Form Of Matter Research Articles

Mineral-associated organic matter is heterogeneous and structured by hydrophobic, charged, and polar interactions

The formation of mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) is a key phenomenon that may explain the slow turnover rates of carbon in soil organic matter (SOM). Despite this, important details pertaining to the structure and dynamics of MAOM remain unknown. In the present study, we use replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations to gain insight into the structure of MAOM on the surface of prototypical phyllosilicate clay and Fe-oxide minerals, montmorillonite and goethite, fine-grained minerals that strongly impact soil carbon dynamics in temperate and tropical regions, respectively. We examine the impact of aqueous chemistry through the presence of either Na + or Ca 2 + charge balancing counterions. Our results are consistent with the hypothesized multilayer sorption (“onion-skin”) model of MAOM and help to explain previous observations regarding the patchy distribution of SOM on mineral surfaces. In particular, the SOM coatings are partial and laterally heterogeneous, and water retains extensive access to mineral surfaces even when significant SOM sorption occurs. Low molecular weight neutral SOM molecules ( < 200 Da) infrequently interact with the mineral surfaces nor their sorbed organic matter coatings and are increasingly labile with decreasing molecular weight. This observation is inconsistent with a central feature of the predominant soil continuum model of SOM and suggests that further iterations of the conceptual model may be required.

Source Rock Evaluation and Hydrocarbon Generation Potential of the Cretaceous (Dokan and Gulneri) Formations in Bai Hassan-13 Well Section, Kurdistan, North of Iraq

Eleven cutting rock samples from both Dokan and Gulneri formations (Cretaceous) in one subsurface section of Bai Hassan-13 (BH-13) well in northern Iraq were studied by using two techniques for hydrocarbon generation potentiality. The geochemical technique included Rock-Eval Pyrolysis analysis, The optical technique was achieved by studying palynological slides. The rock-Eval pyrolysis results showed that Dokan Formation has total organic carbon (TOC) wt.% ranging between 1.16 % and 2.3 % (good to very good), Gulneri Formation has a high TOC of 1.34 % and 4.64 % (good to excellent) quantity of organic matter. About the quality of organic matter, both Dokan and Gulneri formations are composed of kerogen types I and II. The organic matter of the Dokan Formation is not indigenous (migrated), one sample of the Gulneri Formation is indigenous the other one is located on the slanted line separating the Indigenous from non-indigenous organic matter. The organic matter within the two formations are thermally immature source rock, Therefore, they cannot generate oil and gas. The palynological study revealed that amorphous organic matter is the predominant organic matter component in both formations with more than 89%, whereas phytoclasts and palynomorphs comprised only a few percentages. There is no great variation in the percentages of the mentioned organic matter components, except a slight increase in the percentage of phytoclasts and palynomorphs in the lower part of the Dokan Formation, therefore one primary palynofacies type can be recognized, and divided into two secondary palynofacies. Through plotting Tyson's Amorphous, phytoclasts, and palynomorphs (APP) diagram, it is clear that the two formations are deposited in a distal suboxic to anoxic basin.

Comparative life cycle assessment of non-thermal plasma for the removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewater

