Morphological Groups Research Articles

Biodegradation potential of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) using Aspergillus niger and Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is one of the most predominant and widely used plastic types on earth. This study investigated the degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with two fungal species. Aspergillus niger and Phanerochaete chrysosporium were the two fungal species that were isolated from garbage soil and screened in two medium broths independently i.e. Czapek-Dox broth (CDB) and Mineral salt medium (MSM). The broth was used to inoculate both fungi species in flasks where LDPE polymer as source of carbon. Non pre-treatment LDPE samples were incubated for a 20-day biodegradation process. Microbial population, biomass layer, pH were maintained during the process. The final biodegradation percentage after 20 days was 40% in CDB and minimum degradation rate in MSM. The morphological, structural and functional group alterations on LDPE were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). DSC analytical method confirmed the LDPE polymer chain breakdown. LDPE exposed to fungi species was reported to show crystallinity and crystal size differences with peak intensity at 21.4°. Through the analysis of FTIR peaks were observed at 2927 and 2523 cm−1. This research highlights the potential of both fungi for biodegradation of LDPE. However, with these findings adaptive metabolic pathways for LDPE biodegradation need to be linked and studied.Graphical

Batch Adsorption of Orange II Dye on a New Green Hydrogel-Study on Working Parameters and Process Enhancement.

A new green hydrogel consisting of cherry stone (CS) powder and sodium alginate (SA) was synthesized through physical crosslinking. The product had a mean diameter of 3.95 mm, a moisture content of 92.28%, a bulk density of 0.58 g/cm3, and a swelling ratio of 45.10%. The analyses of its morphological structure and functional groups by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the successful entrapping of the CS in the SA polymeric matrix. The viability of the prepared hydrogel as adsorbent was tested towards Orange II (OII) anionic dye. The influence of the pH, adsorbent amount, contact time, and initial dye concentration was evaluated. Then, the impact of three accelerating factors (stirring speed, ultrasound exposure duration, and temperature) on the OII retention was investigated. The highest recorded removal efficiency and adsorption capacity were 82.20% and 6.84 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption followed Elovich and pseudo-second-order kinetics, was adequately described by Freundlich and Khan isotherms, and can be defined as spontaneous, endothermic, and random. The experiments confirmed that the obtained hydrogel can be used acceptably for at least two consecutive cycles, sustaining its effectiveness in water decontamination.

Topographic factors associated with anterior chamber angle narrowing in patients with keratoconus.

To identify topographic determinants of the anterior chamber angle (ACA) in patients with keratoconus (KCN). Four hundred and ten eyes of 294 patients with KCN were recruited for this study. First, complete ocular examinations were performed for all patients, including visual acuity measurement, refraction, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Then, all participants underwent corneal imaging by the Oculus Pentacam HR. The mean age of the participants was 32.40±8.52y (15-60y) and 69.5% of them were male. The mean ACA was 38.47°±5.75° (range: 14.40° to 56.50°) in the whole sample, 38.24°±6.00° in males, and 38.98°±5.11° in females (P=0.447). The mean ACA was significantly different among different groups of cone morphology, as patients with nipple cones showed the lowest mean ACA. Moreover, there were statistically significant differences in the mean ACA among different groups of cone locations, with patients having central cones exhibiting the lowest mean ACA (P<0.001). Anterior and posterior Q values were significantly, directly correlated with ACA (anterior Q: r=0.122, P=0.014, posterior Q: r=0.192, P<0.001). This study provides critical insights into the risk factors for ACA narrowing in KCN patients, which is essential for planning intraocular surgeries. Patients with nipple and central cones exhibited the most significant ACA narrowing. Additionally, more negative Q-values are associated with increased ACA narrowing, highlighting the need for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Effect of In Vitro Culture as a Sperm Selection Method Before Single Sperm Cryopreservation of Testicular Sperm from Individuals with Azoospermia

