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
This study uses Life Cycle Assessment to assess the environmental impacts of co-firing Sengon (Albizia chinensis) sawdust in coal-fired power plants. Despite many studies evaluating the potential of wood sawdust for co-firing, literature on the LCA of Sengon as fast-growing fuel wood widely cultivated in Indonesia is still scarcely addressed. The system boundary covers from tree cultivation and processing to stockpiling at the power plant. The functional unit is one MJ of sawdust with 15
Based on daily rainfall data from 252 national meteorological stations in the Haihe River Basin of China during 1961–2023, rainstorm events were divided, and four characteristic variables representing the hazard index of rainstorms were statistically analyzed, including total number of rainstorm days (Iday), cumulative rainfall (Ipre), average daily rainfall (I24pre), and maximum duration days (Idur). Combined with the 1 km gridded population density data of the basin, the population exposure (PE) during 1961–2023 under scenarios with and without the “23·7” extreme rainstorm was calculated using the product model of the rainstorm hazard index (HR) and exposed population. K-means clustering was adopted to analyze the impact of this rainstorm on the spatial distribution characteristics of watershed population exposure, and a quantitative assessment of the impact contribution rate (PEC) was provided. The results show that a single extreme rainstorm can cause changes in the spatial clustering of population exposure in nearly 1/3 of the districts and counties in the basin, and its contribution rate to rainstorm hazard index and population exposure can exceed 10
This study evaluates the adsorption performance of unmodified biochars derived from water hyacinth (WHB) and banana peel (BPB) for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The biochars were produced via pyrolysis at 550 °C and characterised using SEM–EDX, FTIR, and zeta potential analyses, which confirmed well-developed porous structures and the presence of surface functional groups conducive to cationic dye adsorption. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, and contact time. Equilibrium, kinetic, thermodynamic, and advanced error analyses were applied to elucidate the adsorption behaviour and mechanism. WHB demonstrated a higher maximum adsorption capacity, whereas BPB exhibited greater initial adsorption affinity, indicating differences in surface energetics. The adsorption process for both biochars followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, suggesting strong dye–surface interactions. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. Mechanistically, electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and π–π interactions were identified as the dominant adsorption pathways. Regeneration studies confirmed that both biochars maintained substantial removal efficiency across three consecutive cycles, highlighting their potential as low-cost, sustainable adsorbents for dye-contaminated wastewater.
This paper describes a method to create activated carbon from discarded agricultural HDPE irrigation pipe to be used for water treatment applications. Granules made of waste HDPE were pyrolyzed at 500 °C using a batch reactor to form a carbonaceous char. Next, the char was chemically activated using potassium hydroxide (KOH) in a 2:1 ratio. The produced activated carbon had a BET surface area of 408.8 m2/g, a total pore volume of 0.473 cm3/g, and an average pore diameter of 4.63 nm indicating that it developed a defined micromesoporous structure. Results from FTIR, XRD, SEM, and DSC all confirmed the formation of a low crystallinity carbon matrix with a turbostratic structure rich in oxygen containing functional groups and porous networks conducive to adsorption. The results for methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption reached 98
This study opens a new approach of phytomining vanadium, chromium, and scandium from red mud, utilising Tradescantia pallida and Dracaena fragrans with the addition of magnesium oxide nanoparticles. A single dose of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (100 mg/kg) was applied at the beginning of the experiment, and samples were collected weekly for 5 weeks; the metal concentrations were then analysed using ICP-OES. The findings demonstrated that magnesium oxide nanoparticles altered the physicochemical properties of red mud, increasing the pH and electrical conductivity, and consequently affecting the bioavailability and uptake of vanadium, chromium, and scandium. Although biomass declined during the phytomining period, nanoparticle-treated plants maintained higher chlorophyll content and improved growth compared with the control, indicating enhanced tolerance to red mud stress. The effect on accumulation was reflected in the increased uptake of these elements by Tradescantia pallida, which increased chromium uptake from 26.07 to 77.86 mg/kg and scandium uptake from 7.97 to 34.72 mg/kg in the whole plant. A similar increase was also observed in Dracaena fragrans, with chromium uptake rising from 3.79 to 69.20 mg/kg and scandium, previously undetected, reaching 33.79 mg/kg. In contrast, the vanadium content in both plants decreased by 39.24
This study explores the synergistic effects of inclined Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB) configurations and sustainable adsorbent materials derived from agricultural waste on nitrate removal from contaminated groundwater. Conventional PRBs are typically installed perpendicular to groundwater flow, but an inclined design (30°) was hypothesized to enhance remediation by inducing flow refraction, thereby increasing contaminant residence time and contact efficiency. Three low-cost, locally available agricultural byproducts—biochar, rice bran, and walnut wood fragments—were employed as reactive media. Laboratory experiments were conducted in a two-dimensional plexiglass physical model under steady upward flow, with continuous injection of nitrate solution (45 mg/L). Breakthrough curves, removal efficiency, and spatial concentration profiles were analyzed for both perpendicular (90°) and inclined (30°) PRB configurations. Results showed that inclined PRBs consistently outperformed perpendicular ones across all adsorbents. Biochar exhibited the highest adsorption capacity (qmax = 98.7 mg/g) and, when used in an inclined PRB, achieved the maximum nitrate removal efficiency (42.13
The increasing demand for cost-effective and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies has intensified interest in plant-derived cellulose adsorbents functionalized through alkaline xanthation and amino-silication. This review critically examines these two key modification strategies, focusing on their synthesis routes, structure–function relationships, adsorption mechanisms and performance in wastewater treatments. Xanthated cellulose introduces –OCS2− functional groups that show strong selectivity toward heavy metal ions through complexation and ion-exchange mechanisms, with adsorption capacities exceeding 200 mg g−1 and regeneration efficiencies above 85
