Sustainable Chemistry One World最新文献

This study investigates the use of chemically modified Musa paradisiaca (banana fruit) peels (BPD) as an adsorbent for nitrate removal, representing a food waste management application of this agricultural waste material. This innovative approach addresses waste management challenges while offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution for water treatment. The research evaluates the effectiveness of BPD in a batch system and optimizes the process using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Detailed characterization of the adsorbent was performed using advanced techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Point of Zero Charge (pHzpc), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Isotherm analysis revealed that the Langmuir model provided an excellent fit (R² = 0.994), with a maximum adsorption capacity of 47.619 mg/g for BPD. Kinetic studies indicated that the pseudo-second-order model was most appropriate (R² = 0.969). Thermodynamic analysis showed that nitrate removal is more favorable at lower temperatures, with an increase in free energy at 313 K and a negative enthalpy value (-28.873 kJ/mol). Optimization via RSM identified optimal conditions: initial nitrate concentration of 83.92 mg/L, pH 3.57, contact time of 38.37 minutes, and temperature of 42.29 ℃, achieving a desirability score of 1.0. Furthermore, Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis elucidated the adsorption mechanism, highlighting the predominance of C-O interactions in the ligand exchange process, with an electrophilicity index (ω) of −1.331 eV. These findings suggest that lignocellulosic materials from food processing waste, Musa paradisiaca peels, hold significant promise for mitigating nitrate contamination in drinking water.

Iron nanoparticles were synthesized utilizing Carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum (CMTKG), which acted as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. Through an in situ co-precipitation method, CMTKG/FeO nanocomposites were synthesized, employing epichlorohydrin as a cross-linking agent. Characterization of the obtained CMTKG/FeO nanocomposites was conducted through various techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Ultraviolet spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Thermal analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), revealing an average size of 60–90 nm. The application of these nanocomposites was explored in the sensing of ammonia in an aqueous medium at room temperature, demonstrating a noticeable change in the intensity of the surface plasmon resonance peak with increasing ammonia concentration, resulting in a shift from 313 nm to 331 nm. Additionally, the antimicrobial efficacy of the synthesized CMTKG/FeO nanocomposites was evaluated against urinary tract isolates including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, and Enterococcus faecalis. Interestingly, the nanocomposites exhibited significant activity specifically against Enterococcus faecalis, manifesting a zone of inhibition measuring 12.4±0.5 mm.

Biodiesel, derived from non-edible and spent oils, presents a cleaner and more sustainable alternative fuel source for diesel-powered engines. This study investigates the potential of converting non-edible Cupressus sempervirens seed oil into eco-friendly biodiesel using tellurium oxide nanoparticles synthesized with aqueous leaf extract of Calendula arvensis. Advanced techniques were utilized to characterize the catalyst, revealing its crystalline structure, with particles averaging 45 nm. Remarkably, the catalyst demonstrated efficient reusability over four cycles, achieving a peak yield of 93% under specific reaction conditions: a methanol to oil molar ratio of 8:1, a catalyst loading of 0.62 wt%, a reaction time of 120 min, and a temperature of 92.5 °C. Results from nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (¹H and ¹³C NMR) confirmed the successful conversion of the non-edible seed oil into methyl ester. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester as the predominant fatty acid methyl ester. The fuel properties of the synthesized biodiesel met international standards, with a high flash point (98°C), and ultra-low sulfur content of 0.0002%, highlighting its clean and cost-effective nature. This study contributes significantly to advancing bioproducts for a sustainable bioeconomy, presenting an integrated approach to bioenergy production that simultaneously addresses environmental and socio-economic concerns.

