Environmental Compatibility Research Articles

Experimental Study on the Efficiency of Fracturing Integrated with Flooding by Slickwater in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs

Tight reservoirs, with their nanoscale pore structures and limited permeability, present significant challenges for oil recovery. Composite fracturing fluids that combine both fracturing and oil recovery capabilities show great potential to address these challenges. This study investigates the performance of a slickwater-based fracturing fluid, combined with a high-efficiency biological oil displacement agent (HE-BIO), which offers both production enhancement and environmental compatibility. Key experiments included tests on single-phase flow, core damage assessments, interfacial tension measurements, and oil recovery evaluations. The results showed that (1) the slickwater fracturing fluid effectively penetrates the rock matrix, enhancing oil recovery while minimizing environmental impact; (2) it causes substantially less damage to the reservoir compared to traditional guar gum fracturing fluid, especially in cores with little higher initial permeability; and that (3) oil recovery improves as HE-BIO concentration increases from 0.5% to 2.5%, with 2.0% as the optimal concentration for maximizing recovery rates. These findings provide a foundation for optimizing fracturing oil displacement fluids in tight sandstone reservoirs, highlighting the potential of the integrated fracturing fluid to enhance sustainable oil recovery.

Polymer Electrolytes for Supercapacitors

Because of safety concerns associated with the use of liquid electrolytes and electrolyte solutions, options for non-liquid materials like gels and polymers to be used as ion-conducting electrolytes have been explored intensely, and they attract steadily growing interest from researchers. The low ionic conductivity of most hard and soft solid materials was initially too low for practical applications in supercapacitors, which require low internal resistance of a device and, consequently, highly conducting materials. Even if an additional separator may not be needed when the solid electrolyte already ensures reliable separation of the electrodes, the electrolytes prepared as films or membranes as thin as practically acceptable, resistance may still be too high even today. Recent developments with gel electrolytes sometimes approach or even surpass liquid electrolyte solutions, in terms of effective conductance. This includes materials based on biopolymers, renewable raw materials, materials with biodegradability, and better environmental compatibility. In addition, numerous approaches to improving the electrolyte/electrode interaction have yielded improvements in effective internal device resistance. Reported studies are reviewed, material combinations are sorted out, and trends are identified.

Investigation of Adsorption and Young’s Modulus of Epoxy Resin–Sand Interfaces Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Epoxy resins exhibit outstanding curability, durability, and environmental compatibility, rendering them extensively utilized in the realm of engineering curing. Nevertheless, the current curing mechanism of epoxy-based resins in cohesion with sand remains inadequately elucidated, significantly impeding their applicability within the domain of soil curing. This study employed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the adsorption behavior of three distinct types of epoxy resins on the sand surface: diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A epoxy resin (DGEBA), diglycidyl ether 4,4′-dihydroxy diphenyl sulfone (DGEDDS), and aliphatic epoxidation of olefin resin (AEOR). The objective was to gain insights into the interactions between the sand surface and the epoxy resin polymers. The results demonstrated that DGEDDS formed a higher number of hydrogen bonds on the sand surface, leading to stronger intermolecular interactions compared to the other two resins. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the adsorbed models of the three epoxy resins with sand were found to be relatively similar. This similarity can be attributed to their comparable chemical structures. Finally, analysis of the radius of gyration for the adsorbed epoxy resins revealed that AEOR exhibited a rigid structure due to strong molecular interactions, while DGEDDS displayed a flexible structure owing to weaker interactions.

Cloud point extraction of heavy metal ions for wastewater remediation: an equilibrium and kinetic study

Abstract Surfactants offer a promising alternative for the efficient and environmentally friendly removal of organic pollutants and toxic heavy metal ions from various media. Their high efficiency and environmental compatibility make them a valuable option for remediation efforts. This study focuses on the cloud point extraction (CPE) of ions from aqueous solutions using biodegradable nonionic surfactants combined with ionic surfactants instead of chelating agents. Phase diagrams of binary surfactant/water systems were first constructed. The effects of salt, inorganic contaminants, and ionic surfactants on the cloud point (Tc) were then investigated. At temperatures above the cloud point, two distinct phenomena were observed and monitored over time: phase separation and phase clarification. The kinetic process was studied using the Turbiscan Lab Expert. Extraction results were evaluated based on four responses: extraction yield (E%), residual concentrations of solute (Xs,w) and surfactant (Xt,w) in the dilute phase, and volume fraction of coacervate at equilibrium (Φ C). Empirical modelling gives a satisfactory agreement between experimental and calculated values. The capacity of CPE to simultaneously remove an organic pollutant and a toxic heavy metal was demonstrated.

