Fertilizer Industry Research Articles

Effect of Organic and Industrial Fertilizers on Reducing Sugar, Specific Gravity, Dry Matter and Starch Composition of Fresh Harvested Irish Potato Varieties in Musanze District Rwanda

Potatoes for use in industrial processing must have a low reducing sugar concentration. This study investigates the impact of organic and synthetic fertilizers on the composition of Irish potato cultivars’ reducing sugar, specific gravity, dry matter, and starch. The research was conducted at Busogo Farm in Rwanda, using randomized complete block designs in seasons 2021 B and 2022 A with rate of ten tones per hectare under the doses of 100%, 50%, and 0% and three hundred kilograms per hector under the dose of 100%, 50% and 0% respectively for farmyard manure and NPK 17.17.17. Results showed significant effects of season and treatment on reducing sugar levels in potatoes. Twihaze and Kirundo varieties recorded high glucose (0.09%), while Gisubizo variety in control, recorded low glucose (0.01%). Additionally, the analysis of variance showed that Irish potato varieties with low to moderate and moderate to high glucose contents, respectively, experienced extremely significant (p 0.001) effects of farmyard manure and NPK on glucose content for the seasons 2021 B and 2022 A. The application of inorganic and organic fertilizers had a significant impact (p 0.05) on dry matter in seasons B and A, according to the analysis of variance. Additionally, the results demonstrated extremely significant (p<0.01) differences in specific gravity and starch in both seasons, with Kinigi variety having higher values of dry matter, specific gravity, and starch content in season B and A, respectively, of 24.58, 1.10, and 18.59%. Season 2022 A’s high decreasing sugar levels were caused by meteorological conditions brought on by the soil’s high moisture content as well as the maturity of the tubers. Due to its low level of reducing sugar, Gikungu, Kirundo, and Kinigi are excellent for chips whereas Twihaze variety is advised for boiling cooking methods.

Enhanced solar urea synthesis from CO2 and nitrate waste via oxygen vacancy mediated-TiOx support lead-free perovskite

The nitrogen fertilizer industry, particularly urea production, notably contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Urea synthesis via solar energy encounters several challenges. Specifically, solar urea synthesis methods often exhibit low efficiency and yield, primarily stemming from inefficient energy conversion processes and intricate reaction pathways. Moreover, the kinetics of the urea synthesis reaction may be sluggish, thereby impacting the overall production rate. Therefore, in this study, we introduce a novel electron-reserve-enhanced Cs2CuBr4/TiOx-Ar (CCBT-Ar) structure for the photocatalytic synthesis of urea from CO2 and nitrate waste. Theoretical calculations and spectroscopic analysis underscore the critical role of oxygen vacancies (Ov) within the amorphous TiOx shell, enhancing reactant adsorption and catalyzing the rate-determining step (*OCONH2→*HOCONH2). However, the presence of Ov also results in significant carrier recombination, acting as trapping centers and reducing urea production activity. Importantly, we demonstrate that in-situ-grown carbon nanosheets, in conjunction with TiOx, function as efficient electron reservoirs, markedly mitigating trapping-induced recombination and facilitating electron redistribution. These reserved electrons can then actively participate in the urea synthesis process. As a result, the electron-reserve-enhanced structure exhibits robust solar urea yield and selectivity, even in challenging wastewater conditions. This work provides a rational and innovative approach to catalyst development in complex solar synthesis, offering promising avenues for the sustainable production of value-added chemicals while concurrently reducing carbon emissions.

Sociocultural aspects of the medicalisation of infertility: a comparative reading of two illness narratives

This paper is a comparative reading of variations in the medicalisation of infertility caused by sociocultural aspects, in two illness narratives by patients: Elizabeth Katkin’s Conceivability (2018), a story of...