BACKGROUND: Single sperm cryopreservation (SSC) is a method that preserves the limited number of spermatozoa in testicular sperm. But testicular spermatozoa are characterized with low movement, which is not ideal for sperm selection before SSC. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate in vitro incubation (IVC) as a sperm selection technique before SSC on biological factors of testicular spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Testicular tissue was obtained from 15 azoospermia men. One part of the testicular samples was used as a Control group, which was assessed fresh. One portion was cryopreserved by a vitrification (Vit) method and the two other portions were in vitro cultured for 24 h, with (IVC-Vit) or without (IVC) vitrification. Sperm motility, viability, morphology, DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated. RESULTS: Sperm motility and viability were better maintained in the IVC-Vit group compared to the Vit group (P=0.04 and P= 0.003, respectively). Sperm morphology, the fresh, Vit, IVC, and IVC-Vit groups all showed similar results (P &gt;0.05). Mitochondrial activity was significantly lower in the Vit group compared to the Control fresh group (P = 0.0001). The IVC group had a significantly higher DFI as compared to the Control (P &lt;0.0001). Compared to the IVC group, the IVC-Vit sperm had a significant increase in DFI (P= 0.0009). There was a statistically significant difference between post warm DFI of the Vit group and IVC-Vit group (P &lt;0.0001). CONCLUSION: IVC as a sperm selection method increased motility and viability of testicular spermatozoa before single sperm vitrification. As DNA fragmentation increased by this technique, this method is not ideal for selecting viable sperm.

Activated carbon encapsulated Aluminum metal–organic frameworks as an active and recyclable adsorbent for removal of different dyes and lead from aqueous solution

The adsorption of heavy metals and dyes has become a significant area of research due to their detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Activated carbon (AC) is widely recognized for its excellent adsorption properties, while metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are gaining attention for their high surface area and tunable characteristics. In this study, we investigate the adsorption of lead ions on AC supported by MIL-101(Al) with varying compositions synthesized through solvothermal techniques. Characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and FTIR were employed to examine the morphology, crystalline structure, and functional groups of the synthesized materials. The adsorption efficiency of AC/MIL-101(Al) composites for removing brilliant green (BG), congo red (CR), and lead ions from aqueous solutions was evaluated, focusing on factors like pH, adsorbent dosage, dye concentration, and adsorption time. The results indicated that AC/MIL-101(Al) composites exhibited faster adsorption kinetics than pure MIL-101(Al) and pure AC under optimal conditions. The composite demonstrated exceptional performance, with maximum adsorption capacities of 306 mg/g for BG, 585 mg/g for CR, and 241 mg/g for lead ions. This study introduces a novel approach for creating a highly effective nano-porous adsorbent using MOFs, aimed at effectively removing organic dyes and heavy metals from water.

Synthesis and Selective Adsorption Performance of Cu(II) Imprinted SA/CMC/AM Microspheres in Multi‐Ion Coexistence Environments

ABSTRACTTo achieve efficient and selective removal of Cu2+ from a multi‐ion coexistence environment, Cu2+‐imprinted SA/CMC/AM microspheres (IMSCA) were synthesized. The adsorption capacity and removal efficiency of the material under different preparation and adsorption conditions were investigated. The surface morphology and functional groups of IMSCA were characterized and analyzed using SEM, FTIR, and XRD. SEM images revealed a relatively smooth surface of IMSCA with specific pores and a relatively uniform structure. Special peaks appeared in FTIR spectrum of IMSCA, indicating the possibility of the imprinting process and the presence of imprinting sites. The semicrystalline structure exhibited by the imprinted microspheres in XRD characterization further reinforces the likelihood of imprinting sites. In terms of adsorption kinetics, the adsorption process followed a pseudo–second‐order kinetic model, suggesting that chemical adsorption was dominant during the IMSCA adsorption process. In terms of adsorption isotherms, the Langmuir model better fitted the experimental data, suggesting that the adsorption process was monolayer adsorption. The imprinted microspheres exhibited better selective adsorption in mixed solutions of multiple metal ions. After 10 adsorption–desorption cycles, the adsorption capacity of IMSCA remained at approximately 90%. Compared with other imprinted materials, IMSCA exhibits a higher adsorption capacity, a faster elution rate, and superior reusability.

