Sustainable Utilization Research Articles

Leveraging machine learning for enhanced reservoir permeability estimation in geothermal hotspots: a case study of the Williston Basin

Geothermal energy is a large, renewable, and clean source of energy from the earth in the form of heat. Exploring the deeper layers of the Williston Basin has revealed favorable reservoir temperatures, particularly in the western areas where high heat flows are prevalent. The quality of a geothermal hotspot hinges on the reservoir quality index (RQI), which is determined by the accuracy of calculating the field reservoir permeability. The primary goal of this study is to apply machine learning techniques to accurately calculate the field permeability, which is important for optimizing the RQI. To enhance accuracy, we initially applied various clustering algorithms, including the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN), K-means, K-median, and hierarchical clustering methods, to delineate hydraulic flow units (HFU) within the reservoir using porosity, permeability and water saturation core data. Subsequently, regression models including supervised ML regression methods such as neural networks, support vector machine (SVM) regression, Gaussian process regression (GPR), ensemble regression, linear regression, and decision trees were employed for each flow unit to establish correlations and calculate field permeability with each of these models validated using cross-validation. In comparison to the other clustering methods, the hierarchical clustering method showed the best performance by showing a strong correlation between the actual and predicted permeability values. Overall, the SVM and GPR regression methods were observed to show consistent results with the training and testing datasets, with the SVM regression technique yielding higher R-squared values through regression across the different clustering techniques. In addition, cross-plots were employed to successfully delineate the Red River formation into distinct regions, aiding in the definition of formation lithology and the estimation of field water saturation. Our study showcases an integrated approach to predicting reservoir permeability, considering limited core data. ML emerges as an effective tool for characterizing the Red River formation as a geothermal hotspot in North Dakota, showcasing the potential for sustainable energy exploration and utilization which reduces the reliance on extensive coring in order to enhance geothermal exploration accuracy.

Carbon Cycle of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (CCP): Biosynthesis and Biodegradation.

Carbon neutrality of bioactive materials is vital in promoting sustainable development for human society. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) is a class of typical carbon-cycle bio-polyesters synthesized by microorganisms using sugars, organic acids, and even carbon dioxide. PHAs first degrade into 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) before further breaking down into carbon dioxide and water, aligning with carbon-neutral goals. Due to their diverse molecular structures and material properties, excellent biocompatibility, and controlled biodegradability, PHAs have found widespread applications in environmental protection and biomedicine. However, challenges persist in achieving cost-effective PHA production and reusing degradation products. Additionally, understanding the carbon pathways in PHA synthesis and degradation remains limited. In this review, we first introduce the concept of the Carbon Cycle of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (CCP) and describe the biosynthetic pathways of aromatic monomers, carbon conversion processes, and PHA degradation in compost, soil, and marine environments. This will help us fully understand the sustainable utilization value of PHA as a biomaterial. Future trends point to integrating synthetic biology with emerging technologies to produce low-cost, high-value PHAs, supporting global green and low-carbon development.

Sustainable utilization of humanure-based bio-product for Marigold (Tagetes erecta L) production in Tropical India

Sustainable utilization of humanure-based bio-product for Marigold (Tagetes erecta L) production in Tropical India

Comprehensive GC-MS Characterization and Histochemical Assessment of Various Parts of Three Colchicum Species from Bulgarian Flora.

This study presents a comprehensive phyto- and histochemical analysis of three Colchicum species: Colchicum autumnale L., the Balkan endemic Colchicum bivonae Guss., and the Bulgarian endemic Colchicum diampolis Delip. et Česchm. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 66 metabolites were identified, encompassing free amino, organic, phenolic, and fatty acids, sugars, and alkaloids, which were distributed among various plant parts. Organ-specific metabolic patterns revealed that corms and seeds are particularly rich in alkaloids, supporting their roles in chemical defense and survival during dormancy. Conversely, flowers, leaves, and capsules were enriched with energy-related and phenolic compounds, playing critical roles in reproduction and stress tolerance. Histochemical investigations localized alkaloids predominantly in the endosperm of seeds, parenchyma of corms, and vascular bundles of flowers. Notably, the endemic C. bivonae and C. diampolis displayed unique chemical profiles. Moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (AChE) was observed across various plant organs. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant interspecies and organ-specific chemical differentiation, with certain metabolites serving as key markers. These findings enhance our understanding of the chemical composition, organ specialization, and potential as a source of new biomolecules in these Colchicum species. They underscore the ecological and pharmacological importance of endemic taxa and provide a framework for future research into their sustainable utilization and potential bioactivities.

