsified with oleic, palmitic or stearic acid were examined in continuous (batch-fed) stirred tank reactors. The mixture consisted of 5 g/L LCFA and 20 g/L whey protein. Emulsification was performed with a high shear emulsifier while the mixture was pre-heated at 75 oC to optimize the procedure. The anaerobic reactors had a working volume of 2 L and were operated at 39 oC. Anaerobic co-digestion of oleic acid displayed high biogas yield (0.47 L/gCOD), compared to palmitic (0.42 L/gCOD) and stearic acid (0.30 L/gCOD). Biogas production from palmitic acid was stable, with a biogas yield close (90%) to the theoretically expected values. This was not the case however for stearic which displayed negligible biodegradability. Oleic acid, on the contrary, was highly degradable (100%), although resulted inhibition of the acetoclastic methanogens. Based on the results of this study it is can be concluded that stearic acid degradation is the rate-limiting step of the anaerobic digestion process, and this attributed to its low solubility and thus bioavailability.
Valorisation of ovine cheese whey through PHA production
Authors: Asunis Fabiano , Brundu Anna , Carucci Alessandra , Cocco Francesco , De Gioannis Giorgia , Isipato Marco , Muntoni Aldo , Spiga Daniela
Published: November 2022

The ovine dairy supply chain plays an important role in Mediterranean economic systems and is experiencing a much needed phase of development and innovation looking beyond traditional dairy products. The same attention to innovation has not yet been applied to the management of the effluents produced during milk processing. Cheese whey is the main biowaste produced by cheese production and, at present, few, partial and sometimes unprofitable options for its proper management are available. Environmentally-sound management of residues should be based preferably on valorisation through the recovery of high added value products and energy. In this framework, cheese whey fermentation and further conversion of the obtained organic acids to biopolymers like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) appear to be extremely interesting.
In the present study, PHA production from ovine cheese whey (oCW) through a 3-step process (fermentation, biomass selection and PHA accumulation process) was investigated. Different pH values were adopted during fermentation and no external nutrients were supplied at any step of the process.
Results showed that the bioconversion of oCW into PHA is a promising valorisation approach. The operating pH values adopted during the fermentation step were found to affect polymer composition and storage yield, whilst the biomass selection step was positively affected by some oCW peculiar characteristics, such as the high protein content.
High-rate anaerobic co-digestion of agro-industrial wastes combined with ammonia recovery and biogas purification
Authors: Diamantis Vasileios , Eftaxias Alexandros , Georgiou Dimitrios , Koumara Alexandra , Koskinari Maria-Dolores , Aivasidis Alexandros
Published: November 2022

Screened dairy manure, pressure-sterilized animal by-products, and cheese whey were co-digested in a Plug Flow Reactor (PFR) over a period of 150 days. The mixture was characterized by TCOD = 70±8 g/L, SCOD = 26±6 g/L, NH4-N = 1.5±0.3 g/L, TSS = 20±5 g/L, VSS = 18±6 g/L, TS = 33±5 g/L, VS = 26±2 g/L. The PFR was constructed from plexiglass (20 L working volume) and the operational temperature was maintained at 36±1oC. The PFR process was stable even under a hydraulic retention time of 3 days, corresponding to an organic loading rate (OLR) of 22 g/Ld. Effluent COD remained low (5.6±1.4 g/L) while VFA concentrations were negligible (< 0.5 g/L as COD). The biogas production rate from the PFR ranged from 2.6 up to 7.3 L/Ld. The anaerobic digestate was characterized by high ammonia content (1.7±0.5 g/L); therefore air-stripping was chosen for the effective removal of ammonia. Hydrated lime as a slurry was utilized for the necessary pre-treatment step (pH-raising and the reduction of residual particulates), due to its fast reaction and low cost. Moreover, effective clarification of the anaerobic digestate was obtained at an elevated pH (≥11.5). A temperature of ≥45 °C was also needed for efficient ammonia removal. The final effluent was neutralized by CO2 absorption through biogas injection in a scrubber. Concurrently, the biogas was upgraded since its methane content increased substantially, while H2S was completely removed.
Thermolysis and kinetic parameters determination of biomass fuel powders by differential thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG/DTA)
Authors: KUMAR praveen
Published: November 2022

