Abstract: Trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) are chlorinated organic liquids widely employed in various industrial processes. However, due to their high toxicity and cancerogenic proprieties, these compounds are recognized as environmental pollutants. Therefore, the removal of TCE and PCE from wastewater is a crucial objective for environmental protection. This work investigated the adsorption capacity of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) fibers, activated in the nanoporous crystalline δ form, to remove volatile organic compounds from aqueous solutions. TCE can be adsorbed in the nanoporous crystalline δ form of sPS, leading to the formation of a clathrate structure, in which it acts as the guest molecule. This adsorption mechanism allows for high process selectivity, as well as the capture of even trace amounts (in the ppb range) of the pollutants under consideration, in relatively short times (e.g., 67 hours). Also, a process with two successive adsorption tests was performed replacing the solid used for the first contact with the contaminated solution with fresh δ-sPS fibers. This approach allowed the reduction of TCE concentration down to 8 ppb. In conclusion, δ-sPS nanoporous fibers demonstrated a great potential for the efficient removal of chlorinated organic compounds from wastewater, providing a promising alternative to conventional adsorption processes.

Abstract:

The Bayer process, the dominant method of alumina production for over a century, faces several challenges, including low iron content in bauxite residue, increased caustic alkali consumption and low alumina recovery rates. This article focuses on studying electrolytic reduction processes of bauxite iron minerals in alkaline solutions as a potential improvement to the traditional Bayer process for producing alumina. The research employs a metal mesh cathode at the bottom of an electrochemical cell to simultaneously reduce iron minerals and leach aluminium and silica from coarse boehmite bauxite before milling and high-pressure leaching. Preliminary thermodynamic research indicates that the presence of both hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) and chamosite ((Fe²⁺,Mg,Al,Fe³⁺)₆(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH,O)₈) in this type of bauxite helps to achieve a higher iron concentration in the solution. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that, in the initial stage of electrolysis, overvoltage at the cathode decreases as metallic iron deposited and conductive magnetite form on the surface of the particles. After 60 min, the reduction efficiency begins to decrease. The proportion of the current used for magnetization and iron deposition on the cathode decreased from 89.5% after 30 min to 67.5% after 120 min. Studying the electrolysis product using SEM-EDS revealed the formation of a dense, iron-containing reaction product on the particles' surface, preventing diffusion of the reaction products. Mössbauer spectroscopy of the high-pressure leaching product revealed that the primary iron-containing phases of bauxite residue are maghemite (Fe₃O₄), formed during the hydrolysis of sodium ferrite (Na₂FeO₄).

Abstract: Effective management of discharged wastewater quality is crucial for maintaining public health, preserving aquatic ecosystems, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. However, spatial and temporal data sparsity remains a fundamental constraint. This review critically examines the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and statistical interpolation techniques in bridging these data gaps to create continuous maps of wastewater quality parameters (e.g., BOD₅, COD, TSS, nutrients). Moving beyond a simple compilation of methods, this paper presents a comprehensive framework that categorizes and evaluates interpolation techniques, ranging from deterministic and geostatistical approaches to emerging machine learning (ML) and hybrid models, based on their ability to address specific challenges in wastewater systems. A key contribution is a meta-analysis of 28 comparative studies, which quantitatively synthesizes evidence on the prediction accuracy (RMSE) of different methods. The results indicate that machine learning and hybrid models significantly outperform deterministic and basic geostatistical methods, with a pooled reduction in RMSE of 18.4% (95% CI: 12.1-24.3%) compared to Ordinary Kriging. We explore applications in pollutant tracking, impact assessment, and infrastructure planning, highlighting how the integration of real-time sensor data (IoT) and remote sensing is transforming static maps into dynamic monitoring tools. Finally, we present a forward-looking roadmap for research, informed by our quantitative findings, emphasizing the need for hybrid modeling frameworks that leverage AI, the development of digital twins for wastewater networks, and the integration of uncertainty quantification into decision-support systems. By quantitatively synthesizing the current state-of-the-art and identifying critical knowledge gaps, this review aims to guide future research towards more intelligent, adaptive, and reliable spatial assessments of wastewater quality.

