This study investigates the biosorption performance of Penicillium chrysogenum for the removal of Hg (II) under different chemical pretreatments and pH conditions. Untreated fungal biomass exhibited high intrinsic sorption efficiency, reaching 97.93%, indicating the presence of functional groups capable of binding mercury through ion exchange and surface complexation. Alkali pretreatment using alkali further enhanced Hg (II) removal and prevented the desorption. Biomass treated by 1N NaOH could reach 98.56% of removal, while 2N NaOH could achieve 98.62% of removal. This improvement is attributed to the deprotonation of acidic ligands and increased exposure of active sites resulting from partial cell wall disruption. In contrast, HCl 1 N pretreatment reduced sorption efficiency to 80–91%, likely due to protonation of binding groups and structural degradation of the fungal cell wall. Variation in solution pH revealed optimal biosorption at pH 6–8, while a significant decline at pH 9 suggested the formation of Hg–hydroxo complexes and partial desorption from negatively charged surfaces. These findings demonstrate that alkali-modified P. chrysogenum serves as an efficient biosorbent for mercury removal, with performance strongly influenced by surface chemistry and solution pH. This work provides mechanistic insights into fungal biomass modification and offers a promising approach for low-cost treatment of mercury contaminated wastewater.
Climate change poses a serious threat to human health by affecting air quality, food and water security, and increasing the incidence of extreme weather events and infectious diseases. To evaluate the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare workers in Al Najaf Governorate and to examine how these are associated with various demographic factors. A crosssectional survey was conducted between 22 October and 31 December, 2024, using a structured questionnaire developed in KoboToolbox and distributed electronically to healthcare workers. The questionnaire included sections on demographic information, knowledge, attitude and practice). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were categorized as good (>75%), moderate (50–75%), or poor (<50%). Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 365 and STATA version 17. Only 44% of participants had previously heard the term “climate change,” indicating limited baseline awareness. However, 87.1% demonstrated good knowledge when informed, particularly regarding human-related causes and health impacts. Attitudes were highly positive, with over 90% recognizing the importance of healthcare workers in climate-related education and public health efforts. Despite strong attitudes, only 30.5% reported practicing environmentally responsible behaviors consistently. Key gaps were observed in recycling, water conservation, and use of sustainable transportation. Despite favorable knowledge and attitudes, climate-related practices among healthcare workers remain limited. Strengthening education, awareness, and institutional support is essential to enhance their role in climate resilience efforts in Al-Najaf.
In the present study, the corrosion behaviour of cement prepared using AFR-09 (Alternative Fuel Resource-09), formulated from coal dust, rice husk, bagasse, casuarina leaves, coir pith, and groundnut shell, was evaluated under different aggressive environments. Cement clinker was produced by replacing conventional coal with AFR-09 briquettes at substitution levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%, followed by preparation of cement paste specimens. The specimens were exposed to 5% HSO, 3% HCl, 3.5% NaCl, and deionized water for 90 days, and their corrosion performance was assessed using gravimetric weight loss measurements. The results revealed that corrosioninduced deterioration increased progressively with increasing AFR-09 substitution. Sulfuric acid produced the most severe degradation, followed by hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride solutions, while deionized water caused negligible deterioration. The specimen containing 30% AFR-09 exhibited the highest weight losses of 9.76 g, 8.63 g, and 0.71 g in sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium chloride media, respectively. The increased deterioration was attributed to greater pore connectivity, higher permeability, formation of microcracks, and reduced chemical stability of hydration products, which facilitated the ingress of sulfate and chloride ions. Although higher AFR substitution reduced corrosion resistance under highly aggressive environments, the study demonstrates the technical feasibility of employing bio-waste-derived alternative fuels in clinker production to reduce fossil fuel consumption, agricultural waste disposal, and carbon emissions.
The integration of nanotechnology into agricultural and post-harvest machinery has emerged as a transformative approach to address environmental challenges and enhance sustainable practices. Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions for pollution control and bioremediation by improving the efficiency and functionality of equipment used in farming and post-harvest operations. Engineered nanomaterials can be incorporated into agricultural machinery to optimize the application of fertilizers and pesticides, minimizing environmental contamination. Additionally, nanotechnology aids in the development of advanced filtration systems for air and water purification, reducing the release of harmful pollutants into ecosystems. In post-harvest machinery, nanosensors and coatings enhance the detection of spoilage and ensure contamination free storage, further supporting food safety and reducing waste. This convergence of nanotechnology with agricultural machinery not only mitigates pollution but also facilitates bioremediation by enhancing the degradation of contaminants in soil and water through nano based catalysts. By promoting resource efficiency and environmental stewardship, the implementation of nanotechnology in these domains offers a promising pathway toward greener and more resilient agricultural systems. In crop production, nanotechnology aids in the development of smart delivery systems for fertilizers, pesticides, and nutrients, which optimize usage and reduce environmental impact. Continued research and development in this field are essential to fully realize its potential and address the challenges associated with its application and its impact on the environment.
In this comprehensive review, we emphasized to evaluate the comparative analysis regarding recyclability of porcelain or ceramic insulators wastes versus polymeric or composite insulators’ wastes, which could be used as raw materials for other industrial activities. Interestingly, many studies reported better efficacy of the porcelain or ceramic insulators as concrete for building materials while polymeric or composite insulators wastes to make raw materials are costly affair and sometimes hazardous to the environment. The insulators made up of ceramic or porcelain has many advantages as compared to polymeric or composite insulators. In conclusion, recyclable products could easily be obtained from the wastes of porcelain or ceramic insulators as compared to polymeric or composite insulators. This study may be helpful for industries, academician and authorities to work on future research for waste to wealth concept and circular economy.
