Increase In Production Rate Research Articles

Fresh-cut watermelon: postharvest physiology, technology, and opportunities for quality improvement

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) fruit is widely consumed for its sweetness, flavor, nutrition and health-promoting properties. It is commonly commercialized in fresh-cut format, satisfying consumer demand for freshness and convenience, but its shelf-life is limited. Despite the potential for growth in fresh-cut watermelon sales, the industry faces the challenge of maintaining quality attributes during storage. Fresh-cut processing induces a series of physiological and biochemical events that lead to alterations in sensory, nutritional and microbiological quality. A signal transduction cascade involving increases in respiration and ethylene production rates and elevated activities of cell wall and membrane-degrading enzymes compromise cellular and tissue integrity. These responses contribute to the development of quality defects like juice leakage, firmness loss and water-soaked appearance. They also drive the loss of bioactive compounds like lycopene, affecting flesh color and reducing nutritional value, ultimately culminating in consumer rejection, food losses and waste. Although great research progress has been achieved in the past decades, knowledge gaps about the physiological, biochemical and molecular bases of quality loss persist. This review article summarizes the advances in the study of physicochemical, microbiological, nutritional, and sensory changes linked to the deterioration of watermelon after processing and during storage. Different technological approaches for quality improvement and shelf-life extension are summarized: pre- and postharvest, physical, and chemical. We also discuss the advantages, disadvantages and challenges of these interventions and propose alternative directions for future research aiming to reduce qualitative and quantitative fresh-cut watermelon losses.

Investigation of the separation performance of a T-junction buffer desander

The extraction of shale gas, an unconventional form of natural gas, necessitates the process of desanding for post-exploitation treatment. This article presents a novel design for a T-junction buffer desander and conducts a numerical investigation into its separation performance. The distributions of flow fields are obtained to describe the flow characteristics inside the T-junction buffer desander. Furthermore, the influence of the gas pressure, gas pressure difference, and water level of the sand storage tank on the separation efficiency is discussed. The findings indicate that the fluid state in the long overflow pipe and the separation buffer pipe greatly influences the efficiency of sand removal. An increase in inlet pressure and pressure drop leads to a corresponding increase in sand production rate. However, the sand production rate decreases as the water level of the sand storage tank rises. This new desander structure provides a possibility for potential engineering applications.

Investigation of charged Higgs bosons production from vectorlike T quark decays at eγ collider

Within the extended framework of the two-Higgs-doublet model type II (2HDM-II), enhanced by a vectorlike quark (VLQ) doublet TB, we present a comprehensive analysis of the process e−γ→bνeT¯ at future high-energy eγ colliders, focusing on the decays T¯→H−b¯ and H−→t¯b. Using current theoretical and experimental constraints, we calculate production cross sections for both unpolarized and polarized beams at center-of-mass energies of s=2 and 3 TeV, demonstrating that polarized beams significantly enhance detection prospects by increasing production rates. By analyzing kinematic distributions, we establish optimized selection criteria to effectively separate signal events from background. At s=2 TeV with an integrated luminosity of 1500 fb−1, we find exclusion regions within sRd∈[0.085,0.16] for mT∈[1000,1260] GeV and a discovery potential within sRd∈[0.14,0.17] for mT∈[1000,1100] GeV, with these regions expanding to sRd∈[0.05,0.15] for mT∈[1000,1340] GeV and sRd∈[0.11,0.17] for mT∈[1000,1160] GeV at 3000 fb−1. At s=3 TeV and 1500 fb−1, we identify exclusion regions of sRd∈[0.055,0.135] for mT∈[1000,1640] GeV and discovery regions of sRd∈[0.09,0.15] for mT∈[1000,1400] GeV, which further expand to sRd∈[0.028,0.12] for mT∈[1000,1970] GeV and sRd∈[0.04,0.122] for mT∈[1000,1760] GeV at 3000 fb−1. Our findings emphasize the increased detection potential at higher center-of-mass energies, particularly at 3 TeV compared to 2 TeV, with notable improvements when polarized beams are utilized. We also account for the effects of initial state radiation, beamstrahlung, and systematic uncertainties, which influence both exclusion and discovery prospects. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Unraveling the Trade-Off Effect of Pyrogenic Carbons Between Biopseudocapacitors and Bioconductors During Anaerobic Methanogenesis.