The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of the agriculture residues were evaluated using a differential thermo-gravimetric analyser under a non-isothermal condition. The direct Arrhenius plot method and the integral method were applied for the determination of kinetic parameters: activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and order of reaction. The thermal behaviour and pyrolysis of two types of biomass i.e. parlmillet cob and eucalyptus by using TGA from ambient to 1000°C. Three different heating rate (10, 15, and 20°C/min) was taken for the thermogravimetric analysis. The carrier gas nitrogen was used in this investigation and the flow rate was 40 ml/min. Thermo-physical properties of agricultural residues in order to facilitate its further processing and utilization for syngas production in the gasifier. Suitability of biomass for gasification and power generation was prejudged by its thermo-physical properties. Agriculture residue had three mass loss step assigned to first one removal of moisture, the second was the main component (cellulose and hemicellulose degradation) decomposition and last dissociation of other organic matters. The cellulose and hemicellulose in biomass were playing an important role in combustion and pyrolysis. The reactivity of lignocellulose present in the biomass was low in combustion. Cellulose content biomass decomposed at a lower temperature due to oxygen diffused in the pores of biomass. The weight loss curve showed that pyrolysis of Eucalypts and Millet cob powders took place mainly in the range of 150–500°C. The activation energy of the millet cob powder and eucalyptus obtained by the direct Arrhenius plot method 70 and 85.5 kJ/mol respectively. On the other side, the integral method shows larger values of activation energy (77–91.2 kJ/mol). The pearl millet cob powder exhibits higher H: C and O: C ratios compared to the eucalyptus, so it has better high heating energy (HHV) value compared to the eucalyptus. The DTG profile for the Pearl Millet Cob shows one peak in the moisture region. This moisture peak has a value of 7.08 %/min and appears at a higher temperature of 279 °C compared to the Eucalyptus whose moisture peak occurred at about 163°C. This shows that the moisture in the Pearl Millet Cob material is entrained in its cell walls and for this particular structure its evaporation requires more energy and this occurs at higher temperatures. The results showed that the apparent activation energy of Pearl Millet changed along with the conversion rate, had the lowest residue content and Ea. This fundamental study provides a basic insight into the Perl Millet Cob pyrolysis, which can benefit our current work in developing advanced thermal processes for high-yield producer gas production from pearl millet cob waste.
Sources and transfer of Cu, Hg and Pb into marine food webs using innovative tracers (metal stable isotopes, trophic markers): results of a pilot study in a French coastal area
Authors: Chouvelon Tiphaine , Araujo Daniel , Bouchoucha Marc , Briant Nicolas , Bruzac Sandrine , Crochet Sylvette , Knoery Joël , Ponzevera Emmanuel , Rozuel Emmanuelle , Sireau Teddy , Thomas Bastien , Amouroux David , Bérail Sylvain , Brach-Papa Christophe
Published: November 2022

Copper (Cu), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) are elements and contaminants of historical and emerging concerns in coastal environments. Although Cu is considered essential for living organisms, it is bioactive in a narrow range of optimal concentrations. Hg and Pb have no known biological role and are considered toxic towards organisms. Marine consumers incorporate and bioaccumulate these metals mainly through trophic pathways, which are then important to delineate. Since recently, metal stable isotopes are promising to trace origin and processes of the contamination of marine matrices, including biota.
As part of the present study conducted within the SCOTTTI and Pollusols programs, we merged integrated trophic markers (carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes, lipid profiles) and metal stable isotopes to investigate i) the trophic transfer of Cu, Hg and Pb within a model food web of a French human-impacted coastal area (Toulon Harbor, NW Mediterranean); and ii) the potential sources of food web contamination. Whenever possible, samples included sediment, suspended organic matter, size fractions of plankton, filter-feeding bivalves (mussels, oysters) and planktivorous fishes, collected at different seasons. Metal- and species-specific patterns throughout the food web were observed, highlighting the role of biological/physiological processes on the observed metal levels and isotope distributions.
Quantification of Soil Properties from Hyperspectral Data for Sustainable Agriculture Using Deep Learning
Authors: Singh Simranjit , Kasana Singara Singh
Published: November 2022

The characterization of soil properties is critical for optimizing farming for sustainable agriculture. All the existing techniques for soil quantification do not take advantage of the sequential nature of Hyperspectral Data. This work focuses on proposing a Hybrid Framework that can quantitatively assess the soil properties from Hyperspectral data by extracting the essential features via Principal Component Analysis and Locality Preserving Projections. The extracted features are combined to form the Hybrid dataset which is then given as input to Long Short-Term Memory Networks, a deep learning-based framework which is typically used for sequential problems. The effectiveness of the Hybrid Framework is shown by comparing it with the existing regression models.
Application of Risk Analysis to landfills: the experience of Brescia (Italy)
Authors: Vaccari Mentore , Gibellini Silvia , Arnaboldi Gianluigi
Published: November 2022

