Disposal Of Materials Research Articles

Profilaxia pós-exposição ocupacional contra o vírus da imunodeficiência humana para trabalhadores da área de saúde vítimas de acidentes com material biológico

Introduction: Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) reduces the risk of human immunodeficiencyvirus (HIV) transmission after workplace exposure of health care workers. Objectives: Toevaluate adherence to postexposure prophylaxis for HIV, incident characteristics, post-incidentinitiation of therapy, and reported adverse effects among treated health care workers. Methods: Epidemiologic, descriptive, retrospective study based on analysis of workplace incident reports involving exposure to biological materials from 2011 to 2020 at a university hospital. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, odds ratio using simple logistic regression, and comparison of variables using Fisher’s exact test (p<0.05). Results: A total of 516 cases eligible for prophylaxis were analyzed and divided into three risk groups: 168 (32.6%) involving HIV-positive source patients, 263 (50.9%) involving source patients with unknown infection status, and 85 (16.4%) involving source patients in the window period. Most cases involved females (74.80%), injuries from percutaneous exposure (80.42%), contact with blood (56.59%), and nursing technicians (30.46%). Full compliance and adherence with drug therapy (28 days) was reported in 77.45% of the workers, and the time between the incident and the start of prophylaxis was within 24 hours of the incident in 94.27% of the workers. In total, 205 (39.73%) of the workers discontinued outpatient follow-up, which was associated with education, risk group, and occupation. Conclusions: Incidents involving contaminated sharp instruments pose an increased risk of infection by pathogens transmitted primarily by blood. Workplace HIV infection can be prevented by providing mandatory training programs for workers on proper work practices, use of devices with retractable needles and needle protection systems, safe and proper disposal of materials,use of personal protective equipment, and appropriate workplace postexposure interventions, including PEP. None of the workers who completed outpatient follow-up seroconverted to HIV, thus demonstrating the protective effect of PEP. Regular training is recommended, with an emphasis on incident prevention, infection control, and health education, combined with case reporting strategies.

Transform Sustainable: Innovating for a Sustainable Future

The Transform Sustainable Program of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS) is an example of how creativity and innovation can transform challenges into solutions. Through the transformation of donated and seized materials into high-value products, the program contributes to environmental protection, income generation and social development. The program's main focus is on sustainability, reducing material disposal, promoting reuse and recycling, and contributing to the circular economy. Technological innovation is also fundamental, with the development of innovative solutions to transform discarded materials into high-value products. The program has a partnership with several institutions, such as the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (RFB), city halls, schools and NGOs, demonstrating the power of collaboration to generate positive social impact. By generating income for local communities, promoting environmental education and social development, the program contributes to building a fairer and more prosperous future for everyone. Transform Sustainable is an inspiring model that demonstrates the potential of sustainability, innovation and collaboration to build a greener, fairer and more prosperous future for all. Through the union of efforts between IFSULDEMINAS and several institutions, the program is transforming the present and building a more sustainable future for the next generations.

Sustainable valorization of agricultural waste into bioplastic and its end-of-life recyclability for biochar production: Economic profitability and life cycle assessment

While the industrial sectors have recently focused on producing bioplastic materials, the utilization of edible feedstocks and the generation of wastes and byproducts during the bioplastic synthesis process might delay achieving the environmental sustainability strategy. To overcome these limitations related to bioplastic industrialization, this study focuses on synthesizing bioplastics from waste sources, followed by recycling its end-of-life (e.g., spent and exhausted) material into biochar. Sweet potato peel waste, banana pseudo-stems, and cooking oil waste were used to extract starch, cellulose, and glycerol (a plasticizer) involved in bioplastic manufacturing, respectively. It was found that the cellulose content of 30% w w–1 in bioplastic maintained the best physicochemical, mechanical, and biodegradability properties, recommending a high applicability for food packaging. The exhausted bioplastic was then pyrolyzed to maintain a biochar yield of 32.60±0.89%, avoiding the risk of secondary pollution from waste material disposal. This biochar was utilized to treat wastewater generated from the bioplastic synthesis process, showing the optimum adsorption factors of biochar dosage= 3.81 g L–1, time= 102 min, and solution pH= 7.81. The combined bioplastic production, waste pyrolysis, and wastewater treatment scheme could earn profits from biomaterial sales, carbon credit, and pollution reduction shadow price, maintaining a 6.78-year payback period and a 12.09% internal rate of return. This integrated framework depicted better contributions to the mid-point/end-point life cycle assessment impact categories than the only bioplastic production scenario. This study contributed towards achieving several sustainable development goals (SDGs), including SDG#3: human health protection, SDG#6: wastewater treatment, and SDG#12: waste recycling.

