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This comprehensive review examines various methods of treating medical waste in the context of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). A bibliometric analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of COVID‐19 on medical waste, which showed a notable increase in publications in recent years. Findings indicate that thermal treatment with energy recovery, including pyrolysis, gasification, oxidation, and plasma gasification, is the most effective approach for managing medical waste. However, research on the impacts of medical waste on SDGs is insufficient, warranting further investigations to better understand the intersections between medical waste management and the SDGs. The need for international cooperation and collaboration in addressing medical waste management challenges, especially during crises, is highlighted. Understanding the links between medical waste management and the SDGs is crucial in developing sustainable solutions aligned with the global sustainability agenda. Further research and international collaboration are needed to address the challenges associated with medical waste management and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of solar thermal systems (STSs) has recently reached a significant edge. The increasing research on developing an alternative power supply for limiting fossil fuel usage and climate change are the driving forces of STSs. The current work explores the recent progress in STSs' applications, including PV/T or "photovoltaic/thermal" systems, zero-energy buildings, greenhouse solar thermal applications, solar thermal for pumping water, solar thermal refrigerators, solar chimneys, water desalination, and solar collectors, along with the benefits and challenges of these applications. Then, the potential contribution of STSs in achieving the various SDGs or "Sustainable development goals", including barriers and research gaps, are elaborated. In brief, STSs significantly contribute to the seventeen SDGs' achievement directly and indirectly. Recent developments in the engineering applications of STSs are strongly based on the materials of construction, as well as their design, process optimisation, and integration with multidisciplinary sciences and technologies such as modelling, nanoscience/nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refused derived fuel (RDF) is one of the products of the MSWs that is effectively used as an energy source, especially in the cement industry. This work discusses the role of the RDF in the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the circular economy. Moreover, the barriers that challenge the widespread of the RDF are indicated. The RDF positively contributes to the most SDGs. However, the main contribution would be in SDG l: no poverty, SDG 3: good health and well-being, SDG 6: SDG 6: clean water and sanitation, SDG 7: affordable and clean Energy, SDG 8 decent work and economic growth, SDG 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 11: sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12: responsible consumption and production, SDG 14: life below water and SDG 15: life on land. While in the main contribution of the circular economy comes from its ability to reuse municipal solid wastes, industrial solid waste, non-recyclable plastics, waste tires, biomass, paper/card, waste oils, and waste textiles. In addition, RDF will reduce the CO 2 by up to 2155.3 106 Kt CO 2 /year and recover heat content from 2 to 5.5 Gcal/t. Moreover, the RDF will save up to 15% of the fuel that equals 4.92 tons/h. Such fuel reduction will save 486 USD/h in petcoke costs, with 2.27 tons/h of CO 2 being emitted into the atmosphere at a net saving of 389 USD/h. The results guide academic researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders worldwide to evaluate solid wastes as alternative fuels concerning their overall sustainability and cheapness. Moreover, this work introduces some future research directions to involve solid wastes in circular economy and SDGs. Furthermore, a set of indicators are proposed to guide the stakeholder to increase the RDF contribution to SDGs and lower the possible trade-off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been increasingly used all over the world and they have been reported on water cycle and cause contamination. Among these pharmaceuticals is caffeine (CAF). In this work, CAF removal from aqueous samples by metal–organic framework (UIO-66) and perovskite (La0.7Sr0.3FeO3) was achieved. Detailed studies on the preparation of MOFs and perovskite oxides compounds have been presented. Extensive characterizations such as X-Ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms were also carried out to assure proper formation and to better understand the physico-chemical behavior of the synthesized samples before and after adsorption. Batch experiments of CAF adsorption onto both MOFs and perovskite were performed to compare the effectiveness of both materials on the removal competence of the CAF residue at different conditions including the effect of pH, initial concentration, and contact time. It was observed that the adsorption capacity of CAF by MOF increased with increasing acidity. On the other hand, the adsorption capacity of perovskite is stable in pH 4–10. The maximum adsorption capacities of UiO-66 and perovskite toward CAF are high as 62.5 mg g−1 and 35.25 mg g−1, respectively. Equilibrium isotherms were investigated by numerous models: Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Redlich-Peterson, Sips, Langmuir-Freundlich, Toth, Kahn, Baudu, and Fritz Schlunder. Moreover, the kinetics of the CAF@MOF