Search Results (2,646)

Torrefaction was applied to enhance the fuel properties of sawdust (SD) and bark wood (BW), biomass wastes from the rubberwood processing industry. Design Expert (DE) software was used in an experimental design to study the effects of affecting factors including torrefaction temperature and time as well as the biomass size towards the desirable properties such as HHV, mass yield, fixed carbon content, and eco-efficiency values. Promising results showed that the HHVs of the torrefied SD (25 MJ/kg) and BW (26 MJ/kg) were significantly increased when compared to preheated SD (17 MJ/kg) and preheated BW (17 MJ/kg) and in a range similar to that of coal (25–35 MJ/kg). The TGA, FTIR, biomass compositions, and O/C ratios suggested that thermochemical reactions played a significant role in the torrefaction at which thermal degradation coupled with possible in situ chemical reactions took place, to some extent. The optimal conditions of the torrefaction were identified at 320 °C and 30 min for SD, and 325 °C and 30 min for BW. The maximum HHVs at the optimal condition were 22, 23, and 20 MJ/kg while the eco-efficiency values were 29.18, 27.89, and 13.72 kJ/kg CO_{2_eq}*THB for torrefied SD, torrefied BW, and coal, respectively. The findings of this study indicate that torrefied rubberwood residues enhanced HHV, eco-efficiency, and less contribution to CO₂ emissions compared to fossil fuels. Full article

Efficiently treating wastewater, particularly the elimination of heavy metal ions from water systems, continues to be one of the most pressing and complex challenges in modern environmental management. In this work, reduced graphene oxide coupled silver molybdate binary nanocomposites (RGO-Ag₂MoO₄ NCs) have been prepared via hydrothermal method. The crystalline nature and surface properties of the developed RGO-Ag₂MoO₄ NCs were proved by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDS techniques. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that the nanocomposites (NCs) effectively removed Pb(II) ions within 120 min, achieving a maximum removal efficiency ranging from 94.96% to 86.37% for Pb(II) concentrations between 20 and 100 mg/L at pH 6. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second order model. Isotherm analysis presented that the Langmuir model provided the greatest fit for the equilibrium data, with a monolayer adsorption capacity of 128.94 mg/g. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The results of this study highlight RGO-Ag₂MoO₄ NCs as a highly promising and eco-friendly material for the effective elimination of Pb(II) ions from wastewater. Their strong adsorption capacity, coupled with sustainable properties, makes them an efficient solution for addressing lead contamination, offering significant potential for practical applications in water treatment systems. Full article

In Mexico, the Ataulfo mango crop faces significant challenges due to anthracnose, a disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The need to use eco-friendly fungicides is crucial to avoid the use of harmful synthetic chemicals. This study aimed to prepare chitosan nanoparticles through a simple and effective ultrasound-assisted top-down method, with high antifungal efficiency. The nanoparticles were prepared from chitosan (DD = 85%, MW = 553 kDa) and Tween 20 under constant sonication. The formation of the nanoparticles was initially confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy; and their physicochemical properties were subsequently characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The antifungal potential of the chitosan nanoparticles against the phytopathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was evaluated with isolated fungi obtained directly from mango tissues showing anthracnose symptoms in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. The fungus was identified through SEM imaging, showing a regular and smooth conidial layer, with cylindrical shape (r = 2 µm, h = 10 µm). In vitro tests were conducted with three different concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles to assess their inhibitory effects. After seven days of incubation, a maximum inhibition rate of 97% was observed with the 0.5% nanoparticle solution, corresponding to a fungal growth rate of 0.008 cm/h. At this time, the control mycelial growth was 7 cm, while the treated sample reached a radius of 0.55 mm. These results demonstrated the antifungal effect of the nanoparticles on the membrane and cell wall of the fungus, suggesting that their composition could induce a resistance response. The inhibitory effect was also influenced by the particle size (30 nm), as the small size facilitated penetration into fungal cells. Consequently, the parent compound could be formulated and applied as a natural antifungal agent in nanoparticle form to enhance its activity. The method described in this study offers a viable alternative for the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles, by avoiding the use of toxic reagents. Full article

