Minimal Environmental Impact Research Articles

Mussel byssus cuticle-inspired low-carbon footprint soybean meal adhesives with high-strength and anti-mildew performance

Bio-based adhesives, because of their prominent non-toxic and sustainable properties, have attracted great attention to replace conventional formaldehyde-based adhesives. However, most bio-adhesives have poor bonding properties and antimildew stability, which seriously hinder the practical application. Herein, a coordination structure-enhancement method for the preparation of bio-based adhesives was developed that avoids the use of large amounts of crosslinking agents and produces new bio-based adhesives with good properties. The wet bonding strength of this adhesive manufactured by introducing mussel byssus cuticle-inspired complexes (FeTA) and glycerol triglycidyl ether (GTE) is as high as 1.05 MPa, far exceeding that of pure soybean meal adhesive. In addition, the resulting adhesives showed superior thermal stability and mildew resistance. Life cycle assessment results indicate that the novel adhesive production process has a minimal environmental impact. Overall, this environmentally friendly bio-based adhesive demonstrated in this study could be a promising substitute for petrochemical-based formaldehyde adhesives.

Enhancing efficiency and sustainability in water reuse through microfluidic electrochemical reactors: a mini review

In view of the increasing scarcity of water resources and the imperative to develop processes with minimal environmental impact, there is a pressing need to focus on the design of water treatment methods characterized by reduced energy consumption and heightened process efficiency. In this vein, the present short review aims to provide a critical assessment of electrochemical technologies for environmental applications, with particular emphasis on reactor configuration's role in the elimination of persistent organic pollutants and the effectiveness of disinfection systems. To underscore the search for processes aligned with sustainability objectives, specific attention has been directed towards comparing conventional configurations with microfluidic devices. Conventional configurations prove effective for the objectives described in this review, achieving removals exceeding 90% of a wide range of persistent contaminants and reductions greater than 6-log for fecal coliforms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, helminth eggs, among others. Compared to traditional configurations, microfluidic designs have demonstrated notable advantages, including reduced energy consumption (3- to 20-fold), and heightened mass transfer rates. Specifically, designs that combine a micrometric interelectrode distance with a flow-through configuration or vigorous mixing (electromixing configuration) exhibit high potential for the development of more efficient electrochemical systems compared to conventional devices. In light of the superior performance exhibited by these electrochemical devices, it is evident that continued research in the realm of environmental electrochemistry is paramount for fostering sustainability in the coming years, particularly in alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDG 6).

Extraction and characterization of Plantago major L. mucilage as a potential natural alternative over synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical formulations

The growing demand for natural cosmetic ingredients with minimal environmental impact has spurred the search for novel alternatives to synthetic materials. In this context, mucilage from Plantago major L., an exotic plant widely spread in Brazil, presents a promising option. This study focused on optimizing mucilage extraction from Plantago major L. seeds, drying the extracted solution, characterizing the dried product, and evaluating its rheological properties for potential cosmetic use. An extraction procedure was developed using a baffled-jacketed stirred vessel with the addition of Teflon® particles to improve seed attrition and enhance seeds’ mucilage removal. The mucilage solution was filtered, precipitated by ethanol addition, and then dried on various surfaces, with Teflon® proving the most effective. The product’s suitability was evaluated in gel formulations and compared with established commercial polymers. The results showed an optimum extraction yield of 18.4% from the seeds, at the optimum extraction conditions of 140.5 minutes, solvent-to-seed mass ratio of 0.0284, and a temperature of 80.2 °C. The dried purified mucilage yielded a thermally stable product up to 300°C, with a structure featuring the fingerprint region between 800 and 1200 cm⁻1, characteristic of carbohydrates. The gel formulation obtained with the product exhibited a non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic rheological profile, resembling the ones prepared with the natural and semi-synthetic polymers such as xanthan gum and hydroxyethyl cellulose, commonly used in cosmetic formulations. This study highlights the potential of mucilage from Plantago major L. seeds for applications in pharmaceutical formulations.

