Field Of Environmental Engineering Research Articles

Environmental Blindspots: Identification and Mitigation using Technologies, Education, and Policies

Objectives:“Environmental Blindspots” are newly defined as a type of social problem within the realm of various environmental pollution and climate issues, wherein they are pushed down in priority due to factors such as corporate profit, consumer preferences, and government regulations, consequently remaining unresolved. This ultimately leads citizens to experience a sense of guilt. Despite the significant influence they wield on the welfare of current and future generations, various environmental social issues characterized by environmental blindspots (such as micro-hazardous substances like microplastics and environmental hormones) fail to become major considerations in societal decision-making. Consequently, they are not actively discussed within the social community. This absence of social consensus on these issues reflects the current situation. As a result, citizens repeatedly make choices that do not prioritize environmental values due to a perception of powerlessness stemming from the absence of environmentally friendly options, the belief that the issue is too immense to tackle individually, and lack of knowledge about specific actions to take for environmental problem-solving, among other factors. In this process, they experience involuntary and deliberate emotions of guilt. Since environmental blindspots are issues collectively experienced by the societal community comprising citizens, businesses, and government, solutions must also be derived collectively through collective thinking. This review has endeavored to incorporate such efforts.Methods:In this review, to develop a more effective interdisciplinary research methodology for addressing the previously mentioned environmental social issues, ten interdisciplinary researchers from the Environmental Engineering and Social Sciences fields at the center for convergence research (SEBIS) collaborated, leveraging their respective expertise to document literature survey results. Firstly, they reported on the environmental behavior, toxicity, distribution, and regulatory status of micro-hazardous substances, namely (micro)plastics and volatile organic compounds, which are the research subjects of the Environmental Blindspot Research Center. Secondly, they compiled relevant treatment technologies. Subsequently, they described the socio-structural causes of environmental blindspots and various solutions to environmental social issues through social science methodologies.Results and Discussion:To address the environmental blindspots, a key environmental social issue, it is necessary to advance various environmental technologies alongside responsible production by businesses and the enhancement of citizen environmental awareness. It is crucial for the government to institutionalize policies in the public domain to achieve this. Understanding the structural roles of citizens, businesses, and government is essential. It requires ethical consumer awareness and active participation, public campaigns and education, as well as effective government environmental policies to incentivize environmental friendly technological innovations by companies.Conclusion:In this review, the issue of environmental blindspots as an environmental social issue is being addressed comprehensively for the first time. Through this, we aim to establish an effective communication and cooperation system among social entities to explore solutions to environmental blindspots, and to propagate this ability to address social issues to future academic generations.

Enzyme initiated in situ gelation as an oxygen-tolerant, high adhesive, and versatile strategy for hydrogel coating preparation

Hydrogel coatings have great potential for applications in antifouling, biomedical, and electronic fields, but the lack of preparation strategies with mild gel-forming conditions, high adhesion, and versatility hinders their widespread use. Herein, a method called glucose oxidase (GOD)-initiated in situ gelation (GOD-IIG) is developed for preparing hydrogel coatings. The procedure includes immobilizing Fe[Gly]2 and GOD on the surface of the substrates by forming an intermediate layer using epoxy resin, and then immersing the pre-treated substrates into a monomer solution to initiate polymerization. In situ gelation on the surface of the substrates is triggered by free radicals generated through the redox reaction between ferrous glycine (Fe[Gly]2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced by the GOD-catalyzed glucose oxidation process, which can be carried out in open-air environments. Using the GOD-IIG method, hydrogel coatings constructed from common low-adhesive polymers displayed an adhesive strength of up to 686 kPa and stable underwater adhesion for at least 7 days. Moreover, this method shows controllable hydrogel thickness and recyclable monomer solution for at least 25 times at room temperature. It is also applicable to a variety of hydrogel structures and substrates, such as plastic, metal, and glass, regardless of flatness or geometry. In order to demonstrate the applications of hydrogel coatings prepared by GOD-IIG method, the lubrication and antifouling abilities of the coatings were assessed, and the results indicated that the coatings had good hydration lubrication as well as oil and biofouling resistance. This method holds promise for advancing the preparation of hydrogel coatings and has potential applications in the fields of electrical, biological, and environmental engineering.

