Eco-friendly Solution Research Articles

Use of shells for the mechanical stabilisation of sediments: a valuable geomechanical perspective?

The present study contributes to developing a novel eco-friendly solution for the mechanical stabilisation of dredged marine sediments by using mussel shells – another high-impact waste of marine origin – in the partial replacement of cements. What are the underlying chemo-mechanical interactions affecting the evolution of such mixtures? Can mussel shells replace cement without compromising useful geomechanical and geochemical properties of the stabilised sediments? Can such mixtures still be modelled as soils when it comes to their geotechnical design and analysis? The paper answers these questions by assessing the mechanical performance of mixtures formed by sediments stabilised with three types of cement and a mussel shell powder and comparing them with those of the same sediments treated with cement only. Multiple beneficial effects of the use of mussel shell powder, as a peculiar source of calcium carbonate from its biogenic origin, have been demonstrated: it acts as a void filler; enhances the electrolytic exchanges between sediment and cement, and increases the contact area between the mineral particles promoting the chemical hydration reactions. As a result, for fixed replacement ratios, the original mixtures still exhibit soil-like behaviour consistent with traditional geomechanics and even better performance than the control mixtures.

Development of an electric cabbage harvester: an eco-friendly solution for mechanical harvesting of cabbage

Development of an electric cabbage harvester: an eco-friendly solution for mechanical harvesting of cabbage

Eco-friendly, stimuli-responsive sponge with magneto-photothermal effect for efficient and continuous cleanup of viscous crude oils

Oil spills pose significant global environmental and resource wastage issues due to the slow flow of high-viscosity crude oil. Current cleanup methods, such as chemical dispersion, in situ burning, microbial degradation, and mechanical oil skimmers, have limitations such as low recovery rates, secondary pollution, and time consumption. To address these challenges, we developed an eco-friendly magneto-photothermal sponge combining magnetic and photothermal heating. This innovation enables safe, efficient, and continuous cleanup without direct contact. The magneto-photothermal sponge, fabricated through a simple dip-coating and template method, consists of nontoxic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge with a biocompatible SiO2/Fe3O4/polydopamine layer. It exhibited rapid adsorption, high capacity (131–344 % for various oils), sustained superhydrophobicity, and reusability. Owing to its magnetothermal and photothermal properties, it was rapidly heated to 178 °C in 3 min under an alternating magnetic field and to 63.5 °C in 5 min under solar irradiation. The sponge efficiently absorbed viscous crude oils, with a recovery rate of 93.33 g h−1 cm−2, which surpasses that reported in previous studies. Combining solar and magnetic heating enhanced recovery, being 13 and 1.2 times more effective than individual solar and magnetic heating, respectively. This low-cost, high flame retardant, durable, dual-heating approach offers an efficient, safe, and eco-friendly solution for cleaning viscous heavy oil spills.

Mitigation of Soil Erosion and Enhancement of Slope Stability through the Utilization of Lignin Biopolymer.

Human activities have had a profound impact on the environment, particularly in relation to surface erosion and landslides. These processes, which are natural phenomena, have been exacerbated by human actions, leading to detrimental consequences for ecosystems, communities, and the overall health of the planet. The use of lignin (LIG) as a biopolymer soil additive material is regarded as an eco-friendly solution against soil erosion and slope failure which holds immense promise. However, significant research gaps currently hinder a comprehensive understanding of its mechanisms and effectiveness. Experimental studies offer a robust platform to address these gaps by providing controlled conditions for assessing soil stability, exploring mechanisms, and evaluating adaptability. Bridging these research gaps will contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable strategies for mitigating soil erosion and preventing slope failure, thereby promoting environmental resilience and resource conservation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the LIG biopolymer on mitigation of soil erosion, slope failure and the enhancement of soil strength by conducting laboratory tests (UU triaxial, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and soaking) as well as flume experiments under uniform rainfall events. The alterations in the engineering characteristics and erosion resistance of silty soil mixed with a LIG additive at concentrations of 1% and 3.0% by weight have been examined. The results show that the LIG-treated samples demonstrated an enhanced resistance to surface erosion and an enhanced prevention of slope failure, as well as improved shear stress, cohesion, stiffness, and resistance to water infiltration.