(Invited) Electrifying Sulfate Waste for Gigaton-Scale Carbon Capture and Valuable Product Synthesis

Travertine has developed an innovative process for gigaton-scale carbon capture and sequestration that leverages sulfate waste from the mining and fertilizer industries. alt-splitting electrolysis powered by renewable energy is used to convert sulfate waste and carbon dioxide into carbonate minerals and hydrogen gas at the cathode, and sulfuric acid at the anode. The resulting carbonate minerals serve as a sustainable precursor for green cement, while the sulfuric acid is employed to extract critical elements. An increased demand for critical elements over the next several decades (particularly for energy storage and fertilizer applications) will supply sufficient waste to permanently sequester CO2 at the gigaton per year scale. Notably, for every ton of sulfuric acid produced, 0.45 tons of CO2 are permanently sequestered as carbonate minerals. Travertine is currently designing a pilot system to capture 1 ton of CO2 per day, and the technology represents a transformative and economically viable solution to both climate change and resource sustainability.

De-emulsifying barriers to the circular economy-a fertilizer industry perspective

PurposeThe fertilizer industry (FI) is well known for its high energy needs, reliance on limited natural resources, and negative environmental impacts (EIs). The consumption of 14.2 billion tons (BT) of materials and the extraction of 1,580 tons of resources per acre are solely attributed to the FI. Because of FI's resource and energy-intensive nature, it becomes crucial for FI to adopt a Circular Economy (CE) to improve efficiency, energy, and resource reuse. However, FI needs to strengthen its progress toward CE adoption. The proposed study comprehends and examines the barriers that inhibit the adoption of CE in FI.Design/methodology/approachA total of 15 barriers obstructing the CE in FI are identified and categorized into seven different categories. The barriers were identified by performing a comprehensive literature review and expert input. The study employs the DEMATEL approach to analyze the barriers and establish a causal relationship between them.FindingsThe study reveals that the most significant challenge to implementing CE in FI is governmental restrictions, which are followed by a lack of awareness and understanding and a need for a steady supply of bulk materials. The results comprehensively comprehend the pivotal factors that jeopardize the CE in FI and furnish a robust foundation for the methodology and tactics to surmount the barriers to CE adoption.Originality/valueThe literature review encompasses the barriers to the transition to CE and offers management and policy perspectives that help the FI's policy and decision-makers surmount these barriers with future research endeavors.

Monitoring dynamics of biocrust rehabilitation in acid-saturated desert soils

The study explores the aftermath of a wastewater reservoir failure in a phosphate fertilizer industry, resulting in the release of acidic water containing phosphorus and sulfate compounds into the Ashalim stream’s Nature Reserve in the Judean desert, which affected the soil surface biological crusts (biocrusts) layer. The study aims to examine contamination effects on biocrusts over 3 years at two research sites along the stream, compare effects between contaminated sites, assess rehabilitation treatments, and examine their impact on soil characteristics. Hypotheses suggest significant damage to biocrusts due to acidic water flow, requiring human intervention for accelerated restoration. The results indicate adverse effects on biocrust properties, risking its key role in the desert ecosystem. The biocrust layer covering the stream’s ground surface suffered significant physical, chemical, and biological damage due to exposure to industrial process effluents. However, soil enrichment treatments, including biocrust components and organic material, show promising effects on biocrust recovery.

O-175 Ethical practices and policies for ART carbon reduction

Abstract Background The carbon emissions of global health care activities make up 4-5% of total world emissions, placing the health care industry on par with the food sector. Health care contributes to climate change and climate change health hazards. Safe amounts of carbon in the atmosphere have been exceeded—in part because of medical lifestyles in the industrialized world. A significant proportion of health care carbon comes from pharmaceuticals and clinical services in the developed world, including reproductive technologies. Since 1978, approximately 12 million babies have been born through IVF alone. Problem statement Reproductive technologies have an exceptional impact on the environment as they 1. expend carbon in the medical process, 2. increase population growth in mostly high-carbon countries, 3. impact earth’s carrying capacity, and 4. create a carbon legacy. This would not necessarily be ethically problematic, but in a climate crisis carbon emissions must be reduced in all areas of life. Objectives This presentation by an ethicist (PhD) will: 1. Highlight aspects of environmental ethics for reproductive technologies 2. Offer practices and policies to make reproductive technologies more sustainable. Takeaways • Prevention of infertility fits within basic health care. • Carbon emissions from reproductive technologies can be reduced by life cycle assessments (LCA) of the procedures and components. • Clinical evidence can inform ethical policies to reduce the number and kind of reproductive technologies, thereby lowering fertility industry carbon emissions. • New scientific and technological developments in reproduction must consider sustainability proactively, not reactively, thus putting ethics in the pipeline of reproductive medicine. Further Reading Bhopal A, and Norheim O. Priority setting and net zero healthcare: how much health can a tonne of carbon buy?. BMJ 2021; 375:e067199. Pichler, P.-P. et al., “International Comparison of Health Care Carbon Footprints,” Environmental Research Letters 14, no. 6 (2019): 064004. Richie, Cristina. Environmental Ethics and Medical Reproduction (Oxford University Press, 2024.

