Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rajesh Kumar, Anjali Singh, Annapurna Maurya, Pooja Yadav, Ashutosh Yadav, Pankaj Chowdhary, Abhay Raj
Summary: This study identified KL-degrading Bacillus cereus from activated sludge and demonstrated their potential for degrading KL and reducing toxicity in paper mill effluent. The strain produced enzymes responsible for high KL degradation and decolorization, showing promise for pollutant removal in industrial wastewater treatment. Analysis techniques including SEM-EDS, UV-Vis, FTIR, and GC-MS were used to track the KL degradation process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Iara Fontes Demuner, Fernando Jose Borges Gomes, Jessica Silva Gomes, Marcela Ribeiro Coura, Felipe Pedersoli Borges, Ana Marcia Macedo Ladeira Carvalho, Claudio Mudadu Silva
Summary: Kraft lignin is a residue from the pulping process, but integrating the biorefinery concept is crucial for sustainable development. This study evaluated the production of lignosulfonates from eucalypt kraft lignin through sulfomethylation and acid sulfonation processes. Sulfomethylation was more effective in producing lignosulfonates with a higher sulfur content, solubility in water, and confirmed chemical modifications, while acid sulfonation showed lower efficiency.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Luan Amaral de Souza, Tatiane Benvenuti, Daniella Cardoso Buzzi, Marco Antonio Siqueira Rodrigues, Franco Dani Rico Amado
Summary: The electrodialysis reversal (EDR) technology was successfully applied as tertiary treatment for final effluent from a Kraft pulp mill in Bahia, Brazil. The technology effectively reduced chloride and sulfide concentrations, improving the quality of the effluent for disposal or reuse.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ina Thakur, Anoop Verma, Banu Ormeci
Summary: This study fabricated a low-cost waste-driven visible active iron-titanium oxide composite for treating real municipal wastewater, achieving efficient bacterial inactivation and organic matter degradation. The composite showed excellent stability even after recycling multiple times, demonstrating its lasting durability and potential for field-scale application.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Himadri Rajput, Rahil Changotra, Vikas Kumar Sangal, Amit Dhir
Summary: A simple anodization technique was used to synthesize Au doped TiO2 nanotubes electrodes for photoelectrocatalytic degradation of 4-CG. The optimized conditions showed 84% degradation efficiency in 6 hours. The PEC process was more effective compared to PC and EC processes. Additionally, the feasibility of using synthesized Au/TiO2NTs electrodes for large volume wastewater treatment was investigated, showing significant reduction in COD and TOC values. The cost of electrical energy consumption for both batch and recirculation mode treatments was also calculated.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Nelson Rubens Nascimento Del'Antonio, Mariele Fioreze, Marcio Caliari, Joao Pedro Amaral, Claudio Mudadu Silva
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of programmed maintenance shutdowns (PMS) on the characteristics of effluents and the performance of the effluent treatment plant (ETP) in a Brazilian pulp mill. The results showed that the PMS had minimal impact on the effluent characteristics and improved the performance of the ETP.
NORDIC PULP & PAPER RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Crystallography
Federico Giuffrida, Lucia Calcagno, Gianni Pezzotti Escobar, Massimo Zimbone
Summary: The photocatalytic properties of TiO2/FeO3 and TiO2/WO3 nanocomposites were investigated for the degradation of methylene blue. The non-conventional Doctor Blade technique was proposed as an easy and inexpensive method for material preparation. The use of solid substrates rather than powders and the high surface area of nanoparticles improved the photodegradation efficiency.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sarath Chandra Pragada, Arun Kumar Thalla
Summary: This study developed a novel ternary composite catalyst for effective post-treatment of greywater. The coated film showed maximum scratch hardness and degradation efficiency at 5% Fe2O3/TiO2 composition. Moreover, the photocatalyst exhibited high cohesive bond strength and wearing resistance for treating triclosan in greywater.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiuyue Tan, Zongxue Yu, Runxuan Long, Niandan He, Qingcan Xiang, Juan Wang, Yucheng Liu
Summary: An alk-MXene-TiO2/a-Fe2O3-T (MTFX) type-II heterojunction with Ti3C2 MXene as co-catalyst was prepared by calcination method. This heterojunction effectively achieved the separation of electrons and holes. Under light conditions, alk-MXene-TiO2/a-Fe2O3-400 ? showed high efficiency in treating various pollutants in wastewater, including dyes, antibiotics, and metal ions. The photocatalyst exhibited good stability and remained highly effective even after multiple cycles. The alk-MXene-TiO2/a-Fe2O3-T material shows great potential in industrial wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hyejeong Lee, Jonghun Lim, Hyungtae Cho, Junghwan Kim
Summary: A novel pulp mill wastewater recovery process has been developed to utilize CO2 and SOx, demonstrating a desulfurization efficiency of 99% and capturing around 98.2% of CO2. The process model showed economic feasibility with an increased annual profit and a pay-back period of 8.4 years.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Atima Dubsok, Pummarin Khamdahsag, Suthirat Kittipongvises