Wastewater effluents are a continuous source of pharmaceuticals in water bodies, which pose a serious environmental threat to aquatic ecosystems. This work provides a comprehensive technical, environmental and cost assessments of different advanced quaternary treatments for wastewater effluents, with special focus on novel Non-Thermal Plasma technology. For this porpouse Non-Thermal Plasma, Sand Filtration + Ozonation, Ultrafiltration, Ultrafiltration + Nanofiltration and Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis technologies were compared with UV disinfection-based technology. This work applies the Life Cycle Analysis tool for the impact environmental assessment using both ReciPE 2016(H) method and, for a more detailed analysis of the contribution of pharmaceuticals to freshwater ecotoxicity category of impact, the USETOX method, which was integrated with 7 new characterisation factors. The results obtained showed overall removal efficiency of pharmaceuticals always higher than 80%, with performances in descending order of Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis > Sand Filtration + Ozonation > Ultrafiltration + Nanofiltration > Non-Thermal Plasma, being Sand Filtration + Ultraviolet disinfection and standalone Ultrafiltration comparatively not suitable for pharmaceuticals removal. Regarding the target pharmaceuticals proposed on the EU Directive 271/91 revision, the Non-Thermal Plasma perform better towards venlafaxine than Sand Filtration + Ozonation, and towards diclofenac and carbamazepine than Ultrafiltration + Nanofiltration. Ultrafiltration + Nanofiltration and Non-Thermal Plasma showed better environmental performance than Sand Filtration + Ozonation and Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis in 7 out of 18 categories of impact (ReciPe method), with Ultrafiltration + Nanofiltration being more advantageous than Non-Thermal Plasma in human and ecotoxicity-related categories of impact, and Non-Thermal Plasma more advantageous in Global Warming, Fossil Resource Scarcity, and Fine Particulate Matter Formation. Regrading Freshwater Ecotoxicity (USEtox method), the quaternary treatment configuration and its energy demand affect the Freshwater final value of impact more than the presence of pharmaceuticals. Under the conditions tested, the Non-Thermal Plasma provided the lower OPEX (0.24 € m−3) than other tested technologies, showing an interesting compromise between pharmaceuticals removal efficiency, environmental impacts, and economic operational cost.

Soil moisture determines the consistency of organic matter decomposition in field and lab test patterns

Litter decomposition serves as the primary process for soil organic matter formation and renewal. However, few studies have been conducted to validate field large-scale litter decomposition patterns. In this study, cotton strips and Solanum nigrum were used to explore the decomposition differences between standardized litter and conventional litter, along with the release of heavy metal Cadmium (Cd). The indoor characteristics of organic matter decomposition were further verified. After 6 months of Cd pretreatment, litter was placed on the surface of soil collected from 15 sites across the China for 3 months of lab tests. The results indicated that the decomposition rates of both litter types were regulated by soil moisture and generally showed a trend of deceleration from east to west, consistent with the field decomposition pattern. In addition, the mass loss of cotton strip was significantly lower than S. nigrum due to the higher Cd concentration. With the decomposition process, both litter types showed a decreasing trend in Cd concentration, especially the cotton strip. Interestingly, our study found soil factors had the highest relative influence on decomposition. A higher soil microbial moisture use efficiency in the mid-latitude region during litter decomposition may be attributed to the adaptability of microorganisms. Our research demonstrated the consistency of lab test patterns with the field experiments, emphasizing the distinctions between standardized and conventional litter. This study not only revealed the influence mechanism of soil moisture and Cd on litter decomposition rate but also emphasized the important role of microorganisms in the litter decomposition process, which provided a new perspective for a deeper understanding of the ecosystem carbon cycle and heavy metal pollution.

Analyzing the Environmental Impact of Livestock Manure Recycling Process Using Life Cycle Assessment

Objectives:This study aims to assess the environmental impact of the composting process, which constitutes 75.3% of the domestic livestock manure recycling methods, and to determine the environmental impacts of methane and nitrous oxide, the major greenhouse gases in the livestock sector, as well as ammonia, a precursor to fine particulate matter that has recently become a social issue. The analysis will focus on the categories of climate change and fine particulate matter formation to identify the most significant factors impacting the environment.Methods:This study applied the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology according to ISO 14040/14044 standards to evaluate the environmental impact of producing one bag (20kg) of livestock manure compost. The system boundary included the transportation of livestock manure and sawdust to the composting facility and the compost production process. The methodology applied for impact assessment was the ReCiPe 2016 v.1.1 Midpoint (H) method, which allows for a more global evaluation by utilizing worldwide average data.Results and Discussion:The impact assessment of livestock manure compost production revealed that producing one bag contributes 2.667 kg CO2-eq. to climate change, with electricity consumption responsible for 68.95% of emissions. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the dominant greenhouse gas, making up 84.37% of the total. Particulate matter formation is 0.037 kg PM2.5-eq., with 91.97% resulting from emissions during the composting process. Ammonia (NH3) is the main cause of particulate matter, accounting for 92.02% of emissions.Conclusion:Based on the research, electricity consumption is the main factor affecting climate change in compost production, and ammonia is the primary cause of fine particulate matter. This study provides a case for evaluating the environmental impact of livestock manure composting and can serve as a foundational reference for developing policies and technologies to address climate change and fine particulate matter issues.

