Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jianfeng Wang, Lei Chang, Deyu Yue, Yongfang Zhou, Hui Liu, Yali Wang, Songge Yang, Suping Cui
Summary: This study investigates the solubilizing ability of alkanolamines on steel slag and their chelating ability with metal ions. The results show that alkanolamines can increase the elemental concentrations in the liquid phase and promote the dissolution of specific mineral phases in steel slag. Among the alkanolamines tested, DEIPA exhibits the strongest and most sustained ability to chelate metal ions. Additionally, alkanolamines can chelate Ca2+, Al3+, and Fe3+ ions, with tertiary alkanolamines showing stronger chelating ability compared to secondary alkanolamines. Alkanolamines with an asymmetric molecular structure also exhibit stronger chelating ability than those with a symmetric molecular structure.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Han-Jian Hu, Kang Xu, Ling-Chao He, Gen-Xuan Wang
Summary: A model combining metabolic scaling, Michaelis-Menten equation, and elemental stoichiometry was developed to predict the relationship between plant photosynthetic rate and biomass. The results showed that nutrients play a direct role in the allocation of plant biomass and photosynthetic investment, affecting photosynthesis-biomass allometry. This model was found to outperform the traditional metabolic scaling model in explaining the photosynthesis-biomass relationship.
Article
Plant Sciences
Erik Chovancek, Joao Salazar, Sema Sirin, Yagut Allahverdiyeva
Summary: This study investigated the biostimulant potential of six microalgal species from Nordic collections using two different extraction methods. The results showed that the hydrolyzed extracts obtained through thermal hydrolysis with sulfuric acid and ultrasonication, as well as bead-milling with aqueous extraction followed by centrifugation, exhibited good effects on plant root growth and photosynthetic performance.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seon Yeong Park, Sewon Park, Hyeong Yong Lim, Moonsu Yoon, Jeong-Hee Choi, Sang Kyu Kwak, Sung You Hong, Nam-Soon Choi
Summary: The use of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (DPPE) can effectively reduce the dissolution of nickel ions and electrolyte decomposition, and improve the cycle life and safety of lithium-ion batteries.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Baorui Liang, Fei Kang, Yao Wang, Kuo Zhang, Youzhao Wang, Sai Yao, Zhenning Lyu, Tong Zhu
Summary: This study compared the denitrification capacity of biomass-sulfur-based mixotrophic denitrification (BSMD) and elemental sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification (ESAD) processes in packed bed reactors. The results showed that using biomass-sulfur-based composite filter (BSCF) for BSMD process resulted in better denitrification performance. Additionally, a two-stage flushing strategy improved the denitrification capacity, while high dissolved oxygen concentration inhibited denitrification. The reactors contained abundant heterotrophs and autotrophs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lijuan Sun, Peiyun Gong, Ke Song, Yafei Sun, Qin Qin, Hong Zhang, Weiguang Lv, Yong Xue
Summary: The combination application of earthworms and S-0 was found to enhance the phytoextraction efficiency of ryegrass for lead-contaminated soil. The addition of S-0 affected soil pH and CEC, while earthworm application increased the extractable lead concentration in soil. This study suggests that the use of earthworms and S-0 together could be an effective approach for lead remediation in soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
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.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanmei Song, Jun Cheng, Yi Miao, Wangbiao Guo, Junhu Zhou
Summary: The study found that a higher initial solution pH led to a smaller dynamic bubble diameter, resulting in faster CO2 dissolution, while a higher SO2 concentration inhibited CO2 dissolution.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Shuhei Hayashi, Yasunari Iwamoto, Yuki Hirakawa, Koichi Mori, Naoki Yamada, Takaaki Maki, Shinjiro Yamamoto, Hitoshi Miyasaka
Summary: The research on the supernatant and pellet of Rhodobacter sphaeroides showed that both fractions have growth-promoting effects on Brassica rapa var. perviridis, with the supernatant requiring high concentrations and the pellet having growth-promoting effects at low concentrations. Additionally, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was identified as one of the active principles responsible for the plant-growth-promoting effect of PNSB, with foliar feeding of R. sphaeroides LPS significantly enhancing plant growth.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Tereza Hammerschmiedt, Jiri Holatko, Dalibor Huska, Antonin Kintl, Petr Skarpa, Zuzana Bytesnikova, Jana Pekarkova, Jiri Kucerik, Adnan Mustafa, Maja Radziemska, Ondrej Malicek, Lenka Vankova, Martin Brtnicky
Summary: The study demonstrates the partial benefits of treating soil with micro-/nanosized elemental sulfur (S-0) and its combination with graphene oxide (GO) on soil biological parameters, including increased enzyme activities and plant biomass yield, but decreased respiration activities.
