Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Tao Wen, Chacha Chen, Guanjie Zheng, Joel Bandstra, Susan L. Brantley
Summary: We successfully simulated the depth profile of feldspar dissolution in soils using a hybrid neural network guided by a physics-based model. Our evaluation showed that soil residence time and precipitation were the most important variables for predicting the reaction front. This hybrid model has the potential for broader applications in future studies.
COMPUTERS & GEOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Adrian Chmielewski, Jakub Mozaryn, Piotr Piorkowski, Jacek Dybala
Summary: Distributed energy storage using low-cost valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries is a promising solution for prosumer microinstallations. This work presents a model-based research of VRLA battery performance in pseudo-random and hybrid power pulse cycles, comparing parametric, analytical, and data-driven models. The results show satisfactory performance for both dual polarization model and hybrid recurrent neural network model.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wen Dong, Ruichen Wang, Huaien Li, Xiao Yang, Jiake Li, Hui Wang, Chunbo Jiang, Zhe Wang
Summary: This study investigated the use of ryegrass combined with chelating agents for the remediation of cadmium and lead-contaminated soil. The extraction efficiencies of different chelating agents were determined through soil leaching experiments, and the effects on the growth of ryegrass and the enrichment of Cd and Pb were evaluated through soil pot experiments. The results showed that glucose salt chelating agents and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) exhibited good extraction efficiencies for Cd and Pb, and the use of chelating agents reduced the contents of these metals in the weak acid extractable and reducible states in the soil.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Nur Hanis Zulkernain, Turkeswari Uvarajan, Chuck Chuan Ng
Summary: Phytoremediation is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach that utilizes plants to extract, stabilize, and transform various compounds, such as potentially toxic elements (PTEs), in the soil or water. Chelate-induced phytoremediation, which involves the use of chelating agents in soil remediation, has gained renewed interest. This review article summarizes the roles of chelating agents and the mechanisms of chelate-induced phytoremediation, as well as the impacts of chelating agents on PTEs uptake and plant growth and development.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiangmeng Ma, Yunlei Guan, Rui Mao, Simi Zheng, Qun Wei
Summary: The study demonstrated the successful prediction of Pb2+ removal efficiency by Scenedesmus obliquus using a backpropagation neural network model, showcasing the potential of this method in microalgal adsorption experimental design and data validation.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Ruochen Sun, Baoxiang Pan, Qingyun Duan
Summary: To address the issues of traditional surrogate modelling methods, this study employs a deep autoregressive neural network to construct an accurate and reliable surrogate system for distributed dynamic model outputs. The results show that this deep learning network outperforms the popular LSTM model in accurately capturing the high-dimensional dynamic relationship between input and output fields, achieving an average MSE of 0.26 and an average R2 of 0.76. The surrogate model also demonstrates better spatial performance in approximating VIC simulated soil moisture patterns. Therefore, this surrogate method shows promise for advancing parameter uncertainty quantification of distributed land surface hydrological models.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Chuanzhe Zhang, Jiahao LI, Shaopeng Pang, Fangzhou Xu, Shuwang Zhou
Summary: In this paper, the authors analyze the performance of deep neural networks (DNN) in automatic arrhythmia diagnosis using the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) dataset provided by CPSC2018. They find that DNN models have high accuracy in identifying left bundle branch block (LBBB) even with limited training samples. Ablation studies show that the absence of the 7th lead V1 greatly affects diagnostic accuracy. The authors propose a 12-lead ECG correlation network based on complex network theory and find that LBBB has unique characteristics and that lead V1 plays an important role in arrhythmia diagnosis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guangcai Yin, Xingling Chen, Hanghai Zhu, Zhiliang Chen, Chuanghong Su, Zechen He, Jinrong Qiu, Tieyu Wang
Summary: A novel interpolation method based on genetic algorithm and neural network model (GANN model) was proposed to improve the prediction accuracy of soil heavy metals (HMs) by spatial interpolation. The results showed that the GANN model had a good prediction performance with relatively lower root mean square error values compared to other traditional interpolation methods.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Qi-cheng Hu, Wei-min Ye, Wei-jian Pan, Qiong Wang, Yong-gui Chen
Summary: Due to the periodic changes of climate, cracks are widely developed in expansive soils, leading to the destruction of soil integrity, the deterioration of physical strength, and eventually the instability of the expansive soil slope and other disasters. In this paper, a deep learning-based modeling method was proposed for soil crack networks characterization. The proposed method efficiently characterizes soil crack networks using field acquired crack images.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Lianghua Jiang, Aifang Qin, Linzhong Li, Peng Tang
Summary: The in-situ soil flushing technique using prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) is effective for remediating sandy, silt, and low-permeability clayey soils, providing advantages such as reducing seepage paths, achieving uniform flushing, and shortening construction time. This paper proposes an analytical model for PVD-enhanced in-situ flushing remediation of double-layered contaminated soils, considering the decay of initial contaminant concentration along depth. The study verifies the accuracy of the model through experiments and existing analytical solutions, showing improved results compared to numerical simulations. The study also explores the effects of spacing between PVDs and injection/extraction rates on flushing efficiency, revealing nonlinear and linear relationships, respectively. Furthermore, the study highlights the variation in contaminant concentration with time due to geotechnical properties of upper soil layers in bi-layered contaminated soils.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Jian Zhou, Anguo Qi, Ting Wang, Songyan Zhang, Jinxiu Liu, Yabo Lu, Zhibin Luo