Wastewater treatment from a typical multisystem hospital using chemically modified banana peels: Taguchi parametric optimization and characterization

The study aims to develop an eco-friendly solution for addressing contaminants in hospital wastewater. To achieve this, banana peel, a cost-effective and easily available agricultural waste, was chemically modified using sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide. The hospital wastewater was analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer to identify the presence of heavy metals. The physicochemical properties were measured and compared against the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the chemically modified banana peel. Batch adsorption was conducted with the wastewater using the prepared adsorbent. The effect of contact time, mixing rate, temperature, and adsorbent dosage was examined to know the removal efficiency of the adsorbent. The experimental design incorporates Taguchi OA design to optimize the process. The total heavy metals discovered in the wastewater were As, Cd, Fe, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Mn and Zn. The percentage of Cd, Fe, Cu, Ni, Cr and Pb removed were 79.5%, 87.9%, 56.9%, 89.0%, 88.5% and 93.5%, respectively, at temperature, adsorbent dosage, mixing rate and contact time of 30 °C, 3 g, 700 rpm and 60 min, respectively. The physicochemical properties remain within the acceptable WHO range except the turbidity. At optimum point, the percentage removal of Cd, Fe, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb and Zn were 64.3%, 80.5%, 51.4%, 82.3%, 72.4%, 86.6% and 72.1%, respectively; while, the conductivity, pH, TDS, and turbidity value were, respectively, 20.57 mS/cm, 6.8, 10.16 mg/l, and 86.31 NTU. Characterization revealed the existence of active functional groups on the adsorbent surface enhancing the hospital wastewater treatment and change in its morphological structure after the treatment was noticed. In conclusion, the modified banana peel was effective for the treatment of hospital wastewater.

Experimental Evaluation of Mechanical Properties, Micro Structure and Post-Fire Strength of Fiber Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete

Geopolymer mixtures offer an enhanced alternative to implement an eco-friendly solution in construction industry. These mixtures exhibit similar or better mechanical and structural properties in comprising of cement and can use recycling and by-product materials. Against this background, an eco-friendly advantageous were achieved from the engineers and researchers by using waste materials to replace cement and attention to reduce CO2 emission during its procedure. This study attempted to evaluate compressive and tensile strength, micro structure and post-fire characteristic of the geopolymer mixtures. For this aim, the geopolymer mixtures were exposed to elevated temperature between 200, 500 and 800 0C. Then, the post-fire and mechanical behaviour were investigated. The proposed research supported the slight decrease in the GPC's compressive stress by fibres, and the 1.25% PP fibres displayed the least performance, indicating nearly 13% decrease than the unreinforced mixtures. As exhibited by the post-fire behaviour of mixtures, the GPC's compressive strength increased first for all mixes but in the range of 400 - 800°C it decreased at a higher rate because of the geopolymer matrix-related dehydration. Besides, fiber melting under high temperatures and the thermal reaction procedure related to free water evaporation reduce the mechanical properties under temperatures ranging from 400°C to 800°C. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/pst.349

Artificial intelligence-based prediction models of bio-treated sand strength for sustainable and green infrastructure applications