Two types of microorganisms isolated from petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants: Degradation characteristics and metabolic pathways analysis of petroleum hydrocarbons.

The petroleum hydrocarbons in seawater have been worldwide concern contaminants. Biological method, with the advantages of low cost, minimal environmental impact, and no secondary pollution, is a promising method for petroleum hydrocarbon treatment. In this study, two strains, identified as Stenotrophomonas acidaminiphila and Ochrobactrum, were demonstrated to possess the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons. The mixed culture composed of Stenotrophomonas acidaminiphila and Ochrobactrum at a 2:1 ratio was able to achieve 79.41% degradation of the total petroleum hydrocarbons after 5 days. Besides, the average removal efficiencies of C10-C30 components in petroleum hydrocarbons by Stenotrophomonas acidaminiphila, Ochrobactrum, and mixed culture were 62.98%, 59.14% and 73.30%, respectively. The possible degradation pathways of petroleum hydrocarbons had been speculated through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and differential gene expression metabolomics analyses. The toxicity of products from the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons was greatly reduced.

New Vernacular Architecture: Experimental Construction Site in Bärnau, Bavaria

This experimental construction site in Bärnau, a small town on the border between the Czech Republic and Germany, explores innovative approaches to vernacular architecture through a prism of sustainability, craftsmanship, and regionalism. The project addresses three key questions. First, how can we learn from historical building methods and materials to build more sustainably while maintaining social and regional relevance? Second, how to revitalize traditional craftsmanship, focusing on making local materials and techniques more attractive to ensure the preservation of valuable knowledge? Lastly, what potential is there for creating buildings with minimal environmental impact using only regional materials, thereby supporting local economies and ecological integrity?

Exploring Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Precision Agriculture: A Pathway to Improved Efficiency and Economic Outcomes in Crop Production

This review analyzes secondary data from academic databases, research articles, and case studies to explore the role of new technologies for precision agriculture (PA) and investigates the value addition that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) provide to resource use, crop yield, and economic performance. Accordingly, the most of the key applications of AI in PA were related to crop yield prediction, disease detection, and effective water usage. Operating models through AI will analyze much data in real time, thus providing insight into informed decision making by farmers for proactive action against crop challenges like drought or pest attack. Furthermore, IoT devices and remote sensing support continuous monitoring in the delivery of correct data about optimizations of resources with minimal environmental impact. AI-driven robotics further automates all tasks related to planting, harvesting, and pesticide application, improving labor productivity and operational efficiency. This would involve in other issues like implementation costs, data privacy, and general unawareness among farmers of developing areas. Equally important will be ethical issues like ownership of data and loss of jobs. Various case studies in India, China, the United States, and Africa reveal how AI could transform the future of agriculture if integrated into agricultural systems properly to gain higher productivity and sustainability. Improvements in data quality and ethical issues, and increased access by smallholder farmers, will also be part of future research. Eventually, integrating AI with IoT, robotics, and big data analytics could provide high potential to meet global food demand in a sustainable manner.

AI-Driven Scaling of Sustainable Startups: Business Models and Environmental Impact

With fast growth in sustainable startups at variance with profitability, the likelihood of high profitability contrasted with minimal environmental impact becomes a great challenge and opportunity. In this article, the role of AI in scaling through innovative business models to meet sustainability goals is investigated. The latest development in optimized operating efficiency, lesser resource consumption, and improved scalability has seen AI use go unexplored in business models designed particularly for environmental sustainability goals. This paper addresses how AI-enabled business model innovation can facilitate scaling up of sustainable start-ups in renewable energy, waste management, and circular economy practices. In addition, resource reallocation under such a scenario comes with a double dividend: it brings better economic growth alongside lower ecological damage, while reduction in AI's adverse environmental impact arises as a by-product. Case studies are expected to summarize the complexity in practice and limitations of AI for sustainable business growth. This study, therefore, provides an answer that contributes to understanding how startups may leverage AI to drive not only economic value but also create environmental value, thus providing the much-needed roadmap for future research in a rapidly changing field.