Distribution of Air pollutant Concentration and Ammonium conversion rate in Livestock Areas: Focusing on Boryeong

Objectives:The association between the generation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ammonia is well-established, highlighting the importance of managing ammonia as a primary means to reduce particulate matter. However, domestic research on ammonia emissions, particularly in livestock areas, which are major sources of ammonia, is insufficient. This study aims to contribute to pollutant management on a national scale by conducting air pollutant measurements and analyses in livestock areas. Methods:Real-time analysis and monitoring of air and weather conditions were carried out in Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do, from 2021 to 2022. Statistical analysis was then employed to investigate the correlation between observed air pollutants (ammonia, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, ozone and particle matters) and PM2.5. Results and Discussion:As a result of the analysis, the concentration of air pollutants in Boryeong showed a seasonal tendancy to decrease in summer and increase after that. Most substances such as NO2, SO2, and PM10 were observed within the standard values. In the case of ammonia, domestic air environment standards are not in place, but the annual average was found to be 61.5 ± 55.3 ppb, higher than in other research results. This discrepancy is attributed to the influence of nearby livestock houses. It was also observed that PM2.5 exceeded the annual standard value of 15 μg/m3 in spring (30.1 μg/m3), summer (18.3 μg/m3), autumn (25.3 μg/m3) and winter (31.7 μg/m3), respectively. During this period, ammonium (NH4+, 32.8%), nitrate (NO3-, 35.9%), and sulfate (SO42-, 19.7%) comprised the majority of particulate pollutants in PM2.5. The ammonia-ammonium conversion rate (NHR) was 0.08 annual average, and it was found that gas/ion phase changes were affected by seasonal weather conditions (temperature and relative humidity). As a result of analyzing the NHR according to the PM2.5 concentration, it was found that the higher the PM2.5 concentration, the higher the NHR. Furthermore, although the measurement area of this study exhibited high ammonia concentration, the NHR was low. This suggests that the contribution rate of ammonia to PM2.5 was relatively low compared to the other studies.Conclusion:As a result, there is a need for measures to reduce the high concentrations of ammonia in livestock areas. Simultaneously, considering the diverse mechanisms involved in particulate matter formation, it is suggested that management of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides including ammonia should be implemented.

Environmental and economic assessment of mixed plastic waste pelletization in the Gulf Cooperation Council region

Pelletizing mixed plastic wastes (MPW) has gained interest as an upcycling technology and an alternative to conventional recycling. To investigate its potential, we conducted a cost analysis and life-cycle assessment (LCA) for a conceptual pelletization facility designed to produce 1 kg of pellets per batch of MPW (comprising polyethylene—PE and polypropylene—PP). This work has the following merits: (i) evaluating environmental impact (EI), cost analysis, and mechanical strength based on actual experimental data and its comparison with local and international manufacturers; (ii) enabling the evaluation of LCA impacts of MPW pellets; and (iii) emphasizing the significance of waste management in reducing EIs. The following ten EIs were assessed: climate change (CC), net energy, particulate matter formation, natural land transformation, metal depletion, marine ecotoxicity, ionising radiation, freshwater ecotoxicity, freshwater eutrophication, and terrestrial ecotoxicity. The CC of the as-synthesized pellets is 1.26 kg CO2 eq., significantly lower than the data obtained from the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) and an actual plant in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Additionally, the net energy required for the production of 1 kg of pellets is 54.1 MJ, while the cost is around 0.55 USD. The tensile strength of MPW pellets (24.63 MPa) falls between that of PE virgin pellets (21.12 MPa) and PP virgin pellets (28.12 MPa). This suggests that the MPW pellets exhibit competitive strength characteristics, warranting its consideration for applications where moderate strength is required. Overall, the competitive cost, coupled with the reduced EIs, demonstrates the potential of pelletization as a sustainable and economically viable waste management solution.