Pyrogenic carbons (PCs), with varying structures depending on the materials and thermal treatment conditions, have been extensively used to enhance anaerobic digestion by mediating electron transfer. However, the underlying mechanism has yet to be explored. Herein, the redirection and enhancement of the direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) pathway were evidenced, along with the upregulated electrochemical properties and structural proteins in the methanogenic consortia. Further, we found that PCs featured trade-off properties of "biopseudocapacitor" and "bioconductor" during thermal treatment, as endowed by the evolution of oxygen-containing functional groups (for charging and discharging) and graphitic structure (for conductivity). Correspondingly, their trade-off effect on mediating syntrophic methanogenesis (SM) was realized between the generally acknowledged bioconductor role and the pseudocapacitive effect, as highlighted by the enhanced SM of reduced PCs from more balanced electron exchange capacities. Consequently, a performance comparison of PCs obtained at 450, 650, and 850 °C in SM resulted in an optimized sample at 650 °C, where a 61.3 ± 1.8% increase in methane production rate and a 33.4 ± 1.1% decrease in lag time were observed. Microbiologically, DIET-active Methanothrix and Geobacteraceae flourished with the intra- and extracellular electron transport channels established. These findings provide new insights into the mediating mechanism and renewable potential of PCs in regulating energy-harvesting biochemical processes toward carbon neutrality.

A catalyst-coated diaphragm assembly to improve the performance and energy efficiency of alkaline water electrolysers

Alkaline water electrolysers are ideal for gigawatt-scale hydrogen production due to the usage of non-precious metal and low-cost raw materials. However, their performances are modest with the separated electrode and diaphragm structure which can date back to more than 100 years ago. Here we report a catalyst-coated diaphragm assembly to improve the performance of alkaline water electrolysers. The transport resistance of OH- ions is reduced and the electrochemical surface area of catalysts is enlarged by more than forty fold, representing more than 40% increase in hydrogen production rate or as much as 16% reduction in energy consumption. The electrolyser with our catalyst-coated diaphragm assembly delivers current densities as high as 1 A cm−2 at 1.8 V or 2 A cm−2 at 2 V and shows good stability after more than 1000 hours of operation. Therefore, the catalyst-coated diaphragm assembly route is promising for the development of high-performance and efficient alkaline water electrolysers.

Effect of Exogenous Inoculation on Dark Fermentation of Food Waste Priorly Stored in Lactic Acid Fermentation

Lactic acid fermentation has recently been shown to be a robust storage strategy for food waste prior to conversion to biohydrogen through dark fermentation. However, the importance of initial microbial communities and, more particularly, exogenous microorganisms on the conversion of lactic acid-rich stored substrate is not yet fully elucidated. This study investigates the impact of introducing exogenous inoculum to lactic acid-rich stored food waste prior to biohydrogen production in dark fermentation. Results showed exogenous inoculation produced a statistically significant increase in biohydrogen production rate (Rm) by 199%, 250%, 137%, 130%, 19%, and 10% compared to non-inoculated stored food waste after food waste storage at 4 °C, 10 °C, 23 °C, 35 °C, 45 °C, and 55 °C, respectively. Interestingly, no impact on the maximum production yield (Pm) was observed, but exogenous inoculation increased the accumulation of acetate, up to 160% more compared to endogenous inoculum. The main hydrogen-producing bacteria (HPB) were affiliated with Clostridium sp., while Prevotella_9 sp., another known HPB, was found after the fermentation of the food waste stored at 23 °C. In this study, the interest of exogenous inoculation to convert food waste stored by lactic acid fermentation was demonstrated through an increase in production rate along with higher accumulation of co-products, e.g., acetate. Such findings are promising for further development of process coupling, combining storage and conversion by fermentation of complex food waste.