Impact of insulation on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in high-rise commercial buildings at various climate zones

Abstract This study investigates the impact of insulation on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in high-rise commercial buildings across various climate zones. Through a simulation-based approach using the Hourly Analysis Program (HAP), the effectiveness of insulation in reducing energy demand and carbon emissions are evaluated. The research includes multiple climatic regions of Afghanistan, including arid, semi-arid, and mountainous zones. Methodologically, detailed building characteristics, climatic data, and insulation materials are considered, with energy modeling techniques applied to assess the performance of insulation measures. Results indicate varying degrees of energy savings and CO2 emissions reduction associated with insulation across different climate zones, in cities such as Kabul, Herat, Mazar, and Kandahar. Furthermore, the study calculates CO2 emissions reduction resulting from insulation addition, emphasizing the importance of sustainable building practices in mitigating environmental impacts. By underscoring the scientific value of this research in addressing a pressing global challenge and providing actionable insights for building design and energy policy, this study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of sustainable construction and environmental engineering.

Prediction of Submergence of Islands Due to Glacier Melting & Sea Level Rise using Deep Learning

Prediction of Submergence of Island Due to Glacier Melting & Sea Level Rise will have significant contribution in the field of Environmental Engineering. This research paper present comprehensive overview of development and implementation this project, which designed to predict the submergence of island especially Lakshadweep Islands which is union territory of India. Capitalizing technologies like LSTM for forecasting sea level rise over period of time and Linear Regression for forecasting glacier melting and python for model training. To enhance the user experience also making it easy to understand the prediction we integrated JavaScript via python ELL framework to show charts and outputs. This paper discusses about the technical innovations, methodology and result of the project. It also spotlights its potential to help people living in islands which are submerging to evacuate them before this threat. This project aims to develop system to migrate people living on island and saving thousands of lives. Key Words: Submergence, LSTM, JavaScript, EEL, Model Training, Linear Regression, User Interface

EVALUATION OF THE BIOSORPTION OF Mn²⁺ AND Zn²⁺ BY PASSION FRUIT PEEL: STUDY OF DOSAGE AND CONTACT TIME

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate he effectiveness of Mn2+ and Zn2+ biosorption by passion fruit peel as a sustainable and economically viable alternative to the biosorption process. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises the characterization of the biomass and batch tests. Tests were carried out with different masses of biomass in standard solutions of the metals investigated. The biosorption capacity of the biomass and the removal efficiency were calculated based on the differences in concentration of the metal ions. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the biomass showed high efficiency (close to 100%) for both cations. The contact time of 30 minutes was sufficient to reach equilibrium in the biosorption capacity of the metals, indicating the speed and effectiveness of the process. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research provide valuable information on the application of passion fruit peel as a biosorbent in the removal of potentially toxic metals from contaminated wastewater. These results may influence practices in the field of environmental remediation and environmental engineering, as well as in agro-industrial waste management. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the originality of using passion fruit peel in natura as a biosorbent, presenting an innovative and sustainable approach to the remediation of contaminated effluents. The high efficiency of ion removal with low biomass dosages and short contact times adds knowledge to the field of biosorption using agro-industrial waste.

Construction of cationic conjugated microporous polymers containing pyrene units through post-cationic modification for enhanced antibacterial performance

BackgroundThe development of effective antibacterial agents with minimal cytotoxicity to human cells is a subject of great interest. Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) are a rapidly expanding and significant class of porous organic polymers. They are distinguished by their robust microporous architecture and π-conjugated framework. The molecular-level control over the pore structure and chemical composition of CMPs allows for precise customization to fulfill particular requirements. MethodsWe synthesized a cationic conjugated microporous polymer named Pyr-T-DPM Me CMP. This was achieved through post-synthetic modification of a pyrene-T-linked conjugated microporous polymer, Pyr-T-DPM CMP, formed via the Sonogashira coupling reaction of ethynyl pyrene (Pyr-T) and 2,5-dibromopyrimidine (Pyrimidine-Br2). The comprehensive analysis involved various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm, 13C solid-state NMR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Significant findingsThe antimicrobial efficacy of the newly synthesized CMPs was tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. Due to the formation of N-methylpyrimidinium salts after quaternization, the cationic Pyr-T-DPM Me CMP exhibited enhanced bactericidal effectiveness against S. aureus compared to Pyr-T-DPM CMP, which lacked a positive charge. The viability of bacteria decreased with increasing concentrations of Pyr-T-DPM Me CMP, reaching maximum antimicrobial effectiveness at a concentration of 5 mg mL−1. To assess their impact on cell compatibility, we evaluated the cytotoxic effects on L929 cell fibroblasts, revealing minimal cytotoxicity towards L929 cells. Inspired by the superior antibacterial characteristics and exceptionally low toxicity of Pyr-T-DPM Me CMP, the novel cationic CMP developed in this study holds potential for application as beneficial antibacterial agent in the fields of environmental engineering and healthcare.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (2014-2023) by Using Bibliometric Analysis Method

Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) are increasingly crucial for stormwater management. This bibliometric review analyses research trends on sustainable urban drainage systems over the past decade (2014- 2023) using data from Scopus. The analysis found 705 articles, 192 conference papers, 85 book chapters, and 64 reviews on sustainable urban drainage systems. Publication volume increased by 66% during the study period, indicating rising research interest. The most cited article (294 citations) was a 2019 review by Andrés-Doménech et al. on innovations in sustainable urban drainage systems. Analysis of author keywords revealed 8 clusters of research topics, with "sustainable urban drainage systems" being the dominant term with 889 keywords. Although general sustainable urban drainage system terms prevail, the use of keywords related to network visualization methods like VOS viewer is rapidly increasing. The United Kingdom published the most SUDS research (315 articles), followed by China (149), Spain (135), the United States (126), and Italy (107 articles). Research was concentrated in the environmental science and engineering fields. However, this bibliometric analysis provides insights into SUDS research trends, the most active countries and institutions, and emerging topic areas. The rapid increase in publications and use of network visualization techniques demonstrates SUDS' growing importance in urban stormwater management. The results can help inform future research directions, such as applying advanced data analytics to improve SUDS design and performance. Expanding bibliometric analyses with additional techniques like VOS viewer could further enhance understanding of this critical area of urban environmental research. Developing bibliometric methods and adding feature extraction algorithms when selecting features used to model data can increase the efficiency and accuracy of the data on sustainable urban drainage systems. The development of research data using Vos viewers images with this type of data processing research can also be maximized for research related to the sustainable urban drainage system.

Advanced Filtration Techniques in Environmental Engineering

Granular filters and membrane filters, two essential filtration methods in environmental engineering, are thoroughly examined in this study. These techniques greatly aid air pollution control problems and water and wastewater treatment. The first section of the study outlines the basic ideas that underpin each filtration technique. The mechanical particle trapping mechanisms of granular filters, their wide range of applications in water treatment, and design factors, including media kinds and layers, are all examined. On the other hand, membrane filters are closely scrutinised because of their size exclusion principles, variety of types (from microfiltration to ultrafiltration), and vital function in industrial waste treatment and desalination processes. The study goes into additional detail about the maintenance, clogging, and financial ramifications that different filtering techniques must deal with. A comparison analysis provides insights into each method's applicability for various environmental engineering applications by illuminating its efficacy, affordability, and application specificity. The study's conclusion considers the potential for growth and current and upcoming technical developments in the filtration industry. This study lays the groundwork for forthcoming advancements and uses in the field of environmental engineering while also highlighting the significance of these filtering methods in modern ecological engineering.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Using Carica papaya Leaf Extract

AbstractEnvironmental methodologies are gaining recognition in this modern world. Environmental nanotechnology plays a major role in improving modern fields of environmental engineering and science. Metal oxide nanoparticles have exceptional properties due to their small size, including quantum confinement, surface‐to‐volume ratio, plasmon excitation, high biocompatibility, and surface modifiability. The biosynthesis of nanoparticles using fungi, bacteria, and plants through various biotechnological techniques is currently a new paradigm for environmental protection. Synthesis of nanoparticles through plant extract is good because it eliminates the dangers of toxic chemicals, it is environmentally friendly, simpler, and safer as the reaction time is reduced and it can also be increased in size for higher operation. The present study is based on the development of zinc oxide nanoparticles from papaya leaf extract where zinc nitrate is used as a precursor. The biosynthesized nanoparticles are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, UV‐visible spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering analysis. The crystalline phase determination of the zinc oxide nanoparticles is analyzed by X‐ray diffraction and the formation of polycrystalline zinc oxide nanoparticles is confirmed. FT‐IR spectrum reveals the main functional groups and chemical information in zinc oxide nanostructures. Morphological analysis is performed using SEM at different magnification levels. EDAX analysis shows the purity of the composite samples. Optical characterization is performed using a UV–vis spectrophotometer. DLS analysis shows that the nanoparticles formed have a relatively well‐defined dimension.