Unquestionably, waste management plays a significant role in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and demand for raw materials. As a result, numerous nations have developed particular legal frameworks to make effective waste reduction, reuse, and recycling possible. Extended producer responsibility is one of these legal frameworks (EPR). EPR transfers control over how manufactured goods affect the environment after they have served their intended purpose from customers to manufacturers. Due to their extensive EPR capability and expertise, Japan was chosen in this review. As a significant footnote, the attitudes of producers and consumers toward EPR and DRS as well as the effects of COVID-19 are also discussed. The discussion of current trash collection technology is followed by an examination of how well-suited for the future was explored. In addition, techniques for recycling HDPE, LDPE and light weight packaging are described. Finally, potential EPR and DRS trends are investigated.

Amidst the dual challenges of burgeoning global population and escalating climate change, the desire to develop and implement sustainable conversion of lignocellulosic biomass (LB) to value-added products becomes more pronounced. Green products, particularly bio-derived fuels and chemicals, emerge as powerful solutions for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, combating global warming, and satisfying the energy needs of humanity. Today, concerted efforts are underway to produce petroleum-derived liquid fuels like butanol and diesel from renewable sources (e.g., LB). Despite LB currently serving as a significant energy source for many nations, the widespread adoption of technologies that can advance LB beyond burning for energy generation remains limited. Moreover, utilization of LB-derived sugars for fermentative production of fuels and chemicals is plagued with poor performance, largely due to the generation of lignocellulose-derived microbial inhibitory compounds (LDMICs) during pretreatment and hydrolysis of LB into sugars. This review provides an overview of global LB production and utilization, providing insights into both its current status and potential future directions. Specifically, the review paper focuses on various pretreatment options for the conversion of LB into sugars, delving into the mechanistic effects and strategies to abate the generation of LDMICs during pretreatment. Additionally, it explores innovative renewable strategies aimed at optimizing the utilization of second-generation feedstocks in biodiesel synthesis, thereby highlighting promising mitigating strategies toward achieving zero emissions.

The Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket reactor is a viable high-rate anaerobic digestion design for the treatment of different wastewater with low to high solubility. This can also be used for the treatment of solid wastes with less HRT. In this study, the performance evaluation of a lab-scale UASB reactor was carried out for different hydraulic retention times of 24, 21, 18, 15 and 12 h for obtaining the best HRT for tannery fleshings. The gas production varied between 3.7 – 4.5 L with a methane content of 64.31 – 67.72%. It was observed that the maximum gas production was at 18 h HRT and this optimized condition was applied to the pilot-scale UASB reactor. The performance evaluation of the pilot-scale UASB reactor was carried out with an HRT of 18 h. The gas production of 450 ± 50 L, the maximum specific gas production of 0.274 m³/kg of VS destroyed and 0.239 m³/kg of TS destroyed was obtained and the maximum biogas productivity of 0.495 L was observed at 18 h HRT with the highest methane content of 67.86%. The payback period of the pilot scale reactor is 3.2 years.

Tartaric Acid-modified Rice Husk biochar (TARH) was evaluated as an efficient and cost-effective adsorbent to eliminate Fluoride (F¯) ions from aqueous solutions. F¯ is a major contaminant in groundwater, and current conventional treatment methods have certain drawbacks in treating higher concentrations of fluoride. The adsorption efficiency of TARH was improved by pre-treating rice husk biochar using tartaric acid (organic acid), which was confirmed by FT-IR measurement, indicating the presence of carboxylic acids, hydroxyl groups, and amine surface functional groups. The study optimized fluoride batch adsorption experiments by considering the parameters affecting adsorption, including pH, contact time, initial concentration, and adsorbent dosage using the Central Composite Design (CCD) from Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Maximum fluoride adsorption of 74.73% was attained by TARH under ideal circumstances (an initial fluoride concentration of 32 mg/L, a pH of 7, 0.25 g/100 mL of adsorbent dosage, and 180 minutes contact duration). The CCD models showed an exceptional R² value of 0.988 for fluoride adsorption, illustrating their efficacy. Three-dimensional response surface plots were visualized to analyse the effects of control parameters on %adsorption, and statistical analysis supported the validity of the CCD model. Isotherm models and adsorption kinetics were investigated. The adsorption exhibited monolayer adsorption according to the Langmuir isotherm model and a pseudo-second-order rate-limiting phase due to chemisorption. The column adsorption studies were performed for various experimental factors such as influent fluoride concentration (4–16 ppm), influent flow rate (4–8 mL/min), and fixed-bed depth (4–8 cm). The experimental data were examined using the Yoon-Nelson, Thomas, and BDST models, which revealed a substantial correlation between the experimental findings and model predictions. The effectiveness of TARH was examined by regeneration study and case study was performed to evaluate the fluoride removal from actual water samples.