Advantages of using biofilms to obtain high-value molecules by microbial biotransformations

Microbial biotransformations are valuable tools from “green chemistry” and involve converting parental molecules into new daughter ones with unique physical, chemical, or pharmacological properties. These reactions are often carried out by cells grown under a planktonic phenotype. However, microbial cells grown under a phenotype of biofilm can improve biotransformation bioprocesses once they form more biomass per volume, are more resistant to extreme conditions (pH, temperature, and toxic substances), remain active for extended periods, are less prone to cell washouts, and reduce re-inoculation demands, leading to increased production rates due to their unique physiological features. In addition, experience has shown that biofilms may furnish a broader array of new daughter molecules. This review highlighted the benefits of using biofilms in microbial biotransformations to obtain a variety of bioactives.

Case Study: Advanced Solutions for Complex Drilling Challenges

_ While renewable energy development continues to rise, the transition from traditional hydrocarbons is not progressing as rapidly as once expected, and oil and gas is still set to be a key player in the energy mix by mid-century. There has been significant development of green technologies and increased investments in wind, solar, and hydrogen energy, but the demand for hydrocarbons continues to grow, driven by global energy demand and the complexities of transitioning entire energy infrastructures. As the world aims to balance energy security with sustainability and affordability, it is clear hydrocarbons will continue to fulfil a critical role in meeting energy demand for the foreseeable future. It will take the next 27 years to move the energy mix from the present 80% fossil/20% non-fossil split to 48%/52% (DNV Energy Transition Outlook, 2023). Looming net-zero goals have placed operators under the microscope as they grapple with the challenge of maintaining profitability while adhering to environmental regulations. There are also increasing expectations from stakeholders and investors who are factoring environmental, social, and governance criteria into their investment decisions. Operators must now demonstrate not just financial viability, but also a commitment to sustainable practices. The drilling landscape in particular faces more complex challenges than ever before as it contends with fluctuating oil prices, more stringent environmental regulations, and increasingly complicated wells. While advances in exploration and drilling technologies have transformed the industry, unlocking previously inaccessible reserves and increasing production rates, the risk and technical difficulties associated with drilling operations have also escalated. As the sector strives to reduce its carbon footprint, advancements in drilling technologies are not only helping to minimize environmental impact, but also enabling more-efficient operations in increasingly complex well conditions. Understanding Stuck-Pipe Encounters Stuck-pipe incidents are a frequent challenge during drilling operations, often costing operators millions in remediation. The remediation process is complex, frequently requiring days or even weeks of nonproductive time (NPT) and resources that may not be immediately available. Such incidents can arise from various factors, including differential sticking which occurs when pressure differences between the mud column and formation fluids cause the drillstring to stick against the wellbore wall, creating a "stuck spot" that immobilizes the pipe. Packoff is also a common issue where accumulated cuttings, debris, or other materials around the drillstring create a blockage. In any situation, even if partial movement is possible, circulation and rotation are often not feasible. As each stuck-pipe scenario is unique, resolving it often necessitates a customized approach. Operators frequently find themselves constrained by a lack of available solutions, limiting their ability to respond effectively to a stuck-pipe situation. Jarring is a traditional stuck-pipe recovery method that uses mechanical or hydraulic tools to deliver sudden, high-impact forces to the drillstring to free the stuck pipe. Though this method can be effective, it is expensive and can take days or longer, which results in significant NPT to the project. If the stuck pipe cannot be resolved, the last resort is to perform a disconnect, traditionally requiring mobilization of a wireline crew to deploy an explosive charge, known as a backoff or string shot. The explosives must be detonated above the freepoint to sever the string and can leave an unpredictable fishing profile for future operation. This technique can be time-consuming, costly, and introduces a new set of risks into the operation by deploying third-party crews and transporting hazardous materials to the rigsite.

