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The Science of the Total Environment Jul 2023One-third of the annual food produced globally is wasted and much of the food waste (FW) is unutilized; however, FW can be valorized into value-added industrial products... (Review)
Review
One-third of the annual food produced globally is wasted and much of the food waste (FW) is unutilized; however, FW can be valorized into value-added industrial products such as biofuel, chemicals, and biomaterials. Converting FW into soil amendments such as compost, vermicompost, anaerobic digestate, biofertilizer, biochar, and engineered biochar is one of the best nutrient recovery and FW reuse approaches. The soil application of FW-based amendments can improve soil fertility, increase crop production, and reduce contaminants by altering soil's chemical, physical, microbial, and faunal properties. However, the efficiency of the amendment for improving ecosystem sustainability depends on the type of FW, conversion method, application rate, soil type, and crop type. Engineered biochar/biochar composite materials produced using FW have been identified as promising amendments for soil remediation, reducing commercial fertilizer usage, and increasing soil nutrient use efficiency. The development of quality standards and implementation of policies and regulations at all stages of the food supply chain are necessary to manage (reduce and re-use) FW.
Topics: Soil; Food; Ecosystem; Refuse Disposal; Charcoal; Crop Production
PubMed: 37044338
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163311 -
British Dental Journal Jan 2024
Topics: Toothpastes; Charcoal; Dentifrices
PubMed: 38278906
DOI: 10.1038/s41415-024-6774-4 -
Bioresource Technology Feb 2024Biochar is a promising carbon sink whose application can assist in reducing carbon emissions. Development of this technology currently relies on experimental trials,... (Review)
Review
Biochar is a promising carbon sink whose application can assist in reducing carbon emissions. Development of this technology currently relies on experimental trials, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Machine learning (ML) technology presents a potential solution for streamlining this process. This review summarizes the current research on ML's applications in biochar production, characterization, and applications. It briefly explains commonly used machine learning algorithms and discusses prospects and challenges. A hybrid model that combines ML with mechanism-based analysis could be a future trend, addressing the ML's black-box nature. While biochar studies have adopted ML technology, current works mostly use lab-scale data for model training. Further work is needed to develop ML models based on pilot or industrial-scale data to realize the use of ML techniques for the field application of biochar.
Topics: Charcoal; Carbon; Algorithms; Machine Learning
PubMed: 38184089
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130291 -
Environmental Research Sep 2023Various catalysts are being used in fuel production from biomass and polymeric waste for the obtention of an alternative energy source with both environmental... (Review)
Review
Various catalysts are being used in fuel production from biomass and polymeric waste for the obtention of an alternative energy source with both environmental friendliness and economic viability. Biochar, red mud bentonite, and calcium oxide have been shown to play a pertinent role as catalysts in waste-to-fuel conversion processes, such as transesterification and pyrolysis. In this line of thought, this paper has provided a compendium of the fabrication and modification technologies of bentonite, red mud calcium oxide, and biochar, together with their various performances in their application in the waste-to-fuel processes. Additionally, an overview of the structural and chemical attributes of these components is discussed regarding their efficiency. Ultimately, research trends and future points of focus are evaluated, and it is observed that techno-economic optimization of catalyst synthetic routes and investigation of new catalytic formulations, such as biochar and red mud-based nanocatalysts, are potential prospects. This report also offers future research directions that are anticipated to contribute to the development of sustainable green fuel generation systems.
Topics: Bentonite; Oxides; Charcoal
PubMed: 37270078
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116284 -
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.) May 2024Determining treatment options for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer after the PROSPECT trial data readout adds an important level to the decision-making...
Determining treatment options for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer after the PROSPECT trial data readout adds an important level to the decision-making process.
Topics: Humans; Rectal Neoplasms; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Fluorouracil; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Leucovorin
PubMed: 38776515
DOI: 10.46883/2024.25921019 -
Frontiers in Sociology 2023While many scholars have noted a rise in boredom coinciding with the emergence of modern capitalism, philosophers have long maintained that boredom is part of the... (Review)
Review
While many scholars have noted a rise in boredom coinciding with the emergence of modern capitalism, philosophers have long maintained that boredom is part of the horizon of human experience. Although specific social conditions may exacerbate it, boredom will never be completely eradicated. Nevertheless, its presence indicates that something is not right. Recently, cultural criminology has highlighted that boredom and monotony can trigger criminal behavior. If boredom is a contributing factor to crime, then I propose that creative, restorative justice processes can serve as an effective antidote. These practices aim to make things right by establishing obligations that restore the dignity and meaning of a victim's life.
