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Nature May 2024Fossil fuels-coal, oil and gas-supply most of the world's energy and also form the basis of many products essential for everyday life. Their use is the largest... (Review)
Review
Fossil fuels-coal, oil and gas-supply most of the world's energy and also form the basis of many products essential for everyday life. Their use is the largest contributor to the carbon dioxide emissions that drive global climate change, prompting joint efforts to find renewable alternatives that might enable a carbon-neutral society by as early as 2050. There are clear paths for renewable electricity to replace fossil-fuel-based energy, but the transport fuels and chemicals produced in oil refineries will still be needed. We can attempt to close the carbon cycle associated with their use by electrifying refinery processes and by changing the raw materials that go into a refinery from fossils fuels to carbon dioxide for making hydrocarbon fuels and to agricultural and municipal waste for making chemicals and polymers. We argue that, with sufficient long-term commitment and support, the science and technology for such a completely fossil-free refinery, delivering the products required after 2050 (less fuels, more chemicals), could be developed. This future refinery will require substantially larger areas and greater mineral resources than is the case at present and critically depends on the capacity to generate large amounts of renewable energy for hydrogen production and carbon dioxide capture.
Topics: Carbon Cycle; Carbon Dioxide; Coal; Fossil Fuels; Hydrogen; Natural Gas; Petroleum; Renewable Energy; Oil and Gas Industry
PubMed: 38720037
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07322-2 -
Bioresource Technology Jun 2024Ionic cadmium (Cd (II)) in water is a significant threat to ecosystems, the environment, and human health. Research is currently focused on developing efficient...
Ionic cadmium (Cd (II)) in water is a significant threat to ecosystems, the environment, and human health. Research is currently focused on developing efficient adsorption materials to combat Cd (II) pollution in water. One promising solution involves co-pyrolyzing solid residue from anaerobic digestion of food waste with oil-based drill cuttings pyrolysis residue to create a biochar with high organic matter content. This biochar has a lower heavy metal content and leaching toxicity compared to China's national standards, making it both safe and resourceful. It exhibits a high adsorption capacity for Cd (II) in water, reaching up to 47.80 ± 0.37 mg/g. Raising the pyrolysis temperature above 600 °C and increasing the amount of pyrolysis residue beyond 30 % enhances the biochar's adsorption capacity. The adsorption process is primarily driven by mineral precipitation, offering a promising approach for dual waste resource management and reducing heavy metal pollution.
Topics: Cadmium; Charcoal; Adsorption; Solid Waste; Pyrolysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Minerals; Chemical Precipitation; Water Purification
PubMed: 38692371
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130762 -
ACS Omega Apr 2024To reduce the high mortality rates caused by ovarian cancer, creating high-sensitivity, quick, basic, and inexpensive methods for following cancer antigen 125 (CA-125)...
To reduce the high mortality rates caused by ovarian cancer, creating high-sensitivity, quick, basic, and inexpensive methods for following cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels in blood tests is of extraordinary significance. CA-125 is known as the exclusive glycoprotein employed in clinical examinations to monitor and diagnose ovarian cancer and detect its relapses as a tumor marker. Elevated concentrations of this antigen are linked to the occurrence of ovarian cancer. Herein, we designed organohydrogels (ONOHs) for identifying the level of CA-125 antigen at fast and high sensitivity with electrochemical strategies in a serum medium. The ONOH structures are synthesized with glycerol, agar, and glutaraldehyde and at distinct ratios of onion oil, and then, the ONOHs are characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Electrochemical measurements are performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the absence and presence of CA-125 on the designed ONOHs. For the prepared ONOH-3 electrode, two distinct linear ranges are determined as 0.41-8.3 and 8.3-249.0 U/mL. The limit of quantitation and limit of detection values are calculated as 2.415 and 0.805 μU/mL, respectively, (S/N = 3). These results prove that the developed electrode material has high sensitivity, stability, and selectivity for the detection of the CA-125 antigen. In addition, this study can be reasonable for the practical detection of CA125 in serum, permitting early cancer diagnostics and convenient treatment.
PubMed: 38680375
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09149 -
Polymers Apr 2024Three-dimensionally printed parts are increasingly used in industry for quick repairs. They are often operated in the presence of grease, oil, and others. This article...
Three-dimensionally printed parts are increasingly used in industry for quick repairs. They are often operated in the presence of grease, oil, and others. This article describes the effect of engine mineral oil on the fatigue life of 3D-printed FDM plastic samples. For this reason, this article aimed to investigate the influence of oil on the fatigue life of materials made using this technology. Samples made of ABA, ASA, PLA, and HIPS materials were printed with 100% fill. Divided into groups, they were stored for 15, 30, and 60 days in an oil bath at a room temperature of 23 °C and an increased temperature of 70 °C. To compare the effect of storage in oil, static tests were performed to determine the tensile strength of the specimens and to determine the load levels for the cyclic tests. Cyclic tests were performed to determine the effect of oil and temperature on the fatigue life. Internal structure studies of the specimens were performed using computed microtomography to determine the changes in the porosity of the specimens under the influence of oil. In the case of ABS, the oil-bathed samples showed a clear increase in the fatigue life, especially at 23 °C. For the ASA specimens, an increase was also evident, especially for the lower stress value. For HIPS and PLA, no clear effect of the oil bath on the fatigue life value of the samples was determined. Porosity studies using computed microtomography showed a clear decrease in the porosity of the samples as a result of the oil bath for all of them.
