Sustainable Management Solutions Research Articles

The Role of Technophilia and User Goals in the Intention to Use a Mobility Management Travel App

The ubiquitous use of mobile devices along with the amount of traffic, transportation services, and travel pattern data available has led to the emergence and deployment of smartphone applications for providing information about personal travel management. Several of these travel apps are aimed at voluntary travel behavior change (VTBC) to support and increase sustainable mobility, and have led to the development of research to investigate their influence on travel behavior. Here, the aim is to study the role of technophilia and goal-framing theory in the intention to adopt and situationally use a prospective VTBC travel app. A Structural Equation Model is developed with the aim of empirically testing a sample of 971 respondents collected in two suburban corridors in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The results support that goal-framing theory is important for explaining the adoption of VTBC travel apps. Gain and normative motives are more relevant than hedonic motives, pointing to the importance of their tangible benefits. Frequent car users may benefit from VTBC travel apps in terms of encouraging behavioral changes, supporting sustainable mobility management solutions. The results also outline the importance of technophilia and the current use of travel apps in influencing the intention to use VTBC apps.

The extraction of inorganic phase-change materials from sugar industry wastes with the purpose of solid waste management

ABSTRACT This study focused on the feasibility of identifying and recycling inorganic phase-change materials (PCMs) from sugar industry wastes in two cities of Qazvin and Hamadan in Iran. In this study, dry sugar beet pomace, sugar beet pomace, sugar beet molasses, leaves and plant residues of sugar beet and sugarcane bagasse were investigated. The inorganic materials were identified by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), thermal characteristics were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and morphological characteristics were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, physical and thermal properties of molasses and bagasse samples were analyzed to determine their suitability as inorganic PCMs. The results of this study demonstrated that molasses and bagasse have the potential to be used as mineral PCMs in thermal energy storage applications. The results of this study demonstrated that in the wet sugar beet pomace the highest and lowest concentrations of inorganic PCMs were silicon dioxide (SiO2) and sodium chloride (NaCl), respectively. Moreover, the highest calcium fluoride (CaF₂) composition was reported in dry sugar beet pomace. In the samples of leaves and residues of sugar beet and sugarcane bagasse, the highest concentration of was NaCl. The detection and recycling of mineral PCMs from sugar industry wastes offer a sustainable solution for waste management and provide a renewable source of thermal energy storage materials. Implication Statement This study demonstrated the potential for the extraction of inorganic phase-change materials from sugar industry wastes as a means of solid waste management. By repurposing these materials, we can reduce the environmental impact of sugar production and contribute to sustainable practices in the industry.

Performance Evaluation and Economic Sustainability of the PAU Model Batch Type Paddy Straw Biogas Plant

This study evaluates the performance and economic viability of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Model Batch Type Paddy Straw Biogas Plant in rural India, addressing critical challenges in agricultural residue management and sustainable energy production. Data collected from two plants over four months showed an average daily biogas production of 1.46 to 3.13 m3 per day, with a total gas production of 284.8 m3 in a period of four months. Plant performance correlated moderately with ambient temperature. Economic analysis revealed annual savings of Rs. 47,600 through reduced LPG use and biogas slurry sales. The study concludes that the PAU Model is technically efficient and economically viable, offering a sustainable solution for paddy straw management and rural energy security. These findings have significant implications for policymakers and rural development practitioners in promoting sustainable agriculture and renewable energy adoption in developing regions.

Characterization, fractionation and untapped potential of phosphate-amended sewage sludge biochar in soil-plant systems

Sewage sludge, a byproduct of wastewater treatment, poses serious environmental and health risks due to its content of organic contaminants, heavy metals, and pathogenic microorganisms. With the growing global production of municipal wastewater, finding effective methods for managing and disposing of sewage sludge has become increasingly urgent. Traditional methods such as land disposal, dumping, and incineration have limitations and environmental drawbacks. However, recent advancements have shown promise in the valorization of sewage sludge, particularly through pyrolysis, which converts it into biochar for use in soil amendment and pollutant mitigation. This study aims to characterize and fractionate phosphate-amended sewage sludge biochar produced at 300 °C, 400 °C, and 500 °C, and to evaluate its potential use in soil-plant systems. It examines nutrient bioavailability in soil after the addition of this biochar and its effects on plant growth. The pyrolysis process resulted in biochar with high alkalinity (7.2–11.1), ash content ranging from 56.9% to 87.3%, and significant phosphorus retention, with phosphorus concentrations increasing with pyrolysis temperature (5.35%–9.38%). Phosphorus fractionation showed a shift toward more stable fractions particularly at 500 °C. Soil incubation experiments indicated increased phosphorus availability with HCl-extractable P showing a high extraction efficiency of up to 94.95%. In plant growth experiments, the amended biochar significantly enhanced growth, with corn showing an increase of up to 28.8% and wheat showing an increase of up to 86% compared to the control in the first four weeks after emergence. These findings indicate that phosphate-amended sewage sludge biochar enhances nutrient availability and supports plant growth, providing a sustainable solution for sewage sludge management, contributing to soil improvement and carbon sequestration, thereby addressing global environmental challenges.