Development of Chitosan-Coated Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Biohybrid Materials for Growth and Long-Term Storage of Bacillus subtilis

Numerous bacterial species can both suppress plant pathogens and promote plant growth. By combining these bacteria with stabilizing substances, we can develop biological products with an extended shelf life, contributing to sustainable agriculture. Bacillus subtilis is one such bacterial species, possessing traits that enhance plant growth and offer effective protection, making it suitable for various applications. In this study, we successfully incorporated B. subtilis into hybrid materials composed of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) fibers coated with chitosan film. The polymer carrier not only supports the normal growth of the bioagent but also preserves its viability during long-term storage. For that reason, the impact of chitosan molecular weight on the dynamic viscosity of the solutions used for film formation, as well as the resulting film’s morphology, mechanical properties, and quantity of incorporated B. subtilis, along with their growth dynamics was investigated. SEM was used to examine the morphology of B. subtilis, electrospun PHB, and PHB mats coated with chitosan/B. subtilis. The results from mechanical tests demonstrate that chitosan film formation enhanced the tensile strength of the tested materials. Microbiological tests confirmed that the bacteria incorporated into the hybrid materials grow normally. The conducted viability tests demonstrate that the bacteria incorporated within the electrospun materials remained viable both after incorporation and following 90 days of storage. Moreover, the prepared biohybrid materials effectively inhibited the growth of the plant pathogenic strain Alternaria. Thus, the study provides more efficient and sustainable agricultural solutions by reducing reliance on synthetic materials and enhancing environmental compatibility through the development of advanced biomaterials capable of delivering active biocontrol agents.

Strong Ion‐Dipole Interactions for Stable Zinc‐Ion Batteries with Wide Temperature Range

AbstractAqueous zinc‐ion batteries are widely recognized as promising alternatives to lithium batteries due to their excellent safety, environmental compatibility, and cost‐effectiveness. Nonetheless, the formation of dendrites, corrosion, and undesirable side reactions on the zinc surface pose significant challenges to the cycling stability of zinc‐ion batteries. In this study, polar propylene carbonate (PC) is paired with tetrafluoroborate anions to establish a strong ion‐dipole interaction. Strong ion‐dipole interaction can not only alter the solvation structure of zinc ions but also facilitate the formation of a dynamic double electric layer on the surface of the zinc electrode, suppressing the formation of ZnF2 interface and carbonate, thereby facilitating uniform zinc ion deposition, and consequently improving battery cycling stability over a broad temperature range. Concretely, the formulated electrolyte enhances the cycling stability of the battery over a wide temperature range of −30 to 40 °C, accompanied by a capacity retention of ≈100% even after 10 000 cycles at −30 °C. The symmetrical battery utilizing this electrolyte exhibits stable cycling performance for over 1200 h at 25 °C and 1900 h at −30 °C, respectively. The findings provide a promising direction for the development of long‐cycle batteries capable of operating over a wide temperature range.

Magnetic Hercules Swarm for Precise and Effective Deep Biofilm Eradication

AbstractOver the past decade, significant advancements in micro‐nano robots have enabled non‐invasive operations in hazardous, confined environments, particularly targeting persistent bacterial biofilms in hard‐to‐reach areas. However, many of these robots are limited by poor magnetic properties, hindering their effectiveness against biofilms. This study proposes a novel strategy using a swarm with strong magnetic effects (Hercules swarm) combined with near‐infrared (NIR) light for effective biofilm eradication. Carbonyl iron particles coated with polydopamine (CI@PDA), averaging ≈3 µm in diameter, demonstrate clustering and significant magneto‐force under a rotating magnetic field due to their large magnetic saturation. This enables the Hercules swarm to achieve rapid delivery (100 mm s−1), efficient cargo transport (carrying twice its own weight), and effective catheter clearance (1 mm min−1). The controllable motion and high photothermal activity enable precise biofilm eradication without toxic agents. The aggregation of magnetic particles into chains and their rotation are explored by improved particle dynamic model. Simulations also reveal enhanced fluid convection and mechanical pressure around the particle chain. Due to its easy operation, straightforward controllability, and environmental compatibility, the magnetic Hercules swarm emerges as a promising treatment modality for eliminating biofilms entrenched within intricate, narrow, and convoluted medical implants or industrial conduits.