ANÁLISE DAS PRÁTICAS DE DESCARTE DE MATERIAIS BIOLÓGICOS EM LABORATÓRIOS

Introduction: The correct disposal of biological materials is important for the health of the whole population, thus avoiding soil contamination and preventing accidents with sharp-perforated materials. The Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária – (ANVISA) has established rules for an appropriate disposal of the biological waste such as incineration, grounding and radiation. These rules are applied to laboratories, hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices and other health facilities. Objective: To analyze the disposal of biological waste by the laboratories of the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. Methodology: A field study that presents a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional analysis with a population of four clinical analysis laboratories and a company responsible for the final waste disposal. Questionnaires were applied for a better analysis of the data. Results: The results indicate that the laboratories participating in the research are aware of ANVISA standards and they are concerned about their collaborators and the population, making sure that they are not putting them at risk. Conclusion: The training of professionals is necessary to avoid accidents with perforating materials.

Effects of water content on the corrosion behavior of NiCu low alloy steel embedded in compacted GMZ bentonite

Buffer material and metal disposal containers are the key engineering barriers in the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste. The durability of disposal containers largely depends on the water content in buffer material. This work focused on investigating the corrosion evolution of NiCu low alloy steel in compacted GMZ bentonite with different water contents for 270 d by using weight loss, electrochemical measurements, and various methods for analyzing corrosion products. As the water content increased from 13% to 20%, the water in the bentonite transformed from an unsaturated to a critical saturated state, and the corrosion rate of NiCu steel clearly increased. In these two systems, the oxygen could migrate to the thin liquid film on the steel surface through the air pores in the bentonite in the gas phase and undergo cathodic reduction. Meanwhile, it oxidized the ferrous hydrolysis products into ferric corrosion products and formed a rust layer, which could block the diffusion of oxygen. At that moment, the cathodic process of NiCu steel corrosion changed to rust reduction. When the water content continually increased to 30% and 40%, the compacted bentonite was in a saturation state, and the corrosion rate of NiCu steel was significantly decreased. This was because most pores among the bentonite particles were occupied by a large amount of free water, which hindered the diffusion of oxygen and inhibited its cathodic reduction. Furthermore, it restrained the oxidation of ferrous corrosion products, which greatly weakened the cathodic depolarization of rust, leading to the cathodic process being dominated by the hydrogen evolution reaction.

From Cord to Cure: Repurposing Biological Waste for UAE's Health Revolution with Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy

In the UAE, current hospital policies mandate the disposal of biological waste, such as umbilical cords. However, this tissue represents a valuable source of therapeutic material like mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secretome. The disposal of this valuable therapeutic material imposes a significant burden on public health. In the United States alone, approximately 18,000 people per year are diagnosed with diseases that could be ameliorated with stem cell therapy. These individuals often remain untreated due to the lack of available stem cells, as current methods for MSC obtention, such as Bone Marrow-MSCs, require an invasive bone marrow aspirate procedure, which is painful and can pose risks to donors, including infection and prolonged recovery times. This paper advocates for policy reform to facilitate the collection, storage, and utilization of umbilical cords. By addressing regulatory barriers and implementing standardized protocols, hospitals in the UAE can not only contribute to advancements in regenerative medicine but also solidify the nation’s position as a leader in this emerging field, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the disease burden both locally and regionally. This is particularly relevant given the significant burden of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the UAE, where 17.3% of the population aged 20 to 79 is affected with T2DM. Cardiovascular diseases and T2DM are few of the many disorders that can benefit from MSC therapy. Utilizing umbilical cord biowaste for such diseases can further build the UAE’s status as a hub for medical tourism and accentuate it’s growing prominence in the field of regenerative medicine.

