Insights into the chemical characteristics of melted snow from urban-industrial sites: case study of Starachowice (Poland)

Remediation of soil contamination on urban industrial sites—a case study on the old industrial base in Northeast China

As evidenced by the burgeoning craft brew scene in cities across the United States and around the world, beer and brewing are not only having an economic impact in local and regional economies, but are also serving multiple social purposes. In order to better understand the role of brewers and breweries in these changes to local communities, we ask: how are craft breweries serving as change agents in processes of development within a variety of contexts? Using an ethnographic research approach emphasizing fieldwork and participant observation (i.e., meeting with brewers in situ) as well as secondary data analysis and review (especially of promotional materials and popular media reporting), we examine three case studies of breweries located along nascent urban “beer trails”, investigating the various roles of craft beer in community building, tourism development, and (local) place and identity making. The three case studies in West Sacramento, CA; Lexington, KY; and Manchester, UK, illustrate how beer might serve as a vehicle of material transformation, transforming rural inputs into an urban product and raw materials from across the globe into a place-associated, “local” product. Specifically, we argue that brewers and breweries are feeding into larger processes of (neo)localism and the pursuit of “sustainability” in the craft beverage industry. Moreover, we describe how related collective tourism and marketing schemes (a.k.a. “beer trails”) create (micro)movements of change by reinvigorating “forgotten” neighborhoods and catalyzing the (re)evolution of places in decline.

To effectively prevent and control pollution from heavy metals (HMs) in urban soils, it is essential to thoroughly understand the contamination status of contaminated sites. In this study, the contamination status and sources of six HMs (As, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd) in the soil of a decommissioned chemical plant in southern China were comprehensively analyzed. The results indicated that the average concentration of HMs followed the sequence: Cr > Pb > Cu > Ni > As > Cd. Heavy metal accumulation in the upper soil layer was predominantly observed in industrial zones and low-lying areas, with notable variations in concentration along the vertical profile. Certain sections of the site exhibited severe HM contamination, particularly with Cu levels exceeding the background value by 46.77times. Cd presented significant ecological risks in specific areas, with an average Ecological Index of 96.09. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were identified at three and six sampling points, respectively, with sampling point S103 demonstrating both types of risks. The causes of HM contamination were primarily attributed to anthropogenic activities. Horizontal dispersion was mainly influenced by production operations and topographical features, while vertical distribution was predominantly affected by the permeability characteristics of the strata. The causality analysis incorporating production activities and topographical factors provides novel perspectives for understanding sources of contamination at contaminated sites. The study outcomes can offer guidance for the assessment and surveying of urban industrial pollution sites.

Cheese presents extensive variability in physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics according to the variety of processing methods and conditions used to create it. Relationships between the many characteristics of cheeses are known for single cheese types or by comparing a few of them, but not for a large number of cheese types. This case study used the properties recorded on 1,050 different cheeses from 107 producers grouped into 37 categories to analyze and quantify the interrelationships among the chemical and physical properties of many cheese types. The 15 cheese traits considered were ripening length, weight, firmness, adhesiveness, 6 different chemical characteristics, and 5 different color traits. As the 105 correlations between the 15 cheese traits were highly variable, a multivariate analysis was carried out. Four latent explanatory factors were extracted, representing 86% of the covariance matrix: the first factor (38% of covariance) was named Solids because it is mainly linked positively to fat, protein, water-soluble nitrogen, ash, firmness, adhesiveness, and ripening length, and negatively to moisture and lightness; the second factor (24%) was named Hue because it is linked positively to redness/blueness, yellowness/greenness, and chroma, and negatively to hue; the third factor (17%) was named Size because it is linked positively to weight, ripening length, firmness, and protein; and the fourth factor (7%) was named Basicity because it is linked positively to pH. The 37 cheese categories were grouped into 8 clusters and described using the latent factors: the Grana Padano cluster (characterized mainly by high Size scores); hard mountain cheeses (mainly high Solids scores); very soft cheeses (low Solids scores); blue cheeses (high Basicity scores), yellowish cheeses (high Hue scores), and 3 other clusters (soft cheeses, pasta filata and treated rind, and firm mountain cheeses) according to specific combinations of intermediate latent factors and cheese traits. In this case study, the high variability and interdependence of 15 major cheese traits can be substantially explained by only 4 latent factors, allowing us to identify and characterize 8 cheese type clusters.