Influence of Biochar Feedstocks on Nitrate Adsorption Capacity

The demand for intensive agriculture to boost food and crop production has increased. High nitrogen (N) fertilizer use is crucial for increasing agricultural productivity but often leads to significant nitrate losses, posing risks to surface and groundwater quality. This study examines the role of biochar as a soil amendment to enhance nutrient retention and mitigate nitrate leaching. By improving nitrogen efficiency, biochar offers a sustainable strategy to reduce the environmental impacts of intensive agriculture while maintaining soil fertility. An incubation study investigated four biochar feedstocks: spruce bark biochar at 550 °C (SB550), hardwood biochar (75% sugar maple) at 500 °C (HW500), sawdust (fir/spruce) biochar at 427 °C (FS427), and softwood biochar at 500 °C (SW500), to identify the most effective nitrate adsorbent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were employed to analyze biochar morphology and surface functional groups. Adsorption isotherms were modeled using the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The results indicated that surface functional groups, such as aromatic C=C stretching and bending, aromatic C–H bending, and phenolic O–H bending, play crucial roles in enhancing electrostatic attraction and, consequently, the nitrate adsorption capacity of biochar. The equilibrium adsorption data from this study fit well with both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Among the four biochar types tested, SB550 exhibited the highest nitrate adsorption capacity, with a maximum of 184 mg/g. The adsorption data showed excellent conformity to the Langmuir and Freundlich models, with correlation coefficients (R2) exceeding 0.987 for all biochar types. These findings highlight the high accuracy of these models in predicting nitrate adsorption capacities.

Evaluation of the Food Barrier and Mechanical Properties of Carrageenan-Starch Composite Films.

Single use plastics are a leading source of microplastics that have been detected along the food chain. This study evaluated the potential of starch (ST) and carrageenan (CRG) in packaging film formulation. CRG isolated from the seaweed (SW) Eucheuma denticulatam was blended with starch and cast to obtain films whose moisture content (MC), total soluble matter (TSM), degree of solubility (DS), water vapor permeability (WVP), opacity (O), contact angles (CA), moisture absorption (MA), and percent elongation (PE) were evaluated. The films' morphology, crystallinity, opacity, thermal profile, and functional groups were then studied by scanning electron microscopy, powder diffraction, UV-Vis, thermal gravimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. From the results obtained, the SWF films exhibited a higher MC, DS, and TSM than CRG and CRG-ST films but lower DC values. The PE of CRG films was lower than that of SWF (30%) though incorporation of ST increased the PE of CRG-ST. However, SWF films had WVP of 2.25 × 10-7 gs-1m-1Pa-1, compared to 3.65 × 10-7 gs-1m-1Pa-1 of CRG, 2.73 × 10-7 gs-1m-1Pa-1 of CRG-ST and a moisture absorption of 29.29 ± 3.5 as compared to 17.29 ± 0.87 of CRG and 23.80% ± 4.12% of CRG-ST. The opacities were found to be 41.02, 79.89, and 42.23 for SWF, CRG, CRG-ST while the contact angles were found to be 72.86, 80.93, 65.57 for SWF, CRG, and CRG-ST, respectively. Moreover, the films were impermeable to vegetable oil, had carbohydrate functional groups, good thermal stabilities, and trace micronutrients. In conclusion, this study formulated packaging films with enhanced food barrier and mechanical properties that can potentially replace single use packaging films.

Fungal endophytes diversity and influencing factors in Liquidambar orientalis Mill. in Türkiye

Fungal endophytes were isolated from the leaves and petioles of Liquidambar orientalis Mill., an endangered species in Türkiye. Plant material was collected from 10 sites in September 2023, yielding 499 fungal isolates, classified into 38 morphological groups. DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of ITS and Beta-tubulin regions were conducted on representative isolates. All fungi belonged to the Ascomycota phylum, comprising 11 genera and 26 species across 15 families, with one group unidentified. The most prevalent families were Diaporthaceae (34.9%), Pleosporaceae (23.4%), and Botryosphaeriaceae (22.2%), with Diaporthe eres (15.0%) and Phomopsis sp. (12.4%) being dominant species. Fungal diversity was assessed using Shannon, Simpson, and Chao1 indices, revealing tissue type as the strongest factor influencing species diversity, followed by media and spatial factors. The presence of pathogenic families, such as Botryosphaeriaceae, highlights potential threats to the species. This is the first study to report fungal endophytes in L. orientalis, as well as the first records in Türkiye for several species, including Alternaria destruens, Alternaria alstroemeriae, Stemphylium majusculum, Diaporthe cynaroidis, Pseudopithomyces rosae, Nothophoma variabilis, Cladosporium endophyticum, Cladosporium colombiae, Muyocopron sp., Sphaerulina rhododendricola, Constantinomyces macerans, and Aequabiliella effusa.