How do termite baits work? implication of subterranean termite colony demography on the successful implementation of baits.

In 1995, the launch of the first commercial chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) bait led to the transformation of the subterranean termite control industry around the world. Their slow mode of action, which relies on both their ability to be transferred among nestmates and termite molting biology, has made them cost-effective solutions for subterranean termite colony elimination while minimizing the introduction of pesticides into the soil toward an environmentally sustainable strategy. However, despite successful commercial implementations, the acceptance of their use varies within the pest control industry around the world. Notably, the nuanced complexity of how CSI baits lead to colony elimination upon feeding by termite foragers has, in part, remained elusive for the past 3 decades, allowing for long-lasting misconceptions to persist. A recent series of studies has since provided complementary elements of understanding how CSI baits utilize termites' inherent colony demography, behavior, and physiology to trigger colony elimination after a characteristic succession of events within the colony collapse process. I here provide a synthetic overview of subterranean termite colony characteristics when exposed to CSI baits using Coptotermes (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Heterotermitidae) as a primary model system. The changes in colony demography through the colony collapse reflect how the mode of action of CSI baits makes them a prime solution for sustainable subterranean termite pest management. Following decades of innovation, ongoing interactions among termite researchers, bait product manufacturers, and pest management providers must continue to bring solutions to existing and emerging termite pest problems around the world.

Metaheuristic optimizing energy recovery from plastic waste in a gasification-based system for waste conversion and management

In an era where sustainable waste management and clean energy production are paramount, this study presents an innovative integration of plastic waste gasification with solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology, optimized through metaheuristic particle swarm optimization (PSO). The research explores the conversion of polypropylene (PP) waste into syngas via gasification, which is then utilized as a fuel for SOFCs to generate electricity. The optimization process focuses on maximizing power and heating outputs while minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. The study's findings demonstrate the potential of integrating gasification and SOFC technologies to create a sustainable energy system that addresses the challenges of plastic waste. Key findings from the metaheuristic PSO multi-objective optimization reveal that optimal power production, approximately 360 kW, is achieved at temperatures exceeding 1140 K, irrespective of the steam/PP waste ratio. Heating production peaks at 1000 kW with temperatures above 1120 K and utilization factors over 0.765, while the minimum heating output is 700 kW. Emission analysis indicates a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions with increased temperatures and utilization factors, achieving a minimum of 700 kg/MWh at temperatures above 1120 K. The study's results demonstrate the effectiveness of the PSO optimization in fine-tuning the operational parameters of the integrated system, leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Power production of 366.37 kW, a significant heating rate of 995.20 g/s, and emissions of 714.06 kg/MWh are the optimum performances. The research provides valuable insights into the potential of plastic waste-to-energy technologies as sustainable solutions for energy production and waste management.

Determining the Soil Particle Shape by Use of Dynamic Image Analysis

In Soil Science, it is well established that the geometry of individual soil particles, including their shape and size, has a significant impact on a number of key physical properties of the soil and on the processes involved with it. The shape and size of soil particles directly impact aspects such as permeability, water retention, stability of soil aggregates and the availability of nutrients for plants. Therefore, accurate determination of these characteristics of soil particles becomes extremely important for understanding and effective soil management. Nowadays, dynamic image analysis (DIA) is emerging as an exceptionally versatile and effective technique that enables precise determination of particle characteristics, including shape and size, in a dynamic and non-invasive manner. DIA enables the automatic analysis of thousands of microscopic images, allowing rapid and accurate study of the morphology of soil particles at micro and macro scales. The use of dynamic image analysis in soil research provides insight into the complex structures of soil particles and better prediction of their impact on various soil processes. Moreover, DIA enables the examination of a large number of samples in a short time, which contributes to the efficiency and precision of soil testing. Therefore, dynamic image analysis is becoming a widely used technique for determining particles' characteristics, such as shape and size. In the context of an ever-increasing awareness of the sustainable use of natural resources and the need to optimize agricultural and engineering practices, dynamic image analysis is becoming an indispensable tool for soil scientists, environmental scientists and engineers. Its versatile use can contribute to further expanding our knowledge about soil and developing innovative solutions for sustainable soil and environmental management.

