Sustainable Process Research Articles

Multi-mission virtual monitoring station for streamflow monitoring and hydrodynamic model calibration

A comprehensive understanding of the streamflow dynamic along the river system is one of the significant components for preserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable ecological processes. Understanding this requirement, streamflow estimation using remote sensing (RS) has evolved as an alternate approach in the hydrologic literature during the last decade due to its extensive spatiotemporal coverage. However, the existing RS-based approaches have limited applications for deriving the continuous time series in tropical river reaches due to narrow water widths during the low flow and frequent cloud covers during the high flow periods. Therefore, this study proposed frameworks to establish a virtual monitoring station (VMS) where multi-mission satellites are being used to derive continuous streamflow time series. From the multi-mission satellites, the optical RS images are used to develop a Copula-based fusion (CFUS) model by integrating the Frank copula with the 30m × 1-day resolution synthetic Landsat images, derived from the fusion of 250m × 1-day resolution MODIS images and 30m × 16-days resolution Landsat images; whereas the water levels are retrieved from the altimeters to derive discharge using the rating curve. Additionally, the potential utility of the established VMS for hydrodynamic model (MIKE11-NAM-HD) calibration under data-scarce conditions is also demonstrated. Finally, a coupled RS-hydrodynamic (RS-HD) framework is also proposed to establish VMS both at semi-gauged and ungauged sections of the rivers. The efficacy of the aforementioned framework was tested along the lower Brahmani river reach. The results reveal that the advocated framework could perform satisfactorily with the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and Kling-Gupta efficiency (KGE) ≥0.8. This approach has the potential to be upscaled to other river reaches as one of the next-generation hydrometry for daily streamflow monitoring using high-frequent observation of multi-mission satellites.

Research on the separation mechanism of copper telluride slag by sulfurization method based on ab initio molecular dynamics simulation

Copper telluride slag is an industrial raw material for tellurium production. A sustainable short process technology involves recovering tellurium from copper telluride slag through sulfurization vacuum distillation. The main principle of the sulfurization stage is that copper telluride slag (Cu2Te) replaces tellurium by adding sulfur, achieving chemical separation. However, the microscopic pathway of the Cu2Te + S reaction is still unclear. This study constructs a model based on the phase and chemical composition of copper telluride slag. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the sulfurization process of Cu2Te at different reaction times (Ps) and analyze the stability of the intermediate product (CuTe) as well as its interaction with sulfur. Experimental analysis of XRD and XPS of sulfurized products under different conditions validates the simulation results. The sulfurization pathway of copper telluride slag is elucidated as Cu2Te → CuTe → Te, with CuTe as an intermediate product reacting with sulfur and being unstable. This research clarifies the sulfurization micro-mechanism of copper telluride slag, providing guidance for improving sulfurization efficiency.

Functionalized ZnFe2O4@Mesoporous silica nano-support for lipase enzyme immobilization: Enhanced biocatalysis and antibacterial activity for food industry applications

Enzymes, as highly efficient biocatalysts, play a crucial role in diverse biotechnological applications. However, enzyme (re)purification and recovery challenges pose substantial obstacles, rendering them costly for industrial utilization. Addressing this, our study developed mesoporous zinc ferrite nanoparticles coated with amine-functionalized mesoporous silica structure (ZnFe2O4@MS) through the solvothermal method. These nanoparticles are an effective nano-support for immobilizing Candida rugosa Lipase (CRL), ensuring easy separability and recoverability through a magnetic field and providing a significant surface area for high mass transference capacity. Immobilizing the lipase on the nano-support (ZnFe2O4@MS/CRL) through covalent bonds on the surface and within the pores led to a notable increase in enzyme activity from 324 U/mg for free enzyme to 689 U/mg for immobilized enzyme. This indicates unchanged active sites post-immobilization, accompanied by enhanced catalytic activity. The immobilized lipases demonstrated prolonged stability at elevated temperatures, maintaining over 59% of initial catalytic activity through five cycles. Furthermore, ZnFe2O4@MS/CRL exhibited substantial antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, more than that observed in Gram-negative bacteria. The immobilized lipase was also effective in synthesizing banana flavor (isoamyl acetate) in n-hexane, achieving 64% esterification at 45 °C after 4 h. Overall, the study underscores the industrial promise of this immobilized enzyme system, emphasizing its potential for sustainable and cost-effective biotechnological processes.