As a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and green solution, biomineralization/bio-treatment process has recently emerged for enhancing the strength characteristics of loose sands by inducing cementation material commonly referred to as microbially induced calcite/cementation precipitation (MICP). To date, existing research on the unconfined compression strength of MICP-treated sands (UCSmicp) relies heavily on experimental data, with predictions primarily based on linear or curvilinear models that consider calcite (CaCO3) as the main influencing factor. However, there is limited exploration into the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods for UCSmicp prediction involving multiple influencing factors and their validation on unseen laboratory data. Therefore, this study intends to propose new prediction models of UCSmicp using four advanced ML techniques: Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Gene Expression Programming (GEP). The models incorporate various factors affecting UCSmicp, including sand uniformity coefficient (Cu), initial void ratio (e), mean grain size (D50), optical density at 600 mm wavelength (OD600), urea concentration (U), calcium concentration (Ca), and calcite content (C). Performance evaluation of models involved statistical assessments, error analysis, cross validation on laboratory data, and sensitivity and monotonicity studies. Results indicate that the proposed models exhibit exceptional precision across training, testing, and validation data in predicting UCSmicp, with ANN demonstrating the highest accuracy, followed by GPR, ANFIS, and GEP. Sensitivity analysis identifies CaCO3 as the main influencing factor on UCSmicp, while monotonicity analysis confirms alignment with physical processes. This work advocates for MICP as an eco-friendly solution and highlights the efficacy of advanced ML techniques in fostering sustainable infrastructure.

Zoophytophagous predator sex pheromone and visual cues of opposing reflectance spectra lure predator and invasive prey.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the invasive South American leafminer Phthorimaea absoluta is the most damaging tomato pest. Females of the pest can reproduce both sexually and through parthenogenesis and lay their eggs on all tomato plant parts. The mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis, a biological control agent for the pest, is also a tomato pest when prey population is low. To date, however, no study has developed an eco-friendly solution that targets both the predator and its host in a tomato farming system. To develop a bio-based management system for both pest and predator based on the combined use of sexual communication in the predator and visual cues. We collected volatiles from both sexes of the Kenyan population of the predator N. tenuis and identified candidate sex pheromone components by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We used electrophysiological assays to identify antennally-active odorants in the volatiles, followed by field trials with different pheromone-baited colored traps to validate the responses of both predator and prey. Thereafter, we compared the reflectance spectra of the colored traps with those of different tomato plant tissues. Our results reveal an interplay between different sensory cues which in the predator-prey interaction may favor the predator. Antennae of both sexes of predator and prey detect the predator sex pheromone identified as 1-octanol and hexyl hexanoate. Unexpectedly, our field experiments led to the discovery of a lure for P. absoluta females, which were lured distinctly into a pheromone-baited trap whose reflectance spectrum mimicked that of ripe tomato fruit (long wavelength), an egg-laying site for females. Contrastingly, N. tenuis males were lured into baited white trap (short wavelength) when the predator is actively searching for prey. Our results demonstrate the novel use of a predator sex pheromone and different visual cues to assess complex trophic interactions on tomatoes.

Te4+ and Er3+ doped ZrO2 nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic, antibacterial activity and dielectric properties: A next generation of multifunctional material

Amid rising water contamination from industrial sources, tackling toxic dyes and pathogens is critical. Photocatalysis offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to this pressing challenges. Herein, we synthesized Te4+ and Er3+ doped ZrO2 photocatalysts through hydrothermal method and investigated their efficacy in degrading Congo red (CR) and pathogens under visible light. XRD and Raman Spectroscopy confirm monoclinic and tetragonal mixed-phases without any impurities. Doping-induced defects, reduced crystalline diameter, high surface area, modified bandgap (2.95 eV), photoluminescence quenching, coupled with interfacial polarization, contribute to EZO's excellent dielectric response (1.149 × 106), for achieving remarkable photocatalytic activity, verified by photoelectrochemical measurements, LC-MS and phytotoxicity analysis. Under optimal conditions, EZO achieves 99% CR degradation within 100 min (TOC 79.9%), surpassing ZO (77%) and TZO (84%). Catalyst dosages, dye concentrations, and solution pH effect on EZO's photocatalytic performance are systematically assessed. Scavenging experiment emphasized the pivotal role of · OH in CR degradation with 96.4% efficiency after 4 cycles, affirming its remarkable stability. Moreover, EZO demonstrates ROS-mediated antibacterial activity against E. faecalis and E. coli bacteria under visible light, achieving >97% and >94% inhibition rate with an inhibition zone > 3 mm. Hence, the nanoparticle's dual action offers a practical solution for treating contaminated wastewater, ensuring safe irrigation.