and CAF@Perovskite systems have been studied by five kinetic models (Pseudo-1st -order (PFO), Pseudo-2nd -order (PSO), Mixed 1st, 2nd-order, Intraparticle diffusion and Avrami). The best model described the adsorption of CAF onto both of MOF and perovskite was the mixed 1st, 2nd-order model. The metal–organic framework and perovskite were applied to quickly extract CAF from water samples successfully. The maximum removal percentage obtained for MOF and perovskite was 0.89% and 0.94% respectively within 30 min contact time which suggests that these materials are considered as promising adsorbents for CAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption has been a widely economical way of removing major pollutants from wastewater in latest times. Zn2+ is a severe human and animal life hazard. The adsorption properties of the chitosan-kaolinite (Ch-K) composite prepared by chemical precipitation for Zn2+ uptake from synthetic polluted water were investigated. The Ch-K composite was analyzed by FT-IR, XRD, SEM and TGA. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the minimum beds average diameter of Ch-K composite was 110 µm. A lot of experiments were done to optimize the adsorption parameters such as concentration of adsorbate, dose of adsorbent, pH and time of contact. The results showed that the Zn2+ sorption onto Ch-K composite were mainly dependent on pH and was affected by the temperature. To express the mechanism of adsorption process and the effect of other parameters on the adsorption time, the kinetic and isothermal models were studied. The second-order kinetics and Freundlich model are suitable for the process. Thus, Ch-K composite has been proved as a potential adsorbent for the removal of Zn2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial by-products; have received a lot of attention as a possible precursor for cement and/or concrete production for a more environmentally and economically sound use of raw materials and energy sources. Geopolymer is a potentially useful porous material for OPC binder applications. The use of industrial wastes to produce a greener geopolymer is one area of fascinating research. In this work, geopolymer pastes were developed using alkali liquid as an activator and metakaolin (MK), alumina powder (AP), silica fume (SF), and cement kin dust (CKD) as industrial by-products. Several geopolymer samples have been developed. Research has been carried out on its processing and related physical and mechanical properties through deep microstructure investigation. The samples were cured in water by immersion with relative humidity (95 ± 5%), and at room temperature (~ 19–23 °C) prior to being tested for its workability and durability. The effect of the different composition of precursors on water absorption, density, porosity, and the compressive strength of the prepared geopolymers have been investigated. The results showed that the compressive strength of geopolymers at 28 days of curing is directly proportional to the ratio of the alkali liquid. Ultimately, the best geopolymer paste mixture (GPD1 and GPD2), was confirmed to contain (15% of CKD + 85% MK and Alumina solution (55 wt%)) and (25% of CKD + 75% MK + Alumina solution (55 wt%)) respectively, with 73% desirability for maximum water absorption (~ 44%) and compressive strength (4.9 MPa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane-based technologies are recently being considered as effective methods for conventional water and wastewater remediation processes to achieve the increasing demands for clean water and minimize the negative environmental effects. Although there are numerous merits of such technologies, some major challenges like high capital and operating costs. This study first focuses on reporting the current membrane-based technologies, i.e., nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, and forward- and reverse-osmosis membranes. The second part of this study deeply discusses the contributions of membrane-based technologies in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) stated by the United Nations (UNs) in 2015 followed by their role in the circular economy. In brief, the membrane based processes directly impact 15 out of 17 SDGs which are SDG1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. However, the merits, challenges, efficiencies, operating conditions, and applications are considered as the basis for evaluating such technologies in sustainable development, circular economy, and future development. [Display omitted] • Membrane-based technologies for water and wastewater remediation were summarized. • Challenges facing the development of Membrane-based technologies were discussed. • The role of Membrane-based technologies in achieving SDGs was introduced. • The role of Membrane-based technologies in the circular economy was analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhyolite rocks extend from southern Egypt to northern Egypt in the Eastern Desert, and no effective economic exploitation of them has been discovered so far. The pozzolanic activities of different volcanic tuffs (VT) supplied from the Eastern Desert located in Egypt have been investigated as natural volcanic pozzolan materials to develop new green cementitious materials for achieving sustainability goals in the construction field. Experimentally in this paper, the pozzolanic activities of seven diverse specimens of Egyptian tuffs taken with standardized proportions of 75:25% (Cement: volcanic tuffs) were investigated. Pozzolanic features of such tuffs are examined comparatively via strength activity index (SAI), TGA, DTA, and the Frattini's test. Chemical composition, petrographic, and XRD analysis were