Agri-food processing in Europe generates large quantities of organic residues that remain insufficiently valorized despite their significant biochemical potential. Among these, wastes derived from root vegetables and anthocyanin-rich crops represent a distinct category of non-lignocellulosic biomass characterized by high moisture content, low lignin levels, and substantial concentrations of fermentable carbohydrates and bioactive compounds. This review provides a systematic overview of the origin, composition, and valorization potential of these residues, as well as extraction methods, with particular emphasis on root vegetable processing wastes and pigment-rich agri-food by-products. Valorization options are discussed within an integrated biorefinery perspective, particularly for specific compositional characteristics of the investigated waste streams related to suitable recovery strategies, followed by the conversion of post-extraction residues into secondary products and bioenergy. These options are evaluated in relation to the origin, biochemical profile, and valorization potential of each waste stream, as detailed in the dedicated sections of the review. Cascading utilization strategies are highlighted as a means to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental burdens compared to single-route treatment options. By integrating information on feedstock characteristics and processing pathways, this review contributes to a better understanding of non-lignocellulosic agri-food wastes and supports the development of sustainable valorization strategies in the European circular bioeconomy.

Blended polyester (PET)-based textiles comprise a significant portion of post-consumer waste, posing substantial challenges to circular economy initiatives while contributing to microfiber (MF) pollution. Despite the considerable recycling potential of PET textiles, no commercially viable technologies currently exist that can efficiently separate and recycle blended PET-based textile waste on an industrial scale. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recycling strategies for post-consumer blended PET-based textiles and their subsequent valorization pathways. Mechanical, chemical, and biological recycling processes are mostly not yet market-ready, although chemical approaches are considered particularly promising. The findings highlight a critical need for advanced sorting technologies, enhanced material traceability, and robust MF mitigation strategies to foster circularity and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results further indicate that mechanical recycling of blended PET textiles leads to significant MF release due to fiber fragmentation, whereas chemical recycling offers the potential for improved material recovery, but remains limited by high energy demand and solvent-related challenges. While closed-loop approaches support true circularity by maintaining textile-to-textile material flows, open-loop pathways repurpose textile waste for high-value non-textile applications.

The complex composition of landfill leachate, characterized by high concentrations of refractory organic matter, ammonium nitrogen, and heavy metals, requires efficient and sustainable treatment technologies. Recently, sludge-based adsorbents (SBAs) obtained from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) sludge have emerged as promising alternatives to the conventional activated carbon materials for landfill leachate. This review critically evaluates the recent literature related to the transformation of sludge waste and municipal solid waste-based adsorbents into high-efficiency SBAs as a circular economy strategy for leachate remediation. The correlation of the physicochemical characteristics of landfill leachate with the properties of SBAs to enhance the removal of specific contaminants is discussed. The treatment strategies for landfill leachate including physicochemical, biological, and integration of those are summarized. By correlating adsorption performance with SBAs’s properties and circular economy principles, this review identifies the key knowledge gaps and provides guidance for the development and large-scale implementation of sustainable leachate treatment technologies. Furthermore, the prospects for the application of SBAs in the closed-loop landfill leachate treatment system are addressed.

This review synthesized the current knowledge on the effect of TiO2 photocatalysts on the degradation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) under visible light, highlighting the state-of-the-art techniques, main challenges, and proposed solutions for enhancing the performance of the photocatalysis technique. The synthesis of TiO2-based photocatalysts and hybrid nanostructured TiO2 materials, including those coupled with other semiconductor materials, is explored. Studies on TiO2-based photocatalysts for the degradation of MPs and NPs under visible light remain limited. The degradation behavior is influenced by the composition of the TiO2 composites and the nature of different types of MPs/NPs. Polystyrene (PS) MPs demonstrated complete degradation under visible light photocatalysis in the presence of α-Fe2O3 nanoflowers integrated into a TiO2 film with a hierarchical structure. However, photocatalysis generally fails to achieve the full degradation of small plastic pollutants at the laboratory scale, and its overall effectiveness in breaking down MPs and NPs remains comparatively limited.

