V. K. Magotra, Dong-jin Lee, Dong-Il Kim et al.

Frontiers in Microbiology • 2023

Microbial fuel cells (CS-UFC) utilize waste resources containing biodegradable materials that play an essential role in green energy. MFC technology generates “carbon-neutral” bioelectricity and involves a multidisciplinary approach to microbiology. MFCs will play an important role in the harvesting of “green electricity.” In this study, a single-chamber urea fuel cell is fabricated that uses these different wastewaters as fuel to generate power. Soil has been used to generate electrical power in microbial fuel cells and exhibited several potential applications to optimize the device; the urea fuel concentration is varied from 0.1 to 0.5 g/mL in a single-chamber compost soil urea fuel cell (CS-UFC). The proposed CS-UFC has a high power density and is suitable for cleaning chemical waste, such as urea, as it generates power by consuming urea-rich waste as fuel. The CS-UFC generates 12 times higher power than conventional fuel cells and exhibits size-dependent behavior. The power generation increases with a shift from the coin cell toward the bulk size. The power density of the CS-UFC is 55.26 mW/m2. This result confirmed that urea fuel significantly affects the power generation of single-chamber CS-UFC. This study aimed to reveal the effect of soil properties on the generated electric power from soil processes using waste, such as urea, urine, and industrial-rich wastewater as fuel. The proposed system is suitable for cleaning chemical waste; moreover, the proposed CS-UFC is a novel, sustainable, cheap, and eco-friendly design system for soil-based bulk-type design for large-scale urea fuel cell applications.

Niaz Mahmud, Kayode J Taiwo, Joseph G. Usack

Annual Review of Food Science and Technology • 2024

Harnessing CO2 and CO2-derived C1-C2 compounds for microbial food production can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and boost sustainability within the food sector. These innovative technologies support carbon neutrality by generating nutrient-rich edible microbial biomass and biocompounds using autotrophic and heterotrophic microbes. However, qualifying microbial food viability and future impacts in the food sector remains challenging due to their diversity, technical complexity, socioeconomic forces, and incipient markets. This review provides an overview of microbial food systems and then delves into the technical interplay among feedstocks, microbes, carbon fixation platforms, bioreactor operations, and downstream processes. The review further explores developing markets for microbial food products, the industrial landscape, economic drivers, and emerging trends in next-generation food products. The analysis suggests a transformative shift in the food industry is underway, yet significant challenges persist, such as securing cost-effective feedstocks, improving downstream processing efficiency, and gaining consumer acceptance. These challenges require innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to ensure the future commercial success of microbial foods-doing so will create myriad opportunities to transform and decarbonize our food system.

Yingying Du, Qiao Yang, Wangting Lu et al.

Advanced Functional Materials • 2023

Single metal atom isolated in nitrogen‐doped carbon materials (MNC) are effective electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which produces H2O2 or H2O via 2‐electron or 4‐electron process. However, most of MNC catalysts can only present high selectivity for one product, and the selectivity is usually regulated by complicated structure design. Herein, a carbon black‐supported CoNC catalyst (CB@CoNC) is synthesized. Tunable 2‐electron/4‐electron behavior is realized on CB@Co‐N‐C by utilizing its H2O2 yield dependence on electrolyte pH and catalyst loading. In acidic media with low catalyst loading, CB@CoNC presents excellent mass activity and high selectivity for H2O2 production. In flow cell with gas diffusion electrode, a H2O2 production rate of 5.04 mol h−1 g−1 is achieved by CB@CoNC on electrolyte circulation mode, and a long‐term H2O2 production of 200 h is demonstrated on electrolyte non‐circulation mode. Meanwhile, CB@CoNC exhibits a dominant 4‐electron ORR pathway with high activity and durability in pH neutral media with high catalyst loading. The microbial fuel cell using CB@CoNC as the cathode catalyst shows a peak power density close to that of benchmark Pt/C catalyst.

Jan Mertens, Ronnie Belmans, Michael Webber

C • 0

<jats:p>This paper argues that electrification and gasification go hand in hand and are crucial on our pathway to a carbon-neutral energy transition. Hydrogen made from renewable electricity will be crucial on this path but is not sufficient, mainly due to its challenges related to its transport and storage. Thus, other ‘molecules’ will be needed on the pathway to a carbon-neutral energy transition. What at first sight seems a contradiction, this paper argues that carbon (C) will be an important and required chemical element in many of these molecules to achieve our carbon neutrality goal. Therefore, on top of the “Hydrogen Economy” we should work also towards a “Synthetic Hydrocarbon Economy”, implying the needs for lots of carbon as a carrier for hydrogen and embedded in products as a form of sequestration. It is crucial that this carbon is taken from the biosphere or recycled from biomass/biogas and not from fossil resources. Due to efficiency losses in capturing and converting atmospheric CO2, the production of renewable molecules will increase the overall demand for renewable energy drastically.</jats:p>

H. Dang, N. Jiao

• 0

<jats:p>Abstract. Although respiration consumes fixed carbon and produce CO2, it provides energy for essential biological processes of an ecosystem, including the microbial carbon pump (MCP). In MCP-driving biotransformation of labile DOC to recalcitrant DOC (RDOC), microbial respiration provides the metabolic energy for environmental organic substrate sensing, cellular enzyme syntheses and catalytic processes such as uptake, secretion, modification, fixation and storage of carbon compounds. The MCP efficiency of a heterotrophic microorganism is thus related to its energy production efficiency and hence to its respiration efficiency. Anaerobically respiring microbes usually have lower energy production efficiency and lower energy-dependent carbon transformation efficiency, and consequently lower MCP efficiency at per cell level. This effect is masked by the phenomena that anoxic environments often store more organic matter. Here we point out that organic carbon preservation and RDOC production is different in mechanisms, and anaerobically respiring ecosystems could also have lower MCP ecological efficiency. Typical cases can be found in large river estuarine ecosystems. Due to strong terrigenous input of nutrients and organic matter, estuarine ecosystems usually experience intense heterotrophic respiration processes that rapidly consume dissolved oxygen, potentially producing hypoxic and anoxic zones in the water column. The lowered availability of dissolved oxygen and the excessive supply of nutrients such as nitrate from river input prompt enhanced anaerobic respiration processes. Thus, some nutrients may be consumed by anaerobically respiring heterotrophic microorganisms, instead of being utilized by phytoplankton for carbon fixation and primary production. In this situation, the ecological functioning of the estuarine ecosystem is altered and the ecological efficiency is lowered, as less carbon is fixed and less energy is produced. Ultimately this would have negatively impacts on the ecological functioning and efficiency of the MCP which depends on both organic carbon and energy supply. </jats:p>

Chongchong Zhao, Bin Wu, Weiguang Hao et al.

