Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mert Guney, Zhanel Akimzhanova, Aiganym Kumisbek, Symbat Kismelyeva, Almira Guney, Ferhat Karaca, Vassilis Inglezakis
Summary: Former industrially contaminated sites still pose environmental risks and need to be evaluated for pollution by Hg and other selected PTEs, especially in the vicinity of Lake Balkyldak where persistent Hg pollution is present.
Article
Ecology
Andrea P. Viana, Francois Le Loc'h, Thierry Fredou, Flavia Lucena-Fredou, Frederic Menard, Christelle Lagane, Jean-Marie Munaron, Alex S. Lira, Itala G. S. dos Santos, Valdimere Ferreira, Julio G. Gonzalez, David Point
Summary: The study examines the concentration of HgT and MeHg in sediments and food webs in estuarine and coastal areas of Northeast Brazil, which have been impacted by chlorine and alkali companies. The results reveal a strong positive relationship between Hg levels in sediments and organisms. Methylmercury represents a significant portion of mercury in fish and invertebrates, and biomagnification processes were identified in all study areas.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhengtao Shen, Zhuorong Zhang, Mengdi Zhang, Joerg Rinklebe, Yan Ma, Deyi Hou
Summary: The use of rice husk biochar at different production temperatures and particle sizes can effectively reduce runoff and soil erosion on mercury-contaminated soil, decreasing the concentration of mercury in runoff and soil. Higher pyrolysis temperature of the biochar results in less runoff, more infiltration, and better erosion prevention, while the effect of biochar particle size is less significant.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Symbat Kismelyeva, Rustem Khalikhan, Aisulu Torezhan, Aiganym Kumisbek, Zhanel Akimzhanova, Ferhat Karaca, Mert Guney
Summary: Industrial activities have caused severe environmental contamination, posing unacceptable health risks to rural and urban populations. The chlor-alkali plant in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan has historically contributed to mercury contamination, with elevated levels found in soil, water, air, and biota. While the current study suggests acceptable risks from exposure to mercury contamination in the region, further assessment is needed for worker exposure scenarios and consumption of contaminated fish from Lake Balkyldak.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shaochun Ma, Huimin Xiao, Peng Bao
Summary: This paper studies the effects of different alkali concentrations on the mechanical properties of soil in the special geological environment of the Kaifeng region. The results show that increased alkali concentration leads to changes in soil deformation and strength characteristics, and the newly generated cementing material affects soil stability.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Fantozzi, Nicoletta Guerrieri, Giovanni Manca, Arianna Orru, Laura Marziali
Summary: The first assessment of atmospheric pollution by mercury in the Ossola Valley industrial area near the Toce River revealed high contamination levels due to a chlor-alkali plant. Measurements of gaseous elemental Hg levels and analysis of Hg concentration in lichen samples showed a north-south gradient of mercury accumulation, with the southern area more exposed to Hg dispersion from the industrial site. Long-term studies on Hg emission and dispersion in the Ossola Valley are necessary to assess potential impacts on ecosystems and human health.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Esio de Castro Paes, Gustavo Vieira Veloso, Manoel Nelson de Castro Filho, Saulo Henrique Barroso, Elpidio Inacio Fernandes-Filho, Mauricio Paulo Ferreira Fontes, Emanuelle Merce s Barros Soares
Summary: Physical and chemical remediation techniques used in contaminated areas are expensive and damaging to the soil structure. Biological alternatives, such as phytoremediation, are economical and applicable to large areas. This study evaluates the ability of plant species adapted to Brazilian semi-arid conditions to grow in soils contaminated with Pb, and concludes that P. juliflora, A. peregrina, and U. ruziziensis are more suitable for cultivation in soils containing high levels of Pb.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Koji Kameyama, Teruhito Miyamoto, Yukiyoshi Iwata
Summary: The study found that PM-derived biochar significantly reduced plant Cd accumulation in Cd-contaminated soils, while also increasing soil pH and plant biomass.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lorraine Meyer, Stephane Guyot, Michel Chalot, Nicolas Capelli
Summary: Mercury (Hg) pollution is a global issue due to its high toxicity and wide dispersion. Bacteria and fungi have evolved tolerance mechanisms to Hg-induced stress and can be applied to reduce Hg concentrations in polluted soils, potentially through bioremediation approaches. These microorganisms also play a role in determining the fate of Hg in the biogeochemical cycle and can be used for biomonitoring purposes, such as through the engineering of biosensors for detecting Hg.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kaffayatullah Khan, Mohammed Ashfaq, Mudassir Iqbal, Mohsin Ali Khan, Muhammad Nasir Amin, Faisal Shalabi, Muhammad Iftikhar Faraz, Fazal E. Jalal
Summary: Rapid industrialization has led to the pollution of underground natural soil by alkali concentration, causing problems for expansive soil. This study found that stabilizing alkali-contaminated soil with fly ash can effectively increase the unconfined compressive strength of the soil.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kuan Liu, Wanjun Ye, Pengwei Long