Removal of cadmium and chromium heavy metals from aqueous medium using composite bacterial cellulose membrane

Bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes produced from biomass are emerging as an eco-friendly solution for water decontamination. The abundance of hydroxyl groups and the high surface-to-volume ratio of this material allow for the integration of diverse functional groups, providing the potential for targeted water purification applications. Beyond their intriguing mechanical properties and unique complex structure, bacterial cellulose membranes are biodegradable into sugar molecules and can be processed with minimal handling and using mild chemicals. Taken together, these features make them a compelling choice for water filtration in the context of environmental responsibility. In their natural state, BC membranes have limited potential for targeted wastewater treatment. One strategy for enhancing their functionality is to graft customized molecules onto their surface. Therefore, this study aims to impart multifunctionality to BC membrane for water filtration. Hence a novel precursor with hard and soft base functionalities consisting of amines, carbonyls, amides, hydroxyls etc. is designed and grafted onto BC membranes, grown to ensure surface uniformity and membrane-to-membrane repeatability of the properties. The structure of the synthesized precursors and the effective functionalization of the membrane are then validated through various structural characterization techniques. Changes in the morphology of BC membranes are examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Both the pristine and modified BC membranes undergo a series of tests to assess their filtration capabilities under low-pressure regime and their efficiency in removing representative cadmium and chromium ions. The modified BC membrane exhibits superior filtration performance and water permeability than pristine-BC. The targeted metal ions were rejected more than 90% from the effluent. The modified membranes demonstrated a flux recovery of above 90% maintaining its effectiveness even after five successive cleaning-filtration cycles.

Exploring the synergy of nanomaterials and microbial cell factories during biohydrogen and biobutanol production from different carbon sources

The escalating environmental concerns and burgeoning energy crises, coupled with the desire to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 to avert potential climate change disaster, highlight the urgent need for sustainable production methods, and innovative technological advancements. Microbial fermentation plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of sustainable production of biofuels and chemicals with properties similar to those of fossil-derived fuels and chemicals. Biofuels, such as biohydrogen and biobutanol derived from renewable sources, offer a promising, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for mitigating long-term carbon footprint. Currently, there is a surge of interest in biohydrogen (bioH2) and biobutanol production through dark fermentation using diverse biomass feedstocks, due to its capacity to simultaneously generate gas and liquid fuels from renewable nonfood resources. Furthermore, the incorporation of nanoparticles in fermentation process has demonstrated considerable potential in enhancing bioH2 yields. Similarly, biobutanol emerges as an eco-friendly, less polluting, and potentially commercially viable substitute for conventional gasoline. This review emphasizes the diverse spectrum of nanoparticle applications in biomanufacturing, with a particular focus on their role in enhancing microbial activities to boost bioH2 and biobutanol yields. Additionally, the review highlights potential underlying mechanisms of nano-catalyzed fermentation pathways, future trends, and the prospects of nano-catalysts in advancing biofuel technology.

Use of cactus pear pruning waste to improve soil properties and to produce high-quality compost