Agronomy • 0

<jats:p>Recycled manure solids (RMSs) are widely utilised as beddings due to their economic and environmentally friendly features. Internal change in RMSs plays a vital role in the stable operation and management of beddings. However, the internal microenvironment of various manure beddings has not been fully reported. Therefore, we evaluated the physicochemical properties, internal gases and changes in the microbial community of the in situ fermentation beds, which were prefermented by cow manure with sawdust (FSD), straw (FST) and sawdust–straw mixture (FM), at a farm in Jiangsu, China, from June to September 2022. The results indicated that the FSD and FM beds were more capable of degrading organic matter (OM), accumulating total nitrogen and processing a more stable pH environment. FSD bed promoted the conversion of nitrate–nitrogen and ammonium–nitrogen (NH4+-N). Different treatments and times had significant effects on bacterial and fungal communities. FSD enriched Chloroflexi, and FST enriched Actinobacteriota in the early stage, while FM enriched Proteobacteria in the late stage. Bacterial communities were more sensitive to NH4+-N and OM, while fungal communities were more sensitive to temperature and pH. FSD had potential advantages concerning N conversion and C emission reduction. The results of the study revealed the microenvironmental dynamics during bedding use, providing a theoretical basis for the use of a compost bedding system for managing recycled dairy manure.</jats:p>

Asif Raihan

Carbon Research • 0

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Uruguay has set a target of becoming carbon neutral by the year 2030, and this study looks into the role that economic progress, renewable energy utilization, technological innovations, and forest extent could play in reaching the goal. The Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) technique was applied to examine time series data from 1990 to 2021. According to the outcomes of the DOLS estimation, a one-percentage-point boost in economic growth is associated with a 1.16% increase in CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> emissions. However, increasing the use of renewable energy by 1% is related to a reduction in CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> emissions of 0.73 percent over the long run, as indicated by the coefficient of renewable energy being negative and statistically significant. The calculated long-run coefficient of technological innovations is negative and statistically significant, suggesting that a 1% increase in technological innovation causes a 0.11% cut in CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> emissions. The long-run coefficient of forest area is notably negative and significant, which means that expanding forest area by 1% lessens CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> emissions by 0.56%. The empirical results show that as Uruguay's economy grows, so do its CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> emissions, but the country may get closer to its goal of carbon neutrality through the growing use of renewable energy, technological innovation, and sustainable forest management. The robustness of the outcomes was verified by utilizing the fully modified least squares (FMOLS) and canonical cointegrating regression (CCR) techniques. In order for Uruguay to reach its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030, this article offers policy ideas centered on a low-carbon economy, promoting renewable energy utilization, financing of technological innovations, and sustainable forest management.</jats:p> <jats:p><jats:bold>Graphical Abstract</jats:bold></jats:p>

Christine Ehlig-Economides, Neil de Guzman

SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition • 2020

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>In efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion, public funding for wind and solar alternative energy resources has enabled their evolution toward cost competitiveness with coal and natural gas options for electric power generation. To address combustion emissions from the transportation sector, the European Commission has committed to electrifying transportation, but this solution will not address transportation by air or by sea. Nor does it address continued production of petrochemical products that only require a small fraction of produced hydrocarbons. This study investigates the cost competitiveness of an alternative strategy to market crude oil priced to cover the cost of removing an amount of carbon dioxide equal to that produced through combustion of transportation fuels to be refined from it. This strategy enables continued use of fossil fuel for all transportation modes.</jats:p> <jats:p>The cost comparison considers life cycle carbon dioxide emissions and does not address other externalities related to materials or batteries employed in renewable energy options. Rather, we report known costs for carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) with consideration of both nature and technology based carbon capture with focus mainly on geologic storage and utilization.</jats:p> <jats:p>Because road and rail transportation can be electrified, of particular interest is the levelized cost comparison between carbon neutral fuel and electrified transportation, the latter including infrastructure implementation costs.</jats:p> <jats:p>The resulting cost comparison informs investment decisions and justifies marketing fossil fuels on a carbon neutral basis.</jats:p>

Paul Magee

TEXT • 0

<jats:p>The author was co-convener of the Australian Capital Territory’s first government-certified, carbon-neutral conference, Out of the Ordinary: On Poetry and the World, 5–7 December 2022. This paper centres upon a case study of that conference, intended to serve as a model for future such events. Bookending that case study are two discussions. The first addresses recent scholarship on the internationalisation of the university sector and the conflict it poses to concurrent policy drives towards environmentally sustainable operations. The literature on sustainable conferencing reveals the extent of that conflict, but also contains many practical measures for staging responsible events that involve genuine emissions reductions. Some of those measures feature within the poetry conference case study: vegetarian catering, eradication of printed materials, free registration for Indigenous delegates, compulsory travel offsetting, deliberate regionalisation. A final section considers problems with the very idea of carbon neutrality – as a concept based in “net” accounting practices that equate measures intended to affect the removal of emissions with no emissions – in the interest of driving further change in our conferencing practices.</jats:p>

Dorji Yangka, Vanessa Rauland, Peter Newman

Sustainable Earth Reviews • 0

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec> <jats:title>Background</jats:title> <jats:p>Bhutan has pledged to remain carbon neutral (CN) in perpetuity. Whether they can sustain this is questionable due to the country’s increasing economic growth (GDP) and commitment to gross national happiness (GNH) outcomes, both of which can lead to a rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The nexus between GHG, GNH and GDP is the essence of the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals global project.</jats:p> </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Results</jats:title> <jats:p>Through scenario modelling using the Long-range Energy Alternative Planning (LEAP) model, the study finds that the carbon neutral declaration will derail between 2037 and 2050 without mitigation measures. By putting in place mitigation measures especially in the industry and transport sectors, CN can be retained even under high growth pressure, which may cost just 2% of GDP. CN can be easily retained under low economic growth, but this could undermine GNH. High growth will require immediate interventions to enable electrification of industry and transport.</jats:p> </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title> <jats:p>The options to remain CN will require Bhutan to adopt more efficient technologies and electrify industry and transport under both low and high growth scenarios. The additional cost to the Bhutanese economy is feasible through low and high growth opportunities. The options are similar to those confronting emerging nations struggling with issues of climate commitments under economic growth pressures. All will need to adapt their specific economic contexts to achieve the simultaneous objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals whilst addressing the net zero Paris agenda. Bhutan shows it is possible.</jats:p> </jats:sec>