Socio-Economic Determinants of Human Negligence in Wildfire Incidence: A Case Study from Pakistan’s Peri-Urban and Rural Areas

This study aims to examine the socio-economic determinants of human negligence in wildfire occurrences across Pakistan’s peri-urban and rural regions. Increasingly frequent and severe wildfires, driven by climate change, socio-economic conditions, and human negligence, have become a pressing issue. Rising global temperatures and changing precipitation patterns have created drier conditions, while unsafe human activities—such as improper disposal of flammable materials and unsafe agricultural burning—further escalate wildfire risks. These issues are particularly pronounced in Pakistan, where high poverty levels, limited resources, and low education contribute to dangerous behaviors. Weak governance and poor policy enforcement further exacerbate the problem. Data were collected using a cross-sectional survey from 500 participants across five regions. Multiple regression analysis revealed that higher poverty levels significantly increased negligence, whereas higher education and improved access to resources reduced it. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) highlighted the critical roles of local governance, policy enforcement, and community engagement in mitigating wildfires. Correlation analysis indicated an inverse relationship between wildfire risk awareness and negligent behavior. Chi-square tests demonstrated a strong connection between wildfires and migration patterns, underscoring the socio-economic instability caused by these events. Finally, linear regression showed that wildfires significantly impact regional climate indicators, emphasizing the need for integrated management strategies. This study offers valuable insights into the socio-economic factors driving wildfires in Pakistan and provides guidance for developing targeted mitigation strategies.

Smart and Sustainable 3D-Printed Nanocellulose-Based Sensors for Food Freshness Monitoring.

Annually, about one-third of the food produced around the world is wasted due to spoilage. Food contamination and spoilage, along with the use and disposal of nondegradable packaging materials, impact human health and have huge economic and sustainability implications. Achieving sustainability within the food system requires innovative solutions to reduce the environmental footprint. Herein, we describe the formulation, scalable manufacturing, and characterization of three-dimensional (3D)-printed sensors prepared from a mixture of edible biopolymer hydrogels, 8% alginate, and 10% gelatin and nanocellulose (CNC) as a reinforcement filler. We demonstrate that incorporating CNC improves the overall mechanical performance of the printed film and enables the stabilization of pH-responsive dyes for monitoring the release of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), an indicator of food freshness. Mechanical performance enhancement includes increases of 43% in load-depth indentation, 28.2% in hardness, and 17.4% in elastic modulus. This enhancement facilitates its use as a smart label technology, enabling the visual assessment of spoilage when placed inside packaging over a period of 3 days at room temperature. The 3D-printed film exhibits excellent durability, flexibility, shape memory, and robustness, along with pH responsiveness, showing distinctive color changes over the pH range of 2 to 13. These performances are demonstrated in packaged meat and fish, enabling monitoring over several days and illustrating potential as a real-time freshness indicator. The material formulations developed in this work are biodegradable, eco-friendly, and inexpensive, making them suitable candidates for smart and sustainable food packaging.

Exploring the Possibilities of Using Recovered Collagen for Contaminants Removal—A Sustainable Approach for Wastewater Treatment

Collagen is a non-toxic polymer that is generated as a residual product by several industries (e.g., leather manufacturing, meat and fish processing). It has been reported to be resistant to bacteria and have excellent retention capacity. However, the recovered collagen does not meet the requirements to be used for pharmaceutical and medical purposes. Due to the scarcity of water resources now affecting all continents, water pollution is a major concern. Another major field that could integrate the collagen generated as a by-product is wastewater treatment. Applications of collagen-based materials in wastewater treatment have been discussed in detail, and comparisons with already frequently used materials have been made. Over the last years, collagen-based materials have been tested for removal of both organic (e.g., pharmaceutical substances, dyes) and inorganic compounds (e.g., heavy metals, noble metals, uranium). They have also been tested for the manufacture of oil-water separation materials; therefore, they could be used for the separation of emulsified oily wastewater. Because they have been analysed for a wide range of substances, collagen-based materials could be good candidates for removing contaminants from wastewater streams that have seasonal variations in composition and concentration. The use of recovered collagen in wastewater treatment makes the method eco-friendly and cost efficient. This paper also discusses some of the challenges related to wastewater treatment: material stability, reuse and disposal. The results showed that collagen-based materials are renewable and reusable without significant loss of initial properties. In the sorption processes, the incorporation of experiments with real wastewater has demonstrated that there is a significant competition among the substances present in the sample.

