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Assessing electrocoagulation (Al and Fe electrodes) and the electro-Fenton process for landfill leachate membrane concentrate treatment
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In compliance with stringent standards for wastewater disposal, advanced processes have been implemented in several landfill leachate treatment plants (LTPs). Among these, membrane-based technologies have been adopted to remove contaminants beyond the capabilities of conventional methods. However, managing landfill leachate membrane concentrate (LLMC), the residual stream from membrane filtration, is a challenge for landfill operators. LLMC can comprise up to 50% of the incoming leachate, making its management a critical aspect of LTP operations. This study investigates the application of electrocoagulation (EC), using aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) electrodes, as well as the electro-Fenton (EF) process, for LLMC treatment. EC tests were conducted using a laboratory-scale apparatus. In each trial, Al and Fe plate electrodes (15 × 3 × 2 cm) were connected in parallel, with a fixed inter-electrode distance of 30 mm. Treatment performance was assessed based on the true color, absorbance at 254 nm (Abs254), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal. Abs254 was measured using a Shimadzu UV-1800 spectrophotometer (Method 5910-B). True color (Method 2120-C) and the chemical oxygen demand (COD; Method 5310-C) were determined according to the APHA (2017) standard methods, using a Hach DR2800 portable spectrophotometer for true color and a Shimadzu TOC-V analyzer for the COD, respectively. Before analysis, samples were filtered through 0.45 µm cellulose membrane filters. With the Al electrodes (pH = 9, 300–600 mA, 30 min), removal efficiencies of 18.1 ±â€¯2.8% for color, 14.6 ±â€¯1.9% for Abs254, and 24.3 ±â€¯6.7% for DOC were achieved. Although the Fe electrodes yielded slightly better results, the overall performance remained below the levels reported in previous studies. Consequently, the treatability assessment was extended to include the electro-Fenton technique. Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes were evaluated by varying the LLMC's pH (3.0–5.0) and hydrogen peroxide (Hâ‚‚Oâ‚‚) concentrations (0–1000 ppm). These results are detailed in the extended abstract. Future research will focus on the economic feasibility of EC and electrochemical oxidation methods, considering factors such as the energy and electrode consumption and reagent requirements.

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Post-synthetic modification of bimetallic Zn/Mg-metal–organic framework-74 for enhanced carbon capture efficacy

The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, largely driven by fossil fuel combustion, necessitates the development of advanced nanomaterials for carbon capture. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as alternative carbon capture materials due to their porosity and high surface area in contrast to poorly performing conventional methods. However, MOF-74’s performance is limited by moisture sensitivity and inadequate uptake when engaging with low CO2 partial pressures. This study focuses on the synthesis and post-synthetic modification of a bimetallic Zn0.75Mg0.25-MOF-74 to overcome these limitations. The MOF was synthesized using a solvothermal method with terephthalic acid as the organic linker. The effects of varying temperature (100℃ - 150℃) and reaction time (12 h – 48 h) were optimized using a central composite surface response approach. Post-synthetic functionalization with ethylenediamine (ED) was carried out to enhance adsorption affinity and moisture resistance. The physicochemical characteristics of the material were evaluated using XRD, SEM, FTIR, BET, and TGA techniques. It is expected that CO2 uptake is increased after ED functionalization as the introduced amine groups form stronger interactions with CO2. The N-H bending and stretching bands indicative of amine incorporation are expected through FTIR analysis, with preserved COO stretching vibrations, and C=O, C-O, Mg-O and Zn-O vibrations confirming retention of the MOF framework. The XRD patterns should maintain the characteristic peaks of MOF-74, indicating preserved crystallinity. The SEM micrographs are expected to show an uncompromised morphology, with a marginal decrease in BET surface area due to amine pore occupation. Finally, the TGA is expected to reflect enhanced thermal stability. These findings will present ED-functionalized Zn/Mg-MOF-74 as a potential candidate for scalable, sustainable and efficient COâ‚‚ capture under real-world flue gas conditions.

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Tensile and Flexural Performance of Glass Fiber Epoxy Composites with Lignocellulose Tea Waste Filler: An Experimental Approach
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This study investigated the mechanical performance of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites incorporating varying percentages of tea waste filler, a globally abundant lignocellulosic by-product, with the objective of evaluating its influence on their tensile and flexural properties and providing insights into its potential as a sustainable filler. Unfilled composites (Category A) exhibited the highest tensile strength (298.69 MPa) and elastic modulus (4928.67 MPa), attributed to optimal fiber-matrix bonding. However, composites with 2% tea filler (Category D) demonstrated the highest toughness (12468.91 kJ/m³) and energy absorption in tensile tests, highlighting the filler’s ability to dissipate energy during deformation. Similar trends were observed in flexural tests; while unfilled composites achieved the highest flexural strength (349.43 MPa) , the addition of 0.5% filler (Category B) enhanced stiffness (elastic modulus: 19230.5 MPa). Higher filler contents generally reduced strength due to particle agglomeration and weak interfacial bonding, but significantly improved toughness and energy absorption under flexural loading. The study underscores the potential of tea waste as a sustainable filler to enhance toughness and energy absorption in polymer composites, making them suitable for applications in industries requiring lightweight and durable materials. Future research should explore advanced filler modification techniques, such as silane treatment, to optimize strength and stiffness by improving filler dispersion and matrix bonding, and assess performance under long-term environmental conditions.

