Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marta Sharafan, Magdalena A. Malinowska, Halina Ekiert, Beata Kwasniak, Elzbieta Sikora, Agnieszka Szopa
Summary: This review provides an overview of the botanical, ecological, and phytochemical characteristics of Vitis vinifera L., as well as its applications in the food industry, medicine, and phytocosmetology. The focus is on the cosmetic properties of V. vinifera, including its anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-whitening effects. The review also highlights the importance of biotechnological studies on V. vinifera and discusses its safety for use.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Alicja Uliasz-Bochenczyk, Eugeniusz Mokrzycki
Summary: Poland relies heavily on coal for energy production, and the combustion process generates fly ashes, which account for a significant portion of industrial waste in the country. This paper discusses the amounts and disposal of fly ashes in Poland, highlighting their high recovery rates and their potential as anthropogenic raw materials. The use of recovered fly ashes in the cement industry is exemplified as a successful case of industrial symbiosis, benefiting the economy, environment, and society as a whole. The anthropogenicity index is used to assess the substitutability of primary raw materials with secondary ones in cement plants.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Arne Peys, Visa Isteri, Juho Yliniemi, Antonia S. Yorkshire, Patrick N. Lemougna, Claire Utton, John L. Provis, Ruben Snellings, Theodore Hanein
Summary: The bulk of the cement industry's environmental burden is from the calcareous source. This review paper discusses the importance and application of iron-rich materials in alternative cements, as well as the chemistry of ferrites.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Joan Borras-Ferris, Carl Duchesne, Alberto Ferrer
Summary: The Sequential Multi-Block Partial Least Squares (SMB-PLS) model inversion is used to analyze the multivariate raw material region and ensure the quality of critical to quality attributes (CQA) with a certain confidence level. The algorithm is able to identify process condition variations unrelated to raw material properties and known disturbances, which is crucial for an effective process control system. This allows for an expanded specification region and the potential acceptance of lower cost raw materials without compromising product quality. The methodology can be applied to historical/happenstance data, common in Industry 4.0, as illustrated by simulated data from an industrial case study.
CHEMOMETRICS AND INTELLIGENT LABORATORY SYSTEMS
(2023)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Zhiming Shi
Summary: The deepening conflict between the increasing use of inorganic products and the decreasing mineral resources and the serious desertization trend has led to the need for accelerating the industrial application of desert sand for sustainable development. This study analyzes the necessity and possibility of the project, summarizes the characteristics and applications of desert sand, identifies the issues that hinder its development, and provides countermeasures and suggestions. The information is valuable for researchers, engineers, and managers in related fields.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Marta Pedzik, Karol Tomczak, Dominika Janiszewska-Latterini, Arkadiusz Tomczak, Tomasz Rogozinski
Summary: Researchers and panel manufacturers are exploring new raw materials, such as forest residues and wood industry waste, to produce wood-based panels. This study compares the properties of different raw materials and finds that both forest residues and valuable wood from the Scots pine stem are suitable for producing particleboards that meet standardized requirements.
