Abstract: Storing hydrogen in interstitial metal hydrides has the advantage of high volumetric capacity (50–100 kg/m3), fast kinetics, and safer conditions due to mild temperature (< 100 °C) and pressure (< 50 bar) operation parameters. However, thermal management and stress development are still challenges that have to be overcome. There have already been promising methods to improve the performance of metal hydrides, but most of these methods are only proof-of-concepts and investigated on a lab scale with a few grams of sample. In this work, a commercially available AB2-metal alloy is coated with 10 wt% of expanded natural graphite and 10 wt% of an elastomeric binder. The focus is on methods that can easily be scaled up. Two methods (wash-coating and spray-coating) are applied successfully to prepare hydride-forming materials on a kilogram scale. The performance of the coated material regarding heat management, stress development, hydrogen capacity, and kinetics is tested for 50 cycles of hydrogen absorption/desorption. The results are confirmed by a larger-scale set of experiments with ≈0.5 kg of sample. The spray-coating method shows promising results by combining fast preparation, reasonable hydrogen capacity, and the possibility of compensating for most of the expansion stress.

Abstract: This study addresses the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics by developing biodegradable composites from peach and apple processing waste employing hot compression molding. Utilizing a definitive screening design, the impact of process variables, including recipe composition, grinding size, pressure, temperature, and holding time, on the physical, mechanical, and water-resistance properties of the composites was systematically evaluated. Physicochemical and thermal analyses of the dried by-products indicated that processing temperatures below 150°C prevent degradation of lignocellulosic constituents. The results demonstrated that increasing both molding pressure and holding time decreased composite thickness, while enhancing stiffness and flexural strength, with modulus of elasticity values exceeding 1000 MPa under optimal conditions. Higher molding temperatures reduced water absorption and diffusivity, particularly in lignin rich composites, by promoting lignin softening and particle consolidation, resulting in denser structures with limited moisture transport. Biodegradability was assessed through soil burial tests over 200 days, revealing a weight loss ranging from 54.2% to 90.7% among samples, with apple-based composites exhibiting greater degradation compared to peach-based ones. Overall, the study highlights the development of a “green composite” formulation where two different in composition biowastes are combined to produce a plastic free composite material with possible applications in food service industry.

Abstract: Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) enable efficient fish production but generate nutrient-rich effluents requiring sustainable management. Integrating aquatic biomass cultivation offers a circular approach for nutrient recovery, CO₂ utilization, and biomass production. This study presents a process simulation and techno-economic analysis (TEA) of a pilot-scale Wolffia globosa-RAS system in Thailand, comparing static and well-mixed suspended aeration cultivation. Within the same system boundary, the suspended configuration required only 5.90 m² for 28.00 m³, whereas static cultivation required 131 m² for 32.80 m³, corresponding to a 19-fold improvement in land-use efficiency (0.21 vs. 4.00 m² m⁻³). Higher annual biomass production was achieved in the suspended system (1056 kg dry weight (DW) yr⁻¹) compared with the static system (690 kg DW yr⁻¹), corresponding to CO₂ fixation of ~1.50 and ~0.98 t CO₂ yr⁻¹, respectively. The static system achieved higher nutrient removal efficiencies (97% N and ~100% P), while the suspended system showed lower removal (64% N and 65.3% P) but higher productivity. Economic analysis confirmed feasibility, with the suspended configuration showing superior performance, achieving higher return on investment (17.56% vs. 12.35%) and a shorter payback period (5.70 vs. 7.76 years). These results demonstrate the potential of RAS-Wolffia integration for sustainable aquaculture and resource recovery.

Abstract: Sulfur–soybean oil polymers with tunable thermal insulation properties were synthesized via inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur and soybean oil, and reinforced with biochar (BC) derived from spent barley biomass. Biopolymer films (F-BP) with sulfur contents ranging from 20 to 70 wt% were prepared, and biochar-filled biocomposites (F-BP-C) were obtained using different filler loadings and processing routes. Their structural, morphological, thermal, mechanical, and surface properties were systematically analyzed to establish structure–property relationships, with particular focus on thermal transport behavior. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that sulfur contents ≤50 wt% favored effective incorporation into the polymer network, reducing the presence of free crystalline sulfur. Scanning electron microscopy and porosity analysis revealed that BC incorporation and processing conditions significantly affected microstructural connectivity and air-filled porosity. As a result, F-BP-C materials exhibited low thermal conductivities, reaching values of ~0.033–0.039 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, comparable to commercial insulating materials such as cork and polymeric foams. This reduction was attributed to increased structural disorder, high interfacial density, and enhanced phonon scattering within the heterogeneous polymer–BC–air system. These findings demonstrate the potential of these biocomposites as sustainable thermal insulating materials derived from industrial and agricultural waste.