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The Adventure Of Egg Waste Becoming A Biosorbent: Egg Shell And Membrane
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Egg waste, one of the most important nutrients for humans, is divided into two groups: egg shells and membranes. These biomass wastes, which are directly disposed of in landfills, have high potential for secondary environmental pollution. In particular, the presence of microorganisms on their surface can affect environmental conditions and environmental health. Residual liquids on the shells can increase foul odors and the growth of flies and insects. Egg shells and membranes, which are active waste components, need to be converted into value-added products in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (such as SDG-6 and SDG-12). Therefore, such biomass wastes should be recycled, reused, or converted into products. Egg waste, with its high biosorbent potential, has gained popularity among scientists worldwide for removing various contaminants that cause water pollution (such as dyes, heavy metals, pesticides, drug residues, endocrine disruptors, etc.). Egg waste is particularly valuable due to its easy availability, low cost, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness. In this context, egg shells and membranes were subjected to separate processes. This review article examines the stages (breaking, grinding, sieving, separation, washing, etc.) of egg waste before it begins its journey as a biosorbent, with detailed evaluations of the applied techniques, physicochemical properties, and mechanisms.

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ALUMINIUM-BASED METAL–ORGANIC FRAMEWORK 53 COORDINATED WITH MANGANESE FOR CARBON CAPTURE

Advanced adsorbents for carbon capture applications are becoming more and more popular due to the pressing demand for effective materials to address rising carbon dioxide (CO2) impacts. This study investigates the development and characterization of a bimetallic aluminium/manganese-based metal–organic framework for carbon capture. The framework was designed with varying ratios of manganese, with various reaction times and temperatures. Comprehensive characterization included Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The BET measurements are expected to predict textural properties that reveal higher surface areas for samples under moderate conditions and lower Mn/Al ratios, while SEM analysis is expected to reveal morphological analysis, well-defined MOF crystals with increasing Mn/Al altering particle size and surface texture; excessive manganese might lead to aggregation. XRD is expected to confirm MOF-53's crystalline structure and successful manganese integration, while XRF is expected to present a high concentration of Al and Mn oxides. The FTIR spectra should display characteristic bands for the framework and the organic linker, with possible shifts or the broadening of Al–O and Mn–O bands at higher Mn concentrations. TGA is expected to show good thermal stability at temperatures up to 250°C but may show reduced stability at high Mn/Al ratios. Al/Mn-MOF-53 synthesized at 100°C for 48 hours with a Mn/Al ratio of 0.2 is expected to have the highest CO2 uptake through sorption measurements. Overall, the characterization results are anticipated to evidently demonstrate the influence of manganese content and process conditions on framework integrity and performance, confirming that lower manganese incorporation and moderate synthesis parameters yield materials best suited for carbon capture due to their stability, maximized surface area, and accessible pore structure.

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Comparative evaluation of ethanol, methanol, and aqueous extracts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root for nutraceutical applications

Introduction:

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root is source of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, which contribute to its traditional applications in herbal medicine, functional foods, and nutraceuticals. The extraction efficiency of these phytochemicals substantially depends on the solvent used. This study aims to evaluate the chemical, physicochemical, antioxidant, and fatty acid profiles of dandelion root extracts using ethanol, methanol, and aqueous as solvents.

Methodology:

Dried dandelion root powder (20g) was subjected to Soxhlet extraction using 200mL of ethanol, methanol, and distilled water(w/v). The resulting extracts were analyzed for physicochemical properties including moisture content, pH, and titratable acidity using standard AOAC methods. Functional groups were identified using FTIR. Bioactive compounds were identified using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), while fatty acid composition was determined using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID). Antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content.

Results:

Ethanolic and methanolic extracts exhibited higher yields of phenolic compounds (16.43mg GAE/mL and 18.11mg GAE/mL, respectively) compared to the aqueous extract, whereas aqueous extracts were notably rich in polysaccharides and demonstrated good antioxidant properties, reflected by higher 73%DPPH activity. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and alkene functional groups across all extracts. GC-MS analysis revealed a diverse range of bioactive compounds, including essential fatty acids (17.7min), esters (31.08min, 47.1min), furans (16.6min), amino acid derivatives (41.3min, 15.08min) and polysaccharides (55.3min). The ethanolic extract showed the higher polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, particularly linoleic (15.17g/100mL) and linolenic acids (4.15g/100mL).

