Fertility Quality Research Articles

Potensi Sampah Organik TPS 3R Menjadi Biogas dan Pupuk (Studi Kasus: TPS 3R Kasih, Kabupaten Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta)

The generation of organic waste at TPS 3R Kasih increased and dominated but its separation has not been carried out optimally. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical characteristics of organic waste and analyze the potential for biogas that can be produced from organic waste anaerobically. The research method included sample collection using the purposive sampling method, surveys, and laboratory experiments using a batch or closed anaerobic reactor without any reactant movement to determine the potential for methane formation during 40 days of processing. The chemical characteristics of the slurry before and after processing were analyzed to determine its potential use after biogas formation as compost. The results showed that the slurry content before and after processing did not meet the fertilizer quality standards. Methane gas was formed starting on the 35th day in both reactors 1 and 2 with the highest concentration achieved at 1.2% of a mixture of organic waste, water, animal waste and EM4 with an optimum time of 40 days.

Group Tele-Art Therapy Intervention in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Randomized Control Study

We investigated the effects of group tele-art therapy (GTAT)—namely, the appreciation of art masterpieces—on infertility stress, fertility quality of life (FertiQoL), and psychological well-being. We employed a randomized true experimental, pre-testpost-test control design using experimental, comparison, and control groups of 27 women (Mage = 37.7 years) who had undergone at least two in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Group homogeneity was tested using Fisher’s exact test and repeated measures analysis of variance. GTAT involving the appreciation of art masterpieces significantly decreased infertility stress. No significant changes were observed in infertility stress for the comparison and control groups. GTAT significantly improved FertiQoL. Regarding scores in the subscales of FertiQoL, emotional FertiQoL and mindbody FertiQoL scores improved significantly, while social FertiQoL and relational FertiQoL scores did not. No significant changes were observed in FertiQoL scores in the comparison and control groups. GTAT significantly improved psychological well-being, but no significant changes were observed in the comparison and control groups. This study is the first to show that GTAT involving an appreciation of art masterpieces is an effective intervention for addressing infertility stress, FertiQoL scores, and psychological well-being in women undergoing IVF. GTAT is thus a good alternative to increase access to psychotherapy for women with infertility with psychological challenges undergoing IVF.

Fertility Preservation in Surviving Women Following Cancer Treatment

For the afflicted female, Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) has disastrous effects on her quality of life, fertility, fecundity, and general well-being. Gynecological operations and chemotherapy can also make DOR worse. By evaluating the gonadotoxicity and effectiveness of current chemotherapy regimens as well as the techniques used in gynecological procedures, the best regimen or technique can be chosen after a risk-benefit ratio study. This ought to be carried out in concert with methods for preserving fertility, such as cryopreservation, ovarian transposition and suppression, and medication. To meet the demand for oncofertility, novel strategies utilizing fertoprotective agents must be assessed. This guarantees the greatest protection of the follicular pool and the least amount of harm to the ovarian environment and function. KYAMC Journal Volume: 15, No: 01, April 2024: 50-55.

ATRAZINE AS AN ENDOCRINE DISRUPTOR AND ITS EFFECTS ON MALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Atrazine has been widely used in Brazilian agriculture, especially in corn and soybean crops. Due to its widespread use, this literature review is relevant to systematize the main studies that evaluate the impact of atrazine as an endocrine disruptor leading to changes in fertility quality, especially in males. In several tests and studies carried out with the exposure of animals to atrazine, negative effects related to changes in factors that are essential for male fertility were observed. Therefore, inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, decreased reproductive cells’s metabolic activity, reduced testosterone levels, reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme, negative effects on spermatogenesis and morphological changes in the gonads and sperm are results of atrazine toxicity on the male reproductive system that contribute to infertility. In general, it is concluded that atrazine has a potential endocrine disruptor effect, leading to changes in the form of hormone production, especially in hormones related to male sexual reproduction. For this reason, assessing the risks of exposure to this toxin at different stages of life and over several generations, combined with knowledge of its pathophysiological mechanism on the male reproductive system, is essential to preserve the reproductive health of future generations.