PubMed: 38282749
DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1220470 -
Journal of Environmental Management Aug 2023The production of increasing quantities of by-products is a key challenge for modern society; their valorisation - turning them into valuable compounds with... (Review)
Review
The production of increasing quantities of by-products is a key challenge for modern society; their valorisation - turning them into valuable compounds with technological applications - is the way forward, in line with circular economy principles. In this review, the conversion of bones (by-products of the agro-food industry) into bone char is described. Bone char is obtained with a process of pyrolysis, which converts the organic carbon into an inorganic graphitic one. Differently from standard biochar of plant origin, however, bone char also contains calcium phosphates, the main component of bone (often hydroxyapatite). The combination of calcium phosphate and graphitic carbon makes bone char a unique material, with different possible uses. Here bone chars' applications in environmental remediation, sustainable agriculture, catalysis and electrochemistry are discussed; several aspects are considered, including the bones used to prepare bone char, the preparation conditions, how these affect the properties of the materials (i.e. porosity, surface area) and its functional properties. The advantages and limitations of bone chars in comparison to traditional biochar are discussed, highlighting the directions the research should take for bone chars' performances to improve. Moreover, an analysis on the sustainability of bone chars' preparation and use is also included.
Topics: Food; Refuse Disposal; Charcoal; Carbon; Graphite
PubMed: 37080100
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117896 -
Toxins Jan 2024Institut Pasteur and have enjoyed a relationship lasting almost 120 years, starting from its foundation and the pioneering work of Louis Pasteur in the nascent fields... (Review)
Review
Institut Pasteur and have enjoyed a relationship lasting almost 120 years, starting from its foundation and the pioneering work of Louis Pasteur in the nascent fields of microbiology and vaccination, and blooming after 1986 following the molecular biology/genetic revolution. This contribution will give a historical overview of these two research eras, taking advantage of the archives conserved at Institut Pasteur. The first era mainly focused on the production, characterisation, surveillance and improvement of veterinary anthrax vaccines; the concepts and technologies with which to reach a deep understanding of this research field were not yet available. The second period saw a new era of research at Institut Pasteur, with the anthrax laboratory developing a multi-disciplinary approach, ranging from structural analysis, biochemistry, genetic expression, and regulation to bacterial-host cell interactions, pathogenicity, and therapy development; this led to the comprehensive unravelling of many facets of this toxi-infection. may exemplify some general points on how science is performed in a given society at a given time and how a scientific research domain evolves. A striking illustration can be seen in the additive layers of regulations that were implemented from the beginning of the 21st century and their impact on research. and anthrax are complex systems that raise many valuable questions regarding basic research. One may hope that research will be re-initiated under favourable circumstances later at Institut Pasteur.
Topics: Humans; Bacillus anthracis; Anthrax; Charcoal; Bacterial Toxins; Virulence; Antigens, Bacterial
PubMed: 38393144
DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020066 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials May 2024Heavy metals (HMs) are common contaminants with major concern of severe environmental and health problems. This study evaluated the effects of organo-mineral amendments...
Heavy metals (HMs) are common contaminants with major concern of severe environmental and health problems. This study evaluated the effects of organo-mineral amendments (mesquite biochar (MB), zeolite (ZL) and bentonite (BN) alone and in combination) applied at different rates to promote the maize (Zea mays L.) growth by providing essential nutrient and improving the soil physio-chemical properties under zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) contamination. Result revealed that the incorporation of organo-mineral amendments had significantly alleviated Pb and Zn contamination by maize plants and improved the physiological and biochemical attributes of plants. Combined application of organo-mineral amendments including BMA-1, BMA-2 and BMA-3 performed excellently in terms of reducing Pb and Zn concentrations in both leaves (19-60%, 43-75%, respectively) and roots (24-59%, 42-68%, respectively) of maize. The amendments decreased the extractable, reducible, oxidisable and residual fractions of metals in soil and significantly reduced the soil DTPA-extractable Pb and Zn. BMA-1 substantially improved antioxidant enzyme activities in metal-stressed plants. This study indicated that combined use of organo-mineral amendments can effectively reduce the bioavailability and mobility of Pb and Zn in co-contaminated soils. Combined application of organo-mineral amendments could be viable remediation technology for immobilization and metal uptake by plants in polluted soils.
Topics: Zea mays; Bentonite; Zeolites; Lead; Soil Pollutants; Metals, Heavy; Zinc; Charcoal; Soil
PubMed: 38447373
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133927 -
Environmental Research Jun 2024Hydrochar is a carbonaceous material that is generated through the process of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from biomass, which has garnered considerable attention in... (Review)
Review
Hydrochar is a carbonaceous material that is generated through the process of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from biomass, which has garnered considerable attention in recent years owing to its potential applications in a diverse range of fields, such as environmental remediation and agriculture. Hydrochar is produced from a diverse range of biomass waste materials and retains exceptional properties, including high carbon content, stability, and surface area, making it an optimal candidate for various enviro-agricultural applications. Moreover, it delves into the production process of hydrochar, with explicit emphasis on the optimization of certain properties during the production of hydrochar from bio-waste. Furthermore, the potential of hydrochar as an adsorbent and catalyst support for heavy metals and dyes was extensively explored, along with a soil remediation potential that can improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough overview of hydrochar with a particular focus on its production, properties, and prospective applications. The significance of hydrochar is accentuated and the growing need for alternative sources of energy and materials that are environmentally sustainable is highlighted in this paper. Besides, the consequence of hydrochar on soil properties such as water-holding capacity, nutrient retention, and total soil porosity, as well as its influence on soil chemical properties such as cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, and surface functionality is scrutinized.
Topics: Agriculture; Environmental Restoration and Remediation; Charcoal; Soil
PubMed: 38104920
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117923