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Methane pyrolysis represents a CO2-free hydrogen production route that enables simultaneous carbon capture. While the majority of previous studies in the field focus on pure CH4 as feed gas stream, commercial processes will typically rely on natural gas as feedstock that contains also non-methane hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and n-butane. Therefore, the present study evaluates how CH4 conversion, H2 selectivity, product composition, and solid carbon yield evolve when using either pure CH4 or synthetic natural gas (SNG) as feed gas stream for a thermal pyrolysis process in a lab-scale high-temperature reactor. For this, industrially viable conditions are applied, namely temperatures between 1000 °C and 1600 °C, residence times between 1 s and 7 s, and molar H2 dilution ratios between 1:1 and 4:1. Although the use of SNG results in slightly lower hydrocarbon conversions because the additional components in SNG result in a higher effective H2 dilution ratio compared to a CH4-only feed, the non-methane hydrocarbons in the SNG have a positive effect on both H2 selectivity and solid carbon yield. Taking existing mechanistic understanding into account, these positive effects are attributed to radicals formed from the non-methane hydrocarbons, which facilitate dehydrogenation steps from ethane to ethylene and hereby increase the relative amount of H2 originating from CH4. The introduction of a carbonaceous fixed bed further benefits the performance of the pyrolysis process and ultimately enables to capture more than 98% of carbon in its solid form under industrially viable process conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report results of studies of luminescence decay processes in excited states of nitrogen molecules and ions in gas mixtures with hydrocarbon molecules. Use is made of emission spectroscopy methods to perform measurements. Nitrogen molecules N2 and nitrogen molecular ions are excited to the C3Πu state and the state, respectively, by a repeated high-voltage nanosecond discharge in the gas mixture in question. As a result of processing the data obtained by varying the composition of the gas mixtures and their pressure (1–20 Torr), the quenching rate constants of the excited states of nitrogen N2(C3Πu) and in collisions with hydrocarbon molecules CH4, C2H6, and C3H8 are determined. For the first time, the values of the quenching rate constants are obtained for a mixture of nitrogen and propane, as well as for the 3 → 7 transition of the emission band system N2(C3Πu → B3Πg) of a nitrogen–methane mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An animal charcoal contaminated cottage industry soil in Lagos, Nigeria (ACGT) was compared in an expostfacto study with a nearby unimpacted soil (ACGC). Hydrocarbon content was higher than regulatory limits in ACGT (180.2 mg/kg) but lower in ACGC (19.28 mg/kg). Heavy metals like nickel, cadmium, chromium and lead were below detection limit in ACGC. However, all these metals, except cadmium, were detected in ACGT, but at concentrations below regulatory limits. Furthermore, copper (253.205 mg/kg) and zinc (422.630 mg/kg) were above regulatory limits in ACGT. Next generation sequencing revealed that the procaryotic community was dominated by bacteria in ACGC (62%) while in ACGT archaea dominated (76%). Dominant phyla in ACGC were Euryarchaeota (37%), Pseudomonadota (16%) and Actinomycetota (12%). In ACGT it was Euryarchaeota (76%), Bacillota (9%), Pseudomonadota (7%) and Candidatus Nanohaloarchaeota (5%). Dominant Halobacteria genera in ACGT were Halobacterium (16%), Halorientalis (16%), unranked halophilic archaeon (13%) Salarchaeum (6%) and Candidatus Nanohalobium (5%), whereas ACGC showed greater diversity dominated by bacterial genera Salimicrobium (7%) and Halomonas (3%). Heavy metals homeostasis genes, especially for copper, were fairly represented in both soils but with bacterial taxonomic affiliations. Sites like ACGT, hitherto poorly studied and understood, could be sources of novel bioresources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remediation of hydrocarbon contaminations requires much attention nowadays since it causes detrimental effects on land and even worse impacts on aquatic environments. Tools of bioremediation especially filamentous fungi permissible for cleaning up as much as conceivable, at least they turn into non-toxic residues with less consumed periods. Inorganic chemicals, CO2, H2O, and cell biomass are produced as a result of the breakdown and mineralization of petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants. This paper presents a detailed overview of three strategic rules of filamentous fungi in remediating the various aliphatic, and aromatic hydrocarbon compounds: utilizing carbons from hydrocarbons as sole energy, Co-metabolism manners (Enzymatic and Non-enzymatic theories), and Biosorption approaches. Upliftment in the degradation rate of complex hydrocarbon by the Filamentous Fungi in consortia scenario we can say, "Fungal Talk", which includes a variety of cellular mechanisms, including biosurfactant production, biomineralization, and precipitation, etc., This review not only displays its efficiency but showcases the field applications – cost-effective, reliable, eco-friendly, easy to culture as biomass, applicable in both land and any water bodies in operational environment cleanups. Nevertheless, the potentiality of fungi-human interaction has not been fully understood, henceforth further studies are highly endorsed with spore pathogenicity of the fungal species capable of high remediation rate, and the gene knockout study, if the specific peptides cause toxicity to any living matters via Genomics and Proteomics approaches, before application of any in situ or ex situ environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic waste is a rich source of hydrocarbons that can be converted into bio-oil through pyrolysis. In this study, bio-oil was produced by pyrolysis of waste-polypropylene using spent FCC catalyst. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed that catalytically produced oil has the majority of compounds in the hydrocarbon range of C6–C18. The catalytic pyrolysis oil was blended with conventional fuel (diesel) to extensively investigate its suitability as a fuel substitute in a single-cylinder, four-stroke, 3.5 kW, diesel internal combustion (IC) engine. Furthermore, four fuels, i.e., CF100PO00 (pure diesel), CF90PO10 (10% v/v pyrolysis oil blended with diesel), CF85PO15 (15% v/v pyrolysis oil blended with diesel), and CF80PO20 (20% v/v pyrolysis oil blended with diesel), were tested in IC diesel engine for performance, combustion, and exhaust emission analysis at 1500 rpm. The tests were carried out at five loads, i.e., 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 Nm. It was found that CF90PO10 produced 6.61% higher brake thermal efficiency (BTE), whereas CO2 exhaust emission decreased by 20% for CF80PO20 with respect to the pure diesel. Diesel blends with plastic pyrolysis oil can be a promising biofuel to improve engine performance and combustion characteristics without any significant engine modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI-MS), [M−3H+H2O]+ ions can deliver analyte-specific signals that enable direct analysis of volatile n-alkane mixtures. The underlying ionization mechanisms have been the subject of open debate, and in particular the role of water is insufficiently clarified to allow for reliable process analytics when the humidity level changes over time. This can be a problem, particularly in online monitoring, where analyte accumulation in the ion source can also occur. Here, we investigated the role of water during APCI-MS of volatile n-alkanes by changing the carrier gas for sample injection from a dry to a wetted state as well as by using 18O-labeled water. This allowed for a distinction between gaseous and surface-adsorbed water molecules. While adsorbed water seems to be responsible for the desired [M−3H+H2O]+ signals through surface reactions with the analyte molecules, gaseous water was found to promote the formation of CnH2n+1O+ of different (and analyte-independent) hydrocarbons, revealing a reaction with hydrocarbon species which accumulated in the ion source during continuous operation. At the same time, gaseous water competed with analyte molecules for ionization and thus suppressed the formation of alkyl (CnH2n+1+) and alkenyl (CnH2n−1+) ions. The results reveal a memory effect due to hydrocarbon adsorption, which may cause severe interpretation difficulties when the ionization chamber undergoes sudden humidity changes. The use of [M−3H+H2O]+ for n-alkane analysis in alkane/water mixtures can be facilitated by constantly maintaining high humidity and hence stabilizing the ionization conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migraine is among the most prevalent and burdensome neurological disorders in the United States based on disability-adjusted life years. Cortical spreading depolarization (SD) is the most likely electrophysiological cause of migraine aura and may be linked to trigeminal nociception. We previously demonstrated, using a minimally invasive optogenetic approach of SD induction (opto-SD), that opto-SD triggers acute periorbital mechanical allodynia that is reversed by 5HT1B/1D receptor agonists, supporting SD-induced activation of migraine-relevant trigeminal pain pathways in mice. Recent data