Effects of Rock Water with Different Alkalinity and Pre-Oxidation on Re-Ignition Characteristics of Residual Coal

ABSTRACT To investigate the impact of alkaline rock water (pH = 8, 9) combined with pre-oxidation on changes in pore structure and functional groups of residual coal in goaf, and consequently, on the secondary oxidation and spontaneous combustion characteristics of coal samples, an analysis was conducted. This analysis focused on examining changes in pore morphology and functional group content of pre-oxidized coal (OI0) and water-immersed oxidized coal (OI) through experiments utilizing low-temperature nitrogen adsorption and in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy. Secondary oxidation and spontaneous combustion characteristics of coal samples were analyzed using thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis incorporating oxidation kinetic theory. The findings indicated that after the combined effect of pre-oxidation and alkali leaching, the mesopore volume of the coal decreased, pore complexity increased, oxygen storage capacity was enhanced, and the apparent activation energy of the coal samples was significantly reduced. This reduction in activation energy was pronounced at lower temperatures but less so at higher temperatures. Specifically, the methyl and methylene contents of OI9 were significantly higher than those of other coal samples within the temperature range of 80–160°C. Meanwhile, the heat release of the low-temperature oxidation stages of OI0, OI8, and OI9 increased by 70.82%, 190.25%, and 75.05%, respectively, compared with RC. The study indicates an elevated risk of spontaneous coal combustion following the combined treatment of alkaline leaching and pre-oxidation. This research elucidates the mechanism of spontaneous combustion of water-immersed coal by alkaline rock water and pre-oxidation, providing valuable insights for the control of coal fires in alkaline mine-water environments.

Effect of CAD/CAM Abutment Morphology on the Outcomes of Implant Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Variations in transmucosal abutment contour design may affect the outcomes of implant therapy. This randomized controlled trial was primarily aimed at testing the effect that CAD/CAM zirconia abutments with either a concave or linear divergent transmucosal morphology have on peri-implant mucosal dynamics and indicators of peri-implant health at 1 year after final implant-supported prosthesis insertion in the anterior maxilla. Following computer-guided implant placement and osseointegration, eligible subjects were randomized into either the experimental (concave morphology) or the control (linear divergent morphology) group. A comprehensive set of outcomes of interest related to peri-implant soft tissue dynamics, phenotypical features, and indicators of peri-implant health were assessed at different time points over a 1-year period after insertion of the final restoration. Out of 60 initially recruited subjects, a total of 54 completed the study (n = 29 in the experimental group concave/n = 25 in the control group). Overall implant survival and restoration rates between master impression and 12 months were 100% and 98.2%, respectively. Although a trend for coronal migration of the buccal mucosa zenith, gain in mucosal thickness, and increased probing depth and bleeding on probing was observed in both groups, these changes were clinically negligible, and no substantial differences were observed between study groups regardless of variations in transmucosal abutment morphology. The use of either linear divergent or concave custom CAD/CAM zirconia abutments in a screw-retained, delayed loading approach yielded no significant differences.