Facile Preparation of Poly(AA‐co‐NaAMPS) Hydrogels Toward Toxic Dyes and Heavy Metals Removal via Frontal Polymerization

ABSTRACTWastewater treatment contributes to the sustainable utilization of water resources for alleviating water scarcity. The application of polymeric materials as adsorbents for eliminating hazardous substances in water has garnered extensive attention owing to their remarkable adsorption efficiency, stability, and selectivity. Herein, a facile strategy is provided to rapidly synthesize poly(acrylic acid‐co‐sodium 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropanesulfonate) (poly(AA‐co‐NaAMPS)) hydrogels with exceptional adsorptive capacity via frontal polymerization (FP). The FP processes are meticulously examined in terms of initiator dosage and monomer ratio. The as‐prepared hydrogels demonstrate pH‐responsive swelling ability and pH‐dependent adsorption capacity for various dyes and heavy metal ions. Compared with traditional batch polymerization (BP), the hydrogels prepared by FP exhibit superior swelling and adsorption abilities. Additionally, research on the adsorption mechanism for both dyes and heavy metal ions is conducted by fitting the adsorption kinetic data both with Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of hydrogels derived from Langmuir model for dyes of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RB) is, respectively, 595.3 and 3078.5 mg g−1, while for heavy metal ions of Cr3+ and Cd2+ is, respectively, 1010.8 and 1191.3 mg g−1. This research exploits an alternative approach for the rapid preparation of high‐efficiency hydrogel adsorbents toward wastewater treatment.

Robust underwater object tracking with image enhancement and two-step feature compression

Developing a robust algorithm for underwater object tracking (UOT) is crucial to support the sustainable development and utilization of marine resources. In addition to open-air tracking challenges, the visual object tracking (VOT) task presents further difficulties in underwater environments due to visual distortions, color cast issues, and low-visibility conditions. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel underwater target tracking framework based on correlation filter (CF) with image enhancement and a two-step feature compression mechanism. Underwater image enhancement mitigates the impact of visual distortions and color cast issues on target appearance modeling, while the two-step feature compression strategy addresses low-visibility conditions by compressing redundant features and combining multiple compressed features based on the peak-to-sidelobe ratio (PSR) indicator for accurate target localization. The excellent performance of the proposed method is demonstrated through evaluation on two public UOT datasets.

Improving CO2 Removal Efficiency with Bio-Cellulose Acetate: A Multi-Stage Membrane Separation Approach.

In this comprehensive investigation, the sustainable production and utilization of gas separation membranes derived from coconut water (CW) waste was investigated. The research focuses on the synthesis of bacterial cellulose (BC) and cellulose acetate (CA) membranes from CW, followed by a thorough analysis of their characteristics, including morphology, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, tensile strength, and chemical composition. The study rigorously evaluates membrane performance, with particular emphasis on CO2/CH4 selectivity under various operational conditions, including pressure, membrane thickness, and number of stages. The application of these membranes in gas separation units was optimized for CO2/CH4 separation performance and eco-efficiency through a multi-stage membrane approach. The findings indicate that in double-stage configurations, CA membranes with a thickness of 0.04 mm, operating at 0.28 MPa, achieve a CO2/CH4 selectivity of 35.52, significantly surpassing single-stage performance (selectivity: 19.72). Furthermore, eco-efficiency analysis reveals optimal performance at 0.04 mm thickness and 0.175 MPa, reaching 3.08 CO2/CH4 selectivity/THB. These results conclusively demonstrate the viability of converting agricultural waste into high-performance gas separation membranes, representing a significant advancement in sustainable membrane technology. This research contributes valuable insights to the field and paves the way for further innovations in eco-friendly membrane production and application.