Abstract: The commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and the need for increasing circularity of industrial processes call for the exploitation of byproducts to generate value-added chemicals in cost- and energy-advantageous processes. In this process simulation-based research, two technologies were evaluated for the synthesis of isoamyl acetate from fusel oil: A) an indirect process, and B) a direct process using reactive distillation. Aspen Hysys v14.0 was used for the simulation. A sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the influence of operating parameters on product purity, isoamyl acetate recovery and productivity, and energy consumption. Technology B was found to be the most favorable, obtaining 22.27 kg/h of isoamyl acetate with a purity of 98%. The total consumption of cooling water and heating was 87.6 MJ/h and 88.22 MJ/h, respectively. Based on the best conditions, a technical-economic analysis was performed that demonstrated the viability of the process, obtaining a net present value (NPV) of US$3,587,110/year, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 38.95% and a payback period (PP) of 5.05 years. If acid recirculation is considered in the process, an NPV of US$7,232,950, an IRR of 56.34%, and a PP of 3.56 years are obtained.

Abstract: This research optimized the parameters of Ohmic Heating Pasteurization (OHP) for passion fruit juice utilizing a Box–Behnken design. Researchers assessed how temperature (75–95°C), holding time (15–45 s), and voltage gradient (10–30 V/cm) influence the system performance coefficient (SPC), total color difference (ΔE), and vitamin C retention. The op-timal conditions were 82.5°C, 25 s, and 18.5 V/cm, achieving a microbial reduction exceeding 5 log CFU/mL, 45% retention of vitamin C, minimal color alteration (ΔE = 7.56), and an SPC of 0.85. Traditional pasteurization (85°C, 25 s) preserved merely 10% of vitamin C, induced a more significant color alteration (ΔE = 14.87), and resulted in a reduced SPC (0.54). The OHP-treated juice demonstrated superior antioxidant activity and prolonged shelf life (70 days at 8°C) in comparison to conventionally processed juice (28 days). The research as-sessed enzymatic activity (POD, PPO), demonstrating that OHP achieved superior inactiva-tion, thereby enhancing color stability and long-term product quality. These results indicate that OHP is a promising and sustainable thermal technology for high-acid fruit juice pas-teurization, combining energy efficiency with superior quality retention and enzyme inac-tivation.

Abstract: In this study, the effect of hot air drying (HAD, 55 °C), infrared drying (IRD, 62 W), and combined infrared and hot air drying (CD) with different IR pretreatment times (30, 60, 90 min) on the drying kinetics, color, and rehydration of orange and black carrots was evaluated. IRD was characterized by the shortest drying time (140–160 min) and the highest effective moisture diffusion coefficient (1.40–1.42 × 10⁻⁹ m²/s), shortening the total drying time by 65–70% compared to HAD. The combined drying method (CD-90) with a 90-min IR pretreatment showed the best performance in terms of color retention (ΔE = 3.60–4.80) and rehydration rate (5.07–5.19), while achieving diffusion rates comparable to IRD. The Midilli-Küçük model described the drying kinetics of carrots with high accuracy for all drying methods (R² ≥ 0.9998). The results also indicated carrot variety-specific differences, with black carrots exhibiting faster moisture diffusion and higher structural strength. Results obtained in this study have shown that infrared-hot air combined drying, especially with extended infrared pretreatment of 90 minutes, is an energy-efficient and industrially applicable way to produce high-quality dried carrots capable of maintaining rehydration capacity and color retention capability.