PubMed: 38675039
DOI: 10.3390/polym16081120 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024The collection is dedicated to the conversion of biomass wastes into value-added bioproducts and bioactive compounds, with a focus on their applications in the...
The collection is dedicated to the conversion of biomass wastes into value-added bioproducts and bioactive compounds, with a focus on their applications in the agro-energy sector. Of particular relevance were three studies evaluating the effects of livestock waste, rice straw and biochar on soil properties, crops and productivity. Of note were two articles on the bioconversion of aquaculture sludge by insects and the production of biofuel from seed oil as an alternative to overcoming the depletion of fossil fuels. Finally, one article analysed the potential for recovering organic and mineral compounds from gastropod shells. The articles provided insights into the management and use of biomass wastes, as well as suggestions for future research to promote sustainability in agriculture.
Topics: Biomass; Waste Management; Biofuels
PubMed: 38671185
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59623-1 -
Chemosphere Jun 2024Much of the toxicity in oil sands process-affected water in Athabasca oil sands tailings has been attributed to naphthenic acids (NAs) and associated naphthenic acid...
Much of the toxicity in oil sands process-affected water in Athabasca oil sands tailings has been attributed to naphthenic acids (NAs) and associated naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs). Previous work has characterized the environmental behaviour and fate of these compounds, particularly in the context of constructed treatment wetlands. There is evidence that wetlands can attenuate NAFCs in natural and engineered contexts, but relative contributions of chemical, biotic, and physical adsorption with sequestration require deconvolution. In this work, the objective was to evaluate the extent to which prospective wetland substrate material may adsorb NAFCs using a peat-mineral mix (PMM) sourced from the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR). The PMM and NAFCs were first mixed and then equilibrated across a range of NAFC concentrations (5-500 mg/L) with moderate ionic strength and hardness (∼200 ppm combined Ca and Mg) that approximate wetland water chemistry. Under these experimental conditions, low sorption of NAFCs to PMM was observed, where sorbed concentrations of NAFCs were approximately zero mg/kg at equilibrium. When NAFCs and PMM were mixed and equilibrated together at environmentally relevant concentrations, formula diversity increased more than could be explained by combining constituent spectra. The TOC present in this PMM was largely cellulose-derived, with low levels of thermally recalcitrant carbon (e.g., lignin, black carbon). The apparent enhancement of the concentration and diversity of components in PMM/NAFCs mixtures are likely related to aqueous solubility of some PMM-derived organic materials, as post-hoc combination of dissolved components from PMM and NAFCs cannot replicate enhanced complexity observed when the two components are agitated and equilibrated together.
Topics: Adsorption; Carboxylic Acids; Wetlands; Oil and Gas Fields; Soil; Minerals; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Sand
PubMed: 38670506
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142076 -
Insects Mar 2024Onion thrips () can pose a significant threat to onion crops, causing leaf damage, reduced bulb size and quality, and yield loss during severe infestations. Conventional...
Onion thrips () can pose a significant threat to onion crops, causing leaf damage, reduced bulb size and quality, and yield loss during severe infestations. Conventional insecticide use has been the primary method for managing this pest species, but the efficacy of this approach is inconsistent. Furthermore, emerging pest resistance is a growing concern in some regions. This two-year field study aimed to assess the effectiveness of several pest management strategies in controlling onion thrips populations and limiting their impact on onion yields. The strategies tested consisted of habitat manipulations (including flower strips and straw mulch), biological control agents (, , , and ), as well as physical barrier control methods (exclusion nets, kaolin, and mineral oil). Habitat manipulation techniques, particularly the use of flower strips, reduced thrips populations by up to 50% and increased onion yields by 25%. In contrast, exclusion nets had a detrimental effect on onion yields, and the other alternative control methods produced results comparable to those obtained for untreated controls. When used alone, biological control agents were not effective at maintaining thrips populations below economically damaging levels. This study offers valuable insights into effective and sustainable pest management practices for the onion industry.