Prioritizing Criteria for Establishing a Green Shipping Corridor Between the Ports of Sines and Luanda Using Fuzzy AHP

As port authorities and cargo operators seek strategies to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring operational efficiency, some are turning to the concept of green corridors. These solutions aim to establish formalized partnerships among ports, carriers, shippers, and countries. During the process, the stakeholders must consider four priority areas (alternative fuels, bunkering infrastructure, vessel decarbonization pathways, and cargo demand dynamics) from seven angles (environmental, economic, infrastructure, regulatory, operational, technological, and social). This study explores the prioritization of these criteria for establishing a green maritime corridor between two major ports in Portugal and Angola, which would be a significant step toward promoting sustainable global trade. Utilizing the fuzzy AHP, this research analyzes all these factors and their associated sub-criteria derived from a comprehensive literature review and consultations with stakeholders from the Ports of Sines and Luanda. The findings show the dominance of environmental compatibility and economic viability, while social acceptance shows the lowest score. This framework guides the decision-making process for developing a sustainable shipping corridor. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers which can guide them in fostering resilient maritime transport routes, accelerating the adoption of decarbonization strategies and playing a critical role in achieving the IMO’s zero-emission targets by 2050.

Magnetically recoverable nanoparticle organic hybrid materials as kinetic hydrate inhibitors

Gas hydrates pose significant risks in the oil and gas industry because of their tendency to form blockages in transportation pipelines under low-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Conventional thermodynamic hydrate inhibitors require high dosages, with associated substantial costs and environmental concerns. Kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs), which operate at much lower dosages, offer a more sustainable solution but are often limited by environmental compatibility and recovery problems. In this study, we introduce a novel class of magnetically recoverable KHIs utilizing nanoparticle organic hybrid materials (NOHMs), named NOHM-I-PNIPAM, featuring a tunable Fe3O4 core-SiO2 shell structure with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) as the organic component. The chemical properties of NOHM-I-PNIPAM were characterized using TEM, FT-IR, and XPS. The hydrate kinetic inhibition performance was evaluated with a CH4 (90 %) + C2H6 (7 %) + C3H8 (3 %). Various grafting densities of PNIPAM on NOHMs and weight fractions of NOHM-I-PNIPAM were used to explore NOHM-I-PNIPAM’s role in the formation kinetics of natural gas hydrates under different cooling rates. Notably, the NOHM-I-PNIPAM (1.0), when utilized at a 2 wt% dosage, exhibited the most effective inhibition performance in terms of the onset temperature of CH4 (90 %) + C2H6 (7 %) + C3H8 (3 %) hydrate. Considering the effective concentration of PNIPAM in NOHM-I-PNIPAM, the inhibition performance was found to be comparable to that of conventional PNIPAM. Results showed that NOHM-I-PNIPAM is a promising KHI due to its combined properties of magnetic separation and comparable kinetic inhibition performance. Experimentally, NOHM-I-PNIPAM demonstrated stability over long-term cycles and was effectively magnetically separated. Hence, we believe that this work can provide valuable insights into the potential of NOHMs as recoverable and reusable KHIs for industrial applications for flow assurance.

A “performance-inheritance” strategy for achieving hydrophilic/hydrophobic fluorescent biomass-derived carbon dots through simple solvothermal treatments

It remains a challenge to obtain hydrophilic/hydrophobic materials with promising biocompatibility and environmental compatibility by simple methods. Herein, we designed a “performance-inheritance” strategy and for the first time constructed hydrophilic/hydrophobic fluorescent spirulina-derived carbon dots (CDs) through simple solvothermal treatments. The contact angle of hydrophobic CDs with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence is 110°, while hydrophilic CDs with blue fluorescence is 19°. We further revealed that the NIR luminescence is derived from the chlorophyll structure, while blue fluorescence is from the surface states. Based on the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of CDs, a ratiometric sensor was constructed to detect water content in organic solutions. In addition, CDs with NIR emission have low toxicity and good biocompatibility, making them efficient probes for bioimaging. This strategy provides a simple method for the high value-added conversion of algae and a new perspective for the “design-preparation-application” of biomass-derived CDs with specific properties.