Materials Sustainability in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Sustainable materials development is becoming crucial in the pharmaceutical industry due to the significant environmental impacts of medications across their life cycle. While early production stages have seen efforts to minimize these effects, reducing environmental impacts from drug consumption and disposal remains challenging. Growing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements are pressuring the industry to adopt sustainable practices. Material sustainability, which emphasizes responsible resource use and minimal environmental impact, is a key focus. Strategies include green chemistry principles to reduce hazardous substances and waste during drug development and manufacturing. Additionally, biodegradable materials and eco-friendly packaging designs are gaining traction to lessen landfill and ecosystem impacts. Despite progress, challenges such as complex regulatory frameworks and the need for stakeholder collaboration persist. This review examines materials sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting its shift toward environmentally responsible practices driven by innovation and regulation. It investigates current environmental initiatives, perspectives, and strategies to address environmental challenges. Achieving sustainability requires a holistic, integrated approach involving all aspects of the business, from supply chain management to product development. By prioritizing sustainability, the pharmaceutical industry can contribute to global climate goals, ensuring its resilience and long-term success.

An integrated environmental and economic assessment for the disposal of food waste from grocery retail stores towards resource recovery.

Food waste gives rise to many environmental problems. A large amount of food waste is produced by grocery retail stores. It is therefore important to apply efficient food waste treatment technologies with minimal environmental impact and investigate the optimal approach for food waste collection, transportation, and treatment. In the present study, a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) was conducted to analyze different food waste disposal scenarios, including incineration, landfilling, composting, anaerobic digestion, and bioconversion. The impacts of the five scenarios on the environmental, economic, and social aspects were assessed. The results suggested that the landfilling scenario has the lowest net cost for the treatment of food waste, followed by the incineration scenario. The bioconversion treatment cost has the most significant positive effect on the net cost of the bioconversion scenario, and both the price and yield of compost have a significant negative effect on the net cost. The rankings of the five scenarios are the same under both weight determination methods, with the bioconversion scenario performing the best, followed by the composting scenario. The results of this study can help improve the disposal of food waste in grocery retail stores in the framework of sustainability and the circular economy.

Regulatory mechanism of grafted alkyl chain length of carbon quantum dots as additives on the tribological properties of lithium greases

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) exhibit exceptional structural properties and minimal environmental impact, garnering significant interest in the field of lubrication. In this study, four types of modified CQDs with varying alkyl chain lengths were synthesized through hydrothermal methods and subsequently mixed with lithium grease (LG) to formulate mixed greases. The influence of the alkyl chain length on the CQDs used as additives in the mixed greases was investigated with a four-ball friction and wear tester, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Specifically, compared to pure LG, the modified CQDs with the shortest alkyl chain length reduced the coefficient of friction (COF), the diameter of abrasive spots, and the depth of abrasive scars by 33.65%, 42.11%, and 51.87%, respectively. This improvement can be attributed to the ease of these shorter-chain CQDs entering the contact area and forming a stable film containing carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen elements through friction. The tribological properties of modified CQDs can be effectively controlled by adjusting the length of the carbon chain, providing a theoretical basis for the design of environmentally friendly and sustainable grease additives in engineering applications.

Innovations in residue upgrading for the Niger delta by transforming heavy oil fractions into high-value products: A state of the art review

This review discusses new innovations in residue upgrading technologies for the conversion of heavy oil fractions into high-value products, especially for Delta and Rivers States of the Niger Delta region. Recent works within the 2020-2024 period show that upgrading methods have been significantly developed; however, no prior work has been done regarding applying those upgrading techniques to the peculiar nature of crude oil from this region. The paper probes the environmental impacts of these technologies, emphasizing the need for localized assessment that would take into consideration the fragile ecosystems of Delta and Rivers States. It further assesses the economic viability of scaling up the implementation of advanced upgrading processes within the current refining infrastructure. The discussion covers variable quality heavy oil in these regions and what that does to upgrading efficiency, how to integrate these technologies into the current refining practices, underlines the potential socio-economic advantages for the local communities through the creation of jobs and enhancing the skills of those communities to underscore the importance of these innovations for sustainable development. The review establishes that in such siamese twin areas, further research is needed to ensure that heavy oil resources in Delta and Rivers States are utilized effectively while ensuring that there is a minimal environmental impact from the extraction process.