, I. Kupriyanchyk

Zemleustrìj, kadastr ì monìtorìng zemelʹ • 2021

<jats:p>The article deals with the relationship between economic development and environmental security.With regard to agricultural land use, ensuring environmental security involves optimizing the organization of land use and land use process on the basis of environmental restrictions on environmental pollution and agricultural products. First of all, according to environmental constraints, the possibilities of exploitation of natural resources and taking into account the peculiarities of agroecosystems (natural and climatic conditions, water resources, terrain, land and soil structure, land erosion, etc.) are determined to address food security. On their basis, ecologically balanced operation of agroecosystems is carried out through the formation of ecologically safe land uses, which provide for the optimization of economic activity of agricultural producers, taking into account environmental constraints. The article clarifies the essence and significance of ecologically safe agricultural land use in agriculture, proposes an approach to defining the essence of ecologically safe agricultural land use as a process of land use in the agricultural sector of the economy, which prevents the danger to human health, degradation of land resources, as well as their resilience to environmental threats and risks. The role of ecologically safe agrarian land use in ensuring sustainable development of rural areas and directions of influence of interaction of ecological and economic components of safety of agrarian land use are defined.</jats:p>

Damien Demoor

Offshore Technology Conference • 2016

<jats:title/> <jats:p>The exploitation of marine resources has enjoyed renewed interest with a completely new sector, that of the Deep Sea Mining of mineral resources in the seabed, that is now gaining momentum. Nevertheless, the significant environmental constraints represent a challenge for initiating these new activities, whether this is in terms of the knowledge of the concerned ecosystems or in terms of monitoring and minimizing the impact of these new activities. In the meantime, these prerequisites are becoming increasingly applicable to the Oil and Gas sector, at least in areas adjacent to countries that are sensitive to sustainable development, with increasingly prevalent regulations. This paper presents 2 technologies that aim to respond to the expectations of the stakeholders in this area. The first consists of the real-time monitoring of installations/operations and their impact on the environment using the most modern underwater technologies. The second consists of a membrane allowing the confinement of an area, the reduction of the emission of particles in suspension, noise reduction and thermal insulation.</jats:p>

Biao Zhou, Tiejian Zhang, Fei Wang

Applied Sciences • 0

<jats:p>There are several industrial processes in which heavy metals are used, including but not limited to chrome plating and tanning. Amongst the most toxic heavy metals to human health are arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, copper, nickel, and mercury. The aforementioned toxic metals possess the ability to cause contamination upon their release into the environment. Humans and aquatic and terrestrial animals are at risk from heavy metals in water and soil. Heavy metal toxicity has the potential to result in several health complications, such as renal and hepatic impairment, dermatological afflictions, cognitive lethargy, and potentially oncogenic manifestations. The removal of heavy metals from wastewater and soil can be accomplished using a variety of conventional methods, such as membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, chemical reduction, and adsorption. These methods have several disadvantages, such as generating an abundance of secondary pollutants, and entail significantly higher costs in comparison to biological methods. Conversely, eco-friendly techniques based on microbes have numerous advantages. This review provides a comprehensive overview of biological processes that remove heavy metal ions, both metabolically dependent and metabolically independent. Additionally, we also focused on the source and toxicity of these heavy metals. This study is expected to be particularly beneficial for the development of biological heavy metal treatment systems for soil and water.</jats:p>

M. Lavanya

Journal of Bio- and Tribo-Corrosion • 2021

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Corrosion results from the electrochemical reactions between the metal and its existing environment. Corrosion results in severe and expensive damage to a wide spectrum of industries. When microbes are involved in corrosion it is seldom possible to economically evaluate its impact. Microbially influenced corrosion is recognized to cause catastrophic failures contributing to approximately 20% of the annual losses. In many engineering applications, microbially influenced corrosion control is of prime importance. Expensive, toxicity and sometimes, even ineffectiveness of the current chemical strategies to mitigate microbially influenced corrosion have shifted the interest towards eco-friendly inhibitors. The present review discusses microbial induced corrosion in various metals and its inhibition through eco-friendly inhibitors. In addition, the study also reviews the morphological and electrochemical impedance results.</jats:p>

Xiaozhen Yang, Lin Huang, Qiang Deng et al.

Polymers • 0

<jats:p>Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an advantageous polymer due to its renewable nature, low cost, environmental compatibility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, chemical stability, and ease of modification. With these advantages, BC is an interesting candidate for the development of novel eco-friendly materials for proton-exchange membrane (PEM) applications. However, its practical applications have been limited by its relatively high dispersion in water, which usually occurs during the operation of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In addition, the proton conductivity of bacterial cellulose is poor. In this study, functionalized BC modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) was prepared using a solvent casting method to enhance its performance. The results showed that the water stability of the modified BC membrane was significantly improved, with the contact angle increasing from 54.9° to 103.3°. Furthermore, the optimum ratio of BC and APTES was used to prepare a proton-exchange membrane with a maximum proton conductivity of 62.2 mS/cm, which exhibited a power generation performance of 4.85 mW/cm2 in PEMFCs. It is worth mentioning that modified BC membranes obtained by combining an alkaline proton carrier (-NH2) with BC have rarely been reported. As fully bio-based conductive membranes for PEMFCs, they have the potential to be a low-cost, eco-friendly, and degradable alternative to expensive, ecologically problematic fluoric ionomers in short-term or disposable applications, such as biodegradable electronics and portable power supplies.</jats:p>