This paper focuses on identifying the human health risks as a result of the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in groundwater due to the Bucharest landfill leakages. The main subjects were neighboring areas as the main receptors. The functional landfill located near the capital of Romania was selected as a case study. Fluorene (Pf), phenanthrene (Phe), anthracene (Ant), fluoranthene (Flu) and pyrene (Pyr) were detected using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) analysis. The health risks for receptors via ingestion and dermal exposure scenarios were developed considering dermal contact once per day during showering for 20 min and regular ingestion of the groundwater most contaminated with PAHs at a rate of 2 L per day. The concentration ranges of PAHs in groundwater wer <0.0010–0.0037 μg L−1 for Pf, 0.0014–0.0065 μg L−1 for Phe, <0.0010–0.0013 μg L−1 for Ant, <0.0010–0.0011 μg L−1 for Flu, and 0.0030–0.0032 μg L−1 for Pyr. The rest of the PAHs were under the limit of detection. Both the cumulative hazard and risk quotient are well below the value of 1, which indicates a significant low risk for the ingestion of PAH-contaminated groundwater. However, the risk due to daily groundwater consumption and skin contact is minimal.

This paper analyzes PM2.5 emissions in Romania (2019-2024), comparing them globally to identify high-risk areas. The study proposes solutions including nature-based air purification utilizing plants, optimized traffic flow to reduce congestion, and the implementation of smoke filters for PM2.5 capture. The research highlights the importance of these strategies. Furthermore, the analysis underscores the significance of implementing targeted environmental policies to mitigate PM2.5 pollution and improve air quality for the protection of public health.

Heavy metals represent a class of pollutants detected at concentrations lower than 10 ppm in different matrices that are intensively monitored due to having a major impact on human health. Industrial activities including mining, agriculture, and transport, determine their presence in different environments. Corrosion phenomena of various installations, volcanic eruptions, or atmospheric deposition on the soil surface and in water can contaminate the respective environments. Atmospheric pollutants in the form of suspended dust particles with diameters below 10 microns are predominantly composed of different metallic species from Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, etc. This paper presents a review of the main sources and types of heavy metals present in the atmosphere in the composition of particulate matter (PM), highlighting the main mechanisms of occurrence and detection techniques, including the impact on bio-geo-chemical processes in the soil and food chain, in close correlation with their impact on environment and human health. The purpose of this review is to highlight the current level of knowledge regarding the global situation of heavy metals in PM and to identify gaps as targets for future research.

Emerging organic contaminants (EOCs), including polychlorinated bisphenyls (PCBs), pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and dyes, are among the most hazardous pollutants found in water bodies and sediments. These substances pose serious threats to the environment and human health due to their high toxicity, long-range mobility, and bioaccumulation potential. Although various methods for degradation of organic pollutants exist, photocatalysis using ultraviolet (UV) and visible light (VIS) has emerged as a promising approach. However, its practical applications remain limited due to challenges such as the use of powdered photocatalysts, which complicates their removal and recycling in industrial settings, and the restricted solar availability of UV light (~4% of the solar spectrum). This review investigates the effectiveness of hybrid electrospun conductive polymer nanofibers on metal oxide photocatalysts such as TiO2 and ZnO (including doped and co-doped forms) and fabricated via mono- or coaxial electrospinning, in the degradation of EOCs in water under visible light. Furthermore, strategies to enhance the fabrication of these hybrid electrospun conductive nanofibers as visible-light-responsive photocatalysts, such as the inclusion of dopants and/or plasmonic materials, are discussed. Finally, the current challenges and future research directions related to electrospun nanofibers combined with photocatalysts for the degradation of EOCs in water treatment applications are outlined.