Seawater alkalization via an energy-efficient electrochemical process for CO2 capture

Electrochemical pH-swing strategies offer a promising avenue for cost-effective and energy-efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) capture, surpassing the traditional thermally activated processes and humidity-sensitive techniques. The concept of elevating seawater's alkalinity for scalable CO2 capture without introducing additional chemical as reactant is particularly intriguing due to its minimal environmental impact. However, current commercial plants like chlor-alkali process or water electrolysis demand high thermodynamic voltages of 2.2 V and 1.23 V, respectively, for the production of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) from seawater. These high voltages are attributed to the asymmetric electrochemical reactions, where two completely different reactions take place at the anode and cathode. Here, we developed a symmetric electrochemical system for seawater alkalization based on a highly reversible and identical reaction taking place at the anode and cathode. We utilize hydrogen evolution reaction at the cathode, where the generated hydrogen is looped to the anode for hydrogen oxidation reaction. Theoretical calculations indicate an impressively low energy requirement ranging from 0.07 to 0.53 kWh/kg NaOH for established pH differences of 1.7 to 13.4. Experimentally, we achieved the alkalization with an energy consumption of 0.63 kWh/kg NaOH, which is only 38% of the theoretical energy requirements of the chlor-alkali process (1.64 kWh/kg NaOH). Further tests demonstrated the system's potential of enduring high current densities (~20 mA/cm2) and operating stability over an extended period (>110 h), showing its potential for future applications. Notably, the CO2 adsorption tests performed with alkalized seawater exhibited remarkably improved CO2 capture dictated by the production of hydroxide compared to the pristine seawater.

Cellulose-based Conductive Materials for Bioelectronics.

The growing demand for electronic devices has led to excessive stress on Earth's resources, necessitating effective waste management and the search for renewable materials with minimal environmental impact. Bioelectronics, designed to interface with the human body, have traditionally been made from inorganic materials, such as metals, which, while having suitable electrical conductivity, differ significantly in chemical and mechanical properties from biological tissues. This can cause issues such as unreliable signal collection and inflammatory responses. Recently, natural biopolymers such as cellulose, chitosan, and silk have been explored for flexible devices, given their chemical uniqueness, shape flexibility, ease of processing, mechanical strength, and biodegradability. Cellulose is the most abundant natural biopolymer, has been widely used across industries, and can be transformed into electronically conductive carbon materials. This review focuses on the advancements in cellulose-based conductive materials for bioelectronics, detailing their chemical properties, methods to enhance conductivity, and forms used in bioelectronic applications. It highlights the compatibility of cellulose with biological tissues, emphasizing its potential in developing wearable sensors, supercapacitors, and other healthcare-related devices. The review also addresses current challenges in this field and suggests future research directions to overcome these obstacles and fully realize the potential of cellulose-based bioelectronics.

Methodology of Multiple-Criteria Decision Making for Selecting a Refrigerant to Be Used in Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

This paper presents the application of the multiple-criteria decision-making (SAW) method for selecting the optimum refrigerant for the refrigeration systems of commercial cooling equipment used in gastronomy furniture, which is paramount in storing food under optimal conditions. The analysis focused on comparing different refrigerants, including natural refrigerants such as R744 (carbon dioxide) and R290 (propane) and synthetic refrigerants such as R455A, R449A, and R452A. As a result of the analysis using the SAW method, the refrigerant R455A was found to be the best solution. This choice resulted from the consideration of various decision criteria, such as energy efficiency, environmental impact, operating costs, and technology availability. R455A stands out as a synthetic refrigerant that provides high energy efficiency with minimal environmental impact. Its use supports sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electricity consumption, which is crucial given the modern regulatory requirements and environmental standards. This study offers a practical decision-making tool for commercial refrigeration equipment designers and manufacturers, supporting them while selecting the optimal technological solutions. The choice of refrigerant R455A addresses the need to integrate energy efficiency, environmental protection, and cost-effectiveness in the process of designing modern refrigeration systems for catering furniture.

