Total Nitrogen Reduction Research Articles

Precise Emission Reduction of Total Nitrogen for Jurisdictions in Laizhou Bay, China: A Simulation-Optimization Approach Linking Land-Sea Management

Precise Emission Reduction of Total Nitrogen for Jurisdictions in Laizhou Bay, China: A Simulation-Optimization Approach Linking Land-Sea Management

Application Research on the Use of Multiple Comparison Methods in The Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus Reduction Measures

With the problem of water pollution becoming increasingly serious, excessive discharge of nitrogen and phosphorus has become a key factor affecting water quality and ecological balance. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of different pollution reduction measures in total nitrogen and total phosphorus control, this study evaluates multiple best management practices (BMPs) using multiple comparison methods, in particular Tukey HSD testing. The results of the statistical analysis of the reduction effects of the different measures showed that all the treatment groups with measures were significantly better than the control group without measures. In particular, BMP 8, BMP 7 and BMP 6 showed the best reduction effects. This study not only provides a scientific basis for pollution control decisions, but also lays the foundation for follow-up research, highlighting the importance of multiple comparison methods in environmental science.

Demonstrating the Underestimated Effect of Landscape Pattern on Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus Concentrations Based on Cellular Automata–Markov Model in Taihu Lake Basin

The expanding cropland profoundly affects stream water quality. However, the relationships between landscape patterns and stream water quality in different cropland composition classes remain unclear. We observed total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) concentrations, and landscape patterns changed in 78 sub-watersheds of the Taihu Lake Basin’s Jiangsu segment from 2005 to 2020. The results showed that cropland area was positively correlated with TN and TP concentrations. The 21.10% reduction in cropland area, coupled with a 41.00% increase in building land, has led to an escalation in cropland fragmentation. Meanwhile, TN and TP concentrations declined by 26.67% and 28.57%, respectively. Partial least squares suggested that forest interspersion and juxtaposition metrics and forest area percentage were dominant factors influencing water quality in high- and medium-density cropland zones, respectively. The Cellular Automata–Markov Model shows reasonable distribution of forests. Scenarios with enhanced forest interspersion and juxtaposition metrics (75.28 to 91.12) showed reductions in TP (26.92% to 34.61%) and TN (18.45% to 25.89%) concentrations by 2025 compared to a natural economic development scenario. Landscape configuration optimization could assist managers in improving water quality.

Aquamimicry feeding system improved growth, physiological status, muscle and intestine histomorphology, and flesh quality of keeled mullet, Liza carinata

The aquamimicry feeding system (AMFS) is one of the modern aquaculture systems that aim to reduce feed costs and water exchange rates to improve the sustainability of aquaculture projects. In AMFS, the aquatic environment is simulated to produce natural food by adding probiotics to carbon sources. Therefore, a 108-day field study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of AMFS as a solo feed or in combination with a commercial diet for the rearing of keeled mullet, Liza carinata. The L. carinata fingerlings with an initial body weight of 30.0 ± 3.25 g were randomly distributed into three experimental treatments in triplicate rectangular polyethylene ponds (measured 7 × 3 × 1 m) at an initial stocking density of 105 fish per pond. The fish were fed one of the following regimes: the 1st is a commercial floating diet (CFD, 30 % crude protein; T1), the 2nd is a combination of 50 % CFD: 50 % AMFS (T2), the 3rd is a solo of AMFS (T3). Water quality parameters did not differ significantly among different treatments except for a significant reduction in total ammonia nitrogen and a higher zooplankton count in the water of the AMFS group. The fish reared with AMFS as a solo feed (T3) experienced a significant growth performance, somatic indexes, and digestive enzyme activities compared to the fish reared in other treatments. Fish fed AMFS alone (T3) or in combination with CFD (T2) had an improved hematological profile, liver and kidney function indicators, serum lipid, and protein profiles than those fed CFD (T1). Histological and histometric analysis of the intestine showed an improved architecture with AMFS feeding. Furthermore, AMFS feeding increased the diameter of muscle bundles and the protein content of the dorsal muscles. The flesh quality parameters, including water holding capacity, stored loss, drip loss, and frozen leakage rate were improved in fish fed on AMFS alone or in combination with CFD. Therefore, from the above-mentioned beneficial effects of AMFS, it could be used as a promising, economical, and sustainable technology for rearing L. carinata.