Optimizing building energy efficiency with a combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system driven by boiler waste heat recovery

In light of increasing challenges related to fossil fuel consumption, global warming, and rising energy costs, optimizing energy systems has become essential. This study introduces a multi-purpose system designed to capture and utilize waste heat from boiler flue gases at the Tous power plant for simultaneous power generation, cooling, and heating. The system integrates an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for power generation and an Absorption Refrigeration Cycle (ARC) for cooling, with the added function of recovering waste heat to preheat natural gas for the boiler and power plant. The system's performance was rigorously analyzed through energy, exergy, and exergoeconomic assessments. To determine the optimal operating conditions, a multi-objective optimization was conducted using the TOPSIS technique, focusing on critical parameters such as flue gas exit temperature, natural gas inlet temperature, and turbine inlet pressures. The results identified optimal conditions with a flue gas exit temperature of 532.5 K, a natural gas inlet temperature of 285 K, and turbine inlet pressures of 2.54 MPa and 14.62 MPa for the first and second turbines, respectively. Under these conditions, the system achieved an exergy efficiency of 41.1 %, cooling capacity of 133.1 kW, power generation of 210.4 kW, heat transfer to natural gas of 979.6 kW, and operational costs of 8.53 $/h. This study highlights the potential of the proposed system to significantly enhance energy efficiency and reduce operational costs in practical applications, offering a sustainable solution for energy management.

Identification of optimal waste-to-energy strategies for sustainable development in Iran: SWOT analysis, hybrid MCDM methods, and game theory

The growing global focus on environmental sustainability and the pressing need for efficient waste management and energy crisis mitigation have prompted extensive investigations into sustainable waste management strategies. Given Iran's economic development and population growth, the country faces challenges in energy supply and waste management, making waste-to-energy (WtE) applications a promising solution for sustainable waste management. This study employs a combination of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approaches, and game theory to explore WtE technologies and processes, evaluate their applicability within Iran's context, and identify the most effective WtE strategies for the country. Furthermore, game theory and fuzzy Shapley value analysis were utilized to determine the optimal combination of WtE development strategies. The strategy player “SO” held the highest position of power, with a fuzzy Shapley value of (0.391, 1.744, 3.264), resulting in the identification of the optimal strategy combination of SO2ST2WO1WT2, with a value of (0.429, 0.679, 0.893). The recommended combination emphasizes landfill with gas capture, development of incineration power plants, and integrated resource recovery through residue-derived fuel (RDF) implementation. Achieving these objectives necessitates energy policy reforms, pricing adjustments, improvements in the energy subsidy system, and infrastructure and market development.

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.

Functionally Modified Graphene Oxide as an Alternative Nanovehicle for Enhanced dsRNA Delivery in Improving RNAi-Based Insect Pest Control.

RNA interference (RNAi) has shown substantial promise as a sustainable pest management solution. However, the efficacy of RNAi-based insecticides heavily relies on advanced nanocarrier-mediated delivery systems. In this study, we modified raw graphene oxide into positively charged nanocarriers (GONs) tailored to bind with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The resulting GONs@dsRNA complexes demonstrated a small particle size (106 nm) and maintained stability under various conditions, including insect gut extracts, extreme pH, and extreme temperature. Furthermore, GONs efficiently transported dsRNA molecules into Drosophila S2 cells and Lepidoptera Sf9 cells, leading to an enhanced target transcript knockdown. Targeting the vacuolar ATPase gene, vha26, induced significant mortality and target transcript knockdown in D. suzukii adults but not in S. exigua. Finally, GONs@dsRNA complexes exhibited negligible cytotoxicity at both the cellular and organismal levels. This study demonstrates the potential of GONs as a biosafe nanovehicle for efficient dsRNA delivery into insects, presenting an alternative strategy for advancing RNAi applications in fundamental studies and pest control.