The Relationship of Self-Care Knowledge Towards COVID-19 Crisis with Anxiety and Quality of Life in Infertile Women

Introduction: Self-care is any activity that establishes and maintains one’s own health and prevents and deals with illnesses. According to the evidence, epidemiological crises affect individuals' mental health. Also, dealing with infertility can lead to mental health issues. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship of self-care knowledge towards the COVID-19 crisis with anxiety and quality of life in infertile women. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey via the social media platform WhatsApp based on convenience sampling of infertile women was conducted from April to December 2019 during the COVID- 19 pandemic in Infertility centers of Shiraz, a metropolis in the South of Iran. Data was collected by demographic and infertility-related questionnaire, self-structured questionnaire of self-care knowledge towards the COVID-19 crisis, Spielberger state anxiety and Fertility Quality of Life questionnaire using Porsline software on a self-report basis. Inclusion criteria were infertile women active in the virtual network. SPSS software IBM company version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: Most of the participants (62.2%) had average self-care knowledge about Covid-19. There was an inverse, and significant relationship between self-care knowledge of COVID-19 and anxiety of infertile women, i. e., the lower level of self-care knowledge of infertile women towards Covid-19 crisis was associated with a higher level of anxiety (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between the level of self-care knowledge of COVID-19 and infertile women’s quality of life (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Increasing self-care knowledge of COVID-19 among infertile women could affect their mental health. Education and increasing self-care knowledge during pandemics are recommended to manage the anxiety of infertile women and, as a consequence, promote fertility.

Nanoscale Biochar for Fertilizer Quality Optimization in Waste Composting: Microbial Community Regulation

Conventional composting faces challenges of nitrogen loss, product instability, and limited humic substance formation. This study investigated the effects of nanoscale biochars (nano-BCs) derived from rice straw (nano-RSB) and corn stover (nano-CSB) on manure composting. A randomized design with five treatments was used: control, regular biochars (RSB and CSB), and nano-BCs. Nano-BCs, especially nano-CSB, significantly improved compost maturity and reduced phytotoxicity, achieving a 146.20 % germination index. They increased total nitrogen (55.09–63.64 %) and phosphorus (10.25–12.33 %) retention, reduced NH4+-N loss, and promoted nitrification. Nano-CSB showed the highest final NO3−-N content (8.63 g/kg). Bacterial richness and diversity increased by 25–30 % in nano-BC treatments, with selective enrichment of beneficial species. The unique properties of nano-BCs, including high surface area and microporous structure, improved nutrient retention and compost quality. Nano-BCs offers a promising solution for sustainable waste management and high-quality compost production in agriculture, significantly enhancing nutrient retention and microbial community regulation during composting process.

Psychological and emotional profiles of Australian uterine transplant potential recipients: A comparison with international trials.

Uterus transplant (UTx) has emerged as a groundbreaking solution for individuals with uterine factor infertility (UFI). This study is the first in Australia to explore the psychosocial functioning of potential recipients assessed for the nation's initial UTx clinical trial and to compare their psychological profiles with those from international UTx trials. This is a mixed methods prospective study incorporating standardized psychological measures and semi-structured interviews. Conducted at a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia, the study involved 10 female Australian UTx potential recipients with UFI undergoing assessment for UTx surgery. Participants underwent comprehensive psychological evaluation using validated measures and in-depth semi-structured interviews. Quantitative measurement tools included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Form-36 Health Survey, Fertility Quality of Life, and the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews. The Australian UTx potential recipients reported significantly higher Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores compared to the Australian general population in general health (p < 0.04), bodily pain (p < 0.02), social functioning (p < 0.02), and emotional well-being (p < 0.01). Compared with international UTx cohorts, the Australian UTx group showed comparable SF-36 outcomes, with minor variations observed for general health and physical function domains. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores revealed lower anxiety, but slightly higher depression levels compared to international UTx trial cohorts. Fertility quality-of-life scores were significantly higher in the Australian UTx group compared to women experiencing primary infertility across four domains (p < 0.001). Thematic analysis of interviews highlighted the complex emotional impact of infertility, strong family and social support, and the perception of UTx as a transformative opportunity to achieve wholeness and motherhood. UTx represents a novel treatment option for women with UFI. This is the first qualitative study in Australia, it demonstrates the connection between women with UFI and their motivations for parenthood. These findings highlight the importance of tailored psychological assessments and establish a foundation for future research exploring the psychological characteristics of patient candidacy for UTxs.