Effect of different precooling methods on the physicochemical changes, water migration and myofibrillar protein characteristics of pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) during cold storage

SummaryThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of slurry ice (SI) in physicochemical changes, water migration, myofibrillar protein characterisation, and extended shelf life during cold storage of pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus). SI provided faster cooling rate, better structural stability of muscle tissue, and a significant reduction in total viable count (TVC). In addition, the use of SI treatment resulted in a considerable reduction in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) and pH. The results of the texture profile analysis (TPA) demonstrated that SI had a significant inhibitory effect on the reduction of hardness, springiness, resilience, and chewiness. In addition, SI treatment better maintained a well‐structured myofibrillar protein stabilising the tertiary structure. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that SI treatment could retard the water migration. Furthermore, the results of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that SI treatment of pufferfish effectively slowed down the degradation of their myofibrillar protein fraction throughout the cold storage.

Mechanistic investigation of azo dye removal from carbon-deficient dyeing wastewater using horizontal-vertical constructed wetlands

Azo dye degradation can be achieved by simulating a series of anaerobic and aerobic conditions within the constructed wetland (CW) system. The current investigation evaluated the effectiveness of a baffled horizontal-vertical CW system, planted with Typha angustifolia, simulating anaerobic-aerobic conditions to treat carbon-deficient synthetic dyeing wastewater containing 100 mg/L Reactive Yellow 145 (RY145) azo dye. In the absence of an available carbon source in dyeing wastewater, an optimum quantity of sodium acetate was supplemented as the substrate for microbial degradation of RY145. Influent dyeing wastewater characteristics were 5555 ADMI colour, 461 mg/L chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 39 mg/L total nitrogen (TN). During the operation period, the CW system achieved 97% colour, 87% COD, 95% ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) and 71% TN removals at 4 d hydraulic retention time (HRT). Favourable environmental conditions, such as low redox conditions and substrate availability in horizontal CW, contributed to a significant reduction in colour (96%). Most TN reduction (67%) happened in horizontal CW by denitrification and plant assimilation. The metagenomic study revealed that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi and Firmicutes were responsible for pollutant degradation within horizontal CW. The UV–visible spectra and high-resolution liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (HR-LCMS) analysis confirmed that dye degradation intermediates generated from the breakage of azo bonds were eliminated in vertical CW with high redox conditions. The results of the phytotoxicity and fish toxicity experiments demonstrated a substantial toxicity reduction in the CW system-treated effluent.

Application of algal-mycelial pellets in the treatment of the mariculture wastewater

Hypersaline mariculture wastewater necessitates treatment prior to its discharge into marine environments. Algal-mycelial pellets (AMPs), known for their cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency and sustainability, have not been previously explored for their flocculation and pollutant removal capabilities in hyperhaline conditions. This work employed an orthogonal test design to investigate the effects of nine factors at three levels on the treatment efficiency of mariculture wastewater using Chlorella sp. TNBR1 and Aspergillus niger AMPs. The comprehensive optimal conditions for achieving the highest flocculation efficiency and pollutant removal are determined to be a temperature of 30 °C, light intensity of 6000 lux, a 12:0 light-dark cycle, an initial pH of 6, a microalgal density of 11.25 × 106 cell/mL, microalgal growth phase at the early logarithmic stage, a fungal spore density of 9.00 × 105 spore/mL and a fungal pellet phase of 60 h. Under such conditions, the treatment of nonsterile actual mariculture wastewater with Chlorella sp. TNBR1 and Aspergillus niger AMPs results in a 93.35 %±7.20 % reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD), 92.83 %±7.29 % reduction in total nitrogen (TN), 100 % removal of total phosphorus (TP), and a flocculation efficiency of 69.21 %±5.36 %. These findings confirm that AMPs are a viable solution for effectively treating COD, TN and TP in real hypersaline mariculture wastewater, while also facilitating the flocculation and harvesting of microalgae.