Abstract: We present a theoretical and numerical framework for computing asymmetric two-dimensional droplet shapes on surfaces with a sharp wetting boundary separating regions of distinct contact angles. Through Lagrange multiplier analysis of the constrained Gibbs free energy functional, we derive a spreading condition that relates the contact line position ratio to the ratio of spreading functions, which encode the unbalanced Young stress at each contact line. Under geometric self-similarity assumptions valid for moderate gravitational effects, this condition reduces to an explicit algebraic relation. Hydrophilic surfaces exhibit intuitive spreading toward regions with better wettability, producing flattened asymmetric profiles. Conversely, hydrophobic surfaces display counterintuitive behavior where droplets preferentially occupy regions with poorer wettability, maintaining tall compact geometries. Bond number variations from capillary-dominated to gravity-influenced regimes demonstrate systematic gravitational flattening, yet the contact line position ratio remains invariant across gravitational conditions, confirming that horizontal partitioning depends exclusively on interfacial energy ratios rather than body forces. Mixed hydrophilic-hydrophobic boundaries violate equilibrium conditions and drive spontaneous droplet migration. These findings provide quantitative design criteria for applications requiring controlled droplet positioning on patterned substrates.

Abstract: Spray-drying production of litchi powder is frequently constrained by low yield and unstable quality, largely attributable to variations in fruit sugar–acid profiles. To elucidate the compositional factors affecting powder performance, ten litchi cultivars with distinct sugar–acid ratios were processed under identical conditions. Baitangying produced superior powder with the highest yield (89.23±1.25%), solubility (98.17±0.49%), and glass transition temperature (52.17±2.00 ℃). Jizuili also performed well. Both high-sucrose, low-acidity cultivars demonstrated excellent drying efficiency and storage stability. Conversely, high-acid and reducing-sugar cultivars (Feizixiao, Guanxiangli) retained more moisture (> 7%) and showed lower glass transition temperature, suggesting inferior stability. Correlation analysis revealed that fructose (ρ = −0.794, p < 0.001) and titratable acidity (ρ = −0.770, p < 0.001) were negatively correlated with yield, while sucrose was positively associated with yield and color lightness (ρ = 0.630, p < 0.05). Antioxidant capacity varied among cultivars and was mainly governed by total phenolics and litchi thaumatin-like protein, with Feizixiao and Jingganghongnuo showing the highest FRAP values (19.36 ± 0.12 and 17.38 ± 0.33 μg TE/mg DW). Overall, intrinsic sugar–acid profiles fundamentally determine the drying efficiency, powder stability, and bioactive retention of litchi powder.

Abstract: Battery health monitoring is essential for ensuring the safety, longevity, and efficiency of energy storage systems, particularly in critical applications where reliability is important. Traditional methods for assessing battery degradation, such as Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), are effective but impractical for large-scale deployment due to their time-intensive nature. This study introduces a novel model-based approach for estimating a critical indicator of battery aging, the internal resistance. Using the NASA battery dataset, specifically focusing on batteries number 5 and 7 with NCA chemistry, a comprehensive framework that integrates advanced predictive models, i.e. the Random Forest Regressor (RF), the XGBoost Regressor (XGBR), the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, was developed. The models were evaluated using common regression metrics, while hyperparameter tuning was performed accomplished to optimize performance. The results demonstrated that recurrent neural networks, particularly GRU and LSTM, effectively capture the temporal dependencies inherent in battery aging, offering more accurate State of Health (SOH) predictions. This approach significantly improves computational efficiency and prediction accuracy, paving the way for practical applications in Battery Management Systems (BMS).

Abstract: In the described studies, raw material from chemically recycled petrochemical foam and biobased polyurethane foams (100% of rapeseed oil polyol were used in polyol premix) were utilised in order to obtain viscoelastic foams. The recycled foams exhibited differ-ences in chemical structure, resulting in the formation of four different repolyols. The ob-tained repolyols were employed as replacements for 10 to 30% wt. of the petrochemical polyol in the mixture utilised to produce viscoelastic polyurethane foams. It was deter-mined that the chemical structure of the polyol utilised for the foam's initial production influences the properties of the repolyols obtained, and thus also the properties of the vis-coelastic foams obtained using them. It was found that foams obtained with the addition of 10%wt. repolyols were character-ized by the best properties among the obtained modified foams, comparable or even better than in the case of petrochemical reference foam. The apparent density of such foams was about 70 kg/m3. Depending on the type of repolyol used, the hardness of the foams ranged from 2 to 8 kPa, and the comfort factor was between 2.5 and 5.0. The foams obtained were characterised by their ability to absorb energy, as evidenced by a resilience of not more than 10% in most cases. However, increasing the percentage of repolyol in the reaction mixture caused too much changes in the structure of the polymer chains, disrupting the arrangement of rigid and elastic segments, which caused the hardness to increase signifi-cantly, and the foams were more susceptible to permanent deformation.