highlight hypothalamic neural circuits in migraine, and SD may activate hypothalamic neurons. Furthermore, neuroanatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral data suggest a homeostatic analgesic function of hypothalamic neuropeptide hormone, oxytocin. We, therefore, examined the role of hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and oxytocinergic (OXT) signaling in opto-SD-induced trigeminal pain behavior. Methods: We induced a single opto-SD in adult male and female Thy1-ChR2-YFP transgenic mice and quantified fos immunolabeling in the PVN and supraoptic nucleus (SON) compared with sham controls. Oxytocin expression was also measured in fos-positive neurons in the PVN. Periorbital mechanical allodynia was tested after treatment with selective OXT receptor antagonist L-368,899 (5 to 25 mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle at 1, 2, and 4 h after opto-SD or sham stimulation using von Frey monofilaments. Results: Opto-SD significantly increased the number of fos immunoreactive cells in the PVN and SON as compared to sham stimulation (p < 0.001, p = 0.018, respectively). A subpopulation of fos-positive neurons also stained positive for oxytocin. Opto-SD evoked periorbital mechanical allodynia 1 h after SD (p = 0.001 vs. sham), which recovered quickly within 2 h (p = 0.638). OXT receptor antagonist L-368,899 dose-dependently prolonged SD-induced periorbital allodynia (p < 0.001). L-368,899 did not affect mechanical thresholds in the absence of opto-SD. Conclusions: These data support an SD-induced activation of PVN neurons and a role for endogenous OXT in alleviating acute SD-induced trigeminal allodynia by shortening its duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper (Cu)-based catalysts show promise for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (CO2RR) to multi-carbon alcohols, but thermodynamic constraints lead to competitive hydrocarbon (e.g., ethylene) production. Achieving selective ethanol production with high Faradaic efficiency (FE) and current density is still challenging. Here we show a multivalent Cu-based catalyst, Cu-2,3,7,8-tetraaminophenazine-1,4,6,9-tetraone (Cu-TAPT) with Cu2+ and Cu+ atomic ratio of about 1:2 for CO2RR. Cu-TAPT exhibits an ethanol FE of 54.3 ± 3% at an industrial-scale current density of 429 mA cm−2, with the ethanol-to-ethylene ratio reaching 3.14:1. Experimental and theoretical calculations collectively unveil that the catalyst is stable during CO2RR, resulting from suitable coordination of the Cu2+ and Cu+ with the functional groups in TAPT. Additionally, mechanism studies show that the increased ethanol selectivity originates from synergy of multivalent Cu sites, which can promote asymmetric C–C coupling and adjust the adsorption strength of different carbonaceous intermediates, favoring hydroxy-containing C2 intermediate (*HCCHOH) formation and formation of ethanol. This study proposes a multivalent Cu-based catalyst (Cu-TAPT) for electrocatalytic CO2RR, which promotes specific intermediate formation by the synergy of Cu2+ and Cu+ sites, thereby achieving a 54.3% Faradaic efficiency of ethanol at 429 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of studies into the physicochemical properties of Arctic crude oil and its fractions. According to its characteristics and group composition, the Arctic shelf oil is a bituminous, high-sulfur, and low-paraffin oil with the content of light fractions less than 50 wt %. Approaches to its refining are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work is to draw the attention to an unusual object of study, namely, heat transfer in short-term superheated hydrocarbons with micro-additives of moisture. We discuss the reasons for effect of the increase in the heat transfer coefficient to samples of saturated hydrocarbons having a moisture content of 15 mg⋅kg−1 to 35 mg⋅kg−1, which is unexpectedly strong (up to 10 %) with respect to pure hydrocarbons. This effect was discovered in experiments on pulse heating of a wire probe in a substance with characteristic times of 1 ms to 10 ms. We have developed a model based on the assumption of the role of dissolved water clusters in initiating fluid motion in the course of short-term superheating of the base fluid with respect to the liquid–vapor equilibrium temperature. Depending on the degree of superheating and pressure, the values predicted by the model for the increment of the heat transfer coefficient due to micro-additives of moisture are qualitatively consistent with the data obtained from the pulse experiments. The results of this study clarify the specific features of the superheated states of composite fluids, as well as contribute to developing methods for controlling the heat flux by micro-additives of a partially soluble component to the heat carrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cauvery Basin is one of the prolific hydrocarbon-producing basins of southern India. The pericratonic basin has five sub-basins separated by five basement and structural highs formed by granitic and gneissic rocks of the Archaean Southern Granulite Terrane. The sub-basins have excellent Cretaceous source rocks and hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs of different geological ages. Commercial hydrocarbons are produced from the Archean basement highs, specifically from the Kumbakonam–Madanam palaeo-highs of the Cauvery basin. The paper addresses basement characterisation using conventional as well as advanced well logs for accurate characterisation of the basement reservoirs. Basement reservoirs are challenging in terms of sporadic porosity and permeability distribution. Most of the porosities and permeability are attributed to secondary generation by fracturing and weathering. The present work aims to understand and compare the petrophysical attributes of two kinds of basement reservoirs (fractured basement and weathered basement) on the Kumbakonam–Madanam High. Two wells from each type lying on either side of the Madanam High were selected. Well log data, including gamma-ray, resistivity, porosity (neutron and bulk density), acoustic logs and advanced logs, such as resistivity images and dipole acoustic and elemental capture spectroscopy logs, from these four wells were analysed for their petrophysical understanding. Furthermore, image and acoustic log data were integrated to characterise the fracture geometry and fracture permeability of the basement reservoirs. Conventional log suites showing low GR, low resistivity, high density, and high neutron porosity are indicative of intricate lithologies, possibly mafic rocks. A notable negative crossover in density and neutron log along with excess Si concentration indicates weathering. A higher fracture density with a crisscross fracture/mesh fracture pattern is indicated by the analysis of image logs, shear wave anisotropy, and Stoneley fractures. Thus, a comparison of the petrophysical attributes of both fields is attempted to understand the fractured and weathered basement reservoirs and their geological characteristics. In conclusion, the basement reservoirs of the Madanam High Field are of interest because of their hydrocarbon-producing ability, and proper synthesis of petrophysical attributes will help develop activities in the basement reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author considers the main patterns characteristic of the processes of hydrogen chloride oxidation (the Deacon reaction) and oxidative methane and ethane chlorination. It is shown that the most widely recognized and best studied catalysts of these processes are copper chloride systems that are based on different supports and contain alkali and rare-earth metal chlorides, which reduce the entrainment of an active phase from the surface of a catalyst with a simultaneous increase in its activity. The prospects for using ruthenium catalysts are also noted. The main kinetic and technological patterns of oxychlorination are considered. Conditions are described that allow the yield of target products (lower methane chlorides) to be increased in the oxychlorination of methane and vinyl chloride during the oxychlorination of ethane. Variants of reactor units for oxychlorination are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), one of the green tea catechins, exhibits significant antioxidant properties that play an essential role in various diseases. However, the functional role and underlying mechanism of EGCG in stimulating of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) remain unexplored in transcriptomics sequencing studies. The present study suggests that oral administration of EGCG at a dosage of 200 mg/kg/day for a duration of four weeks exhibits significant therapeutic potential in a murine model of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4. The activation of HSCs in vitro was dose-dependently inhibited by EGCG. The sequencing analysis data reveled that EGCG exerted a regulatory effect on the calcium signal in mouse HSCs, resulting in a decrease in calcium ion concentration. Further analysis revealed that EGCG inhibited the expression of phospholipase C epsilon-1 (PLCE1) and inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3) in activated mouse HSCs. Additionally, EGCG contributes to the reduction the concentration of calcium ions by regulating PLCE1. After the knockdown of PLCE1, free calcium ion concentrations decreased, resulting in the inhibition of both cell proliferation and migration. Interestingly, the expression of