Optimization of a real municipal sewage treatment plant using CRFSMA algorithm and a mathematical model

This study presents the development, calibration, and validation of a mathematical model tailored for biological wastewater treatment at an actual urban sanitation facility. Utilizing multi-criteria optimization techniques, the research identified the most effective MCO algorithm by assessing Pareto optimal solutions. The model incorporated three primary performance measures energy consumption, overall volume, mean quality of effluent, and optimized 12 process parameters. Three algorithms, CRFSMA, particle swarm algorithm, and adaptive non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III, were rigorously tested using MATLAB. The CRFSMA method emerged as superior, achieving enhanced Pareto optimal solutions for three-dimensional optimization. Quantitative improvements were observed with a 14.8 % increase in wastewater quality and reductions in total nitrogen (TN), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) concentrations by 0.95, 2.38, 0.04, and 0.14 mg/L, respectively. Additionally, the total cost index and overall volume were decreased, contributing to an 18.27 % reduction in overall volume and an 18.83 % decrease in energy utilization. The adapted anaerobic-anoxic-Oxic (A2O) framework, based on real-world wastewater treatment plants, demonstrated compatibility with observed effluent variables, signifying the potential for energy savings, emission reductions, and urban sanitation enhancements.

Biomass Ash as a Substitute for Lime and Its Impact on Grassland Soil, Forage, and Soil Microbiota

In this eight-year grassland field trial, we compared the fertilization effects of biomass ashes (BMAs) and carbonated lime (CaCO3) in combined application with cattle slurry (CS). Our study focused on plant coverage, forage yield, and quality, as well as soil physicochemical and microbiological properties. The fertilization strategies included CS mixed with BMA or CaCO3 applied three times a year and a separate annual application of ash or CaCO3, independent of CS. Samplings were performed in 2010, 2014, and 2018. Despite an absence of observable effects on soil, microbial properties, and forage quality, CS application, with or without BMA/CaCO3, resulted in higher forage yields compared to the unfertilized control and plots receiving only ash or CaCO3. Forage properties remained consistent across treatments. However, the combined application of CS with both ash and CaCO3 led to a reduction in volatile organic compounds, total carbon, total nitrogen, nitrate, and electrical conductivity in the soil from 2010 to 2018. Additionally, the relative abundance of specific microbial families (Nitrosomonadaceae, Acidothermaceae, Bacillaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae) varied based on whether soils received a single amendment or a combination thereof. Our findings suggest that BMA is a valuable substitute for traditional liming agents, regardless of the application mode.

Unravelling the impact of oxic-settling-anaerobic cycle implementation and solid retention time on sludge generation, membrane operation, and contaminant removal in membrane bioreactors

Sewage sludge production represents a critical issue nowadays. The oxic-settling-anaerobic (OSA) system is a promising strategy for reducing sludge production during biological wastewater treatment. However, the distinct effect of OSA process and solid retention time (SRT) on sludge production has not been clarified yet. Therefore, during this study, the impacts of OSA system implementation at different SRT on sludge generation, membrane operation, and contaminant removal were elucidated in two lab-scale membrane bioreactors working at 20 d (MBR20) and 60 d (MBR60). After OSA implementation, the MBR-OSA20 and MBR-OSA60 were operated at a hydraulic retention time in the sludge holding tank (HRTSHT) of 6–12 h and of 6–24 h, respectively. The estimated observed sludge yield (Yobs) showed a reduction of 38–48 % for the MBR-OSA20, but no beneficial effect was observed for MBR-OSA60 at 6 h of HRTSHT. At the HRTSHT of 24 h, Yobs decreased by 17 % due to hydrolysis and acidogenic biomass fermentation. OSA implementation and long SRT had no negative effects on organic carbon and ammonium removal (96(±3) % and 100 %, respectively) and improved total nitrogen (TN) reduction by 19–41 %. Membrane fouling and sludge filterability were not significantly affected, whereas sludge settleability worsened after the implementation of the OSA cycle. This activity provided additional insights about the distinct impact of the OSA process and SRT on sludge production and characteristics, confirming the OSA process as a valid solution for reducing sludge production under a moderate SRT, but revealing a negligible effect on Yobs under a prolonged SRT and a short HRTSHT.