A Comprehensive Review of Engineering Strategies for Environmental Sustainability in Sustainable Waste Management

Waste management and environmental sustainability are intricately linked aspects crucial for maintaining ecological balance and human well-being. This study synthesizes research findings and scholarly insights to underscore the significance of effective waste management practices in achieving environmental sustainability goals. It examines waste treatment approaches, including recycling, waste-to-energy systems, and waste reduction strategies, highlighting their role in mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, the study explores the environmental consequences of inadequate waste management, emphasizing the urgent need for holistic solutions to address water, soil, and air pollution. Engineering solutions for sustainable waste management, such as the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), thermal treatment methods, and landfill management, are discussed as essential components of a comprehensive strategy. By integrating these approaches, policymakers, industries, and communities can minimize waste generation, conserve resources, and safeguard the environment for current and future generations. Challenges like regulatory barriers, lack of awareness, and inadequate infrastructure pose obstacles to sustainable waste management practices. Thus, a collaborative effort involving governments, businesses, and civil society is crucial to implementing effective waste management policies and initiatives. Through concerted action, we can transition to a circular economy model that promotes resource efficiency, environmental protection, and human well-being on a global scale.

A Low-Impact Development-Based Modeling Framework for Flood Mitigation in a Coastal Community

Urbanization is known to increase the volume of stormwater runoff and peak flow rates, which leads to changes in the natural flow regime and increases the likelihood of flooding. Low-impact development (LID) practices seek to reduce runoff volume and peak flow and are generally considered to be a more sustainable solution for urban stormwater management. In this study, we present a systematic approach to address nuisance flooding issues in small cities and communities. As an application, the effectiveness of two LID practices, rain barrels and permeable pavements, were explored in mitigating the urban flooding problem of a highly urbanized small coastal watershed in Alabama, USA. The EPA Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) was first calibrated for water depth using data collected at multiple sites within the watershed during the 2014–2015 period. The calibrated model was then used to first identify the areas prone to flooding using design storms with 1, 2, 5-, 10-, 50-, and 100-year return periods. Floodplain maps were generated for those design storms with HEC-RAS. Next, LID options upstream of those flood-prone areas were assessed to potentially minimize the flooding risks. The results indicate that LID controls can have considerable benefits for stormwater management by reducing runoff volume (1–24%), peak flow rates (18–25%), and water depth (5–15%), potentially returning watersheds to their natural flow regimes, thereby minimizing the flooding risk in urbanized areas. However, the effectiveness of LIDs, especially for the runoff volume, quickly diminishes as the return periods of the storms increase. Rain barrels were identified as the most economical and effective LID within the drainage system.

Assessing the nutrient removal performance from rice-crayfish paddy fields by an ecological ditch-wetland system

Agricultural drainage from catchments significantly impacts aquatic ecosystems due to high nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in runoff. While original ecological ditches and wetlands have demonstrated effectiveness in nutrient load removal, the overall impact of an ecological ditch-wetland system (EDWS) on agricultural nutrient removal has received limited attention. This study conducted a field experiment to investigate the physicochemical conditions and nutrient removal efficiency of an EDWS for purifying nutrient discharge from rice-crayfish paddy fields. Variations in water temperature (WT), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and total suspended solids (TSS) within the EDWS were assessed. Nutrient concentrations—including total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), total phosphorus (TP), and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP)—were monitored from the tillering to the ripening stage of the rice growth cycle. The evaluation of nutrient removal efficiencies in the EDWS revealed that ecological ditches exhibited higher removal efficiencies compared to wetlands. The average total removal efficiencies for TN, NH4-N, NO3-N, TP, and SRP were 37.50 %, 39.38 %, 38.62 %, 37.94 %, and 39.51 %, respectively, with peak removal efficiencies observed at specific growth stages of the rice crop. Furthermore, the study explored the influence of hydraulic retention time on nutrient removal efficiency in the EDWS, indicating higher nutrient discharge removal efficiencies under low water discharge rates. Linear regression analysis identified water discharge, influent nutrient loads, and TSS as significant factors affecting nutrient removal efficiency in the EDWS. This study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of EDWS in purifying nutrient discharge from rice-crayfish paddy fields, highlighting their potential as sustainable solutions for nutrient management in agricultural landscapes.