PubMed: 38667362
DOI: 10.3390/insects15040232 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Bone health encompasses not only bone mineral density but also bone architecture and mechanical properties that can impact bone strength. While specific dietary... (Review)
Review
Bone health encompasses not only bone mineral density but also bone architecture and mechanical properties that can impact bone strength. While specific dietary interventions have been proposed to treat various diseases such as obesity and diabetes, their effects on bone health remain unclear. The aim of this review is to examine literature published in the past decade, summarize the effects of currently popular diets on bone health, elucidate underlying mechanisms, and provide solutions to neutralize the side effects. The diets discussed in this review include a ketogenic diet (KD), a Mediterranean diet (MD), caloric restriction (CR), a high-protein diet (HP), and intermittent fasting (IF). Although detrimental effects on bone health have been noticed in the KD and CR diets, it is still controversial, while the MD and HP diets have shown protective effects, and the effects of IF diets are still uncertain. The mechanism of these effects and the attenuation methods have gained attention and have been discussed in recent years: the KD diet interrupts energy balance and calcium metabolism, which reduces bone quality. Ginsenoside-Rb2, metformin, and simvastatin have been shown to attenuate bone loss during KD. The CR diet influences energy imbalance, glucocorticoid levels, and adipose tissue, causing bone loss. Adequate vitamin D and calcium supplementation and exercise training can attenuate these effects. The olive oil in the MD may be an effective component that protects bone health. HP diets also have components that protect bone health, but their mechanism requires further investigation. In IF, animal studies have shown detrimental effects on bone health, while human studies have not. Therefore, the effects of diets on bone health vary accordingly.
Topics: Humans; Bone Density; Diet, Ketogenic; Bone and Bones; Caloric Restriction; Diet; Animals; Diet, Mediterranean
PubMed: 38665424
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1287140 -
Journal of Food Protection Jun 2024Recent fresh produce outbreaks potentially associated with bioaerosol contamination from animal operations in adjacent land highlighted the need for further study to...
Comparison of Three Air Sampling Methods for the Quantification of Salmonella, Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC), Coliforms, and Generic E. coli from Bioaerosols of Cattle and Poultry Farms.
Recent fresh produce outbreaks potentially associated with bioaerosol contamination from animal operations in adjacent land highlighted the need for further study to better understand the associated risk. The purpose of this research was to evaluate three sampling methods for quantifying target bacterial bioaerosols from animal operations. A dairy cattle and poultry farm located in Georgia, U.S. were visited six times each. Air was collected for 10 min using: 2-stage Andersen impactor with and without mineral oil overlay and impingement samplers. Sampling devices were run concurrently at 0.1, 1, and 2 m heights (n = 36). Andersen samplers were loaded with CHROMagar™ Salmonella, CHROMagar™ STEC, or Brilliance™ coliforms/E. coli. The impingement sampler contained buffered peptone water (20 mL) which was vacuum filtered through a 0.45 µm filter and placed onto the respective media. Plates were incubated at 37 ℃ for 48 h. PCR confirmation followed targeting ttr for Salmonella and stx, stx, and eae genes for STEC. No significant differences were found among methods to quantify coliforms and E. coli. Salmonella and STEC bioaerosols were not detected by any of the methods (Limit of detection: 0.55 log CFU/m). E. coli bioaerosols were significantly greater in the poultry (2.76-5.00 log CFU/m) than in the cattle farm (0.55-2.82 log CFU/m) (p < 0.05), and similarly distributed at both stages in the Andersen sampler (stage 1:>7 μm; stage 2: 0.65-7 μm particle size). Sampling day did not have a significant effect on the recovery of coliforms/E. coli bioaerosols in the poultry farm when samples were taken at the broiler house exhaust fan (p > 0.05). A greater and constant emission of coliforms and E. coli bioaerosols from the poultry farm warrants further investigation. These data will help inform bioaerosol sampling techniques which can be used for the quantification of bacterial foodborne pathogens and indicator organisms for future research.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Salmonella; Air Microbiology; Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli; Poultry; Aerosols; Farms; Escherichia coli; Colony Count, Microbial; Enterobacteriaceae
PubMed: 38663638
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100282 -
ACS Food Science & Technology Apr 2024Plant protein ingredients are rich in non-protein components of which the antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects are expected to be considerable. In this paper, commercial...
Plant protein ingredients are rich in non-protein components of which the antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects are expected to be considerable. In this paper, commercial soy and pea protein isolates and concentrates were selected by using their soluble fractions to prepare oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. Emulsions stabilized with soy protein isolates were more prone to lipid oxidation than those with soy protein concentrate or pea protein isolate. Compositional analysis revealed that the soluble fraction of soy protein isolates contained higher concentrations of phenolic compounds and metals (iron and copper) but lower mineral and ash contents than those of soy protein concentrate and pea protein isolate. Correlating the composition to oxidation in emulsions highlighted the significant role of non-protein components, alongside the protein's oxidative state. These findings are relevant for the use of alternative proteins in food formulation, a practice often promoted as sustainable yet that may come with repercussions for oxidative stability.
PubMed: 38660053
DOI: 10.1021/acsfoodscitech.3c00691