This research focuses on developing an innovative platform to manage carbon footprint data related to office activities and monitor green spaces, integrating geoinformatics and machine learning technologies. The platform addresses the lack of automated systems for tracking carbon emissions, particularly in high paper consumption environments, such as those involving printing and photocopying. Additionally, it monitors green spaces within corporate settings, an aspect often overlooked in existing systems. The study demonstrates the platform’s capability to automate carbon footprint calculations and provide accurate assessments of green areas, achieving a high accuracy rate of 96.22% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.92. The results confirm the platform’s ability to deliver both comprehensive and granular environmental insights, supporting decision making for more sustainable office environments. The key novelty of this study lies in the integration of real-time data capture with geoinformatics and machine learning to efficiently track both carbon footprints and green spaces. This approach offers a practical solution to a gap in environmental data management in office settings, enabling organizations to align their practices with sustainability goals. The platform’s precise, automated system contributes significantly to the development of eco-friendly workplaces, highlighting its academic and practical value in the field of environmental sustainability. Full article

The identification of supply and demand areas for ecosystem services (ES) and the simulation of ES flows are essential for optimizing ESs to achieve socio-economic sustainable development. However, the selection of investigation methods and simulation model remains a persistent challenge. This study selected the Yellow River Delta High-Efficiency Eco-Economic Zone in China as the case study area and assessed the habitat quality and carbon sequestration services for 2000, 2010, and 2020. The quantile regression method was employed to quantify the impacts of land use structure on balancing the supply and demand of ESs. The minimum cumulative resistance model, circuit corridor model, and wind direction model were utilized to analyze changes in flux and flow direction of ESs’ supply and demand. The results demonstrated that the following: (1) the supply of ESs generally increased, with a significant rise in demand for carbon sequestration service and a declining trend in habitat quality service demand. (2) A clear spatial mismatch existed between the supply and demand of ESs. (3) The impact of land use structure on the balance of ES supply and demand is complex. (4) Habitat quality and carbon sequestration services exhibited distinct spatial clustering patterns. (5) The flow patterns of habitat quality service were characterized by specific supply and demand areas, with corridors and pinch points indicating the flow paths and potential barriers; not all demand areas for carbon sequestration service can be satisfied due to variations in service levels and geographical distance. The innovation of this study lies in the following aspects: (1) it acknowledges the uniqueness of ecosystem services, with a focus on assessing habitat quality and carbon sequestration services; (2) it precisely quantifies the flow of ecosystem services, analyzes the spatial dynamics of service flows, and investigates the impact of changes in land-use structure on these flows; (3) it strengthens the correlation between the supply and demand of ecosystem services and socio-economic activities, uncovers the contradictions between supply and demand along with their underlying causes, and proposes effective strategies for resolution. The findings can provide theoretical and methodological references for the optimization of ES. Full article

In this age of global advancement in technology, environmental sustainability has become increasingly important. Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity due to their lower carbon impact. One of the most important components of an electric vehicle (EV) is its lithium-ion battery. Increased use of lithium-ion battery (LIB) packs has produced a possible concern in the form of excess LIBs unless adequate recycling or remanufacturing procedures are followed. To repurpose previously used LIBs in an eco-friendly and efficient way, it is essential to implement appropriate reverse logistics procedures. This field of research holds significant potential for the future of the automotive sector. In this study, we briefly reviewed spent LIB management, recycling procedures, demographic locations, remanufacturing concerns, transportation costs, deterioration, and regulations in North America. A brief review of the reverse logistics for lithium-ion batteries improves comprehension and paves the way for future research considerations in this evolving field. Full article