AI for Sustainable University of Cebu Smart Buildings: Optimizing Energy Consumption through Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to optimize energy consumption in smart buildings. The University of Cebu, one of the leading and largest universities in Asia, is the focus of this study. This study focuses on developing an AI-based system that leverages machine learning algorithms to analyze energy usage patterns, identify inefficiencies, and recommend strategies to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability in building operations at the University of Cebu. By collecting real-time data from sensors and integrating them with weather conditions and energy tariffs, we aim to create predictive models that optimize energy usage based on various factors. The objective of this research is to design an intelligent system that maximizes energy efficiency, reduces carbon footprint, and minimizes operating costs for the University of Cebu smart buildings. Through a combination of data analysis, algorithm development, and system implementation, we seek to provide a practical and scalable solution for sustainable energy management in a built environment. This study also addresses the ethical considerations of Artificial Intelligence adoption in smart buildings, emphasizing transparency, user Artificial Intelligence in optimizing energy consumption, and fostering environmentally friendly practices in the built environment of the University of Cebu centricity, and privacy.

Evaluation of potential human health risks associated with Li and their relationship with Na, K, Mg, and Ca in Romania's nationwide drinking water.

Increasing lithium (Li) demand worldwide due to its properties and role in renewable energy will raise water reservoir pollution and side effects on human health. Divergent results regarding Li concentration in water and affective disorders are found in the literature, which is why regional reports are expected. The present study evaluated the occurrence and human health risks resulting from oral exposure, respectively, and the relationship between alkali metals (Li, Na, and K) and minerals (Mg, Ca) in balanced purified water (bottled) and spring water. The ICP-MS technique was used to measure a national database with 53 bottled and 42 spring water samples randomly selected. One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and HCA analysis were applied to assess the possible relationship between metals in water. The possible side effects of Li poisoning of water resources on human health have been evaluated using the Estimated Daily Intake Index (EDI) and Total Hazard Quotient (THQ). The toxic metals (As, Hg, and Pb) were measured, and the results indicate values above the detection limit of 22.3% of samples in the case of lead but not exceeding the safety limits. Depending on the water sources, such as bottled and spring water, the Li concentration varied between 0.06-1,557 and 0.09-984% μg/L. We found a strong positive correlation between Li and Na and Mg, varying between bottled and spring waters (p% <%0.001). Li exceeded the limit set by the Health-Based Screening Level (HBSL) in 41.37 and 19% of bottled and spring water samples. The oral reference doses (p-RfDs) for the noncancer assessment of daily oral exposure effects for a human lifetime exceeded threshold values. The THQ index shows potential adverse health effects, requiring further investigations and remedial actions in 27.58% of approved bottled waters and 2.38% of spring waters. We can conclude that water is safe based on the Li concentration found in drinking water and supported by a gap in strict regulations regarding human Li ingestion. The present study can serve decision-makers and represent a starting database with metals of interest for further clinical studies. Decision-makers can also use it to find solutions for sustainable management of clean and safe drinking water.

Sustainable solution for wastewater management: Fabrication of cost-effective β-cyclodextrin incorporated chitosan polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrogel film for the efficient adsorption of anionic congo red and tartrazine dyes

Dyes are an integral part of leather, textiles, food, and packaging materials, providing aesthetic appeal to the finished article. These industries use large amounts of water, creating wastewater with harmful, toxic, and hazardous pollutants, posing significant health and environmental risks to the public and ecological system. Therefore, to resolve this issue, a superabsorbent β-cyclodextrin incorporated chitosan polyvinyl alcohol cross-linked with citric acid composite hydrogel film (β-CD/Ch/PVA) has been developed for the effective adsorption of congo red (CR) and tartrazine dyes (TG). The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of –OH, –NH2 functional groups in hydrogel film. The rough surface morphology was obtained through Field emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) analysis. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method gave the surface area of hydrogel, which is 17.34 m2/g with pore diameter of 4.12 nm, indicating its mesoporous nature. Adsorption parameters like contact time, temperature, pH, initial concentration of dyes, and dosage of hydrogel have been optimized by batch adsorption studies and the Box-Behknen Design Model. In batch experiments, the hydrogel film effectiveness was confirmed, achieving high removal efficiencies of 95.38 % and 96.3 % for CR and TG dyes at pH 7 and 6, respectively. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir model at room temperature for both dyes, and the maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 366.34 mg/g, 1436.04 mg/g for CR and TG dyes, respectively. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption of dyes was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding between the hydrogel and dye molecules were responsible for the adsorption. This hydrogel film can be reused for 5 consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles for both dyes, maintaining upto 85 % in removal efficiency. Hence, the synthesized β-cyclodextrin incorporated chitosan polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrogel film holds great potential for the remediation of wastewater effluents and addressing environmental issues.