Analysis of Vibration Responses Induced by Metro Operations Using a Probabilistic Method

The environmental vibrations of tunnels and soil caused by metro operations is one of the most important issues in the field of environmental geotechnical engineering. Recent studies in metro-induced vibrations have revealed significant uncertainties in the vibration responses of tunnels and the surrounding soil. A two-step method of obtaining train loads considering uncertainty was introduced. The first step was to obtain the train loads via an inverse model based on measurements, and the second step was to quantify the uncertainty of train loads based on complex principal component analysis. A portion of a tunnel of the Beijing metro was selected as the object of study, where the vertical accelerations on the rail and on the tunnel wall were measured under different train speeds of 35, 45 and 55 km/h. Inputting the train loads based on the measured rail accelerations into an axisymmetric numerical model, established using ANSYS, the vibration responses of the tunnel wall in a probabilistic framework were calculated and were compared with the measured results. By using an accuracy index that considers both calculation bias and uncertainty, the accuracy of the calculated vibration response was quantitatively evaluated. It can be concluded that the calculated vibration response can reflect the actual vibration level and uncertainty of the tunnel wall. The accuracies of the calculated results under different speeds were generally high while showing a slight difference in amplitude.

High electricity generation and exhaust gas treatment enhancement using a microbial fuel cell of biological cathode equipped with conductive packing materials

Biotrickling filters (BTFs) designed for the treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have attracted much attention in the field of environmental engineering. As one of the main pollutants in VOCs, xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon that poses a threat to human health. In this study, a biotrickling filter-microbial fuel cell (BTF-MFC) system was constructed to treat p-xylene by using a BTF filled with conductive packing materials as the biocathode for microbial fuel cell (MFC). The BTF-MFC showed good p-xylene removal performance even at high inlet concentrations. The elimination capacity reached 27.67 g/m3h at a 400 s empty bed residence time, and the removal efficiency reached 98.31% at a 300 s empty bed residence time. The conductive packing materials added to the BTF-MFC effectively promoted bacterial colonization, which as a result promoted p-xylene degradation and increased power output. The output voltage reached 725 mV, with a power density of 3.50 W/m2. The abundance of the genera Hydrogenophaga, Flavihumibacter, Chryseobacterium, and Mycobacterium, which have an excellent degradation capacity for aromatic compounds, increased during BTF-MFC operation.

Preface: 3rd International Conference on Green Environmental Materials and Food Engineering (GEMFE 2023)

We gratefully acknowledge the presence of all participants on the 2023 3rd International Conference on Green Environmental Materials and Food Engineering (GEMFE 2023), which was successfully held during November 25-26, 2023 in Rome, Italy. GEMFE 2023 aimed to provide a platform for experts, scholars, engineers, technicians, and R&D personnel to share scientific research results and cutting-edge technologies, understand academic development trends, broaden research ideas, strengthen academic research, and promote cooperation in the industrialization of academic results.
 GEMFE 2023 will bring together innovative academics and industrial experts in the fields of environmental engineering, energy technology, green materials, chemical science, agricultural technology, and food engineering to a common forum. About 80 participants from academic, high-education institutes, and other organizations took part in the conference. The conference model was divided into two sessions, including oral presentations and keynote speeches. In the first part, some scholars, whose submissions were selected as the excellent papers, were given 10 minutes to perform their oral presentations one by one. Then in the second part, keynote speakers were each allocated 30-40 minutes to hold their speeches.
 I would like to express special gratitude to members of the conference committee and organizers of the conference. I would also like to thank the reviewers for their valuable time and advice which helped in improving the quality of the papers selected for presentation at the conference and for publication in the proceedings.
 GEMFE 2023 Conference Organizing Chair
 Rome, Italy

A comprehensive review on the application of semiconducting materials in the degradation of effluents and water splitting.