Ag@g-C3N4/MoS2 heterostructure for efficient photocatalytic oxygen evolution under visible light irradiation.

Herein, an Ag@g-C3N4/MoS2 heterostructure is successfully synthesized for efficient solar-to-water oxidation. UV-vis DRS and steady-state PL analyses reveal the narrow band gap (2.10 eV) and efficient charge separation properties of the Ag nanoparticles and MoS2, respectively. The benefits include an excellent ∼3.2-fold increase in O2 production rate (2727 μmol g-1 h-1) compared to Ag@g-C3N4. A plausible Z-scheme mechanism is also proposed.

In-Depth Conformance Treatment in Fractured Carbonate Reservoirs: From Laboratory Evaluation to Field Application

Summary Gel treatment has been widely applied to reduce water production by blocking the water thief zones and improve oil recovery. However, the presence of fractures makes the gel treatment more challenging. The BTLW oil field is a carbonate reservoir characterized with low-angle fractures, resulting in significant water channeling. The tracers injected into the production wells from the injection well often exhibit a rapid breakthrough time of less than 2 days, suggesting a direct connection between the injection and production points. Based on laboratory study, the polymer gel system and microgel were designed for in-depth conformance control treatment in field BTLW. The in-depth gel conformance treatment commenced in June 2019, where a mixture of multiple plugs (polymer-polymer gel-microgel) was injected into six treatment wells. The polymer gel was used to block the fractures and high influx channeling. The microgel was designed to further divert in-depth fluid from the high-permeability zone into lower permeability. The chemical treatment volume for each well, determined by the tracer test, varies from 18 000 m3 to 35 000 m3. The volume of the microgel treatment is designed to be the entire volume of the tracer that is swept through. The combination treatment demonstrated a significant increase in efficiency in both production wells and injection treatment wells. The interwell tracer tests revealed a delayed occurrence of tracer breakthrough at the production wells, with the water being redirected into zones with lower permeability. Besides, the injectivity behavior was significantly reduced in the injection wells. The Hall plot showed a steeper hall slope during each well treatment, implying a positive change in skin. The water injectivity index also reduced after conformance treatment, which indicated the alteration in permeability and improvement in reservoir conformance. The results indicated an increase in the oil production rate and a decrease in the water cut following the treatment. As of June 2024, the incremental oil was estimated to be approximately 84 834 tonnes in total via decline curve analysis, and each metric ton of polymer injection can enhance oil production by 875 metric tons.

حل مشاكل صمامات رفع الغاز لتحسين أداء آبار رفع الغاز

Gas lift valves can aid in the unloading and production of a well. With the valves properly spaced and correctly pressured and proper select of the port size, unloading proceeds in a stage-by-stage, valve by valve manner to the ideal point of lift, and maximum liquid production is reached. However, if well situations change, or if the gas lift design data was not very perfectly, maximum liquid production is not achieved. In this paper, addresses, how the implementation the production optimization platform for gas lift wells that led to a significant increase in oil production by identifying and replacing a damaged valve. The analysis was performed using a digital twin model that simulated operating conditions and was validated through a downhole sensor, on their turn these data are finally used for implementing conscious and forward-looking control actions, ultimate results are improved production profitability due to increase production rate, decrease operations cost, develop availability. Keywords: Optimized gas injection rate, gas lift valve issues, gas lift valves troubleshooting and Gas Lift Optimization

Synergistic Promotion of Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer by Biochar and Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles to Enhance Methanogenesis in Anaerobic Digestion of Vegetable Waste