Soil Fertility, Fertilizers, and Crop Nutrition: Past, Present, and Future

AbstractThe 20th century saw the development of a highly efficient nutrient industry producing affordable fertilizers that contributed greatly to increased food, feed, fiber, and fuel production for a growing global population. Plant nutrient production and use in the 21st century faces pressure to improve efficiency and outcomes. The nutrient industry has historically operated with large volumes and low margins, and has, at times, been slow to embrace innovations. However, the landscape has changed, driven by the demand for superior products, practices, and environmental stewardship. This transition marks the advent of what experts term “responsible plant nutrition” (International Fertilizer Association, 2024). This is the third and final article in a series on the past, present, and future of the North American fertilizer industry. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.

Evaluation of local compost methods for soil management in northwestern Nigeria: Advanced scientific theories and economic values

Compost technology is an advanced technology that involves the transformation of organic materials and organic waste/sludge into organic manures/fertilizers. This method was locally applied by many rural farmers in northwestern Nigeria long ago. It has been used by farmers as the best method for soil quality and soil fertility management in dryland and fadama areas of the region. This research paper was built to provide scientific advances in common compost methods in northwestern Nigeria. Approximately twelve (12) different methods were surveyed and explained based on cultural practices and scientific theories. These composting methods include dumping, hole-gathering, burning, container-packed, open-build, farm-tunnel, pond-manure, lake-fill-in, irrigated-bed-in, home-bin, farm-cattle and sheet-composting methods. These sets of methods were provided with specific instructions, fundamentals and theoretical justifications. There have been broad advances in how these methods can be used to generate revenues, create jobs, ensure safe and well-frained environments, improve food security and decrease or to some extent control the spread of malaria and other related human diseases in northwestern Nigeria. This study provides suggestions for better use of organic materials/sludge, development of bioorganic fertilizer industries, and continued revision of sustainable agricultural management with negative chemicals.

Risk management and loss prevention strategies for fertilizer industries

ABSTRACT Various toxic and flammable gases exist in the fertilizer industry whose release quantification is very important regarding emergency preparedness, planning and response, and well-being of the community. ALOHA threat zones and threat at a point coupled with MARPLOT are evaluated for ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen release, and outdoor and indoor concentrations of these gases in nearby residences and highways calculated. These footprints are calculated using ALOHA which requires inputs such as site data, site location, building type, gas name, atmospheric inputs, release source information and dispersion model to display the threat zone, which can then be shown on MARPLOT. Potential impact of these releases on the community is mitigated through releasing equipment isolations, water sprays for dilutions, dilutions through steam or air and emergency sirens for information. This article covers hazards in the fertilizer industry, and provides general guidelines for operational staff of any industry to mitigate hazards.

Bridging Reproductive and Productive Work: The Case of Surrogates in California

ABSTRACT In this article, we explore the perspectives of commercial gestational surrogates in California, USA. Women who gestate for others reveal themselves as important agents in the process of giving meaning and cultural legitimacy to their practice, thus demonstrating their capacity to act in their own interest and resignify their work in their own terms. To them, surrogacy is more than wage labor. They assert the importance of their experience as a source of professional skills, downplaying its monetary value and placing it within favorable moral frameworks, thus finding cultural legitimacy. In doing so, they bridge the divide between traditional female reproductive work (unpaid emotional, relational, and care work) and productive work (paid professional work in the public sphere). They achieve this without subverting the underlying values of western kinship. The results shed light on employability and entrepreneurship of surrogates in the fertility industry of California.

