Bifunctional Li4SiO4 nanowires via one-pot synthesis for low-concentration CO2 capture and thermochemical energy storage.

• A moving-bed thermochemical energy storage system is experimentally investigated. • Pumice-based salt-in-matrix composite sorbents are developed and implemented. • The system achieves an energy storage density of 189.7 kWh/m 3 . • Maximum effective energy and exergy efficiencies are 52.7% and 6.8%, respectively. • A correlation between air humidity difference and temperature lift is established. In the last decade, low-grade thermochemical energy storage systems have been gaining interest due to their long-term heat storage potential and high energy storage density. Despite the advantageous aspects of this heat storage method, previously investigated fixed-bed reactors suffer from low heat and mass transfer performance and offer limited process control. In order to overcome these challenges, a new multi-layer moving bed reactor was designed, manufactured, and tested in this study. The proposed reactor consists of reaction and storage sections where eight independent sorption beds have freedom of movement between the two sections. Such a design enables a modular concept, where each sorption bed could be charged or discharged individually, while the remaining sorption beds are stored inside their own hermetically insulated chambers. In the system, two different sizes of pumice stones, namely PM1 and PM2, were used as the host matrix, and three different thermochemical materials were synthesized by impregnation of the LiCl-CaCl 2 mixture and CaCl 2 as salts into pumice. During the experiments, comparative analyses of different materials, short-cycle full-system analyses, long-cycle energy density analyses, and multi-bed performance analyses have been performed. Additionally, the impact of air velocity was investigated. The evaluations were performed based on the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. Study results demonstrated that each sorption bed provides an average heat output between 0.58 and 1.07 kW depending on the inlet air conditions and the composition of thermochemical material. According to the study results, the energy storage density of the system was obtained as 189.7 kWh/m 3 with the use of PM2-CaCl 2 . On the other hand, 4.2 m/s was found as the most optimal air velocity, proving the highest average heat output during the discharging process and the highest moisture desorption rate per unit of heat consumed during the charging process. A linear correlation between the air absolute humidity difference and the air temperature lift for the discharging process was also obtained, which could provide useful insights for the performance prediction of thermochemical energy storage systems.

Feasibility of soilless substrate systems supplemented with black soldier fly frass for sustainable mushroom cultivation.

Low freshwater productivity and poor thermal efficiency remain key limitations of conventional single-slope solar stills. In this study, porous absorbing materials are investigated as passive performance-enhancement strategies for small-scale solar desalination. A combined experimental and numerical analysis was conducted on a traditional solar still (TSS) and two modified configurations incorporating melamine sponge (MSSS) and pumice stone (VPSSS), operated under real climatic conditions in Karbala, Iraq. The results demonstrate that the MSSS achieved the highest daily freshwater yield of 1347 mL/day, corresponding to a 56.9% increase compared with the TSS, alongside an average thermal efficiency of 49.3%. The VPSSS produced 1055 mL/day, representing a 22.9% improvement and a thermal efficiency of 38.2%. Economic analysis indicates that, under optimal operating conditions, the MSSS reduced the water production cost to 0.07569 USD/L with a payback period of approximately 2.5 years. The energy payback period ranged from 0.55 to 0.86 years, whereas the exergy recovery period remained considerably longer (28–35 years), highlighting inherent thermodynamic limitations. In addition, the MSSS configuration achieved an annual CO2 emission reduction of approximately 1612 kg, corresponding to a cost saving of 17.36 USD. Overall, the findings suggest that porous absorbing materials, particularly melamine sponge, offer an effective and economically feasible approach for enhancing solar still performance in arid and remote regions.

Strength and microstructural properties in water-sustainable self-curing concrete with pumice stone, PEG, LECA, and SAP

ABSTRACT The denim industry generates wastewater with high organic loads and intense colouration due to the extensive use of synthetic dyes. Conventional biological treatment methods are generally inadequate for colour removal, necessitating alternative approaches. This study investigates the reuse of waste pumice stones – discarded during denim processing – as a dual-function material for industrial wastewater treatment. Pumice was utilised both as (i) a biofilm carrier in a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) to enhance chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, and (ii) an adsorbent for residual colour reduction. Pumice particles (10–14 mm) were applied at a 30% filling ratio in the MBBR and compared with a suspended-growth control system. The pumice-assisted MBBR achieved approximately 60 mg/L higher COD removal, confirming its efficacy in biofilm support. Complementary batch adsorption experiments demonstrated up to 45% colour removal, with performance varying across wavelengths (436, 525, and 620 nm). These results highlight the potential of repurposed pumice stones as a sustainable and costeffective resource for enhancing industrial wastewater treatment while promoting waste valorisation.