Conservation agriculture enhances crop productivity and soil carbon fractions in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

This study evaluates the impact of conservation agriculture (CA) on soil carbon sequestration and crop productivity in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, focusing on short-term effects over 3 and 5 years. Conducted at two distinct sites, Karnal and Samastipur, the research compares zero tillage, permanent raised beds, and conventional tillage systems across diverse cropping patterns. Initial findings after 3 years showed no significant differences in carbon and nitrogen stocks at Karnal, while Samastipur’s maize-mustard-mungbean rotation on permanent raised beds showed increased carbon stocks. Notably, after 5 years, significant differences in soil carbon stocks emerged at both sites, with improved organic matter input indicated by coarse particulate organic matter (cPOM) formation. The study confirms the potential of POXC and POC as early indicators for carbon sequestration in CA systems, highlighting the role of CA practices in enhancing soil health and crop productivity sustainably.

Self-Shielding Enhanced Organics Synthesis in an Early Reduced Earth's Atmosphere.

Earth is expected to have acquired a reduced proto-atmosphere enriched in H2 and CH4 through the accretion of building blocks that contain metallic Fe and/or the gravitational trapping of surrounding nebula gas. Such an early, wet, reduced atmosphere that covers a proto-ocean would then ultimately evolve toward oxidized chemical compositions through photochemical processes that involve reactions with H2O-derived oxidant radicals and the selective escape of hydrogen to space. During this time, atmospheric CH4 could be photochemically reprocessed to generate not only C-bearing oxides but also organics. However, the branching ratio between organic matter formation and oxidation remains unknown despite its significance on the abiotic chemical evolution of early Earth. Here, we show via numerical analyses that UV absorptions by gaseous hydrocarbons such as C2H2 and C3H4 significantly suppress H2O photolysis and subsequent CH4 oxidation during the photochemical evolution of a wet proto-atmosphere enriched in H2 and CH4. As a result, nearly half of the initial CH4 converted to heavier organics along with the deposition of prebiotically essential molecules such as HCN and H2CO on the surface of a primordial ocean for a geological timescale order of 10-100 Myr. Our results suggest that the accumulation of organics and prebiotically important molecules in the proto-ocean could produce a soup enriched in various organics, which might have eventually led to the emergence of living organisms.

Modeling impacts of indoor environmental variables on secondary organic aerosol formation

There are numerous air pollutants indoors including chemicals emitted from building environments as well as outdoor-origin species due to human activities. Despite the significance of indoor air quality, the atmospheric process indoors is not well studied. In this study, the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from the oxidation of α-pinene blended with toluene was simulated under varying indoor environments (lamps, NO2, ozone, and inorganic seed) using the UNIfied Partitioning Aerosol Reaction (UNIPAR) model. Explicitly predicted lumping species produced during the atmospheric oxidation of precursors are used in the model and they process multiphase partitioning and aerosol phase reactions. The performance of the model was demonstrated using indoor chamber experiments in both dark conditions (ozonolysis) and light conditions with commercialized fluorescent or LED lamps. α-Pinene SOA was dominated by ozonolysis even in the presence of indoor light. Toluene, which is known to be photochemically processed, was oxidized in the dark condition with OH radicals that were derived from ozonolysis products of α-pinene. At given dark simulation conditions (10 ppb α-pinene, 30 ppb ozone, and 50 ppb of toluene), toluene contributed 15 % of SOA mass. α-Pinene SOA was insensitive to hygroscopicity of inorganic seed, but toluene blended with α-pinene increased the sensitivity to seed conditions due to the formation of oligomeric matter via aqueous reactions of reactive toluene products. In the presence of NO2. α-pinene SOA formation significantly increased with increasing NO2 owing to the reaction of α-pinene with nitrate radicals to form low volatile products. This study concludes that ozone and NO2, intruded from outdoors to indoors, effectively oxidize terpenes and furthermore aromatic hydrocarbons with OH radicals originating from ozonolysis of terpenes. The reaction paths with ozone and nitrate radicals are more effective at forming SOA than that with OH radical under the indoor light condition with commercialized lamps.