Species of the genus Smilax, popularly known as sarsaparilla, are used in folk medicine as a tonic, an anti-rheumatic, and an anti-syphilis treatment, and are sold in Brazilian drugstores without any quality control regarding their origin and efficacy. The origin of the material is mainly based on wild extraction. Quality control of herbal drugs should include a more reliable identification of the source involving characterization and definition of their anatomical and chemical characteristics. The current study aimed to verify whether the combined use of anatomical, chemical, and molecular genetic characteristics might be useful in the quality control of medicinal plants, specifically the sarsaparilla sold in compounding drugstores in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Root samples were subjected to conventional light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To determine the chemical profile, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was applied to ethanol extracts of the roots. The chemical profile of the chemical material sold in stores was compared with the previously determined profiles of medicinal Smilax species (S. goyazana, S. rufescens, S. brasiliensis, S. campestris, S. cissoides, S. fluminensis, S. oblongifolia, and S. polyantha). Although there was considerable similarity between the anatomical structure of the commercial sarsaparilla and the structure reported in the literature for the Smilax species, there were differences in the phloem organization and in the presence of a series of idioblasts containing raphides, phenolic idioblasts, and metaxylem in the center of the plant structure. TLC analysis of the commercial ethanol extracts revealed spots with colors ranging from yellow to green. In addition, the same spots showed components with the same retention factor (Rf), indicating chemical similarity between the different samples. However, the distribution pattern of the spots, as well as the Rf of the commercial samples, differed from those obtained for the eight species of Smilax, which were very similar to each other. Comparing the groups examined in the present study with regard to microsatellite markers and DNA barcoding revealed that commercial sarsaparilla is genetically different from the eight species of Smilax known for their medicinal properties in Brazilian ethnobotanical surveys. This seriously calls into question their effectiveness. This case study of sarsaparilla demonstrates the utility of anatomical, chemical, and molecular genetic characteristics in the quality control of medicinal plants.

This study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of inflow and outflow wastewater of the Bandargaz wastewater treatment plant on the basis of the data collection of operation period and the samples taken during the study. Also the effects of mid-term use of the wastewater for irrigation (from 2005 to 2013) on soil physical and chemical characteristics were studied. For this purpose, 4 samples were taken from the inflow and outflow wastewater and 25 quality parameters were measured. Also, the four soil samples from a depth of 0–30 cm of two rice field irrigated with wastewater in the beginning and middle of the planting season and two samples from one adjacent rice field irrigated with fresh water were collected and their chemical and physical characteristics were determined. Average of electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, sodium adsorption ratio, chemical oxygen demand and 5 days biochemical oxygen demand in treated wastewater were 1.35 dS/m, 707 ppm, 0.93, 80 ppm and 40 ppm, respectively. Results showed that although some restrictions exist about chlorine and bicarbonate, the treated wastewater is suitable for irrigation based on national and international standards and criteria. In comparison with fresh water, the mid-term use of wastewater caused a little increase of soil salinity. However, it did not lead to increase of soil salinity beyond rice salinity threshold. Also, there were no restrictions on soil in the aspect of salinity and sodium hazard on the basis of many irrigated soil classifications. In comparison with fresh water, the mid-term use of wastewater caused the increase of total N, absorbable P and absorbable K in soil due to high concentration of those elements in treated wastewater.

Using provenance data to assess archaeological landscapes: an example from Calabria, Italy

The reclamation of urban industrial zones presents intricate challenges within urban planning, notably in post-disaster scenarios aimed at revitalizing urban landscapes. This study delves into the complexities and decision-making intricacies involved in reinvigorating the Al-Qaboun industrial area in Damascus following the conflict. It undertakes an assessment of optimal industrial zone placements by meticulously evaluating economic, social, land use, and environmental criteria via a robust combination of case study methodology and reconnaissance survey. The outcomes reveal participants’ prioritization of economic criteria, followed closely by equally significant social and land use considerations, while the environmental criteria ranked comparatively lower in importance. Employing multi-attribute analysis, three reclamation alternatives for Al-Qaboun are examined: refurbishment within the same area (A1), relocation of heavy industries only to Adra industrial city (A2), and complete relocation to Adra industrial city (A3). Participant ratings favor A3 (0.386) followed by A1 (0.319) and A2 (0.294), highlighting the initial planning phase’s reliance on streamlined methodologies yet emphasizing the necessity for an in-depth exploration of stakeholder influences on sustainable reclamation endeavors. This research underscores the pivotal role of meticulous decision-making in post-disaster urban planning and advocates for a nuanced understanding of stakeholder dynamics in ensuring the sustainability of reclamation initiatives.