Natural water resources often contain fluorides and chlorides due to wastewater discharge; however, excessive exposure to fluorides can pose health risks to humans. Elevated chloride levels can negatively affect aquatic fauna and disrupt the reproductive rates of plants. This study assessed constructed wetlands (CWs) featuring monocultures (including Canna hybrid, Alpinia purpurata, and Hedychium coronarium) and polycultures (combinations of species from the monoculture systems) of ornamental plants (OPs) to evaluate their efficiency in removing fluorides and chlorides. The results revealed that the ornamental plants flourished in the CW conditions without sustaining any physical damage. C. hybrid demonstrated the longest roots and the highest volume, as well as greater height compared to other species. However, this did not affect the ion removal efficiency. In polyculture systems, 42.2 ± 8.8% of fluoride was removed, a result that was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the removal rates observed in monocultures of C. hybrid (42.5 ± 7.5%), H. coronarium (36.8 ± 7.0%), or A. purpurata (30.7 ± 7.9%). For chloride, a similar pattern emerged, with 32.4 ± 4.8% removed in constructed wetlands (CWs) using a polyculture of ornamental plants, a figure that was also not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the removal percentages in monocultures of C. hybrid (29.1 ± 5.3%), H. coronarium (28.1 ± 5.0%), or A. purpurata (32.0 ± 5.7%). Our results indicate that CWs with polyculture species contribute to pollutant removal at levels comparable to those found in monoculture systems. However, polyculture systems offer enhanced aesthetic appeal and biodiversity, incorporating various ornamental flowering plants. The use of this eco-technology for removing fluoride and chloride pollutants helps prevent river contamination and associated health issues. Full article

The need for responsible electronics is leading to great interest in the development of new bio-based devices that are environmentally friendly. This work presents a simple and efficient process for the creation of conductive nanocomposites using renewable materials such as cellulose nanofibers (CNF) from enzymatic pretreatment, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), and/or reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Different combinations of CNF, rGo, and PEDOT:PSS were considered to generate homogeneous binary and ternary nanocomposite formulations. These formulations were characterized through SEM, Raman spectroscopy, mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical analysis. The binary formulation containing 40 wt% of PEDOT:PSS resulted in nanocomposite formulations with tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and a conductivity of 70.39 MPa, 3.87 GPa, and 0.35 S/cm, respectively. The binary formulation with 15 wt% of rGO reached 86.19 MPa, 4.41 GPa, and 13.88 S/cm of the same respective properties. A synergy effect was observed for the ternary formulations between both conductive elements; these nanocomposite formulations reached 42.11 S/cm of conductivity and kept their strength as nanocomposites. The 3D design strategy provided a highly conductive network maintaining the structural integrity of CNF, which generated homogenous nanocomposites with rGO and PEDOT:PSS. These formulations can be considered as greatly promising for the next generation of low-cost, eco-friendly, and energy storage devices, such as batteries or electrochemical capacitors. Full article

In Latin America, the energy crisis has worsened due to the dependence on energy services and fossil fuel imports from highly industrialized countries at prices established by the international market; this is particularly relevant to the construction industry, which presents a significant deficit in optimal energy consumption. Hence, some governments have established public policies to maximize the efficiency of these services and, at the same time, minimize the carbon footprint. In this research study, we reviewed the public policies, strategies, and incentives for energy efficiency (EE) implementation in the residential sector established by the Mexican government. A scoping review methodology was chosen and implemented in the following steps: 1. Research inquiry identification. 2. Determination of the relevant literature and studies. 3. The literature selection. 4. Data graphing. 5. Results collection, overview, and submission. In this systematic review, we identified five mandatory standards (NOM-008-ENER-2001, NOM-009-ENER-2014, NOM-018-ENER-2011, NOM-020-ENER-2011, and NOM-024-ENER-2012), six optional standards, four strategies (Green Mortgage, Integral Sustainable Improvement in Existing Housing, ECOCASA, and NAMA), and three kinds of incentives (green bonds, credit and interest rates (Green Mortgage, FIDE, and Ecocasa), and taxes (Income Tax Reduction)). As a result of the implementation of the above, as of December 2020, NAMA financed 5106 developers of 38 projects in 15 states; contributed to a reduction of 126,779 tons of CO₂; and aided 19,913 people. From 2013 to December 2023, EcoCasa subsidized 71,440 households for a total of 224 projects in 25 states; contributed to a reduction of 2.6 million tons of CO₂; aided 285,760 Mexicans; and issued EcoCasa certificates for 3,473,556 m². The results of the EE indicators in residential buildings showed an increase in the housing unit number as well as an increase in household appliances, with those based on power consumption prevailing. The residential sector ranks third in power consumption in Mexico, consuming an estimated 790 pj, of which 76% corresponds to thermal energy and 24% to electric power. Among countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Mexico has achieved an Energy Transition Index of 62%. Full article