Summary: This study explores the effects of two safe chelating agents, GLDA and CA, on the phytoremediation capacity of black locust trees in Pb-Cd-contaminated soil. The results show that GLDA significantly inhibited plant growth and chlorophyll synthesis, while CA had weaker effects. Both agents were more effective in promoting Cd absorption than Pb absorption. Chlorophyll a, plant tissue Cd, and starch metabolism were identified as key factors influencing plant biomass accumulation. The findings suggest that GLDA combined with functional bacteria and/or growth promoters could enhance plant growth in Pb- and Cd-stressed conditions, while CA has great potential for restoring Cd-polluted soil.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Muhammad Bilal Idrees, Jin-Young Lee, Dongkyun Kim, Tae-Woong Kim
Summary: Accurate prediction of reservoir sediment inflows and adaptation of feasible sediment management strategies pose challenges in water engineering. This study proposed a two-stage complementary modeling approach for comprehensive reservoir sediment management, which was applied to the Sangju Weir and Nakdong River Estuary Barrage in South Korea. Results showed that hydraulic flushing was effective for sediment management at both locations, with specific discharge and water head requirements identified for efficient flushing.
KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Manas Shukla, Bishwadeep Baksi, Suraj Prakash Mohanty, Biswanath Mahanty, Aliveli Mansi, Eldon R. Rene, Shishir Kumar Behera
Summary: This study conducted lab-scale soil washing experiments using two chelating agents, EDTA and NAC, and optimized the process using response surface methodology. The results showed that NAC is more effective than EDTA in removing Cr+6 contamination from soil.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Zhuoyang Xu, Yangming Guo, Tingting Zhao, Yue Zhao, Zhuo Liu, Xingzhi Sun, Guotong Xie, Yichong Li
Summary: This study aims to develop robust models that can accurately classify 30 types of cardiac abnormalities from various lead combinations of ECG signals.
PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chengbin Fei, Nengxu Li, Mengru Wang, Xiaoming Wang, Hangyu Gu, Bo Chen, Zhao Zhang, Zhenyi Ni, Haoyang Jiao, Wenzhan Xu, Zhifang Shi, Yanfa Yan, Jinsong Huang
Summary: The incorporation of lead chelation molecules into hole-transport layers (HTLs) improves the bottom interfaces of perovskite solar cells, leading to enhanced performance. The addition of these molecules reduces the amorphous region and passivates the perovskite surface near the HTLs. The resulting minimodule achieves a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.8% (stabilized at 21.1%) and a minimal small-cell efficiency of 24.6% (stabilized at 24.1%) throughout the module area.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Navarro Ferronato, Luca Moresco, Gabriela Edith Guisbert Lizarazu, Marcelo Antonio Gorritty Portillo, Fabio Conti, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: Construction and demolition waste (CDW) and municipal solid waste (MSW) are the most generated waste flows globally, especially in developing countries where they are mostly disposed of in open dumps. This study compares the environmental impacts of the MSW and CDW management system in La Paz, Bolivia, and evaluates the importance of recycling in mitigating these impacts. The results highlight the significance of organized CDW management systems in integrated waste management schemes to prevent environmental degradation in developing cities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pietro Castellani, Navarro Ferronato, Marco Ragazzi, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: This research evaluates the municipal solid waste management system and the environmental and economic benefits of onsite treatment plants in the Pelagian archipelago, Italy. The results show that implementing onsite treatment plants can save costs and reduce environmental impacts, making them viable options for solid waste management systems in isolated regions.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Piemonti, A. Conforti, L. Cominoli, A. Luciano, G. Plizzari, S. Sorlini
Summary: A greater reuse of steel slags would bring considerable benefits both from an environmental and economic point of view. This study investigates and analyzes the supply chain for managing steel slags at a medium level to assess the implementation and potential of industrial symbiosis. The Mass Flow Analysis method is used to monitor recovery and reuse, and plan improvement actions.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Navarro Ferronato, Rocio Clara Fuentes Sirpa, Edith Gabriela Guisbert Lizarazu, Fabio Conti, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: In Bolivia, where construction and demolition waste management is lacking, a study in the city of La Paz examined future recycling scenarios by conducting a CDW flow analysis and cost assessment. The estimation showed that La Paz could potentially generate around 271,051-349,418 tonnes of CDW annually, which is double the projected amount by local authorities. The analysis also found that approximately 56.1-71.1% of inert aggregates can be recycled. The best management scenario involves the source separation of recyclable materials and the use of both stationary and mobile recycling facilities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Silvia Fraterrigo Garofalo, Nicola Cavallini, Francesca Demichelis, Francesco Savorani, Giuseppe Mancini, Debora Fino, Tonia Tommasi