Abstract: This study produces high-purity nano-silica from corn straw ash (biomass power plants) using an alkaline fusion derived sodium silicate solution. CO₂ replaces traditional acids in the carbonation reaction, enabling high extraction yield (93.11%). The process addresses the gap in directly utilizing combustion ash for such high-purity silica. Key optimal conditions identified were: 5 M HCl concentration, NaOH fusion reagent, 1:1.2 mixing ratio, 3 M NaOH solvent, and 12 h ripening. The resulting nano-silica achieved 92.73% purity, 10-50 nm particle size, 270 × 10⁻⁵ m³/kg DBP absorption, 55.9916 m²/g specific surface area, 6.38% LOD, and 6.69% LOI. These properties meet national standards for premium, loosely structured nano-silica. This method provides an economical and effective silicon source, reducing costs and offering economic-environmental benefits.

Abstract:

Bioethanol continues to gain popularity as a viable alternative to fossil fuels considering that it is a renewable fuel obtained from biomass. This study explores the optimization of bioethanol production from three potentially useful feedstocks that is marine algae, vegetable waste and lignin-based cellulosic biomass which includes sugarcane, switchgrass, Wood Chips and Corn Stover. Vegetable waste is widely available, but to reduce contamination and maintain sustainability, it must be collected and handled carefully. Although lignocellulosic biomass is a specific energy crop choice, pre-treatment is required to transform its complex structures efficiently. While marine algae grow quickly and do not compete with land resources, large-scale cultivation and harvesting systems still require improvement. Each feedstock's advantages and disadvantages are examined, taking into account issues with conversion, sustainability, and availability. Kinetic modeling will be employed to analyze reaction rates, identify key parameters, optimize process conditions, and guide the development of cost-effective, sustainable bioethanol production. Individual MATLAB simulation models of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were developed for potato peels, sugarcane bagasse, and brown marine algae, revealing their unique bioresource potential. Simulation model analysis for potato peels concentrated mainly on fermentation based on the Monod equation and Michaelis-Menten kinetic models of starch hydrolysis having carbohydrate content of 21.05g by difference. While for marine algae, Saccharina latissima was considered which had an Alginate content of around 34.5% dry weight and it addressed how the polysaccharide is extracted and transformed from it. Sugarcane bagasse models included its complex lignocellulosic structure and pre-treatment simulations containing carbohydrate content of 10.9g.

Abstract: Ammonia, widely regarded as the "hydrogen carrier of the future," offers high hydrogen content, ease of production, and a well-established infrastructure for handling and transportation on a global scale. Meanwhile, ammonia cracking requires heat supply at high temperatures and induction heating provides efficient, precise, and rapid heating to conductive materials of different shapes and sizes. Therefore, this work presents a proof of concept for ammonia cracking using induction heating with 3 different reactor configurations: (1) a 3D metal workpiece; (2) a 3D metal workpiece and Ni/Al2O3 catalyst; and (3) only Ni/Al2O3 catalyst. The performance of the inductively heated reactor is also compared to the one using an electric furnace. The results showed that the reactor configuration containing both the workpiece and the catalyst was the most efficient in terms of electric power usage to achieve high temperatures quickly; the least efficient configuration is the one with just the catalyst. While the workpiece surface showed minor structural changes after time on stream, the system’s performance was not affected. Overall, the introduction of the 3D workpiece allowed for fast and uniform conversion and heating within the reactor enabling efficient and dynamic process control when applying induction heating to chemical reactors.