Highly parallelized laboratory evolution of wine yeasts for enhanced metabolic phenotypes

Adaptive Laboratory Evolution (ALE) of microorganisms can improve the efficiency of sustainable industrial processes important to the global economy. However, stochasticity and genetic background effects often lead to suboptimal outcomes during laboratory evolution. Here we report an ALE platform to circumvent these shortcomings through parallelized clonal evolution at an unprecedented scale. Using this platform, we evolved 104 yeast populations in parallel from many strains for eight desired wine fermentation-related traits. Expansions of both ALE replicates and lineage numbers broadened the evolutionary search spectrum leading to improved wine yeasts unencumbered by unwanted side effects. At the genomic level, evolutionary gains in metabolic characteristics often coincided with distinct chromosome amplifications and the emergence of side-effect syndromes that were characteristic of each selection niche. Several high-performing ALE strains exhibited desired wine fermentation kinetics when tested in larger liquid cultures, supporting their suitability for application. More broadly, our high-throughput ALE platform opens opportunities for rapid optimization of microbes which otherwise could take many years to accomplish.

Introduction, Types, Properties, and Applications of Switchable Solvents: A Review

AbstractSwitchable solvents (SS) are a class of liquids with the unique ability to significantly alter their physical properties in response to external stimuli such as changes in temperature or the introduction or removal of CO2 gas. This reversible behaviour allows them to return to their original state with minimal changes, making them highly advantageous for various applications. A notable example of a switchable solvent is waste carbon dioxide gas, which is non‐toxic, non‐flammable, and cost‐effective. The versatility of switchable solvents extends to their polarity and physical states, which can be modified through molecular adjustments, opening new pathways for research and industrial applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of switchable solvents, including their classification, history, properties, and applications, with a particular focus on their role in green chemistry. The types of switchable solvents discussed include Switchable‐Polarity Solvents (SPS), Switchable‐Hydrophilicity Solvents (SHS), and Switchable Water. Each type is examined in terms of synthesis, chemical properties, and development. The desirable properties of switchable solvents, such as their efficiency and recyclability, make them suitable alternatives to traditional solvents in various fields. Their applications range from water treatment and oil extraction to cleaning solid particles and recovering residual motor oil. Additionally, switchable solvents have proven effective as reaction media and in recovering polystyrene from foam. This paper also highlights the environmental benefits of switchable solvents, emphasizing their role in reducing the ecological impact of chemical processes. The potential for future developments in this field is significant, with ongoing research aimed at enhancing their performance and expanding their applications. By providing a detailed analysis of switchable solvents, this review aims to support researchers and industry professionals in developing more sustainable and efficient chemical processes.

Bael (Aegle marmelos) beverage pasteurization by non-isothermal heating with continuous microwave to achieve microbial safety