Mixotrophic aerobic denitrification enhanced by inorganic electron donor: Novel insights into iron valence and nirS-type denitrifying bacterial community model

Nitrogen pollution was the main factor leading to reservoir eutrophication. The removal of low-concentration nitrate pollutants in water source reservoirs is an international problem to be solved. Insufficient organic electron donors in natural reservoir are a crucial limiting factor for in situ denitrification. Microbial mixotrophic aerobic denitrification using iron as the assisted electron donor is a potential pathway to treat micropolluted water bodies. The iron/activated carbon (IAC) was used to be an assisted electron provider to advance the mixotrophic aerobic denitrification performance of denitrifying bacterial community in micro-polluted reservoir water. Upon adding IAC into the reactors, the total nitrogen (TN) reduction capacity improved >41.10 %. A slight increase in organic matter removal efficiency observed in the IAC reactors compared to the control reactors. High-throughput sequencing revealed that IAC altered the richness, and co-occurrence of denitrifying bacterial community, further advancing nitrate transformation and removal. The relative abundant of Thauera, Dechloromonas, Cupriavidus, Alicycliphilus, and Azoarcus increased and presented predominant in the IAC reactors. Meanwhile, network analysis, niche width model, neutral community model, and species abundance distribution supported this finding. The Jinpen reservoir (JP; 34°32'38" N, 107°53'53" E, located in Xi’an, North China) and Xikeng reservoir (XK; 34°32'38" N, 107°53'53" E, located in Shenzhen, South China) raw water treatment experiments demonstrated excellent TN (> 60 %) and organic matter removal efficiencies (> 44 %).

Application of improved risk assessment methods to best management practices research for non-point source pollution: From a hilly mountainous-dominated region of Southern China

Non-point source pollution (NPSP) significantly affects regional water environments worldwide. Identifying critical source areas (CSAs) and implementing best management practices (BMPs) are essential to prevent and control NPSP. This study used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model to simulate and evaluate the characteristics of NPSP in the Gongjiang Watershed, a typical, hilly mountainous area in Southern China. The study identified CSAs of NPSP using total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), water quality level, and population density factors. The reduction effect of different BMPs on the NPSP load was evaluated, and the cost-effectiveness (CE) of various BMPs was evaluated for the control of NPSP in the watershed. The interannual variation in NPSP load was high from 2013 to 2018, with the largest pollution load in 2016 (wet year) and the smallest in 2018 (dry year). The pollution load fluctuated throughout the year and was related to fertilization and precipitation runoff. The spatial heterogeneity of NPSP was large, with TN and TP losses showing a spatial pattern of high in the south, low in the north, and highest in the center. The CSAs of the NPSP covered 1566.66 km2, representing 9.77 % of the total watershed area. However, TN and TP loads accounted for 19.39 % and 23.53 % of total watershed production. The order of effectiveness of individual management measures in reducing TN was stubble coverage (SC) > vegetative buffer strips (VBS) > terrace engineering (TE) > grassed waterways (GW) > 20 % fertilizer reduction (FR20) > 10 % fertilizer reduction (FR10). The order of effectiveness of TP reduction was SC > VBS > TE > FR20 > GW > FR10. Combined management measures were much more effective in reducing TN and TP than individual measures, with an average increase in TN and TP reduction of 20.59 % and 25.23 %, respectively. Based on the results of the CE evaluation of BMPs, a combination of FR20, GW, and VBS was more effective than individual measures. We suggest a combination of FR20, GW, and VBS measures for effective NPSP prevention and control in Southern China’s typical, hilly mountainous areas.