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURE
(2022)
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
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Assad Barri, Amjed Hassan, Mohamed Mahmoud
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive investigation of the solubility and physical properties of different chelating agents' fluids commonly used in oil upstream applications. It determined the optimum concentration ranges for enhanced acidizing efficiency and developed empirical models for property estimation. The results showed good solubility performance for certain chelating agents and demonstrated the reliability of the developed models.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Menisha S. Karunarathna, Charini P. Maladeniya, Moira K. Lauer, Andrew G. Tennyson, Rhett C. Smith
Summary: Productive utilization of lignocellulosic biomass is crucial, but the lack of upconversion methods for the lignin component is a major challenge. By esterifying lignin with oleic acid and reacting it with sulfur, a new protocol was developed to increase lignin hydrophobicity and incorporate it into sulfur-rich materials. The resulting esterified lignin-sulfur (ELS) composites exhibited high compressive strength values (>20 MPa) exceeding ordinary Portland cements, making them sustainable alternatives for durable composites.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhaorui Xu, Guilong Wang, Zhaozhi Wang, Aimin Zhang, Guoqun Zhao
Summary: This study developed two microcellular foaming routes with different charging orders of mixed blowing agents to investigate their effects on the foaming behavior of plant-derived thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE). The results showed that TPEE foams prepared by the N2 firstly charging process (N2-F-process) exhibited less shrinkage and higher creep recovery ratio compared to those prepared by the CO2 firstly charging process (CO2-F-process). The N2-F-process also led to enhanced strength and resilience of the TPEE foams, making it a promising technique for developing high-performance polymeric foams.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Duoduo Liu, Lei Zhang, Tong Zhu, Youzhao Wang, Baorui Liang, Fei Kang
Summary: In this study, a comparative analysis of ESDAD and BSMD processes was conducted, and the optimal BSMD filter (F-3) with a nitrate removal rate of 556 +/- 13.6 mg NO3--N.L-1.d(-1) was identified. The pilot-scale reactor filled with filter F3 showed promising results in treating municipal sewage, with a desirable treatment capacity under varying conditions. The coexistence of autotrophs and heterotrophs in the reactor was observed, with autotrophs remaining dominant at seasonal temperatures.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Aleksandra Bogdan, Ana Alejandra Robles Aguilar, Olivier Nys, Evi Michels, Erik Meers
Summary: This study investigated the P availability of recycled phosphorus fertilizers through eleven different chemical P extractions. The results showed that STRSL and STRLQ had higher P concentrations extracted, while ASH2 and FeP had highly variable P concentrations. The plant P uptake efficiency followed the order: STRSL > STRLQ > ASH1 > FeP > ASH2.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Floris Schoeters, Eli S. J. Thore, Audrey De Cuyper, Isabelle Noyens, Sarah Goossens, Sander Lybaert, Erik Meers, Sabine Van Miert, Marcella Fernandes de Souza
Summary: Green biorefineries aim to sustainably produce chemicals, materials, proteins and energy by processing green biomass, such as grass, into a solid fraction (fibers) and a liquid fraction (green juice) for further refining. In this study, microalgae cultivation was incorporated in the green biorefinery concept to obtain a higher protein production from green juice obtained from grass.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Kaizhi Zheng, Jianliang Wu, Saif Ullah, Yang Cao, Yongqing Jiang, Xin Huang, Junfang Jiang
Summary: This study investigates the molecular mechanism underlying the rumen postnatal development in dairy calves through histological and proteomic analyses. The results suggest that keratinocyte differentiation, mitochondrion formation, urea transport, and innate immune system play central roles in rumen epithelium development. These findings provide a valuable foundation for future studies on dairy calves rumen epithelial development.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Anila Noor, Rooh Ullah, Mustafa Tuzen, Atya Hassan, Saif Ullah
Summary: This study focused on the degradative removal of organic dyes by synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and coating them onto activated carbon. The AgNPs/AC showed excellent degradation efficiency for methyl blue and methyl orange with removal capacities of 405 mg/g and 346 mg/g, respectively, representing 90% and 77% photodegradation in just 30 minutes.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yaoyu Zhou, Xin Liu, Xiao Yang, Gijs Du Laing, Yuan Yang, Filip M. G. Tack, Michael S. Bank, Jochen Bundschuh
Summary: This study investigated the uptake mechanisms and phytotoxicity of different-sized platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) on rice seedlings. Results showed that 70 nm-sized PtNPs were more efficiently transferred in rice roots. Increasing PtNP concentration restricted particle uptake, while particle aggregation and dissolution were observed in plant cells and on root surfaces.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Erika De Keyser, Anke De Dobbelaere, Jan Leenknegt, Erik Meers, Erik Mathijs, Liesbet Vranken