Abstract: Non-dilute emulsions are emulsions where the concentration of the droplets is high enough for the neighboring droplets to interact with each other hydrodynamically but is still smaller than the packed bed concentration where the droplets are packed and deformed against each other. Thus, they cover a broad range of droplet concentration. Many emulsions encountered in industrial applications fall under this category. Non-dilute emulsions exhibit rich rheological behavior from a simple Newtonian fluid to a highly non-Newtonian fluid reflecting shear-thinning, shear-thickening, yield stress, viscoelasticity, etc. In this article, the rheology of non-dilute emulsions is re-viewed comprehensively. Emulsions of hard-sphere type droplets and deformable droplets, with and without surfactants, are covered. The mathematical models de-scribing the rheological behavior of non-dilute emulsions are discussed. The influences of electric charge and interfacial rheology on the rheological behavior of emulsions are covered in detail. The flocculation of droplets caused by different mechanisms such as depletion and bridging induced by additives and their effect on emulsion rheology are investigated thoroughly. Finally, the dynamic rheology of non-dilute emulsions is dis-cussed covering both pure oil-water interfaces and additive-laden interfaces. The mathematical models describing the dynamic rheological behavior of non-dilute emulsions are described. Based on the existing theoretical and empirical models, it is possible to a priori predict the rheology of non-dilute emulsions. However, serious gaps in the existing knowledge on non-dilute emulsion rheology remain. This review identifies the gaps in existing knowledge and points out future directions in research related to non-dilute emulsion rheology.

Abstract: The effect of high-gravity fields, generated by rapid rotation, on CO₂ adsorption in activated carbon beds is examined. Adsorption-desorption kinetics is monitored before, during, and after short rotation periods at up to 5,000rpm. Rotation induced a reproducible transient bump in headspace pressure, quantitatively attributed to a centrifugal free energy shift (~12.2 J/mol) that overfilled weak adsorption sites beyond their static equilibrium. The bump mechanism is described by fold catastrophe theory, with a critical angular velocity (ωc=3,500rpm) triggering a sudden transition to a high-occupancy branch. Post-rotation, constant-rate zero-order desorption from shallow sites overlapped with a slower pseudo-first-order adsorption process as deep, previously inaccessible pores became available, increasing CO₂ capacity by 18.4%. Kinetic modelling produced an apparent diffusivity of 1.2x10-5m2/s and a structural accessibility time constant of ~25h. Thermodynamic analysis showed that rotation improved the overall free energy of adsorption and altered entropy in a manner consistent with the observed adsorption-desorption sequence. These results demonstrate that rotational fields can enhance CO₂ uptake, modify kinetic pathways, and trigger threshold phenomena in porous adsorbents.

Abstract: The Zeta-Minimizer Theorem formalizes the minimization of a phase functional derived from compressibility factor expansions and exponential resummations, yielding convergence to the Riemann zeta function ζ(s). In a symmetric measure space (Xⓜ,μⓜ,G) equipped with helical operators, constraints of rational signed cosines, positive integer representation dimensions, non-zero integer differences, and prime-modulated exponential decays ensure prime emergence as indivisible cycles in representation graphs (via Hilbert's irreducibility and Maschke's theorem). Corollaries derive stacked phases as stratified orbifolds with hyperbolic tendencies, emergent geometries as layered manifolds, bounded prime descent, dimensional resistance, and RH Theorem via spectral centering at Re(s)=1/2. Axioms abstract thermodynamic intuitions purely: Axiom I as concave entropy maximization on measures; Axiom II as spectral Gibbs minima with explicit frequency forms; Axiom III as covariance projections and flux conservation. The framework generates number-theoretic structures as shadows of optimization processes, with complex numbers/polynomials as projected artifacts and quantization implicit in multiphase triads. Applications include atomic stratification (quantized shells from phase jumps), angular momentum tensors (minimized over strata), fine structure invariant (α ̂^(-1)=4π^3+π^2+π≈137.036 from cycle sums with β=5 leaps), and covariant mappings to arbitrary variables via category theory (functors and RG universality for Gear discretization). This provides rigorous deduction for analytic number theory, algebraic geometry, and spectral theory, demoting elementary constructs to derived descriptions.