Zeta Potential Change and curing effects on Shield Muck solidified by Metal Ion Complex Catalysis

Using potentiometric testing, we investigated the zeta potential of shield muck curing materials’ particle surfaces, varying the concentration of metal ion complex. We analyzed the microscopic characteristics of shield muck curing products by using the electron microscopy, revealing the impact of metal ion complex on curing. Results showed that the metal ion complex significantly reduces the surface zeta potential of shield muck and conventional curing materials, with cement showing the most substantial effect, followed by shield muck, calcium carbonate, and calcium sulfate. The concentration of metal ion complex negatively correlates with the zeta potential within a range of 0 to 100 mmol/L. Comparing shield muck cured for 7 and 28 days, with and without metal ion complexes, indicated that metal ion complexes accelerate crystalline product formation, increasing the compressive strength of shield cinder cured products by over 35%. Fitted curves and empirical parameter equations of zeta potential and metal ion complex concentration align with experimental results. This study provides a reference for the efficient treatment and sustainable utilization of shield slag soil, holding significant practical engineering value.

Hydrogeochemical Evolution, Isotopic Insights, and Genetic Models of Geothermal Water in Anhui Province, China

Anhui Province is rich in geothermal water resources, making the study of its hydrochemical evolution and genetic models essential for scientific development and sustainable utilization. This study combines hydrochemical and hydrogen–oxygen isotopic data from different regions of Anhui Province to analyze the hydrogeochemical evolution characteristics and recharge mechanisms of basin-type and mountainous-type geothermal waters. The results show that basin-type geothermal water is predominantly of the Cl–Na type, with water–rock interactions mainly including halite dissolution, gypsum dissolution, dedolomitization, and silicate hydrolysis. The groundwater system is relatively closed off, with slow flow rates. In contrast, mountainous geothermal water is mainly of the HCO3–Na·Ca, SO4–Na·Ca, and SO4–Na types, with water–rock interactions primarily involving calcite dissolution, dolomite dissolution, and gypsum dissolution. Enhanced precipitation infiltration due to fault structures leads to stronger recharge and an open-system characteristic. The genetic models of the two types of geothermal water reveal the structural and recharge mechanisms of thermal reservoirs under different geological settings, highlighting the significant control of geological background on geothermal water formation.

Identification of Peanut Cultivars with Low Cadmium Contents and Their Rhizosphere Microbial Characteristics in Alkaline and Acidic Cadmium-Contaminated Fields

Employing crop cultivars with low cadmium (Cd) accumulation and high yield is an effective strategy for the sustainable and safe utilization of Cd-contaminated farmland. However, the current understanding of peanut cultivars, particularly under field conditions, is limited. This study identified low-Cd cultivars and their rhizosphere microbial characteristics in acidic and alkaline fields with moderate Cd contamination. The results indicated that cultivars LH11, FH1, LH14, and YH9414 exhibited low Cd accumulation and high yield, with kernel Cd content reduced by 27.27% to 47.28% and yield increased by 9.27% to 14.17% compared with cultivar SLH. Among them, FH1 was validated to achieve safe production in two fields. A unique microbial community was formed by the recruitment of diverse microbes, such as Alphaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi, to the rhizosphere soil of FH1, which might be associated with Cd immobilization and the promotion of plant growth. Functional predictions further validated these findings, revealing enhanced functional pathways in the FH1 rhizosphere related to microbial proliferation, Cd stabilization, and detoxification. This study provides valuable germplasm resources for safe agriculture of Cd-polluted soils and elucidates the rhizosphere microbial characteristics of different peanut cultivars under field conditions. These findings are important for the targeted management of contaminated farmland and ensuring safe food production.

Cu(I)‐Anchored Amine‐Rich Covalent‐Organic Polymer for Sustainable Utilization of CO2 in the Synthesis of Valuable Chemicals and C‐C Bond Formation Reactions

Selective chemical fixation of CO2 represents a promising approach to mitigate escalating atmospheric CO2 concentration and synthesizing essential commodity chemicals to boost the circular economy. The cycloaddition of CO2 for producing α‐alkylidene cyclic carbonates is an attractive research topic as it uses cheap CO2 as C1 feedstock in a 100% atom economy reaction. Hence, we designed an amine‐functionalized, nitrogen‐rich COF (SNW‐1@NH2) to strongly graft Cu(I) ions within its pores. The synergistic effect of both SNW‐1@NH2 and Cu(I) ion boosted the catalytic activity towards precious metal‐free CO2 cycloaddition with propargylic alcohol to produce α‐alkylidene cyclic carbonate at room temperature. Furthermore, broad substrate scope and high recyclability of the catalyst with retention of catalytic activity and structural integrity were observed. Contrarily, SNW‐1@NH2 was further employed for catalytic Knoevenagel condensation reaction between benzaldehyde and cyanoacetamide. SNW‐1@NH2 COF yielded desired products in Knoevenagel condensation with broad substrate scope and high recyclability without affecting its structural integrity and functionality. Additionally, deep mechanistic investigations were executed to describe plausible catalytic pathways for both catalysis reactions. We hope that this investigation towards developing nitrogen‐rich porous soft materials and expanding its applicability can offer alternative solutions to multiple severe environmental concerns.