The Investigation of Comparative Spore Morphologies of Acrocarpous and Pleurocarpous Two Mosses (Bryophyta)

Bryophyta members in the subkingdom Bryobiotina are distributed in a wide variety of habitats. Mosses are morphologically divided into two large groups: acrocarpous and pleurocarpous. Acrocarpic species have arid character and pleurocarpic species are distributed in more moist regions. The spores of the pleurocarpous Brachythecium salebrosum (Hoffm. ex F. Weber &amp; D. Mohr) Schimp. and the acrocarpous Crossidium squamiferum var. pottioideum (De Not.) Mönk. were examined in comparison in this study. Spore slides were prepared using both Erdtman (acetolysis) and Wodehouse methods and examined under a light microscope (LM). As a result of the analyses, it was found that the spores of C. squamiferum var. pottioideum were oblate in both methods, while the spores of B. salebrosum were suboblate in the acetolysis method and oblate in the Wodehouse method. Spores of both taxa are classified as small spores. Furthermore, the equatorial axis is longer than the polar axis in the spores of both taxa and the thicknesses of the intine layer of the spores are almost identical at 0.50 µm (B. salebrosum) and 0.53 µm (C. squamiferum var. pottioideum). In addition, the thickness of the sclerine of B. salebrosum spores was about 0.70 µm in both methods, while it was 0.56 µm in acetolysed spores of C. squamiferum var. pottioideum and 0.78 µm in Wodehouse treated spores. Both taxa have monolete and trilete spores. On the other hand, SEM examinations revealed that B. salebrosum has gemmate ornamentation, while C. squamiferum var. pottioideum has verrucate ornamentation. The findings obtained as a result of the studies helped to reveal the differences between the spores of taxa in different morphological groups and brought a different perspective in their ecological evaluation.

Enhancing the porosity of biphasic calcium phosphate using polyethylene glycol as the porogen for bone regeneration applications

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) has been used as a material to support bone grafting, repair, recovery, and regeneration over the past decades. However, the inherent weakness of BCP is its low porosity, which limits the infiltration, differentiation, and proliferation of bone cells. To address this issue, porous BCP was synthesized using polyethylene glycol (PEG) 1000 with weight ratio ranging from 20%-60% in BCP as the porogen through the powder-forming method. Analytical methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy were used to demonstrate the purity, morphology and functional groups on the material surface of the obtained BCP samples. Structurally, the BCP sample with 60% PEG, named B60, possessed the highest porosity of 71% and its pore diameters ranging from 5 to 75 µm. Besides, thein vitrobiocompatibility of B60 material have been demonstrated on the L929 cell line (90% cell viability) and simulated body fluid (apatite formation after 1 d). These results suggested that B60 should be further studied as a promising artificial material for bone regenerating applications.

The correlation between abnormal Krüger strict morphology and the sperm DNA fragmentation index.

This study aims to investigate whether alterations in sperm DNA fragmentation rates are more frequent when Krüger strict morphology is ≥4% (normal). The retrospective study included 132 participants from March 2020 to November 2021. Participants were divided into two groups based on the inclusion criteria: normal and abnormal Krüger strict morphology, with a mean age of 40 years. Seminal analyses were conducted following the guidelines outlined in the 6th edition of the Manual for Examination and Processing of Human Semen (2021). The sperm chromatin dispersion test was used. The results did not reveal a statistically significant difference between Krüger strict morphology and Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index correlation (p<0.05) between the normal and abnormal morphology groups (p<0.05) and in Seminal Parameters. Sperm concentration is lower when Krüger strict morphology is < 4% (abnormal) (p=0.007). In conclusion, abnormal Krüger strict morphology does not have a higher predisposition to increased sperm DNA fragmentation.

Synthesis of zinc oxide-doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites on visible light-driven photocatalytic and antibacterial activity applications

Abstract In this study, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), ZnO nanocomposites, and zinc oxide-doped reduced graphene oxide (ZnO/rGO) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via the sol–gel method and investigated for the removal of methyl blue (MB) dye and antibacterial activity under visible light irradiation. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR, UV–vis DRS, and BET techniques to analyze the crystallographic structure, phase, surface morphology, and different functional groups in the prepared catalysts. The ZnO/rGO nanocomposites demonstrated a great photocatalytic performance over 98% degradation of 20 mg L−1 of methylene blue (MB) dye within just 90 min under visible light. A heterojunction material achieved a higher 20% than that of the ZnO single-phase. Among the prepared photocatalysts, the nanocomposite with 0.2 grams rGO demonstrated the best results. Reusability studies revealed that ZnO/rGO catalysts maintained over 90% efficiency up to three cycles, with rGO serving as an effective adsorbent and ZnO providing catalytic activity. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites was evaluated against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, showing significant inhibition due to the photocatalytic generation of reactive oxygen species. These findings suggest that ZnO/rGO nanocomposites are promising materials for environmental remediation and antibacterial applications.