Cutting Edge Nanoplatforms with Smart Bio-sensing Applications: Paving the Way for Sustainable Green Approaches

Abstract: In the era of automation, sustainable technologies employing eco-friendly materials and manufacturing techniques such as ‘Green nanobiosensors’ have taken centre stage, owing to their opulent portfolio encompassing renewable fabrication and design from biomaterials, biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization. Generally, sensors utilize nanomaterials sourced from renewable resources or with minimal environmental impact, such as cellulose nanocrystals, chitosan, and biopolymers, owing to their exceptional properties such as high surface area. With the advent of environmentally conscious attributes in the cutting-edge nano biosensing technology, green nano-biosensors offer innovative avenues for sensitive and selective detection and monitoring of myriad analytes with minimal environmental repercussions. Further, such sensors operate at low energy levels, contributing to reduced energy consumption, and can be mass-produced with minimal environmental influence. The present outlay of literature aims to decipher the utilization of eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing techniques in creating nano-biosensors and subsequently promulgating their advantages in terms of energy efficiency, low environmental impact, and use of renewable resources. Furthermore, this study embellishes a comprehensive framework that delineates the diverse applications of these green nanobiosensors as eco-friendly technological solutions across diverse sectors primarily agriculture, environmental monitoring, and biomedicine, showcasing their potential to revolutionize these domains while minimizing environmental impact.

Thermal performance and characterization of phase change material composites reinforced with nano-particles in thermal energy storage systems: a review

Abstract The energy storage now a days is a cumbersome process to exploit its best use. This review paper discusses the challenges of efficiently utilizing energy storage and proposes phase-change materials (PCMs) with Nano-particle
reinforcement as a solution, particularly for storing solar thermal energy. Various synthesis methods for PCM, including impregnation and encapsulation, are examined, with emphasis on factors like particle size, shape, and solid content. Carbon-based materials, including carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide, emerge as superior options due to their reliability, cost-effectiveness, lightweight nature, and high heat transfer efficiency, with minimal environmental impact. This review highlights the enhanced thermal conductivity of Nano-particle-reinforced PCM composites, emphasizing their thermally stable, durable, and conductive properties. Additionally, it discusses thermal performance through techniques like DSC, TGA, and DTG, along with material characterization methods such as FTIR, SEM, XRD, EDX, and XPS analysis. Overall, the research underscores the promising potential of Nano-particle-reinforced PCM composites for efficient energy storage and thermal management applications.

Advancements in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology: Bridging Performance Gaps for Enhanced Environmental Sustainability

In light of the anticipated 50% increase in global energy demand by 2050, the demand for innovative, environmentally conscious, efficient, and dependable energy technologies is paramount. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) offer a promising solution for sustainable energy production. This comprehensive review provides a detailed analysis of SOFCs, covering their fundamentals, materials, performance, and diverse applications, while also addressing technological challenges and future prospects. The review emphasizes the key advantages of SOFCs, including their high efficiency of up to 60% and minimal environmental impact. It explores the significance of impurity resistance and durability in materials and manufacturing processes for SOFC components. Comparative evaluations demonstrate the superior energy efficiency and ecological effects of SOFCs compared to other fuel cell technologies. SOFCs’ versatility and potential are showcased through their applications in transportation, power generation and storage, portable devices, and residential usage. However, challenges such as cost, longevity, reliability, and integration with other energy systems are identified, emphasizing the need for supportive policies and regulations.