In the Italian authorization procedure for the construction of a landfill, the Risk Analysis is mandatory in case of request for derogation from the current legislation (D.M. September 27, 2010), in order to demonstrate that there is no risk for the environment. This contribution describes the experience of the Province of Brescia, public body responsible for managing applications for landfill authorization, and its collaboration with the University of Brescia for the specific activity of risk analysis applied to landfills. After a reference to the current national legislation and a summary of the technical documents available for the topic (guidelines and instructions drawn up by technical bodies), the technical-preliminary approach applied by the Province of Brescia is outlined. This is complemented by a detailed description of the methodological approach followed for the evaluation of Risk Analysis documents, of the critical aspects and of the experience gained in several administrative procedures aimed at issuing authorizations. Finally, some issues emerged within a technical task-force, involving Lombardy Region and its provinces, that has the aim to coordinate the administrative action on waste sector, are introduced. The specific aim is to draw up a regional regulation on the Risk Analysis applied to landfills.
A methodology for boosting circular economy in olive oil and wine sectors: opportunities for the Italian competitiveness through eco-innovation strategies
Authors: Mentore Vaccari , CHEBBI ALIF , Franzetti Andrea , Sbaffoni Silvia
Published: November 2022

Applying the principles of circular economy to agriculture is a very important contemporary issue on the international political and economic agenda. In this context, current knowledge and recent insights on biosurfactant production will be surveyed to apply these novel economic approaches in the field of agricultural waste valorisation.
The main objective of the CREIAMO project is to set up a replicable methodology for boosting the transition towards circular economy of the oil and wine production sectors through the creation of new destinations for residues originated, new options for their economic valorisation and new business models to increase the competitiveness of companies. A first pilot application will be run in the Lombardia Region. To achieve this objective, the project operates on different eco-innovation strategies:
a. Process and product eco-innovation for the exploitation of agriculture wastes from the production of wine and olive oil for producing eco-friendly biosurfactants. Cost-effective production methods will be implemented to improve its market profitability, resulting in higher yields and purity. In CREAIMO, theses bio value-added products will be, therefore, used to treat contaminated soil, which represents a main environmental issue.
b. Systemic eco-innovation through industrial symbiosis (IS), allowing companies to achieve at the same time economic, environmental, and social advantages. This project will represent the first structured attempt of industrial symbiosis implementation in the Lombardia region, aiming at creating a symbiosis network with the active participation of both SMEs and local stakeholders.
Risk assessment and apportionment studies of particulate pollution at Ankamaly, South India
Authors: N Selvaraju , R Keerthi , Varghese Lity
Published: November 2022

In the present world which is engulfed by the ill-effects of air pollution, stringent permissible emission standards to curb pollution are mandatory. Source and risk apportionment studies help to understand the sources and their contributions. Four parameters, lifetime average daily dose, hazard quotient, hazard index, excess cancer risk helped in assessing the risk at sampling site selected at Ankamaly, Kerala. Lifetime average daily dose was found be in the descending order as Fe> K> Na> Ca. Hazard quotient values were found to be greater than one for Mn and Cr, which conveys the non-carcinogenic effects due to pollution. Cu, Ni, and Zn were within safe limits. Chromium was found to be the main risk causing pollutant. Excess cancer risk (ECR) values shoot up to 6.67×10-3 for child and 2.86×10-3 for adults, which shows it is alarming. Risk apportionment was done and the highest contributors to risk were found to be smelting activities (92.4%) followed by wood residue burning (4.2%) and paved road dust (3.2%).
Pyrolysis of Waste Plastic Laminates and Coconut Husk: Optimization of Fuel Oil Yield, Higher Heating Value and Energy Value
Authors: Olalo Joselito , Rollon Analiza , Reyes Joseph Gerard
Published: November 2022

Operating parameters such as percentage composition, process temperature, and particle size affects the outcome of the co-pyrolysis of coconut husk and plastic laminates. Highest yield of 31.17% occurred at 600oC, 5cm particle size and 32% of coconut husk. The corresponding energy value was 1.89688 MJ. On the other hand, the highest HHV of 33.881 MJ/Kg occurred at 700oC, 3cm particle size and 32% coconut husk. Using RSM response optimizer, the optimum yield of 32.5% occurs at a temperature of 700oC, 5cm particle size and 50.42% coconut husk. For HHV, the temperature of 700oC, 5.0 cm particle size and 32% coconut husk will have a maximum value of 34.1142 MJ/Kg. Conversely, the energy value will have a maximum value of 1.9125 MJ. The ANOVA values for yield, HHV and energy value were (F = 4.90, P = 0.0475), (F = 556.62, P = <0.0001) and (F = 12.93, P = 0.0058), respectively indicating that the models were significant. According to the F-values, the linear term of coconut husk (C) and temperature (A), had a more significant influence on the pyrolytic oil yield, HHV and energy values than did particle size (B).
Installation of a sewer mining unit in the Athens Urban Tree Nursery
Authors: Plevri Argyro , Samios Stelios , Lytras Efthymios , Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Lioumis Christos , Lazari Andriana , Tazes Nikos , Monokrousou Klio , Makropoulos Christos
Published: November 2022