PLCE1 and cytosolic calcium levels were regulated by reactive oxygen species(ROS). Furthermore, our findings suggest that ROS might inhibit the expression of PLCE1 by inhibiting TFEB, a transcription activator involved in the nuclear translocation process. Our study provided novel evidence regarding the regulatory effects of EGCG on activated HSCs (aHSCs) in mice by the calcium signaling pathway, emphasizing the crucial role of PLCE1 within the calcium signaling network of HSCs. The proposition was also made that PLCE1 holds promise as a novel therapeutic target for murine liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigated the effects of different doses of biochar (2.5%, 5%, 10%), a by-product of the pyrolysis of woody biomass, on the growth of oat plants (Avena sativa L., cv "Danko") grown under different crude oil concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 6%) added to the soil, evaluating both biometric (i.e. fresh weight) and biochemical (i.e., content of malondialdehyde and proline, and total antioxidant power) parameters. The findings indicate that biochar positively influences the fresh weight of oat plants across all concentrations of crude oil investigated. On the other hand, regarding oxidative stress, measured by malondialdehyde and proline content, biochar led to a significant reduction, with statistical significance observed at biochar concentrations > 2.5% and crude oil levels > 2% (malondialdehyde: ranging from -25% to -38%; proline ranging from -33% to -52%). Soil amendment with biochar increased the total antioxidant power, particularly at biochar concentrations > 2.5% and crude oil levels > 2% (ranging from + 20% to + 98%). These results suggest that biochar has a great potential in mitigating the negative effects of crude oil contamination on plant growth and oxidative stress levels, thereby highlighting its value as a conditioner in contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of medium-volatile organic matter (OM) was studied in the steam–water mixture condensate (SWC) from deep production wells of the Pauzhetka geothermal field. Using solid-phase extraction and chromatography–mass spectrometry, 17 organic compounds, including 14 aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon (HC), were identified in the studied SWC. These components are strongly dominant in the Pauzhetka hydrothermal system and a number of other geothermal fields in Kamchatka, with their average contents amounting to higher than 60%. According to the specifics of the molecular weight distribution of the saturated HC, the high temperature of the steam–water mixture condensate (more than 108°C at the wellhead), and the absence of obviously biogenic components, these HC are thought to be produced by thermogenic processes: the transformation of organic remnants under the effect of high temperatures and pressures. The contents of the other compounds are much lower, and these components are mostly oxygen-containing compounds (ketones, aldehydes, and alcohols). Similarities between the spectra of organic compounds in the Pauzhetka and Uzon SWC may be at least partly explained by their extraction from volcanogenic–sedimentary layers containing buried organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic co-pyrolysis of two different refinery oily sludge (ROS) samples was conducted to facilitate resource recovery. Non-catalytic pyrolysis in temperatures ranging from 500 to 600°C was performed to determine high oil yields. Higher temperatures enhanced the oil yields up to ~ 24 wt%, while char formation remained unchanged (~ 45%) for S1. Conversely, S2 exhibited a notably lower oil yield (~ 4 wt%) than S1. Pyrolysis oil of S1 consisted of phenolics (~ 50% at 600 °C) whereas hydrocarbons were predominant in S2 oil (~ 80% at 600 °C). Catalytic pyrolysis of S1 did not exhibit a substantial impact on oil yields but the oil composition varied significantly. High hydrocarbons, phenolics, and aromatics were obtained with molecular sieve (MS), metal slag, and ZSM-5, respectively. Catalytic co-pyrolysis of S2 with sawdust (SD) in the presence of MS enhanced the oil yield, and the resulting oil consisted of high hydrocarbons (~ 54%) and aromatics (~ 44%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations and composition of hydrocarbons (aliphatic, AHCs, and polycyclic aromatic, PAHs) are determined using molecular markers in bottom sediments of the Greenland–Norwegian basin and the Barents Sea (during the 84th cruise of the R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in 2021). The research covered the deep-sea part of the Greenland Basin, the northern part of the East Greenland Ridge, the near-fault zone in the area of the junction of the Mohns and Knipovich ridges, the Western and Northwestern extremities of the Svalbard continental shelf (the Vestnes Ridge, the Ermak Plateau, the Sofia Basin, and the Hinlopen Trough), the Fram Strait, the Orly trough area with the intersection of the Erik-Eriksen trough, and the central part of the Barents Sea. The surface bottom sediments are found to contain a wide range of concentrations of Corg (0.25%–2.71%), AHCs (7–182 μg/g), and PAHs (23–1918 ng/g). The distribution of HCs is determined by the processes occurring in the sedimentary stratum (changes in Eh and fluid flows), and, to a lesser extent, by the lithotype of sediments. Therefore, in the sedimentary stratum, autochthonous components form in the composition of alkanes and naphthalenes form in the composition of PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioremediation is considered to be an effective treatment for hydrocarbon removal from polluted soils. However, the effectiveness of this treatment is often limited by the low availability of targeted contaminants. Biosurfactants produced by some microorganisms can increase organic compound solubility and might then overcome this limitation. Two different inocula producers of biosurfactants (Burkholderia thailandensis E264 and SHEMS1 microbial consortium isolated from a hydrocarbon-contaminated soil) were incubated in Bushnell-Haas medium supplemented with hydrocarbons to investigate their biodegradation potential. Experimental results showed their ability to degrade 9.1 and 6.1% of hydrocarbons respectively after 65 days of incubation with an initial total hydrocarbon concentration of 16 g L−1. The biodegradation was more effective for the light and medium fractions (C10 to C36). B. thailandensis and SHEMS1 consortium produced surfactants after 14 days of culture during the stationary phase with hydrocarbons as the sole carbon and energy source. However, biosurfactant production did not appear to directly increase hydrocarbon degradation efficiency. The complexity and recalcitrance of hydrocarbon mixture used in this study appeared to continue to limit its biodegradation even in the presence of biosurfactants. In conclusion, B. thailandensis and SHEMS1 consortium can degrade recalcitrant hydrocarbon compounds and are therefore good candidates for the bioremediation of environments polluted by total hydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution caused by petrochemical hydrocarbons (HC) and plastic waste is a pressing global challenge. However, there is a promising solution in the form of bacteria that possess the ability to degrade HC, making them valuable tools for remediating contaminated environments and effluents. Moreover, some of these bacteria offer far-reaching potential beyond bioremediation, as they can also be utilized to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a common type of bioplastics. The accumulation of PHAs in bacterial cells is facilitated in environments with high C/N or C/P ratio, which are often found in HC-contaminated environments and effluents. Consequently, some HC-degrading bacteria can be employed to simultaneously produce PHAs and conduct biodegradation processes. Although bacterial bioplastic production has been thoroughly studied, production costs are still too high compared to petroleum-derived plastics. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of recent scientific advancements concerning the capacity of HC-degrading bacteria to produce PHAs. It will delve into the microbial strains involved and the types of bioplastics generated, as well as the primary pathways for HC biodegradation and PHAs production. In essence, we propose the potential utilization of HC-degrading bacteria as a versatile tool to tackle two major environmental challenges: HC pollution and the accumulation of plastic waste. Through a comprehensive analysis of strengths and weaknesses in this aspect, this review aims to pave the way for future research in this area, with the goal of facilitating and promoting investigation in a field where obtaining PHAs from HC remains a costly and challenging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on B. terribilis cultivation have great economic and environmental relevance but are scarcely addressed in the literature. This article analyzes and compares, for the first time, the growth and metabolite productivity of B. terribilis in closed and open systems. The effect of nitrogen and phosphorus reduction on B. terribilis' main metabolites was evaluated with a 22 full factorial design, using 25, 50, and 75% of the standard concentration of these nutrients in the CHU13 medium. Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, pigments, and hydrocarbons were extracted and quantified. It is the first time that B. terribilis hydrocarbons were extracted and characterized, using an innovative methodology validated by GC-MS. Lipids were characterized by GC-FID. The possible applications of B. terribilis oils were described. The maximum specific growth rate obtained was 0.49 day−1 with raceway cultivation. The stress condition increased lipids and hydrocarbons up to 49% and 29%, respectively, but the percentage of proteins decreased from 32 to 26%. The percentage of carbohydrates (15%) and pigments (0.41–0.86%) remained similar in the stressed and non-stressed cultivation. B. terribilis oils are suitable for biofuel synthesis, as it is composed of long-chain hydrocarbons and a higher amount of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. This study helps fill the gap of information about cultivation, stress, and composition of B. terribilis, supporting decision-making on the cultivation parameters and applications of this microalgae in a biorefinery context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an urgent need by the European Union to establish baseline levels for many widespread pollutants and to set out specific levels for these under the Zero pollution action plan. To date, few systematic reviews, superseded by bibliometric analyses, have explored this issue. Even less research has been carried out to compare the efficacy of these two data extraction approaches. This study aims to address these two issues by i) constructing an inventory of the available information on urban soils, highlighting evidence gaps and measuring compliance with the Zero pollution action plan, and by ii) comparing the methods and results of these two data extraction approaches. Through Scopus and Web of Science databases, peer-reviewed articles using the terms urban soil in combination with specific urban soil threats and/or challenges were included. Notably, both approaches retrieved a similar number of initial articles overall, while the bibliometric analysis removed fewer duplicates and excluded fewer articles overall, leaving the total number of articles included in each approach as: 603 articles in the systematic review and 2372 articles in the bibliometric analysis. Nevertheless, both approaches identified the two main urban soil threats and/or challenges to be linked to soil organic carbon and/or heavy metals. This study gives timely input into the Zero pollution action plan and makes recommendations to stakeholders within the urban context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monodisperse PbS colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) ranging in size from 2.5 to 6.2 nm were obtained from N, N'-diphenylthiourea and lead(II) chloride in the presence of a long-chain amine. It has been shown that the particle size can be controlled not only by changing the temperature and time of synthesis, but also by changing the length of the hydrocarbon chain of the coordinating amine. It was found that CQDs with the narrowest particle size distribution are formed when using octadecylamine, and with a decrease in the length of the amine, the polydispersity increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geochemical and biomarker characteristics of representative crude oil samples from selected fields in southern Nigeria were evaluated to determine the organic matter input, origin of biological material, depositional environment, thermal maturity, and genetic relationship between the oils. Four crude oil samples were obtained from various oil producing fields from Delta, Bayelsa and Abia state in southern Nigeria and labeled Kwale (KW), Kolo creek (KLC), Owaza (OWA1 and OWA2). The crude oil samples were fractionated into saturates, aromatic hydrocarbons and polar compounds using column chromatography on silica gel thereafter, analyzed using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The calculated ratios of normal alkanes, acyclic isoprenoids, carbon preference index (CPI), hopanes, and steranes showed the following results: Pr/Ph (0.34 to 0.89); C29/C27 (0.78 to 1.25); 20S/(20S + 20R)C29sterane (0.28 to 0.66); 22S/(22S + 22R)C32 homohopane (0.17 to 0.23); CPI (0.96 to 0.98); Ts/Ts + Tm (0.46 to 0.50); and sterane/hopane (0.16 to 0.87). The results obtained were used to correlate the crude oils with respect to depositional environment, thermal maturity, and organic matter source. The Pr/Ph ratios of KW and KLC were less than one, and the cross-plot of Pr/nC17 versus Ph/nC18 of KW and KLC suggested that the oils were deposited under anoxic environments, whereas OWA1 and OWA2 indicated oxic conditions with no biodegradation. From the calculated ratios of 22S (22S + 22R)C32 homohopane and CPI, the oils were mature and had entered the generating window. Sample OWA1 is the most mature, while KLC is the least mature. The calculated ratios also showed that the four oil samples were from a shale source rock with both terrestrial and marine inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased usage of diesel in the past 20 years, particularly in developing countries like India, has resulted in serious concerns in abating gaseous pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and hydrocarbons (HC). On the other hand, the growing metallurgical processing industries leave behind tons of solid waste, making waste management a bigger issue. In the current work several industry wastes have been tested under discharge plasma environment for their catalytic properties in the removal of HCs from diesel exhaust. To explore the benefit of metal oxide components, present in industry wastes, a new approach was proposed in this work wherein two industrial wastes were blended to form a composite waste which was then powdered and bound to form pellets. Four such composite waste-based pellets, namely red mud + iron tailing, iron tailing + lignite ash, lignite ash + copper slag and red mud + oyster shells, were tested for their catalytic properties under plasma environment. Exhaust emanating from a 6 HP engine is sampled and studied for HC removal in a pulsed plasma reactor embedded with composite wastes. The pellets being porous in nature, studies were also conducted for HC adsorption by cascading composite wastes with plasma alone while treating the exhaust. All the composite wastes exhibited good plasma catalysis in HC removal (58–73%) when compared to that with plasma alone (31%). Further, there is a marked difference between plasma adsorption and plasma catalysis by a factor of 1.75–2.2 indicating synergy between plasma and metal oxides present in composite wastes while catalysing HC removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) are produced from industrial discharges, storage leakages, accidental spills, and operational failures. The hazardous nature of PHCs causes serious health risks and threatens the entire aquatic habitat. In this research work, the investigation of the removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) from the contaminated water is carried out utilizing a novel hypercross-linked resin, MAICY, which is generated by condensation of commercially available precursors. The chemical structures of MAICY have been examined extensively by FESEM, FT-IR, solid (CP-MAS) 13C-NMR, and TGA. A comprehensive analysis for adsorption parameters of TPHs has been performed, and different models such as Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms have been employed where the Freundlich isotherm was found to be the best fit for removal of THPs (R2= 0.9991). The results revealed that the performance of MAICY for the adsorption of TPHs from contaminated water gives a maximum adsorption capacity (qe) of 146 mg.g−1. The results of various parameters hinted that the contact time (0.25–4 h), the dosage of adsorbent (0.17 g/L), pH (7), and concentration of TPHs (26.5 mg/L) have controlled the overall adsorptive performance. Moreover, the kinetic data of qe(expt.) and qe(calc.) for adsorption of TPHs disclosed the regression values (R2) for pseudo-first order (R2= 0.9921) and pseudo-second order (R2= 0.9891). Additionally, based on CHI factor (X2) error estimations, the data was shown to be more consistent with pseudo-first-order kinetics. Moreover, MAICY demonstrated excellent reusability and recycling properties for up to four consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haloarchaea are extremophilic microorganisms belonging to the Archaea domain that require high salt concentrations to be alive, thus inhabiting ecosystems like salty ponds, salty marshes, or extremely salty lagoons. They are more abundantly and widely distributed worldwide than initially expected. Most of them are grouped into two families: Halobacteriaceae and Haloferacaceae. The extreme conditions under which haloarchaea survive contribute to their metabolic and molecular adaptations, thus making them good candidates for the design of bioremediation strategies to treat brines, salty water, and saline soils contaminated with toxic compounds such as nitrate, nitrite, oxychlorates such as perchlorate and chlorate, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and aromatic compounds. New advances in understanding haloarchaea physiology, metabolism, biochemistry, and molecular biology suggest that biochemical pathways related to nitrogen and carbon, metals, hydrocarbons, or aromatic compounds can be used for bioremediation proposals. This review analyses the novelty of the most recent results showing the capability of some haloarchaeal species to assimilate, modify, or degrade toxic compounds