Enhanced biodegradation of high-density polyethylene microplastics: Study of bacterial efficiency and process parameters.

As global microplastic (MP) pollution intensifies, sustainable and effective remediation methods are gaining interest due to the growing environmental and health implications. Microorganisms are demonstrating remarkable capabilities to degrade these polymers, offering a promising solution for reducing MP contamination. The aim of this study was to utilize bacteria for the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MPs, specifically Comamonas testosteroni NCIMB 8955, Bacillus firmus NCTC 10335 and Paenibacillus macquariensis NCTC 10419. During the incubation, bacterial growth, pH and carbohydrate concentration were monitored, and samples were taken to track MP weight loss and changes in surface morphology and functional groups. Gravimetric analysis revealed degradation efficiencies of 15.30 %, 13.00 %, and 12.29 % for B. firmus NCTC 10335, P. macquariensis NCTC 10419, and C. testosteroni NCIMB 8955, respectively, over 30 days or less. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further confirmed degradation, revealing surface deterioration and biofilm formation. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed changes in the functional groups on the polymer surface, indicating an increase in the O/C molar ratio. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed an increase in the carbonyl and vinyl indexes. The influence of temperature, MP size, and concentration on biodegradation was systematically studied using C. testosteroni NCIMB 8955, which demonstrated the highest degradation rate. The best result, i.e., a degradation efficiency of 21.81 %, was achieved at 35 ºC, with MP sizes between 20 and 100 µm, and a concentration of 200 mg/L. These findings highlight the importance of process parameters during biodegradation and the potential of C. testosteroni NCIMB 8955 in developing sustainable bioremediation approaches to mitigate microplastic pollution.

Facile and ecofriendly green synthesis of Co3O4/MgO-SiO2 composites towards efficient asymmetric supercapacitor and oxygen evolution reaction applications.

The development of low-cost, eco-friendly, and earth-friendly electrode materials for energy storage and conversion applications is a highly desirable but challenging task for strengthening the existing renewable energy systems. As part of this study, orange peel extract was utilized to synthesize a magnesium oxide-silicon dioxide hybrid substrate system (MgO-SiO2) for coating cobalt oxide nanostructures (Co3O4) via hydrothermal methods. A variety of MgO-SiO2 compositions were used to produce Co3O4 nanostructures. The purpose of using MgO-SiO2 substrates was to increase the porosity of the final hybrid material and enhance its compatibility with the electrode material. This study investigated the morphology, chemical composition, optical properties, and functional group properties. In hybrid materials, the shape structure is inherited from nanoparticles with uniform size distributions that are well compacted. A relative decrease in the optical band was observed for Co3O4 when deposited onto an MgO-SiO2 substrate. An improvement in the electrochemical properties of Co3O4/MgO-SiO2 composites was observed during the measurements of supercapacitors and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline solutions. The Co3O4/MgO-SiO2 composite prepared on 0.4 g of the MgO-SiO2 substrate (sample 2) demonstrated excellent specific capacitance, high energy density, and recycling stability for 40 000 galvanic charge-discharge cycles. The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device demonstrated a specific capacitance of 243.94 F g-1 at a current density of 2 A g-1. Co3O4/MgO-SiO2 composites were found to be highly active towards the OER in 1 M KOH aqueous solution with an overpotential of 340 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 88 mV dc-1. It was found that the stability and durability were highly satisfactory. Based on the use of orange peel extract, a roadmap was developed for the synthesis of porous hybrid substrates for the development of efficient electrode materials for energy storage and conversion.

Enhancing the anaerobic sludge characteristics and inorganic impurities removal from synthesis wastewater through integration of electrocoagulation process with up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor.