Fe3C@Fe decorated carbonized wood Fiber catalyst for organic dyes degradation: Preparation, characterization and mechanism

The extensive use of organic dyes has led to significant water pollution. Using lignocellulosic waste as a precursor for catalysts preparation for sewage remediation presents an effective alternative with numerous advantages in sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compatibility. In this work, wood fiber waste collected from wood processing plants was decorated with Prussian blue (PB) and then annealed to produce carbonized wood fiber catalyst (Fe3C@Fe-CB). In the presence of peroxymonosulfate (PMS), the prepared catalyst could achieve over 98.69 % efficiency in degrading methylene blue (MB) solutions (20 mg/L) in 60 min across a pH range of 3 to 11. Electrochemical test and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis respectively verified that electron transfer pathway and radical pathway were the key factors for the degradation of MB. Cyclic degradation tests demonstrated that the degradation efficiency remained above 93.67 % after five recycling experiments. Moreover, the used magnetic catalyst can be easily recycled by magnet. This study proposed a facile and sustainable carbonized wood fiber catalyst decorated by Fe3C@Fe-CB, which could realize efficient elimination of organic dyes. Moreover, we offered a novel choice for dyes-polluted water treatment and paving a new route for converting low-value lignocellulosic waste to high-value utilizations.

Prevention and Control of Biofouling Coatings in Limnoperna fortunei: A Review of Research Progress and Strategies.

The increasing environmental concerns of conventional antifouling coatings have led to the exploration of novel and sustainable solutions to address the biofouling caused by Limnoperna fortunei. As a rapidly expanding invasive species, the fouling process of Limnoperna fortunei is closely associated with microbial fouling, posing significant threats to the integrity of aquatic infrastructure and biodiversity. This review discusses recent progress in the development of non-toxic, eco-friendly antifouling coatings that are designed to effectively resist biofouling without using toxic chemicals. Recent research has focused on developing novel non-toxic coatings that integrate natural bioactive components with advanced material technologies. These formulations not only meet current environmental standards and exhibit minimal ecological impact, but also possess significant potential in preventing the attachment, growth, and reproduction of Limnoperna fortunei. This review aims to provide scientific guidance by proposing effective and sustainable solutions to address the ecological challenges presented by Limnoperna fortunei. The insights gained from current research not only reveal novel antifouling methods, but also identify key areas for further investigation aimed at enhancing performance and environmental compatibility.

A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Membrane for PEM Fuel Cells Using Bacterial Cellulose.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an advantageous polymer due to its renewable nature, low cost, environmental compatibility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, chemical stability, and ease of modification. With these advantages, BC is an interesting candidate for the development of novel eco-friendly materials for proton-exchange membrane (PEM) applications. However, its practical applications have been limited by its relatively high dispersion in water, which usually occurs during the operation of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In addition, the proton conductivity of bacterial cellulose is poor. In this study, functionalized BC modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) was prepared using a solvent casting method to enhance its performance. The results showed that the water stability of the modified BC membrane was significantly improved, with the contact angle increasing from 54.9° to 103.3°. Furthermore, the optimum ratio of BC and APTES was used to prepare a proton-exchange membrane with a maximum proton conductivity of 62.2 mS/cm, which exhibited a power generation performance of 4.85 mW/cm2 in PEMFCs. It is worth mentioning that modified BC membranes obtained by combining an alkaline proton carrier (-NH2) with BC have rarely been reported. As fully bio-based conductive membranes for PEMFCs, they have the potential to be a low-cost, eco-friendly, and degradable alternative to expensive, ecologically problematic fluoric ionomers in short-term or disposable applications, such as biodegradable electronics and portable power supplies.

Environmental and economic assessment of energy projects.