Summary: This work focuses on optimizing the production of omega-3 rich oil from tuna viscera using the Alcalase enzyme. Through the use of experimental design, life cycle analysis, and principal component analysis, the best combination of pH, enzyme/substrate ratio, and reaction time was determined. The study found that the duration of the hydrolysis and electricity consumption had the greatest impact on the environmental sustainability of the process.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Navarro Ferronato, Alberto Pietro Damiano Baltrocchi, Francesco Romagnoli, Iris Jabneel Calle Mendoza, Marcelo Antonio Gorritty Portillo, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: Developing countries face the dual challenges of resource shortage and inadequate waste management systems, which necessitates the introduction of alternative waste valorisation options. This research conducts an environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of waste-based briquettes made from non-recyclable cardboard waste and sawdust, comparing their environmental impacts with conventional fuels. The findings indicate that the briquettes contribute to several impact indicators, with global warming, non-renewable energy use, and respiratory inorganics being the most significant.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Riccardo Boiocchi, Marco Ragazzi, Vincenzo Torretta, Elena Cristina Rada
Summary: The Universitas Indonesia GreenMetric World Ranking is widely used to assess the sustainability of worldwide universities. An in-depth analysis of this ranking system reveals that some indicators are ineffective in measuring sustainability development, while others need adjustment for context-specific factors. By taking these considerations into account, a fairer evaluation and comparison of universities' sustainability can be achieved, providing useful information for improvement.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Orlando, Gianluca Molla, Pietro Castellani, Valentina Pirillo, Vincenzo Torretta, Navarro Ferronato
Summary: The accumulation of synthetic plastic waste in the environment has raised global concerns. Microbial enzymes offer promising biotechnological tools for plastic recycling, but their effectiveness depends on waste management practices. This review highlights the potential of biotechnology in plastic bio-recycling within the European waste management framework. Current biotechnology tools can support polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling, but other unrecycled plastics, such as polyurethanes and polyolefins, require further research and optimization of chemoenzymatic technologies. New bio-based technologies with lower environmental impacts should also be developed to efficiently depolymerize both existing and new plastic materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alberto Pietro Damiano Baltrocchi, Navarro Ferronato, Iris Jabneel Calle Mendoza, Marcelo Antonio Gorritty Portillo, Francesco Romagnoli, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: This study evaluates the economic and social sustainability of waste-based briquettes in Bolivia. The results show that briquettes have a lower cost compared to coal, but higher than subsidized fossil fuels in Bolivia. Briquettes also have better social impacts in six out of ten assessed subcategories. In conclusion, waste-based briquettes can have economic and social benefits, but require incentives and market analysis for diffusion in Bolivia.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Navarro Ferronato, Adeline Mertenat, Christian Zurbrugg, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: Open dumping and burning of solid waste are common practices in low-income countries. On small and touristic islands, the problem is exacerbated due to the additional volume of waste amount generated by tourists. This article presents a case study of Nosy Be island in Madagascar to demonstrate how tourism can be used as a catalyst for waste recovery and recycling to address the waste challenge. The study highlights the importance of active participation and involvement of local partners supported by international experts, and proposes potential circular models for waste management in Nosy Be.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giuseppe Mancini, Simone Cappello, Giuseppe De Marco, Tiziana Cappello, Maria Maisano, Rosalba Gornati, Massimiliano Scalici, Antonella Luciano, Paolo Viotti, Debora Fino
Summary: This study combines traditional chemical characterization with simultaneous biological evaluation to assess the efficiency and sustainability of soil washing on Hg-contaminated sediment. Different extracting agents were compared for their efficiency in removing Hg from contaminated sediments. Biological evaluation through histological, immunohistochemical, and enzymatic analysis showed significant differences in tissue alteration and functional integrity between organisms in contact with contaminated and restored sediments.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Riccardo Boiocchi, Paolo Viotti, Davide Lancione, Nicoletta Stracqualursi, Vincenzo Torretta, Marco Ragazzi, Gabriela Ionescu, Elena Cristina Rada
Summary: This study analyzes the carbon footprint of a large wastewater treatment plant in central Italy, finding that energy consumption, natural gas production and transport, and nitrous oxide emissions from effluent are the most significant contributors. These findings suggest that managers of wastewater treatment plants should prioritize these aspects when taking action to mitigate carbon footprint.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Athanasia K. K. Tolkou, Elena Cristina Rada, Vincenzo Torretta, Maria Xanthopoulou, George Z. Z. Kyzas, Ioannis A. A. Katsoyiannis
Summary: The occurrence of arsenic in water is a global public health problem, and adsorption onto iron oxy-hydroxides is a commonly used technique for its removal. This study investigated the combined use of graphene oxide (GO) and granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) in different molar ratios for maximum As(III) removal. The presence of GFH enhanced the adsorption capacity of GO, with the optimal molar ratio of GO/GFH 2:1 achieving 90% removal at pH 7.0 +/- 0.1. The Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models effectively described the experimental data, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 22.62 μg/g.
C-JOURNAL OF CARBON RESEARCH
(2023)