Oil sand tailings from bitumen extraction contain various contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, BTEX, and naphthenic acids, which can leak into surrounding environments, threatening aquatic ecosystems and human health. These tailings also contribute to environmental issues such as habitat disruption and greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these challenges, oil sand tailings hold significant potential for waste-to-resource recovery as they contain valuable minerals like rare earth elements (REEs), titanium, nickel, and vanadium. Traditional metal extraction methods are environmentally damaging, requiring high energy inputs and generating dust and harmful emissions. Furthermore, the coating of hydrocarbons on mineral surfaces presents an additional challenge, as it can inhibit the efficiency of metal extraction processes by blocking access to the minerals. This highlights the need for alternative, eco-friendly approaches. Bioleaching, which uses microorganisms to extract metals, emerges as a sustainable solution to unlock the valuable metals within oil sand tailings. This review discusses the minerals found in oil sand tailings, the challenges associated with their extraction, methods from hydrocarbon removal from minerals, and bioleaching as a potential metal recovery method. Full article

The global threat of climate change has become increasingly severe, with the efficiency of buildings and the environment being significantly impacted. It is necessary to develop bioclimatic architectural systems that can effectively reduce energy consumption while bringing thermal comfort, reducing the impact of external temperatures. This study presents the results of a real-scale experimental house prototype, MHTITCA, using a unique design composed of novel eco-friendly prefabricated channel walls filled with a blend of soil, sawdust, and cement for walls and roofs. The experimental analysis performed in this study was based on dynamic climatology. A solar orientation chart of the place was constructed to identify the solar radiation intensity acting on the house. Measurements of roof surface temperatures were conducted to determine temperature damping and temperature wave lag. Monthly average temperature and direct solar radiation data of the site were considered. Compared to other alternative house prototypes, the system maximizes thermal comfort in high-oscillation temperate climates. Temperature measurements were taken inside and outside to evaluate the thermal performance. A thermal insulating layer was added outside the wall and the envelope to improve the prototype’s thermal comfort and reduce the decrement factor even more. This MHTITCA house prototype had 85% thermal comfort, 0% overheating, and 15% low heating. This eco-friendly prototype design had the best thermal performance, achieving a thermal lag of twelve hours, a reduced decrement factor of 0.109, and preventing overheating in areas with high thermal fluctuations. Comparatively, the other prototypes examined provided inferior thermal comfort. The suggested MHTITCA system can be an energy-saving and passive cooling option for thermal comfort in low-cost houses in temperate climates with high thermal oscillations in urban or rural settings. Full article

This paper aims to explore how to optimise the efficiency of food and beverage supply chains by focusing on transportation and mobility. This paper highlights the role of advanced technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) in traceability, demand prediction, and real-time equipment monitoring. It also points out that sustainable practises such as eco-friendly packaging, optimised logistics, and collaborative planning can reduce environmental footprints and operating costs. Moreover, it stresses challenges such as time variability, perishability, and regulatory compliance, and the need for adapting to consumer trends. This paper holds value as a possible introductory text for the extensive realm of sustainable supply chain management and it could assist practitioners in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the extensive academic literature. Full article