Quantifying and Mapping the Impact of Construction Land Expansion on Cultivated Land Fragmentation—A Case Study of Fuqing City, China

To ensure the sustainable utilization of cultivated land resources, it is essential to quantify and map the characteristics of construction land and cultivated land and analyze the mechanisms by which construction land expansion affects cultivated land. However, few studies have been conducted focusing on this issue. This study integrated morphological spatial pattern analysis, spillover effect analysis, landscape pattern analysis, and a land use transition monitoring method to investigate the characteristics of construction land expansion and cultivated land fragmentation. Fuqing City of China was selected as the case study area for demonstration. The results demonstrated that the expansion of construction land resulted in fragmented patterns within the cultivated land landscape: (1) The large core area of cultivated land was subdivided into smaller core areas during 2000–2020, while the construction land exhibited a tendency towards aggregation and a spillover effect; (2) The expansion rate of the construction land in the study area accelerated, while the extent of the cultivated land decreased; (3) Cultivated land fragmentation intensified as landscape aggregation weakened, leading to an expansion in the agglomeration of construction land. The highlights of this study are: (1) examining the characteristics of construction land expansion and cultivated land fragmentation from morphological and geospatial perspectives; (2) categorizing the core areas of cultivated land based on their size to facilitate the analysis of factors contributing to cultivated land fragmentation. The findings in this study can be used to develop models to predict future patterns of cultivated and construction land to provide suggestions for landscape planning.

Potential geographical distribution of Cordyceps cicadae and its two hosts in China under climate change

IntroductionThe fungus Cordyceps cicadae is both edible and medicinal.MethodsTo acquire a thorough comprehension of its distribution in China, two host insects, Macrosemia pieli and Platypleura kaempferi, were selected as biological factors potentially associated with its distribution, the ENMTools program was utilized to ascertain the principal environmental factors affecting the distribution of potentially suitable habitats. The possible geographic distributions in the present as well as in the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s were then predicted using the optimized MaxEnt model.ResultsThe primary environmental variables were soil pH, mean diurnal range, annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality, annual mean temperature and precipitation of the driest month. C. cicadae thrived on steep slopes. and some of which also significantly affect the distribution of its two hosts. Most of the suitable habitats of C. cicadae and M. pieli were currently found in the subtropical monsoon zone. The SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585 scenarios were associated with positive, stable, and unfavorable impacts on the extent of suitable habitats for C. cicadae, respectively, and the suitability of P. kaempferi decreased under three different conditions. The expansion of the C. cicadae was observed in provinces bordering the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, as well as in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, and northern Yunnan Province. Conversely, its habitat contraction was mainly found in western Guangdong, southern Guangxi, northern Hainan, southwestern Yunnan, and areas bordering eastern Sichuan. The shared contraction regions with its two hosts were primarily located in western Guangdong, southern Guangxi, and southern Sichuan. Moreover, the future centroids were found at higher elevations than the present ones in the provinces of Jiangxi and Hunan.DiscussionIn light of climate change, this research held significance for the conservation and sustainable utilization of C. cicadae.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Carbon Dots in the Field of Wastewater Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