Within the framework of the Horizon 2020, a European project called NextGen evaluates and champions transformational circular economy solutions and systems around resource use in the water sector. The Athens demo site is located in the Athens Urban Tree Nursery which is part of the Goudi Park, an area in the process of redevelopment and regeneration to become the key metropolitan park of the capital. The innovations that are being implemented within the project are the installation of a sewer mining modular unit for urban green irrigation at the point of demand with a capacity of 25m3/d. Additionally, compost-based eco-engineered growing media products will be reused as an onsite fertilizer, as part of a portfolio of autonomous, decentralized water, energy and materials circular solutions for cities in water scarce area. This paper involves information about the way the sewer mining will be implemented and also information about the wastewater treatment, the compost that will be produced and the energy balance of the whole system.
Anaerobic MBR technology for treating municipal wastewater at ambient temperatures
Authors: Plevri Argyro , Mamais Daniel , Noutsopoulos Constantinos
Published: November 2022

An innovative way to treat municipal wastewater and produce energy at the same time is anaerobic treatment. Anaerobic processes are traditionally used for high-strength wastewater or municipal sludge treatment and only recently have been applied for the treatment of low strength municipal wastewater. To investigate the performance of anaerobic wastewater treatment through the incorporation of membrane technology, a 40 L laboratory scale Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (AnMBR) with a flat sheet submerged membrane along with a 40 L reservoir for trapping and measuring the biogas produced have been installed and set in operation. The operation of the AnMBR unit with real wastewater is an important step for data generation, since most of the studies related to AnMBR have been performed with synthetic wastewater offering no insight to problems that a real-world unit might face. This paper presents the start-up of the unit and operating results from the first phase of laboratory scale experiments, conducted at temperatures between 14-18oC. More experiments will be held in the near future at different temperatures and also different operating conditions in order to examine the efficiency of the reactor under realistic conditions, by identifying the possibility of integrating the technology into WWTPs.
Waste water treatment with agricultural by-products: An investigation with date pit powder
Authors: alghamdi Ahmed
Published: November 2022

Water is very precious and inevitable for every living objects including human beings. Fresh water sources are becoming scarce and all over the world a quantum of research is being carried out on water. Huge quantity of waste water is generated by us every day and there are various methods to regenerate safe and pure drinking water from these waste waters. There is a growing interest to treat waste water from both domestic and industrial sources. Researchers all over the world are continuously trying to develop low cost filtration system using various adsorbents. Agricultural waste products are being used as adsorbents and gaining momentum because of various attractive factors such as easy availability, low cost, non-toxic nature etc. In the present investigation, date pit (date stone) powder is used an adsorbent to remove Pb (II) ions from its aqueous solution in a laboratory column filtration setup. The concentration of Pb (II) ions from the effluent was analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The adsorbent material was studied by changing the bed size under a constant flow rate. Mathematical modeling was carried out using Thomas model equation. The analysis revealed that date pit powder can be successfully used in a column filtration set-up to remove Pb (II) ions from the waste water streams with high efficiency
Micro-pollutants, Oxidants, Catalysts and the Water Matrix: A Harmonic Quartet or the War of the Roses?
Authors: MANTZAVINOS Dionissios
Published: November 2022

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs, e.g. heterogeneous and homogeneous photocatalysis, electrochemical oxidation, ozonation, ultrasound irradiation, Fenton and alike reactions, and many more) have been investigated for the treatment of emerging pollutants over the past 20 years (Klavarioti et al., 2009). In particular, the occurrence of persistence micro-pollutants in various water matrices, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, raises serious environmental concerns since these xenobiotics can re-enter the water cycle, i.e. escaping intact from the conventional wastewater treatment plants and finally ending up in surface and ground waters (Verlicchi et al., 2012).
AOPs can effectively degrade organic pollutants typically found in environmental matrices (secondary treated effluents, surface waters, ground waters) at concentrations ranging from the ng/L to low mg/L level. This said, the specific treatment cost (i.e. the cost per unit mass of removed pollutant and/or per unit volume of effluent), as well as the environmental footprint are generally high; both are usually related to the treatment performance, which, in turn, depends on the specific treatment conditions and the quality of the water matrix.
Natural presence of hexavalent chromium in spring waters of South-West Mountain Vermion, Greece
Authors: AMANATIDOU ELISAVET , STAMOS ALKIVIADIS , SAMIOTIS GEORGIOS , PEKRIDIS GIORGOS , TSIOPTSIAS COSTAS
Published: November 2022