ABSTRACT Ethylene and oxygen are major contributing factors for post‐harvest losses of fresh produce. To reduce these losses, packaging materials are used to preserve the quality of fresh produce. This research study created a packaging material using κ‐carrageenan (KC), pumice stone (PS) powder and litchi shell powder (LSP), demonstrating favourable ethylene scavenging and antioxidant activity. The solvent casting method was utilized to fabricate films, after which the prepared films' physical, mechanical, structural, ethylene scavenging and antioxidant characteristics were analysed. The KC/PS/LSP‐2 film (containing 0.25% LSP) had the highest ethylene scavenging activity of 90.8% and 88.7% of antioxidant activity. The shelf‐life analysis of broccoli showed that the broccoli florets packed in KC/PS/LSP‐2 films have preserved freshness and quality compared to the control sample (without film). Overall, the results demonstrated that prepared films can be applied as ethylene scavengers and antioxidant carriers in food packaging.

Emphysematous osteomyelitis complicated with liver abscess and pulmonary infection in a diabetic patient: a case report

Background and Aims A fertilizer combination containing five different fertilizers plus Osmocote was tested at different concentrations in the growing media of Rosa meilland Christof Columbus saplings. Morphological traits (e.g., leaf and flower biomass), physicochemical properties of the mixtures, leaf nutrient contents, and changes in moisture values (leaf and flower) were investigated. Methods Each mixture included 12 saplings with three replicates (total: 144 saplings). Weekly measurements were taken for 16 weeks to determine leaf length and diameter, number and length of shoots, flower diameter and number, and sapling diameter. Physical properties (sand, silt, clay) and macro- and micronutrient contents of the growing media were analyzed. One-way ANOVA was used to compare treatments. Results Although some weekly morphological measurements differed significantly, no consistent trend was observed. In cumulative comparisons (16 weeks), only flower diameter differed significantly among mixtures, while leaf nutrients and both flower and leaf biomass did not. Among physicochemical properties, water saturation, Nt, P2O5, K2O, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn differed significantly between mixtures. Leaf moisture values also showed significant differences. Conclusion Overall, the lowest values were generally found in mixture 4 (80% peat, 10% river sediment + 10% pumice stone + fertilizer), which used only the fertilizer combination.

Replacing cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) is widely recognized as an effective strategy to reduce the environmental footprint of cement production. However, focusing solely on technical or environmental dimensions is insufficient for drawing comprehensive sustainability conclusions. A thorough evaluation requires integrating key sustainable development indicators across all life-cycle stages. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a valuable tool that quantifies environmental impacts across all stages of a product's life, including green concretes, which are often assessed from cradle to gate. This study examined the technical, economic, and environmental performance of self-consolidating concretes (SCCs) incorporating various SCMs, including silica fume (SF), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GS), metakaolin (MK), and pumice (PU), across 13 mix designs. The technical evaluation included measures of slump flow, compressive strength, and chloride migration, along with a service life prediction model to estimate long-term environmental impacts associated with each mix. Furthermore, an expert questionnaire was developed to prioritize the importance of these performance indicators from construction professionals' perspectives. The results indicate that mixes containing 20% and 15% metakalolin or 15% silica fume demonstrated superior performance across combined technical, environmental, and economic criteria, as confirmed by expert evaluations. Compared to the control mixture, these mixes achieved CO₂ emission reductions of 94%, 93%, and 89% per cubic meter per service-year, respectively. Experts prioritized the highest weightage to the technical criterion (66%), followed by economic (21%) and environmental (13%) considerations.

In the current study, the surface characteristics and deformation behavior of raw and washed denim fabrics were investigated using Tactile Sensation Analyzer (TSA) which measures surface variations through sound analysis and determines out-of-plane deformation behavior during the deformation test phase. A total of 30 denim fabrics with various raw materials and production parameters were examined. Two different denim washing processes were applied to the raw denim fabrics, one involving cellulase enzyme and the other combined with pumice stones. The effects of washing on structural properties, surface characteristics, deformation, elasticity, hysteresis, plasticity, and tactile comfort were analyzed. The results indicated that denim washing significantly increased the thickness and decreased the magnitude of micro-surface variations across all tested samples, and most fabrics exhibited a less rigid structure after washing. It was detected that enzyme washing has a moderate effect on fabric properties. Meanwhile, the combination of cellulase enzyme and pumice stones resulted in significant improvements in surface smoothness, fullness, unit mass, deformability, elasticity and total hand scores.