Treatment of pharmaceutical industry wastewater for water reuse in Jordan using hybrid constructed wetlands

Developing cost-efficient wastewater treatment technologies for safe reuse is essential, especially in developing countries simultaneously facing water scarcity. This study developed and evaluated a hybrid constructed wetlands (CWs) approach, incorporating tidal flow (TF) operation and utilising local Jordanian zeolite as a wetland substrate for real pharmaceutical industry wastewater treatment. Over 273 days of continuous monitoring, the results revealed that the first-stage TFCWs filled with either raw or modified zeolite performed significantly higher reductions in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD, 58 %–60 %), Total Nitrogen (TN, 32 %–37 %), and Phosphate (PO4, 46 %–64 %) compared to TFCWs filled with normal sand. Water quality further improved after the second stage of horizontal subsurface flow CWs treatment, achieving log removals of 1.09–2.47 for total coliform and 1.89–2.09 for E. coli. With influent pharmaceutical concentrations ranging from 275 to 2000 μg/L, the zeolite-filled hybrid CWs achieved complete removal (>98 %) for ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, erythromycin, and enrofloxacin, moderate removal (43 %–81 %) for flumequine and lincomycin, and limited removal (<8 %) for carbamazepine and diclofenac. The overall accumulation of pharmaceuticals in plant tissue and substrate adsorption accounted for only 2.3 % and 4.3 %, respectively, of the total mass removal. Biodegradation of these pharmaceuticals (up to 61 %) through microbial-mediated processes or within plant tissues was identified as the key removal pathway. For both conventional pollutants and pharmaceuticals, modified zeolite wetland media could only slightly enhance treatment without a significant difference between the two treatment groups. The final effluent from all hybrid CWs complied with Jordanian treated industry wastewater reuse standards (category III), and systems filled with raw or modified zeolite achieved over 95 % of samples meeting the highest water reuse category I. This study provides evidence of using hybrid CWs technology as a nature-based solution to address water safety and scarcity challenges.

Study of Steroid Estrogen Loss in Soil after the Application of Composted Manure as a Fertilizer

Steroid estrogens (SEs) play a significant role as endocrine-disrupting substances, and one of their major sources is animal manure. However, there is limited information available regarding the loss of SEs in farmland soil after the application of commercial composted animal manure or fertilizers. To address this gap, our study aimed to simulate rainfall and flood irrigation scenarios and investigate the loss characteristics of SEs, as well as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Phosphorus (TP) in runoff from soil–manure mixtures. The results demonstrated that the loss concentrations of SEs (73.1 ng/L of the mean E2β active equivalent factor) presented a potential environmental risk. Additionally, substituting composted manure with commercial organic fertilizers lead to a significant reduction in TP (maximum 56%) and TN (maximum 24%) loss. Consequently, the application of commercial organic fertilizers offers considerable advantages in maintaining nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization efficiency while controlling SEs loss. Furthermore, our study explored the synergistic pollution mechanism among these pollutants and observed significant correlations between SEs and TN, TP, and COD loss concentrations, indicating the simultaneous occurrence and migration of these pollutants in agricultural non-point source pollution. These results provide valuable insights into the environmental risk associated with SEs from agricultural non-point sources.