In this comprehensive review article, we delve into the critical intersection of environmental science and materials science. The introduction sets the stage by emphasizing the global water shortage crisis and the dire consequences of untreated effluents on ecosystems and human health. As we progress into the second section, we embark on an intricate exploration of piezoelectric and photocatalytic principles, illuminating their significance in wastewater treatment and sustainable energy production. The heart of our review is dedicated to a detailed analysis of the detrimental impacts of effluents on human health, underscoring the urgency of effective treatment methods. We dissected three key materials in the realm of piezo-photocatalysis: ZnO-based materials, BaTiO3-based materials, and bismuth-doped materials. Each material is scrutinized for its unique properties and applications in the removal of pollutants from wastewater, offering a comprehensive understanding of their potential to address this critical issue. Furthermore, our exploration extends to the realm of hydrogen production, where we discuss various types of hydrogen and the role of piezo-photocatalysis in generating clean and sustainable hydrogen. By illuminating the synergistic potential of these advanced materials and technologies, we pave the way for innovative solutions to the pressing challenges of water pollution and renewable energy production. This review article not only serves as a valuable resource for researchers and scholars in the fields of material science and environmental engineering but also underscores the pivotal role of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex global issues.

Study and application of biopolymers in the field of agricultural and environmental engineering: review

At present, a reduction in the production of materials that affect the environment is necessary. An example is conventional plastics that, when used and discarded incorrectly, harm ecosystems, a situation that focuses scientific research on the study of biopolymers as a sustainable alternative, that is, because they are compounds extracted from nature with properties biodegradable, antimicrobial activity and low toxicity, among others; which makes them suitable for different applications. Natural polymers have been used for several years in fields of medical and pharmaceutical science, due to the versatility of their mechanical, biodegradable and biocompatible qualities for the agro-industrial and agricultural fields. These biomaterials have been adapted to partially or gradually replace petroleum-based polymers in applications or uses such as food packaging, additives, water treatment, fertilizers, industrial plastics, absorbent materials, and biosensors. In this review, a detailed bibliographic analysis of the characteristics and applications of biopolymers in the field of agricultural and industrial engineering was carried out.

The ultramicropore biochar derived from waste distiller’s grains for wet-process phosphoric acid purification: Removal performance and mechanisms of Cr(VI)

Solid waste and heavy metal pollution are long-term and challenging subjects in the field of environmental engineering. In this study, we propose a sustainable approach to “treating waste with waste” by utilizing the ultramicropore biochar derived from solid waste distiller’s grains as a means to remove Cr(VI) from simulated wastewater and wet phosphoric acid. The biochar prepared in this research exhibit extremely high specific surface areas (up to 2973 m2/g) and a well-developed pore structure, resulting in a maximum Cr(VI) adsorption capacity of 426.0 mg/g and over 99% removal efficiency of Cr(VI). Furthermore, the adsorbent can be reused for up to eight cycles without significant reduction in its Cr(VI) adsorption performance. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the exceptional Cr(VI) adsorption capacity can be attributed to the synergistic effect of electrostatic interaction and reduction adsorption. This study offers an alternative approach for the resource utilization of solid waste distiller’s grains, and the prepared biochar holds promise for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater and wet-process phosphoric acid.

A Review of the Latest Advances in Nanoparticle-Mediated Processes for Hexavalent Chromium Remediation from Water Bodies.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a well-known carcinogen, and hence its removal from aqueous media is an important area of research in the field of environmental engineering. Adsorptive removal and catalytic reduction are the two most common techniques applied for this purpose. In this regard, nanoparticle-mediated technology has contributed significantly. In the current review article, a systematic investigation has been carried out to find the latest developments that took place in the domain of Cr(VI) removal by nanotechnology. The major portion deals with the advancement and application of the new-age materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), g-C3N4, MXenes, zero-valent iron (ZVI), and their composites, for the Cr(VI) remediation purpose. Various interesting mechanisms, as proposed by different research groups, have been covered. Applications of the nanocomposites in the real wastewater scenario have also been highlighted. Different characterization techniques often conducted in order to get insight into Cr(VI) removal process have been mentioned. Some patents related to this field have been discussed. Lastly, the future scope of the nanomaterials, current challenges, feasibility of using these nanomaterials in large-scale treatment plants, etc., have been addressed before concluding the article.