Fouling on ships and in marine environments leads to adverse effects, including increased drag on the engine, elevated fuel consumption, and higher CO₂ emissions, all of which negatively impact the operational efficiency of the ship and worsen environmental pollution. To address these challenges, sustainable antifouling coatings derived from seaweed materials play a crucial role in mitigating fouling and providing long-lasting protection. Herein, the relationship between antifouling compounds derived from biological sources is examined through a combination of computational methods and in vitro experiments. A total of 100 compounds from both Laurencia obtusa and Acanthophora spicifera were computationally screened against Mytilus galvoprovinces (4CN8) and Megabalanus rosa (6LEK) target proteins. Thyrsiferol compound from Laurencia obtusa exhibited the maximum dock score (-8.6 kcal mol⁻¹), and Cholestaa-6, 22,24-Triene,4,4-Dimethyl compound from Acanthophora spicifera showed the highest dock score (-8.9 kcal mol⁻¹) against macro fouling protein. The docking study unveiled a range of dock scores indicating low to high inhibition, all associated with low toxicity effects. The in vitro study involved collecting two seaweed species using the Soxhlet extraction method, followed by antibacterial and antifouling assays against common fouling organisms. Methanol and ethanol extracts showed strong inhibitory activity, indicating the presence of bioactive compounds with significant antibacterial and antifouling effects. The primary component of Laurencia obtusa, which plays a major role in antifouling action, was identified through GC-MS as n-Hexadecanoic acid (19.340 %), while Acanthophora spicifera predominantly contained nonadecanoic acid (19.932 %).

This study explores the potential of Polystyrene concrete, a globally recognized lightweight concrete, in the context of Vietnam's construction industry. The research incorporates non-hazardous industrial waste, specifically Residue Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (RFCC), as a novel additive in the production of lightweight concrete. The systematic approach involves evaluating different cement types and gradually replacing cement with RFCC to identify an optimal formula for lightweight Polystyrene concrete. The study aligns with global sustainability goals and addresses local gaps by contributing practical insights and solutions to challenges in traditional brick production. The experimental setup utilizes Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) granules, standard cement types (PCB50, PCB40, and PCB30), and super foaming additives. Results indicate the feasibility of replacing up to 10% of cement with RFCC, offering a promising avenue for effective industrial waste management. This research aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributes to a more environmentally conscious scientific community.

The rapid increase in population growth and subsequent urbanization and industrialization has led to a global water demand. Hence, due to the challenges associated with accessing fresh water, desalination is increasingly being adopted to meet the global water demand. About 61% of the world's desalination capacity is made up of seawater desalination, whilst 30% is made up of brackish water desalination. Half of the world's desalination capacity is accounted for by membrane desalination, which mostly uses reverse osmosis desalination. The remaining half is primarily utilized for thermal desalination, which uses multi-stage flash distillation and multi-effect distillation. Although desalination plays an indisputable role in providing a steady supply of water in regions where freshwater resources are limited, it has diverse effects on the environment. Depending on the type of feed-water used, the desalination method employed, and how waste brine is managed, the desalination process has distinct and variable environmental consequences. The aim of this review was to provide comprehensive information on desalination technologies and their environmental impacts. To achieve this, the current global water demand and desalination production capacity were analyzed. This review contains important information for understanding and choosing environmentally friendly desalination technologies for the provision of a sustainable and environmentally friendly water supply.