Food spoilage is a significant global issue, with approximately 31
The increasing discharge of persistent and toxic organic dyes into industrial wastewater necessitates the development of efficient, economical, and environmentally sustainable treatment strategies. In this study, a high-performance photocatalyst was synthesized as a ternary TiO2–ZnO/Graphene Oxide (NC ZnO) nanocomposite. The novelty of this work lies in the strategic combination of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles onto high-surface-area graphene oxide (GO) sheets, forming a Type-II heterojunction that effectively suppresses the rapid recombination of photoinduced electron–hole pairs and enhances charge separation efficiency. The NC ZnO was synthesized via the sol–gel method because it is superior at achieving molecular-level homogeneity and controlling the morphology of the metal oxides at low processing temperatures, which is critical for preserving the integrity of the GO nanosheets. Furthermore, Moringa oleifera seed extract was utilized as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent, introducing a green and sustainable synthesis route. Comprehensive characterization of NC ZnO confirmed the successful formation of the ternary heterostructure. Hexagonal wurtzite structure, crystallinity, and functional groups of the samples were characterized via X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The photocatalytic activity of the optimized NC ZnO was evaluated for the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) and Carbol Fuchsin (CF) dyes under visible light irradiation, achieving degradation efficiencies of 75
Understanding the influence of recycling agents (RA) on different aged binders and their impact on subsequent aging mechanisms is vital for the effective recycling of aged binders and identifying threshold RA dosages. The present study aims to investigate the interaction effects of RA through an integrated framework by analysing chemical characteristics using Saturates, Aromatics, and Resins with Asphaltene determinator (SAR-AD) method and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, while corroborating these findings through microstructural changes captured using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Recycled blends prepared with binders aged to three extents and varying RA dosages were tested in unaged and long-term aged conditions. Results indicate that RA increases lighter hydrocarbons, balances asphaltene-maltene polarity, and promotes non-covalent interactions, with the quantum of influences reducing as RA dosage and RAP binder age increase. These mechanisms contribute to softening and dispersion effects, with the dispersion persisting with subsequent aging, indicating that RA alters the aromatisation process. The findings reveal that beyond a threshold RA dosage, its primary effect is softening the binder, while its impact on functional groups and dispersion becomes marginal.
As climate change intensifies, the agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges, particularly in the production of heat-sensitive crops like tomatoes. This review explores the integration of advanced phenomics, genomics, and machine learning technologies to enhance heat stress tolerance in tomato cultivars. We highlight the detrimental effects of elevated temperatures on tomato growth, yield, and quality, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative breeding strategies. By leveraging high-throughput phenotyping techniques, including thermal infrared imaging, hyperspectral imaging, and chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, researchers can non-invasively monitor physiological responses and identify key traits associated with heat resilience. Furthermore, the application of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) facilitates the identification of critical genetic markers linked to heat tolerance, paving the way for targeted breeding programs. This comprehensive approach not only aims to develop resilient tomato varieties capable of thriving under extreme conditions but also addresses broader concerns of food security in the face of global climate challenges. Ultimately, our findings underscore the potential of integrating multi-omics data and cutting-edge imaging technologies to revolutionize tomato breeding and ensure sustainable agricultural practices in a warming world.
The present study aims to extract and utilize the polyphenols of Camellia sinensis and Mentha spicata as active capping agents for the bio-fabrication of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs). Different techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD analysis, FESEM, EDX analysis, and TGA were performed to determine the surface resonance, functional groups, size, shape, elemental composition, and thermal stability of the polyphenol-mediated FeO NPs. UV-Vis spectrum of C. sinensis and M. spicata polyphenol-mediated FeO NPs revealed significant absorption at 230 and 250 nm, indicating the formation of FeO NPs. The presence of metal oxides in the FeO NPs were verified through FTIR analysis. XRD spectra confirmed the crystalline structure of C. sinensis and M. spicata polyphenol-mediated FeO NPs. The occurrence of iron and oxygen was verified by the EDX spectra of both polyphenol-mediated FeO NPs. TGA analysis established that C. sinensis polyphenol-mediated FeO NPs had higher thermal stability than M. spicata polyphenol-mediated FeO NPs.