Modern Methods of Asbestos Waste Management as Innovative Solutions for Recycling and Sustainable Cement Production

Managing asbestos waste presents a significant challenge due to the widespread industrial use of this material, and the serious health and environmental risks it poses. Despite its unique properties, such as resistance to high temperatures and substantial mechanical strength, asbestos is a material with well-documented toxicity and carcinogenicity. Ensuring the safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) is crucial for protecting public health, the environment, and for reducing CO2 emissions resulting from inefficient waste disposal methods. Traditional landfill disposal methods have proven inadequate, while modern approaches—including thermal, chemical, biotechnological, and mechanochemical methods—offer potential benefits but also come with limitations. In particular, thermal techniques that allow for asbestos degradation can significantly reduce environmental impact, while also providing the opportunity to repurpose disposal products into materials useful for cement production. Cement, a key component of concrete, can serve as a sustainable alternative, minimizing CO2 emissions and reducing the need for primary raw materials. This work provides insights into research on asbestos waste management, offering a deeper understanding of key initiatives related to asbestos removal. It presents a comprehensive review of best practices, innovative technologies, and safe asbestos management strategies, with particular emphasis on their impact on sustainable development and CO2 emission reduction. Additionally, it discusses public health hazards related to exposure to asbestos fibers, and worker protection during the asbestos disposal process. As highlighted in the review, one promising method is the currently available thermal degradation of asbestos. This method offers real opportunities for repurposing asbestos disposal products for cement production; thereby reducing CO2 emissions, minimizing waste, and supporting sustainable construction.

Comparison of Environmental Footprint for Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Liquids and Solids Treatment Technologies

ABSTRACTPer‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination is a critical worldwide issue due to their widespread industrial use and persistence in the environment. PFAS treatment technologies are being applied to address the challenges associated with these substances. Selection of the appropriate treatment technology requires the assessment of many variables before full‐scale implementation. Factors such as cost, effectiveness, availability, and expected treatment duration are commonly considered; however, it is important to also consider the environmental footprint, which is the impact on the environment from the energy and materials used in implementing the treatment technology itself. The low PFAS treatment levels promulgated thus far, such as US Environmental Protection Agency drinking water Maximum Contaminant Levels of 4 ng/L for perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid, as well as future low cleanup standards for other compounds and impacted media, will require long‐term remedial actions. Understanding the environmental impacts for PFAS treatment technologies can provide additional insights to be considered during the remedy selection. The authors conducted a comparison study of a wide range of PFAS treatment technology types for both liquids and solids, operating under limited but realistic hypothetical scenarios. The results present the approximate expected greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of each technology type and scenario, compared to one another for the treatment of two key target compounds: perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The liquid treatment technology types considered in this evaluation include technologies that concentrate or separate PFAS from the liquid media (such as ion exchange, granular activated carbon, and foam fractionation), technologies that destroy PFAS (such as supercritical water oxidation and electrochemical oxidation), and landfill disposal via solidification. In practice, remedial solutions for a given site might include both a concentration/separation step and a destruction step. These combinations were not evaluated in this comparison. The solids treatment technologies considered included thermal desorption, soil washing, soil stabilization, and excavation and disposal at a landfill. The factors included in each scenario were material production, material and equipment transportation, equipment and energy use, and material disposal, as these were considered to be the largest contributors to GHG emissions.

Reliability Centered Modeling of an Automated Waste Sorting Robotic Arm System

In contemporary society, proper waste management is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Waste management encompasses the collection, transportation, segregation and disposal of waste material to minimize health risks and environment impact. Manual segregation, along with other methods of waste segregation, is often inefficient and time consuming. To address this challenge, numerous industries have embraced automation in waste sorting to expedite the process through advanced technological interventions. Therefore, the optimal functioning of the components of these automated systems is crucial for rapid and accurate segregation of waste. This work is oriented toward the study of a system which is used to segregation of waste and known as waste sorting robotic arm system (WSRAS). Author used Markov decision process, along with mathematical modeling, to evaluate the different performance measure of WSRAS. Sensitivity analysis have also been done to understand the contribution of different components failure in overall performance of WSRAS.