The assessment of plastic pollution due to microplastics (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) was performed for the first time on water samples from four natural sites located near the beaches of Krk Island, Croatia, namely Melska, Črnika, rt Šilo, and Zala. MP and NP occurrence was investigated for the water samples collected during December 2022 and June 2023, using the bulk water method followed by filtration using stainless-steel sieves and the digestion process. Factor analysis and Spearman’s correlation revealed that the percentage of MP fragments correlated well with salinity (ρ = 0.76, p < 0.05) and the percentage of filaments correlated well with brown MPs (ρ = 0.80, p < 0.05). The monitoring of MPs throughout the sampling periods generally showed a decrease in abundance as the size increased. The presence of filaments indicated potential contributions from wastewater outlets, particularly from household washing machines, either directly from residents or tourists and abandoned fishing nets. The increased concentration of NPs over time could signify the continuous fragmentation of MPs in water due to natural degradation and biofilm formation on their surface. These findings could potentially be explained by the implemented plastic waste measures along the coast of Krk Island, which on 30 October 2024 was officially declared a zero-waste island.

The paper presents the influence of solution treatment and two-stage aging on the microstructure and properties (corrosion resistance in sulfuric acid solution and hardness) of some experimental Ni-based superalloys with different Re additions of 1.96%, 2.98% and 1.02%, respectively. After aging, the hardness of the three solution treated alloys slightly increased because of the increasing Re content. Nevertheless, the hardness values are similar. Also, the behaviour in corrosive environments of the three solution treated and aged alloys is similar. One can mention that the sample with 2.98% Re shows a slightly higher corrosion resistance.

The impact of microplastics (MPs) on aquatic organisms and human health is a growing concern. The purpose of this paper is to detect and identify laboratory- generated MPs in an artificial water. Recovery and repeatability of MPs was conducted with environmentally relevant LDPE, PET, PP, PS waste, for which the number, shape and color are known. The data show that the method applied for detection of MPs is proper for colored pellets, foils, fragments, and filaments and indicated a recovery about 83%. A recovery of 60 +/- 10% was achieved in the case of colorless foils from LDPE detected through the optical microscopy.

The paper presents some particularities of the manufacturing in the vacuum induction furnace and the argon atmosphere of three Ni - base Inconel - like superalloys. As a novelty, besides the typical alloying elements, the alloys contain rhenium between 1 and 3%. By means of optical and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS), the compositional and microstructural differences after casting were analyzed. The alloy that contains the smallest amount of Re, but also Mo, has a structure that reveals a lesser dendritic segregation, creating favorable premises for subsequent processing and also a high refractoriness.

In this study, we evaluate the efficiency of Rhus typhina L. leaves extract to prevent corrosion process of mild steel in HCl medium. It was found using the HPLC method that hydroalcohoolic extracts are rich in polyphenols which act as a protective layer on metal surface. The inhibition efficiency was determined using the weight loss method. The inhibition process is favored by the presence of OH groups and pi electrons from aromatic rings.

Water contamination is a growing concern with profound implications for public health and ecosystems. The advent of nanotechnology has expanded the utility of nanoparticles (NPs) in diverse fields. These biogenic ZnO nanostructures offer an eco-friendly alternative for photocatalysis. The research aims to (i) employ a green synthesis method for ZnO nanostructure production using a grapefruit extract, (ii) thoroughly characterize these nanostructures using optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential and pHpzc, and (iii) evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency in degrading acetaminophen from water solutions. The findings display a sustainable approach to water purification, addressing the challenges of water contamination and emerging pollutants by utilizing green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles.

The paper presents the results of research carried out on three samples of martensitic stainless steel used in the manufacture of hydropower turbine blades. The experiments were carried out under normal aeration conditions at ambient temperature (22 degrees C) in freshly prepared solutions of 1N potassium sulfate and 3% NaCl. The corrosion rates were calculated using the Tafel slope method. Analysis of the results regarding the corrosion behavior in Cl-free environments coupled with the microstructural information obtained by SEM highlights very good corrosion resistance properties (very good resistance class) as well as the appropriate passivation of the surface. This recommends the three steels for use in the construction of hydropower turbine blades. The negative influence of chlorine on the surface is highlighted by reducing the degree of passivation by half, which does not recommend the use of this material in a saline environment.