When vegetable waste (VW) is used as a sole substrate for anaerobic digestion (AD), the rapid accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) can impede interspecies electron transfer (IET), resulting in a relatively low biogas production rate. In this study, Chinese cabbage and cabbage were selected as the VW substrates, and four continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) were employed. Different concentrations of biochar-loaded nano-Fe3O4(Fe3O4@BC) (100 mg/L, 200 mg/L, 300 mg/L) were added, and the organic loading rate (OLR) was gradually increased during the AD process. The changes in biogas production rate, VFAs, and microbial community structure in the fermentation tanks were analyzed to identify the optimal dosage of Fe3O4@BC and the maximum OLR. The results indicated that at the maximum OLR of 3.715 g (VS)/L·d, the addition of 200 mg/L of Fe3O4@BC most effectively promoted an increase in the biogas production rate and reduced the accumulation of VFAs compared to the other treatments. Under these conditions, the biogas production rate reached 0.658 L/g (VS). Furthermore, the addition of Fe3O4@BC enhanced both the diversity and abundance of bacteria and archaea. At the genus level, the abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Sphaerochaeta, and the archaeal genus Thermovirga was notably increased.

Continuous Flow Photoelectrochemical Reactor with Gas Permeable Photocathode: Enhanced Photocurrent and Partial Current Density for CO2 Reduction.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) CO2 reduction using a photocathode is an attractive method for making valuable chemical products due to its simplicity and lower overpotential requirements. However, previous PEC processes have often been diffusion-limited leading to low production rates of the CO2 reduction reaction, due to inefficient gas diffusion through the liquid electrolyte to the catalyst surface, particularly at high current densities. In this study, a gas-permeable photocathode in a continuous flow PEC reactor is incorporated, which facilitates the direct supply of CO2 gas to the photocathode-electrolyte interface, unlike dark reaction-based flow reactors. This concept is demonstrated using Ag-TiO2 on carbon paper, illuminated through a quartz window and flowing liquid electrolyte. CO2 supply is managed via pressure and flow control on the non-illuminated side of the carbon paper. The photocurrent density is significantly influenced by the flow rates and pressure of CO2 gas, and the electrolyte flow rates. Compared to the traditional H-cell, the continuous PEC flow reactor achieves ≈10-fold increase in CO faradaic efficiency, 30-fold increase in production rate and 16-fold increase in stability without catalyst modifications. This work provides essential insights into the design and application of continuous gas-liquid flow PEC reactor systems, highlighting their potential for other PEC reactions.

Charm fragmentation fractions and cc¯ cross section in p–Pb collisions at sNN=5.02TeV

The total charm-quark production cross section per unit of rapidity dσ(cc¯)/dy, and the fragmentation fractions of charm quarks to different charm-hadron species f(c→hc), are measured for the first time in p–Pb collisions at sNN=5.02TeV at midrapidity (-0.96<y<0.04 in the centre-of-mass frame) using data collected by ALICE at the CERN LHC. The results are obtained based on all the available measurements of prompt production of ground-state charm-hadron species: D0, D+, Ds+, and J/ψ mesons, and Λc+ and Ξc0 baryons. The resulting cross section is dσ(cc¯)/dy=219.6±6.3(stat.)-11.8+10.5(syst.)-2.9+8.3(extr.)±5.4(BR)±4.6(lumi.)±19.5(rapidity shape)+15.0(Ωc0)mb, which is consistent with a binary scaling of pQCD calculations from pp collisions. The measured fragmentation fractions are compatible with those measured in pp collisions at s=5.02 and 13 TeV, showing an increase in the relative production rates of charm baryons with respect to charm mesons in pp and p–Pb collisions compared with e+e- and e-p collisions. The pT-integrated nuclear modification factor of charm quarks, RpPb(cc¯)=0.91±0.04(stat.)-0.09+0.08(syst.)-0.03+0.05(extr.)±0.03(lumi.), is found to be consistent with unity and with theoretical predictions including nuclear modifications of the parton distribution functions.

Surface Nitrate Enrichment and Enhanced HONO Production from Ionic Surfactant Aggregation at the Aqueous-Air Interface.