Effect of size and loading of waste single-used plastic (SUP) aggregates on a bio-based high density polyurethane composite

Abstract The utilization of waste single-use plastic (SUP) as fillers by containment in a polyurethane matrix was investigated as an alternative solution to the detrimental disposal of these waste materials. High-density bio-based rigid polyurethane composites were prepared by adding polyol, isocyanate, and additives, along with densified SUP, which served as aggregate fillers to enhance the bulk density and flexural strength of rigid polyurethane while increasing the thermal conductivity. The aggregated SUPs were prepared using agglomeration-densification machine and exhibited size variations of 12.44 mm (A), 14.12 mm (B), and 15.56 mm (C). The resulting aggregates were added to the rigid polyurethane matrix at varied loadings of 40%, 50%, and 60% v/v. The green composites were cured in heated hydraulic press at constant temperature and pressure. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the formulation with a SUP size of C and a loading of 60% produced the composite of highest bulk density due to relatively high density of agglomerated SUP as the size enlarges. Additionally, the SUP size of A and a loading of 50% (50A) exhibited the highest flexural strength value. This behaviour was attributed to the increased filler-matrix interfacial area achieved with the smallest size aggregates. However, a further increase in aggregate loading resulted in a decrease in this property as common attribute for composite materials. On the other hand, it was revealed that increasing the loading of SUP aggregates provided a lesser insulating effect due to the increase in thermal conductivity resulting from the presence of filled pores within the polyurethane foam. The findings of this study contributed to understanding the effects of aggregate size and loading on the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite material, providing valuable insights for the development of energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly polyurethane structures.

Exploring discharged dry cell as an electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract Transition metal compounds with a high affinity for oxygen in dry cell configurations, such as MnO2, Mn3O4, and ZnxMn3O4−x, exhibit exceptional electrocatalytic properties in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the disposal of these dry cell materials, unlike that of rechargeable batteries, poses environmental hazards. In this study, we focused on optimizing these manganese oxides for energy-related applications, specifically OER. To achieve this goal, we investigated the electrocatalytic behaviour of both used and fresh dry cells in OER. Our results show that the used dry cell material achieved a current density of 10 mA·cm−2 at an overpotential of 525 mV, whereas the fresh dry cell required an overpotential 100 mV higher to reach the same current density. We further characterized the nature of these fresh and used materials using various techniques, including x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and contact angle measurements. The enhanced activity of the used dry cell can be attributed to the formation of highly active Mn3O4 from MnO2 and graphene oxide under discharging conditions.

Environmental and patient safety: Advances in radiological techniques to reduce radiation exposure

The growing concern for environmental and patient safety in medical imaging has driven significant advancements in radiological techniques aimed at reducing radiation exposure. This review explores these developments, emphasizing the dual focus on minimizing harm to patients and addressing the broader environmental impact of radiological practices. Recent innovations include the optimization of imaging protocols, the introduction of low-dose imaging technologies, and the integration of advanced software algorithms that enhance image quality while reducing the need for higher radiation doses. The implementation of iterative reconstruction techniques, for instance, has allowed for significant dose reductions in computed tomography (CT) scans without compromising diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, the use of alternative imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, which do not involve ionizing radiation, is increasingly recommended where clinically appropriate, further mitigating radiation risks. Furthermore, the shift towards personalized imaging protocols, where radiation doses are adjusted based on individual patient characteristics, marks a critical advance in patient safety. This approach not only reduces unnecessary exposure but also enhances the overall effectiveness of diagnostic procedures. Environmental safety considerations have also led to the development of more sustainable radiological practices, including the safe disposal of radioactive materials and the reduction of energy consumption in imaging facilities. These efforts are aligned with broader healthcare initiatives to lower the carbon footprint of medical practices. The advancements in radiological techniques to reduce radiation exposure reflect a growing commitment to patient-centered care and environmental stewardship in healthcare. As technology continues to evolve, ongoing research and collaboration between medical professionals, physicists, and environmental scientists will be crucial in furthering these goals. By continuing to innovate and implement safer radiological practices, the medical community can significantly mitigate the risks associated with radiation exposure, ensuring better health outcomes for patients and reducing the environmental impact of radiological services.