Hexavalent chromium in water occurs as oxoanions that are toxic for plants and animals. Furthermore, they are soluble and extremely mobile under environmental conditions. Chromium in its other common oxidative state (Cr+3) is less toxic and in general immobile. Chromium is found in nature mainly in the Cr+3 form. However, human activities and natural occurring Mn oxides that can oxidize Cr+3 to Cr+6, increase the concentration of the toxic form of Cr+6 in nature. The extended worldwide problem of Cr+6 pollution makes essential the understanding of the oxidation mechanism of Cr+3 from Mn oxides, for assessing the danger of Cr+3 oxidation as well as for developing processes to reduce its formation and presence. In this study, the natural occurrence of Cr+6 was examined in ground and surface waters of the South-West part of mountain Vermio (Kozani, Greece), an area where human activity is absent. The aim is to identify a natural background for Cr+6 concentration which can assist in legislation limit definition. Results show that in cases of waters exiting ophiolite or water permeable limestone having underlying layers of ophiolithic rocks, Cr+6 is detected. On the contrary when a thin layer of water impermeable schistolith interposes between limestone and ophiolite, then Cr+6 is not detected.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Natural and Artificial Lakes in Western Macedonia, Greece
Authors: AMANATIDOU ELISAVET , TSIOPTSIAS COSTAS , SAMIOTIS GEORGIOS , KAKLIDIS NIKOLAOS , PEKRIDIS GIORGOS
Published: November 2022

Formation of artificial lakes is a common practice for hydroelectric power generation. Hydroelectricity is considered to be a green and renewable energy source in terms of factory operation. However, hydroelectricity generation may have environmental impact arisen from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions induced by biomass degradation within water reservoir. Depending on area (rocks, cultivation fields, etc) flooded, an artificial lake may emit significant amounts of GHG, especially in the first years of its formation. In this study, the GHGs emission and water quality of two artificial lakes (Polyfytos and Ilarionas formatted in 1974 and 2012 respectively) and of one natural lake (Zazari) in the area of Western Macedonia were measured and evaluated. Results show that the old Polyfytos lake is stabilized and emits low amounts of CO2 (maximum flux 568 mg/m2/day) and zero CH4.The fresh Ilarionas lake and the natural lake emit higher amounts of CH4 (maximum fluxes 19 and 2200 mg/m2/day respectively). The CO2 emissions depend strongly on time of year and chlorophyll concentration in water (indicator of photosynthetic activity) and even negative fluxes were found in Ilarionas and Zazari (-395 and -732 mg/m2/day respectively). A simple model is used to correlate and predict future GHG emissions by the lakes.
Aqueous synthesized mixed-phase nano-TiO2 photocatalysts for water treatment of both organic and inorganic pollutants
Authors: Chalastara Konstantina , Demopoulos George P.
Published: November 2022

Nano-sized mixed-phase titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles are synthesized through aqueous hydrolytic precipitation of TiCl4, in an easily-scalable continuously stirred tank reactor, CSTR. Different conditions give tunable mixed phase nanotitania particles consisting of anatase (A), rutile (R) or brookite (B) that are further characterized as photocatalysts in both oxidative and reductive roles and compared with the well-known commercial nanotitania, Evonik P25. Degradation of an organic model compound, methyl orange under UV light irradiation using the newly synthesized TiO2 blends is first investigated. Further, the remediation of selenium inorganic species from simulated waste water is tackled. Selenium (Se) is an element of environmental concern, as it may report to natural waters via industrial effluents as those released from mining and metallurgical operations among other.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) & Indicators: Managing Drylands under Climate Change Conditions
Authors: Papadopoulou Chrysaida-Aliki , Potamianou Natalia , Papadopoulou Maria , Charchousi Despoina
Published: November 2022

The future sustainable development constitutes a critical issue at a global scale. It builds upon the concepts of combating poverty & inequality, mitigating climate change impacts as well as protecting natural & cultural resources through innovation & adoption of eco-friendly solutions. It is a human-centric approach that places people at the core of its priorities. Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have now been set by the United Nations (UN) for the year 2030, each accompanied by a set of indicators measuring their performance. This paper focuses on the contribution of each sustainability indicator to the accomplishment of the respective goals, especially in case of drylands. A general overview of the SDGs & the relative indicators are analyzed. Then, indicators related to climate change impacts are explored following by an assessment of the contribution of these specific indicators to the management of drylands under climate change conditions.
Health Care Waste Management: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Halldorsdottir Sigridur
Published: November 2022

Limited attention has been paid to health-care waste management despite an increase in public concern about the management of such waste on a global basis. The objective of this study was to analyse the issues and challenges of health-care waste management as well as possible solutions. It is estimated that about 50% of the world’s population is at particular risk from improperly treated health-care waste. In most countries wastes from hospitals and other health-related facilities are not required to be treated to remove the thousands of high-volume health-care chemicals. Incomplete removal can lead to formation of transformation products which in some cases may be more toxic than the parent compounds. Uptake of contaminants by earthworms and plants may contribute to biomagnification in terrestrial food web, and thus, their food-chain effects need attention. Humans can be exposed to chemicals through the consumption of contaminated water and food. Stewardship and green pharmacy have the potential to deliver positive environmental health. The whole life cycle of a compound or health-care product has to be considered when making risk management and risk reduction decisions. Such life-cycle assessment can be made by various stakeholders in the health-care chain, including manufacturers, doctors, pharmacists, and patients.
Mine water management in abandoned mine sites: from waste to resource
Authors: LOREDO JORGE
Published: November 2022