Bio-fertilizers could be a possible solution to help manage bio-waste problems and to maintain soil health conditions, especially in organic farms. Pruning of cactus pear produces from 6 to 10 tons/yearly of cladodes per hectare in specialized Italian orchards, which represents waste and a cost for disposal to farmers. Therefore, the aim of the work was to investigate the effects on soil physical properties, microflora activity, and basil plant growth of powdered pruning waste from cactus pear incorporated in the soil (10%, 20%, 30% 40% w/w). Moreover, we studied a dynamic composting process from fresh cladodes to produce stabilized end-products at the farm level. Our studies demonstrated that holding water ability and bulk density of soil were ameliorated by supplementing dried cladodes. Thus, gravitational and gravimetric water was positively correlated with the increase of added dried cladode in the soil (0.1% and 6.2 g H2O ± 0.3 in samples of 40% mixed soil versus 68% and 3.3 g H2O ± 0.3 in control). Furthermore, bulk density was reduced limiting soil compaction. Preliminary results on microbial activity suggested a possible selection/inhibition of some bacterial strains correlated with the increment of dry cladode supplementation. The basil plants grown in 20% mixed soil showed an increased biomass when compared to the control (+ 21%). Finally, raw cladode proved to be an excellent substrate for aerobic fermentation providing a final product of good quality and high moisture content (65%). These results are particularly relevant in organic agriculture where bio-fertilizers are recommended as economical, eco-friendly solution accessible also to marginal and small farms.

CO2 heat pump integrated thermal storage for domestic hot water in hotels

Gas/diesel-fired water heaters are widely used in Indian hotels to deliver domestic hot water at 45–50 °C. These are substantial fossil energy consumers and pollute the environment. A CO2 (natural refrigerant) heat pump integrated thermal storage unit is an energy-efficient and eco-friendly solution for meeting heating demands. In tropical ambient conditions like in India, the energy efficiency of such heat pumps can further be improved when the heat source is the chilled water used for air conditioning purposes of the same hotel, thereby reducing the load on existing chillers. However, studies on the design of the proposed system and assessment of its potential for hotel application in tropical climates are still scarce. This information assists energy engineers and hotel management in evaluating new buildings or refurbishments. This paper demonstrates a design strategy to retrofit the conventional system with the heat pump integrated thermal storage unit and assess its energy, economic, and environmental benefits for a typical Indian hotel. Four different heat pump configurations, simple and ejector-assisted transcritical CO2 systems with and without internal heat exchangers, are analyzed and compared. The ejector-assisted CO2 heat pump without IHX having the minimum heating capacity (operates all time) integrated with a thermal storage tank of maximum capacity is observed to be an economical combination. In Chennai, where the average annual water temperature is 28 °C, the operating cost of the proposed system is only 7 % of that of a diesel-fired water heater. Also, CO2 emissions are reduced by 80 %. Thus, the proposed system is seen as an efficient and clean alternative solution for providing hot water and free AC in hotels.

Kids Go- Ride Pooling/sharing Cab Services for Children

Kids Go is an innovative door-to-door ride-hailing service designed specifically for the mobility needs of children, adolescents and students. Kids Go's main focus is ensuring the safety of its little passengers. Providing a service that combines independence and reliability gives parents a new sense of security. This innovation lies in the seamless integration of the latest technology, enabling parents to receive real-time notifications at every important point in their child's journey, from the moment they pick them up and drop them off, and even during the check-in and check-out process. You will be able to known as an industry pioneer, Kids Go is proud to launch India's first children's ride-hailing service with a comprehensive online presence and live driver tracking. This tech-savvy approach demonstrates the brand's commitment not only to transparency, but also to staying ahead of the curve. Kids Go not only offers unparalleled convenience, it also leads the way in environmental responsibility. The service actively contributes to reducing CO2 emissions by integrating electric vehicles and his CNG vehicles into vehicles, effectively minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. This dual commitment to safety and sustainability solidifies Kids Go's position as a pioneer in child transportation. In a world where parenting concerns are paramount, Kids Go represents a reliable, affordable and eco-friendly solution that goes beyond traditional ride-hailing standards and redefines standards for safety and comfort. Keywords – Kids Go, Innovation, Door to door, Adolescents, Students, Safety, Little passengers, Independence, Reliability, Parents, Security, Technology, Real-time notifications, Check-In, Check-out, Industry pioneer, Unparalleled convenience, Environmental responsibility, CO2 emissions, Carbon dioxide emissions