The energy industry has a significant impact on the scarce fossil hydrocarbon resources and on the environment. The burning of natural energy carriers by traditional energy facilities is one of the factors increasing the content of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that entails serious climate changes. Evaluating the efficiency of energy enterprises and the implementation of energy projects requires an integrated approach that considers not only technical and economic aspects, but also the environmental impact. Such approach is especially important in the context of the energy transition and the implementation of circular economy principles. Despite the attention of scientists to the tasks of scientific, methodological, and practical determination of the economic efficiency and environmental consequences of energy projects, the issue of environmental and economic assessment remains relevant, in particular considering resource and environmental efficiency. The purpose of this study is to improve the methodological tools of environmental and economic assessment of energy projects. The authors propose an approach to the assessment of energy projects using an integral indicator. This indicator is calculated based on a system of specific indicators of the natural resource capacity and the environmental compatibility of energy production at the energy facility, considering the regional environmental conditions. The formed approach can be used for environmental and economic assessment and comparison of energy projects, fast-acting measures, and projects for the development of energy enterprises.

Impacts of a marine engineering project on hydrodynamics and diffusion characteristics of fluvial pollutants in Laizhou Bay, China

IntroductionThe rapid advances in marine engineering projects are exacerbating environmental pressures on bay ecosystems. This study utilized the MIKE 21 model to evaluate the impacts of such projects in Laizhou Bay (LZB) on hydrodynamic conditions and the spread of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) from riverine inputs.ResultsThe results indicated an expansion of 80.77 km2 in areas with DIN concentrations surpassing 0.5 mg/L 2 months after input from the Yellow River, with increased levels in the southern Yellow River Delta. Decreased flow velocities adjacent to the wave barriers at the Xiaoqing River estuary impeded lateral DIN dispersion, resulting in a 0.93 mg/L increase in DIN concentrations at the river mouth. After the construction of marine engineering projects (2020), significant alterations in the coastline of LZB have markedly modified hydrodynamic characteristics near marine structures, altering DIN dispersion patterns.ConclusionThis study provides crucial information for the management of pollutants at estuaries, understanding dispersion mechanisms, and evaluating the feasibility and environmental compatibility of marine engineering projects.

Nanomaterial-mediated strategies for enhancing bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: A systematic review

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are pervasive organic pollutants in the environment that are formed as an outcome of partial combustion of organic matter. PAHs pose a significant threat to ecological systems and human health due to their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. Therefore, an immediate need for effective PAH remediation methods is crucial. Although nanomaterials are effective for remediation of PAHs, concerns regarding environmental compatibility and sustainability remains. Therefore, this study emphasizes integration of nanomaterials with bioremediation methods, which might offer a more sustainable and ecofriendly approach to PAHs remediation. A systematic search was conducted through scholarly databases from 2013 to 2023. A total of 360 articles were scrutinized, among which 26 articles were selected that resonated with the application of nano-bioremediation. These literatures comprise both comparative analysis of bioremediation only as well as nano-bioremediation. There is an elevation of 18.9 % in PAHs removal of liquid-phase samples, when comparing bioremediation (52.2 %) with nano-bioremediation (71.1 %). A consistent trend was observed in soil samples, with bioremediation and nano-bioremediation that successfully remove PAHs, with 60.8 % and 75.1 % respectively, indicating a 14.3 % improvement. Furthermore, the review elaborated on the various features of nanomaterials that led to their efficiency in the bioremediation of PAH. The review also discussed the strategies of nano-bioremediation namely nanomaterial-assisted microbial degradation, nanomaterial-assisted enzyme-enhanced microbial activity, nanomaterial-immobilized microbial cells, nanomaterial-facilitated electron transfer, and even some eco-green approaches to remediate PAHs, like biogenic nanomaterial for PAHs.

Evaluating Microgrid Investments: Introducing the MPIR Index for Economic and Environmental Synergy

In view of the increasing environmental challenges and the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, the optimization of microgrid systems with regard to economic efficiency and environmental compatibility is becoming ever more important. This paper presents the Microgrid Performance and Investment Rating (MPIR) index, a novel assessment framework developed to link economic and environmental objectives within microgrid configurations. The MPIR index evaluates microgrid configurations based on five critical dimensions: financial viability, sustainability, regional renewable integration readiness, energy demand, and community engagement, facilitating comprehensive and balanced decision making. The current cases focus on the area of Greece; however, the model can have a wider application. Developed using a two-target optimization model, this index integrates various energy sources—including photovoltaics, micro-wind turbines, and different types of batteries—with advanced energy management strategies to assess and improve microgrid performance. This paper presents case studies in which the MPIR index is applied to different microgrid scenarios. It demonstrates its effectiveness in identifying optimal configurations that reduce the carbon footprint while maximizing economic returns. The MPIR index provides a quantifiable, scalable tool for stakeholders, not only advancing the field of microgrid optimization, but also aligning with global sustainability goals and promoting the transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

Synergistic corrosion inhibition of 4-hydroxypyridine and halogen ions: Insights from interfacial nonlinear spectroscopy.