for most living beings. Several examples of the role of these microorganisms in the treatment of polluted brine or salty soils are also discussed in connection with circular economy-based processes. Key points: • Haloarchaea are extremophilic microorganisms showing genuine metabolism • Haloarchaea can metabolise compounds that are highly toxic to most living beings • These metabolic capabilities are useful for designing soil and water bioremediation strategies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur-containing scaffolds originating from small alkyl fragments play a crucial role in various pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials. Nonetheless, their synthesis using conventional methods presents significant challenges. In this study, we introduce a practical and efficient approach that harnesses hydrogen atom transfer photocatalysis to activate volatile alkanes, such as isobutane, butane, propane, ethane, and methane. Subsequently, these nucleophilic radicals react with SO2 to yield the corresponding sulfinates. These sulfinates then serve as versatile building blocks for the synthesis of diverse sulfur-containing organic compounds, including sulfones, sulfonamides, and sulfonate esters. Our use of flow technology offers a robust, safe and scalable platform for effectively activating these challenging gaseous alkanes, facilitating their transformation into valuable sulfinates. Sulfur-containing scaffolds originating from small alkyl fragments play a crucial role in various pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials, but their synthesis presents significant challenges. Herein, the authors report the photocatalytic conversion of C(sp3)–H bonds originating from lightweight alkanes into alkyl sulfinates, employing SO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-pyrolysis of palm kernel shell (PKS) with polypropylene (PP) was conducted in a fixed-bed reactor. The effects of pyrolysis temperature (400‒700 °C) and biomass:plastic ratio (0‒100%) on product quantity and quality as well as synergism during co-pyrolysis were investigated. Feedstock characterisation results showed that PKS and PP were able to produce sustainable liquid fuel and chemical. The highest bio-oil yield of 67.65 wt% was obtained at 600 °C and PKS:PP ratio of 25:75. A substantial amount of the desired compounds (60.12%) was obtained consisting of hydrocarbons (37.49%) and alcohols (22.23%). Positive synergistic effects on the production of hydrocarbons and esters, as well as the inhibition of acids and ketones, were prominent at 500 °C and PKS:PP ratio of 75:25. The plausible reaction mechanism for formation of major products was proposed. Co-pyrolysis of PKS and PP has generated bio-oil with a larger hydrogen and carbon content and lower oxygen composition compared to PKS bio-oil. Additionally, the resultant bio-oil has a slightly higher calorific value (47.74 MJ/kg) than the calorific value of commercial diesel fuels (46 MJ/kg), thus, offering an alternative for fuel applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More evidence shows that bioaccessibility instead of total concentrations based on exhaustive extraction methods can better reflect the actual risk level of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated sites, so it is essential to establish an effective assessment method for bioaccessibility. This study utilized Tenax extraction, butanol extraction, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) extraction, and a composite extraction method involving HPCD with LMWOAs (citric acid, CA) and surfactants (rhamnolipid, RL; Tween80, TW80; sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) at varying concentrations. These methods were employed to predict the bioaccessibility of earthworms to soil at different aging time of petroleum hydrocarbons. The results showed that traditional extraction methods such as Tenax 6h extraction and n-butanol extraction were ineffective in evaluating petroleum hydrocarbons' bioaccessibility. In contrast, the composite extraction of HPCD and solubilizer enhanced the extraction efficiency of HPCD greatly, and the extraction results showed a significant positive correlation with earthworm accumulation. By the comparison of the extraction results of different fractions of petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy fractions of petroleum hydrocarbons (C29-C40) are essential factors affecting chemical extraction effects. The correlation coefficients of four composite extraction methods and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) of earthworm accumulation by linear regression analysis ranged from 1.1797 to 1.7990, and the slopes ranged from 0.8727 to 0.9792. Among them, the combined extraction method of 50 mmol/L HPCD and 0.5 mmol/L rhamnolipid had the best effect (r2 = 0.9792, slope = 1.1797), which could be used as an evaluation method suitable for the bioaccessibility of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil. This study could provide a new method for evaluating the bioaccessibility of organic pollutants and technically supporting risk assessment and bioremediation of complex petroleum hydrocarbons in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossing conjugate normal faults (CCNFs) are extensively developed in many hydrocarbon-producing basins, generally existing in the form of incomplete CCNFs. Nevertheless, the effect of the non-conjugate zone of the CCNFs on the conjugate relay zone post late tectonic action has not been previously studied. We use 3D elastic-plastic modeling to investigate the influence of incomplete (i.e., partially intersecting) CCNFs on the pattern of deformation of strata in the intersection region. A series of model simulations were performed to examine the effects of horizontal tectonic extension, fault size, and fault depth on the deformation of conjugate relay zones of incomplete CCNFs. Our analyses yielded the following results. (1) The model of incomplete conjugation predicts a convex-up style of deformation in the conjugate graben region superimposed on overall subsidence under applied horizontal tectonic extension. (2) The degree of convex-up deformation of the conjugate graben depends on the influence of the non-conjugate zone on the conjugate relay zone, which varies with the amount of horizontal tectonic extension, fault size, and fault burial depth. (3) Our results indicate that incomplete CCNFs can form convex-up deformation, similar to that in the Nanpu Sag area and provide a sound understanding of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal basins on the Mozambique continental margin are the Mozambique and Rovuma, on the passive continental margin with complex tectonic history, following after the East African Rift System in the Triassic. Although the first gas fields in the coastal zone of the Indian Ocean in southeast Mozambique are appeared yet in the 1960s, only in 2010, did Mozambique achieve a new status as a major world hydrocarbon player—with the discovery of a number of large gas fields in the northeast of the country, in deep-water regions of the Indian Ocean, and in the Rovuma Basin. More than 20 recently discovered gas fields are located in deep-water regions and on the continental slope of the Indian Ocean at depths of 468–2610 m. It is noteworthy that the pays of the same age, the deeper they are buried beneath the water column, the greater their volume of hydrocarbon reserves. A similar trend may help in the case of targeted oil and gas exploration. The prospects of liquid hydrocarbon discoveries are possible in the Madagascar channel behind the Davie Ridge and in deep-water parts on the slopes of the Mozambique continental margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium is impairing marine ecosystems. Here, we review the effect of these contaminants on coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems, with focus on reef fishes, algae, corals, and oil spills. We also discuss the effects of natural hydrocarbons. Some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons display carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Heavy metals are highly toxic to most marine living organisms, causing reproductive failure, deoxyribonucleic acid damage, and neurological problems. Heavy metals accumulate through the food chain, ending up in humans who eat seafood. Mangroves and coral reefs can be severely impacted with diminished water quality, reduced biodiversity, compromised fish habitats, decreased fish catches, and damaged seagrass beds, ultimately affecting other coastal habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many Latin American countries, the state is to inform communities about proposed large-scale development that affects them, often in a public hearing on the environmental impact study (estudio de impacto ambiental, EIA). This article explores the role of the EIA public hearing in environmental governance, specifically in terms of local community participation in extractives. Analysis of nine mining and hydrocarbon conflicts in Colombia and Peru reveals that sometimes the public hearing is a space for project opponents alone to participate intensively, with a focus on altering development outcomes; in other cases, activists and project supporters compete at hearings; and, finally, some communities eschew the hearing entirely. The study points to two factors to explain this variation: first, whether the public hearing is a mandatory stage in environmental