Background: NH-766, a critical inter-state corridor in southern Karnataka, experiences recurrent flooding along a 1-km stretch near Mallanamule Mutt due to Kapila River overflows triggered by Kabini Dam releases. This repeated inundation disrupts commuter movement and industrial logistics, underscoring the need for targeted, flood-resilient road infrastructure interventions. Objective: The study aims to identify low-lying regions along the NH-766 near Mallanamule Mutt and assess the feasibility of raising the land and road surface to mitigate future flash flood impacts. Methods: Field visits were conducted to document flood conditions and identify the inundated 1-km road stretch through photographic evidence. Additionally, Google Earth Imagery was used to analyze ground conditions and flood extents during flashflood events recorded between 2017 and 2021. Results: Flooding of 3-5 ft occurred along the road section during Kabini Dam discharges as low as 50,000 cusecs, causing recurrent traffic disruption. Results show that elevating the road by at least 9 ft above observed flood levels along the 1-km stretch between South India Paper Mills Ltd and Mallanamule Mutt is the most cost-effective measure to ensure uninterrupted transport. Conclusion: Raising the road surface along the vulnerable stretch of NH-766 can significantly reduce future flood-related disruptions and enhance transport resilience. The findings provide a practical basis for policymakers and planners to formulate effective flood management and infrastructure adaptation strategies for sustainable inter-state connectivity.

Removal of sulfamethoxazole at relevant concentrations from wastewater by a magnetic regenerable waste-based activated carbon.

Mechanistic influence of calcium-rich inorganics in pulp and paper mill sludge on the organics pyrolysis

ObjectivesTo train and validate a machine learning model to distinguish paper mill publications from genuine cancer research articles, and to screen the cancer research literature to assess the prevalence of papers that have textual similarities to paper mill papers.DesignMethodological and cross sectional study applying a BERT (bidirectional encoder representations from transformers) based, text classification model to article titles and abstracts.SettingRetracted paper mill publications listed in the Retraction Watch database were used for model training. The cancer research corpus was screened by the model using the PubMed database restricted to original cancer research articles published between 1999 and 2024.PopulationThe model was trained on 2202 retracted paper mill papers and validated on independent data collected by image integrity experts. 2.6 million cancer research papers were screened.Main outcome measuresClassification performance of the model. Prevalence of papers flagged as similar to retracted paper mill publications with 95% confidence intervals and their distribution over time, by country, publisher, cancer type, research area, and within high impact journals (top 10%).ResultsThe model achieved an accuracy of 0.91. When applied to the cancer research literature, it flagged 261 245 of 2 647 471 papers (9.87%, 95% confidence interval 9.83 to 9.90) and revealed a large increase in flagged papers from 1999 to 2024, both across the entire corpus and in the top 10% of journals by impact factor. More than 170 000 papers affiliated with Chinese institutions were flagged, accounting for 36% of Chinese cancer research articles. Most publishers had published substantial numbers of flagged papers. Flagged papers were overrepresented in fundamental research and in gastric, bone, and liver cancer.ConclusionsPaper mills are a large and growing problem in the cancer literature and are not restricted to low impact journals. Collective awareness and action will be crucial to address the problem of paper mill publications.

Scientific communication in oncology supports clinical and policy screening decisions by providing access to published, assessable, and verifiable evidence. In this context, scientific integrity is not only an ethical imperative but the foundation of evidence-based oncology practice. Recent data indicate an increase in retractions, associated with the expansion of paper mills, image manipulation, and methodological transparency limitations, a scenario that is aggravated by digital technologies and generative artificial intelligence (AI), which can both aid in scientific wording as well as facilitate the production of non-verifiable content. As a response, international editorial guidelines and Brazilian institutional initiatives have reinforced principles of transparency, accountability, and AI-usage disclaimers. The conclusion is that preventing misconduct requires a multifaceted approach, involving education in integrity, fraud detection, consistent investigation, and sanction policies, in addition to rigor in the use of references as a scientific literature tracking and auto-correction mechanism.

Influence of paper mill sludge ash on mechanical, microstructural and durability properties of metakaolin based geocrete.

