Growing pressure on freshwater resources has increased the need for cropping systems that can sustain agricultural production while reducing irrigation demand. This study evaluates the environmental sustainability of wheat and potato cultivation across 25 provinces of Iran during 2015–2024. Irrigation dependency, water stress, and multiple dimensions of agricultural productivity were assessed using an integrated evaluation framework. Crop water requirements were estimated using the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith method, while environmental impacts were assessed through green, blue, and gray water footprints together with the Agricultural Water Stress Index (AWSI), Blue Water Scarcity (BWS), and Agricultural Water Footprint Intensity (AWFI). An entropy-weighted TOPSIS approach was used to integrate these indicators and rank crop–region combinations according to their overall sustainability. The analysis showed that the blue water footprint declined from 3921 to 2592 m3 ton−1 for wheat and from 797 to 600 m3 ton−1 for potato during the study period, largely because of improvements in crop yield. Despite this reduction, blue water continued to account for the largest share of total water consumption, reaching as much as 94
Olive mill wastewater (OMW) exhibits substantial contaminated properties due to its high content of organic substances, such as phenolic constituents. This research aims to study the viability of using natural and low-cost mineral clay with acceptable iron content (Fe2O3 content = 10.8
Climate change-induced drought has intensified water shortages in upland agricultural areas, particularly in middle-mountain regions where conventional irrigation infrastructure and groundwater development are limited. Although rainwater runoff can serve as an alternative agricultural water source, its high suspended solids content often causes clogging of irrigation systems, making effective pretreatment essential. Conventional sand or disk filters are often impractical in these terrains due to high-energy demands and frequent maintenance requirements. In this study, the geometric design of a hydrocyclone was systematically optimized to enhance suspended solids removal from rainwater runoff under conditions representative of middle-mountain agricultural areas. A Rietema-type hydrocyclone with a body diameter of 80 mm was fabricated, and five key geometric parameters (inlet, overflow, and underflow diameters, vortex finder length, and conical section length) were systematically evaluated using a Taguchi L27 orthogonal array. Separation efficiency and recovery rate were used as response variables, and analysis of variance revealed that the underflow diameter was the dominant design parameter, accounting for 69.16
In this study, the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) load of the Ergene River Basin, where industrial and agricultural activities are highly concentrated, was evaluated in terms of environmental and human health risks. Water and sediment samples were collected from five stations located in regions with dense, organized industrial zones. Analyses were conducted for arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe). According to Spearman’s correlation analysis, the concentrations of Mn in water showed a moderate positive correlation with sediment (rs = 0.5), Ni exhibited a strong correlation (rs = 0.7), Fe, Cr, and As also demonstrated strong correlations (rs = 0.8), Zn displayed a very strong correlation (rs = 0.9), and Cd revealed a perfect correlation (rs = 1)Sediment analyses revealed that toxic element levels were consistently highest at the downstream station (St 5), reflecting cumulative discharges from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources. Water-related indices showed pollution, with Metal Index values above 0.3 identifying Station 1 as the most contaminated due to Ni, Cd, and Pb. At the same time, Heavy Metal Pollution Index results confirmed high elemental pollution across all stations (83.39–94.37), with Cd as the dominant contributor. Human Health Risk Assessment showed that carcinogenic risk values ranged from 0.60 to 1.09 in children and from 0.32 to 1.01 in adults; moreover, for digestion hazard quotient values exceeded acceptable thresholds by up to 85 times in children and 76 times in adults. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective pollution control and risk management strategies in the Ergene River Basin to safeguard both environmental integrity and public health.