Significant discrepancies persist between field observations and model simulations regarding the strength of marine-derived HONO sources, underscoring the urgency to resolve unidentified HONO sources. In this study, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was chosen as a proxy for marine surfactants to investigate its impact on aqueous nitrate photolysis for the first time. Remarkable increases in HONO and NO2 production rates by factors of 3.3 and 5.6, respectively, along with a 1.9-fold rise in NO2- concentration, were observed at a very low SDS concentration of 0.01 mM, strongly illustrating the promoting effect on nitrate photolysis. Furthermore, at an SDS concentration of 2 mM, intriguingly aligned with the critical micelle concentration, there was an additional 41.7% increase in HONO production rates. Vertically resolved Raman measurements indicated that SDS anions at the aqueous-air interface attracted NO3- closer to the aqueous surfaces, increasing the amount of incompletely solvated surface nitrate. Importantly, the anionic surfactant exhibited a greater promoting effect on HONO production compared to other typical nitrate photochemistry systems with the addition of a marine dissolved organic matter proxy, halogen, photosensitizer, or OH scavenger. These findings offer new insights into marine-derived HONO sources and should be considered in model simulations concerning the budgets of NOx, OH, and O3.

Upcycling of Polystyrene to Aromatic Polyacids by Tandem Friedel-Crafts and Oxidation Reactions.

Due to the high demand and the increasing production rate of plastic materials, vast amounts of wastes are generated every year. An important fraction of these wastes contain polystyrene (PS), which is seldom recycled, neither mechanically nor chemically. While several chemical recycling strategies have been developed, they are either very energy-demanding or produce chemicals that can hardly be employed in the synthesis of plastics (e.g., benzene and benzoic acid). Here, we report the upcycling of PS waste into aromatic polyacids, useful in polyester synthesis, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). To this end, a conventional Friedel-Crafts acylation was first investigated, to produce an acylated PS chain, using acetic anhydride and stoichiometric amounts of AlCl3. As a catalytic alternative, the alkylation of PS was studied, using InCl3 and isopropyl acetate. The acylated and alkylated PS samples were then oxidized to produce terephthalic (TA), isophthalic (IPTA), benzoic (BA), and trimesic (TMA) acid.

Decentralized Payment Framework for Low-Connectivity Areas Using Ethereum Blockchains

This paper presents a pioneering analytical framework for a secure payment system leveraging blockchain technology tailored to regions with suboptimal network connectivity. Contemporary payment mechanisms utilizing Ethereum are predominantly optimized for areas with robust network infrastructure, neglecting regions with less connectivity. To address this gap, the proposed model integrates novel security attributes and employs an analytical method to design a decentralized payment system. The framework facilitates communication between low-connectivity zones and Internet service providers through auxiliary nodes, creating a local blockchain network for residents, merchants, and auditors. A mathematical model quantifies operational costs, transaction processing, and synchronization of auxiliary nodes, ensuring a resilient and secure payment architecture. A unique aspect of the proposed approach is its robustness against auditor outages and network variability, coupled with an empirical analysis of incentive structures for auditors' block validation activities. Moreover, it delineates the minimum requirements for secure transaction completion. Empirical findings showed a significant improvement in system efficiency, including a 79% reduction in block time, a 28% increase in transaction throughput, a 30% decrease in energy consumption, a 68% shorter confirmation time, a 63% reduction in execution time, a 46% increase in block production rate, and 82% reduced network variability. This study's significant contribution lies in introducing a sustainable, cost-effective, and secure payment system for regions with inadequate network services.