Some of the microbiological parameters suitable for assessing biological activity are basal respiration and microbial biomass, as they respond rapidly to changes in conditions and are important properties used as quality indicators in soils. This study proposes evaluating these two properties in mixtures of organic materials for use as quality indicators in the preparation of agricultural substrates. Mixtures were prepared with six different organic wastes in two proportions, using soil/sawdust and sand/sawdust as bases. Chemical and microbiological parameters were evaluated in each mixture. The pH and conductivity values obtained were used as exclusion criteria, comparing them with those accepted in the literature. A statistical correlation analysis and a principal component analysis were performed, determining that the mixtures with 40% coffee grounds (soil or sand base), 30% paper mill sludge (soil base), 20% lignite, and 5% dolomite (sand base) present adequate conditions for the development of vegetable crops. crops

ABSTRACT Over centuries, paper became indispensable across civilizations, yet its modern production presents significant environmental challenges. Today, the pulpwood is among the most resource-intensive sectors. The manufacturing process emits pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon dioxide (CO₂), contributing to acid rain and global warming. Wastewater from paper mills often contains organic matter (like lignin), chlorates, chelating agents, and heavy metals, all of which disrupt aquatic ecosystems by raising biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and promoting eutrophication. Chlorine-based bleaching further introduces toxic organochlorine compounds into the environment. The industry also contributes to soil degradation through effluent disposal practices. Hazardous substances such as mercury, benzene, methanol, and ammonia present significant health and ecological risks. This study investigates the use of electrocoagulation (EC) as a treatment method for wastewater from a pitchboard industry. EC applies an electric current to remove contaminants via coagulation. Experimental results showed that a charge density of 12 C/L for 20 minutes achieved optimal chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. COD reduction improved with increasing current density and specific chloride concentrations. Aluminum electrodes performed best at 400 mg/L chloride, while graphite electrodes were most effective at 600 mg/L. Mixed electrode pairs, including graphite – iron and graphite – aluminum, also achieved high removal rates, particularly at 600 mg/L chloride. Additionally, the optimal pH for removal was found to be between 6 and 8.These findings highlight electrocoagulation as a promising, sustainable method for treating wastewater from the pulpwood.

Abstract The pulp and paper industry is a promising yet underexplored platform for large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) due to its use of biogenic feedstocks and production of concentrated CO 2 emissions from point sources. This study presents the first comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of retrofitting an amine-based carbon capture and storage (CCS) system into a representative virgin kraft pulp and paper mill in the Southeastern U.S. We evaluate carbon removal across five system configurations, applying both static and dynamic LCA methods under multiple functional units: CO 2 captured, biomass input, and paper output. Results show that CCS retrofits can convert a conventional mill from a net emitter into a net carbon sink, with total removal efficiencies from 17% to 92% (metric tonnes of CO 2 removed per metric tonne of CO 2 available for removal under selected boundary conditions). When carbon removal is normalized to the quantity of biogenic CO 2 captured—a narrow, gate-to-gate system boundary that considers only CCS facility emissions—removal efficiencies reached as high as 92%. The use of such narrow boundaries aligns with precedents in traditional LCA methodology, where gate-to-gate assessments are commonly applied to isolate process-level performance and allocate emissions accordingly, providing a consistent basis for comparison across technologies. Under broader cradle-to-grave boundaries—which begin tracking carbon at the point of its physical removal from the atmosphere via photosynthesis in the forest, and extend to include upstream forest operations, mill-wide emissions, and downstream product decomposition—efficiencies declined, ranging from 17% to 46% under static assumptions and dropping to 12% when accounting for dynamic biogenic carbon fluxes over time. These results underscore how system boundary definitions influence reported outcomes, while also illustrating the complementary roles of narrow and broad perspectives for different decision-making contexts.

Leaching of legacy paper mill sludge induces lithification by cementation of fluvial sediment

Fast pyrolysis of pulp and paper mill sludge in a bubbling fluidized bed: Unlocking energy potential through insights into tar formation and combustion characteristics

Eastern Siberia has traditionally been a region where natural resources are actively extracted and processed. Prolonged anthropogenic impact has led to the emergence of numerous chronic environmental problems. Some areas of the region have been exploited so intensively that they have effectively transformed into zones of ecological disaster—for example, the former chemical production site in Usolye-Sibirskoye and the sludge reservoirs of the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill. At the same time, the criminal policy implemented through the detection, investigation, and prosecution of crimes, as well as the imposition of penalties, does not fully correspond to the actual social danger of the offenses committed. Our research suggests that the cultural characteristics of the local population exert a significant influence on criminal policy regarding environmental crimes and must be taken into account in its development and adjustment.

The academic quality of scientific journal manuscripts is integral to the peer review system of journals. To qualitatively enhance the review process of submitted medical manuscripts, this pilot study proposes a semi-structured review model that integrates semi-structured interviews based on the manuscript content with the traditional free-form review process. At the initial review, the associate editor should ask targeted questions to the review experts who are expected to respond openly. The findings of this pilot exploration of the semi-structured review model are summarized according to the introduction, methods, results, and discussion sections of the manuscripts. Strengthening the communication between the associate editor's initial review and the expert's peer review enhances the quality of academic review for medical papers. This approach may also serve as a pivotal safeguard against paper mills.