Comparison of success rates in early stages of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women with and without endometriosis

Endometriosis remains a significant challenge for reproductive-aged women and is frequently associated with infertility. Although in vitro fertilization (IVF) is used to address infertility in women with endometriosis, its effectiveness in this context is still debated, particularly in developing countries such as Indonesia, where IVF remains a major challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the success rates of early stages of IVF in women with and without endometriosis. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Graha Amerta Fertility Clinic, located within Dr. Soetomo Academic General Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia. The quantity and quality of oocytes (the number of oocytes obtained by ovum pick-up (OPU) and the number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes), fertilization quality (the number of two-pronuclei oocytes and fertilization rate), embryo development quality (cleavage rate and blastocyst rate), biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rate were collected from IVF patients between 2017−2022. Independent Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney test was used accordingly for comparison analysis. A total of 410 IVF patients were included in the study; 93 had endometriosis, while 317 had no endometriosis. Oocyte quantity obtained by OPU (p=0.016) and oocyte quality (p=0.045), as measured by the number of MII oocytes, were significantly lower in the endometriosis group compared to the non-endometriosis group. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the number of two-pronuclei oocytes (p=0.105), fertilization rate (p=0.987), cleavage rate (p=0.467), blastocyst rate (p=0.128), biological pregnancy rates (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.60–1.60; p=0.940), clinical pregnancy rate (OR: 0.69; 95%CI: 0.39–1.24, p=0.219), or live birth rate (p=0.609). These findings suggest that while endometriosis may reduce oocyte quantity and quality, it does not significantly impact the success rates of IVF.

Oriented regulation of earthworm production and vermicompost quality by carbon bioavailability management

Vermicomposting is an efficient bioconversion technology for recycling nutrients from organic waste materials. The biodegradability of raw materials has a significant impact on the earthworm transformation product. However, the management of carbon bioavailability is often overlooked during the vermicomposting process due to the varying degradability of C-rich source in different organic waste. This research aims to investigate the impact of different bioavailable carbon compositions on vermicomposting and to develop a strategy for efficient carbon management. The study involved systematic vermicomposting using four different biodegradable carbon sources (pineapple peels, rice straw, tomato straw, and sawdust) with varying carbon‑nitrogen ratios (ranging from 24 to 42). The earthworm production and vermicompost quality were comprehensively evaluated, along with the influence of carbon components on microbial community structure. The results indicated that the optimal vermicomposting treatments were achieved at PCM24, RCM30, TCM30, and MCM30 treatments. Maintaining an approximate ratio of 1:(0.5–1.3) between available and recalcitrant carbon components based on the optimal carbon‑nitrogen ratio was found to be optimal for regulating vermicomposting products. Increasing the proportion of available carbon enhanced the quality of vermicompost fertilizer, while a higher proportion of recalcitrant carbon could improve earthworm biomass production efficiency. Labile carbon proportion I (LCP1) and available carbon component (ACC) were identified as key indicators in influencing the formation of microbial community structure. Different carbon compositions led to the specific development and formation of microbial communities, further resulting in significant variations in vermicompost quality under the mediation of microbes. This study, for the first time, clarifies the impact of vermicomposting performance and microbial community from the perspective of carbon bioavailability, which is of great significance for the oriented regulation the vermicomposting efficiency and product in practice.

Factors Influencing Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for NPK Fertilizer in Specialty Coffee: Insights from Pagar Alam, Indonesia

Robusta coffee cultivation in Pagar Alam City has not been carried out optimally because most farmers do not practice precision farming patterns in the use of production inputs to increase coffee plant productivity, including the use of unsubsidised coffee-specific fertilisers. In order to be accepted by farmers, fertiliser companies must pay attention to the willingness to pay of farmers for these fertilisers. For this reason, the study aims to: (1) determine farmer perceptions of nutrient content, ease of use and quality of fertiliser, (2) determine the value of farmers’ willingness to pay for unsubsidised NPK fertiliser for coffee in Pagar Alam City, and (3) determine the effect of nutrient content, ease of use and quality of fertiliser and other factors on farmers' WTP in Pagar Alam City. The research location was determined purposively with the consideration that Pagar Alam City is one of the highest coffee producing areas in Indonesia. A total of 100 coffee farmers were used as samples and interviewed using a prepared questionnaire. Data on farmers' willingness to pay was obtained by using the contingent valuation method (CVM). Descriptive analysis was used to determine the level of farmers' perception of nutrient content, ease of use and quality of fertiliser. Multiple linear regression methods was used to analyze the effect of nutrient content, ease of use and fertiliser quality and other factors on farmers' WTP. The results showed that the average value of farmers' WTP for unsubsidised NPK fertiliser for coffee was IDR 11,160 per kg which is lower than the price of unsubsidised NPK fertiliser commonly paid by coffee farmers. The study found that fertiliser quality, ease of fertiliser uses and fertiliser nutrient content, farm income level, land size, age, farming experience, household size and farmer membership status in farmer groups significantly affect the farmers’ WTP.