Summary: This study investigates the microscopic mechanisms of variation in shear strength of acid- and alkali-contaminated loess. The results show that acid contamination deteriorates the shear properties of loess, while alkali contamination improves them. Acid contamination intensifies structural damage in loess, while alkali contamination balances local damage and enhances the degree of structural connection.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gordana Kaplan, Hakan Oktay Aydinli, Andrea Pietrelli, Fabien Mieyeville, Vincenzo Ferrara
Summary: This study utilized remote sensing technologies and machine learning methods to investigate oil-contaminated soils in the context of the Kuwait desert oil spill in 1991. By analyzing pre- and post-spill data and developing spectral signatures, the researchers were able to detect and model the location and degree of contamination. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach in detecting oil-contaminated soil.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sulaiman A. Alrumman
Summary: The study evaluated the relationship between hydrocarbons and toxicological indicators in different soil types, showing that soil type played a fundamental role in the response observed in the assays. Some biological indicators showed sensitivity to hydrocarbon contamination, while others, like seed germination, were less sensitive. Additionally, the study confirmed that toxicity assays should be used in addition to hydrocarbon analysis when assessing soil recovery.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fangming Yu, Shuting Tang, Xingwei Shi, Xing Liang, Kehui Liu, Yizong Huang, Yi Li
Summary: Phytoextraction is an effective in situ remediation technique that utilizes (hyper)accumulator plant species to extract metal(loid)s from contaminated soils. Field studies in China showed that Bidens pilosa and Xanthium strumarium are more effective in metal(loid) phytoextraction and can help improve and rebuild soil bacterial community composition in contaminated soils. Repeated planting of hyperaccumulators can lead to the reconstruction of soil microbial communities, enhancing their adaptability to metal(loid)-contaminated environments and improving their phytoextraction abilities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mehmet Tontu, Mehmet Bilgili, Besir Sahin
Summary: This study examines the implementation of electrochemical technology for producing sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen from seawater on-site for a steam power plant. The effects of electrical current and seawater temperature on the electrochlorination system are investigated. Results show that current efficiency increases with higher electrical current, with electricity consumption also increasing with enhancements in both current and seawater temperature.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Review
Electrochemistry
Yasemin Yildiran Avcu, Mert Guney, Egemen Avcu
Summary: This article reviews the advantages of high-velocity air fuel (HVAF) coatings, including their higher hardness and density and improved microstructural features, which contribute to their superior erosion resistance. The bearing capacity of the binder phase significantly affects the erosion resistance of HVAF coatings, and optimizing spraying parameters to tailor the microstructural characteristics of the coatings is crucial for enhancing their erosion resistance.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROCHEMICAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daryoush Sanaei, Mohammad Hadi Dehghani, Hamidreza Sharifan, Monika Jain, Bahram Roshan, Javier A. Arcibar-Orozco, Vassilis J. Inglezakis
Summary: In this study, a novel carbon aerogel (CAg) synthesized from sodium alginate (SA) was used as a precursor to create a double-B-site perovskite/carbon aerogel hybrid adsorbent ((Sr0.7Mn0.3Co0.5Fe0.5O3-delta)/CAg) (DB-perovskite/CAg hybrid). The adsorbent showed high removal efficiency for crystal violet (CV) and acid yellow 17 (AY17) in an aqueous system. The doping of Mn in the DB-perovskite/CAg hybrid led to improved adsorption through the introduction of abundant active sites and strengthening of metal-functional groups.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kebir Mohammed Jemal, Marzhan Kabzhassarova, Ramazan Shaimkhanov, Dinara Dikhanbayeva, Ali Turkyilmaz, Serdar Durdyev, Ferhat Karaca
Summary: This study aims to investigate the impact of digital tools on circular economy implementation in the construction sector and proposes a new research framework through a three-step approach. The study found that advanced digital tools can be used to enhance circular economy implementation in construction. The contribution of this study includes the integration of circular economy and digitalization concepts in construction, filling the existing research gap, and the investigation of critical barriers, providing insights for construction practitioners.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yasemin Yildiran Avcu, Eleftherios Iakovakis, Mert Guney, Emirhan Calim, Ayse Ozkilinc, Eray Abakay, Fikret Sonmez, Funda Gul Koc, Ridvan Yamanoglu, Abdulkadir Cengiz, Egemen Avcu
Summary: This study investigates the dry sliding wear behavior of a powder metallurgical pure titanium alloy modified by shot peening. The results show that shot peening can decrease the wear rate of the alloy by about 20% compared to unpeened surfaces. The shot-peened and unpeened surfaces exhibit micro-ploughing, micro-cutting, oxidation, and three-body abrasion wear mechanisms.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dimitris Mitrogiannis, Maria Psychoyou, Ioannis Baziotis, Constantinos Mavrogonatos, Nikolaos Koukouzas, Ioannis Anastopoulos, Marios Fyrillas, Vassilis J. Inglezakis
