Graphite, primarily composed of carbon, is a valuable industrial material renowned for its exceptional thermal conductivity, high melting point, and resistance to thermal shock and corrosion. It exists in two forms: natural graphite, a mineral, and synthetic graphite, produced from coal and oil. As the costs of these materials rise and their industrial uses expand, researchers are exploring sustainable ways to produce graphite. This study assessed the possibility of making graphite from poplar wood, waste tires, and wheat straw through pyrolysis at temperatures from 500 to 800 degrees C. Results showed that higher temperatures resulted in lower bio-char yields, with the best efficiency at 500 degrees C due to increased bio-char breakdown. Elemental analysis revealed that the carbon content increased while the levels of hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen decreased as the temperature rose. FT-IR analysis detected both aromatic and aliphatic compounds, with a higher ratio of aromatics at higher temperatures, indicating dehydrogenation. The specific surface area of bio-char samples was highest at increased pyrolysis temperatures and varied among the materials. XRD analysis confirmed that the crystalline structure of graphite improved with rising temperature, while SEM images showed better porosity and surface area. TGA analysis revealed that all samples experienced less weight loss and greater thermal stability at higher temperatures.
In this work, a tannic acid-coated CoCr2O4-decorated silica composite (TA-CoCr2O4@SiO2) was synthesized via sequential CoCr2O4 formation/deposition on SiO2 followed by tannic acid (TA) functional coating, aiming to enhance adsorption of methylene blue (MB) from water. The composite exhibited a mesoporous texture with a specific surface area of 132.9 m2/g and a total pore volume of 0.739 cm3/g, facilitating dye transport to active sites. Batch adsorption experiments indicated rapid MB uptake, achieving high removal efficiency within 180 min under near-neutral conditions. Kinetic data were best described by the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.94), while equilibrium was well fitted by the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.97) with a maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of 21.1 mg/g. Thermodynamic analysis yielded Delta H degrees = -26.42 kJ/mol and Delta S degrees = -103.9 J/molK, indicating an exothermic and more ordered adsorption process, consistent with mixed noncovalent interactions (electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and pi-pi interactions) promoted by the TA/oxide surface chemistry. Regeneration results (adsorption-desorption cycling) provide initial evidence of partial capacity recovery, supporting the potential for reuse-oriented operation. Overall, TA-CoCr2O4@SiO2 offers a simple, functionalized composite platform for MB removal and provides a basis for further evaluation under realistic water matrices.
The environmental challenges posed by fossil fuels and climate change increasingly acknowledge biomass gasification as a vital renewable energy alternative. This study assesses the environmental and economic implications of syngas production from the gasification of wheat straw using a fixed-bed downdraft gasifier. A gate-to-gate life cycle assessment was performed using GaBi software and the ReCiPe 2016 method, with a functional unit of one ton of wheat straw. Midpoint results of the current study, with grid mix power, showed a climate change (GWP) of 2.21E+07 kg CO2 eq., a photochemical ozone formation, ecosystems (POFP, E) of 5.40E+05 kg NOx eq., and a fossil depletion (FDP) of 5.62E+06 kg oil eq. At the same time, the proposed photovoltaic scenario showed GWP as 1.99E+06 kg CO2 eq, POFP as 7.02E+04 kg NOx eq, and FDP as 1.35E+06 kg oil eq. Transitioning to a photovoltaic energy scenario results in reductions of 91% in GWP, 87% in POFP, and 76% in FDP, respectively. Dominant substance analysis indicates that electricity is the key contributor to several midpoint impact categories in the current study. Sensitivity analysis revealed that electricity, compressed air, and steam were critical inputs among the major determinants of environmental performance. The economic assessment indicates financial feasibility, including a 2.2 years payback period, USD 16.68 million net present value for 20 years lifespan, and 45% initial rate of return. The findings help achieve Sustainable Development Goals 7, 12, and 13 and validate the circular economy concept.
Agricultural electrification is a transformative approach to enhancing sustainability, efficiency, and resilience amid rising global food demand and environmental pressures. This review explores recent advancements in electric tractors, solar-powered irrigation systems, and the integration of renewable energy sources into agricultural practices. Life cycle assessments demonstrate substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, although concerns remain regarding the sustainability of battery materials. Despite the clear environmental and economic advantages, high initial costs, limited infrastructure, and technological constraints continue to hinder widespread adoption. The paper concludes that a sustainable transition depends on targeted policy measures, including financial incentives to lower upfront costs, investment in rural charging infrastructure, and R&D support for next-generation battery technologies. Addressing these challenges can position electrification as a key strategy in promoting climate-resilient and energy-efficient agriculture.
The Wadi El-Rayan depression, a protected area in Egypt's Western Desert southwest of Cairo, contains two man-made lakes that serve as reservoirs for agricultural wastewater while supporting fisheries and irrigation. This study assessed their water quality, including heavy metals and microbiological parameters, using the Water quality index (WQI) and heavy metal pollution indices to evaluate suitability for aquatic life. Microbiological analysis found that total coliform, fecal coliform, and fecal streptococci levels at most sites were within acceptable limits for aquatic organisms. The Upper Lake demonstrated fair water quality (WQI = 52-78), while the Lower Lake was of medium quality (WQI = 50-66) and exhibited higher total dissolved solids. Heavy metal pollution was also more pronounced in the Lower Lake. The primary threat to the Upper Lake is effluent from the El-Wadi Drain, which degrades water quality through intensive agricultural discharge. The Lower Lake faces additional ecological stress from a shrinking surface area due to agricultural encroachment and sand dunes. To prevent further degradation, immediate actions, such as optimizing water allocation and establishing a robust water quality monitoring program for the lakes and the drain, are critical. This study underscores the potential for effective water resource conservation and calls for an integrated effort among policymakers, industries, and communities to ensure a sustainable water future.