External voltage promoting electro-fermentation of propionate wastewater in high concentration

External voltage promoting electro-fermentation of propionate wastewater in high concentration

Mechanistic Disease Modeling to Inform Potential Strategies for Early Interventions with BACE inhibition

AbstractBackgroundThe β‐secretase‐1 inhibitors (BACEi), including verubecestat, were extensively studied in prodromal to moderate AD and demonstrated early cognitive decline (negative effect) at doses achieving &gt;50% inhibition of amyloid production. Questions remain as to whether BACEi may still have utility, if used earlier in disease and at lower levels of inhibition. A mechanistic model of the progression of Alzheimer’s disease was used to predict effects of alternative BACEi therapeutic approaches on disease progression.MethodThe mechanistic model could holistically describe the available clinical data including observational trials and interventional trials with BACE inhibitors, anti‐amyloid mAbs, and anti‐tau antisense oligonucleotides. Varying inhibition levels (15‐ 56%) were simulated to predict amyloid PET, CSF Aβ42, CSF and plasma p‐tau, tau PET response. Delay‐times to BRAAK3‐4 region tau PET SUVr of 1.44 (MK‐6240; or 1.2 FTP) were calculated from simulations of intervention relative to untreated. Simulations of Down’s Syndrome populations (represented by increased production rate of amyloid) tested the impact on the dose and timing of the intervention needed to achieve benefits.ResultSporadic AD simulations predicted that NFT progression could be delayed by decade(s) if started very early in disease (amyloid PET of 20‐50 centiloids) with moderate (33‐56%) levels of inhibition maintained for remainder of life. It’s unknown whether these inhibition levels have less cognitive decline than seen previously. Benefits were substantially reduced for later inventions (&gt;60 centiloids), lower levels of inhibition or shorter durations of treatment (&lt;10 years). Predicted biomarker timecourses suggested that separation from placebo within 4‐5 years would be demonstrable for CSF Aβ42 and amyloid PET, but p‐tau and tau PET alterations could take longer, especially for interventions starting at very low plaque loads. Limitations include the limited data from tau‐targeted approaches and on inhibition‐dependencies of the negative cognition effect, which create uncertainties in the predictions.ConclusionMechanistic model‐based simulations suggest that moderate level BACEi interventions very early in the process of amyloid plaque accumulations could lead to substantial delays in progression. The time to differentiation from untreated marker responses was long for tau‐based markers, suggesting that demonstration of effects during a typical trial timeline may be challenging.

Improvement of Anaerobic Digestion by Addition of Halloysite and Magnetite Powders

Objectives : This study aimed to explore the potential of halloysite and magnetite powders to enhance anaerobic digestion efficiency and to compare their effects.Methods : Anaerobic digestion experiments were conducted in a total of four consecutive batch processes using reactors with halloysite and magnetite powders added at concentrations of 1 g/L, 10 g/L, and 50 g/L, as well as a control reactor without any powder addition. Cumulative methane production was measured in each batch, and the Gompertz model was applied to calculate kinetic parameters, which were then compared with the control. Additionally, microbial community analysis was performed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and correlations between the powder concentrations, Gompertz kinetic parameters, and microbial groups were evaluated.Results and Discussion : Both powders demonstrated an effect on improving methane production rates. When halloysite was added at a concentration of 50 g/L, an increase in methane production rate was observed in all batches. Compared to the control, the lag phase (λ) was reduced by up to 31.4%, and the maximum methane production rate (R&lt;sub&gt;m&lt;/sub&gt;) increased by 17.6%. While the effects of halloysite at concentrations of 1 g/L and 10 g/L were less significant compared to 50 g/L, trends of reduced lag phase and increased Rm were noted in at least two batches. For magnetite powder, the most effective concentration in the first and second batches was 1 g/L, but in the third and fourth batches, lag phase (λ) was reduced by up to 39.3%, and the maximum methane production rate (R&lt;sub&gt;m&lt;/sub&gt;) increased by 13.2% at concentrations of 10 g/L and 50 g/L. Microbial community analysis revealed an increased dominance of &lt;i&gt;Geobacter&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Methanosarcina&lt;&gt;/i associated with the DIET mechanism as the amount of magnetite increased.Conclusion : This study confirms the potential of halloysite and magnetite powders to enhance methane production rates in anaerobic digestion processes. These findings suggest the feasibility of using powdered additives to improve the efficiency of anaerobic digestion, providing foundational data for future related research.