Quality of Schooling, Fertility and Economic Growth

Quality of Schooling, Fertility and Economic Growth

Exploring product maturation, microbial communities and antibiotic resistance gene abundances during food waste and cattle manure co-composting

This study proposed combining food waste (FW) and cattle manure (CM) in composting to improve the product maturity. The findings suggested that the inclusion of CM effectively extended the thermophilic stage, facilitated the decomposition of cellulose, and enhanced the production of humus-like substances by enhancing beneficial microbial cooperation. Adding 40 % CW was optimal to reduce the nitrogen loss, increase the cellulose degradation rate to 22.07 %, increase germination index (GI) to 140 %, and reduce normalized antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) abundances. Adding CW could promote the transformation of protein-like compounds, thereby enhancing the humification process of organic substances. Structural equation modeling further verified that the temperature was the key factor affecting humification production, while the main driver for ARGs was physiochemical parameters. This study shows that co-composting of FW and CM offers the potential to promote humification, reduce ARG abundance, and improve fertilizer quality for utilization of both biowastes in the field.

Infertility-related stress is associated with quality of life through negative emotions among infertile outpatients

Infertility is not a fatal disease but it really produces infertility-related stress and affects individuals’ quality of life to a great extent. This study aims to investigate the relations among infertility-related stress, negative emotions and quality of life in infertile outpatients, and suppose gender difference as well as Dark Triad, which contained three dark personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, would moderate the relations. 105 infertile outpatients age range 20–49 completed a cross-sectional questionnaire on the Fertility Quality of Life scale, the Fertility Problem Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale a the Chinese version of Dirty Dozen. Results showed that negative emotions mediated the relations between infertility-related stress and quality of life. Dark Triad could not moderate the relations between infertility-related stress, negative emotions, and quality of life, but gender can moderate the associations between infertility-related stress and negative emotions. Specifically, the association between infertility-related stress and negative emotions was stronger in men than in women. Infertility-related stress has direct and indirect effects on infertile outpatients’ quality of life. It is important to consider the important roles of emotions and gender difference between patients, and delivering targeted intervention programs.

Pilot trial of a new self-directed psychological intervention for infertility-related distress

BackgroundNow affecting one in six couples in Canada, infertility is defined as a lack of conception after 12 or more months of regular, unprotected heterosexual intercourse. Infertility is associated with immense psychological burden, particularly for individuals assigned female at birth. Yet existing psychological interventions are not specialized to this population and have been shown to be only marginally effective at relieving distress related to infertility. Thus, a new online self-directed psychological intervention was co-created with a panel of women experiencing infertility, and ultimately consisted of six 10-min video modules addressing the cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal aspects of infertility-related distress.MethodsIn the current study, 21 women experiencing reduced quality of life related to infertility were recruited to participate in a one-arm pre-post pilot testing the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the program. Participant adherence and retention were monitored, and participants rated the credibility of the program and the helpfulness of each module as well as provided feedback on the content and format of the program. Pre-to-post changes in fertility quality of life, anxious symptoms, depressive symptoms, and relationship satisfaction were examined.ResultsThe program modules were highly rated by participants, with average helpfulness ratings ranging from 7.5 to 8.2/10. Two participants became pregnant and therefore stopped prematurely, 79% of the remaining participants completed all six modules, and participants reported completing 52.8 (SD = 82.0) min of homework per week. Participants perceived the intervention as highly credible and generally approved of the format, length, and speed; however, 68% of participants had recommendations for additional content to be included in the intervention. While relationship satisfaction did not change significantly over time, large pre-to-post improvements in fertility quality of life, depression, and anxiety were observed (p < .001; Cohen’s ds = 0.9–1.3).ConclusionsThis self-directed intervention was well received and has the potential to be highly effective in reducing infertility-related distress, informing future development and optimization.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05103982.