Examining the persistent and transient technical efficiency of the Indian fertilizer industry

ABSTRACT This study examines the persistent and transient technical efficiency of the Indian fertilizer industry using the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) model developed by Kumbhakar et al. (2014). The firm-level data is obtained from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) for the time frame spanning from 2009 to 2019. The results demonstrate a potential scope to enhance technical efficiency, with an average increase of up to 20%. It varies across firms where state-owned enterprises (SOEs) can achieve maximum improvement through continuous efforts to enhance efficiency by restructuring operations. Similarly, leveraging advanced technology and management practices can elevate efficiency by 20% by minimizing transient inefficiency. The result from Tobit regression suggests that private firms (individual and part of conglomerate) are more technically efficient than SOEs. The firms’ age, financial performance, and R&D are positively related to persistent and transient TE. Meanwhile, the size and embodied technology are positive and significant in influencing persistent TE. Private firms with R&D or embodied technology activities have no extra premium of higher TE against the R&D activity of SOEs. It underscores that the effectiveness of innovative activity varies across ownership of the firms due to differences in structure and functioning.

Heavy Metal Intake by Fishes of Different River Locations in Bangladesh: A Comparative Statistical Review

Bangladesh a nation with a high population density, gets all of the protein it needs from river fishes. The observation is very alarming that heavy metals polluted the major river water by the growing garment washing, dyeing and textile, fertilizer, cement, tannery, metal, electrochemical and pharmaceutical industries were the main culprits that don’t have proper effective effluent treatment plants (ETP). High-value heavy metals in industrial area river fish as chromium (Cr) 164.73 mg/kg in Heteropneustes fossilis (stinging catfish) at Buriganga River, Hazaribagh, zinc (Zn) 309.47 mg/kg in Mastacembelus armatus (Bain) fish at Bangshi river, Savar, copper (Cu) 26.33 mg/kg in Mastacembelus armatus (Bain) at Bangshi river, Savar, arsenic (As) 5.64 mg/kg in Heteropneustes fossilis (stinging catfish) at Bangshi river, Savar, lead (Pb) 18.16 mg/kg in Channa punctatus (Taki) at Buriganga river, Hazaribagh and cadmium (Cd) 2.03 mg/kg in Heteropneustes fossilis (stinging catfish) at Buriganga river, Hazaribagh were observed. The two rivers are identified as most contaminated by heavy metals one is the Bangshi River, Savar, Gazipur and another one Buriganga River, Hazaribagh. The main reason for the contamination of these two rivers was uncontrolled industrialization around Dhaka and in Hazaribagh, a huge number of tanneries have grown that use a huge quantity of Cr creating a threat to the ecosystem and even a serious health risk for humans. Heavy metals that fish consume are contaminating river water ecosystems. This contamination spreads to human bodies and is the cause of many serious ailments.

A Review Study on Comparison of G+10 Structure with Several Materials Masonry, Concrete and Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum Panel (GFRG)

Glass fiber reinforced gypsum plasterboard (GFRG) is an environmentally friendly product. They are made of modified plaster and reinforced with fiberglass strips. Its main use is in the construction of walls, but it can also be used in combination with reinforced concrete on floors and roofs. The panels have voids that can be filled with concrete or reinforced with steel bars to increase strength and ductility. These panels can be used as an alternative building material to replace bricks and concrete blocks. IIT Madras has conducted several research studies and developed a structural design manual for designing buildings constructed by GFRG. Phosphor gypsum is a by-product of the fertilizer industry. In addition to its use as a fertilizer, building material, and soil stabilizer, approximately 85% of phosphor gypsum is disposed of near phosphate plants, which require large disposal sites. Phosphorus from gypsum can be effectively removed by creating glass fiber reinforced gypsum plasterboard (GFRG), also known as fast wall. They may or may not be used as support structures. In this research work we design three different models of G+10 in 5th zone of earthquake as on IS code. The lateral load such as earthquake is to be classified as live horizontal forces acting on the structure depending on the structure’s geographic location, height, shape and structural material. In this study, a multi-story Glass fiber reinforced panel and Brick-infill and concrete block infill wall building has been shown and performed by using software ETABS constructed on a plan ground having G+10 stories. Keywords: GFRG Panels, Concrete Blocks, Clay Bricks, Lateral Loading, Light weight Construction and Masonry etc.