Changes in diversity of marsh plant communities under shrub encroachment in Sanjiang Plain and their soil control factors

In this study, we explored the changes in plant community diversity and their relationship with soil factors under shrub encroachment pressure by selecting four marsh areas in Sanjiang Plain with different degrees of shrub cover (a, 0≤a≤100%), including marsh with no shrub encroachment (a=0), light shrub encroachment (0<a≤30%), medium shrub encroachment (30%<a≤70%), and heavy shrub encroachment (70%<a≤100%). The results showed that shrub encroachment was the main reason for the heterogeneity of plant community composition in marsh. With shrub encroachment, the dominant species Deyeuxia angustifolia was replaced by Spiraea salicifolia, whereas Carex schmidtii disappeared. However, the importance values of Sanguisorba tenuifolia and Stellaria radians in the community significantly increased by 0.8- and 9.0-fold, respectively. Shrub encroachment resulted in changes of plant community diversity in marsh. The highest α and β diversity in plant community were observed under light shrub encroachment area, whereas there were no significant differences in Shannon and Simpson indices between heavy and no shrub encroachment areas, despite their similarity in plant community composition was the lowest. All the studied soil factors were significantly affected by shrub encroachment, except total phosphorus. There were significant reductions in soil moisture, organic carbon, and total nitrogen in heavy marsh shrub encroachment area by 32.6%, 69.3%, and 66.1%, respectively compared with that in no marsh shrub encroachment area, whereas soil total potassium and total magnesium significantly increased by 33.8% and 40.6%, respectively. Results of redundancy analysis showed that soil organic carbon, moisture content, total nitrogen, and N:P were the main factors controlling the diversity changes of marsh plant community under shrub encroachment pressure.

Study on load allocation of land-based total nitrogen in the Bohai Sea

Total nitrogen (TN) is one of the terrigenous pollutants in the Bohai Sea. A reasonable releasing scheme can effectively improve the seawater quality. Based on the observed TN concentrations and the national pollution control requirements, the TN load ratios of four major rivers around the Bohai Sea are adjusted in multiple levels within the range of 50 %–200 % in the frame of total control. Then, a pollutant transport model is used to evaluate each load allocation scheme by calculating the area of different seawater qualities. The optimum scheme is loads of the Yellow River and Luan River are set to 50 % and 200 % of the levels in 2018, and thus the area of heavily polluted seawater can be decreased by 33.14 %. Additionally, the reasonable TN reduction amounts of four major rivers in 2018–2020 are calculated according to the optimum scheme, which can be provided as a decision-making basis of marine managements.

Stormwater characterisation and modelling for Sungai Air Hitam in Selangor, Malaysia using model for urban stormwater improvement conceptualisation (music)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the current water quality status of one of the urban rivers in Malaysia, called Sungai Air Hitam. The river's water supply is not only unsuitable for the inhabitants but also hazardous to the aquatic species that depend on it. In order to simulate the water quality formulation of the river, the Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualization (MUSIC) was used. The effects of various best management practices (BMPs) components have been examined to improve the river's water quality. This study also investigated different scenarios of the expected future changes in the land cover and the quality of the river. As the proportion of impervious surfaces increases, the urban hydrology cycle can be significantly altered, resulting in an increase in volumes and peak flows, and a decrease in storage, infiltration, and interception. The MUSIC results have shown significant reductions in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) after introducing BMPs. It was also noticed that the prediction of pollutants falls within the acceptable range set by the Urban Stormwater Management Manual for Malaysia (MSMA) 2nd edition. For the land cover, it was found that the total reduction of BOD, TSS, TP, and TN for existing land use is 92.5 %, 94.5 %, 90.7 % and 91.9 %. Meanwhile, the total reduction in future land use is 81.6 % for BOD, 86.2 % for TSS, 80.9 % for TP and 80.8 % for TN. From the simulation results, it was observed that the application of BMPs has successfully reduced the observed mean BOD concentration from 92.38 mg/L (Class V) to 6.93 mg/L (Class IV) of the national water quality standards, NWQS, water quality index. As a result, the water quality index of the overall catchment has improved from Class IV to Class III (WQ1, WQ3, and WQ4) and from Class V to IV (WQ2) with the application of the BMPs. This assessment aims to raise awareness within the Sungai Air Hitam community regarding the importance of preserving river cleanliness and understanding the long-term environmental impact of water quality. These findings underscore the importance of an integrated system in managing urban water systems, which can offer valuable insight to the decision-makers.