also performed for tuffs samples. The pozzolanic reaction degrees were determined according to the compressive strengths at 7, 28, 60 and 90 days with different replacement ratios (20, 25, 30 and 40%) of tuffs samples. Additionally, the micro-filler effects in mortar and concrete were determined by measuring the heat of hydration in mortar samples and the compressive strength of concrete with different additive ratios for tuffs samples besides, the concrete slump test. The results show that TF6 gives a lower cement heat of hydration value which is less than 270 J/g at 7 days. Also, its performance in concrete is better than silica fume at late strength (28 days) since the concrete index value is 106.2% by compared to the concrete index of silica fume 103.9 and therefore it can be used as an alternative to high price and quality variable silica fume (SF) for producing high-performance green concrete. Due to the good pozzolanic behavior proved by nearly most volcanic tuffs, along with their low cost, this study will be profitable for very auspicious the use of Egyptian volcanic tuffs for developing sustainable and eco‑friendly blended cement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel eco-friendly sorbent, hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) functionalized calcium alginate (AG) immobilized graphene oxide (GO) composite (AG-GO-HMTA) and hexamethylenetetramine functionalized calcium alginate composite (AG-HMTA) were prepared. Adsorption factors including pH impact, contact time, initial dye concentration, dosage, selectivity and reusability on methylene blue (MB) removal from water were investigated. The prepared sorbents were characterized using structural (e.g. XRD, FT-IR, EDAX), thermal (e.g. TGA, DTG), and morphological (e.g. SEM, BET) analysis techniques. The equilibrium adsorption data was described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, and the adsorption kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were investigated. The field studies and regeneration of the beads were investigated. AG-GO HMTA displays a well-defined porous structure and this desired morphology arising from high quality dispersion of HMTA within the AG-GO matrix. The highest adsorption capacities were observed at pH ∼ 5, meanwhile the adsorption of MB dye molecules, positively charged, onto the beads became faster due to strong electrostatic interactions. When the value of dosage is 0.01 g, the equilibrium concentration (mg/g) are maximum at 103, 110, 164, 168 mg/g for AG, AG-GO, AG-HMTA and AG-GO-HMTA, respectively. The present work shows that pseudo first order could describe the MB adsorption onto AG while it couldn't describe the MB adsorption onto the functionalized sorbents due to the hybrid materials complicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manufacturing of cement demand burning of huge quantities of fuel as well as significant emissions of CO 2 resulting from the decomposition of limestone that consequently resulted in severe environmental impact that is estimated by one ton of CO 2 per ton of cement. Geopolymerization technology is an effective method for converting wastes (containing alumina and silica) into useful products. It can reduce CO 2 emissions significantly from the cement industry. The geopolymerization process usually starts with source materials based on alumina/silicate in addition to alkaline liquids. The compressive strength, setting time, and workability of the final product depends mainly on the type and proportions of the precursors, the type and strength of the activator, the mixing and curing conditions. The structural performance of a geopolymer is similar to that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Therefore, geopolymer can replace OPC, and thus decreasing the energy consumption, reducing the cost of the building materials, and minimizing the environmental impacts of the cement industry. This review summaries the mechanism of geopolymerization, including the controlling parameters and different raw materials (fly ash, kaolinite and metakaolin, slag, red mud, silica waste, heavy metals waste, and others) with particular focus on recent studies and challenges in this area. Unlabelled Image • Geopolymer can replace OPC, and thus decreasing energy consumption. • Mechanism of geopolymerization, including the controlling parameters summarized. • Different geopolymer raw materials are thoroughly discussed. • Geopolymer reduces the environmental impact of the cement industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-electrochemical systems (BESs) use electroactive micro-organisms for degrading organic materials in wastes for energy and/or chemical production. Microbial based desalination system is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly technique that can be used for water desalination with simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy harvesting. These systems can be used as a standalone technology for water desalination such as microbial desalination cell, microbial electrolysis desalination cell, or a hybrid with other desalination technology. This review summarized the recent progress in using BESs for water desalination, including microbial fuel cell-based desalination (MDC) and microbial electrolysis cell-based desalination (MEDC). The different scaling up trials to commercialize this technology, including the controlling parameters, are discussed. Moreover, the different hybrid desalination systems based on BES are summarized. Finally, the challenges facing the commercialization of the MDC systems were summarized. Unlabelled Image • The recent progress of BESs based water desalination configurations is