Sustainable Geopolymer Concrete for Pavements: Performance Evaluation of Recycled Concrete Aggregates in Fly Ash-Based Mixtures

This study investigates the feasibility of incorporating recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) into fly ash-based geopolymer concrete for sustainable pavement applications. The research evaluates RCA’s physical and mechanical properties compared to virgin coarse aggregates (VCA) and assesses the performance of geopolymer concrete mixtures with up to 40% RCA replacement. Aggregate characterization revealed that RCA exhibited higher water absorption (4.39%), crushing value (20.9%), impact value (28.2%), and abrasion value (26.1%) compared to VCA, yet these values remained within acceptable limits for pavement applications. Geopolymer concrete specimens were tested for compressive strength, water absorption, abrasion resistance, and chloride ion permeability. Results indicated that increasing RCA content led to a gradual decrease in compressive strength, from 40.16 MPa to 33.52 MPa, while water absorption increased from 5.2% to 6.8%. Abrasion resistance declined as RCA content rose, and chloride ion penetrability increased from 1687 to 2196 coulombs. However, mixtures with up to 20% RCA replacement met the strength and durability criteria required for pavement construction. This study demonstrates the potential for utilizing RCA in geopolymer concrete pavements, offering a sustainable solution for waste management and resource conservation in the construction industry.

Harnessing the antagonistic potential and unraveling the bioactive compounds of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 to protect watermelon crop from Colletotrichum orbiculare

ABSTRACT Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb) is a significant vegetable crop globally and is prone to anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. The use of chemical fungicides for managing crop diseases has adverse impacts on the environment and human health. Therefore, it is important to use biocontrol agents for disease management. In this study, streptomycetes were assessed as a potential biocontrol agent against anthracnose pathogen, Colletotrichum orbiculare WEC2. The potent Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 was isolated from healthy watermelon plants and showed remarkable antifungal efficacy against C. orbiculare WEC2. Rigorous assays confirmed its performance against C. orbiculare WEC2. Bioactive compounds produced by Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 were identified using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). An SEM study indicated the parasitic action of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 against the pathogen. The formulated talc-based product of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 was effective when applied as a seed treatment + foliar spray against C. orbiculare WEC2 under pot culture conditions. These treatments reduced the disease incidence (31.81%) and exhibited a higher disease reduction (52.56%), compared to the untreated control. Therefore, treatment with talc-based Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 is a sustainable solution for anthracnose disease management, and it facilitates eco-friendly crop protection practices against the disease in watermelon. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Isolated streptomycete strains from healthy watermelon plants and screened for its efficacy against the pathogen, Colletotrichum orbiculare WEC2. Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 showed significant antifungal activity against the pathogen. Bio-active compounds produced by Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 was identified by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the parasitic activity of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 against the pathogen was detected. Developed a talc-based formulation of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 and tested it as a seed treatment plus foliar spray, effectively reducing the disease incidence.

Resolving Coffee Waste and Water Pollution-A Study on KOH-Activated Coffee Grounds for Organophosphorus Xenobiotics Remediation.

This study investigates using KOH-activated coffee grounds (KACGs) as an effective adsorbent for removing organophosphorus xenobiotics malathion and chlorpyrifos from water. Malathion and chlorpyrifos, widely used as pesticides, pose significant health risks due to their neurotoxic effects and environmental persistence. Spent coffee grounds, abundant biowaste from coffee production, are chemically activated with KOH to enhance their adsorptive capacity without thermal treatment. This offers a sustainable solution for biowaste management and water remediation. Adsorption kinetics indicating rapid initial adsorption with high affinity were observed, particularly for chlorpyrifos. Isotherm studies confirmed favorable adsorption conditions, with higher maximum adsorption capacities for chlorpyrifos compared to malathion (15.0 ± 0.1 mg g-1 for malathion and 22.3 ± 0.1 mg g-1 for chlorpyrifos), highlighting its potential in mitigating water pollution. Thermodynamic analysis suggested the adsorption process was spontaneous but with the opposite behavior for the investigated pesticides. Malathion interacts with KACGs via dipole-dipole and dispersion forces, while chlorpyrifos through π-π stacking with aromatic groups. The reduction in neurotoxic risks associated with pesticide exposure is also shown, indicating that no more toxic products were formed during the remediation. This research contributes to sustainable development goals by repurposing biowaste and addressing water pollution challenges through innovative adsorbent materials.