Abstract: The pristine (p-SiO₂) and sulfonated silica (s-SiO₂) particles were created using the sol-gel and Stober methods. Furthermore, this study sought to show the impact of calcination time and surface changes on the morphology, and hence functionality, of the silica nanoparticles synthesised as potential fuel cell membrane additives. Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was used as a silica precursor dissolved in water, with sulphuric acid serving as the sulphonation agent. Parametric data on particle morphology, such as particle size, porosity, total surface area, and agglomeration, were measured and evaluated using BET, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amorphous nature of silica nanoparticles was confirmed by XRD analysis. The BET outcome data acquired for the synthesised silica particles were surface area ranges from 271 to 487 m²/g, pore diameter 12.10 nm - 21.02 nm, and total pore volume 0.76 - 1.58 cm³/g. This data gives crucial characteristics for designing appropriate silica nanofillers for hybrid fuel cell membranes. As a result, the gathered data can be used to make future decisions about silica synthesis methods for fuel cell applications.

Abstract: Rotating packed beds (RPBs) have recently gained significant attention from researchers as a promising approach to intensify the performance of traditional packed columns. Although numerous lab-scale experimental and numerical studies on RPBs are available in the literature, there is a scarcity of operational data for large-scale RPBs. In this research, high gas flow rates in large-scale RPBs are investigated using CFD simulation to predict the dry pressure drop in a rotating bed. A 2D geometry with periodic boundary condition was applied to simulate the turbulent gas flow in a rotating packed bed. The simulation results offer valuable insights into the gas flow dynamics within rotating beds, highlight-ing the pressure and velocity variations that occur at high rotational speeds. A semiem-pirical correlation successfully replicated the results obtained in this study and can be uti-lized to predict the pressure drop in large-scale RPBs under operating conditions similar to those studied in this research.

Abstract: In vitro cultured biomass of Rindera graeca , a rare endemic plant, is an efficient renewable source of bioactive naphthoquinones, e.g., rinderol, a potential bioactive inducer of apoptosis in cancer cells. Bioengineering strategies, as biomass immobilization on functionalized biomaterial-based scaffolds, elicitation by chitosan, and in situ extraction of metabolites, are tested for intensifying naphthoquinones production in R. graeca hairy roots. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of hybrid poly(lactic)–chitosan scaffolds on biomass proliferation and rinderol production in R. graeca hairy roots. Effects of chitosan origin (fungal or squid), viscosity (10-3500 cps), and concentration (up to 45%) in the developed hybrid scaffolds have been quantitatively identified, and the results were compared to the reference culture system containing an unmodified PLA-based construct. Applying PLA–chitosan scaffold containing 33% of fungal chitosan resulted in 635 times higher rinderol production (3660 µg gDW-1) than the application of reference scaffolds. Among the tested parameters, the chitosan concentration in the hybrid scaffolds revealed significant importance in rinderol production. To sum up, the developed hybrid PLA-chitosan scaffold may be recognized as a functional key element supporting the production of naphthoquinones in cultures of R. graeca biomass.

Abstract: The discharge of dye-laden effluents remains an environmental challenge since conventional treatments remove color but not the organic load. This study systematically compared anodic oxidation (AO), electro-Fenton (EF), and photoelectro-Fenton (PEF) processes for three representative industrial dyes, such as Coriasol Red CB, Brown RBH, and Blue VT, and their ternary mixture, using boron-doped diamond (BDD) and Ti/IrO₂–SnO₂–Sb₂O₅ (MMO) anodes. Experiments were conducted in a batch reactor with 50 mM Na₂SO₄ at pH =3.0 and current densities of 20–60 mA cm⁻². Kinetic analysis showed that AO-BDD was most effective at low pollutant loads, EF-BDD became superior at medium loads due to efficient H₂O₂ electrogeneration, and PEF-MMO dominated at higher loads by fast UVA photolysis of surface Fe(OH)²⁺ complexes. In a ternary mixture of 120 mg L⁻¹ of dyes, EF-BDD and PEF-MMO achieved >98 % decolorization in 22–23 min with pseudo-first order rate constants of 0.111–0.136 min⁻¹, whereas AO processes remained slower. COD assays revealed partial mineralization of 60–80 %, with EF-BDD providing the most consistent reduction and PEF-MMO minimizing treatment time. These findings confirm that decolorization overestimates efficiency, and electrode selection must be tailored to dye structure and effluent composition. Process-selection rules allow concluding that EF-BDD is the best robust dark option, and PEF-MMO, when UVA is available, offers practical guidelines for cost-effective electrochemical treatment of textile wastewater.