The pulp and paper manufacturing industry generates large volumes of sludge, which is characterized by a high COD content known as pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS). Co-cultivation of Arthrospira platensis and Rhodosporidium babjevae in the present study was evaluated quantitatively by the production of high-value products through lipid biosynthesis by using PPMS hydrolysate. We pretreated PPMS in two steps: dilute-acid hydrolysis followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. Dilute-acid hydrolysis was statistically optimized using a central composite design, yielding optimum conditions of 1.03% (w/w) nitric–sulfuric acid, 134.8 °C, and 23.6 min. Subsequently, the PPMS hydrolysate underwent enzymatic saccharification for 72 h at 50 °C with 2% (w/w) commercial cellulase. The co-cultivation process thereafter was also optimized using Box-Behnken design, where affecting parameters at optimized levels were 3.86 klux light intensity, 1.48 L min-1 airflow rate, 143 h of co-cultivation, and an A. platensis to R. babjevae ratio of 2.2:1. Under these optimized conditions, lipid yield reached 6.56 ± 0.22 g L⁻¹ (57.64 ± 1.0% of DCW), with a carotenoid yield of 41.22 ± 1.57 mg L-1 and COD removal efficiency of 86.36 ± 0.97%. The properties of the synthesized biodiesel follow the EN 14214 standard, and the formulated biolubricant showed tribological performance similar to that of Shell gas compressor oil S3 PY 220.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-28597-z.

Pulp and paper mill industrial effluents have pollution load in relation to their physicochemical characteristics, exceeding the standard recommended permissible limits set by various agencies. The aquatic macrophytes were found to alter the pH from alkaline to neutral pH in almost every industrial effluent. Changes in pH were dependent mainly upon the duration of the treatment methods adopted. The changes in physicochemical characteristics of paper mill effluent because of phytoremediation by Lemna minor L. were elaborated in this experiment. In this study, the TDS, DO, BOD, and COD values of pulp and paper mill effluent were significantly reduced by the application of Lemna minor L. The data demonstrated a reduction of TDS, BOD, and COD parameters dependent on concentration and duration. The results of the phytoremediation experiment are very effective for the reduction of pollutants in paper mill effluent. Data indicates that Lemna minor L. plants were significant in maintaining the physico-chemical characteristics of the effluent concentration at various exposure durations.

The pulp and paper mill industry in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada produces 150 Mg/day of pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS) with a high moisture content (70–80%). Instead of the current practice of burning, PPMS may be repurposed as vermicompost. However, the optimum population density of Eisenia fetida to maximize the bioconversion process and its influence on population dynamics are largely unknown. The current study aimed at determining how stocking densities affect the vermicomposting time, vermicompost quality, and population dynamics of E. fetida. By using three stocking densities—1.13 g (TL), 2.04 g (TM), and 3.01 g (TH)—the E. fetida per kg of PPMS and the quality of the vermicompost were determined by chemical analysis followed by a germination test and bioassay on Raphanus sativus seedlings. The total vermicompost produced in TL (66.3%) and TM (68.8%) made the bioconversion process quicker in 60 days. The addition of more E. fetida (TH) delayed the process of vermicomposting by up to 90 days (p < 0.003). Overall, 0.87 (TM) E. fetida/L of PPMS was found to be the optimum population density for obtaining the best quantity and quality of vermicompost. The highest earthworm biomass was harvested in TL, followed by TM and TH, as 3.2, 1.3, and 0.9-fold, respectively, compared to the introduced biomass in 60 days (p < 0.008). The mean growth rate (2.6 mg/worm/day), biomass gain (3.49 mg/g), and reproduction rate (3.9 cocoon/worm) were also significantly higher (p < 0.023) in TL compared to TM and TH in 60 days. Therefore, the present study shows the importance of using an optimum stocking density to maximize the bioconversion process in PPMS, especially in cooler regions.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the best bleaching chemical for use on recycled waste paper pulp, which is used to produce tissue paper at Kadoma Paper Mills (KPM) in Zimbabwe. A total of nine experiments were carried out: four for peroxide bleaching, four for hypochlorite bleaching and one control experiment. In peroxide bleaching, NaOH was used as a pH regulator and to dissociate hydrogen peroxide into perhydroxyl anions. These anions, which are the active bleaching agents (nucleophiles), attack the chromophores in lignin that cause pulp coloration. The comparison between the two bleaching chemicals showed that hydrogen peroxide yielded better bleaching results than calcium hypochlorite. A temperature of 80°C, with a pulp consistency of 15% and 3.5 wt% concentration yielded the best pulp brightening results, with good tensile strength in both the machine and cross direction values. Owing to its sustainability and the small difference in results, hydrogen peroxide was selected as the bleaching agent for the process at KPM.