Summary: This study assesses the environmental impacts of cyanate degradation using nano-TiO2/FeCl3 photocatalysis and compares the life cycle impacts under different irradiation sources. The results show that aquatic ecotoxicity, nonrenewable energy, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and global warming are the main contributors to environmental damage. Electricity consumption associated with climate change has the greatest environmental impact.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Lorena Raphael Rodrigues, Janaina Accordi Junkes, Alessandra Savazzini-Reis, Desilvia Machado Louzada, Viviana Possamai Della Sagrillo
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of incorporating green liquor dregs and FGCW into red ceramic formulations. Results showed that firing temperature and simultaneous incorporation of both industrial wastes play a crucial role in optimizing the production of ceramic products, with the best results achieved when using 10 wt% green liquor dregs and 30 wt% FGCW fired at 950 degrees C.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Milena Synowiec, Dominika Zakutna, Anita Trenczek-Zajac, Marta Radecka
Summary: The synthesis method used allows for uniform deposition of both large and small Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2. Analysis confirms the presence of anatase TiO2 and hematite Fe2O3 in the heterostructure. The TiO2@Fe2O3 heterostructure exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure titanium and iron oxides. The magnetic properties and optical transitions in nanometric Fe2O3 are influenced by the size of the Fe2O3 particles on the surface of TiO2 nanocrystals.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Deepthi John, Suguna Yesodharan, V. Sivanandan Achari
Summary: This study employed a two-step process involving coagulation-flocculation and solar photocatalysis for the treatment of pulp and paper mill effluent. By selecting appropriate coagulant and synthesizing an efficient TRGO photocatalyst, significant COD reduction and improvement in biodegradability of the effluent were achieved, meeting the National Environmental Quality Standards.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Antonietta Mancuso, Nicola Morante, Marco De Carluccio, Olga Sacco, Luigi Rizzo, Marco Fontana, Serena Esposito, Vincenzo Vaiano, Diana Sannino
Summary: TiO2-based photocatalysts doped with Fe and/or Cr were evaluated as a possible solution for the treatment of real olive oil mill wastewater. The simultaneous doping of TiO2 lattice with Fe and Cr improves the optical absorption into the visible region. Fe-Cr-TiO2 showed the best photocatalytic performance when H2O2 was added. Fe-TiO2 showed the best activity when used as a post-treatment method.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Libania Queiros, Nuno Aguiar, Patricia Pereira, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Artur Alves, Joana Luisa Pereira
Summary: This study investigates the possibility of readjusting the formulation of a commercial fungicide to make it more environmentally safe and effective against target organisms. The results suggest that the current mixture and rates of the fungicides are generally environmentally safe but ineffective against the target fungi. It also highlights the importance of systematic ecotoxicological testing for optimizing commercial products and reducing environmental contamination.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cristiano Soares, Beatriz Fernandes, Cristiana Paiva, Veronica Nogueira, Anabela Cachada, Fernanda Fidalgo, Ruth Pereira
Summary: Glyphosate (GLY) and flazasulfuron (FLA) have different effects on soil habitat and non-target organisms. FLA has more toxic effects on earthworms and plants, while GLY mainly affects plant growth and has no effect on collembola.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diogo Santos, Nelson Abrantes, Isabel Campos, Ines Domingues, Isabel Lopes
Summary: Wildfires are an important source of contamination in aquatic ecosystems, but the effects of ashes from different tree species on tadpoles have been largely ignored. This study found that exposure to ash extracts from Pinua sp. and Eucalyptus sp. negatively affected tadpoles, leading to increased mortality and decreased body size and weight. The effects varied with the type of ashes, suggesting an influence of vegetation cover on ash toxicity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonieta Gabriel, Catia Venancio, Jose Paulo Sousa, Sara Leston, Fernando Ramos, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Isabel Lopes
Summary: Intensive agriculture and the use of agrochemicals have negative impacts on soil fertility, erosion, and acidity. Liming is a common practice in agriculture to increase soil fertility and nutrient availability by managing soil pH. However, the influence of soil pH on the toxicity of agrochemicals remains species-dependent and not consistent.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Cristiano Soares, Pedro Mateus, Fernanda Fidalgo, Ruth Pereira
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of soil organic matter (OM) in preventing glyphosate (GLY) phytotoxicity on tomato plants. The results suggest that soils with higher OM content (10% and 15%) can mitigate the non-target phytotoxicity of GLY, possibly by decreasing herbicide bioavailability and/or stimulating defense mechanisms, thereby improving crop growth and physiological performance.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Joao Borges, Paulo Cardoso, Isabel Lopes, Etelvina Figueira, Catia Venancio