Comprehensive risk management and safety strategies in radiation use in medical imaging

Radiation use in medical imaging, while essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, poses inherent risks that require comprehensive risk management and safety strategies. This review discusses the critical aspects of managing these risks in clinical settings, focusing on patient safety, staff protection, and environmental considerations. A major challenge in medical imaging is balancing the diagnostic benefits of radiation against potential harms, particularly in sensitive populations such as children and pregnant women. Comprehensive risk management involves implementing dose optimization techniques, such as using low-dose imaging protocols and advanced technologies like iterative reconstruction and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, which enhance image quality while minimizing exposure. Additionally, ensuring the safety of healthcare staff is paramount. This requires adherence to strict safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regular monitoring of radiation levels, and continuous education on safe radiation practices. Institutional policies must also address the proper maintenance and calibration of imaging equipment to prevent unnecessary exposure due to equipment malfunction or improper use. Environmental safety is another critical component, necessitating the safe disposal of radioactive materials and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies to reduce the environmental footprint of medical imaging. Regulatory compliance with international safety standards, such as those set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and national bodies, is essential for ensuring consistent safety practices across healthcare institutions. Future directions in radiation safety include the integration of digital health technologies to monitor and manage radiation exposure more effectively, and ongoing research into novel imaging techniques that could further reduce radiation risks. Collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers is crucial to advancing safety standards and improving risk management strategies in medical imaging. This review highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing radiation risks in medical imaging, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation, education, and policy support to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the environment.

Three-Dimensional Coupled Temporal Geomechanical Model for Fault-Reactivation and Surface-Deformation Evaluation during Reservoir Depletion and CO2 Sequestration, Securing Long-Term Reservoir Sustainability

Assessing reservoir subsidence due to depletion involves understanding the geological and geophysical processes that lead to ground subsidence as a result of reservoir fluid extraction. Subsidence is a gradual sinking or settling of the Earth’s surface, and it can occur when hydrocarbons are extracted from underground reservoirs. In this study, a time-integrated 3D coupled geomechanical modeling incorporating the fourth dimension—time—into traditional 3D geomechanical models has been constructed utilizing seismic inversion volumes and a one-dimensional mechanical Earth model (1D MEM). The 3D geomechanical model was calibrated to the 1D MEM results. Geomechanical rock properties were derived from the density and sonic log data that was distributed with conditioning to the seismic inversion volumes obtained from running pre-stack inversion. The standard elastic parameter equations were used to generate estimates of the elastic moduli. These properties are dynamic but have been converted to static values using additional equations used in the 1D MEM study. This included estimating the Unconfined Compressive Strength. In situ stresses were matched using different minimum horizontal principal stress gradients and horizontal principal stress ratios. The match is good except where the weak carbonate faults are close to the wells, where the Shmin magnitudes tend to decrease. The SHmax orientations were assessed from image log data and indicated to be 110° in the reservoir section. A time-integrated 3D coupled simulation was created using the finite-element method (FEM). The effective stresses increase while there is depletion in all directions, especially in the Z direction. The predicted compaction in the reservoir and overburden was 350 mm. Most of the compaction occurs at the reservoir level and dissipates towards the surface (seabed). Furthermore, the case displayed no shear failure that might cause or fault reactivation in the reservoir interval (Kangan–Dalan Formations) located in the simulated area. In this study, we applied an integrated and comprehensive geomechanical approach to evaluate subsidence, fault reactivation and stress alteration, while reservoir depletion was assessed using seismic inversion, well logs, and experiment data. The deformation monitoring of geological reservoirs, whether for gas storage or hazardous gas disposal, is essential due to the economic value of the stored assets and the hazardous nature of the disposed materials. This monitoring is vital for ensuring the sustainability of the reservoir by maintaining operational success and detecting integrity issues.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination of drinking water sources in Africa: Pollution sources and possible treatment methods