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprint of Typical Hydrogen Energy Products

To compare the environmental impact and carbon footprint of gray hydrogen, blue hydrogen, and green hydrogen, inventories were obtained through literature research. Some inventories that were not available in China were obtained through foreign inventories combined with localized power conversion. The localized end-point destructive life cycle impact assessment method was used to calculate the environmental impact potential of the raw material acquisition, transportation, and hydrogen production stages of five hydrogen products. The carbon footprint was calculated, and the sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis were carried out and compared with the ReCiPe method. The results showed that： ① The environmental impact from large to small was： gray hydrogen （coal） （1 203 mPt·kg-1） > blue hydrogen （coal） （876 mPt·kg-1） > gray hydrogen （gas） （492 mPt·kg-1） > green hydrogen （323 mPt·kg-1） > blue hydrogen （gas） （252 mPt·kg-1）. The environmental impacts of gray hydrogen and blue hydrogen were mainly concentrated in climate change, fine particulate matter formation, and fossil fuels. The environmental impacts of green hydrogen were mainly concentrated in climate change, fine particulate matter formation, fossil fuels, and mineral resources. ② The carbon footprint from large to small was： gray hydrogen （coal） （23.79 kg·kg-1, measured by CO2eq, the same below） > blue hydrogen （coal） （11.07 kg·kg-1） > gray hydrogen （gas） （10.97 kg·kg-1） > blue hydrogen （gas） （3.47 kg·kg-1） > green hydrogen （1.97 kg·kg-1）. Direct carbon emissions in the production process of gray hydrogen and blue hydrogen accounted for the largest proportion, whereas that of green hydrogen accounted for a large proportion of power input. ③ Measures to reduce environmental impact and carbon emissions include reducing direct emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases, reducing power consumption, and strengthening raw material substitution and reduction.

Labile carbon release from plant litter and its effect on soil organic matter formation in a subtropical forest

Labile carbon release from plant litter and its effect on soil organic matter formation in a subtropical forest

Gaseous emissions from brake wear can form secondary particulate matter

Road traffic is an important source of urban air pollutants. Due to increasingly strict controls of exhaust emissions from road traffic, their contribution to the total emissions has strongly decreased over time in high-income countries. In contrast, non-exhaust emissions from road vehicles are not yet legislated and now make up the major proportion of road traffic emissions in many countries. Brake wear, which occurs due to friction between brake linings and their rotating counterpart, is one of the main non-exhaust sources contributing to particle emissions. Since the focus of brake wear emission has largely been on particulate pollutants, little is currently known about gaseous emissions such as volatile organic compounds from braking and their fate in the atmosphere. This study investigates the oxidative ageing of gaseous brake wear emissions generated with a pin-on-disc tribometer, using an oxidation flow reactor. The results demonstrate, for the first time, that the photooxidation of gaseous brake wear emissions can lead to formation of secondary particulate matter, which could amplify the environmental impact of brake wear emissions.