Article
Environmental Studies
Igor Cerny, Michal Vanek, Ewa Wanda Maruszewska, Filip Benes
Summary: The study revealed varying levels of correlation between the internal EU demand for critical raw materials and economic indicators, indicating that price is not the main determinant of demand. Instead, factors such as inflation, population, and GDP might have a stronger influence on the demand for certain critical raw materials. This finding suggests that policies and investments aimed at reducing Europe's reliance on imports of raw materials should also consider these economic indicators.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cristina T. Matos, Fabrice Mathieux, Luca Ciacci, Maren Cathrine Lundhaug, Maria Fernanda Godoy Leon, Daniel Beat Muller, Jo Dewulf, Konstantinos Georgitzikis, Jaco Huisman
Summary: Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are crucial for decarbonization and reducing greenhouse gases. The EU's competitiveness in the global LIB market relies on ensuring a sustainable and secure supply of raw materials. This study reveals that the EU has a high import dependency on LIBs and battery raw materials, with low recycling rates for lithium and natural graphite. The proposed approach identifies bottlenecks and offers solutions to increase the efficiency of the EU LIB system. Lessons learned can support EU resource-management policies.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Zhao, Nuo Xu, Minghan Ni, Ziyuan Wang, Jie Zhu, Jie Liu, Ruiqi Zhao, Hongtao Zhang, Yanfeng Ma, Chenxi Li, Yongsheng Chen
Summary: Organic electrode materials have advantages of tunable structures, abundant resources, and environmental friendliness in future energy storage systems. However, their overall superior performance still faces challenges such as low capacity, poor stability, inferior conductivity, and low utilization of active sites. To address these issues, a bipolar polymer (Fc-DAB) is designed and polymerized in situ with three-dimensional graphene (3DG), resulting in a hybrid material with various merits. The Fc-DAB@3DG cathode delivers high capacity, ultra-long cycle life, and remarkable rate performance.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vincent Augiseau, Eunhye Kim
Summary: This article examines the spatial distribution of construction materials in the Paris region in 2013, using a GIS modeling approach to estimate and locate different types of stocks. The study found a higher proportion of underground materials in anthropogenic stocks, with higher stock density in central Paris. Data suggests that systematic assessment of construction materials stocks in French regions and cities can be conducted using statistical data and GIS modeling.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Estelle Gervais, Shivenes Shammugam, Lorenz Friedrich, Thomas Schlegl
Summary: This paper evaluates the metal and metalloid requirements for next-generation photovoltaics on a global scale until 2050, highlighting the shortage of gallium, indium, arsenic, bismuth, and selenium. Strategies to mitigate risks, such as resource efficiency and alternative production processes, are discussed. Concerns are raised over the sustainability of multijunction solar cell technologies due to potential material shortages, calling for stronger integration of sustainable material use considerations in technological development.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessandro Novellino, Teresa J. Brown, Tom Bide, Nguyen Thi Thuc Anh, Evi Petavratzi, Carolin Kresse
Summary: This study provides an innovative approach in analysing urban expansion, population growth, and construction material consumption in Vietnam's Hanoi Province by combining satellite data with material consumption analysis. By calculating and forecasting construction material consumption and measuring its statistical correlation with urban expansion, the study reveals that official figures for sand consumption are currently underestimated and predicts a significant increase in steel and sand consumption by 2030.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Emran Eisa Saleh, Anwar Khadher Mohammed, Soad Abed Elmonem El-Fiki
Summary: The study determined the natural radioactivity of 16 cement raw materials samples from Yemen, showing variations in radionuclide concentrations among different samples. The gamma-ray shielding properties varied among different materials, with iron ore sample exhibiting the best shielding properties among others.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Martin Sivek, Jakub Jirasek
Summary: In 2011, the European Union issued its first Critical Minerals List (CRM), which was subsequently updated three times. The inclusion of coking coal in the second update of the list in 2014 and its retention in the most recent 2020 update sparked mixed reactions. This article focuses on the reasons for including coking coal in the EU list of critical minerals and highlights the lack of crucial information about its occurrence, reserves, and production in relation to the economic performance of coal mines.