summarized. • Different scaling up of BESs based desalination systems is highlighted. • The different hybrid desalination systems based on BES are discussed. • Challenges of BES based desalination systems are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urea is recognized as one of the most frequently used adulterants in milk to enhance artificial protein content, and whiteness. Drinking milk having high urea concentrations which causes innumerable health disputes like ulcers, indigestion, and kidney-related problems. Therefore, herein, a simple and rapid electroanalytical platform was developed to detect the presence of urea in milk using a modified electrode sensor. Calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO NPs) were green synthesized and used as a catalyst material for developing the sensor. Synthesized materials formation was confirmed by different techniques like FTIR, UV–visible, XRD, SEM–EDX, and Raman spectroscopy. The carbon paste electrode (CPE) was modified using the CaO NPs and used as a working electrode during the analysis followed by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. The fabricated calcium oxide modified carbon paste electrode (CaO/CPE) successfully detected the presence of urea in the lower concentration range (lower limit of detection (LLOD) = 0.032 µM) having a wide linear detection range of 10–150 µM. Adsorption-controlled electrode process was achieved at the scan rate variation parameter. The leading parameters like the selectivity, repeatability, and stability of the CaO/CPE were investigated. The relative standard deviation of sensor was ± 3.8% during the interference and stability study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All cobalt quantities available are used in the industry but the wastewater containing this heavy metal remains toxic to humans and the aquatic environment. Therefore, more environmentally friendly techniques for cobalt removal are being explored. The present communication presents a study in a batch mode of the effect of Wasif and Bayda clay composites on Cobalt-59 removal from an aqueous solution. The characterization of the clay composites is done using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, the clay composites are charged with Cobalt-59 and the adsorption characteristics are investigated with respect to pH, an adsorbent dosage, an initial cobalt concentration, contact time and a temperature. The removal of Cobalt-59 ions increases with the increase of these parameters with the temperature exception. The removal rate is initially high but then decreases to attain an equilibrium at 60 min. 1 g of the composite charged with 125 mgL-1 cobalt ions has an adsorption efficiency of 91.3 % and 56.49 % for the Wasif and Bayda clay composites, respectively. The data fits better the Freundlich isotherm than the Langmuir one. Based on the thermodynamic parameters ΔGo, ΔSo, and ΔHo the adsorption involves essentially a physisorption process for the Wasif clay composite. Herein, an increase of the temperature leads to a decrease of the percentage of Cobalt (II)-59 ions removed. A chemisorption process dominates the Bayda clay composite interaction with Cobalt (II)-59 ions. Here, an increase of the temperature leads to an increase of the removal of Cobalt (II)-59 ions from the aqueous solution. However, the reactions in both cases are spontaneous as ΔGo values are negative. In addition, the reactions involving Wasif and Bayda clay composites are endothermic as ΔHo values are positive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tubular Daylight device (TDD) and solar water heater (SWH) are two power saving solutions that are commonly employed individually in residential and industrial premises. This paper proposed a novel merged power saving system consisting of TDD and SWH in one model, which is the first attempt to integrate these two systems. The idea of merging the TDD with SWH is based on utilizing the existing area around the TDD to implement the SWH around the TDD tube through a serpentine collector. The main purpose for such integration is to enhance solar energy saving, space area saving, and to decrease the fabrication cost. The illumination and thermal performance of the new proposed model were tested and analysed experimentally in different seasons in Cairo - Egypt to assess its performance in practical use. The obtained results indicated that the merged system succeeded in transferring an acceptable illumination rate and increasing the water temperature. The transferred internal illuminance has reached approximately to 6.5 W/m 2 that fulfils the required needs of lighting. Additionally, the system increased the water temperature up to 62 °C, with a performance instantaneous efficiency that reached 21.17% which is very satisfactory. Furthermore, the performance of thermosyphon SWH with different serpentine collector coil number of turns has been evaluated. The results proved that, the collector number of turns has significantly affected the SWH performance in a directly proportional relation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synthesis, characterization, and functionalization techniques of GO. • Structures and properties of GO by analytical techniques. • GO-based materials for the removal of different organic contaminants. • GO-based materials for device fabrication for sensors. • Techno-Economic feasibility of GO. Graphene oxide (GO) is one of the most promising materials having broader applications in energy, storage, optics, electronics biology, and chemistry. It contains different oxygen groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl epoxy groups), that have the potentials to form complexes with