Balance Between the Economy and the Environment

Economy and environment are variables contained in the principles of sustainable development which underlie legal regulations related to the environment in various countries in the world. Nevertheless, there is still environmental pollution and damage that occurs, such as air pollution caused by industrial activities from fertilizer factories that produce ammonia-based fertilizer which pollutes the air in residential areas around the factory, which shows an imbalance between the economy and the environment. On the one hand, this economic activity is an effort aimed at creating community welfare, but on the other hand, this activity causes disruption to the community in obtaining a good living environment. The results of this research show that ammonia gas is a compound produced from the fertilizer industry process which is toxic and pollutes the environment. Ammonia is a poisonous gas, colorless and has a distinctive odor which can cause problems with human health and even death. However, the ammonia gas that spreads to residential areas around the factory is caused by wind blowing towards the settlement and this is not dangerous, because the wind blows the levels of ammonia gas to decrease. However, the presence of an ammonia-based fertilizer factory does not necessarily mean that society is free from the threat of this gas, because there have been several incidents of ammonia gas leaks in various parts of the world which have caused material losses and claimed many lives.

Investigation of doxycycline residues in bones after oral administration to broiler chickens.

Chicken bones, a by-product of the poultry industry, can directly or indirectly enter the food chain. Bone meal and bone products could be sources of many contaminants. Considering the wide range of uses made of bones in the culinary and food industries, this material needs to be safe and antibiotic residue-free. To determine if such is the case, the concentration of doxycycline in chicken bones was investigated, this antimicrobial being one of the most commonly used in poultry production. Ross 308 broilers were grouped into three experimental and one control group. Doxycycline was administered in drinking water at therapeutic and sub-therapeutic doses, as well as via spray treatment. The concentration of doxycycline in bones was determined post slaughter by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Doxycycline was quantified at 135 μg/kg 22 days after the last day of antibiotic administration at therapeutic doses; 2,285 μg/kg after sub-therapeutic treatment for 27 days and 9.62 μg/kg 22 days after the end of spray application. High concentrations and long persistence of doxycycline in bones were found in this study. Doxycycline can contaminate all bone-derived products in the food and fertiliser industries.

Aerobic composting characteristics of corn straw and pig manure under dynamic aeration

ABSTRACT The conventional aeration method is compulsorily continuous ventilation or aeration at equal intervals, and a uniform aeration rate does not vary during composting. A dynamic on-demand aeration approach based on the diverse oxygen consumption of microorganisms at different composting stages could solve the problems of insufficient oxygen supply or excessive aeration. This study aims to design an aerobic composting system with dynamic aeration, investigate the effects of dynamic aeration on the temperature rise and physicochemical characteristics during the aerobic composting of corn straw and pig manure, and optimise the control parameters of oxygen concentration. Higher temperatures and longer high-temperature durations were achieved under dynamic aeration, thereby accelerating the decomposition of organic compounds. Dynamic aeration effectively reduced the aeration frequency, the convective latent heat and moisture losses, and the power consumption in the middle and later stages of composting. The dynamic aeration regulated according to the oxygen concentration of 14%–17% in the exhaust was optimum. Under the optimal conditions, the period above 50 ℃ lasted 8.5 days, and the highest temperature, organic matter removal, and seed germination index reached 65.82 ℃, 37.59%, and 74.59%, respectively. The power consumption was decreased by 33.58% compared to the traditional intermittent aeration. Dynamic aeration would be a competitive approach for improving aerobic composting characteristics and reducing the power consumption and the hot exhaust gas emissions, especially in the cooling maturation stage, which was of great significance for realising the low-cost production of composting at scale and promoting the blossom of the organic fertiliser industry.