Assessment of the recycling potential of stone processing plant wastes based on physicochemical features and market opportunities

Seven Japanese firms to develop materials to cool buildings

Recent Publications on Archaeological Ceramic Analyses and their Contributions to the Study of Ancient Pottery Technology

Changes in Biological, Chemical and Soil Fertility Characteristics as a Result of Land Use Change (A Case Study: Mokhtar Region of Yasouj)

Preface. Address by the President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrghyz Republic Dr. Janybeck Jeyenbaev. Statement of the Workshop. 1: Physical and chemical characteristics. Climate and physical properties of water in Lake Issyk-Kul G.D. Shabunin, A.G. Shabunin. Water chemistry and ecology of Lake Issyk-Kul A.S. Karmanchuk. Hydrobiology of Lake Issyk-Kul V.V. Romanovsky. Water level variations and water balance of Lake Issyk-Kul V.V. Romanovsky. Hydromineral resources of the Issyk-Kul region V.E. Matychenkov. Groundwater in the Issyk-Kul basin A.N. Mandychev. Currents and vertical water exchange in Lake Issyk-Kul V.V. Romanovsky, G.D. Shabunin. Using transient conservative and environmental tracers to study water exchange in Lake Issyk-Kul R. Kipfer, F. Peeters. Bathymetry and sedimentary environments of Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyz Republic (Central Asia): a large, high-altitude, tectonic lake M. De Batist, et al. Recent paleoenvironmental evolution of Lake Issyk-Kul S. Giralt, et al. Active tectonics and seismic hazard of the Issyk-Kul basin in the Kyrgyz K.E. Abdrachmatov, et al. The environmental risk resulting from gold mining B. Imanackunov. II: Case studies in other regions. Hydrochemistry of lakes in Tajikistan D.N. Pachajanov, et al. Zoobenthos and zooplankton of the northern Aral Sea and possible ways of the sea ecosystem rehabilitation N.V. Aladin, et al. Evaluation of the damage to environmental state of the north-western Black Sea shelf ecosystems V.N. Egorov, et al. Does biomanipulation work for warm-temperate lakes? First case study in an eutrophic Turkish lake M. Beklioglu. Computed mean monthly water balance of a large lake: the case of Lake Tanganyika L. Bergonzini. Radon studies for investigation of nuclear waste deposits and natural emissions S.E. Beaubien, et al. III: Social and ethical aspects. Philosophy of ecological ethics education, considering the Issyk-Kul Kale remediation mechanisms U. Asanova. Ecosystem management, environmental values and Lake Issyk-Kul G. Cooper.

Characterization of various stages of calcitization in Porites sp corals from uplifted reefs — Case studies from New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Futuna (South-West Pacific)

The present investigation focuses on the chemical and biological contamination of drinking water as a case study in El-Taquaddum area in Sinai. This area use to suffer from deficiency of clean drinking water. The present study investigated the effect of residual chlorine deterioration and the storing period on the chemical and biological quality of drinking water. The results obtained revealed that storing drinking water for long time in closed or open storing tanks deteriorate the residual chlorine that affected on the chemical characteristics and biological contamination of drinking water. Correlation between the closed storing tanks and the open ones in terms of the chemical and biological quality of drinking water as affected by the residual chlorine was studied. This investigation reveals that the residual chlorine in drinking water is the controlling factor to prevent the presence of colifrom bacteria. The continuous supply of freshly chlorinated water is important to keep the level residual chlorine on the safe border. However, increasing the storage time of the water affects dramatically on the available residual chlorine, and thus affects on the presence of several contaminants including insects, coliform bacteria, and fungi. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to avoid storing the drinking water in open tanks in order to prevent any chemical and/or biological contamination. Nevertheless, filtration through regular home filter that consists of ceramic filter and UV device could eliminate the presence of contaminants including suspended chemicals, bacteria, insects, fungi and turbidity.