Aman Raj, Ashwani Kumar, Joanna Felicity Dames

Frontiers in Microbiology • 0

<jats:p>Pesticides are used indiscriminately all over the world to protect crops from pests and pathogens. If they are used in excess, they contaminate the soil and water bodies and negatively affect human health and the environment. However, bioremediation is the most viable option to deal with these pollutants, but it has certain limitations. Therefore, harnessing the role of microbial biosurfactants in pesticide remediation is a promising approach. Biosurfactants are the amphiphilic compounds that can help to increase the bioavailability of pesticides, and speeds up the bioremediation process. Biosurfactants lower the surface area and interfacial tension of immiscible fluids and boost the solubility and sorption of hydrophobic pesticide contaminants. They have the property of biodegradability, low toxicity, high selectivity, and broad action spectrum under extreme pH, temperature, and salinity conditions, as well as a low critical micelle concentration (CMC). All these factors can augment the process of pesticide remediation. Application of metagenomic and <jats:italic>in-silico</jats:italic> tools would help by rapidly characterizing pesticide degrading microorganisms at a taxonomic and functional level. A comprehensive review of the literature shows that the role of biosurfactants in the biological remediation of pesticides has received limited attention. Therefore, this article is intended to provide a detailed overview of the role of various biosurfactants in improving pesticide remediation as well as different methods used for the detection of microbial biosurfactants. Additionally, this article covers the role of advanced metagenomics tools in characterizing the biosurfactant producing pesticide degrading microbes from different environments.</jats:p>

Felice Panebianco, Selene Rubiola, Pierluigi Aldo Di Ciccio

Microorganisms • 0

<jats:p>Managing spoilage and pathogenic bacteria contaminations represents a major challenge for the food industry, especially for the dairy sector. Biofilms formed by these microorganisms in food processing environment continue to pose concerns to food manufacturers as they may impact both the safety and quality of processed foods. Bacteria inside biofilm can survive in harsh environmental conditions and represent a source of repeated food contamination in dairy manufacturing plants. Among the novel approaches proposed to control biofilm in food processing plants, the ozone treatment, in aqueous or gaseous form, may represent one of the most promising techniques due to its antimicrobial action and low environmental impact. The antimicrobial effectiveness of ozone has been well documented on a wide variety of microorganisms in planktonic forms, whereas little data on the efficacy of ozone treatment against microbial biofilms are available. In addition, ozone is recognized as an eco-friendly technology since it does not leave harmful residuals in food products or on contact surfaces. Thus, this review intends to present an overview of the current state of knowledge on the possible use of ozone as an antimicrobial agent against the most common spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, usually organized in biofilm, in dairy manufacturing plants.</jats:p>

, N. Radović, M. Stanišić et al.

Economy of Regions • 2023

<jats:p>Hotel industry, as a very dynamic activity within the tourism industry, applies innovations in business and develops voluntary eco-business standards for developing sustainable tourism. The paper aims to assess business excellence of hotels that are holders of the international eco-certificate Green Key in Serbia, a country in the Western Balkan region, by using the BEX model. The study reviews and presents the current situation when it comes to implementation and valorisation of eco-principles and standards in hotel business in Serbia, while examining their business excellence, as well as the opportunities for better positioning in the international tourism market. The research results show that the examined companies do not have poor ranks of business excellence. It is recommended for these hotels to continue with the current business while implementing innovations in sustainable business in order to improve business results. By monitoring the value of the BEX index, it is possible to avoid business risks, while expanding eco-awareness and implementing sustainable business policies, which would help hotel companies improve their business.</jats:p>

Fernanda Cortez Lopes, Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun

Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems • 0

<jats:p>Many commodities are abundantly produced around the world, including soybean, corn, rice sugarcane, cassava, coffee, fruits, and many others. These productions are responsible for the generation of enormous amounts of daily residues, such as cassava and sugarcane bagasses, rice husk, and coffee peel. These residues are rich sources for renewable energy and can be used as substrates for industrial interest products. Microorganisms are useful biofactories, capable of producing important primary and secondary metabolites, including alcohol, enzymes, antibiotics, pigments, and many other molecules. The production of pigments was reported in bacteria, filamentous fungi, yeasts, and algae. These natural microbial pigments are very promising because synthetic colorants present a long history of allergies and toxicity. In addition, many natural pigments present other biological activities, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, that are interesting for industrial applications. The use of inexpensive substrates for the production of these metabolites is very attractive, considering that agro-industrial residues are generated in high amounts and usually are a problem to the industry. Therefore, in this article we review the production of microbial pigments using agro-industrial residues during the current decade (2010–2020), considering both submerged and solid state fermentations, wild-type and genetically modified microorganisms, laboratorial to large-scale bioprocesses, and other possible biological activities related to these pigments.</jats:p>

Victor Alejandro Serrano, Carlos Alberto Guerrero Fajardo, Karol Tatiana Castro

• 0

<jats:p>Biobutanol is becoming more relevant as a promising alternative biofuel, primarily due to its advantageous characteristics. These include a higher energy content and density compared to traditional biofuels, as well as its ability to mix effectively with gasoline, further enhancing its viability as a potential replacement. A viable strategy for attaining carbon neutrality, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and utilizing sustainable and renewable resources is the use of biomass to produce biobutanol. Lignocellulosic materials have gained widespread recognition as highly suitable feedstocks for the synthesis of butanol, together with various value-added byproducts. The successful generation of biobutanol hinges on three crucial factors: effective feedstock pretreatment, the choice of fermentation techniques, and the subsequent enhancement of the produced butanol. While biobutanol holds promise as an alternative biofuel, it is important to acknowledge certain drawbacks associated with its production and utilization. One significant limitation is the relatively high cost of production compared to other biofuels, additionally, the current reliance on lignocellulosic feedstocks necessitates significant advancements in pretreatment and bioconversion technologies to enhance overall process efficiency. Furthermore, the limited availability of biobutanol-compatible infrastructure, such as distribution and storage systems, poses a barrier to its widespread adoption. Addressing these drawbacks is crucial for maximizing the potential benefits of biobutanol as a sustainable fuel source. This document presents an extensive review encompassing the historical development of biobutanol production and explores emerging trends in the field.</jats:p>