Carbon dots (CDs), as a revolutionary nanomaterial, exhibit unique advantages in terms of wastewater treatment, offering new opportunities for the development of water treatment technologies due to their simple synthesis methods, excellent biocompatibility, tunable optical properties, and favorable environmental performance. This review systematically discusses the synthesis methods, structural characteristics, and application progress of carbon dots in wastewater treatment, highlighting several key findings. (1) Excellent adsorption performance: CDs can effectively remove heavy metal ions, dyes, and organic pollutants from water. (2) Outstanding photocatalytic performance: Some carbon-dot-enhanced photocatalytic systems can efficiently remove pollutants under visible light. (3) Exceptional selective detection ability: CDs are capable of highly sensitive detection of heavy metals and organic pollutants in water, with the detection limits reaching the nanomolar level. (4) Enhanced membrane separation performance: The high water flux and excellent selectivity of carbon-dot-modified membranes make them suitable for efficient water treatment and water quality separation. (5) Enhancement of biological treatment: In biological treatment systems, CDs can significantly improve the microbial activity and electron transfer efficiency to enhance the efficiency of biological degradation processes. (6) Sustainable utilization of waste as a raw material and regeneration of CDs are conducive to reducing the cost of preparation of CDs. These findings indicate that CDs have broad application potential in wastewater treatment. Furthermore, this review looks ahead to the future development directions of CDs in wastewater treatment, proposing potential innovations in catalytic performance enhancement, cost control, and practical applications, aiming to provide important references and guidance for future research and industrial application of CDs in wastewater treatment.

Synergistic Chemical Modification and Physical Adsorption for the Efficient Curing of Soluble Phosphorus/Fluorine in Phosphogypsum

Phosphogypsum (PG), a by-product of phosphoric acid production, contains high levels of fluorine and phosphorus impurities, which negatively impact the strength and setting time of PG-based cement materials and pose environmental risks. This study explores a dual approach combining physical adsorption using zeolite powder and chemical modification with quicklime (CaO) to immobilize these impurities. The composition of 90 wt.% PG, 5 wt.% zeolite powder, and 5 wt.% quicklime reduces the soluble phosphorus to below the detection limits and significantly lowers the free water content in the PG. Through SEM, XRD, and FT-IR analyses, it was found that zeolite powder adsorbs fluorine and phosphorus through encapsulation, while quicklime chemically reacts to form insoluble calcium phosphate and calcium fluoride. This transformation decreases the solubility, mitigating potential environmental contamination. The combination of physical adsorption and chemical conversion provides a sustainable strategy to reduce environmental hazards and enhance PG’s suitability for cement-based materials. The findings from this research offer a promising pathway for the sustainable utilization of PG, providing a mechanism for its safe incorporation into building materials, while addressing both environmental and material performance concerns.

Challenges and opportunities of the exotic invasive macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae (Phaeophyceae, Heterokontophyta)

Abstract The invasion of Rugulopteryx okamurae along the southern European coastline is producing significant ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Its rapid proliferation and high adaptability have cause severe ecosystem disruptions, displacing indigenous species and altering habitat structures. Various factors, including favorable environmental conditions and chemical defenses, have contributed to its rapid spread. This situation has prompted urgent interdisciplinary research and the implementation of management strategies. Regulatory frameworks have been established to address its invasive status, aiming to control the bio-invasion. Valorization strategies could contribute to sustainable marine ecosystem management and marine biotechnology advancements. R. okamurae presents a wide variety of valuable molecules in its internal composition, such as alginates, terpenoids or carotenoids, with potential biotechnological applications. Promising results have been obtained using R. okamurae in compost or biostimulants, as supplements in aquafeed or as part of biomaterial to develop eco-friendly products. Some molecules like terpenoids have shown anti-inflammatory properties with applications in the nutraceutical industry. However, significant challenges remain in fully understanding its biology, ecological impacts, and effective control measures. Coordinated efforts among scientists, politicians, companies and stakeholders are essential to mitigate its spread and explore its potential for sustainable resource utilization. The ecological and economic impacts are being studied but there is a still scarce number of studies to follow a strategy of control based in blue and circular economy.