The efficacy of conventional thermal (batch) and continuous microwave (MW) heating to pasteurize bael beverage was examined by inactivating Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, their cocktail, and native microbial groups. Continuous-MW was operated at 2 kW power and 45–80 °C final temperature. For 25–90 °C beverage temperature, the fluid followed a laminar flow. Data were appropriately modelled using first-order kinetics. MW-heating effectively inactivated all microorganisms. S. cerevisiae was most resistant towards thermal inactivation under single (D70 °C = 0.03 min) and cocktail scenario (D80 °C = 0.014 min) and towards MW under cocktail scenario (DMW_67.5 °C = 0.23 min). The resistance towards temperature rise was highest by L. monocytogenes. Based on lower zMW-values, the thermal sensitivity of microbes improved under MW heating. Morphological alteration in microbial cells of S. cerevisiae &L. monocytogens reveals that the lethality of MW inactivation is mainly based on its thermal effects. Industrial relevanceBael fruit is a nutritious tropical fruit whose beverage is relished by consumers for its refreshing flavour and numerous health benefits. The food sector is presently concentrating on creating innovative, minimally processed goods that are ready-to-eat or handy, shelf-stable, and of higher quality. As an alternative to conventional thermal processing, several novel and sustainable processing methods are now being investigated. To determine if microwave processing is a suitable substitute for thermal processing, the inactivation of artificially inoculated microorganisms, their cocktail, and indigenous microorganisms in the bael beverage were examined in this work. Kinetic study, beverage rheology and changes in cell morphology were also studied. The study's findings indicate that continuous microwave technology can be a more suitable method of pasteurizing fruit beverages than conventional heating due to its >7 log reduction in a shorter time. Except for a few differences, the inactivation mechanisms of thermal and microwave are comparable.

Exploring innovative resilient and sustainable bio-materials for structural applications: Hemp-fibre concrete

Traditional construction is no longer practical in the modern competitive sustainability market, and growing urbanisation demands are paralleled by heightening concerns over the depletion of natural resources. Abundant renewability is offered in agriculture products for construction. A successful prototype is in the use of natural fibre, e.g., the commercially available hemp fibre (HF). Hemp is a widely accessible plant with flexible and sustainable cultivation processes possessing a positive carbon sequestration effect. HF possesses superior physio-mechanical properties, such as high tensile strength and excellent insulation capacity. The barrier to broader adoption lies in the nonuniformity inherent to natural materials and deficiencies imposed in using HF for composites, such as heightened permeability and slow setting, presenting engineering challenges that limit the suitability of HF to hydraulic mortars for non-structural applications. This paper aims to deliver a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of existing hemp fibre-reinforced concrete (HFRC) experiments towards identifying structural potential in various cementitious binders. In experimenting different arrangements of hemp in concrete, positive outcomes include increased flexural capacity, however, a loss in compressive strength and higher permeability are reported.

DISCLOSURE OF SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS

The bank does not focus on profits but pays attention to the environment and social issues that lead to sustainable development. The Financial Services Authority (OJK) issued regulations regarding Technical Guidelines for Preparing Sustainability Reports. This research aims to determine the level of disclosure of sustainability reports in 2022 at state-owned banks and state-owned companies on the Indonesian Stock Exchange. The research method uses descriptive analysis, which describes the research object based on facts and then analyzes and interprets it. The research results on the level of disclosure of sustainability reports are very good, and show management's commitment to fulfilling disclosure obligations regarding environmental sustainability in economic, environmental, and social aspects. Companies need to improve and optimize programs such as environmentally friendly products, involvement of local parties with sustainable financial business processes, conservation, and biodiversity conversion efforts.

Evaluating Biocompounds in Discarded Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) Leaves and Stems for Sustainable Food Processing Solutions.

The current trend focuses on reducing food waste, with scientific studies exploring the nutritional value of discarded food components to identify potential health benefits. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is highly consumed, but its stems and leaves are often discarded. This work aims to characterize the chemical properties and bioactive compounds in beet stems and leaves and assess their applicability in food products. The stems and leaves were subjected to different drying temperatures (50 to 70 °C) to determine the optimal temperature for preserving their bioactive compounds. They are then nutritionally and physiochemically characterized and incorporated into a food matrix. The optimal drying temperature was 60 °C. The leaves and stems contain approximately 30 and 15 g/100 g of protein, 30 and 32 g/100 g of dietary fiber, 4 and 0.45 g/100 g of lipids, and 24 and 25 g/100 g of ash, respectively. Both provide approximately 50% of the amino acid requirements established by the WHO/FAO/UNU and are rich in iron and potassium. The stems presented 53% more betalainic compounds (0.58 mg/g) and a higher nitrate content (359 mg/kg) than did the leaves, which presented a higher polyphenol content. The incorporation of flour from beet stems and leaves into food products is economical, reduces food waste, and enhances nutrition and health.