Mine water usually supposes one of the most important environmental problems of the extractive industry, where water quality is dependent of a great number of factors relatives to the ore deposit characteristics and to the exploitation method typology. But if water quality by nature or after convenient treatments stays inside the acceptable limits, according to the legislative quality standards, mine waters could be used for different uses. Then, new studies on the framework of the circular economy paradigm have led to found new possibilities for mine water, which in some cases can be considered as a potential water resource, generating new economic activities in the mining regions.
Long-term impact of use of treated wastewater on accumulation of metals in soil.
Authors: Elsergany Moetaz , KARKAIN Rashed , DIAMADAPOULOS Evan , Moussa Mayada
Published: November 2022

The aim of this paper is to assess the environmental risks associated with the wastewater reuse with respect to six metals; cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in the city of Dubai. Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) is used for landscape irrigation. Samples of soil and control soil as baseline measurement were collected to calculate the contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), metal pollution index (MPI), degree of contamination (CD) and modified degree of contamination (mCD) of heavy metals in soil. The results revealed that the values of the CF were very high, the PLI and MPI were high, the CD was very high, the mCD was ultra-high.
Rainwater harvesting from roads enhanced indigenous pasture establishment in a typical African dryland environment
Authors: Mganga Kevin
Published: November 2022

African drylands are a key source forage for pastoral livestock herds. However, land degradation and recurrent droughts have resulted to shrinkage of natural grazing pastures. This poses the greatest challenge to livestock production in African drylands. Combining innovative sustainable land management practices notably rainwater harvesting from roads and grass seeding using native grasses have been identified as a viable option for increased pasture production and rehabilitation of degraded pasturelands. Morpho-ecological characteristics of indigenous grasses Cenchrus ciliaris L. (African foxtail grass), Eragrostis superba Peyr. (Maasai love grass) and Enteropogon macrostachyus (Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) Monro ex Benth. (Wild rye grass) were planted to determine the suitability of rainwater harvesting from roads using trenches for pasture establishment and rehabilitation in a semi-arid landscape in Africa. Plant densities (plants m-2), plant frequency (%) and biomass yields (DM g m-2) significantly declined (P ˂0.05) with distance away from the water trenches (0 m, 5 m and 10 m). In conclusion, harvesting and diverting runoff from roads into trenches prolong soil moisture availability to enhance indigenous pasture production and rehabilitation of degraded grazing lands in African dryland environments.
Dioxin-Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls at Dilijan Landfills (Republic of Armenia)
Authors: Aleksandryan A. , KHACHATRYAN A. , Bunyatyan Y.
Published: November 2022

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are substances of wide distribution, high toxicity, persistence, and ability to long-distance migration. They are characterized by unique properties: temperature stability; high boiling point; non-combustibility; resistance to chemical and physical influences; high dielectric constants.
The old and new landfills of Dilijan district (Republic of Armenia) were investigated. Sampling was done at both the old and new landfills and 20 samples of soil were taken for further laboratory analyses.
Determination was done on Shimadzu chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. Separation of substances was performed on a 60 m glass capillary column with DB-5MS UI. The results of analyses (n=560) were focused on concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs; non-dioxin-like PCBs; and common PCBs.
Municipal waste dumps of Dilijan are active sources of PCBs accumulation and spread.
In soil samples from both the old and new landfills excess concentrations of PCBs were found in 100% of cases compared to normative level, and the summary concentrations of the latter multiply exceeded the normative level.
PCBs-related environmental pollution is of great concern because the emergence and spread of PCBs in nature is not always subject to control and regulation, as the sources of PCBs formation are diverse.
Investigating the Potential of UV-excited Photoluminescence Spectroscopy for the Identification of Plastics
Authors: Koch Martin , Gies Sebastian , Schömann Eva-Marie , Radiev Yurii , Prume Julia
Published: November 2022

In this study, we investigate photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy with UV excitation as an alternative method for the detection and identification of plastic materials. The PL is excited at 266 nm. Spectra of the most widely used plastic materials are analyzed. Based on these results, it should be possible to develop a method to reliably identify different plastic materials in environmental samples solely based on their PL emission. In addition, this technique is inherently non-destructive and fast.
Treatment of High Strength Industrial Wastewater utilizing Canna X generalis in a Simulated Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland Set-up
Authors: Ballesteros Florencio Jr , Antonio Heidi , Esguerra Givette Kristine
Published: November 2022