Development of active packaging material based on polycaprolactone/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose nanofibers containing carbon dot nanoparticles for meat preservation

This work demonstrates the feasibility of using a combination of biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) and natural-based hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) polymers containing carbon dots (CDs) for food packaging applications. CDs were synthesized using the insoluble portion of Zedo gum. The 5% and 15% concentrations of bare Zedo CDs (Z-CD) and nitrogen and sulfur co-doped CDs (TZ-CD) were chosen for incorporation into PCL/HPMC nanofibers (NFs). The PCL/HPMC/Z-CD15% and PCL/HPMC/TZ-CD15% demonstrated improved tensile strength (12.88 and 15.01 MPa), water solubility (30.20 and 42.36%), and water vapor transmittance (0.62 and 0.71 g mm/m2 h kPa)), respectively. When comparing the release of CDs in 10%, 50%, and 95% ethanolic solutions, it was found that TZ-CD released more rapidly than Z-CD from NFs in all three simulants. The CDs-added NFs exhibited potent antioxidant activity (80.5%). More significant antimicrobial activity against S. aureus was observed compared to E. coli. Additionally, reductions in total volatile basic nitrogen and thiobarbituric acid values indicated that beef covered with PCL/HPMC/TZ-CD15% and PCL/HPMC/Z-CD15% NFs had an extended shelf life of more than five days. In conclusion, PCL/HPMC/Z-CD15% and PCL/HPMC/TZ-CD15% NFs can be used as promising biodegradable packaging materials to enhance the shelf life of meat products.

The influence of electromagnetic radiation on the body of the honey bee

The paper presents data on the influence of electromagnetic radiation on the organism of honey bees. For this, three groups of bee families were formed. Bee families of the control group were kept under the influence of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun. In the 1st experimental group, offspring were exposed to radiation with a frequency of 2580 MHz. For this, we used a GZ-122 microwave generator with an output power of 1×10-12 W. Irradiation was carried out in a chamber isolated from light and shielded from microwave radiation, which was located in a thermally and sound-insulated room shielded from microwave radiation. In experiments with bee brood, the temperature was maintained at 35 °С in shielded TS-80 thermostats. Irradiation was carried out in the following mode: 9 hours of irradiation and 7 hours of pause (without irradiation). This cycle was repeated 3 times in a row. The bee families of the second experimental group were under the influence of the same generator, which irradiated the brood in the following mode: 16 hours of irradiation and 7 hours of pause (without irradiation). This cycle was repeated 3 times in a row. It was established that bees that developed under long-term artificial irradiation acquire the morphophysiological characteristics of bees with fewer reserve nutrients. Long-term radiation exposure negatively affects the storage of nutrients in the form of lipids by 25.69 % (P &lt; 0.05), the reduction of total nitrogen by 16.93 % (P &lt; 0.05). Such a negative trend was revealed against the background of a 14.1 % lower mass (P &lt; 0.01) compared to bees that developed under natural irradiation.

Advanced electrolysis sulfur-based biofiltration for simultaneous total nitrogen removal and estrogen toxicity reduction from low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio wastewater

A sulfur-based biofilter enhanced by phosphate modified activated carbon as particle electrodes was constructed to simultaneously remove total nitrogen (TN) and estrogen from low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N) wastewater containing 1 mg/L 17-alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2). Results showed that the enhanced biofilter achieved outstanding performance in EE2 removal (93.2 %) and TN reduction (effluent < 5 mg/L), demonstrating robustness against C/N fluctuations. It was noteworthy that it successfully reduced both acute toxicity (59.5 %) and estrogenic activity (88.6 %). Comprehensive characterization investigations and microbial community structure analysis revealed that enhanced electron transfer and increased microbial abundance likely contributed to improved biofilter performance. Core microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas and Chryseobacterium were identified as key contributors to synergistic estrogen degradation and denitrification. This study presented a feasible and promising strategy of combined process with three-dimensional electrodes and sulfur-based biofilter, highlighting substantial potential for advanced purification and safe reuse of wastewater.