Abstract: The environmental impacts from fossil fuel use have accelerated the global transition to sustainable energy sources. Hydrogen has become a promising alternative due to its high energy density and clean combustion. However, hydrogen production streams are frequently contaminated with methane, which needs efficient, durable, and cost-effective purification technologies such as Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). The present study provides a comparative evaluation of biomass-derived activated carbons and a commercial activated carbon for hydrogen–methane separation. High surface-area activated carbons were synthesized from sustainable pine and birch precursors via chemical activation using potassium hydroxide (KOH, impregnation ra-tio 3:1) at 800 °C. Their adsorption performance was systematically assessed in a fixed-bed PSA system operating at pressures of 25, 35, and 50 bar, with a gas mixture of hydrogen-methane, where methane feed concentrations was ranging from 10 to 30 vol%. The biomass-derived activated carbons showed well-developed textural characteristics, with specific surface areas up to 1416 m² g⁻¹, exceeding that of the commercial reference material (1023 m² g⁻¹). This improved pore structure was reflected in their adsorption behavior at an operating pressure of 50 bar, the birch-derived carbon achieved a methane uptake of 10.5 mol kg⁻¹, more than twice the capacity measured for the commercial adsorbent of 5.30 mol kg⁻¹. Beyond initial adsorption capacity, the study emphasizes operational durability and reusability. Cyclic adsorption–desorption experiments, supported by Raman spectroscopy, revealed pronounced structural degradation in the commercial activated carbon under repeated operational stress, as indicated by an increase in the ID/IG ratio from 1.08 to 1.24. In contrast, the biomass-derived activated carbons preserved their morphological integrity and adsorption efficiency over successive cycles. These findings demonstrate that pine- and birch-derived activated carbons are not only sustainable alternatives but also operationally stable adsorbents capable for hydrogen purification processes.

Abstract: Nerolidol (NER) is a sesquiterpene alcohol with recognized antimicrobial potential, whose applications as pure substance are limited by hydrophobicity, instability, and cytotoxicity. Invasomes, i.e. liposomes with terpene ingredients, offer a strategy to improve its delivery; however, the NER loading limits compatible with vesicle integrity are still unclear. Here, Nerolidol-loaded invasomes were produced using a controlled simil-microfluidic coaxial injection process. As a preliminary step, unloaded liposomes were fabricated to consolidate operating conditions and ensure their reproducible colloidal properties. Thereafter, formulations with progressively decreasing nominal NER loads were investigated to evaluate vesicle size, polydispersity, ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency, effective loading, and stability. High nominal loads promoted turbidity, size increase (by agglomeration coalescence phenomena), and structural instability, whereas formulations containing approximately 1–2% NER achieved nearly complete encapsulation, Z-average ≈ 300 nm, |ζ| > 30 mV, and satisfactory physical stability. Antimicrobial and cytotoxic profiles of representative formulations, previously evaluated in an independent study, confirmed biological activity. Overall, this work identifies a realistic loading window for Nerolidol invasomes and highlights the suitability of the simil-microfluidic approach to obtain scalable, well-controlled formulations, providing a rational basis for their future biological assessment. Nerolidol invasomes systems indeed can be considered a promising versatile platform for antimicrobial applications, including prospective use in animal feed.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to produce, characterize, and optimize modified potato starch derived from locally sourced potatoes, and to evaluate the physicochemical properties of native, cross-linked, acetylated, and dual cross-linked–acetylated potato starches as disintegrants for tablet formulation. Starch modification was performed through cross-linking and acetylation using sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) and acetic anhydride (AA) as modifying agents, respectively. Native and modified potato starches were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rapid visco analysis (RVA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The key modification parameters investigated included reaction temperature, reaction time, pH, concentration of the modifying agent (AA), and concentration of the NaOH catalyst. Based on preliminary experiments, reaction temperature (40, 60, and 80 °C), modifying agent concentration (10, 20, and 30%), and reaction time (40, 55, and 70 min) were selected as the primary variables. Process optimization for dual crosslinked-acetylated potato starch was carried out using response surface methodology based on a Box-Behnken experimental design, with acetyl content as the response variable. The optimized modification conditions were a reaction temperature of 40.22 °C, a reaction time of 69.85 min, and an acetic anhydride concentration of 21.92% (w/w). Under these optimized conditions, an acetyl content of 1.32 ± 0.077% was obtained. Tablets formulated using the dual crosslinked-acetylated potato starch as a disintegrant exhibited a disintegration time of 29.2 ± 0.29 min, a disintegration efficiency ratio of 500 ± 0.99 N min⁻¹, a crushing strength of 92.35 ± 0.86 N, and friability of 0.63 ± 0.08% (w/w). The modified starch was employed as a disintegrant in tablet formulations containing 10% paracetamol as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, magnesium stearate (10%) as a lubricant, and suitable fillers.