Preventing violence and enhancing mental health among clients of an invitro fertilization clinic in Jordan: results of a pre/post pilot test of the use of cognitive behavioral therapy

IntroductionInfertility increases women’s risk of intimate partner violence (IPV). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to treat mental health problems among fertility treatment seeking patients. CBT has not been tested for its potential to reduce IPV in this population. We pilot test the use of CBT to prevent IPV and improve patients' mental health in a fertility clinic in Jordan.MethodsOf 38 eligible fertility-treatment seeking couples, 16 consented and underwent up to 11 CBT sessions (average = 9) over 3 months. Interviews at baseline and 16 weeks post intervention (endline) assessed IPV, quality of life, social support, coping, and fear of spouse. Wilcoxon signed-rank and McNemar’s tests were used to assess change in outcomes.ResultsAt baseline, women's rates of IPV, depression, and anxiety were 75%, 87.5%, and 75% respectively, whereas men's rates of depression and anxiety were each 80%. Average baseline post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms for men and women were 3.3 and 2.7 respectively out of 5. IPV decreased 25% after treatment, and women reported less spousal fear. For both men and women, depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms decreased and social support and fertility quality of life improved.ConclusionPsychosocial support should be standard of care for the treatment of infertility given the burden of mental health problems and IPV and the utility of CBT in this patient population. Co-design with couples is needed to identify strategies to bolster participation along with population-based interventions to combat the stigma of infertility and mental health service use and enhance women's status.

Current Understanding of Androgen Signaling in Prostatitis and its Treatment: A Review.

Chronic prostatitis is a highly prevalent condition that significantly impacts the quality of life and fertility of men. Because of its heterogeneous nature, there is no definitive treatment, which requires ongoing research into its etiology. Additionally, the association between prostatitis and an elevated risk of prostate cancer highlights the importance of comprehending androgen involvement in prostatitis. This paper examines the current understanding of androgen signaling in prostatitis and explores contemporary therapeutic approaches. It was reviewed Medline articles comprehensively, using keywords such as nonbacterial prostatitis, prostatitis infertility, androgen role in prostatitis, and chronic pelvic pain. Several cellular targets are linked to androgen signaling. Notably, the major tyrosine phosphatase activity (cPAcP) in normal human prostate is influenced by androgen signaling, and its serum levels inversely correlate with prostate cancer progression. Androgens also regulate membrane-associated zinc and pyruvate transporters transduction in prostate cells, suggesting promising avenues for novel drug development aimed at inhibiting these molecules to reduce cancer tumor growth. Various therapies for prostatitis have been evaluated, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications (including bioflavonoids), neuromodulators, alpha-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, and androgen receptor antagonists. These therapies have demonstrated varying degrees of success in ameliorating symptoms.In conclusion, aging decreases circulating T and intraprostatic DHT, altering the proper functioning of the prostate, reducing the ability of androgens to maintain normal Zn2+ levels, and diminishing the secretion of citrate, PAcP, and other proteins into the prostatic fluid. The Zn2+-transporter decreases or is absent in prostate cancer, so the pyruvate transporter activates. Consequently, the cell ATP increases, inducing tumor growth.

Utilizing sludge from catfish farming to produce vermicompost for improving soil quality

Abstract Earthworm organic waste is processed into vermicompost, which is of varying quality depending on the substrate. In vermicomposting, earthworms can promote nitrogen mineralization and effect nitrification. A challenging-to-absorb nutrient will be converted into a nutrient that plants can easily absorb to improve nutrients in soil and increase crop production. In this study, an experimental model of organic fertilizer production from catfish pond bottom sludge was implemented. Sludge from the bottom of catfish ponds is composted with water hyacinth in aquatic ponds to produce organic fertilizer, mature fertilizer is used as a substrate for vermicomposting. The impact of vermicompost on plant growth parameters was evaluated through its use to improve nutrients in soil. Sludge, compost, vermicompost, and soil quality were also evaluated for their physical and chemical properties. Results show that the growth coefficient of earthworms is 129.3±1.15% per 30 days, and the average amount of organic fertilizer created is 126±3.51 kg per 30 days. The quality parameters of vermicompost all meet national standards for organic fertilizer quality. The moisture and total organic matter content in mature fertilizer are 31% and 21.9%, respectively. The content of nutrients N and P increased compared to input materials, the corresponding values reached 2.84% and 0.96%. The C/N ratio is 7.7, microbiological and heavy metal indicators are within the accepted limits. In the experiment using vermicompost to cultivate Brassica rapa chinensis, the yield growth rate was the highest. After 21 days of planting, the growth rate is fast and the height reaches 25.0±0.38 cm. The biochemical composition ensures safety according to food regulations for leafy vegetables. Vermicomposting is recommended as a sustainable and suitable technique for catfish pond sludge utilizing.