Harnessing Bacillus cereus from Surabaya Seawater for Enhanced Diesel Fuel Bioremediation in Tropical Ocean

Hydrocarbon is one of the primary organic pollutants that contaminate seawater. Most hydrocarbons which pollute the sea waters of Indonesia are the constituents of diesel fuel. This condition emphasizes the need to develop a bioremediation strategy for diesel fuel pollution in the country. A successful plan for bioremediation is primarily determined by the choice of the bacterial agent, which can be isolated from the polluted seawater. Furthermore, the setup must consider the characteristics and capability of the bacterial isolates to degrade diesel fuel. This study thus aimed to analyze the potential of Bacillus cereus isolated from the polluted seawater of Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, as a bioremediation agent. The results of bacterial density, pH measurements, TPH and GC-MS assays indicated that the locally isolated Bacillus cereus could significantly reduce the hydrocarbon concentrations. More importantly, after 14 days of bioremediation, the polluting diesel fuel was categorized as biodegradable based on the BOD:COD ratio. This study shows that Bacillus cereus has excellent potential for bioremediating hydrocarbon contaminants in tropical seawater. HIGHLIGHTS Bacillus cereus from Surabaya's polluted waters fights diesel pollutants effectively. Bacillus cereus degrades hydrocarbons efficiently over two weeks, proving its bioremediation potential. Rise in BOD:COD ratio indicates Bacillus cereus' effective reduction of complex organics. GC-MS shows Bacillus cereus transforms hydrocarbons into shorter chains systematically. Bacillus cereus offers an eco-friendly solution for diesel pollution in tropical climates, urging further exploration. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Synthesis and functionalization of carbon nanospheres from asphaltene fraction for crude oil upgrading and viscosity reduction

Nanoparticles provide a promising, cost-effective eco-friendly solution to the challenges posed by heavy-oil reservoirs, significantly enhancing oil recovery rates by reducing viscosity without requiring extensive thermal inputs. In this study, carbon nanospheres (CNSs) and functionalized-CNSs nanofluids were prepared by incorporating surfactants (T80 or BMIMCl). These nanofluids were evaluated for their efficacy in upgrading crude oil, particularly focusing on viscosity-reduction. Rheological tests were conducted across varying shear rates (60–300 s−1) and concentrations (0.02–3 wt.%) to comprehensively assess the impact of these additives on the crude oil’s proprieties. The results showed a notable enhancement in crude oil viscosity reduction, with the following order observed: CNS-TiO2 < CNS-TiO2/DMIMCl < CNS-TiO2/T80, yielding reduction rates of 95%, 95.83%, and 97.08%, respectively, at an optimal dosage of 2.75 wt.% and a shear rate of 300 s−1. The surface functionalization of CNS particles and their crystallinity are the main mechanisms driving the reduction in oil viscosity. Moreover, the properties of the crude oil were investigated upon the utilization of CNS-TiO2/T80 nanofluid. It was found that this nanofluid led to a substantial reduction in sulfur content by 78.32% and a significant decrease in the percentage of heavier molecules, ranging from C12 to C35 and up to C36, with 47.76% and 97.98%, respectively.

Design and development of a continuous harvesting system using solid-liquid cyclone separator for harvesting of Dunaliella salina for mass production of biomass: Part-1: Performance in single-stage