Analyzing the Chiral Purity of Pharmaceuticals: The Application of Cyclodextrin-Based Chiral Selectors in Capillary Electrophoresis

The current review provides a focused analysis of the application of capillary electrophoresis (CE) techniques to determine the chiral purity of pharmaceuticals, with a specific emphasis on cyclodextrin- (CD) based chiral selectors (CSs), highlighting advancements, methodologies, and trends in this area as reported in studies published from 2010 to 2024. The review emphasizes CE’s evolution as a critical tool in this field, discussing its advantages, such as high efficiency, flexibility, relatively low costs, and minimal environmental impact, which make it well-suited for modern pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, it underscores the importance of CE in meeting stringent regulatory requirements for chiral drug substances. A significant shift in method optimization has occurred in the last ten years, shifting from the traditional One-Factor-at-a-Time (OFAT) strategy to the Design-of-Experiments (DoE) approach; this shift has enabled more systematic and robust method development. Furthermore, a common trend in recent years is the application of Quality-by-Design (QbD) principles in method development and optimization, ensuring higher reliability and efficiency. Additionally, there is an increasing focus on developing CE methods capable of detecting both achiral and chiral impurities simultaneously, which enhances the comprehensiveness of the analysis. This review seeks to guide future research and development in optimizing CE methodologies for pharmaceutical applications.

Aeromagnetic Data Analysis for Sustainable Structural Mapping of the Missiakat Al Jukh Area in the Central Eastern Desert: Enhancing Resource Exploration with Minimal Environmental Impact

This study integrates aeromagnetic data with geological information to develop a consistent interpretation of both shallow and deep structural frameworks at various depths in the Missiakat Al Jukh area, located in the Central Eastern Desert, Egypt. The research begins by processing reduced-to-the-north magnetic pole (RTP) anomalies, using Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) techniques to distinguish between local residual structures and broader regional features. This multi-scale approach enables a more detailed understanding of the geological complexity in the region, revealing its subsurface structures. Advanced geophysical methods such as upward continuation, Euler deconvolution, source parameter imaging (SPI), and global particle swarm optimization (GPSO) were applied to further refine the determination of structural depths, offering critical insights into the distribution and orientation of geological features at varying depths. The study reveals dominant structural orientations aligned in the NNW-SSE, ENE-WSW, north–south, and east–west directions, reflecting the region’s complex tectonic history. This research is of great importance in terms of sustainability. By delivering detailed subsurface maps and providing more accurate depth estimates of basement rocks (between 0.6 and 1.3 km), it contributes to sustainable resource exploration in the region. A better understanding of the geological structure helps minimize the environmental impact of exploration by reducing unnecessary drilling and concentrating efforts on areas with higher potential. Additionally, the use of non-invasive geophysical techniques supports the transition toward more environmentally conscious exploration practices. The integration of these advanced methods promotes a more sustainable approach to mineral and resource extraction, which is crucial for balancing economic growth with environmental preservation in geologically sensitive areas. Ultimately, this work provides a thorough geological interpretation that not only aids future exploration efforts but also aligns with the global push for sustainable and eco-friendly resource management.

Sustainable Polymeric Biomaterials from Alternative Feedstocks.

As materials engineered to interact with biological systems for medical purposes, polymeric biomedical materials have revolutionized and are indispensable in modern healthcare. However, aging populations and improving healthcare standards worldwide have resulted in ever-increasing demands for such biomaterials. Currently, many clinically used polymers are derived from nonrenewable petroleum resources, thus spurring the need for exploring alternatives for the next generation of sustainable biomaterials. Other than biomass, this Perspective also spotlights carbon dioxide and postuse plastics as viable resources potentially suitable for biomaterial production. For each alternative feedstock, key recent developments and practical considerations are discussed, including emerging biomaterial applications, possible feedstock sources, and hindrances toward translation and practical adoption. Other than replacements for petroleum-derived polymers, we explore how utilization of these alternatives capitalizes on their intrinsic physiochemical and material properties to achieve their desired therapeutic effects. We hope that this Perspective can stimulate further development in sustainable biomaterials to achieve practical therapeutic benefits as part of a circular materials economy with minimal environmental impact.