Article
Polymer Science
Radoslaw Auriga, Marta Pedzik, Robert Mrozowski, Tomasz Rogozinski
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of using hemp shives as a partial substitute for traditional wood in the production of particleboards. The results show that particleboards containing hemp shives have lower density, but have minimal effects on strength and modulus of elasticity, and no significant differences in internal bond strength compared to conventional particleboards. Additionally, particleboards with hemp shives exhibit reduced swelling compared to particleboards made entirely of wood particles.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Dieuwertje Schrijvers, Alessandra Hool, Gian Andrea Blengini, Wei-Qiang Chen, Jo Dewulf, Roderick Eggert, Layla van Ellen, Roland Gauss, James Goddin, Komal Habib, Christian Hagelueken, Atsufumi Hirohata, Margarethe Hofmann-Amtenbrink, Jan Kosmol, Maite Le Gleuher, Milan Grohol, Anthony Ku, Min-Ha Lee, Gang Liu, Keisuke Nansai, Philip Nuss, David Peck, Armin Reller, Guido Sonnemann, Luis Tercero, Andrea Thorenz, Patrick A. Waeger
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barbara Ruffino, Angela Farina, Davide Dalmazzo, Gianandrea Blengini, Mariachiara Zanetti, Ezio Santagata
Summary: The waste paint sludge (PS) from automotive industry can be recycled in bituminous binders for asphalt pavement applications, reducing costs and environmental impacts. The annual production of PS from Italian automotive plants can be effectively utilized, providing a sustainable solution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rachel Horta Arduin, Fabrice Mathieux, Jaco Huisman, Gian Andrea Blengini, Carole Charbuillet, Michelle Wagner, Cornelis Peter Balde, Nicolas Perry
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maria Fernanda Godoy Leon, Gian Andrea Blengini, Jo Dewulf
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jo Dewulf, Stefanie Hellweg, Stephan Pfister, Maria Fernanda Godoy Leon, Thomas Sonderegger, Cristina T. de Matos, Gian Andrea Blengini, Fabrice Mathieux
Summary: This paper discusses the accessibility of metals and minerals once they have entered the technosphere, identifying six human actions that compromise accessibility and proposing solutions to address resource (in)accessibility. Through a case study on cobalt in the EU, it demonstrates the current challenges and impacts of resource inaccessibility.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Isabella Bianco, Francesca Thiebat, Corrado Carbonaro, Simonetta Pagliolico, Gian Andrea Blengini, Elena Comino
Summary: The study developed a tool based on life cycle assessment to assist actors in the furniture industry in selecting criteria that can maximize furniture sustainability throughout its life cycle.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maria Fernanda Godoy Leon, Gian Andrea Blengini, Jo Dewulf
Summary: Long-term statistical data was explored to assess the historical domestic production and international trade of cobalt-containing commodities in the EU, with different data sources examined and hidden flows identified. The importance of including hidden flows in analysis and the impact of data discrepancies on research were emphasized.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Philip Nuss, Jens Guenther, Jan Kosmol, Michael Golde, Felix Mueller, Michel Frerk
Summary: Current indicators used to monitor resource and circular economy policies in Germany are limited in scope and often do not fully consider all aspects of natural resource use and environmental impact. To address this gap, a more comprehensive monitoring framework is proposed, which includes not only a materials-layer focusing on material flows and stocks, but also corresponding layers for water, land, and emissions that should be monitored simultaneously.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
L. Tefa, I Bianco, G. A. Blengini, M. Bassani
Summary: This study demonstrates the advantages of using recycled construction and demolition waste aggregate (CDW-RA) in road construction, particularly in subbase layers. CDW-RA has better environmental performance compared to natural aggregate, and the use of CDW-RA in road subbase layers is encouraged. The study also supports the use of alternative and more environmentally friendly binders to enhance the environmental sustainability of pavement construction.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maria Fernanda Godoy Leon, Gian Andrea Belngini, Cristina Matos, Jo Dewulf
Summary: There is a lack of proper understanding of the historical societal metabolism of cobalt in the European Union, which hinders the identification of potential sources of secondary materials, enhancing circularity, and improving forecasting assessments. A retrospective dynamic material flow analysis was conducted to assess the stocks and flows of cobalt in the EU27. The results indicate that landfill stock and in-use stock were the largest stocks in the EU.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Davide Tonini, Paola Federica Albizzati, Dario Caro, Steven De Meester, Elena Garbarino, Gian Andrea Blengini
Summary: Quality of recycling is a concept that lacks a clear definition and operational framework. This lack of clarity hinders the development of effective recycling and circular economy policies. This article reviews existing studies, synthesizes different approaches, and suggests a way forward for research to support circular economy policy measures and monitoring. The definition of recycling quality should consider the technical characteristics of the recyclate and its suitability for different end applications. Preserving functionality through functional recycling is crucial for resource substitution in the circular economy.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Gandiglio, P. Marocco, I. Bianco, D. Louera, G. A. Blengini, M. Santarelli