licensing, and second, the cohesion of impacted communities. Running counter to existing criticisms of the structures that govern public hearings in Colombian environmental licensing, the article finds that the hurdle for Colombian communities of requesting the hearing has contributed to effective organizing by movements opposed to large-scale development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kadanwari is a major gas-producing field in Pakistan's Lower Indus Basin (LIB), extensively explored for optimized production. However, the reservoir sands of the Lower Goru Formation (LGF), deposited in a complex river-dominated delta, bear severe variability and hinder accurate facies approximation for optimal production. Furthermore, the regionally extended NNW-SSE directed horst and graben structures significantly compartmentalized these reservoir facies. The main E-sand interval is analyzed for its geological properties, depositional environment, and distribution. The integration of various approaches, including seismic interpretation, attribute extraction, well-based facies modeling, and petrophysical evaluation, proved significant in evaluating the heterogeneous and tectonically influenced E-sands. The discontinuity attribute substantially highlighted the structural style and aided in analyzing the geometries of faults. The low values of the frequency attribute (< 10 Hz) signified the entrapped gas-bearing sands along the faulted zones. The high responses of instantaneous amplitude and sweetness profoundly illuminated the gas-significant deposits throughout the field in association with the well-identified gas-prone sand facies. The outcomes of the neutron-density crossplot depicted gas-bearing sands having low density (< 2.3 g/cc) and good porosity (12%) with the assessment of various cements. The facies modeling distinguished between clean and intermixed sand-shale reservoir zones. Petrophysical analysis revealed a net pay of 14 m within E-sand having gas saturation of about 68%. The adopted approach is robust and efficient, employing a limited data set for developing well-associated seismic responses for potential zone delineation within structural arrangements. The techniques can be optimistic about the LGF's complex potential sands demarcation throughout the Indus Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overpressure is always considered as a severe problem in the oil industry. Besides creating life risks through serious accidents while drilling, failure to correctly identify high-pressure intervals causes a significant increase in costs and prolongs the drilling process. Kazhdumi Formation in the Abadan Plain is considered as a high-pressure formation in several wells. Various reasons can cause overpressure problem. Hydrocarbon generation is one cause of abnormal pressure in source rocks. Understanding hydrocarbon generation potential can be a helpful approach since the Kazhdumi Formation is considered as a probable source rock in this area. In this paper, in order to better understand the problem of abnormal pressure in Kazhdumi Formation, geochemical concepts and tools have been applied. To that way, 1D petroleum system modeling of five wells was done, and the thermal maturity level of Kazhdumi Formation was determined and then, compared with drilling records. The results indicate that in wells where this formation has sufficient organic matter and has reached an early mature level, there is an abnormal pressure problem. Otherwise, this formation does not show abnormal pressure. Also, geochemical data are not available in all drilled wells, which makes impossible the assessing of hydrocarbon generation role. Therefore, petrophysical well logs (sonic (DT), neutron (NPHI), density (RHOB), spectral gamma ray (SGR), and resistivity (RES)) as well as 137 sets of geochemical data belonging to 13 wells from 7 oilfields in the Abadan Plain were used to predict geochemical indicators. Using artificial neural networks, geochemical data of a well in Abadan Plain were predicted. This selected well has a high-pressure problem in Kazhdumi Formation, but no geochemical data are available in this well. The results of predicted geochemical data show that the high-pressure phenomenon in this well may also be due to hydrocarbon generation. The precise understanding of the abnormal pressure, resulting from hydrocarbons generation, requires comprehensive studies and a full investigation of the studied area. However, the results of this paper help to predict approximately the behavior of the source rocks before drilling. Acquiring this overview will aid in reducing drilling hazards and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, a methodology is developed that involves geochemical and geophysical prospecting methods to identify the type and concentration of hydrocarbons, soil and water resistivity-salinity, and the delineation of hydrocarbon migration in the subsurface within an agricultural region in the northern part of the state of Veracruz, Mexico, where a landfill resulting from hydrocarbon exploitation is the contamination source. Materials and methods: The methodology involves hydrocarbon fractionation by packed open column liquid chromatography (SARA: Saturates, Aromatics, Resins, and Asphaltenes), textural analysis by sieving, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), salinity concentration, total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration in water (TPH), water resistivity, and salinity determination using a laboratory geo-electrical method and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). Results and discussions: The hydrocarbon exhibited a stable colloidal stability, and the soil composition is of the general type, classified as clay-sandy with high concentrations of iron and strong salinity. The water showed TPH concentrations, and the resistivity and salinity exceeded the permissible limits set by Mexican standards. Electrical Resistivity Tomography delineated both recent and mature contamination. Conclusions: With this methodology, it was determined that the region exhibits active contamination directly related to the exploration, exploitation, and pipeline leakage of hydrocarbons. The most affected area was the agricultural zone (low-lying area) due to the overflow of contaminated water from the landfill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petroleum hydrocarbons are a stubborn pollutant that is difficult to degrade globally, and plant-microbial degradation is the main way to solve this type of pollutant. In this study, the physiological and ecological responses of alfalfa to petroleum hydrocarbons in different concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil with KB1 (Rhodococcus erythropolis) were analyzed and determined by laboratory potting techniques. The growth of alfalfa (CK) and alfalfa with KB1 (JZ) in different concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons contaminated soil was compared and analyzed. The results of the CK group showed that petroleum hydrocarbons could significantly affect the activity of alfalfa antioxidant enzyme system, inhibit the development of alfalfa roots and the normal growth of plants, especially in the high-concentration group. KB1 strain had the ability to produce IAA, form biofilm, fix nitrogen, produce betaine and ACC deaminase, and the addition of KB1 could improve the growth traits of alfalfa in the soil contaminated with different concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons, the content of soluble sugars in roots, and the stress resistance and antioxidant enzyme activities of alfalfa. In addition, the degradation kinetics of the strain showed that the degradation rate of petroleum could reach 75.2% after soaking with KB1. Furthermore, KB1 can efficiently degrade petroleum hydrocarbons in advance and significantly alleviate the damage of high concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons to plant roots. The results showed that KB1 strains and alfalfa plants could effectively enhance the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons, which provided new ideas for improving bioremediation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of digital and technological modernization of the oil and gas industry within the framework of the state program "Digital Economy 2017–2024" during the implementation of the measures proposed by research institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences on the basis of the comprehensive scientific and technical program of the full innovation cycle, as well as the potential of exploratory and applied research to prepare a new state program "Data Economy" for the period up to the year 2030, are examined. The measures are a set of interrelated scientific, technical, and digital solutions and innovative technologies that ensures the achievement of goals and has been developed with the leading participation of the Institute of Oil and Gas Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Trofimuk Institute of Oil and Gas Geology and Geophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, program "Digital and Technological Modernization of the World's Largest Oil and Gas Production Center in West Siberia." The main goal of the scientific research for the oil and gas economy of big geodata is the creation and implementation of digital modeling technologies; the development of ecosystems, computing platforms, and digital twins of oil and gas assets; and the transportation of hydrocarbons to existing and newly created petrochemical clusters in order to develop the domestic market for their complete processing into products with high added value and to strengthen the digital leadership of the Russian energy companies. The lack of high-performance computing systems is a key factor hindering the innovative development of the Russian oil and gas complex. The main oil and gas tasks that require the involvement of supercomputers with peta- and exaflop performance levels (1015 and 1018 floating point operations per second, respectively) include the tasks of managing the "digital ecosystem" of the World's largest oil and gas production center in West Siberia and unique oil and gas fields in real time. The development of the digital ecosystem is proposed to be formed on the basis of platform solutions and comprehensive scientific and technical programs and projects of a full innovation cycle. The main problems in the sphere of creating the digital energy economy of big data have been identified: an acute shortage of personnel with digital competencies in the field of oil and gas production and specialists in opticalization, multisensorization, supercomputing, cybersecurity, and petrorobotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food-related illnesses have become a growing public concern due to their considerable socioeconomic and medical impacts. Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus have been implicated as causative organisms of food-related infections and poisoning, and both can form biofilms which confer antibiotic resistance. Hence, the need for continuous search for compounds with antibiofilm and antivirulence properties. In this study, 22 iodinated hydrocarbons were screened for their antibiofilm activity, and of these, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) was found to effectively control biofilm formation of both pathogens with a MIC of 50 µg/mL which was bactericidal to V. parahaemolyticus and S. aureus. Microscopic studies confirmed IPBC inhibits biofilm formation of both bacteria and also disrupted their mixed biofilm formation. Furthermore, IPBC suppressed virulence activities such as motility and hemolytic activity of V. parahaemolyticus and the cell surface hydrophobicity of S. aureus. It exhibited a preservative potential against both pathogens in a shrimp model. IPBC disrupted the cell membrane of S. aureus and V. parahaemolyticus and differentially affected gene expressions related to biofilm formation and virulence. Additionally, it displayed broad-spectrum antibiofilm activities against other clinically relevant pathogens. These findings indicate IPBC offers a potential means of controlling infections mediated by Vibrio and Staphylococcus biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrocarbon group-type composition (saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons, resins, asphaltenes) of oil dispersed systems is predominantly determined using chromatographic methods: liquid adsorption chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography with flame ionization detection. The specificity of standard procedures developed for analyzing petroleum feedstocks and products by various methods often leads to the incomparability of the results, both in terms of the nomenclature of the identified hydrocarbon groups and the determined concentrations. This review assesses chromatographic methods for analyzing the hydrocarbon group-type composition of petroleum feedstocks and products, highlighting their features, advantages, and disadvantages. The main modifications of standard procedures aimed at achieving a correlation between the results obtained by different analytical methods are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on formulation and substantiation of a problem of safe subsoil management in view of the more and more difficult geological and climatic conditions, as well as growing depth and scale of mineral mining. It is shown that the current basic and applied research has created prerequisites for a successful solution of this problem. In Russia these prerequisites are connected with finding energy-based mechanisms of origination and growth of high-stress concentration and destruction zones in rock masses and geomaterials which feature a hierarchical block structure and many phases, and show properties of open self-organizing geosystems in the tectonic stress and strain field. Using advances in nonlinear geomechanics and geophysics, and cloud technologies of Big Data, a new methodology, technologies and software systems are developed for shaping a multilayer geoinformation and monitoring system for diagnostics, control and prediction of the industrial and ecological safety of mining regions in Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides are important chemical raw materials and can cause serious pollution to environment. To study the acute toxicity of these compounds to Selenastrum capricornutum, a quantitative structure-toxicity correlation model was established. Moreover, a novel structure parameter of zero-valent atomic index (0B) was proposed based on the molecular topology theory, and the electrical and spatial structure properties of atoms in molecules. The electrical topological state index (Em) and electric distance vector (Mn) of the aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides compounds were calculated and optimized. Eight indexes of 0B, E7, E9, E16, E43, M25, M26, and M36 were screened. Finally, a neural network prediction model with three-layer (8-3-1) structure was constructed. The correlation coefficient of this model is 0.9447. The mean error between the predicted value and the experimental value is only 0.224. These results show that there is a good non-linear relationship between the acute toxicity of the aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides compounds and the zero-valent atomic index, electrical topological state index and electric distance vector. The atomic electric structure and the group fragments of =CH, =C<, =O and X (halogen groups) are the main factors affecting the acute toxicity of aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides to Selenastrum capricornutum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jiaojiang sag in the East China Sea Basin is at the earlier exploration stage, where characterizing hydrocarbon generation of source rocks is important to understand oil-gas exploration potential. Utilizing geochemical and basin modeling analysis, hydrocarbon generation capacity and process of the Paleocene E1y, E1l and E1m formations were investigated. Results show that E1y and E1l mudstones are high-quality source rocks with Type II kerogen, which is dominated by both aquatic organisms and terrestrial higher plants deposited in sub-reduced environment. E1m mudstone interbedded with thin carbonaceous mudstone and coal is poor-quality source rock with Type III kerogen, whose organic matter was originated from terrestrial higher plants under oxidized environment. Controlled by burial and maturity histories, E1y and E1l source rocks experienced two hydrocarbon generation stages, which took place in the Late Paleocene and in the Middle to Late Eocene, respectively, and had high hydrocarbon generation capacity with cumulative hydrocarbon volume of 363 and 328 mg/g, respectively. E1m source rock only had one hydrocarbon generation process in the Late Eocene, which had low hydrocarbon generation capacity with cumulative hydrocarbon volume of only 24 mg/g. The future oil-gas exploration in the Jiaojiang sag should focus on hydrocarbon generation center and select targets in the central uplift formed before the Miocene with high-quality traps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bozhong19-6 (BZ19-6) condensate gas reservoirs, located in the southwestern Bozhong sub-basin, Bohai Bay Basin, China, were paleo-oil reservoirs in the geological past and have undergone at least three successive hydrocarbon charging events. The hydrocarbon migration and accumulation process of "early oil and late gas" has occurred in the current reservoirs. At the end of the sedimentation of the Guantao Formation (N1g, ∼12 Ma), the reservoirs began to fill with first stage low-moderate mature crude oil. At the late stage of the Lower Minghuazhen Formation (N1ml) (∼6.7 Ma), the reservoirs were largely charged with second stage high mature crude oil. Since the deposition of the upper Minghuazhen Formation (N2mu, ∼5.1 Ma), the paleo-oil reservoirs were transformed into shallow Neogene reservoirs due to the reactivation of basement faults. From the late stage of the N2mu to the present day (∼2.8–0 Ma), the reservoirs were rapidly filled by natural gas within a short period. In addition, analysis of the formation of the reservoir bitumen and the conspicuous loss of the lower molecular weight n-alkanes in the crude oil reveal that the injection of a large amount of gas in the late stage caused gas flushing of the early charged oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, Mesozoic and/or Tertiary rift basins are well developed. These rift basins have proven their importance to economic development of the region through major oil discoveries including the Jobi-Rii field in the Albertine basin, Uganda, the Ngamia field in Lokichar Basin, Kenya and the oil fields of Yemen. The Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) developed during the Oligocene–Miocene time as part of the East African Rift