Diffuse interstellar bands as dust indicators: The contribution from 3D maps

Three-dimensional (3D) distributions of the 862 nm diffuse interstellar band (DIB) carrier have been computed based on Gaia parallaxes and DIB catalogues, in parallel with 3D maps of dust extinction density. Three-dimensional maps provide local diagnostics and information on the distribution of structures in addition to line-of-sight (LOS) integrated quantities, and allow us to focus on poorly studied low-extinction areas. They make cross-matching with other catalogues possible through estimates of the DIB and extinction along any given path. We re-examined the relationships between the density of DIB carriers and the absorption and emission properties of spatially co-located dust. Along with laboratory identifications of carriers, these properties may shed light on the formation and evolution of this organic matter. They may also help to model dust emission and absorption properties in a more detailed way. We used the 3D maps of 862 nm DIBs and of dust extinction, as well as available DIB equivalent width (EW) catalogues and published measurements of parameters characterizing the dust extinction law and the dust emission. We studied the relationships between the extinction-normalized 862 nm DIB EW and the extinction level, the total-to-selective extinction ratio $R_V$, and the dust far-IR emission spectral index beta . We re-visited the link between several DIBs and the UV absorption bump at 220 nm. The ratio of the 862 nm DIB carrier density to the optical extinction density (DIB$_ norm $) is increasing in low-density clouds, confirming with local values the trend seen in the LOS data. In both cases, the coefficients of a fitted power law fall within the range of those measured towards SDSS high-latitude targets for 20 different bands, ranking this DIB among those with a high increase, above that of the broad 4430 DIB. This is consistent with the recent measurement of a larger scale height above the Plane for the 862 nm DIB compared to that of the 4430 DIB. Using map-integrated 862 nm DIB EWs and extinctions along the paths to APOGEE targets with published proxies $R'_V$ for the total-to-selective extinction ratio, we found that, despite a large scatter, DIB$_ norm $ is positively correlated with $R'_V$ for those stars with low to moderate extinctions ($A_V$= 0.2 to 2--3 mag). Independently, using stars from the 862 nm DIB catalogue located outside the disk and for the same regime of extinction, DIB$_ norm $ is found to be globally anti-correlated with the Planck opacity spectral index beta . This is consistent with the observed anti-correlation between beta and $R'_ V $. In the light of a recent result on the variability of the carbon/silicate ratio in dust grains as a source of this anti-correlation, it suggests that DIB$_ norm $ increases with the fraction of carbonaceous to silicate grains in the co-located dust, in agreement with the carbonaceous nature of DIB carriers and recent evidences for a spatial correlation between DIB$_ norm $ and the fluxes of carbon-rich ejecta of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. At higher extinction both trends disappear, and there is evidence for a trend reversal. Regarding the link between the height of the 220 nm UV absorption bump and extinction-normalized EWs of DIBs, we found that two factors explain the absence of previous clear results: the correlation disappears when we move from sigma -type to zeta -type DIBs and/or from single-cloud LOSs to paths crossing multiple clouds distant from each other; zeta -type bands can be used to predict low and high values of the bump height, provided one adds a correcting factor linked to the ambient radiation field (e.g. the 5780/5797 DIB ratio). We show examples of simple models of the bump height based on the 5780 band, the 5850 band and the 5780/5797 DIB ratio. We also found an anti-correlation between DIB$_ norm $ and the width of the bump, which similarly disappears from sigma -type to zeta -type DIBs. This suggests that a fraction of the bump is generated outside the dense molecular clouds. There are complex relationships between DIBs and dust; however, massive measurements of DIBs and extinction and the derived 3D maps may provide some constraints on the density, the nature, and the contribution to extinction and emission of the co-located dust. This requires large stellar spectroscopic surveys and space-based measurements of UV extinction.