Abstract: This study describes the development and mechanistic analysis of a coaxial jet antisolvent process for the continuous production of nanocarriers. A single experimental platform was used to generate both curcumin-based nanoparticles and nanoliposomes, enabling direct comparison of how mixing regime and formulation variables influence product characteristics. Fluid-dynamic behavior was first characterized using tracer and micromixing experiments, revealing a strong dependence of mixing time and composition gradients on flow conditions. Nanoparticles and liposomes obtained under optimized conditions exhibited submicron sizes and controlled polydispersity. To rationalize these observations, a preliminary computational framework was implemented, combining Reynolds-averaged computational fluid dynamics with a population balance formulation solved by the method of moments. The model provided spatially resolved insight into solvent exchange, supersaturation development, and nucleation–growth dynamics, offering qualitative agreement with experimental trends. Although simplified, the modeling approach establishes the basis for future extensions toward full population-balance distribution simulations capable of predicting complete particle size distributions. Overall, the coaxial jet mixer emerges as a versatile and informative tool for continuous nanocarrier production and for advancing a rational, model-assisted design of pharmaceutical nano-systems.

Abstract: The rheological behavior of chitosan–vanillin crosslinked olive oil–in–water emulsions (Φ=0.52) was systematically studied as a function of key processing (homogenization time and speed, reaction temperature) and compositional variables (chitosan concentration, vanillin-to-chitosan molar ratio, and Tween® surfactant) to optimize their performance as oleogel precursors. All emulsions displayed viscous-dominant behavior, with a characteristic inflection in the storage modulus slope at ~0.1 Hz, except for Tween®-containing systems, which superimposable flow curves confirmed non-thixotropic Herschel–Bulkley pseudoplastic behavior (n ≈ 0.73) was observed. Optimal homogenization conditions (4 min, ≥ 9,500 rpm) promoted microstructural refinement without compromising emulsion stability. Increasing reaction temperature to 55 °C, approaching the chitosan percolation threshold (~0.8–0.9% w/w), and a vanillin-to-chitosan molar ratio of 0.7 maximized yield stress (up to 14.21 Pa), consistency, and thermal robustness, attributed to enhanced Schiff-base crosslinking and network densification. Tween® 20 and Tween® 60 induced oscillatory stiffening but caused pronounced softening under rotational shear due to interfacial displacement effects, with Tween® 20 providing superior thermal stability. Overall, a surfactant-free formulation (0.9% w/w chitosan, molar ratio 0.7, 55 °C) yielded highly structured, gel-like emulsions, demonstrating enhanced suitability as templates for olive oil oleogel development compared to conventional stabilization strategies.

Abstract: Water scarcity has increased the need for efficient treatment technologies such as membrane distillation (MD). MD performance depends strongly on membrane fabrication parameters, particularly polymer concentration and nanoparticle incorporation, which control key transport and separation properties. This study considers fabrication of membranes using different concentrations of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with the incorporation of different types of nanoparticles to determine the optimum membrane formulation for membrane distillation applications. The results demonstrate that both PVDF concentration and nanoparticle type play a critical role in membrane performance in terms of permeate flux and salt rejection. Among the nanoparticles studied in this work, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibited the most significant enhancement, leading to a substantial increase in water vapor flux while maintaining excellent separation efficiency. The optimized CNT incorporated membrane achieved approximately 99% salt rejection, with superior flux performance, indicating its strong potential for high-efficiency desalination and water treatment using membrane distillation.

Abstract: New Zealand’s kiwifruit are major contributors to the nation’s horticultural exports. However, it produces large volumes of organic waste. This study investigates the potential of agro-industrial kiwifruit waste as feedstock for hydrogen generation via anaerobic digestion and steam reforming. Two feedstock mixtures were examined, a 50:50 blend of kiwifruit and apple, and a second mixture supplemented with potato to mitigate acidification. Cow manure was used as a cost-effective inoculum for anaerobic digestion. Physicochemical analysis confirmed that both feedstock mixtures were generally suitable. Biomethane potential tests were conducted. Methane yields ranged from 0 to 20 mLCH4/gVSadded, with the best result 45 mLCH4/gVSadded achieved by mixture 2 at ISR 4, corresponding to a 46.5 % carbon conversion. From a total waste amount of 476 tonnes, a theoretical yield of 8,000 m3 of biomethane could be produced. Steam methane reforming simulations confirmed the viability of biogas as an alternative to natural gas, although its higher sulfur content may necessitate more frequent catalyst replacement. With a 46 % methane conver-sion efficiency, an estimated 7,600 m3 of hydrogen could be produced. This study offers a practical foundation for converting kiwifruit and apple waste into renewable hydrogen, supporting New Zealand’s decarbonization and circular economy objectives.