In the Philippines, DENR has mandated the regulation of oil and grease, COD, and TSS for automotive parts manufacturers. Wastewaters from industries have varying pollution strength that requires efficient treatment systems of combined physical, biological, and chemical processes. However, these methods tend to be labor intensive and costly. Constructed wetlands have become a popular treatment method for industrial wastewater because of its simplicity requiring less technical expertise compared to other technologies. In this study, four vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands composed of cylindrical drums with diameter of 30 cm and height of 90 cm were designed to treat industrial wastewater in parallel experiments. The four constructed wetland units had various set-ups (with & without Canna X Generalis, with & without zeolite, with & without air vent) to determine the effect of the treatment efficiency. Water quality samples were collected from each unit, and were analyzed for pH, ORP, TSS, COD, aluminum, oil and grease. The findings show that the constructed wetland with zeolite and air vents demonstrated higher removal efficiency in comparison to a constructed wetlands without these features. The removal efficiencies registered 93.35% and 90.67% for COD and TSS, respectively.
Isolation and identification of microorganisms that can biodegrade organic compounds which are present in olive mill waste.
Authors: Antwnopoulou Paraskevi , Vyrides Ioannis , Stasinakis Athanasios
Published: November 2022

Isolation of microorganisms that can biodegrade organic compounds which are present in olive mill waste and more specifically microorganisms that can survive at high phenol concentrations was studied in the Environmental Engineering Laboratory for three months in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology in the Cyprus University of Technology. Firstly, liquid crops were created, then the samples were cultivated in solid crops (with phenol as the sole carbon source) and at last isolation and purification of the samples were performed and the single colonies were replicated in liquid crops to check their performance. Eight single microbial culture will be sent to Macrogen The Nederlands Research Center for recognition and identification.
Environmental, economic and socio-economic life cycle assessment of the Spanish electricity system
Authors: San Miguel G , Cerrato M.
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates the sustainability of the Spanish electricity system under four different scenarios for 2030 and 2050 published by a reputable think tank assessing the Spanish Government. The analysis was performed using a life cycle approach and evaluates five sustainability indicators: overall carbon footprint, carbon footprint per MWh, overall economic costs, LCOE and job creation. The results evidence that the most ambitious scenarios (100 % share of renewables) produced the best results in terms of environmental and socio-economic performance (10-fold reduction of GHG emissions and 15-fold increment in employment compared to 2015) but involved higher costs (15 €/ MWh more expensive).
Monitoring of Vitis vinifera endophyte population
Authors: Vrchotová Blanka , Škotková Michaela , Vlková Vendula , Kolochová Irena , Lovecká Petra
Published: November 2022

Due to increasing demands to agricultural production it is necessary to fine processes which will increase health of cultural plants and will have positive impact on landscape with potential to increase production. Our work is concerned on grapevine plants (Vitis vinifera) endophytic population. We monitor endophytic population in leaves and stems of four grapevine varieties Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Rhine Riesling and Müller Thurgau during year from two vineyards with different ways of wine production, biodynamic production and conventional with use of pesticides. Our concern is to monitor functional and structural changes in endophyte populations and its seasonal changes. Functional changes were determined by measurement of selected plant growth promoting properties of endophyte populations. For monitoring changes in population structure fatty acids methyl esters analysis was used.
Cooperation of bacteria and fungus on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons degradation
Authors: Vrchotová Blanka , Danda Matěj , Lovecká Petra
Published: November 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are diverse family of hydrophobic organic pollutants. They can be removed from environment by bacterial degradation. One of the process which could limit biodegradation is transfer of hydrophobic contaminants in to aqueous phase were degrading microorganisms live. In this work we would like to evaluate possible role of fungi in increasing transport of hydrophobic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in to the aqueous phase. Increased transport should result in increased degradation of contaminants in our case polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Arsenic uptake in bean and cabbage grown in silty and sandy soil and irrigated with arsenic containing water
Authors: Dobosy Péter , Sandil Sirat , Kröpfl Krisztina , Füzy Anna , Óvári Mihály , Záray Gyula
Published: November 2022