A multifunctional life cycle assessment of durum wheat cropping systems

Agricultural systems strongly impact ecosystems by driving terrestrial degradation, water depletion, and climate change. The Life Cycle Assessment allows for comprehensive analyses of the environmental impacts of food production. Nonetheless, its application still faces challenges due to cropping systems’ increased complexity and multifunctionality. Past research has emphasized the need for more holistic approaches to consider dynamic crop interactions and diverse functions of cropping systems, beyond just meeting the demand for foods and feeds. In this context, this study applied an alternative combined and multifunctional modelling approach to compare the environmental performances of two durum wheat cropping systems. The latter differed in crop rotation schedules, farming methods, tillage techniques, and genotypes grown (including both modern and old ones). Novel methodological choices were adopted in this study, aiming at best representing the complexity and peculiarities of these systems, by considering crop rotation effects and reflecting the main durum wheat stakeholders’ perspectives. The results showed that the organic low-input landrace-growing system (Case 1) had considerably lower environmental impacts than the conventional high-input one (Case 2), regardless of the functional unit. The environmental hotspots were the increased land occupation and the bare fallow for Case 1 and Case 2, respectively. At the endpoint level, the most affected impact categories for both the systems of analysis were land use, fine particulate matter formation, global warming (human health), and human non-carcinogenic toxicity. Also, the midpoint analysis pointed out important differences in terms of other assessed impact categories, with Case 1 better performing for the majority of them. The identified improvement solutions include the following: the enhancement of the yield performances and the optimization of nitrogen provision from the leguminous crop for Case1, the shift toward a more efficient rotational scheme, the reduction of the use of external inputs, and the avoidance of unnecessary soil tillage operations for Case 2.

Comparative analysis of life cycle assessment of biogas-powered and coal-powered power plant for optimized environmental operation

The major concerns that mankind faces today are limited reserves of conventional energy, growing energy demand, and environmental pollution. This study depicts a comparative analysis done for the life cycle assessment of the biogas-based plant and coal-based plant designed for Bikaji Foods International Ltd., India. OpenLCA version 1.11.0 software was used with the database ecoinvent 3.3 LCIA methods (ReCiPe Midpoint H) to analyze the environmental impact and investigate the effect of the biogas-based plant and the coal-based plant. The functional unit of 1 MJ of energy generated from biogas and coal was selected to represent the results of the production of 15,271,600 MJ of energy. The results for marine eutrophication, particulate matter formation, photochemical oxidant formation and terrestrial acidification for the biogas-based plant were 734.527 kg N-Eq, 6314.012 kg PM10-Eq, 1328.629 kg NMVOC and 3.933E04 kg SO2-Eq, respectively. Whereas, for coal-based plant, these values were 4919.442 kg N-Eq, 1.962E04 kg PM10-Eq, 6486.987 kg NMVOC and 13.448E04 kg SO2-Eq, respectively. The greenhouse gas emissions and fossil depletion from the biogas-based plant were found negligible as compared to the coal-based plant. Overall, it was found that the biogas-based plant has a more remunerative impact on the environment than the coal-based plant. This study recommends that local authorities and industrial communities should invest more and more in increasing the number of biogas plants at domestic as well as commercial levels and secure a clean and green future for coming generations.

CO2 valorisation from lime production via Columbus process to produce E-methane for transport sector – A comprehensive life cycle assessment

In the next decades, CO2 capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies can contribute to climate change mitigation. The Columbus project is an example of a CCU initiative in which CO2 is captured from lime production and converted into E-methane via CO2 methanation. E-methane can serve as fuel for ships and lorries to replace heavy fuel oil and diesel, respectively. This paper aims to assess the environmental impacts of E-methane production via the Columbus process, powered by renewable electricity, and its utilisation in the transport sector benchmarked to conventional fuel production (references) through life cycle assessment (LCA). A basket of products approach was used to also consider the co-products obtained from the Columbus process in the assessment. Both emission and resource based indicators were selected for the LCA. The results show that E-methane production and its utilisation in ships and lorries result in a decrease of the impact on climate change (35 %), particulate matter formation (94 %) and fossil resource use (85 %) compared to the references. For this comparison, the conventional production of the co-products was also taken into account. However, the production and utilisation of this fuel consumes more minerals and metals than the references. The higher mineral and metal extraction from the environment can be explained by the construction of the solar panels required to provide electricity for electrolysis. Future research should focus on the social acceptance and techno-economic assessment of the Columbus process.

