This study examined the pyrolytic synthesis, physicochemical characterisation, and applicability analyses of BC-based manure (or BCM) from goat droppings (GDs) and rabbit manure (RM). Dried raw materials of GDs and RM were pyrolyzed in a batch-operated drum kiln prolyser at a temperature of 600 °C for 30 minutes of residence/holding time. The BCM was then characterised to determine their physicochemical properties, which include the following; pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), salinity (SAL), electrical conductivity (EC), and density (ρ). The results showed pH 8.84 –9.60, TDS 192.15 – 708.21 mg/L, ORP 17.33 – 40 mV, SAL 156.67 – 570 ppm, and EC 315 – 1161 μS/cm. For all cases, the physicochemical properties of RM BCM were higher than the GD. On the other hand, the density of the GD BCM (683.33 kg/m³) was higher than the RM (311.11 kg/m³). The higher RM BCM values suggest higher available nutrients for improved soil health, whereas the higher density of GD BCM indicates a compact structure for enhanced stability in soils. Hence, RM BCM is better suited for soil enrichment, whereas GD BCM is better suited for soil structure conditioning and carbon sequestration. Overall, this study demonstrates the successful synthesis of BCM from RM and GD, which offers a practical sustainable waste management approach and improved agricultural soils for enhanced food production.

In this study, we examined the pyrolysis of pig manure (PM) wastes into biochar manure (BCM) for potential applications in enhancing soil structure, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. PM-BCM was synthesised through pyrolysis in a batch-operated drum kiln pyrolyser at a temperature of 600 °C for 30 minutes of residence/holding time. Next, the PM-BCM was characterised to examine its physicochemical properties and utility potentials based on the following parameters: pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), salinity (SAL), electrical conductivity (EC), and density (ρ). The results revealed the values pH 8.34, TDS 184.02 mg/L, ORP 126 mV SAL 149.33, EC 301.67 μS/cm, and ρ 1,144 kg/m³. Results showed that PM-BCM displays an alkaline pH, which could assist in neutralising acidity whilst boosting the soil microbial activities. EC and TDS revealed functional but balanced mineral ion contents suitable for enriching soils. ORP revealed that PM-BCM exhibits oxidative characteristics that could impact nutrient accessibility and microbial processes in soil systems, whereas SAL revealed controlled salt content. Moreover, the compact nature of the BCM, observed in its high density, indicates the potential for extended soil stability, sequestering carbon, and gradual nutrient delivery. Overall, the study reveals that PM-BCM is a low-cost, sustainable, and effective candidate for soil enhancement application.

The growing demand for sustainable, natural, and health-promoting food ingredients has increased interest in underutilized plant resources, such as Opuntia spp., which are valued for their edible fruits and adaptability to arid environments. Commonly known as prickly pears, these fruits represent a promising raw material for the development of functional foods, being rich in bioactive compounds (e.g., betalains, flavonoids, dietary fibers, essential vitamins, and minerals), which exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential antidiabetic effects. Given their capacity to thrive under minimal input conditions in arid and semi-arid climates, Opuntia species align well with sustainability goals in food production. This study evaluates the nutritional potential of eight Opuntia species acclimatized to the temperate continental climate of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, aiming to support functional food diversification and promote the use of climate-resilient crops. Recognizing the central role of soluble carbohydrates in determining fruit quality and nutritional value, this investigation focused on sugar profiling. Ripe fruits were harvested from eight Opuntia spp. accessions maintained in the Succulent Collection of the Agro-Botanical Garden, UASVM Cluj-Napoca. Sugar composition was analyzed using a Shimadzu Prominence isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) system equipped with differential refractive index detection. Separations were achieved in less than 15 minutes on a Nucleosil amino column, allowing for the simultaneous quantification of glucose, fructose, and sucrose. The results revealed significant interspecific variation in carbohydrate profiles, attributable primarily to genetic differences. Sucrose was predominant in most accessions, with concentrations up to 12 g/100 g and a total carbohydrate content up to 15 g/100 g. By linking biochemical data with phylogenetic relationships, this study provides a basis for selecting Opuntia genotypes suited for food processing. These findings underscore the potential of Opuntia fruits as valuable ingredients in the formulation of valuable functional foods, while also supporting broader objectives related to sustainability, resource efficiency, and climate resilience in food engineering.