The uptake of arsenic was studied in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) in an open greenhouse pot culture with sand and silt soil as substrate. The plants were irrigated with water containing sodium arsenate at concentrations 0.05 and 0.2 mg As L-1. The total arsenic concentration of the different plants parts was determined by ICP-MS, following microwave-assisted acid digestion. The As concentration in the bean was in the order: root>shoot>bean pod and in cabbage: root>leaves. Increasing As concentration in the irrigation water resulted in decreased edible biomass production in bean, while in cabbage the edible biomass production increased. At the highest dose (0.2 mg As L-1) if a person consumes about 450g of bean then their As intake will be: 0.9 µg from bean grown in sand and 0.72 µg from bean grown in silt. If 450g of cabbage is consumed then the As intake would be: 22.5 µg from cabbage grown in sand and 12.15 µg from cabbage grown in silt.
Considering the WHO recommended MTDI limit of 2 µg kg-1 body weight, both bean and cabbage can be consumed at the highest As treatment level of 0.2 mg L-1.
QUNTITATIVE PCR AS A TOOL FOR ANALYSIS OF DIVERSITY IN SOIL MICROBIOME
Authors: Siegel Jakub , Macůrková Anna , Drobníková Tereza , Maryška Lukáš , Jindřichová Barbora , Burketová Lenka , Valentová Olga , Lovecká Petra
Published: November 2022

Majority of terrestrial soils are used primarily for agricultural production. The main factor of soil fertility is mediated by soil microorganisms and invertebrates. Soil microorganisms plays crutial role in ecosystems nutrient cycling and therefore any change in their diversity could have serious consequences on soil fertility and agricultural yields. Silver nanoparticles as novel potentialy nontoxic compounds are nowadays used in many daily use products and also as pesticides. But based on their antimicrobial activity, they can adversely influence structure of soil microbiome. Our work is focused on qPCR analysis of soil microbiome diversity with and without silver nanoparticles treatment. Phylogenetic analysis revealed concentration dependent shifts in microbial diversity, usually in the favor of one phylogenetic group of bacteria or fungi and analysis of melting curves showed changes inside individual phylogenetic groups.
COMPLEX APPROACH FOR ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN SOIL MICROBIOME
Authors: Macůrková Anna , Drobníková Tereza , Maryška Lukáš , Jindřichová Barbora , Burketová Lenka , Siegel Jakub , Valentová Olga , Lovecká Petra
Published: November 2022

In the few past decades, genetic approaches for analysis of soil microbiome, e.g pyrosequencing, gained major attention and cultivation techniques were pushed into the background. The combination of several techniques could be useful and cheap approach for analysis of changes in soil microbiome. In our study of effect of silver nanoparticles on soil microbiome we exploited classical microbiological and biochemical methods for assessment of microbial structure. Effect caused by addition of silver nanoparticles was concentration dependent, the highest concentration of silver nanoparticles caused, besides the others, significant decrease in dehydrogenase activity of soil microorganisms. Concentration dependent changes in soil microbiome were also detected, e.g. in total numbers of cultivable microorganisms, cellulolytic or peroxidase. CLPP indicated significant shift in microbial diversity in all levels of substrate utilization.
Development of Porous Carbon Nanomaterials from Petroleum Waste for CO2 Capture and Mineralization
Authors: Jalilov A. , Albaiz A. , Alsaidan M.
Published: November 2022

Herein we report on developing mineral
carbonization technology using porous carbons from
vacuum residue to generate products that are best
suited economically for CO2 sequestration.
Activating of vacuum residue using activation
reagent as Ca(OH)2 and MgO mixed with KOH gives
a porous structure and metal particles that can react
with CO2. Furthermore, study of the synthesized
material showed the presence of nanoporous carbon
and metal pa Development of in situ preparation
method of porous low density carbon materials from
industrial waste, which serve as a support for CO2
mineralization in pores and use final carbonate
enriched porous carbons, MCO3-PC, as a composite
for a potential development of concretes with
properties adopted from porous carbons such as high
mechanical strength, electrical and thermal
conductivity, magnetic properties and
hydrophobicity.
Potential Links between Precipitation and Anthrax Outbreak at North-West Siberia
Authors: Ezhova Ekaterina , Orlov Dmitry , Malkhazova Svetlana , Drozdov Dmitry , Gennadinik Victor , Kaverin Dmitry , Zilitinkevich Sergey , Kerminen Veli-Matti , Petäjä Tuukka , Kulmala Markku
Published: November 2022

West Siberia is a region subject to fast warming and unstable precipitation regime. In 2016, the most devastating anthrax outbreak in seventy years occurred in the northern part of the region. A working hypothesis suggests that permafrost thawing led to an exposure of old infected carcasses. We performed a thorough analysis of climatic factors in the region. Our analysis of soil temperature observations from the last 20 years indeed reveals rapid permafrost thawing near outbreak localization starting from 2010. We further analyzed meteorological observations to estimate the effect of warming and precipitation on permafrost. We showed that permafrost thawing was significantly accelerated during two consequent years with anomalously thick snow cover. Furthermore, spread of the disease was possibly intensified by an extremely dry summer. Precipitation in June-July 2016 did not exceed 10% of the climatological normals in the region. We conclude that epidemiological situation concerning anthrax remains highly unstable in the region due to the drastic decrease in summer precipitation and potential winter precipitation extremes.