Environmental Impact Assessment of a Plant Cell-Based Bio-Manufacturing Process for Producing Plant Natural Product Ingredients

Purpose: This study employed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to evaluate the environmental impacts of a novel plant cell-based biomanufacturing process for producing plant natural product ingredients. The primary purpose was to assess the relative sustainability of the process and to provide insights into potential areas of improvement in the biomanufacturing process. Method: The LCA method used an MS Excel (Ver. 2407) -based approach with a cradle-to-gate system boundary covering raw material sourcing (A1), raw material transportation (A2), and product extract manufacturing (A3) stages. Energy use and material inventory data are presented for different unit operations, and environmental impact factors were obtained from the Ecoinvent database. The study included a Material Circularity Index (MCI) calculation to assess the circularity of the biomanufacturing process for the production of saponin emulsifiers that are normally extracted from the woody tissue of the Chilean soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria). Comparative analyses were performed against a wild-harvest approach for plant tannin extraction from spruce (Picea abies) tree bark. Key Results: The environmental impact assessment focused on determining relative Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP), Freshwater Eutrophication (FE), Particulate Matter Formation (PMF), and Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). Results indicated that the extract manufacturing stage (A3) contributed significantly to adverse environmental impacts, with varying levels of effects based on the energy source used. Comparative analysis with the wild harvest approach highlights the lower environmental impact of the alternative biomanufacturing process. The biomanufacturing process showed a 23% reduction in GWP, AP, and FE and a 25% reduction in PMF and ODP relative to the wild harvest approach. However, the MCI for the biomanufacturing process was estimated to be 0.186, indicating a low material circularity. Conclusions: The results revealed that the extract manufacturing stage, particularly energy consumption, significantly influences the relative environmental impacts of the alternative production processes. Different energy sources exhibit varying effects, with renewable energy sources showing lower environmental impacts. The Material Circularity Index indicated a low circularity for the biomanufacturing process, suggesting opportunities for improvement, such as incorporating recycled or reused materials. Compared with the tannin extraction process, the plant cell-based biomanufacturing process demonstrated lower environmental impacts, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices and the use of renewable energy sources in future plant natural product sourcing. Recommendations include implementing more sustainable practices, optimising raw material choices, and extending product life spans to enhance circularity and overall environmental benefits.

The paleo-oceanic environment and organic matter enrichment mechanism of the early Cambrian in the southern Lower Yangtze platform, China

This study focuses on the Lower Yangtze Platform located in southern Anhui Province, focusing on the black shale of the early Cambrian Hetang Formation as the primary research subject. Three field sections representing distinct sedimentary structural units were selected for investigation. Analytical methodologies encompassing organic geochemistry, elemental geochemistry, and scanning electron microscopy were employed to reconstruct paleo-oceanic environmental conditions. These analyses aimed to elucidate the characteristics of marine surface productivity and identify the factors controlling organic matter formation, thereby establishing a model for organic matter accumulation processes. These findings suggest that the Jiangnan paleo-uplift exerted differentiated control over organic matter formation and accumulation. Specifically, the barrier function of the paleo-uplift fostered a relatively enclosed and restricted water environment in certain regions, which proved conducive to the formation, accumulation, and preservation of organic matter. Furthermore, the paleo-upwelling system and hydrothermal groundwater circulation triggered by the activation of the Jiangnan deep fault played crucial roles in controlling the formation and accumulation of organic matter in the early Cambrian. Notably, the research also revealed that intermittent hydrothermal activity had a dual impact on organic matter accumulation within various paleo-oceanic settings. This process potentially facilitated organic matter enrichment and led to the dilution of organic matter concentrations.

Aspects of charged decoupled solutions in ℛ+ϖℛ2 gravity

This study deals with the physical aspects of the gravitationally decoupled solutions under [Formula: see text] gravity scenario. In doing so, charged anisotropic matter composition is assumed as the parent (seed) source for the static spherically symmetric configuration. Commencing with the Kuchowicz ansatz for the charged static parent matter formation, we establish the Karmarkar condition to thoroughly address the deformed functions and the gravitational aspects of the compact spheres. Besides these, null-complexity and isotropized conditions will enforce to grasp the system’s stability by the inclusion of charge and [Formula: see text] factors through graphical trends.