Summary: This paper analyzes the environmental sustainability of an innovative solution based on Renewable Energy Sources (RES) integrated with a hybrid hydrogen-battery energy storage system. The results show that the RES-based system has significantly lower environmental impacts compared to the current diesel-based configuration, with a reduction in GHG emissions of 89%.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claudia Baranzelli, Gian Andrea Blengini, Sergio Oliete Josa, Carlo Lavalle
Summary: This paper consists of two interconnected sections. The first section focuses on mineral resource indicators and their role in drawing 11 EU-Africa Strategic Corridors within the broader context of Africa-EU partnership. The second section aims to understand the concept of Strategic Corridors as mineral corridors, where mineral resources are utilized as catalysts to boost economic and societal development through the creation and strengthening of value chains and territorial organization. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how Strategic Corridors can enhance access to present and future mines, thereby mitigating the risk of supply disruptions of critical raw materials for the EU.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINING RECLAMATION AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Philip Nuss, Esther Sanye-Mengual, Serenella Sala
Summary: The European Green Deal and the German Resource Efficiency Programme aim to decouple resource consumption from economic growth and reduce associated environmental burdens. This study uses the consumption footprint indicator to assess Germany's environmental impacts in various sectors. The findings reveal that Germany exceeds the safe operating space for several impact categories.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Isabella Bianco, Raffaella Gerboni, Giuseppe Picerno, Gian Andrea Blengini
Summary: This study conducts an environmental analysis of recycled wool fibers using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology, and finds that recycled wool fibers have significantly lower environmental impacts compared to virgin fibers. This study contributes to filling data gaps in the textile industry and provides insights for addressing environmental issues.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Toshimi Nakajima, Mao Kuragano, Makoto Yamada, Ryo Sugimoto
Summary: This study compared the contribution of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to river nutrient budgets at nearshore and embayment scales, and found that SGD-derived nutrients become more important at larger spatial scales.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fan Liu, Lei Zhang, Chongyang Zhang, Ziguang Chen, Jingguang Li
Summary: NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves used for household heating have become a significant source of indoor pollution in Chinese urban areas. The high indoor concentration of NO2 poses potential health risks to residents. It is urgently necessary to establish relevant regulations and implement emission reduction technologies to reduce NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Letter
Environmental Sciences
Hans Peter H. Arp, Raoul Wolf, Sarah E. Hale, Sivani Baskaran, Juliane Gluege, Martin Scheringer, Xenia Trier, Ian T. Cousins, Harrie Timmer, Roberta Hofman-Caris, Anna Lennquist, Andre D. Bannink, Gerard J. Stroomberg, Rosa M. A. Sjerps, Rosa Montes, Rosario Rodil, Jose Benito Quintana, Daniel Zahn, Herve Gallard, Tobias Mohr, Ivo Schliebner, Michael Neumann
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philomina Onyedikachi Peter, Binessi Edouard Ifon, Francois Nkinahamira, Kayode Hassan Lasisi, Jiangwei Li, Anyi Hu, Chang-Ping Yu
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in sediments from Yundang Lagoon, China. The results show four distinct fluorescent components, with protein-like substances being the most prevalent. Additionally, the total fluorescence intensity and LREE concentrations exhibit a synchronized increase from Outer to Inner to Songbai Lake core sediments. The findings demonstrate a strong correlation between DOM content and pollution levels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Surya Gupta, Pasquale Borrelli, Panos Panagos, Christine Alewell
Summary: The objective of this study is to incorporate soil hydraulic properties into the erodibility factor (K) of USLE-type models. By modifying and improving the existing equations for soil texture and permeability, the study successfully included information on saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) into the calculation of K factor. Using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm, two independent K factor maps with different spatial resolutions were generated. The results show that the decrease in K factor values has a positive impact on the modeling of soil erosion rates.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesmin Akter, Wendy J. M. Smith, Yawen Liu, Ilho Kim, Stuart L. Simpson, Phong Thai, Asja Korajkic, Warish Ahmed