Summary: To reduce dependency on non-renewable resources, valuable bio-based fertilizer components can be recovered through the valorization of organic waste streams. Optimization research in the fertilizer domain focuses on minimizing costs while ensuring crop nutrient uptake. This paper develops a model to minimize fertilizer costs for vegetable farmers by considering the use of bio-based fertilizer through composting and anaerobic digestion, as well as leaving crop residues on the field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Narges Mehrab, Mostafa Chorom, Mojtaba Norouzi Masir, Jayanta Kumar Biswas, Marcella Fernandes de Souza, Erik Meers
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the impact of adding the chelating agent NTA on cadmium fractions and microbial biomass in a calcareous soil contaminated with cadmium (Cd) under cultivated and uncultivated conditions subjected to soil leaching. Investigating soil-plant interactions on metal-contaminated soils with insights on microbial activity and soil toxicity perspective provides new perspectives on using metal-chelating agents for soil remediation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Saif Ullah, Izhar Ali, Mei Yang, Quan Zhao, Anas Iqbal, Xiaoyan Wu, Shakeel Ahmad, Ihsan Muhammad, Abdullah Khan, Muhammad Adnan, Pengli Yuan, Ligeng Jiang
Summary: Adding 20 to 30 t ha(-1) of biochar can improve the biological properties of soil, as well as nitrogen uptake and utilization in paddy rice. The biochar application can increase soil pH, organic carbon content, and nitrogen levels, leading to higher yield and nutrient efficiency in rice plants.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xiangzhou Yuan, Yafei Shen, Piumi Amasha Withana, Ondrej Masek, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Siming You, Filip M. G. Tack, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: Environmental issues caused by food waste are significant for human well-being and ecosystem health. This study provides a review of recent advancements in converting food waste into engineered biochar through thermochemical conversion. The synthesis routes and practical applications of food waste-derived biochar are also discussed. Engineered biochar shows promise in mitigating environmental pollution and addressing energy crisis. However, further research is needed to understand the relationship between biochar properties and specific applications, and assessments of environmental benefits and economic feasibility are necessary before industrial implementation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Beatrice De Vos, Marcella Fernandes de Souza, Sofie Vermeire, Pieter Vermeir, Evi Michels, Alexandra De Raeve, Erik Meers
Summary: Industrial hemp is a sustainable alternative for textile production and phytoremediation on heavy metal-contaminated soil. After demineralization and bleaching treatments, Cd and Pb concentrations in hemp fibers were below safety limits. Cd was mainly concentrated in the primary wall, while Pb could be bound to lignin and hemicellulose in the secondary wall of the fiber.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ruben Vingerhoets, Marc Spiller, Joris De Backer, Anne Adriaens, Siegfried E. Vlaeminck, E. Vlaeminck, Erik Meers
Summary: The agri-food value chain is a significant contributor to nitrogen and phosphorus emissions and their impacts. The EU's farm-to-fork strategy aims to reduce nutrient emissions and fertilizer use. Substance flow analysis is a useful method for studying the agri-food chain, but current studies lack detail in distinguishing between nodes, products, and emissions. This study presents a highly-detailed SFA for the livestock-intensive region of Flanders, Belgium, which identifies recoverable streams and calculates novel indicators. Optimized nutrient recycling could exceed the targets set by the F2F strategy. Future research should consider concentration and quality in SFAs.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rahul Ravi, Marcella Fernandes de Souza, Anne Adriaens, Ruben Vingerhoets, Hongzhen Luo, Miet Van Dael, Erik Meers
Summary: The Russo-Ukrainian war has raised concerns about the European Union's energy security due to its heavy reliance on Russian natural gas. The RePowerEU initiative aims to increase biomethane production to replace natural gas, aligning with the EU's emission reduction goals. However, using energy crops as biogas feedstock raises land-use concerns. This study investigates the environmental impacts of using roadside grass clippings as an alternative feedstock for biogas production in Northwest Europe and provides insights for sustainable energy strategies.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Gregory Reuland, Steven Sleutel, Haichao Li, Harmen Dekker, Ivona Sigurnjak, Erik Meers
Summary: The untapped potential for carbon sequestration in agricultural soils is a cost-effective tool for mitigating climate change. Increasing soil organic matter brings various agronomic benefits and can be achieved by increasing carbon inputs and reducing carbon outputs. In this study, the addition of organic amendments resulted in significant carbon storage in the soil, with digestate showing the highest potential. Further research is needed to understand the interactions between soil and digestate.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shaiza Amin, Tariq Aziz, Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman, Ifra Saleem, Muhammad Rizwan, Ambreen Ashar, Hafiz Adnan Mussawar, Muhammad Aamer Maqsood
Summary: Nitrogenous fertilizers have low efficiency in alkaline calcareous soils. Coating urea with zinc oxide nanoparticles can improve crop yields and increase nitrogen and zinc content in wheat.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jiyu Zhang, Saif Ullah, Bingrong Liu
JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)