Investigation of the Effects of Energy-Efficient Drying Techniques and Extraction Methods on the Bioactive and Functional Activity of Banana Inflorescence

Plant-derived foods with therapeutic potential have strong connection with both the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. The effectiveness of these therapeutic properties is heavily influenced by the thermal treatment during drying and extraction methods. Traditional convective drying is a very energy incentive and lengthy process. Although some advanced and hybrid drying methods have been developed, these have not been applied in drying of banana inflorescence. In this study, we investigated the effects of freeze-drying (FD) and intermittent microwave convective drying (IMCD), as well as traditional convective oven drying (CD), on the polyphenol profile of banana inflorescence when extracted using the energy-efficient Accelerated Solvent Extraction method (ASE). Our findings revealed that the freeze-dried banana inflorescence powder exhibited the highest extraction of bioactive compounds when using 75% methanol at 100 °C as a solvent. It recovered 2906.3 ± 20.83 mg/100 g of the phenolic compounds and 63.12 ± 0.25% antioxidant activity under the optimal extraction conditions. While IMCD was found to be the second-best drying method in terms of preserving bioactive compounds, its operational time and cost were significantly lower compared to freeze-drying. Furthermore, our study confirmed the presence of medicinal compounds such as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, catechin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin in banana inflorescence. The development of innovative functional foods and pharmaceutical ingredients through green extraction methods and optimal drying conditions holds significant potential to save energy in the process, enhance human health, and promote environmental sustainability and circular economy processes. These efforts align with supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 12.

Gold-based nanomaterial boosts resolution and sensitivity of imaging cartilage damage

Made using an environementally sustainable process of modifying serum bovine albumin, new material provides path forward as contrast agent for multiple imaging modalities.

Evaluation of optimal technology for the sustainable processing of municipal solid waste employing MINLP model: a case study of Pakistan

Evaluation of optimal technology for the sustainable processing of municipal solid waste employing MINLP model: a case study of Pakistan

Pickering Emulsions in Catalytic Processes

AbstractPickering emulsions, which are emulsions stabilized by solid particles adsorbed at the interface between two immiscible liquids, provide a highly versatile platform for catalytic processes and offer distinct advantages over conventional systems. These emulsions combine the benefits of traditional biphasic catalysis with enhanced contact between reactive species due to their large interfacial area, which contribute to their high catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, Pickering emulsions offer significant advantages in catalytic processes, including improved extraction efficiency, a wider range of operational variables, the possibility of continuous operation, and the ease of recovery of the emulsifier and/or catalyst. Moreover, through strategic selection and design of solid particles, researchers can tailor interfacial properties to optimize catalytic performance, selectivity and stability. This comprehensive review discusses recent breakthroughs in Pickering emulsion research and their applications in catalysis, examining how Pickering emulsions have transformed catalytic methodologies. By discussing the latest developments, this review demonstrates the potential of Pickering emulsions as a catalyst platform and highlights their role in advancing sustainable and efficient catalytic processes.

Graphene-based Nanomaterials Ascatalysts for the Synthesis of Medicinally Privileged Heterocycles: Importance and Outlook

<p>Catalysis is an integral part of sustainable and green chemical processes. During the last two decades, the wonder 2D carbon material with honeycomb structure, graphene, and other functionalized graphenes have emerged as extremely versatile and robust nanomaterials in heterogeneous catalysis. The incredible catalytic efficacy of such carbon nanomaterials relies on their unique physicochemical properties, including large surface area, diverse catalytic active sites, multiple chemical functionalities, tunable electron density, synergistic effect, etc., making them noteworthy as metal-free catalysts and catalytic supports. </p><p> The article presents an overview of the catalytic applications of various graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs), either metal-free or embedded with metal/metal oxide NPs, in synthesizing medicinally privileged heterocyclic compounds. It also summarizes the general methodologies for preparing graphene and various GBNs, their chemical structures, characterization techniques, and discussions on the potential active sites that are responsible for wider catalytic activity. Overall discussions unequivocally establish a promising paradigm for uncovering more innovative graphene-based materials and their subsequent applications in diverse fields, including heterogeneous catalysis.</p>

Optimization of Glass-Powder-Reinforced Recycled High-Density Polyethylene (rHDPE) Filament for Additive Manufacturing: Transforming Bottle Caps into Sound-Absorbing Material.