This study aimed to produce lightweight, eco-friendly ceramic materials with superior properties using natural raw materials and low processing temperatures. Five ceramic samples were fabricated using red clay and varying contents of volcanic scoria (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) through sintering at 950 °C for 4 h. The crystalline phases, electrical properties, porosity, and mechanical strength of all the ceramic specimens were comprehensively evaluated. It was determined that the chemical composition of the raw materials and the resulting phases significantly influenced these various attributes. The XRD analysis revealed that the ceramic samples primarily consisted of the crystalline phases gehlenite, low quartz, and anorthite, along with the minor wollastonite and hematite phases. As the scoria content was increased, the MgO and Fe₂O₃ concentrations also increased, leading to a reduction in dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and electric conductivity. Moreover, the porosity of samples decreases from S10 to S50 due to the increase in the percentage of scoria and this reduction in porosity led to increased bending strength. The findings of this study suggest that volcanic scoria can serve as a viable eco-friendly raw material to produce lightweight ceramics with excellent electrical and mechanical properties, presenting cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions for various applications. Full article

Historically, cow dung has been widely used as a biostabilizer in earth building, although the scientific research on this subject is still limited. The available research provides evidence of the positive effects of this bioaddition on earthen blocks and plasters, as it improves their physical and mechanical properties and durability in water contact. The present research does not aim to characterize biostabilized earthen mortars or to explain the interaction mechanisms between the earth and cow dung components, because this topic has already been investigated. Instead, it aims to investigate strategies to optimize the collection and processing of cow dung so as to optimize their effects when used in earth-plastering mortars, as well as considering the effects of using them fresh whole, dry whole, and dry ground (as a powder); the effects of two different volumetric proportions of cow dung addition, 20% and 40% (of the earth + added sand); the effects of 72 h (fermentation–humid curing) before molding the biostabilized mortar; the influence of the cow diet; and the potential of reusing cow dung stabilized mortars. The results show that as the freshness of the cow dung increases, the mortar’s durability increases under water immersion, as well as the mechanical and adhesive strength. Collecting cow dung fresh and drying (composting) it in a plastic container is more efficient than collecting cow dung that is already dry on the pasture. The cow diet and the use of dry (composted) cow dung, whole or ground into a powder, does not result in a significant difference. A 72 h period of humid curing fermentation increases the adhesive strength and durability under water. The proportion of 40% promotes better durability under water, but 20% offers greater mechanical and adhesive strength. Finally, cow dung addition does not reduce the reusability of the earth mortar. The new mortar obtained by remixing the mortar with water presents increased properties in comparison to the original reference mortar with no cow dung addition. Therefore, the contributions of this research are innovative and important, offering technical support in the area of biostabilized earth-plastering mortars. Furthermore, it is emphasized that cow dung addition can be optimized as an efficient traditional solution to increase the mechanical resistance, but especially to increase the durability of earth mortars when in contact with water. This effect is particularly important for communities lacking financial resources, but also reveals the possibility of using eco-efficient waste instead of binders obtained at high firing temperatures. Full article

The enzyme-assisted approaches for plant phenolics extraction are more eco-friendly methods compared to acid or alkaline hydrolysis. Carbohydrase enzymes can release free phenolics from plant materials by cleaving the glycosidic bonds between phenolic compounds and cell wall polymers. In this study, the efficiency of carbohydrase-assisted treatment approaches was evaluated to extract bioactive phenolics from hawthorn (Crataegus orientalis) fruit residues. Enzymatic treatment of the fruits was operated by using a crude cellulolytic enzyme cocktail from Rhizomucor miehei NRRL 5282 and a pectinase preparate from Aspergillus niger. Both cellulase and combined cellulase–pectinase treatments improved the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of extracts. The TPC increased to 1899 ± 27 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g dry matter during the combined enzyme treatment, showing a strong correlation with the average antioxidant capacity determined by ferric-reducing antioxidant power (1.7-fold increment) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (1.15-fold increment) reagents. The major phenolics in enzyme-treated extracts were vanillic and ferulic acids, the concentrations of which increased 115.6-fold and 93.9-fold, respectively, during carbohydrase treatment. The planktonic growth of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Chromobacterium violaceum was slightly inhibited by the extracts with minimum inhibitory concentration values between 15.0 and 77.9 mg/mL, while the yeasts tested were quite resistant to the samples. B. subtilis and yeast biofilms were sensitive to the enzyme-treated extracts, which also showed quorum-sensing inhibitory effects against C. violaceum. The obtained bioactive hawthorn extracts hold potential as a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobials. Full article