Sustainable Utilization of Dewatering Sludge for the Development of Reinforcement Grouting Materials in Downhole Applications

The mining and processing of coal resources generate substantial coal-based solid wastes, such as coal gangue and slag, which pose environmental challenges, occupy land, and are difficult to manage. However, utilizing these wastes for the stabilization and solidification (S/S) of municipal sludge containing chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) offers an effective solution for mitigating environmental and groundwater pollution while enabling sustainable waste treatment and resource utilization. This study applied an alkali-activated coal gangue–S95 granulated blast furnace slag-based binder (CGS) to the S/S treatment of municipal sludge. The effects of the liquid-to-solid ratio, alkali activator dosage, sludge content, and incineration on compressive strength and the leaching of Cr and Ni were analyzed. The results showed that compressive strength decreased with increases in the sludge content and liquid-to-solid ratio, while incinerated sludge (ESA) samples exhibited better strength than raw sludge (ES). Incineration decomposed the calcite (CaCO3) into CaO, which facilitated the oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) and increased Cr leaching in the ESA. However, the ESA samples demonstrated superior heavy metal stabilization, as CGS reduced Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and immobilized it through the formation of chromite phases. Using ESA as a binder in CGS provides a safe, efficient approach for resource recovery and heavy metal stabilization, offering a novel solution for the environmental management and utilization of coal-based solid wastes.

Continuing the continuous harvests of food production: from the perspective of the interrelationships among cultivated land quantity, quality, and grain yield

The rapid population growth around the world has become one of the main challenges for countries to ensure adequate food supply. To address this difficulty and ensure adequate food production, sustainable land use, in particular sustainable cultivated land (CL) use, can make a great contribution. Sustainable utilization of CL encompasses several aspects such as quantity and quality, but previous studies have focused on increasing food production, while the interrelationships among cultivated land quantity, quality, and grain yield (CLQQGY) have still received less attention. Hence, based on the GlobeLand30 data during 2000–2020, this paper analyzed the changes of CLQQGY in 130 prefecture-level cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) in China and explored whether the current consecutive harvests is sustainable in the future to feed increasing population. The results revealed the areal loss and quality degradation of CL in most cities in the YREB, the total CL area decreased by 31.07 × 104 hm2 and 282.59 × 104 hm2 during 2000–2010 and 2010–2020, respectively, and the CL quality declining trend was presented in 68.46% and 69.23% cities in the YREB during 2000–2010 and 2010–2020, respectively. Even with such acreage and ecological losses, the total grain yield still increased by 3.77% and 9.53% during 2000–2010 and 2010–2020, respectively, continuing the miracle “continuous harvests” of grain yield in this region. This successive increase in food production in the context of decreasing acreage and ecological deterioration of CL depend mainly on the amount of chemical fertilizer usage, the total power of agricultural machinery and rural electricity consumption. However, due to the heavy reliance on a growth model driven by resource inputs, this type of harvest appeared to be unsustainable because of the significant negative effects brought out by overusing resources. With a view to achieving sustainable use of CL and food production, therefore, this paper proposed policies to promote the sustainable use of CL and food supply for supporting the survival of increasing population through the full implementation of administrative regulations and economic measures that focus on the balance among the quantity and quality and food production of CL in the process of agricultural production and CL management.

Adopting additive manufacturing: spotlight on sustainability and material utilization

Adopting additive manufacturing: spotlight on sustainability and material utilization

Enhancing Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Leaf By-Products: Bioactive Compounds, Anti-Inflammatory Properties, and Potential Health Applications.

The sustainable utilization of biomass-derived bioactives addresses the growing demand for natural health products and supports sustainable development goals by reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals in healthcare. Cannabis sativa biomass, in particular, has emerged as a valuable resource within this context. This study focuses on the hydroethanolic extract of C. sativa leaves (CSE), which exhibited significant levels of phenolic compounds contributing to robust antioxidant activity. Evaluation using potassium ferricyanide, ABTS, and DPPH methods revealed potent radical scavenging activity comparable to the Trolox standard. UPLC-MS/MS profiling identified cannabinoids as the predominant secondary metabolites in CSE, with flavonoids also present in substantial quantities. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of CSE on RAW 264.7 macrophages and IL-1β-stimulated C-20/A4 immortalized human chondrocytes, demonstrating protective effects without cytotoxic or mutagenic effects. Mechanistically, CSE reduced inflammation by inhibiting the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. In silico approaches showed the ability of CSE's main metabolites to bind and influence MAPK and NF-κB activity, confirming in vitro evidence. Incorporating C. sativa leaf extract into a hyaluronic acid-based formulation showed biotechnological promise for treating joint inflammation. Future research should aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and explore the potential of CSE-derived compounds in mitigating osteoarthritis progression. This approach highlights the significance of utilizing annually increasing biomass waste for sustainable bioactivity and environmental impact reduction.