Malted sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana) are drought-tolerant grains widely available in Nigeria but remain underutilized in beverage production. Malt drinks, wholesome and non-alcoholic, are gaining popularity in the country. These local grains offer promising potential for sustainable beverage development. This study investigated the impact of incorporating millet as an adjunct on the physicochemical and sensory properties of a non-alcoholic beverage formulated from malted sorghum. Six beverage samples were formulated using malted sorghum and finger millet in the following ratios: 100:0 (S), 90:10 (SM1), 80:20 (SM2), 70:30 (SM3), 60:40 (SM4), and 50:50 (SM5). Standard analytical methods were employed to assess physicochemical parameters, including pH (4.71–4.88), °Brix (12.36–12. 77), density (1,048.28–1,049.68 kg/m³), specific gravity (1.05018 –1.05157), colour (180.05–200.15 HU), pasteurization unit (85.05–85.20 PU), bitterness (12.15–13.10 IBU), and alcohol content (0.065–0.105% ABV). The results showed millet inclusion did not compromise key quality indicators, with most values meeting industry standards. Density and specific gravity confirmed optimal extract concentration, while °Brix and bitterness supported an acceptable sensory balance. Although pH values were slightly above the ideal range for microbial inhibition, they indicated moderate acidity. Pasteurization units confirmed sufficient thermal processing for safety. Sensory evaluation showed no significant differences (p < 0.05) in appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, or general acceptability among S, SM1, SM2, SM3, and SM4, except for SM5, which had significantly lower scores, especially in taste (3.67), aroma (4.40), and overall acceptability (2.60). The control (S) had the highest acceptability (6.53), followed by SM2 (6.13). Millet can serve as a viable adjunct in non-alcoholic beverage production using malted sorghum without adversely affecting physicochemical or sensory quality, particularly at inclusion levels up to 40%. This highlights the potential of using indigenous grains to reduce dependency on imported brewing materials and to enhance local crop utilization in developing regions like Nigeria.

This work assessed the impact of artificial ripening agents (Paracetamol and Calcium carbide) on the heavy metals compositions of French type plantain. Heavy metals composition of ripen plantain were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The plantain samples were washed with clean water, air dried and divided into three portions for each ripening condition. The first portion ( three fingers) were left to ripen naturally under room temperature (27-30℃).The second portion was sprinkled with 5 grams of calcium carbide in 20 ml of deionzed water to induce ripening inside a plastic bag .The third portion was treated with a tablet of May and Baker (M and B) brand of paracetamol (Acetaminophen) as ripening agent. One tablet of 500 mg was dissolved in 20 ml of deionzed water and rubbed per finger of plantain based on preliminary studies. It stayed fourteen days for the natural ripen plantain to fully ripen, seven days for paracetamol samples to ripen and five days for the calcium carbide samples to ripen. Plantains ripen with paracetamol revealed the presence of heavy metals. The values were (3.97 mg/kg) for Lead, 1.87 mg/kg) for Arsenic and (1.04 mg/kg) for Cadmium respectively and were higher than maximum permissible level of 0.3 mg/kg for Lead (Pb), 0.003 mg/kg for Arsenic and 0.02 mg/kg for Cadmium recommended by FAO/WHO standard. A similar trend was observed with calcium carbide as ripening agent. The heavy metals were not detected in the natural ripen plantain. In conclusion, the use of paracetamol and calcium carbide as artificial ripening agents contaminated the fruits and constitute a health hazard to consumers due to the presence of Arsenic a known carcinogen and Lead (Pb) which can cause Lead poisoning. Thus there is need to ban the use of these chemical ripening agents in fruits.

Benzene-1,2,4-triyl tris(2-(3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate) acetate) synthesis is an important step forward in the synthesis of multifunctional organic molecules, which have potential uses in material science and medical chemistry, among other domains. In analytical chemistry, it can also be utilized for metal ion determination. This work presents a thorough and methodical approach to the synthesis of this complicated trisulfonated aromatic ester, emphasizing the effectiveness and scaling possibilities of the methodology. Choosing the right precursors to ensure that each one contributes to the intended molecular architecture was the first step in the synthesis process. In the initial stages of the synthesis process, oxyhydroquinone reacted with chloroacetyl chloride for 20 hours. As a result, benzene-1,2,4-triyl tris(2-chloroacetate) of triatomic phenol-oxyhydroquinone was formed. The resulting phenacetyl chloride was reacted with sodium sulfosalicylate in the presence of DMFA. Benzene-1,2,4-triyl tris(2-(3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate) acetate) was formed. To obtain high yields and purity, careful adjustment of the reaction conditions—including temperature, solvent selection, and reagent ratios—was required. The synthesized molecule was characterized using advanced spectroscopic techniques such as NMR, IR, and UV spectrometry, which confirmed its structural integrity and functional group configuration. Benzene-1,2,4-triyl tris(2-(3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate) acetate), the resultant product, has special physicochemical characteristics. In particular, it is more soluble and has the potential to be a useful intermediate in organic synthesis. Because it has several reactive sites, preliminary research indicates that it may be useful in the development of new polymeric materials and as a possible ligand in coordination chemistry.

Today, the development of new generation extraction systems is critically important for the environmentally friendly and efficient recycling of spent Li-ion batteries. Traditional organic solvents are toxic, volatile, and flammable. Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) offer a green alternative: they have low volatility, incombustibility, efficiency, and can be obtained from their available raw materials. A large number of eutectic solvents (e.g. based on TOPO, D2EHPA, etc.) have already been studied in the literature and have proven themselves to be promising extraction systems. Their key advantage is the ability to fine-tune the composition for the selective and highly efficient extraction of valuable metals (Li, Co, Ni, Mn, etc.).