This study provides an abiotic, regulatory-aligned leaching assessment of two secondary geomaterials intended for soil application: RE.WO, a secondary raw material derived from the thermal transformation of mineral wool construction waste, and BO50, a by-product of rock-cutting operations. The objective is to compare nutrient release and trace-metal mobility as a function of their contrasting compositions. To this aim, mineralogical and bulk-chemical characterization was combined with abiotic, time-resolved, regulatory-aligned in vitro leaching tests performed under weakly acidic, chelating, and weakly alkaline conditions. RE.WO is characterized by a fully amorphous glassy matrix that exhibits rapid dissolution kinetics and high cumulative cation release, particularly under chelating conditions. While this behaviour indicates higher short-term extractability of micronutrient elements (notably Mn, Cu, and Zn), it also facilitates the mobilization of regulated trace metals. Conversely, BO50 is dominated by crystalline silicates and K-bearing mineral phases; this refractory nature results in low solubility, gradual and sustained release of potassium and comparatively low mobilization of regulated trace elements under the tested conditions. These findings support a risk-informed approach to agronomic utilization. In terms of regulatory positioning under European Regulation 2019/1009, BO50 appears more readily compatible with possible classification as a virgin material or by-product, although conditional on verification of by-product status, registration under applicable chemicals legislation, and compliance with contaminant requirements. Conversely, the higher mobilization of regulated trace elements in RE.WO may preclude its current classification under European Regulation 2019/1009 pathways and its use appears more defensible in restricted non-food applications.
Phragmites australis biomass is widely used in Mozambique, especially by low- income communities, where reed is considered an important natural resource for handicrafts and traditional construction. However, there is limited research on its economic and value and sustainable management. The present study aimed to describe local knowledge and perceptions in the environmental and economic potential associated with reed harvesting and utilization in the city of Tete, Mozambique. Data was collected through a survey, informal and formal interviews and direct observation involving local artisans and community representatives The study also estimated the biomass production potential of Constructed Wetlands and its contribution to handcraft production within a circular economy framework. The results showed that reeds are mainly used for mat production, providing an important complementary source of income for vulnerable households. Three economic scenarios were analyzed for artisans: unemployed without transport, unemployed with transport and employed with transport. The findings indicated that an unemployed artisan with personal transport could earn up to 93 USD per month, approximatly 1.7 times higher than the local minimum subsistence wage. Additionally, constructed wetlands could generate sufficient biomass to support local artisans while promoting wastewater reuse and sustainable environmental management in Tete city.
Calpains are calcium-dependent cysteine proteases found across many eukaryotes and some bacteria, yet they have been studied mainly in mammals and plants, with little known about those found in unicellular organisms. Euglena gracilis is an environmentally and biotechnologically important microalga with a poorly characterised genome, thus making it an ideal model for investigating novel proteolytic machineries and their functions. Here we identified and characterised novel transmembrane calpains and their genes at the protein, transcript and genomic levels in the E. gracilis transcriptome and genome using an integrated bioinformatic approach. Hidden Markov model screening, combined with sequence-similarity and conserved-domain analysis, revealed two previously unreported calpain candidates containing a catalytic CysPC domain and predicted transmembrane helices. Multiple sequence alignments of CysPC domains confirmed conservation of the key catalytic residues (Cys, His and Asn) relative to plant and animal calpains. AlphaFold models resolved the putative spatial organisation of the catalytic sites with high confidence (pTM 0.90 and 0.88). Gene annotation defined the exon–intron organisation of both genes, providing a foundation for future functional studies. Although these proteins appear to represent novel E. gracilis calpains, their proteolytic activity and biological roles await experimental validation. Overall, the study expands current knowledge of calpain diversity in unicellular eukaryotes, particularly in an environmentally relevant microalga. Because E. gracilis is able to sense and withstand environmental stress, these membrane-associated proteases are promising candidate effectors of stress adaptation, with potential environmental impact in nutrient and heavy-metal removal from wastewater, in bioremediation and in freshwater pollution monitoring.