Adharsh Rajasekar, Armstrong Ighodalo Omoregie, Kan Fock Kui

Letters in Applied Microbiology • 2025

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Heavy metal contamination significantly threatens environmental and public health, necessitating effective and sustainable remediation technologies. This review explores two innovative bioremediation techniques: microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) and enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP). Both techniques show promise for immobilizing heavy metals in laboratory and field settings. MICP utilizes the metabolic activity of ureolytic microorganisms to precipitate calcium carbonate, sequestering heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic as stable metal–carbonate complexes. EICP, on the other hand, employs urease enzymes to catalyze calcium carbonate precipitation, offering greater control over reaction conditions and higher efficiency in environments unfavorable to microbial activity. This mini-review compares the mechanisms of MICP and EICP, focusing on factors influencing their performance, including enzyme or microbial activity, pH, temperature, and nutrient availability. Case studies illustrate their success in sequestering heavy metals, emphasizing their practical applications and environmental benefits. A comparative analysis highlights the strengths and limitations of MICP and EICP regarding cost, scalability, and challenges. This review synthesizes research to support the advancement of MICP and EICP as sustainable solutions for mitigating heavy metal contamination.</jats:p>

Bilge Sayın Börekçi

Green Chemistry for the Development of Eco-Friendly Products • 2022

<jats:p>With the increasing population, developing technology, and industry, the importance given to waste control/effective assessment studies continue with increasing momentum. The use of wastes in the production of biotechnological products is preferred due to its advantages in reducing environmental pollution, preventing nutrient and biomass losses, recycling, and decreasing costs. Citric acid (CA) is an intermediate product formed by the oxidation of carbohydrates to carbon dioxide in the Krebs cycle. This organic acid is used in many industrial areas such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is also an important organic acid in the food industry and is used as an acidifier, a stabilizer, an antioxidant, a flavor enhancer, and a preservative. Today, CA production is produced by microorganisms through fermentation. In addition, some wastes, such as molasses, glycerol, whey, olive mill wastewater, and various fruit wastes can be evaluated for use in the production of CA. This study reviewed the microbial production of CA using various wastes and some factors affecting the production. </jats:p>

G. De Lorenzo, P. Fragiacomo

Fuel Cells • 2010

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>This article refers to a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) system coupled to a plant with a microgas turbine and a heat recovery system for obtaining a small sized hybrid system in co‐generative arrangement.</jats:p><jats:p>MCFC are devices capable of concentrating carbon dioxide (CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>) produced in anode exhaust gases. If they are handled conveniently, it is possible to separate and store the surplus CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> produced by the plant instead of emitting it into the atmosphere.</jats:p><jats:p>From the simulation model of the MCFC system, previously developed by the authors, a zero‐dimensional and stationary simulation model for the whole hybrid system was formulated and implemented in the same language.</jats:p><jats:p>By the simulation model of the MCFC system it has been possible to make a parametric analysis of the hybrid plant to find some optimal operating conditions of the fuel cell(s) that maximise the performance of the entire hybrid plant. In addition, the separation of the CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> surplus produced by the hybrid plant was simulated by the model and then the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NO<jats:sub><jats:italic>x</jats:italic></jats:sub>) from the same plant were evaluated.</jats:p>

E. B. Ituen, O. Akaranta, O. A. James

SPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition • 2015

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The applications of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) now transcends food supplements to solving global oilfield problem caused by corrosion. Being an alkaloid, 5HTP is environmentally non-toxic and relatively inexpensive. Its potential as oilfield inhibitor of mild steel corrosion has been investigated at 30 °C to 60 °C using weight loss technigue simulated in both 2.0 M hydrochloric acid and 2.0 M sulphuric acid. The efficiency of inhibition increased with increase in concentration of 5-HTP and decreased with increase in temperature. High inhibition efficiencies up to 93.72 % and 90.23 % were obtained in hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid respectively even at concentrations as low as 1.0 Ò 10−4 M 5-HTP at room temperature. The compound inhibits corrosion mainly by adsorption mechanism determined by fitting surface coverage data into some adsorption isotherms from where the nature of interactions in the adsorbed layer was predicted. The inhibition of mild steel corrosion by 5-HTP was best approximated by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Physical adsorption mechanism involving electrostatic interaction of charged molecules of the 5-HTP with charged metal is proposed. Stability of the inhibitor to high temperature was also elucidated using thermodynamic models. It was implied from results that 5-HTP is a stable inhibitor at temperatures up to 60 °C. The inhibitor protects the mild steel surface effectively from acid attack, with better protection obtained in HCl. The adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous at the temperatures studied. 5-HTP would make an efficient corrosion inhibitor for oilfield operations.</jats:p>

Mansi Chawla, Shivani Narwal, Rajesh Dhankhar et al.

Ecology, Environment and Conservation • 2023

<jats:p>Accumulation of non-biodegradable plastic has shown adverse impacts on the environment and calls for a dire need for a sustainable alternative. Various microbial strains can produce bioplastics in the form of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as energy reserves. Many bacteria, fungi and microalgae have been studied to produce such biopolymers. PHAs are biodegradable and meet the basic requirements of life cycle environmental impact or life cycle assessments for proper disposal. They are also biocompatible and renewable. They have high Elastic modulus, Tensile modulus, melting temperature, and crystallinity with many other properties similar to synthetic plastics currently in use, making them a more reliable and sustainable substitute. Bioplastics produced from PHAs have found a myriad of applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and the packaging industry. This review emphasizes the structure of PHAs, their biosynthesis and relevant microbial strains employed, including genetically engineered strains, microbes from extreme niches and mixed microbial cultures. It focuses on using cheap and sustainable carbon feedstocks, including agricultural residues, lignocellulosic biomass and crude glycerol, on making the production of PHAs cleaner and commercially feasible. Industrially scaled production using different fermentation strategies, downstream processing and purification, along with the wide range of applications of PHAs, is also discussed.</jats:p>