Acute and chronic wounds present a significant healthcare challenge, requiring innovative solutions for effective treatment. The exploitation of natural by-products with advanced cell regeneration potential and plant-based materials, which possess bioactive properties, is an innovative topic in wound management. This study investigates the potential of donkey gelatin and keratin for blending with natural bioactive extracts such as sumac, curcumin, and oak acorn to fabricate antioxidant and antimicrobial nanofibers with accelerated wound healing processes. The fabricated nanofibers possess good in vitro biocompatibility, except for the sumac-based donkey nanofibers, where cell viability significantly dropped to 56.25% (p < 0.05 compared to non-treated cells). The nanofiber dimensions showed structural similarities to human extracellular matrix components, providing an ideal microenvironment for tissue regeneration. The donkey nanofiber-based sumac and curcumin extracts presented a higher dissolution in the first 10 min (74% and 72%). Curcumin extract showed similar antimicrobial and antifungal performances to rivanol, while acorn and sumac extracts demonstrated similar values to each other. In vitro tests performed on murine fibroblast cells demonstrated high migration rates of 89% and 85% after 24 h in the case of acorn and curcumin nanofibers, respectively, underscoring the potential of these nanofibers as versatile platforms for advanced wound care applications.

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has prompted a significant interest in non-conventional energy sources, leading to the development of innovative materials that can enhance energy conversion and storage efficiency. This review paper explores the pivotal role of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) in industrial applications related to non-conventional energy technologies, highlighting its contributions to the circular economy. We discuss various synthesis methods for ZrO2, including top-down and bottom-up approaches, elucidating how these techniques influence the material’s properties and applicability. Furthermore, we examine the unique characteristics of nano-ZrO2 and its transformative potential in energy conversion and storage systems. By synthesizing current research findings, this review underscores the significance of ZrO2 in promoting sustainable energy practices and its role in advancing the circular economy through material reuse and recycling strategies. The insights provided herein aim to inform future research directions and industrial applications, ultimately fostering a more sustainable energy landscape.

This review summarizes recent data related to the management of marine plastic litter to promote sustainable development. It discusses the distribution and identification of marine plastic litter, assesses the potential socio-economic and environmental impacts of these pollutants, and explores their recovery strategies, from a circular economy perspective. The main findings indicate that the majority of marine plastic litter originates from land-based sources. Current technologies and approaches for valorizing marine plastic litter include mechanical and chemical recycling, blockchain technologies by providing traceability, verification, efficiency and transparency throughout the recycling process, and public awareness programs and education. The developed policies to prevent marine plastic litter emphasize regulations and initiatives focused toward reducing plastic use and improving plastic waste management. By adopting a holistic and sustainable approach, it is possible to mitigate the environmental impact of marine plastic debris while simultaneously creating economic opportunities.

The purpose of this research was to analyze hair from participants in two different age categories: 20-30 years old and 40-50 years old. In this experimental research, several key characteristics were followed, including structure, average hair size and, in particular, degree of surface damage (characteristics assessed by SEM analysis). Also, the composition of the elements in the studied hair (aspects assessed by EDS analysis) was a significant indicator of the degree of air pollution.

Estrogens, widely used for therapeutic or contraceptive purposes, act as endocrine disruptors in aquatic systems and have adverse effects on a wide range of living organisms. Wastewater insufficiently treated by conventional methods is the main way for estrogens to enter aquatic systems. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop a novel photocatalytic system for the removal of the estrogenic mixture estradiol valerate/norgestrel from wastewater. The photocatalytic modules are operated in a plug flow reactor system under a UV-A radiation field, and the photocatalyst (TiO2, ZnO or TiO2/ZnO) is immobilized on an inert support of glass balls that are strung on stainless-steel wire and arranged in rows along the photocatalytic modules. The photocatalysts were synthesized by the sol–gel method and then deposited on the inert glass support by the hot method, after which it was calcined for two hours at a temperature of 500 °C. The experimental results showed that the efficiency of photocatalytic degradation largely depends on the dose of photocatalyst. The dose of photocatalyst can be adjusted by adding or removing photocatalytic modules, each of which have an approximately equal amount of photocatalyst. The best result was obtained for the TiO2/ZnO photocatalyst, the organic substrate being practically mineralized in 120 min, for which only two photocatalytic modules are needed.