Summary: The choice of workflow in wastewater surveillance has a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 concentrations, while having minimal effects on HF183 and no effect on HAdV 40/41 concentrations. Certain components in the workflow can be interchangeable, but factors such as buffer type, chloroform, and homogenization speed can affect the recovery of viruses and bacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Luo, Xueting Yang, Diwei Wang, Hongmei Xu, Hongai Zhang, Shasha Huang, Qiyuan Wang, Ningning Zhang, Junji Cao, Zhenxing Shen
Summary: Atmospheric PM2.5, which can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), is associated with cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality. The study found that both the mass concentration of PM2.5 and the DTT activity were higher during the heating season than during the nonheating season. Combustion sources were the primary contributors to DTT activity during the heating season, while secondary formation dominated during the nonheating season. The study also revealed that biomass burning had the highest inherent oxidation potential among all sources investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erin L. Murphy, Leah R. Gerber, Chelsea M. Rochman, Beth Polidoro
Summary: Plastic pollution has devastating consequences for marine organisms. This study uses a trait-based framework to develop a vulnerability index for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles in Hawai'i. The index ranks 63 study species based on their vulnerability to macroplastic pollution, providing valuable information for species monitoring and management priorities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kenji Maurice, Amelia Bourceret, Sami Youssef, Stephane Boivin, Liam Laurent-Webb, Coraline Damasio, Hassan Boukcim, Marc-Andre Selosse, Marc Ducousso
Summary: Growing pressure from climate change and agricultural land use is destabilizing soil microbial community interactions. Little is known about microbial community resistance and adaptation to disturbances, hindering our understanding of recovery latency and implications for ecosystem functioning. This study found that anthropic disturbance and natural disturbance have different effects on the topology and stability of soil microbial networks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunhao Li, Yali Feng, Haoran Li, Yisong Yao, Chenglong Xu, Jinrong Ju, Ruiyu Ma, Haoyu Wang, Shiwei Jiang
Summary: Deep-sea mining poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and human health by disturbing sediment and transmitting metal ions through the food chain. This study developed a new regenerative adsorption material, OMN@SA, which effectively removes metal ions. The adsorption mechanism and performance of the material for metal ion fixation were investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Medici, Margherita Lavorgna, Marina Isidori, Chiara Russo, Elena Orlo, Giovanni Luongo, Giovanni Di Fabio, Armando Zarrelli
Summary: Valsartan, a widely used antihypertensive drug, has been detected in high concentrations in surface waters due to its unchanged excretion and incomplete degradation in wastewater treatment plants. This study investigated the degradation of valsartan and identified 14 degradation byproducts. The acute and chronic toxicity of these byproducts were evaluated in key organisms in the freshwater trophic chain.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiang Lin, Lianbao Chi, Qing Yuan, Busu Li, Mingbao Feng
Summary: This study investigated the photodegradation behavior and product formation of two representative pharmaceuticals in simulated estuary water. The study found that the formed transformation products of these pharmaceuticals have potential toxicity on marine organisms, including oxidative stress and damage to cellular components.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hua Fang, Dongdong Jiang, Ye He, Siyi Wu, Yuehong Li, Ziqi Zhang, Haoting Chen, Zixin Zheng, Yan Sun, Wenxiang Wang
Summary: This study revealed that exposure to lower levels of air pollutants led to decreased pregnancy rates, with PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO emerging as the four most prominent pollutants. Individuals aged 35 and above exhibited heightened susceptibility to pollutants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ali Shaan Manzoor Ghumman, Rashid Shamsuddin, Amin Abbasi, Mohaira Ahmad, Yoshiaki Yoshida, Abdul Sami, Hamad Almohamadi
Summary: In this study, inverse vulcanized polysulfides (IVP) were synthesized by reacting molten sulfur with 4-vinyl benzyl chloride, and then functionalized using N-methyl D-glucamine (NMDG). The functionalized IVP showed a high mercury adsorption capacity and a machine learning model was developed to predict the amount of mercury removed. Furthermore, the functionalized IVP can be regenerated and reused, providing a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rita Bonfiglio, Renata Sisto, Stefano Casciardi, Valeria Palumbo, Maria Paola Scioli, Erica Giacobbi, Francesca Servadei, Gerry Melino, Alessandro Mauriello, Manuel Scimeca
Summary: This study investigated the presence of aluminum in human colon cancer samples and its potential association with biological processes involved in cancer progression. Aluminum was found in tumor areas of 24% of patients and was associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell death. Additional analyses revealed higher tumor mutational burden and mutations in genes related to EMT and apoptosis in aluminum-positive colon cancers. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of aluminum toxicity may improve strategies for the management of colon cancer patients.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)