Summary: This study presents equilibrium and kinetic experiments for the adsorption of PO4-P from aqueous solutions onto sustainable and low-cost modified adsorbents. The kinetics of PO4-P adsorption were analyzed using a dimensionless two-phase homogeneous surface diffusion model (TP-HSDM) and the double selectivity isotherm equation (DSM). The TP-HSDM fit the data well with an average relative error of 14.6% and 17.4% for CaT-Z and CaT-B, respectively. The mass transfer mechanism was found to be intraparticle diffusion for both materials, as indicated by the dimensionless Biot number.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Faheem Akhter, Suhail Ahmed Soomro, V. J. Inglezakis
Summary: Two highly mesoporous silica aerogels were synthesized using rice husk ash as a precursor and sol-gel aging and drying as the method. The aerogels were modified using organic solvents and characterized using various techniques. The aerogels showed excellent removal efficiency for Pb(II) from aqueous solutions, with isolated aging resulting in enhanced removal compared to simultaneous aging. Isotherm and kinetic studies confirmed the effectiveness of the adsorption process.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vassilis J. Inglezakis, Aliya Kudarova, Almira Guney, Nurassyl Kinayat, Zhandos Tauanov
Summary: The reduction and elimination of mercury in industrial activities and waste streams are crucial for the circular economy. Natural zeolite impregnated with silver was found to effectively remove mercury from aqueous solutions. The effectiveness of the zeolites was influenced by the form of silver and the speciation of mercury in the aqueous phase. Compared to commercial adsorbents, natural zeolite and the Ag0 form performed better in mercury removal. The use of abundant and environmentally-friendly natural zeolite as a sustainable alternative adsorbent is attractive.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Madina Tursumbayeva, Aset Muratuly, Nassiba Baimatova, Ferhat Karaca, Aiymgul Kerimray
Summary: This study investigated PM2.5 temporal variations and the influence of meteorological parameters on PM2.5 concentrations in six major cities in Central Asia. The results show severe air quality deterioration with annual PM2.5 concentrations up to tenfold higher than the limits. Coal combustion is identified as the primary source of PM2.5 pollution in most cities.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Konstantinos Atsonios, Jun Li, Vassilis J. Inglezakis
Summary: Climate change and energy supply drive the production of sustainable aviation fuel. This study compares four pathways for converting captured CO2 into synthetic kerosene, using hydrogen and assessing various technical factors. Results show that the low-temperature CO conversion pathway is the most efficient, with high carbon utilization and thermal efficiency. The produced e-kerosene meets Jet-A1 specifications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Madina Suleimenova, Saule Zharylkan, Meruyert Mekenova, Alibek Mutushev, Seytkhan Azat, Aidana Tolepova, Alzhan Baimenov, Aliya Satayeva, Zhandos Tauanov
Summary: This study presents the synthesis of zeolites derived from coal fly ash (CFA) using the fusion-assisted alkaline hydrothermal method. The zeolites were synthesized by combining CFA and NaOH at a molar ratio of 1:1.2 under different fusion temperatures. Subsequently, the obtained zeolites were modified by incorporating magnetic (Fe3O4) and silver (Ag-0) nanoparticles (NPs). The synthesized porous materials exhibited the formation of zeolites, and the modified composites showed high adsorption capacities for mercury ions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Theophilus Bright Ogbuabia, Mert Guney, Nassiba Baimatova, Ismail Ulusoy, Ferhat Karaca
Summary: Kazakhstan is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with high concentrations of PM2.5 pollutants. The government's measures to reduce pollution have been ineffective, prompting a need to investigate the sources of PM2.5. The study found that controlled CHPP emissions have a negligible impact on the total concentration, while uncontrolled CHPP emissions contribute significantly.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yerkanat N. Kanafin, Aliya Satayeva, Perizat Abdirova, Vassilis J. Inglezakis, Elizabeth Arkhangelsky, Stavros G. Poulopoulos
Summary: Combining a membrane bioreactor (MBR) and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), this study aimed to efficiently treat a synthetic wastewater containing emerging pollutants. The results showed that the 10 nm track-etch membrane (TEM) had the highest removal efficiency for emerging pollutants, while the removal efficiency for total organic carbon (TOC) by membranes was low. Complete mineralization of TOC and removal of emerging pollutants were achieved using UV/PS 10 mM /ZVI 25 mg/L for MBR effluents.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
F. Akhter, S. A. Soomro, A. R. Jamali, V. I. Inglezakis
Summary: This study synthesized four different mesoporous silica aerogel variants using rice husk ash as the main precursor and ambient pressure drying method. The modified variants showed high porosity and surface area, indicating potential application as adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)