System and is commonly divided into the Northern, Central and Southern parts. The subsurface rift architecture of the MER remains poorly understood due to lack detailed geophysical studies. This study aims to investigate the subsurface stratigraphic and structural setup of the Southern MER by using 2D high-resolution seismic reflection surveys integrated with nearby well data. Analysis of 2D-seismic reflection data in the Southern MER reveals four horizons from which three horizons show good correlations in Northern Abaya and Gelana basins. The basement structure delineated the main basins in the study area: Northern Abaya, Southern Abaya, Chamo and Gelana sub-basins. The sub-basins showed a typical rift-basin development: pre-rift, syn-rift and post-rift sedimentation and the faulted basement is dominantly oriented NE–SW parallel to the regional structural trend of the area. The deepest basement is greater than 3600 m in Northern Abaya basin followed by Gelana Basin which reaches to 3100 m. Southern Abaya and Chamo basins have shallow basement depths less than 2250 m. Interpretation of the interval velocity integrated with the geology and nearby well data helped to identify the different stratigraphic units ranging from Jurassic to Quaternary time span in the area. Possible source rocks of Late Jurassic to Upper Cretaceous marine shales and fluvial–lacustrine sediments of Lower Miocene thickness 1200 m and 1800 m are identified in Northern Abaya Basin, respectively, where the thicknesses of those units are 900 m and 1000 m in Galena Basin. We also infer from seismic interpretation that the upper Miocene sand/sandstone inferred on both sub-basins can be considered as a reservoir, whereas distinctive fault closures against the basement with horst and grabens or tilted half grabens and anticlinal structures can smoothly provide the hydrocarbon trapping mechanism. Numerous faults mapped on seismic sections play a major role for migration of hydrocarbon from source to reservoir rocks. The interpreted NE–SW major faults located on the western side of most of the seismic sections reactivated during the East African rifting at Neogene period produced an appreciable throw which can also provide migration pathways for the hydrocarbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of different heat treatment regimes of zeolite, diatomite, and marl on their effectiveness as a source of active forms of silicon was studied. It was shown that heat treatment of minerals at 500–700°C provided a sharp increase in the content of active forms of silicon. The greatest increase occurred when heated at 500°C for 30 min and at 700°C for 15 min. A further increase in temperature to 1000°C or an increase in treatment time beyond 15 min at a temperature of 700°C decreased the content of active forms of silicon. Under the conditions of a vegetation experiment on sand contaminated with a mixture of used engine oil and diesel fuel, the addition of thermally activated marl (EcoFlora preparation) helped reduce the content of petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil from 3 to 0.5 wt % within 4 weeks. In addition, an increase in the resistance of wheat to the toxic effects of hydrocarbons was observed, which was expressed in an increase in the number of sprouted seeds (from 35 to 85%), plant biomass (by 200–500%), and the content of photosynthetic pigments in wheat leaves (by 20–40%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the duration of thermal action on the composition of cracking products of resins, asphaltenes, and their mixtures isolated from methane heavy crude oil of Zyuzeevskoye oil field was studied. Cracking was performed in a closed reactor at 450оС for 60, 90, and 120 min. Data on the mass balance of the process and the composition of hydrocarbons and sulfur-containing compounds in the cracking products were obtained. It was shown that the yield of coke increased with the process duration in the cracking of every studied material. The joint presence of resins and asphaltenes in a mixture changed the direction of thermal transformations of these components in the cracking process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of hydrocarbon reserves has declined significantly in recent years owing to the structural and lithological heterogeneities present in reservoirs. To overcome this decline, it is crucial to incorporate advanced computational methods, such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). These technologies can facilitate more precise discovery of hydrocarbon reserves, thereby replenishing and increasing the supply of proven reserves. By utilizing ML and DL, likelihood of errors arising from human error or bias during exploration activities can be diminished substantially. This is due to the extensive incorporation of sophisticated statistical techniques within the applications of ML and DL. Well logs provide valuable information about the physical characteristics of subterranean fluids and rocks. In the McKee field in New Zealand, the lithology of three wells was determined using petrophysical parameters, such as porosity, permeability, water saturation, volume shale, and oil saturation that were extracted from the well logs. The unsupervised method K-means clustering (KMC) was used to perform facies classification tasks, utilizing clusters that matched the well's facies and ranged from 5 to 10 and each well yielded six pairs of outputs. Graph convolutional networks (GCN) are reliable technique for working with graph representations. The best performance is achieved by directly integrating graph convolutions with feature information and related parameters. The petrophysical parameters were combined with the unlabeled KMC outputs to form the GCN dataset. The initial potential zones were classified into five classes based on petrophysical criteria: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low. This GCN approach was used to identify each graph quality in the dataset. The hydrocarbon potential of the three wells was evaluated using the graph dataset and the GCN approach, which produced results with higher accuracy when real labels were used. The findings of this study indicate that the identification of a hydrocarbon-rich region through the utilization of a graph that integrates lithological and petrophysical data requires a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface that goes beyond lithology alone. To achieve this, a novel method for predicting hydrocarbon potential based on GCN is proposed, which combines graph datasets derived from well logs consisting of petrophysical entities and depth values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online monitoring of dynamic chemical processes involving a wide volatility range of hydrocarbon species is challenging due to long chromatographic measurement times. Mass spectrometry (MS) overcomes chromatographic delays. However, the analysis of n-alkane mixtures by MS is difficult because many fragment ions are formed, which leads to overlapping signals of the homologous series. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) is suitable for the analysis of saturated hydrocarbons and is the subject of current research. Still, although APCI is a "soft ionization" technique, fragmentation is typically inevitable. Moreover, it is usually applied for liquid samples, while an application for online gas-phase monitoring is widely unexplored. Here, we present an automated APCI-MS method for an online gas-phase analysis of volatile and semi-volatile n-alkanes. Mass spectra for n-heptane and n-decane reveal [M-H]+, [M-3H]+ and [M-3H+H2O]+ as abundant ions. While [M-H]+ and [M-3H]+ show an excessive fragmentation pattern to smaller CnH2n+1+ and CnH2n-1+ cations, [M-3H+H2O]+ is the only relevant signal within the CnH2n+1O+ ion group, i.e., no chain cleavage is observed. This makes [M-3H+H2O]+ an analyte-specific ion that is suitable for the quantification of n-alkane mixtures. A calibration confirms the linearity of C7 and C10 signals up to concentrations of ~1000–1500 ppm. Moreover, validated concentration profiles are measured for a binary C7/C10 mixture and a five-alkane C7/C10/C12/C14/C20 mixture. Compared to the 40-min sampling interval of the reference gas chromatograph, MS sampling is performed within 5 min and allows dynamic changes to be monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of experimental studies on the gasification of mixtures of brown coal and polyethylene (up to 20 wt% fraction) in a laboratory reactor. The work aims to study the agglomeration process during the heating and oxidation of the mixtures. The measurement results (gas composition, pressure drop) provide indirect information on the dynamics of thermal decomposition and structural changes in the fuel bed. We have shown that the interaction between polyethylene and a coal surface leads to the formation of dense agglomerates, in which the molten polymer acts as a binder. Clinkers form as a result of interfacial interactions between components and filtration flow rearranging. The hydrogen/carbon ratio in the solid residue of coal-polyethylene co-gasification increases from 0.07–0.2 to 1.11, indicating the formation of stable hydrocarbon compounds on the carbon surface. The conducted research makes it possible to identify possible interactions between chemical reactions and transfer processes that lead to agglomeration in mixtures of coal with polyethylene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]