IMPACT OF REAL-LIFE ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES ON REPRODUCTION: Evidence for reproductive health effects following exposure to hydraulic fracturing chemical mixtures.

Unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG) operations, particularly hydraulic fracturing, have revolutionized oil and gas production, using and containing complex mixtures of chemicals that may impact reproductive health. While there is growing evidence for effects on births in hydraulic fracturing/UOG regions and good mechanistic evidence for potential reproductive toxicity, there is much research still needed to make firm conclusions about these practices and reproductive health. Unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG) operations have emerged over the last four decades to transform oil and gas production in the United States and globally by unlocking previously inaccessible hydrocarbon deposits. UOG development utilizes many compounds associated with conventional oil and gas, as well as some specific to UOG extraction, particularly during hydraulic fracturing (HF). While research is increasing on UOG chemicals and their mixtures, this review discusses the current evidence for reproductive toxicity following exposures to UOG/HF mixtures. These complex chemical mixtures have been demonstrated to interact with numerous mechanisms known to influence reproductive health. A growing number of environmental and controlled laboratory testing studies have reported adverse reproductive health effects in animals exposed to various UOG chemical mixtures. An expanding body of epidemiological literature has assessed adverse birth outcomes, although none has directly examined reproductive measures such as time to pregnancy, semen quality, and other direct measures of fertility. The existing literature provides moderate evidence for decreased birth weights, increased risk of small for gestational age and/or preterm birth, increased congenital abnormalities, and increased infant mortality, though importantly, studies are widely variable in methods used. Most studies utilized distance from UOG operations as an exposure proxy and did not measure actual chemical exposures experienced by those living near these operations. As such, while there is growing evidence for effects on births in these regions and good mechanistic evidence for potential reproductive toxicity, there is much research still needed to make firm conclusions about UOG development and reproductive health.

Farmers’ Perceived Impact of High-Dikes on Rice and Wild Fish Yields, Water Quality, and Use of Fertilizers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Farmers’ Perceived Impact of High-Dikes on Rice and Wild Fish Yields, Water Quality, and Use of Fertilizers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Phosphorus recovery via struvite crystallization in batch and fluidized-bed reactors: Roles of microplastics and dissolved organic matter

Struvite crystallization, a promising technology for nutrient recovery from wastewater, is facing considerable challenges due to the presence of emerging contaminants such as microplastics (MPs) ubiquitously found in wastewater. Here, we investigate the roles of MPs and humic acid (HA) in struvite crystallization in batch and fluidized-bed reactors (FBRs) using synthetic and real wastewater with a Mg:N:P molar ratio of 1:3:(1–1.3) at an initial pH of 11. Batch reactor (BR) experiment results show that MPs expedited the nucleation and growth rates of struvite (e.g., the rate of crystal growth in the presence of 30 mg L−1 of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was 1.43 times higher than that in the blank system), while HA hindered the formation of struvite. X-ray diffraction and the Rietveld refinement analysis revealed that the presence of MPs and HA can result in significant changes in phase compositions of the reclaimed precipitates, with over 80 % purity of struvite found in the precipitates from suspensions in the presence of 30 mg L−1 of MPs. Further characterizations demonstrated that MPs act as seeds of struvite nucleation, spurring the formation of well-defined struvite, while HA favors the formation of newberyite rather than struvite in both reactors. These findings highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions between emerging contaminants and struvite crystallization processes to optimize nutrient recovery strategies for mitigating their adverse impact on the quality and yield of struvite-based fertilizers. Environmental ImplicationThe presence of microplastics in wastewater poses a significant challenge to struvite crystallization for nutrient recovery, as it accelerates nucleation and growth rates of struvite crystals. This can lead to changes in the phase compositions of the reclaimed precipitates, with implications for the quality and yield of struvite-based fertilizers. Additionally, the presence of humic acid hinders the formation of struvite, favoring the formation of other minerals like newberyite. Understanding the interactions between emerging contaminants and struvite crystallization processes is crucial for optimizing nutrient recovery strategies and mitigating the environmental impact of these contaminants on water quality and struvite-based fertilizers.