Teresa Berninger, Natalie Dietz, Óscar González López

Microbial Biotechnology • 2021

<jats:title>Summary</jats:title><jats:p>Water‐soluble polymers (WSPs) are a versatile group of chemicals used across industries for different purposes such as thickening, stabilizing, adhesion and gelation. Synthetic polymers have tailored characteristics and are chemically homogeneous, whereas plant‐derived biopolymers vary more widely in their specifications and are chemically heterogeneous. Between both sources, microbial polysaccharides are an advantageous compromise. They combine naturalness with defined material properties, precisely controlled by optimizing strain selection, fermentation operational parameters and downstream processes. The relevance of such bio‐based and biodegradable materials is rising due to increasing environmental awareness of consumers and a tightening regulatory framework, causing both solid and water‐soluble synthetic polymers, also termed ‘microplastics’, to have come under scrutiny. Xanthan gum is the most important microbial polysaccharide in terms of production volume and diversity of applications, and available as different grades with specific properties. In this review, we will focus on the applicability of xanthan gum in agriculture (drift control, encapsulation and soil improvement), considering its potential to replace traditionally used synthetic WSPs. As a spray adjuvant, xanthan gum prevents the formation of driftable fine droplets and shows particular resistance to mechanical shear. Xanthan gum as a component in encapsulated formulations modifies release properties or provides additional protection to encapsulated agents. In geotechnical engineering, soil amended with xanthan gum has proven to increase water retention, reduce water evaporation, percolation and soil erosion – topics of high relevance in the agriculture of the 21st century. Finally, hands‐on formulation tips are provided to facilitate exploiting the full potential of xanthan gum in diverse agricultural applications and thus providing sustainable solutions.</jats:p>

Renganathan Manimaran

Clean Energy • 2025

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This article discusses the solar-assisted technologies from the Indian subcontinent to address the sustainable development targets developed by the United Nations program. For water and renewable energy, technologies presented in this paper include carbon sequestration, solar biomass, power plants with thermal and photovoltaic systems, irrigation systems, heating systems, dryers, distillation systems, solar desalination, and water treatment. Various techniques are suggested for clean water recovery using solar distillation, solar stills, and desalination. Various methods of solar drying the fruits and vegetables have been discussed using flat-plate collector. Power production from solar–thermal, solar–photovoltaic, and solar–biomass systems are covered from recent studies. Prospects on future solar energy research is recommended on solar cells, magnetized solar stills, heat pump-integrated solar power production systems, and plasmonic nanofluids in solar collectors. In conclusion, the outlook for solar technologies is examined.</jats:p>

Enrico Drioli, Alfredo Cassano

Clean Technologies • 0

<jats:p>The leather industry is characterized by the production of a huge amount of wastewater with a high organic/inorganic charge, causing widespread water and soil pollution. Pressure-driven membrane operations and membrane bioreactors have long been proven to be a valid approach for the treatment of tanning wastewaters aimed at the recovery of raw materials as well as for the removal of toxic and environmentally harmful substances. Such processes, opportunely integrated among themselves and/or with conventional physical-chemical and biological treatments, also provide useful protocols for the treatment of global wastewaters with significant advantages in terms of environmental protection, decrease of disposal costs, simplification of cleaning-up processes and saving of water and chemicals. This paper, as the state of the art, attempts to revise the potential and perspectives of membrane-based technologies in the leather industry with related applications in beamhouse, tanning and post-tanning operations as well as in the treatment of global wastewaters.</jats:p>

Cecilia Tortajada

npj Clean Water • 0

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Water resources are essential for every development activity, not only in terms of available quantity but also in terms of quality. Population growth and urbanisation are increasing the number of users and uses of water, making water resources scarcer and more polluted. Changes in rainfall patterns threaten to worsen these effects in many areas. Water scarcity, due to physical lack or pollution, has become one of the most pressing issues globally, a matter of human, economic and environmental insecurity. Wastewater, whose value had not been appreciated until recently, is increasingly recognised as a potential ‘new’ source of clean water for potable and non-potable uses, resulting in social, environmental and economic benefits. This paper discusses the potential of recycled wastewater (also known as reused water) to become a significant source of safe water for drinking purposes and improved sanitation in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.</jats:p>

Dylan G. Boucher, Emily Carroll, Zachary A Nguyen et al.

Angewandte Chemie International Edition • 2023

Bioelectrocatalytic synthesis is the conversion of electrical energy into value-added chemicals via a biocatalyst. Bioelectrosynthetic methods utilize the specificity and selectivity of biocatalytic enzymatic or microbial species to carry out chemical redox transformations while utilizing electricity as a stoichiometric redox equivalent. As a merging of biocatalysis and electrocatalysis, these methods directly address challenges in green and sustainable synthesis of pharmaceuticals, commodity chemicals, fuels, feedstocks and fertilizers. Despite the rising importance of bioelectrochemical transformations across these industries, there remains a high barrier for adoption due to the specialized experimental setups and domain knowledge for bioelectrocatalysis. This review aims to introduce the key concepts and design features of bioelectrosynthetic systems. A tutorial on the methods of biocatalyst utilization and the setup of bioelectrosynthetic cells is provided, as well as an overview of the analytical methods used for assessing bioelectrocatalysts. Key studies illustrating the vital applications of bioelectrosynthesis are outlined, such as ammonia production, small-molecule synthesis, and multi-carbon product formation. Finally, we address future directions for both microbial and enzymatic electrosynthetic methods. In summary, this review provides a critically necessary introduction to the field and a collection of resources for the non-specialist interested in pursuing a research program in bioelectrosynthesis.

M. Tahir, M. F. Malik, Adeel Ahmed et al.

International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry • 2020

ABSTRACT In this review, the evolution of hydrogen in a combined cell system of photoelectrocatalytic and microbial fuel is discussed. Hydrogen is used as chemical fuel and being produced through photoelectrocatalytic method. The semiconductor material was put into the water and irradiated with solar light. After that, the hydrogen is produced by different steps and accumulated. Production of hydrogen also takes place in a microbial fuel cell system. These are electrochemical devices that are initially used to treat the wastewater. But now, this cell has entered into a very interesting field of research which is Bioelectrochemical system (BES). BES produces hydrogen by using biomass as a catalyst and small consumption voltage rather than simple electrolysis of water. The first section explains how hydrogen can be produced individually by these two methods. Then, a comprehensive review is presented on the evolution of hydrogen by combining microbial fuel and photoelectrocatalytic cell system. The continuous production of hydrogen by using (PEC-MFC) hybrid device, sunlight and splitting of water and electro-hydro genesis of microbial cell in fusion device (PEC-MFC) are also reported. This method gives continuous production of hydrogen using wastewater under solar light and also gives the treatment of wastewater. It is a clean energy source and also fulfils today’s demand for energy. At last, a review on the production of hydrogen by the microbial photoelectrochemical system is constructed by photocathode of semiconductor material and an anode of microbial. Production of hydrogen was continuously achieved without external voltage under ultraviolet irradiation.