Rice paddy fires are a major source of air pollution in Mazandaran Province, Iran, with significant environmental and health impacts. This study used multi-sensor remote sensing data (Landsat, Sentinel-2, MODIS, and Sentinel-5P) to assess the effects of rice residue burning on air quality during 2018–2023. Vegetation indices (NDVI and LSWI) mapped rice paddies, while NBR and dNBR identified burned areas and fire severity during pre-burning (May–June), active burning (July–August), and post-burning (September 15–November 15) periods. dNBR results indicated that 2021 had the highest fire severity, with the largest burned extent and a dNBR range of 0.94 to − 0.46. In 2019, the range was 1.3 to − 0.7, while 2018 showed moderate severity (0.94 to − 0.60). The lowest severity occurred in 2022–2023. During active burning in 2021, CO concentrations increased from 0.0285 to 0.031 mol/m2 (8.8
This study evaluates a bismuth oxybromide/graphene oxide nanocomposite-based continuous-flow photocatalytic reactor for treating pharmaceutical wastewater by assessing key physicochemical parameters and pharmaceutical compounds under laboratory irradiation and natural solar conditions. Catalyst characterization using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, Ultraviolet–Visible spectrophotometry diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, zeta potential, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed crystalline tetragonal bismuth oxybromide uniformly anchored on graphene oxide, with a surface area of 120 m2/g, mesoporosity, visible-light activity with a band gap of 2.7 eV, and positive surface charge of + 25 mV. Box–Behnken optimization identified an optimum hydraulic retention time of 4 h, a flow rate of 1.0 L/h, and a reactor inclination of 20°. Under indoor irradiation at 1000 W/m2, removal efficiencies reached 99.0
Semi-organic cultivation, combining partly traditional practices and organic amendments (such as fresh manure and compost), can be a priority solution for converting conventional vineyards to organic vineyards, especially in young vineyards. Accordingly, the accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) associated with ecological risks and toxicity to the plants can still become an environmental burden, even if the use of fertilizers and fungicides is reduced. Therefore, our study was performed in young semi-organic vineyard to evaluate integrated contamination in the soil-grapevine leaves system by PTEs (Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu) and ecological risks based on their pseudo-total and bioavailable contents in soils. Soil contamination assessment indicated a moderate multi-element pollution, with a higher level observed for the bioavailable PTEs. Meanwhile, an overall low ecological risk in the studied vineyard was comparable to and significantly lower than that in 28-year-old organic and long-term fertilized vineyards, respectively. Based on the bioaccumulation assessment, although grapevine was not considered as a hyperaccumulator of PTE, farming practices and PTE content in soils can exert impacts on their bioaccumulation tendencies in leaves. Indeed, the higher soil contents in Pb and Ni, the higher bioaccumulation of these elements incorporated in leaves. Meanwhile, soluble Zn supplied through foliar fertilizers probably boosted its content in leaves compared to soils. Overall, the levels of PTEs in leaves were below the phytotoxicity threshold, confirming that semi-organic production is acceptable for reducing environmental risks and harmless for plants. Regulating PTE-enriched inputs and opting for eco-friendly organic materials can contribute to environmentally friendly viticulture.