The effectiveness of manmade wetlands with four different macrophyte species (Arundo donax, Typha latifolia, Pistia stratiotes, and Eichhornia crassipes) in treating wastewater from the paper recycling industry, located in the Hattar Industrial Estate in Haripur, is reported. The findings show that each plant species has distinct pollutant removal capacities, which contribute to the overall treatment effectiveness of the system. Notably, Arundo donax performed exceptionally well in lowering chemical oxygen demand (COD) from 1013 mg/L to 119.66 mg/L and nitrate levels from 79.66 mg/L to 10.66 mg/L. In contrast, T. latifolia was successful in reducing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from 436 mg/L to 55 mg/L and total solids from 837.66 mg/L to 242.66 mg/L. The P. stratiotes species have high phosphate removal capacity, lowering values from 134.66 mg/L to 25.66 mg/L. RSM revealed that time, Arundo donax, and wetlands significantly enhance pollutant removal, while specific plant–treatment combinations yield variable efficiencies, highlighting synergistic effects crucial for optimal performance. Furthermore, all plant species have shown competency in removing heavy metals from effluent. This study’s findings highlight the potential of artificial wetlands as a natural and eco-friendly alternative for treating complex industrial wastewater, promoting the development of sustainable wastewater treatment methods in industrial settings.

A comparative analysis of the properties of packaging cardboard types manufactured in laboratory conditions from cotton stalk cellulose with industrial samples of cardboard from recycled materials and high-yield semi-finished products produced at Russian paper mills has been presented in the article. The aim of the study has been to assess the possibility of using cotton waste as an additional or alternative raw material for the production of packaging cardboard, especially in cotton-producing countries. The use of cotton stalks as a raw material for the production of paper and cardboard not only solves the problem of agricultural waste, but also provides an opportunity to implement a circular economy model, according to which waste is recycled to produce high-margin materials. Samples of cardboard made from cotton stalk cellulose of 3 types from different manufacturers have been compared: linerboard made from primary fiber at the Arkhangelsk Pulp & Paper Mill; linerboard made from MS-5B waste paper at the Kamenskaya Paper & Board Mill and the “Mayak” Enterprise; linerboard made from eucalyptus waste paper at one of the Brazilian enterprises. To assess the structural characteristics of the samples, a microscopic analysis of the fiber has been carried out, which has made it possible to visualize the differences in the morphological structure of fibers of different nature. It has been established that the cellulose of cotton stalks is geometrically closer to that of eucalyptus waste paper fiber. The fiber length has been 0.75 mm, which is 40 % shorter than that of cardboard samples from the Kamenskaya Paper & Board Mill and the “Mayak” Enterprise and more than 2 times shorter than the average length of cellulose in the composition of cardboard from the Arkhangelsk Pulp & Paper Mill. The samples have been prepared for testing using standard methods in accordance with the requirements of GOST R 57207–2008. An analysis of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the ma terials, such as breaking length, bursting strength, etc., has been performed. Given the environmental and economic feasibility of recycling non-wood raw materials, the technology for producing cardboard from cotton stalks represents an important step towards creating more sustainable and competitive materials.

Abstract Estimates of the frequency of research misconduct appear much higher in self-report surveys than would be expected from numbers of institutional investigations, but there is little hard data on this topic. U.K. universities produce annual statements on research integrity. The most recent statements were analyzed and compared with evidence of fabrication/falsification of data from reports on the PubPeer website. In 117 institutional statements with usable data, there were only 25 allegations of fabrication or falsification involving 13 universities. On PubPeer comments in 2023 for all publications that included a lead U.K. author there were 49 comments describing fabrication/falsification of data (mostly digitally manipulated images), and 28 with hallmarks of a paper mill. Only nine universities had more than one PubPeer entry compatible with fabrication/falsification, but four of these involved senior researchers with multiple problematic publications; in none of these cases had the institution upheld an allegation of misconduct. It is recommended that it should not be left to the employing institution to deal with allegations of serious research misconduct, that PubPeer could be used proactively in investigations of misconduct, and that research integrity reports should be made openly available to increase confidence in the process.