The present study investigated effects of coupling electrocoagulation (EC) process with an anaerobic digestion bioreactor, namely up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB), for the synthetic wastewater treatment. The EC-UASB mode of operation consisted of one anode and two cathodes subjected to an intermittent electrical current (10 min ON/30 min OFF) with current density of 1.5 mA/cm2. In light of this integration, the concentration ofmixed liquor suspended solids and mixed liquor volatile suspended solids within anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) increased by 20.0 ± 1.4% and 12.8 ± 0.8%, respectively. The results of sludge volume index, loosely and tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances and their constituents (protein and carbohydrate) revealed that through this integration the quality of AGS has been improved. Furthermore, results of scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed alteration in the morphology and functional groups of AGS, respectively. Additionally, this combination has demonstrated promising results in terms of performance improvement by increasing the removal efficiency of total dissolved solids by 12.1 ± 0.3% and reducing the ionic pollution in treated wastewater. However, the integration of the EC system within the UASB resulted in energy consumption and operating cost of 1.33 kWh/m3 and 0.099 USD/m3, respectively.

Plastid Phylogenomic Analysis of Podostemaceae with an Emphasis on Neotropical Podostemoideae

Abstract— Podostemaceae are a clade of aquatic flowering plants that form important components of tropical river ecosystems. Species in the family exhibit highly derived growth forms and high vegetative phenotypic plasticity, both of which contribute to taxonomic confusion. The backbone phylogeny of the family remains poorly resolved, many species remain to be included in a molecular phylogenetic analysis, and the monophyly of many taxa remains to be tested. To address these issues, we assembled sequence data for 73 protein-coding plastid genes from 132 samples representing 68 species (∼23% of described species) that span the breadth of most major taxonomic, morphological, and biogeographic groups of Podostemaceae. With these data, we conducted the first plastid phylogenomic analysis of the family with broad taxon sampling. These analyses resolved most nodes with high support, including relationships not recovered in previous analyses. No evidence of widespread, well-supported conflict among individual plastid genes and the concatenated phylogeny was observed. We present new evidence that four genera (Apinagia, Marathrum, Oserya, and Podostemum), as well as four species, are not monophyletic. In particular, we show that Podostemum flagelliforme should not be included in Podostemum and is better recognized as Devillea flagelliformis, and that Marathrum capillaceum is embedded within Lophogyne s.l. and should be recognized as Lophogyne capillacea. We also place a previously unsampled and undescribed species that likely represents a new genus. In contrast to previous studies, the neotropical genera Diamantina, Ceratolacis, Cipoia, and Podostemum are resolved as successive sister groups to a clade of all paleotropical Podostemoideae taxa sampled, suggesting a single dispersal event from the neotropics to the paleotropics in the history of the subfamily. These results provide a strong basis for improving the classification of Podostemaceae and a framework for future phylogenomic studies of the clade employing data from the nuclear genome.

Harnessing waste palm-based activated carbon/difluoromethane pair for sustainable low-emission cooling systems

An adsorption cooling system (ACS) offers distinct advantages over conventional systems, including improved energy efficiency, waste heat power, low-emission refrigerant employment, and simplified mechanical design. The performance of ACS is greatly affected by the selection of the adsorbent/refrigerant pair. In this study, we experimentally investigate the adsorption capacity of difluoromethane (CH2F2) onto several highly porous waste palm-based activated carbons (PACs). Elemental analysis, SEM, XRD, and FT-IR spectroscopy are performed on raw, carbonized, and activated samples to gain deeper insights into their surface morphology and functional groups. Difluoromethane adsorption isotherms of the PACs are obtained using a high-precision thermogravimetric analyzer at typical operating adsorption and desorption temperatures of ACS. One of the studied PAC/difluoromethane pairs achieves a benchmark uptake of 2.741 kg difluoromethane per kg adsorbent at 30°C and 1893 kPa equilibrium pressure. The experimental data are correlated with substantial accuracy using the Dubinin-Astakhov (D–A) and Tóth isotherm models to predict adsorption performance under experimentally unexamined operating conditions. Furthermore, for this PAC/difluoromethane pair, key performance indicators such as specific cooling effect (SCE), coefficient of performance (COP), Clapeyron cycle (P-T-W) diagram, and heat of adsorption (Qst) are evaluated. The results demonstrate that the PAC/difluoromethane pairs have excellent potential for the development of high-performance, low-emission ACS.