To characterize the clinical and imaging features of emphysematous osteomyelitis (EO) in a single-center cohort and to expand upon existing literature, which is largely limited to isolated case reports. This retrospective, IRB-approved study included patients identified through a PACS search for "intraosseous gas" or "intraosseous air" on CT or MRI from January 2014 to May 2025. Patients were excluded if intraosseous gas was attributable to trauma, open wounds, penetrating injury, or recent surgery. Clinical, laboratory, imaging, microbiologic, and histopathologic data were recorded. Of 382 patients with intraosseous gas, 20 were included in the study. The mean age was 63years, and 80% were male. Diabetes mellitus was present in 75% of patients. The foot was the most commonly involved site (75%). The "pumice stone" sign was observed in 50% of cases. Osseous erosions, periostitis and soft tissue emphysema were seen in 60%, 15% and 85% of patients, respectively. Radiographs were less sensitive than CT or MRI. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were markedly elevated (mean 114mm/hr and 210mg/L, respectively). Among 14 culture-positive cases, 64% were polymicrobial, most originating from the foot. Surgical intervention was required in 83% of patients, including amputation in 67%. EO is a rare, aggressive infection that primarily affects older patients with diabetes. The foot was the most common site, frequently associated with polymicrobial infection. Characteristic imaging features of osteomyelitis, such as erosion and periostitis, may be absent. Early recognition is essential, as most patients require surgical intervention.

This study aims to contribute to circularity of denim garment washing solid waste by transforming the waste into high-value composite materials to use for thermal and sound insulation purposes. The solid waste comprising cellulose fibres and degraded pumice stone was incorporated at reinforcement ratios of 5%, 10%, and 20% by weight into PU foam matrix. The resulting composites underwent rigorous evaluation for sound and thermal insulation efficiency, flexural strength, and flame retardancy. The incorporation of the solid waste reduced the foam cell size while increasing the cell density, creating an enhanced acoustic and thermal insulation performance. The silica-rich pumice stone content further imparted flame-retardant properties, effectively delaying ignition and combustion. Experimental evaluations demonstrated that 20% wt. reinforced PU foams achieved a 19% reduction in thermal conductivity and a 75% decrease in flame duration, while 5% wt. reinforcement provided up to 99% sound absorption in the 1000 Hz-1600 Hz frequency range. These findings emphasize the functional upcycling of denim waste into insulation composites with improved thermal, acoustic, and flame-retardant properties, contributing significantly to sustainability and circularity.

Background/Objectives: Dental enamel constitutes the first barrier of defense against external factors that constantly generate wear and damage. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the abrasion and roughness of dental enamel using toothpaste with and without activated charcoal and to analyze this under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Materials and methods: The research design was experimental; 10 enamel blocks were randomly assigned to each group to perform brushing cycles with soft- and medium-filament brushes with two types of toothpaste, one with activated charcoal and one without activated charcoal. A pumice stone with etching acid was used as the positive control and artificial saliva served as the negative control; both were analyzed separately. Roughness was evaluated using a roughness meter and abrasion with an analytical balance. The surface of the enamel blocks of each group was randomly analyzed under an SEM. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro–Wilk test and the homogeneity of variances with Bartlett’s test. Student’s t-test (two-tailed) was applied to compare tooth enamel roughness and abrasion. Results: Both enamel roughness (p = 0.0016) and abrasion (p = 0.0001) were significantly higher in the groups using activated charcoal paste and medium-filament brushes. SEM observation revealed greater alteration on the surface of the enamel subjected to brushing cycles with activated charcoal paste and a medium-filament brush. Conclusions: The in vitro study showed that the use of toothpaste with activated charcoal increases the roughness and abrasion of tooth enamel, especially when the medium-filament brush is used.

Distressed fabric is a popular fashion trend that adds a distinct visual appeal to garments. Distressing involves acid washing with pumice stones containing potassium permanganate. This approach is inappropriate for knitted textiles, which can generate holes and reduce quality. This project seeks to create an Elasto Ball (EB) as an alternative to pumice stones in the acid-washing procedure of knitted materials. The Elasto Ball consists of natural rubber foam filled with silica and a silica–lignin hybrid derived from rice husks. The efficacy of the filler is enhanced during the manufacturing of Elasto Ball by employing the NXT silane coupling agent throughout the silanization process. The silanized elasto ball exhibits thermal stability up to 400 °C and a porosity of up to 5%. In garment washing assessments, the Elasto Ball can diminish the fabric’s color by 40–50% without causing damage. The findings of this study indicate that Elasto Ball can function as an efficient, eco-friendly substitute for washing balls in garment washing procedures.