Microalgae is a viable alternative to depleting conventional fuel sources, a solution to the industrial requirement of organic consumables, and an option for a green and sustainable economy for biofuels, pigments, and nutrient production. Dunaliella salina is an efficient choice among various species due to its high lipid/carotenoid content and growth in extreme saline conditions. Existing batch-production harvesting methods, such as centrifugation and flocculation, are neither inexpensive nor environmentally benign. This paper presents the experimental studies on three different Rietema-type solid-liquid cyclone separators (RSLCS) for continuous harvesting of microalgae as a concentrated trap for mass biomass production to achieve an economy for biofuels and other desirable by-products if required. Two of these RSLCS were modified and had two inlets (orthogonal RSLCS and parallel RSLCS) when compared with conventional RSLCS. The experiments were performed to calculate the growth of microalgae culture on different days (Day-7, 14, 21, and 28), and concentrations of outflows on day-28 were used as feed for all the RSLCS. The recorded separation efficiency for conventional, orthogonal, and parallel RSLCS are 61.66 %, 67.95 %, and 60.14 % respectively. CFD simulations were also done to validate the results, and CellProfiler was used to measure the size of Dunaliella salina for hydrodynamic analysis. The CFD simulations showed separation efficiency of 60.72 %, 67.04 %, and 59.52 % for conventional, orthogonal, and parallel RSLCS. Thus, the use of orthogonal RSLCS is proposed as a simple, cheap, and eco-friendly solution to the industry-level requirement of continuous harvesting for microalgae in replacement of existing batch-production techniques.

Phytoremediation of perfluorochemicals in Abuja municipal area, Nigeria: A comprehensive exploration of progress, viability, and, constraints

Phytoremediation, utilizing plants to address pollution, especially perfluorochemicals (PFCs), emerges as a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution. Key mechanisms like phytoextraction, rhizofiltration, and phytodegradation are employed for remediating diverse pollutants. While successful globally, PFCs pose unique challenges, requiring tailored strategies. Abuja, Nigeria, facing environmental challenges, can benefit from phytoremediation. Vetiver Grass, Sunflower, Indian Mustard, and Water Hyacinth are selected for their PFC remediation abilities. Essential infrastructure includes contaminant analysis tools, monitoring equipment, greenhouse facilities, and experimental plots. Results indicate varying efficacy among plant species. This study emphasizes the importance of laboratory facilities for in-depth research. Phytoremediation proves valuable for Abuja's environmental concerns.

Stabilizing BiVO4 Photoanode in Bicarbonate Electrolyte for Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Alcohol Oxidation.

In order to expand the application of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) to the field of photoelectrochemistry, researchers have explored the potential of BiVO4 in catalyzing or degrading organic substances, potentially presenting a green and eco-friendly solution. A study was conducted to investigate the impact of electrolytes on the photocatalysis of benzyl alcohol by BiVO4. The research discovered that, in an acetonitrile electrolyte (pH 9) with sodium bicarbonate, BiVO4 catalyzed benzyl alcohol by introducing saturated V5+. This innovation addressed the issue of benzyl alcohol being susceptible to catalysis in an alkaline setting, as V5+ was prone to dissolution in pH 9 on BiVO4. The concern of the photocorrosion of BiVO4 was mitigated through two approaches. Firstly, the incorporation of a non-aqueous medium inhibited the formation of active material intermediates, reducing the susceptibility of the electrode surface to photocorrosion. Secondly, the presence of saturated V5+ further deterred the leaching of V5+. Concurrently, the production of carbonate radicals by bicarbonate played a vital role in catalyzing benzyl alcohol. The results show that, in this system, BiVO4 has the potential to oxidize benzyl alcohol by photocatalysis.

Sustainable super-hard and thick nanodiamond composite film deposited on cemented carbide substrates with an interfacial Al-interlayer

Super-hard nanodiamond composite (NDC) films, synthesized via cathodic arc plasma deposition on unheated WC − Co substrates, offer an eco-friendly solution for cutting tools. A 100 nm-thick Al-interlayer mitigates Co catalytic effects, improving adhesion and yielding smooth and dense 10 µm-thick films at a deposition rate of 3.3 μm/hr. These grain-boundary-rich nanostructured films, with an impressive 58 GPa hardness attributed to a substantial 70 % C sp3 fraction, prove optimal for hard coatings. The Al-interlayer effectively suppresses Co catalytic effects, forming a dense Al-oxide layer, enhancing film hardness and adhesion (Lcr = 18.6 N). NDC films present a promising eco-friendly option for high-performance hard coatings.