G. Pankratova, D. Pankratov, C. Bari et al.

ACS Applied Energy Materials • 2018

A combination of thylakoid membranes (TMs) as photobiocatalysts with high-surface-area electroactive materials could hold great potential for sustainable “green” solar energy conversion. We have studied the orientated immobilization of TMs on high-surface-area graphene electrodes, which were fabricated by electroreduction of graphene oxide and simultaneous electrodeposition with further aminoaryl functionalization. We have achieved the highest performance to date under direct electron transfer conditions through a biocompatible “wiring” of TMs to graphene sheets. The photobiocurrent density generated by the optimized mediator-free TM-based bioanodes yielded up to 5.24 ± 0.50 μA cm–2. The photobioelectrochemical cell integrating the photobioanode in combination with an oxygen reducing enzymatic biocathode delivered a maximum power output of 1.79 ± 0.19 μW cm–2. Our approach ensures a simplified cell design, a greater load of photosynthetic units, a minimized overpotential loss, and an enhanced overall perf...

Jenny Tschörtner, Bin Lai, J. Krömer

Frontiers in Microbiology • 2019

Biophotovoltaics is a relatively new discipline in microbial fuel cell research. The basic idea is the conversion of light energy into electrical energy using photosynthetic microorganisms. The microbes will use their photosynthetic apparatus and the incoming light to split the water molecule. The generated protons and electrons are harvested using a bioelectrochemical system. The key challenge is the extraction of electrons from the microbial electron transport chains into a solid-state anode. On the cathode, a corresponding electrochemical counter reaction will consume the protons and electrons, e.g., through the oxygen reduction to water, or hydrogen formation. In this review, we are aiming to summarize the current state of the art and point out some limitations. We put a specific emphasis on cyanobacteria, as these microbes are considered future workhorses for photobiotechnology and are currently the most widely applied microbes in biophotovoltaics research. Current progress in biophotovoltaics is limited by very low current outputs of the devices while a lack of comparability and standardization of the experimental set-up hinders a systematic optimization of the systems. Nevertheless, the fundamental questions of redox homeostasis in photoautotrophs and the potential to directly harvest light energy from a highly efficient photosystem, rather than through oxidation of inefficiently produced biomass are highly relevant aspects of biophotovoltaics.

Kailin Gao, Xin Wang, Junjie Huang et al.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology • 2021

Converting CO2 to CH4 through bioelectrochemistry is a promising approach to the development of green energy biotechnology. This process, however, requires low cathode potentials, which entails a cost. ABSTRACT Electromethanogenesis refers to the process whereby methanogens utilize current for the reduction of CO2 to CH4. Setting low cathode potentials is essential for this process. In this study, we tested if magnetite, an iron oxide mineral widespread in the environment, can facilitate the adaptation of methanogen communities to the elevation of cathode potentials in electrochemical reactors. Two-chamber electrochemical reactors were constructed with inoculants obtained from paddy field soil. We elevated cathode potentials stepwise from the initial −0.6 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) to −0.5 V and then to −0.4 V over the 130 days of acclimation. Only weak current consumption and CH4 production were observed in the bioreactors without magnetite. However, significant current consumption and CH4 production were recorded in the magnetite bioreactors. The robustness of electroactivity of the magnetite bioreactors was not affected by the elevation of cathode potentials from −0.6 V to −0.4 V. However, the current consumption and CH4 production were halted in the bioreactors without magnetite when the cathode potentials were elevated to −0.4 V. Methanogens related to Methanospirillum were enriched on the cathode surfaces of magnetite bioreactors at −0.4 V, while Methanosarcina relatively dominated in the bioreactors without magnetite. Methanobacterium also increased in the magnetite bioreactors but stayed off electrodes at −0.4 V. Apparently, the magnetite greatly facilitates the development of biocathodes, and it appears that with the aid of magnetite, Methanospirillum spp. can adapt to the high cathode potentials, performing efficient electromethanogenesis. IMPORTANCE Converting CO2 to CH4 through bioelectrochemistry is a promising approach to the development of green energy biotechnology. This process, however, requires low cathode potentials, which entails a cost. In this study, we tested if magnetite, a conductive iron mineral, can facilitate the adaptation of methanogens to the elevation of cathode potentials. In two-chamber reactors constructed by using inoculants obtained from paddy field soil, biocathodes developed robustly in the presence of magnetite, whereas only weak activities in CH4 production and current consumption were observed in the bioreactors without magnetite. The elevation of cathode potentials did not affect the robustness of electroactivity of the magnetite bioreactors over the 130 days of acclimation. Methanospirillum strains were identified as the key methanogens associated with the cathode surfaces during the operation at high potentials. The findings reported in this study shed new light on the adaptation of methanogen communities to the elevated cathode potentials in the presence of magnetite.

Graziela C. Sedenho, R. N. Colombo, R. M. Iost et al.

Applied Physics Reviews • 2024

Electron transfer (ET) is a fundamental process that underlies various phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology. Understanding ET mechanisms is crucial for developing sustainable energy solutions and synthesizing value-added compounds efficiently. In this context, the present review provides the fundamental aspects of ET involving bioinspired, biomimetics, and biological entities and its significance for sustainable energy and green electrosynthesis fields. Among the theoretical and experimental cornerstones, Marcus Theory, electronic conductance, computational modeling, biomolecular thermodynamics, electrochemical and kinetic theories, protein film voltammetry, and the emergence of in situ and operando techniques are explored. Theoretical modeling is vital for understanding and predicting ET processes. Additionally, the significance of experimental techniques for investigating the ET process in biological entities and interfaces is discussed. Protein film voltammetry is a valuable and consolidated technique for studying ET processes at the protein-electrode interface, whereas in situ and operando techniques for interrogating ET processes in real time provide insights into the dynamics and mechanisms of ET. The concept of quantum conductance in biological structures is addressed, evidencing a trend and power of single-entity analysis. Aspects of extracellular and interfacial ET processes are presented and discussed in the electrochemical energy conversion systems. A deep understanding of these processes can improve the design of efficient bioinspired catalysts. Therefore, this multidisciplinary work aims to fill the gaps between different scientific fields related to ET involving bioentities to develop innovative energy and value-added compound synthesis solutions.

Pedro Henrique da Rosa Braun, Anne Kuchenbuch, Bruno Toselli et al.

Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy • 2024

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>3D-printed anodes for bioelectrochemical systems are increasingly being reported. However, comparisons between 3D-printed anodes and their non-3D-printed counterparts with the same material composition are still lacking. In addition, surface roughness parameters that could be correlated with bioelectrochemical performance are rarely determined. To fill these gaps, slurries with identical composition but different mass fractions were processed into SiOC anodes by tape-casting, freeze-casting, or direct-ink writing. The current generation was investigated using electroactive biofilms enriched with <jats:italic>Geobacter</jats:italic> spp. Freeze-cast anodes showed more surface pores and the highest surface kurtosis of 5.7 ± 0.5, whereas tape-cast and 3D-printed anodes showed a closed surface porosity. 3D-printing was only possible using slurries 85 wt% of mass fraction. The surface pores of the freeze-cast anodes improved bacterial adhesion and resulted in a high initial (first cycle) maximum current density per geometric surface area of 9.2 ± 2.1 A m<jats:sup>−2</jats:sup>. The larger surface area of the 3D-printed anodes prevented pore clogging and produced the highest current density per geometric surface area of 12.0 ± 1.2 A m<jats:sup>−2</jats:sup>. The current density values of all anodes are similar when the current density is normalized over the entire geometric surface as determined by CT-scans. This study highlights the role of geometric surface area in normalizing current generation and the need to use more surface roughness parameters to correlate anode properties, bacterial adhesion, and current generation.</jats:p>

Nosheen Asghar, Alamdar Hussain, D. A. Nguyen et al.

Journal of Nanobiotechnology • 2024

Environmental pollution is a major issue that requires effective solutions. Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as promising candidates for pollution remediation due to their unique properties. This review paper provides a systematic analysis of the potential of NMs for environmental pollution remediation compared to conventional techniques. It elaborates on several aspects, including conventional and advanced techniques for removing pollutants, classification of NMs (organic, inorganic, and composite base). The efficiency of NMs in remediation of pollutants depends on their dispersion and retention, with each type of NM having different advantages and disadvantages. Various synthesis pathways for NMs, including traditional synthesis (chemical and physical) and biological synthesis pathways, mechanisms of reaction for pollutants removal using NMs, such as adsorption, filtration, disinfection, photocatalysis, and oxidation, also are evaluated. Additionally, this review presents suggestions for future investigation strategies to improve the efficacy of NMs in environmental remediation. The research so far provides strong evidence that NMs could effectively remove contaminants and may be valuable assets for various industrial purposes. However, further research and development are necessary to fully realize this potential, such as exploring new synthesis pathways and improving the dispersion and retention of NMs in the environment. Furthermore, there is a need to compare the efficacy of different types of NMs for remediating specific pollutants. Overall, this review highlights the immense potential of NMs for mitigating environmental pollutants and calls for more research in this direction. Graphical Abstract

Divakar Dahiya, P. Nigam

Applied Sciences • 2020

This article aims to provide information on two aspects: firstly, waste management of residual biological agro-industrial materials generated from agriculture, and secondly, for the sustainable remediation of textile wastewater. Annually, huge amounts of solid renewable biomass materials are generated worldwide from agricultural and farming sectors. The generation of these vast amounts of solid wastes could be utilised as a valuable and renewable natural resource for various applications. The goal of promoting sustainable development has increased the interest in recycling wastes economically and in an eco-friendly way. This article reviews the published research on this topic and discusses the usage of these solid substrates in the remediation of a major environmental component, textile dye-contaminated water. The purpose of this article is to discuss an integrated and cross-disciplinary approach to sustainable solid and liquid waste management and remediation of environmental components and to report the biological approaches and their efficiency in a chemical-free and economically viable bioremediation process for large volumes of dye-contaminated water resources.

R. Lacalle, J. Becerril, C. Garbisu

Journal of Environmental Science and Public Health • 2020

Soil is one of our most important resources as it supports many critical ecological functions and ecosystem services. Nonetheless, due to a wide variety of environmentally-unsustainable anthropic activities, sadly, our soils are currently contaminated at a global scale with a myriad of potentially toxic inorganic and organic compounds. Regrettably, most, if not all, traditional physicochemical methods of soil remediation are frequently based on economically-infeasible and/or environmentally-destructive techniques. In consequence, in the last years and decades, more sustainable and innovative biological methods of soil remediation (belonging to the sometimes called “gentle remediation options”) are being developed in an attempt to combine: (i) an efficient removal of soil contaminants (in terms of a decrease of total and/or bioavailable contaminant concentrations), (ii) a reduction of soil ecotoxicity, (iii) the legally- and ethically-required minimization of risk for environmental and human health, and, concomitantly, (iv) a recovery of soil health and (v) associated ecosystem services. Ideally, any soil remediation method should not only decrease the concentration of soil contaminants below regulatory limits but should also recover soil health and alongside the provision of essential ecosystem services. Unquestionably, all this must be achieved in full compliance with the binding environmental regulations and, most importantly, via the implementation of economically-feasible (preferably, profitable) strategies of soil remediation.

A. Periyasamy

Sustainability • 2024

Water makes up most of the Earth, although just 0.3% is usable for people and animals. The huge oceans, icecaps, and other non-potable water resources make up the remaining 99.7%. Water quality has declined in recent decades due to pollution from population growth, industry, unplanned urbanization, and poor water management. The textile industry has significant global importance, although it also stands as a major contributor to wastewater generation, leading to water depletion and ecotoxicity. This issue arises from the extensive utilization of harmful chemicals, notably dyes. The main aim of this review article is to combine and assess the impacts of textile wastewater that contains dyes and chemicals, and to examine their potential consequences on human health, aquatic health, and the environment. Moreover, the dedicated section presents an in-depth review of various environmentally sustainable approaches for the management and treatment of wastewater in the textile industry. These approaches encompass bio adsorbents, biological methods, membrane technology, ion exchange, advanced oxidation processes, as well as physicochemical and biochemical processes. Furthermore, this study also evaluates the contemporary progressions in this particular domain, taking into account the corresponding advantages and disadvantages. Finally, this article highlights the significance of recovering and reusing dyes, alkalis, and electrolytes in wastewater treatment. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity of performing technoeconomic analyses and life cycle assessments (LCA) on wastewater treatment plants.