Abstract: Construction of new seawater reverse osmosis desalination (SWRO) plants in state of California (USA) requires environmental permits containing rather strict conditions. The California Ocean Plan requires the use of subsurface intake systems (SSIs) unless they are deemed to be not feasible. The Governor of California requested that the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) study the issue of accelerating the desalination plant permitting process and making it more efficient. The State Board formed an independent scientific Panel to study the issue of SSI feasibility and to submit a report. The Panel recommendations included: the feasibility assessment (FA) for SSIs should be streamlined for completion within a maximum of three years, and this requirement should be added to the Ocean Plan; applicants need to perform a financial feasibility study before pursuing SSI capacities exceeding 38,000 m3/d (10 MGD) for wells or 100,000 m3/d (25 MGD) for galleries because project financing may be denied for such larger capacity systems; the mitigation options for each site-SSI combination be in the screening process should be addressed by both the project proponent and regulatory agencies as early as practicable in the overall permitting process; and the impacts of SSIs on local aquifers and associated wetlands systems must be assessed during the analyses conducted during the FA and during post-construction monitoring. The Panel further concluded that the design and evaluation of SSI-site combinations are highly site-specific, involving technically complex issues, which require both the applicant and the reviewing state agencies to have the expertise to design and review the applications. Economic feasibility must consider cost to the consumer and the engineering risk that can preclude project financing. Projected capacities exceeding the above noted limits may not by financed due to risks of failure or could require government guarantees to lenders. The current permitting system in California is likely to preclude construction of large seawater desalination facilities that can provide another source of potable water for coastal communities in California during severe droughts.

Abstract: Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) is a non-negotiable process for ensuring hygiene and safety in the modern dairy industry. However, conventional CIP systems are often inefficient against persistent fouling and resilient microbial biofilms, leading to significant consumption of water, chemicals, and energy, as well as posing risks of production downtime. This paper presents a comprehensive design, theoretical analysis, and implementation framework for "ClogBuster," a novel CIP enhancement system. This system synergistically integrates three core technologies: (1) the advanced physicochemical action of oxygen (O₂) and ozone (O₃) nanobubbles for penetrating and oxidizing organic matrices; (2) the powerful mechanical scouring force of a controlled two-phase slug flow; and (3) the intelligent process control of an ABB System 800xA automation platform. The ClogBuster is designed to function as a highly effective pre-treatment stage, ensuring complete surface wetting, deep biofilm disruption, and potent antimicrobial action. The ABB System 800xA platform provides continuous, real-time monitoring and dynamic optimization of all critical parameters, ensuring maximum cleaning efficacy with minimal resource usage. This paper provides an indepth analysis of the system's architecture, the scientific principles of its components, a comparative performance review, a detailed economic impact assessment, and a roadmap for future development. The findings indicate that the ClogBuster system represents a paradigm shift towards a more effective, sustainable, and economically viable solution for sanitation in the dairy processing industry.

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of moisture content on agricultural fertilizers' flowabil-ity, compressibility, and caking behavior. We assessed how varying moisture levels in-fluence the physical properties of commercial and experimental fertilizer mixtures by uti-lizing advanced testing methodologies, including shear cell technology and powder rheometry. Our findings reveal that moisture significantly enhances particle agglomera-tion, increasing the cohesive forces within the material and adversely affecting its flowa-bility. Moreover, the presence of moisture was found to exacerbate caking tendencies, par-ticularly under compressive storage conditions, which could impede material handling and application. The study also explores the effectiveness of surface modifications and the use of anti-caking agents to mitigate these effects, aiming to optimize fertilizer formula-tions for improved storage stability and field performance. Results from this research pro-vide crucial insights into the design and manufacturing of fertilizer products that are more resilient to environmental variations and offer enhanced usability in agricultural applications.