Novel Synthesis of Nanocalcite from Phosphogypsum and Cesium Carbonate: Control and Optimization of Particle Size

This study investigates a controlled synthesis and particle size optimization of nanocalcite particles using phosphogypsum, a waste byproduct from the phosphate fertilizer industry, and cesium carbonate (Cs2CO3), a common carbonate source. The effects of synthesis parameters, including temperature and pH, on the size, morphology, and crystallinity of the synthesized nanocalcite particles were systematically examined. The optimized synthesis conditions for obtaining nanocalcite particles with desired properties are discussed. The synthesized nanocalcite particles were characterized using various techniques, such as XRD, FTIR, and SEM, to analyze their crystal structure, morphology, and elemental composition. Particle sizes were determined using the Debye–Scherrer method, and accordingly, nanometric sizes were achieved. The potential applications of the synthesized nanocalcite particles in cementitious materials, agriculture, and drug delivery are highlighted. This research provides valuable insights into the sustainable synthesis and size optimization of nanocalcite particles from phosphogypsum and Cs2CO3 at a controlled temperature and pH.

Exploring the potential of nitrophosphogypsum and calcined water-treatment plant sludges in mortar mixtures: A study on workability and strength

Mortar mixtures that consider alternative mineral admixtures are of constant research interest to reduce ordinary Portland cement (OPC) content thereby lowering final cost and carbon footprint. An additional concern is the proper management of industrial process residues that could be used in mortar mixes to avoid their disposal in landfills or water bodies. This work investigated the potential of using calcined water treatment plant sludge (CWTPS) and nitrophosphogypsum (NPG) - a byproduct of the fertilizer industry - as partial replacements of OPC in mortar mixtures. For this purpose, this research evaluates the crystallographic, chemical, and physical properties of NPG and CWTPS through X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). XRF and XRD findings strongly suggests that CWTPS qualifies as supplementary cementitious materials, due to its high content of silicon and aluminum oxides in a non-crystalline state. On the other hand, NPG could be used as a mineral admixture. The design of mixtures was based on the workability of 85% flow. The evaluation of properties encompasses the measurement of density, compressive strength, durability (pH and sulfate environments), and water absorption. The results demonstrate that incorporating of NPG and CWTPS to mortar mixes, each at a 5% inclusion rate (with a total replacement of 10% of OPC), increase compressive strength by up to 6.65% at 90 days compared to the control group in mortar mixes. However, the inclusion of NPG and CWTPS significantly decreases the workability of mortar mixes by up to 51.49%. The utilization of NPG as a partial replacement for OPC increases the water-to-cement ratio proportionally compared to the control sample, which can be explained by the anhydrite content of this byproduct. For its part, replacing 10% of OPC with NPG and CWTPS results in a 1.99% decrease in resistance after 28 days in sulfated environments compared to specimens cured in lime water. This protection of NPG against sulfate attack on mortars is based on the fact that SO3 saturation hinders the phase change from AFt to AFm during curing, as demonstrated by the XRD results. Additionally, the inclusion of NPG in mortar mixes increases capillary water absorption by up to 19.8%, while CWTPS, due to its pozzolanic nature, reduces it by up to 5.75%. Finally, this study explores the potential combined use of NPG and CWTPS in mortar mixes as a partial replacement for cement, presenting a viable and sustainable alternative for these cementitious-based construction materials.

Cost-competitive decentralized ammonia fertilizer production can increase food security

The current centralized configuration of the ammonia industry makes the production of nitrogen fertilizers susceptible to the volatility of fossil fuel prices and involves complex supply chains with long-distance transport costs. An alternative consists of on-site decentralized ammonia production using small modular technologies, such as electric Haber–Bosch or electrocatalytic reduction. Here we evaluate the cost-competitiveness of producing low-carbon ammonia at the farm scale, from a solar agrivoltaic system, or using electricity from the grid, within a novel global fertilizer industry. Projected costs for decentralized ammonia production are compared with historical market prices from centralized production. We find that the cost-competitiveness of decentralized production relies on transport costs and supply chain disruptions. Taking both factors into account, decentralized production could achieve cost-competitiveness for up to 96% of the global ammonia demand by 2030. These results show the potential of decentralized ammonia technologies in revolutionizing the fertilizer industry, particularly in regions facing food insecurity.