Conclusions:

The type of solvent significantly impacts the extracted bioactive compounds from dandelion roots. Ethanol extract proved effective for extracting phenolics and PUFAs, indicating suitability for nutraceutical applications. Aqueous extraction is preferable when targeting polysaccharides with high DPPH activity. These findings support solvent-specific extraction strategies for developing targeted nutraceuticals.

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Slip Flow and Transport Characteristics of Jeffrey Fluid in a compressed Channel under Magnetic field and Chemical reaction impacts

This study investigates the effects of chemical reactions and viscous dissipation on the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) squeezing flow of a non-Newtonian Jeffrey fluid confined between two parallel plates with velocity slip boundary conditions. Squeezing flows of this type are of significant practical importance in industrial and engineering processes such as lubrication systems, polymer extrusion, ink-jet printing, and biomedical applications involving fluid transport through narrow gaps. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations are reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations and solved numerically via the Runge–Kutta method, implemented through the MPALE computational code. Validation of the results through comparison with previously published studies shows excellent agreement with key parameters such as the skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number. The results reveal that wall shear stress and axial fluid velocity increase as the plates move toward each other, intensifying the squeezing effect. An increase in the magnetic parameter and in the ratio of relaxation to retardation times leads to a reduction in velocity, temperature, and concentration. Viscous dissipation is found to enhance the temperature distribution and increase the heat transfer rate. Regarding mass transport, species-generating chemical reactions reduce the mass transfer rate, whereas species-consuming (destructive) reactions increase it.

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The use of lanthanum-based intermetallic compounds as a catalyst in the electrochemical process of ammonia synthesis

Introduction.

Modern environmental challenges and the need to the decarbonization the chemical industry are stimulating an active research for alternative methods for the synthesis of ammonia, which is a key part for the production of fertilizers and a promising hydrogen carrier. In this case, electrochemical reduction of nitrates (NO3RR) is of particular interest, which makes it possible not only to obtain a valuable product, but also to solve the problem of wastewater treatment from nitrogen pollution. Recent studies demonstrate that intermetallic compounds (IMC) open up new possibilities for creating highly efficient catalytic systems for this process. In this work, for the first time, studies were conducted on the use of La-containing IMC as catalysts in the NO3RR reaction.

Experimental.

The samples (Cu-La and Co-La) were prepared using arc melting in an argon atmosphere at the AM-200 facility. Mass control of the samples after fusion showed that melting losses did not exceed 1 mass%. The physicochemical methods of characterization of La-IMC samples were used in the work: UV-vis spectroscopy, XRD. Linear voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used to determine the optimal conditions for the reactions and synthesis of ammonia, respectively. Autolab PGSTAT302N potentiostat and PS-20 potentiostat-galvanostat were used. The synthesis of ammonia and NO3RR tests were performed in alkali media for 1 h.

Results and Discussion.

The results show that the use of electrocatalysts in the form of IMC is promising, since in the work carried out, high values of both the Faraday efficiency (FE) and the values of the ammonia yield rate were achieved. La and Cu compounds exhibit higher efficiency compared to IMC La based on Co.

Acknowledgment.

The research was carried out at the expense of the grant of Russian Science Foundation (RSF) No 25-29-00488, https://rscf.ru/en/project/25-29-00488/.

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Effect of reducing the curing period on the quality of salted fish.

The salting process is considered complex due to several biochemical, physicochemical, and microbiological factors, which must be monitored to maintain product quality. The salting process in small agribusinesses is still carried out using the traditional method (dry or mixed salting), requiring an evaluation of the technology used to maintain quality. This study aimed to reduce the curing time of fish in tanks using the mixed salting method, ensuring the minimum quality characteristics recommended by law. The species marketed was chestnut (Umbrina canosai), and as a result, it was found that it is possible to reduce the curing time from 8 to 6 days, maintaining 30% salt in the tanks without affecting product quality. The pH and % absorption of NaCl were monitored during the curing period and the determinations performed were physicochemical for fresh fish (PF) and salted fish (PS): Total Volatile Bases (BVT), Trimethylamine (TMA), Thiobarbituric Acid Index (TBA), Peroxide Index (IP) whose results obtained for BVT = varied between PF and PS (24.2 to 27.40mg/100g sample respectively), TMA = for PF and PS (1.0 to 6.0mg/100g sample), TBA = for PS samples between the normal and reduced curing period (2.5 to 0.42mg MA/Kg sample) and IP = for PS samples between the normal and reduced curing period (2.02 to 1.25meq.peroxide/Kg sample). The product moisture results over 10 months of PS storage showed a reduction of 18%, in accordance with the legislation for the sampled batches. The results of the microbiological determinations were within the legislative standards for all determinations performed, reaffirming the possibility of reducing the curing period of fish in tanks, without losing the quality of the product and the process.

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