Nanotechnology for Sustainable Environmental Applications

Abstract: Nanotechnology is a captivating scientific field with numerous practical applications. The study of nanomaterials and their unique and enhanced capabilities has prompted extensive research into their diverse uses, spanning disciplines from biology and materials science to chemistry and physics. Nanotechnology is expected to play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges such as sensing, monitoring, mitigation, and power generation. However, it is important to consider the potential environmental impact of nanotechnology, although the specific pathways of such impact have yet to be fully defined. The utilization of nanomaterials in instruments, gadgets, equipment, and other products, as well as the energy required for their production and operation, directly and indirectly influence our environment. In both cases, it is desirable to minimize their impact. Additionally, advancements in nanoscale catalysts, inline and remote detectors, and nano-chemical reactors hold promise for the detection and mitigation of low-level contaminants. Therefore, this chapter focuses on exploring the foundational concepts of nanoscience and nanotechnology as they relate to the field of environmental engineering.

Preface: 2nd International Conference on Environment Engineering, Nanomaterials and Chemical Technology (EENCT 2023)

2023 2nd International Conference on Environment Engineering, Nanomaterials and Chemical Technology (EENCT 2023) was successfully held during September 16-17, 2023 in Miami, USA. The conference invited scholars and experts in the fields of environmental engineering, ecosystems, biotechnology, nanomaterials, and chemical technology from various universities to participate in the review and guidance of this conference. EENCT 2023 aims to provide an international cooperation and exchange platform for experts and scholars to share their research achievements, discuss the key challenges and research directions, and jointly promote the industrialization cooperation and continuous innovation. This collection of proceedings compiles oral and paper presentations submitted by the authors and scrutinized by the special committee.
 The opening ceremony was held in the main venue and a speech was delivered by the invited speaker. After the main venue, we divided the invited authors into 2 groups. Each author spoke for about 10-15 minutes on detailed material in the slides, with the same amount of time set aside for questions and discussion. This conference has brought together many excellent works and the latest ideas and concepts. We wish to thank all authors and participants for providing their valuable contributions for this proceeding as well as the reviewers for their constructive recommendations and criticism aiding to improve the presented articles.
 With our best regards,
 Conference Organizing Chair
 Miami, USA

Social imaginaries methods and socio-engineering competences in sustainable river management (a case study in the living lab Upper Citarum)

The Living Lab approach has become popular and developed in the past decade. It could provide a configuration to pursue a shared vision of integrated water resources management of the Citarum River in West Java - Indonesia. The multi-stakeholder situation and the growing recognition of interdependencies among stakeholders foster the complexity of addressing sustainable river management for the Upper Citarum River. To gain insights on essential competencies and adaptations in higher education curricula, the Environmental Engineering Department of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering-ITB, Telkom University Indonesia, and Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands, joined hands in a collaborative research project. This study aims to develop a socio-engineering aspect for sustainable river water quality management in the Environmental Engineering Field and Curricula. The methods used are social imaginaries of Participatory Mapping and a Poetry Route that allowed the involved river bank communities to activate their role and take positions in the living lab. Institutional stakeholders, acting in a facilitating role, learned to gain and share information from and with the community. The result concludes that social imaginaries methods enable a new perspective in developing community-based programs and advocate further exploring the socio-engineering competencies of environmental professionals.

Biomineralization and Characterization of Calcite and Vaterite Induced by the Fungus Cladosporium sp. YPLJS-14

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) by the urease-producing bacteria has wide applications in the field of geology and environmental engineering. Compared to bacteria, fungi usually possess more tolerance to high salts and heavy metals, enabling MICP induced by the urease-producing fungi to be applied to harsh environments. In this study, the carbonate minerals, induced by the urease-producing fungi isolated from marine sediments, were investigated. One of the urease-producing fungi, designated as YPLJS-14, was identified with the high efficiency of precipitating calcium carbonate. The ITS sequence of YPLJS-14 revealed that it belongs to the genus of Cladosporium. The precipitates induced by this strain were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, SAED, and FTIR, respectively. The results show that the mineral phase of fungal precipitates is composed of calcite and vaterite. SEM, TEM, and SAED confirm that the minerals in rhombohedral morphology are calcite and the spherical minerals are vaterite. Thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) analyses show that vaterite is a thermodynamically unstable mineral phase compared to calcite and easily decomposes at lower temperatures. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the mineralization mechanism of the urease-producing fungi and the potential applications in environmental engineering.