Abstract: Fenton-based processes are widely used advanced oxidation methods known for degrading persistent pollutants. However, these techniques often generate significant amounts of iron-containing sludge, which poses environmental disposal challenges due to its complex composition. Furthermore, the sludge produced by the Fenton process contains high content of Fe(III) compounds, which can serve as an iron source to stimulate dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR), enhancing the performance of anaerobic digestion. Based on the characterization results from a previous study, this work investigated the use of the ferrous precipitate generated by the electrochemical peroxidation process applied to tannery wastewater treatment as an additive to enhance volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production during dark fermentation. The performance of ferrous precipitate (R-Fe₃O₄) was compared to that of conventional magnetite (Fe₃O₄) during dark fermentation under high organic loading conditions, emphasizing their potential to enhance hydrolysis efficiency and VFAs production yields, while promoting sustainable resource recovery and reuse within a circular bioeconomy framework. The results showed that the addition of both Fe₃O₄ and R- Fe₃O₄ significantly increased VFAs yields, with a predominance of long-chain fatty acids. The presence of CaCO₃ in the ferrous precipitate contributed to maintaining a stable pH environment, supporting microbial activity and enhancing the hydrolysis of soluble compounds. Moreover, the availability of essential micronutrients within the ferrous precipitate favoured greater microbial diversity. Consequently, the addition of R-Fe₃O₄ promoted VFAs production even at higher organic loading rates, suggesting a promising application of Fenton-based by-products as functional additives to improve the economic and environmental performance of the dark fermentation process.

Abstract: Maritime transport is energy-efficient but remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Renewable electricity–based ammonia (e-NH₃) has emerged as a promising alternative, particularly through small-scale, modular production. Assessing its economic viability is essential for future adoption, and techno-economic analysis offers a structured way to evaluate its feasibility. This study investigates the cost performance of a small-scale offshore e-NH₃ plant of 2.4 tpd at the Port of Santander, Spain, based on nitrogen obtained via membrane separation and hydrogen from electrolysis of pretreated seawater. The results include process simulation outcomes obtained with ASPEN v14, a detailed cost breakdown based on modular costing methodologies applied to preliminary process designs, and sensitivity analyses of the levelized cost of e-NH₃ (LCOA) with respect to the variables that have the strongest influence on overall costs. A comparative review of LCOA values reported in the literature for offshore and onshore e-NH₃ plants is provided. An estimated CAPEX of 5.99 M€ (equivalent to 0.53 M€/y), OPEX of 1.58 M€/y, and a LCOA of 2408 €/tNH₃ are obtained, with equipment investment and operating costs identified as the most influential parameters. The results highlight the need for supraregional techno-economic studies, considering optimal offshore wind availability within a collaborative interregional framework.

Abstract: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressively worsening condition that erodes renal function over time, reduces quality of life, and can ultimately culminate in kidney failure with far-reaching systemic complications. In addition to reduced filtration, worsening kidney function disrupts mineral homeostasis and leads to CKD–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Dysregulated calcium handling and maladaptive endocrine responses contribute to bone pathology and increase cardiovascular calcification risk; therefore, serial calcium monitoring remains clinically relevant for longitudinal CKD management. Conventional calcium measurements are typically obtained with centralized analyzers or laboratory assays (e.g., colorimetry and electrode/optical readouts). Despite high accuracy, the required instrumentation, controlled operating conditions, and pretreatment steps complicate rapid point-of-care deployment, especially when only microliter-scale biofluids are available. Accordingly, this study develops a finger-actuated microfluidic colorimetric platform capable of determining calcium ion concentrations in human biofluids, such as whole blood, serum, and urine. The platform integrates a three-dimensional PMMA/paper microchip with a compact reader that maintains stable temperature control while enabling CMOS-based optical detection. With just 6 μL of sample, a brief finger press propels the biofluid across an internal filtration layer, generating serum or cleaned urine that subsequently reacts with a pre-deposited murexide reagent. Under optimized conditions (1.6% reagent, 50°C, 3 min), the signal follows a strong logarithmic relationship with calcium concentration (Y = 47.273 ln X + 28.890; R² = 0.9905), supporting quantification over 1–40 mg/dL and a detection limit of 0.2 mg/dL. Across 80 clinical CKD specimens spanning serum, whole blood, and urine, results aligned closely with the NM-BAPTA reference assay, with R² values exceeding 0.97.