Additive manufacturing presents promising potential as a sustainable processing technology, notably through integrating post-consumer recycled polymers into production. This study investigated the recycling of high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) into 3D printing filament, achieved by the following optimal extrusion parameters: 180 °C temperature, 7 rpm speed, and 10% glass powder addition. The properties of the developed rHDPE filament were compared with those of commonly used FDM filaments such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) to benchmark the performance of rHDPE against well-established materials in the 3D printing industry, providing a practical perspective for potential users. The resulting filament boasted an average tensile strength of 25.52 MPa, slightly exceeding ABS (25.41 MPa) and comparable to PLA (28.55 MPa). Despite diameter fluctuations, the filament proved usable in 3D printing. Mechanical tests compared the rHPDE filament 3D printed objects with ABS and PLA, showing lower strength but exceptional ductility and flexibility, along with superior sound absorption. A life cycle analysis underscored the sustainability advantages of rHDPE, reducing environmental impact compared to conventional disposal methods. While rHDPE falls behind in mechanical strength against virgin filaments, its unique attributes and sustainability position it as a valuable option for 3D printing, showcasing recycled materials' potential in sustainable innovation.

Sustainable industrial process design for derived CO2 adsorbent from municipal solid wastes: Scale-up, techno-economic and parametric assessment

Climate change and carbon emissions attributed to anthropogenic activities is getting alarming dimensions. On the other hand, the overwhelming progress of industrialization and urbanization contributed to an explosion in the municipal solid waste (MSW), as one of the other global challenges. However, developing a cost-effective adsorbent with appealing textural properties for CO2 capture is still one of the main challenges. Lately, carbon-based solid waste materials of biogenic origin have received a major interest to this end, owing to the renewability, availability and low-cost. Routinely, academic research mainly focuses on lab-scale development of activated carbons derived from waste materials. However, there is a significant gap concerning the industrial production of activated carbon from such materials. Accordingly, in this work, an industrial plant has been designed for producing activated carbon derived from digestate of MSWs in the industrial scale by presenting all scale-up details, engineering assumptions and process specifications. The results indicated that the plant has a potential to process 90,273 ton MSW annually, which consumes 1367.8 MWh net electricity and 20,134.4 GJ net heat, also produces 4788.10 ton CO2 adsorbent, per year. The economic assessment specified that the plant capital cost is around $14.112 million with the net price of 0.61 $/kg for produced activated carbon. Further, the sensitivity analysis and parametric study determined that the sample level in the drum is the determinative parameter on the energy consumption and net price of adsorbent. Finally, Response Surface Methodology was employed to maximize the plant profitability concerning the designing factors.

Improved lifetime of a pulsed electric field (PEF) system-using laser induced surface oxidation

In this research, we explore the possibility and effectiveness of using laser-induced surface oxidation methods to enhance the durability and effectiveness of PEF (Pulsed Electric Field) systems. Despite advantages over thermal pasteurisation, PEF faces challenges like electrode corrosion and biofouling, hindering its adoption. This research introduces laser-induced oxidation to mitigate metal ion release during PEF, directly targeting electrode alteration. Our examination adopts a comprehensive method, integrating Design of Experiments (DoE) parameter sets for PEF trials, morphological analysis, evaluation of metal ion release via Inductively Coupled Plasma Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (ICP-QMS), waveform capture utilizing a Data Acquisition (DAQ) system, electrochemical assessment via impedance spectroscopy, and examination of oxide layer composition employing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Pulse waveform characteristics shows the intricate relationship between PEF processing parameters with metal ion release, alongside XPS analysis providing insights into surface chemistry. Optimized results show a three-fold reduction in metal ion release post-PEF, with laser-treated samples outperforming untreated stainless steel due to selective surface chemistry alteration, notably an increased Cr/Fe ratio, reducing harmful elements. This study highlights laser-induced oxidation as a practical solution for enhancing PEF electrode performance and reducing metal ion release, addressing key challenges in PEF technology. It advances sustainable food processing, promising extended PEF system lifespan while maintaining efficiency and product quality.