Despite the detection of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in the water system in Africa, the effort towards mitigating PFAS in water in Africa needs to be better understood. Therefore, this review evaluated the contamination status and mitigation methods for handling PFAS-contaminated water systems in Africa. The findings revealed the presence of PFAS in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents, surface water and commercially available bottled and tap water in African countries. The concentration of PFAS in drinking water sources reviewed ranged from < limits of quantification to 778 ng L−1. The sources of PFAS in water systems in Africa are linked to uncontrolled importation of PFAS-containing products, WWTP effluents and inappropriate disposal of PFAS-containing materials. The information on treatment methods for PFAS-contaminated water systems is scanty. Unfortunately, the treatment method is challenged by poor water research infrastructure and facilities, lack of awareness, poor research funding and weak legislation; however, adsorption and membrane technology seem favourable for removing PFAS from water systems in Africa. It is essential to focus on monitoring and assessing drinking water quality in Africa to reduce the disease burden that this may cause. Most African countries' currently implemented water treatment facilities cannot efficiently remove PFAS during treatment. Therefore, governments in Africa need to fund more research to develop an efficient water treatment technique that is sustainable in Africa.

Soil microbiome regulates community functions when using biochar-based fertilizers made from biodegradable wastes

The disposal of biodegradable materials, particularly fruits and vegetables, has emerged as a critical environmental concern. Recycling the components of such wastes is paramount to preserving the natural environment. Incorporating biochar-based fertilizer (BCF) in agricultural practices can boost soil nutrient levels. Nevertheless, the effects of BCF derived from fruit and vegetable wastes on crops and soil microbiomes remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the ecological influences of substituting chemical fertilizers (CF) with BCF and organic fertilizer (OF) at three ratios based on a 3-year-maize-field experiment. The findings revealed that BCF substitution enhanced plant growth and community function comparable to that achieved with OF, with the optimum substitution ratio being 2 BCF: 1 CF. BCF and OF promoted maize yield by 2341 % and 2339 %, compared to the CF treatment. The BCF and OF substitution strongly increased the microbial diversity regardless of ratios. And BCF substitution increased carbon- and nitrogen-use efficiency by 3288 % and 53105 %. Particularly, the soil nutrient indexes which driven the community assembly variation to be more stochastic, and relevant key species was closely associated with maize yield and nutrient utilization. Thus, biodegradable wastes could be recycled as fertilizers, paving the way for more sustainable agricultural practices.

Improving flexural response of rubberized RC beams with multi-dimensional sustainable approaches

This research presents a sustainable solution to waste tire disposal and raw material depletion by incorporating recycled rubber into concrete mixtures. To mitigate the reduction in mechanical properties, a novel slag pretreatment of rubber particles with controlled temperature is proposed. The study also investigates the effects of pouring concrete in layers with rubberized concrete (RuC) in tension side and normal concrete in compression side, as well as evaluating the use of GFRP compared to conventional steel, thereby introducing multiple innovative dimensions to enhance structural performance. The experimental study included a total of 27 specimens, consisting of normal concrete, untreated rubberized concrete, and treated rubberized concrete mixtures with 15 % rubber content. The study investigated both compression and tension mechanical properties of the concrete mixtures and assessed the flexural response of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Parameters explored included rubber treatment, utilization of steel and GFRP as tensile reinforcement, and layered concrete pouring. Subsequently, a numerical study was conducted to address the impact of reinforcement ratio and layer depth on the behavior of slag-treated rubberized RC beams. The findings reveal a significant recovery of concrete compressive strength by 23 %, along with a 28 % enhancement in toughness and a 17 % increase in splitting tensile strength attributed to the application of slag treatment to rubberized concrete. The effect of rubber treatment was more pronounced in GFRP RC beams, as they showed similar load capacity as normal concrete. Furthermore, utilizing layered concrete beams with a 67 % depth of slag-treated RuC showed a comparable load capacity to normal RC beams, demonstrating only a 1 % reduction for steel-reinforced beams and a 2.4 % improvement for GFRP-reinforced beams. Notably, the numerical model emphasized this outcome and suggested that increasing the layer depth to 72 % of slag-treated depth displayed better performance.