4-Hydroxypiridine (4-HPy) is a green chemistry corrosion inhibitor for low-carbon steel, valued for its environmental compatibility and low toxicity. Despite lower initial effectiveness than 4-mercapto/4-aminopyridine, 4-HPy's performance is markedly enhanced by halogen ions. By employing second harmonic generation (SHG) spectroscopy combined with electrochemical methods, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and in situ UV spectroscopy, this study elucidates the synergistic enhancement mechanism of 4-HPy with Cl-, Br-, and I- in 0.5 mol/L HCl solution. Time-dependent SHG measurements showed a two-step process of rapid adsorption and subsequent orientation change, with a proposed mechanism to interpret the temporal changes in SHG intensity. Deducing the adsorption kinetic equations and their application to the experimental data yields the adsorption rate (kad) and orientation change rate (Kre). Halogens reduce the orientation angle of 4-HPy, facilitating its adsorption on the substrate surface and effectively inhibiting corrosion via distinct mechanisms. Cl- and Br- ions primarily adsorb onto the metal surface, forming an adsorption film that not only enhances the subsequent adsorption of 4-HPy but also provides a protective effect for the metal surface. Conversely, I- forms mainly complexes with 4-HPy in solution, co-adsorbs onto the metal surface, and demonstrates a significant synergistic effect. This study revealed the synergistic efficacy hierarchy among halogen ions, with the order 4HPy + NaCl < 4HPy + NaBr < 4HPy + NaI. This study enhances our molecular-level understanding of the synergistic mechanism between halogen ions and corrosion inhibitors and provides valuable insights for designing and developing effective corrosion inhibitors.

Water-Rewritable Structural Color Textiles with Fast Response Speed and Antispreading Capability.

The stimuli-responsive textiles, especially water-responsive textiles, have garnered attention owing to their environmental compatibility. Inspired by the hydrochromic behavior of Diphylleia grayi, water-rewritable structural color (WRSC) textiles exhibiting fast response speed and antispreading capability were fabricated by spraying hollow SiO2 (H-SiO2) microspheres and poly(trifluoroethyl methacrylate-butyl acrylate) [P(TFEMA-BA)]. The water-written textiles exhibited structural color changes in 0.6 s via an increase in the refractive index, driven by water penetrating the gaps between H-SiO2 microspheres. The structural color was restored to the initial state after the water evaporated, allowing multiple cycles of the write-erase-write mode. The hydrophobic P(TFEMA-BA) adhesive was used to construct a stable chromogenic array and endow WRSC textiles with antispreading properties, thereby improving structural stability and achieving clear writing patterns. The prepared WRSC textiles demonstrated high flexibility, structural stability, and water-rewritable properties, providing advanced bionic inspiration and valuable design ideas for rewritable materials and smart textiles.

Relevance of noise control for the development of acoustics in 20th century

Driven by progress and requirements of the advancing machine age, Acoustics of the 20th century has run through a tremendous development. Starting from a profound understanding and formulation of its theoretical physical framework by Hermann von Helmholtz and Lord Rayleigh at the end of the 19th century, Acoustics and its many sub-disciplines developed to an important technical and engineering discipline which, at the beginning of the 21st century, had become a basic design tool for environmental compatibility and comfort features of most technical products and utilities. In Europe, this development has strongly been driven by urgent requirements of fast after-war reconstruction and growing needs of noise control which enforced particular interactive efforts of research institutes and companies to cope with the challenges of the time. Based on recent widespread contributions to the history of European Acoustics presented at Forum Acusticum 2023 in Torino, the relevance of noise control for the development of Acoustics in the last century will be highlighted and appreciated. With reference to some typical examples, it will be shown how the disciplines of engineering acoustics and noise control essentially contributed to renew and strengthen acoustics as an indispensable interdisciplinary field of science and technology.