Sustainable photocatalytic process using non-silver agent ZnO/P-g-C3N4/Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+ for antibacterial activity

Antimicrobials have become a necessity in the post-pandemic era. In contrast to traditional silver-based antimicrobial materials, which are sterilized by silver ions, photocatalytic materials are mainly sterilized by generating reactive oxygen species, but they are limited by light. In this study, the composite coupling of semiconductor photocatalysts with long afterglow materials was designed to form ZnO/P-g-C3N4/Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+ (ZPS) for antibacterial ceramics application. The morphological, chemical structure, and optical properties of ZPS were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and UV visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). The sustainable photocatalytic properties of as-synthesized composites were explored. Furthermore, the antimicrobial ceramics were prepared by incorporating this antibacterial agent into ceramic glazes, which were found to be highly effective against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with a suppression rate of more than 99 %. The results of active species capture and electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments suggested that •O2- was the significant active species of the photocatalytic antimicrobial agent with a contribution of 47.17 % and that ZPS could continuously produce active species in the dark state.

Selective recovery of antimony from Sb-bearing copper concentrates by integration of alkaline sulphide leaching solutions and microwave-assisted heating: A new sustainable processing route

The technical feasibility of leaching antimony from an antimony-bearing copper sulphide concentrate, using alkaline sulphide solutions and microwave-assisted and non-assisted heating technology, is investigated at a laboratory scale. The leaching test examines the influence of selective leaching reagent (Na2S and NaOH) concentrations, solid/liquid ratio, and temperature. The results indicate that antimony dissolution is highly selective (e.g. only Sb and As are leached), depending on the concentrations of leaching reagents and the leaching temperature. The influence of temperature on the mineral's dissolution, in the range 25–140 °C, is analysed from a thermochemical point of view using equilibrium databases. Under the optimal conditions: leaching agent: 250 g/L Na2S, 60 g/L NaOH, 2 h, 140 °C, with microwave assisted, the leaching efficiency of Sb reached 95.7 %. The antimony content in the copper concentrate is successfully reduced from 1.1 wt% to <0.2 wt% Sb, making it suitable for copper concentrate metallurgical processing. The study demonstrates that increasing temperature and NaOH/Na2S concentrations collectively enhance leaching efficiency, with a statistical significance, reducing both leaching time and the required temperature, compared to non-microwave-assisted leaching. Furthermore, it is established that excess free hydrogen sulphide ions ensure the efficient dissolution of the main impurities associated with penalties, such as antimony and arsenic, with limited copper and iron dissolution from the copper concentrate, predominantly chalcopyrite. Finally, an integrated hydrometallurgical process flowsheet for antimony removal and recovery from a sulphide copper concentrate is proposed.

A Radical Revolution in the 21st Century

AbstractThis Special Collection on “Radical Chemistry in Homogeneous Catalysis and Organic Synthesis” organized in collaboration with the European Journal of Organic Chemistry and ChemCatChem showcases the maturity of field. Overall, this Special Collection encompasses 11 reviews and 27 research articles, covering a diverse range of topics. It presents the latest advancements in the controlled generation of radical species using transition metal catalysis, photoredox catalysis, or electrochemistry. It highlights the importance of moving towards more sustainable chemical processes, with particular focus on the development of novel organo(photo)catalysts, or efficient catalyst‐free reactions. It presents new transformations to access complex scaffolds as well as new building blocks and reagents, further simplifying single‐electron disconnection logic. In addition, it also highlights the key advancements in addressing some of the current challenges in radical chemistry, such the development of enantioselective reactions or how to scale‐up radical processes to meet the needs of the fine chemical industry.