Studies addressing the environmental impacts of steel surface hardening technologies, especially carburizing (CB), low pressure nitriding (LPN), and plasma nitriding (PN), remain limited. Thus, the environmental impact of steel surface hardening processes, calls for further investigation to verify the sustainability of the steel transformation industry. In this context, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to assess and compare the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with different steel surface hardening technologies, namely CB, LPN, and PN, applied to various steel alloy grades (1.2379 (A1), CALDIE (A2), 1.2344 (B1), and 1.2738 (B2)). Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) results show that they are more influenced by the presence or absence of the gas quenching phase than by the steel alloy grade or steel surface hardening treatment used. Gas quenching phase is consistently identified as the main hotspot, dominating GWP impact, especially in CB and LPN surface treatments. Steel alloys that avoid gas quenching (steel alloy B2 in the LPN and PN treatments) exhibit lower GWP and CED impacts, due to avoiding energy consumption, with steel production phase then becoming the main contributor. The gas quenching phase is a critical process in ensuring the same surface hardening of steels and must be target for substitution or optimization. The selection of steel alloys and surface hardening techniques that avoid gas quenching process (such as steel alloy B2 in the LPN and PN treatments) delivers the best environmental performance. This information is vital towards a more sustainable steel transformation industry.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are biodegradable polyesters considered promising alternatives to conventional plastics. To reduce costs associated with pure cultures, increasing attention has been given to mixed microbial communities and low-cost substrates. Uncoupled feeding of carbon and nutrients enables the separation of growth and polyhydroxyalkanoates accumulation phase and has been reported as a strategy to enhance process performance. While nitrogen limitation is usually applied to restrict biomass growth, phosphorus limitation has been also proposed as a relevant alternative limiting condition. This study investigates the sequential transition from nitrogen- to phosphorus-limiting conditions in a single sequential batch reactor, with emphasis on temporal process evolution and microbial community dynamics. Nitrogen limitation was associated with higher polyhydroxybutyrate accumulation than phosphorus limitation conditions. Low phosphorus availability may have been associated with intracellular phosphorus storage or retention, potentially affecting the uncoupled feeding regime, or metabolic energy redirection mechanisms that may have reduced accumulation. Filamentous polyhydroxyalkanoates-accumulating bacteria (e.g., Neomegalonema) dominated under nitrogen limitation, whereas Thauera and Paracoccus increased under phosphorus-limiting conditions.
Commercial LTA-type zeolite was evaluated for the adsorption of Mn2+ and Zn2+ from aqueous solutions, with emphasis on the relationship between framework properties and adsorption behavior. Despite its very low BET surface area, the zeolite showed rapid and highly efficient uptake of both metal ions, reaching near-equilibrium within the first minute. Kinetic modeling indicated site-controlled adsorption consistent with pseudo-second-order behavior, while equilibrium data were described by the Langmuir model, confirming monolayer adsorption on uniform exchange sites. Intraparticle diffusion played a secondary role, and Zn2+ exhibited faster site occupation than Mn2+. Stoichiometric analysis of Na+ release during adsorption, together with blank experiments, demonstrated that metal uptake occurs mainly through Na+/divalent ion exchange within the zeolite framework, with partial release of loosely bound sodium. This ion-exchange mechanism explains the high adsorption capacities obtained despite the very low external surface area, since performance is governed by framework charge density rather than surface adsorption. Germination assays with Cucumis sativus showed no acute phytotoxic effects for metal-loaded zeolites, indicating potential for safe reuse as a micronutrient source. These results demonstrate that commercial LTA zeolite enables fast and efficient metal removal and provide a proof-of-concept for sustainable post-adsorption valorization of the spent material.
The occurrence of emerging pollutants in aquatic matrices has raised environmental concern because of their persistence and potential toxicity. This study assessed caffeine degradation and toxicity reduction using zinc telluride functionalized with reduced graphene oxide as heterogeneous photocatalyst. The catalysts were synthesized by the wet impregnation method with excess solvent, and characterized by physicochemical and optical techniques. The results indicated zinc telluride nanoparticles distributed on the surface of reduced graphene oxide sheets, together with changes in textural and optical properties, including a lower band gap for the composites. Photocatalytic tests were performed using a mercury vapor lamp emitting ultraviolet–visible radiation, with the main emission at 365 nm. The effects of reduced graphene oxide content, catalyst loading, initial caffeine concentration, and pH variation were evaluated. Under the tested experimental conditions, the composite containing 1.0
Wetlands are among the most sensitive coastal ecosystems, where water level variations rapidly induce structural and qualitative changes. This study investigated changes in water surface area, water level, and water quality of the Anzali Wetland during 2000–2025 using multi-source remote sensing data, including MODIS, Landsat 8, Jason-2, and Sentinel-6. Statistical relationships between wetland area, Caspian Sea Water Level (CWL), Tm, and Rainfall were analyzed using linear, rank-based, nonlinear, and K-means clustering approaches. The results showed that CWL declined by more than 2 m over the study period, decreasing from − 26.5 in 2000 to − 28.6 m in 2025. Concurrently, the water surface area of the Anzali Wetland decreased sharply from 38.26 to 8.27 km2, indicating a loss exceeding 78
Biochar has emerged as a promising adsorbent in water purification due to its porous structure. Numerous studies have used biochar as an adsorbent for various contaminants due to its low cost and effectiveness. Some studies have modified biochar to create a biochar-based composite, making it a more effective adsorbent. However, relevant studies on the removal of cyanotoxins using biochar are very limited. Current methods employ chemical removal of cyanotoxins from water, such as chlorination, ozonation, advanced oxidation processes, and UV irradiation. This paper reviews recent advances in research on the adsorption of cyanotoxins using biochar composites. Its goal is to provide comprehensive information on the preparation of biochar composites, treatment mechanisms, and the effects of key factors on the removal of cyanotoxins from real natural water sources. It is expected that the information gathered and discussed in this review can provide a useful, novel reference and guide for future pilot-scale applications.