The purpose of this work is to develop a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent based on triisobutylphosphine sulfide (TBPS) and thymol and to study its extraction properties.

The HES was prepared from the hydrogen bond acceptor (TBPS) and donor (thymol) at a molar ratio of 1:1. All extraction experiments were carried out at a temperature of 25 °C and an atmospheric pressure of ~100 kPa in graduated centrifuge tubes with a thermostatically controlled shaker.

The phase equilibrium of the "solid–liquid" system was investigated, and a detailed characterization was conducted. The viscosity of the proposed eutectic solvent is below 30 mPa∙s, indicating their technological suitability. The hydrophobicity and chemical stability of the deep eutectic solvent were also examined. An extraction method was developed for the recovery of major metal ions present in the active material of spent LFP batteries (Li, Cu, Al, and Fe). It was found that it is possible to selectively isolate Cu(II) and Fe(III) from 2 to 5 M HCl with high separation factors of 18 and 350, respectively.

Thus, the prospects of using TBPS/thymol HDES for metal ion separation contained in the active materials of spent LFP batteries are shown.

Today, a pressing scientific task is the development of new solvents for extraction processes. One of the promising classes of solvents are hydrophobic eutectic solvents (HES), the main advantages of which are the ease of their production, low fire hazard and the ability to vary their properties by correctly selecting components. HES is often prepared on the basis of two components – an extracting compound (e.g. TOPO, BTMPPA) and a so-called solvent (e.g. menthol, thymol). However, to improve the physicochemical and extraction properties of eutectic solvents, modifier components can be introduced. Studying the possibility of varying the properties of HES by changing their composition is a pressing issue today.

The aim of the present work is to study of properties of new hydrophobic eutectic solvents based on di(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid (BTMPPA), trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), metyltrioctylammonium chloride (MTOAC) and phenol.

The HESs were prepared from the main extractant (BTMPPA), modifier (TOPO/ MTOAC) and «solvent” (phenol) in a molar ratio of 1:1:2. Based on the ¹H, ³¹P NMR and IR spectroscopy data, a hydrogen bond formation in the proposed HESs was established. The physical properties of the proposed extractants were studied, namely, the dependence of density, viscosity and refractive index on temperature. The HES stability during interaction with water and mineral acid solutions was also studied. The viscosity of HES BTMPPA/TOPO/phenol reaches 64 mPa·s at 25°C, which shows its potential applicability in technological processes. The proposed solvents were tested as extractants for Nd(III) and Dy(III) from nitrate solutions.

Thus, the promising use of HESs BTMPPA/(MTOAC or TOPO)/phenol in the extraction of rare earth elements from nitrate solution was shown. The obtained data can be used in the development of new effective hydrometallurgical processes of rare earth elements extraction from leaching solution of spent magnetic materials.

The pollution of the aquatic environment by microplastics has been extensively studied; however, data on their presence in commercial salts widely consumed around the world remain limited. Most people consume foods containing a significant amount of salt throughout their lifetime. Therefore, its consumption is a long-term route of exposure of microplastics to the human body, and it can lead to negative health effects. Previous studies have shown that 94% of the salt products tested worldwide contain microplastics, with fragments and fibers being the prevalent types of particles and polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being the most abundant polymer types. Therefore, this study focuses on the presence of microplastics in table salt products purchased in Greece. Samples from various brands and sources were analyzed using a combination of metallic sieves and stereomicroscopy to assess particle size, color, and morphology. Blank analyses were conducted to eliminate the possibility of internal cross-contamination. Furthermore, microplastic types were identified using chemical pretreatment and advanced spectroscopic techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Then, batch experiments were employed to study the removal of PE with a diameter of 10 μm from water using different types of biochars. In particular, the results indicated that biochar synthesized from grape seed exhibits better microplastic removal than biochar derived from rice husk. This improved removal process is attributed to the enhanced porosity and surface area of the grape seed biochar.

In response to the growing global demand for sustainable food and feed sources, insects such as Tenebrio molitor (mealworms) have emerged as a promising high-protein alternative with a relatively low environmental footprint. Due to the relatively low water consumption in the rearing process, the smaller required area, and the nearly zero GHG emissions, mealworm proteins yield significant advantages over plant-based proteins. This study investigates the effectiveness and impact of various drying techniques on mealworm larvae, focusing on moisture reduction and the preservation of protein integrity. Freeze-drying, oven-drying at 40°C and 60°C, and fluidized/spouted bed-drying were each performed. Initial moisture content was measured using a Berghof/Germany EasyH2O coulometer. Gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to assess moisture loss and protein denaturation, respectively. The results indicate that freeze-drying and 40°C oven-drying better preserved protein structures, whereas the 60°C method led to more protein denaturation. Fluidized- and spouted bed-drying at 50°C were explored as well. The spouted bed method demonstrated the best drying efficiency. However, the color and appearance of the product were nearly identical to those produced via the oven-dryingmethod at 60°C, indicating similar conditions for a potentially unwanted Maillard reaction. Freeze-drying, though, preserved the color and structure of the product, in addition to the native protein content, which might add specific value to this method.