Summary: The application of fungi exudates shows potential in mitigating the negative effects of soil salinity on crop productivity. This study demonstrated that the application of exudates from Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus sajor caju improved the germination rates of Lens culinaris under high salinity conditions. This suggests that fungi exudates may be a sustainable measure for reclaiming salinized soils and enhancing crop productivity, aligning with current soil protection policies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara A. M. Silva, Joana C. Prata, Patricia Dias-Pereira, Andreia C. M. Rodrigues, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Renato A. Sarmento, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Carlos Gravato, Ana L. Patricio Silva
Summary: Freshwater benthic environments are major sinks of microplastics sourced on inland anthropogenic activities. The effects of microplastics on macroinvertebrates with predator behavior, such as planarians, were evaluated in terms of their behavior, physiology, and biochemistry. It was found that consuming contaminated prey did not cause oxidative damage but slightly increased aerobic metabolism and energy reserves. However, feeding on contaminated prey resulted in a significant delay in planarians' regeneration.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniela Figueiredo, Estela D. Vicente, Ana Vicente, Catia Goncalves, Isabel Lopes, Celia A. Alves, Helena Oliveira
Summary: This study evaluated the toxicological and mutagenic responses of PM10 released from cooking and ironing activities. The cytotoxicity of the PM10 organic extracts was tested in A549 cells and the interference in cell cycle dynamics and ROS production was analyzed. The mutagenic potential of the PM10-bound PAHs was determined using S. typhimurium tester strains. The results showed decreased metabolic activity in A549 cells and increased ROS levels, but no mutagenic effects were observed.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joana Patricio Rodrigues, Jose Roberto Rivera-Hernandez, Patricia Bernardez, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Armando Costa Duarte, Juan Santos-Echeandia
Summary: Metal(oid)s concentrations in plastic pieces collected from different beaches in the Mediterranean coast of Spain were quantified and related to plastic characteristics. The study found that certain metals were present in higher concentrations, with black, brown, PUR, PS, and coastal line plastics having the highest levels. The study also highlighted the importance of sampling location and degradation in the uptake of metals by plastics. The high levels of Fe, Pb, and Zn reflected the pollution degree of the marine areas, emphasizing the potential use of plastics as pollution monitors.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joao Pinto da Costa, Ana Luisa Silva, Damia Barcelo, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Armando Duarte
Summary: As the world slowly emerges from the ongoing pandemic, war has broken out in Europe as Russia invades Ukraine. The military conflict in Ukraine has had far-reaching consequences on human, social, economic, and environmental levels, affecting not only the involved nations but also Europe and the world. Damaged infrastructures, disrupted economic activity, and forced migration have negatively impacted sustainability. The COVID-19 pandemic adds complexity to the situation, further disrupting economic activity and straining healthcare systems. This study examines the impact of the intersection of war and COVID-19 on the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and assesses its global implications.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Catia Venancio, Bruna Monteiro, Isabel Lopes, Ana C. A. Sousa
Summary: Comparing the ecotoxicity of CAP and 5-FU, it was found that CAP showed decreasing sensitivity in freshwater algae, cnidarians, and fish, while 5-FU showed decreasing sensitivity in cnidarians, fish, and algae. When considering the combined risk of these compounds, it was determined that they pose a risk to freshwater biota. Given the increased usage of these compounds and the global trend of cancer development, these impacts may worsen.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ana M. Oliveira, Ana L. Patricio Silva, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Damia Barcelo, Armando C. Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased use of disposable face masks has led to a significant environmental burden. This critical review discusses the degradation and toxicity of face mask contaminants and emphasizes the need for more research in this area. The lack of studies on biodegradation and ecotoxicity, as well as the uncertainties in experimental procedures, hinder the comparison with conventional plastic debris. Further studies on the abundance and composition of face mask-released contaminants and the development of methodological strategies are crucial to understand their environmental impact.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jorge Tavares, Catia Venancio, Claudia Duarte, Filipe E. Antunes, Isabel Lopes
Summary: The architecture of hydrophobically modified polymers can be tailored to produce variants with different levels of functionality. In this study, the ecotoxicity of six variants of hydrophobically modified poly(acrylic) acids was evaluated for multiple organisms, providing insights for the development of more environmentally friendly materials.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Paco, Ana M. Oliveira, Diogo A. Ferreira-Filipe, Andreia C. M. Rodrigues, Rui J. M. Rocha, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Armando C. Duarte, Ana L. Patricio Silva, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: Disposable facemasks are found in high abundance in wetlands and can be biodegraded by naturally occurring fungi. The microfibres released from these facemasks can have ecotoxic effects on local bivalves.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)