Abstract: A laboratory–scale mechanical draft cooling tower equipped with eight sections of perforated inclined plates was designed to determine the effect of operating conditions on the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kya) between water and air. A three–factor, three–level design of experiments (DOE) was implemented, considering liquid mass flow rate L (120, 240, and 360 kg/h), gas mass flow rate G (36, 57, and 75 kg/h), and top water temperature TL2 (50, 60, and 70◦C). A total of 54 runs were performed, and the global volumetric mass transfer coefficient was calculated by combining energy and mass balances with the Mickley method. The experimental data were fitted to a power–law correlation using multivariable regression. The ANOVA showed that TL2 is the dominant factor, followed by L, whereas the influence of G is comparatively small in the studied range. The selected correlation, based on the nominal gas flow rate, achieved R2=0.869 and a RMSE of 5930 kg/(m3h). The kya values were found in the range from 4600 to 62000 kg/(m3h). Vertical temperature profiles of water and air along the column revealed that, for high liquid flow rates, most of the cooling occurs in the lower stages, suggesting that the upper sections are underutilized.

Abstract: Water pollution due to insufficient wastewater treatment is a global concern. In this paper coagulation and flocculation as a tertiary unit process was investigated to find the solution for a non-complying wastewater treatment facility. The Palapye Pond Enhanced Treatment and Operation (PETRO) system has not been compliant for a long time with effluent characterised by high turbidity, Biological Oxygen Demand/Chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD/COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Nitrates (NO3), and Phosphates (PO4.) The effluent from the plant is released into the stream that drains into the nearby Lotsane dam, posing a lot of danger to the water quality of the dam. The main objective of the project was to investigate the effect of coagulation and flocculation processes at the secondary stage of the wastewater treatment. Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Central Composite Design (CCD) and Multi Response Surface (MRS) were used to optimize the coagulation process and generate regression models to predict the coagulation and flocculation. The performance was evaluated using turbidity, Colour, COD and TSS as response variables. Response surface analysis indicated that the experimental data could be adequately Fitted to quadratic polynomial models. Under optimum conditions the removal efficiency for Al2(SO4)3·18H2O: 91.1% (turbidity), 88.2% (colour), 58.9% (COD), 83.0% (TSS); for FeCl3·6H2O: 93.2%, 88.7%, 63.8%, 91.3%; for Moringa: 91.8%, 85.4%, 56.6%, 83.7%. The optimal removals based on MRS for Al2(SO4)3.18H2O, FeCl3.6H2O and Moringa were 90.7%, 89.7%, 59.9% and 88.5%; 94.7%, 90.8%, 58.1% and 93.8%; 94.0%, 87.2%, 60.1% and 82.1% for turbidity, colour, COD and TSS respectively. This research has demonstrated that the coagulation/flocculation process can be incorporated into the secondary stage of the wastewater treatment facility and the treatment process optimized using RSM, CCD and MRS. The study introduces comparative evaluation of three coagulants within a single RSM-CCD optimization framework, employing desirability functions for multi-response optimization.

Abstract: This study presents the development and evaluation of surface functionalized solidly mounted resonators (SMRs), including custom UWAR devices and commercial Sorex sensors, for the detection and classification of plant-emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The sensors were tested against linalool, trans-2-hexenal (T2H), and D-limonene at different concentrations under both dry and humid conditions (up to 33% RH). A Python-based signal-processing workflow was established to filter frequency responses and extract key features, such as baseline, saturation point, and frequency shift (Δf). Adsorption behaviour was modelled using the Freundlich isotherm, showing good agreement with experimental data and suggesting heterogeneous, multilayer adsorption on CH₃-terminated EC surfaces. A 2D polar classification framework combining vector-normalized Δf values from UWAR and Sorex sensors enabled clear separation of the VOCs. The results highlight the complementary performance of the two types of SMR sensors and demonstrate that feature-engineered resonant devices, combined with computational classification, offer strong potential for future use in plant health monitoring systems.