This review critically examines recent advances in sustainable processing technologies for agro-based waste lignocellulosic fibers and their role in green industrial applications and the circular bioeconomy. The study systematically evaluates eco-friendly extraction, retting, refining, surface modification, and quality-enhancement techniques for plant-, animal-, and mineral-based natural fibers. Sustainable methods such as enzymatic retting, microbial treatment, steam explosion, plasma modification, and green chemical treatments are compared in terms of mechanical performance, moisture resistance, biodegradability, wastewater reduction, and industrial scalability. Compared with conventional alkali treatments, enzymatic and biological retting methods reduce chemical consumption and wastewater toxicity by 40–70
The major challenge in achieving development objectives in the coastal zone is identifying optimal locations that do not compromise environmental protection while enabling economic expansion. Environmental stability and land competence in a region can be maintained by considering the local resources available. An environmental-centered appraisal of potential or capability will be the most advantageous initiative to ensure and preserve sustainable development in these areas. The objectives of the current research are to specify appropriate locations for the development of economic activities (industrial and aquaculture) in the coastal zone of Hormozgan Province. In the present study, by utilizing the capabilities of the geographic information system (GIS) and the multi-criteria decision-making techniques (MCDM), such as the fuzzy hierarchical analysis process (FAHP), a comprehensive model for development (industrial and aquaculture) in the coastal area of Bandar Abbas township, Minab, and Sirik is rendered. Through systematic source review, 20 Indices were selected across 6 groups of criteria to identify the potential of the research range for industrial and aquaculture development. In association with industrial development, the highest weight is given to access to water resources. In aquaculture development, the highest weight attained is relevant to the distance from the coastline. The research results indicate that the coastal area under study demonstrates significant potential for economic activities development, with more than 99,000 hectares of land showing favorable potential for development implementation.
Herbicide application is a chemical stress to weeds and a globally accepted method of weed control, but it carries significant ecological consequences. Regular and frequent blanket use of herbicides presents risks to human health and the environment. This study investigated the phytotoxicity of atrazine and glyphosate in relation to crop survival mechanisms under long-term exposure. Cassava, maize, and soil samples were systematically collected from farmlands treated with these herbicides for 15 consecutive years, and herbicide residues and metabolites were analyzed. Atrazine (93
Tetracycline (TC), widely used in medicine and agriculture, has emerged as a persistent micropollutant in aquatic environments, posing significant risks to human health and ecosystems due to its environmental persistence and the inefficiency of conventional treatment methods. This study aimed to develop an efficient and sustainable electrocoagulation (EC) process using aluminum electrodes to remove TC from aqueous solutions. A Box–Behnken Design (BBD) combined with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize four key operational parameters, including initial pH, current intensity, inter-electrode distance, and electrolysis time. To evaluate broader sustainability, life cycle assessment (LCA) and operational cost analysis were integrated into the methodology to quantify environmental impacts and economic feasibility under optimized conditions. The developed quadratic model showed good agreement between predicted and experimental results (R2 = 0.887), confirming the reliability of the optimization approach. TC removal efficiencies reached up to 100