Purpose Traditional stone enzyme washing requires significant amounts of pumice stones, raising environmental concerns like water wastage, pollution and fabric damage. This study investigates enzyme-driven denim washing as a sustainable alternative, aiming to reduce pumice stone usage while preserving fabric quality. The research focuses on comparing the effects of neutral and acidic cellulase enzymatic treatments on fabric strength, color retention and comfort. Design/methodology/approach Several parameters were investigated to understand the effects of enzyme-based denim washing techniques, using neutral and acidic cellulase treatments under varying conditions. Fabric parameters included weight (g/m²), tear and tensile strength, colorimetric values (L*, a*, b*) and hue angle, which varied based on stone quantity and enzyme type. In addition, comfort levels are assessed using a hand-feel assessment. Findings This study demonstrates that neutral cellulase treatment preserved up to 85% of the fabric’s tensile strength while reducing pumice stone usage by over 91%, from 12 kg to just 1 kg, achieving uniform and consistent color fading. In contrast, acidic cellulase treatments, although effective in dye removal, led to greater fabric degradation and uneven fading. Neutral cellulase emerged as a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative, significantly lowering water usage, minimizing fabric damage, and enhancing hand feel (comfort). This positions it as a practical solution for producing eco-friendly denim products. Originality/value This research explores enzymatic washing of denim by reducing pumice size and varying enzyme types and concentrations. It provides valuable insights into how these variables influence tensile strength, color fading, comfort and the environmental footprint, all under significantly reduced pumice usage. This innovative approach offers a balanced methodology that preserves fabric integrity while promoting eco-friendly practices, contributing meaningful advancements to sustainable denim processing.

Optimizing wastewater treatment with PVA gel beads and pumice stones: a multi-stage reactor approach

Evaluation of methods for removing stains from a 3D printed resin for denture teeth.

Research on tripikon-S has been conducted to reduce organics and nutrients in domestic wastewater.This study aims to analyze the performance of modified tripikon-S with the addition of pumice as a support media in domestic wastewater treatment.The tripikon-S used is a modification of three pipes of different sizes arranged concentrically.In the middle pipe, aerobic processes occur, the central section serves as a flow path, and the lower section is where anaerobic processes take place.Two tripikon-S units were tested between reactors with and without pumice stone, operated in batch mode with a retention time (td) of 2 days.The results showed that pumice has the ability to attach microorganisms.This can be analyzed based on the results of the SEM test which shows changes in the biofilm surface until the seeding ends.In addition, the attached VSS formed was 2.817 mg/L.This value indicates that biofilm formed on pumice has entered the maturation phase and continued by running using artificial wastewater with concentration variations.Variations in treatment with COD concentrations of 500 mg/L, 750 mg/L, and 1000 mg/L resulted in COD removal in the reactor with pumice stone > 85%, TN > 48%, and TP > 67%.This shows that the modification of tripikon-S with pumice supporting media is able to reduce organics and nutrients in wastewater.This result is reinforced by the identification of microorganisms using Oxford Nanopore Technology, where in this study identified microorganisms that are able to degrade organic and nutrients in wastewater.So, this system should be considered as an alternative to domestic wastewater treatment, especially in suburban areas.

Phosphates are key pollutants involved in the eutrophication of water bodies, creating the need for efficient and low-cost strategies for their removal in order to meet environmental quality standards. This study presents a comparative thermodynamic evaluation of phosphate ion adsorption from aqueous solutions using two sustainable and readily available materials: autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and pumice stone (PS). Batch experiments were conducted under acidic (pH 3) and alkaline (pH 9) conditions to determine equilibrium adsorption capacities, and kinetic experiments were carried out for the best-performing adsorbent. Adsorption data were fitted to the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherm models, while kinetic data were evaluated using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. The Freundlich model showed the best correlation (R2 = 0.90 − 0.97), indicating the heterogeneous nature of the adsorbent surfaces, whereas the Langmuir parameters suggested monolayer adsorption, with maximum capacities of 1006.69 mg/kg for PS and 859.20 mg/kg for AAC at pH 3. Kinetic results confirmed a pseudo-second-order behavior, indicating chemisorption as the main mechanism and the rate-limiting step in the adsorption process. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the thermodynamic performance of AAC and PS for phosphate removal under identical experimental conditions. The findings demonstrate the potential of both materials as efficient, low-cost, and thermodynamically favorable adsorbents. Furthermore, the use of AAC, an industrial by-product, and PS, a naturally abundant volcanic material, supports resource recovery and waste valorization, aligning with the principles of the circular economy and sustainable water management.