different metal ions and organic contaminants through coordination, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interaction, which is a benefit to its prospective applications in environmental pollution treatment and control. Different methods for producing carboxyl-saturated GO-based adsorbents open up new opportunities in green technology, such as energy storage, wastewater remediation, and nuclear waste utilization. This review brings different GO synthesis methods, including bottom-up and top-down techniques. Different properties and structures of GO by various analytical techniques are also discussed. Efforts have also been made to cover the diverse applications of GO-based adsorbents in device fabrication and wastewater treatment. In addition, the techno-economic feasibility of GO as a bottom-up or top-down cost approach was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sudden increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere due to the high dependency on fossil products has created the need for an urgent solution to mitigate this challenge. Global warming, which is a direct result of excessive CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, is one major issue that the world is trying to curb, especially in the 21st Century where most energy generation mediums operate using fossil products. This investigation considered a number of materials ideal for the capturing of CO2 in the post-combustion process. The application of aqueous ammonia, amine solutions, ionic liquids, and activated carbons is thoroughly discussed. Notable challenges are impeding their advancement, which are clearly expatiated in the report. Some merits and demerits of these technologies are also presented. Future research directions for each of these technologies are also analyzed and explained in detail. Furthermore, the impact of post-combustion CO2 capture on the circular economy is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospinning is a promising technique for the beneficial use and recycling of plastic waste polymers using simple methodologies. In this study, plastic bottles and Styrofoam wastes have been used to develop polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) nanofibers using electrospinning technique separately without any further purification. The effect of the concentration onto the nanofiber's morphology was studied. The fabricated nanofibers were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), N 2 adsorption/desorption analysis, and water contact angle (WCA). Furthermore, the prepared nanofibers were applied for the adsorption of ibuprofen (IBU) from wastewater. Some parameters that can influence the adsorption efficiency of nanofibers such as solution pH, wt.% of prepared nanofibers, drug initial concentration, and contact time were studied and optimized. The results show that the equilibrium adsorption capacity was achieved after only 10 min for 12 wt% PET nanofibers which is equivalent to 364.83 mg/g. For 12 wt% PS nanofibers, an equilibrium adsorption capacity of 328.42 mg/g was achieved in 30 min. The experimental data was fitted to five isotherm and four kinetics models to understand the complicated interaction between the nanofibers and the drug. Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm model showed the best fit for experimental data for both PET and PS nanofibers. The adsorption process was characterized by predominantly physical reaction rather than chemical adsorption for both materials. The reusability study revealed that the synthesized nanofibers maintain their ability to adsorb/desorb IBU for up to five cycles. The results obtained demonstrated that fabricated nanofibers from plastic wastes could perform promising adsorbents for the management of IBU in wastewater. However, further research is needed for the scaling-up the fabrication which is required for real-world applications. [Display omitted] • Plastic Wastes converted into nanofibers for management of ibuprofen in wastewater. • Rapid adsorption kinetics highlights a promising and sustainable direction for pharmaceutical residue removal. • Sustainable and reusable nature of the "as prepared" nanofibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the efficiency of the adsorptive removal of the organic cationic dye methylene blue (MB) from polluted water was examined using three materials: natural clay (zeolite), Zn-Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH), and zeolite/LDH composite. These materials were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) diffraction (XRF), low-temperature N2 adsorption, pore volume and average pore size distribution and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The properties of the applied nanomaterials regarding the adsorption of MB were investigated by determining various experimental parameters, such as the contact time, initial dye concentration, and solution pH. In addition, the adsorption isotherm model was estimated using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm models. The Langmuir model was the best-fitting for all applied nanomaterials. In addition, the kinetics were analyzed by using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models, and the pseudo-second-order model was an apparent fit for all three applied nanomaterials. The maximum Adsorption capacity toward MB obtained from the materials was in the order zeolite/LDH composite > zeolites > Zn-Fe LDH. Thus, the zeolite/LDH composite is an excellent adsorbent for the removal of MB from polluted water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and operation of a nanosensor for detecting the poisonous 1-chloro-3-ethylamino-5-isopropylamino-2,4,6-triazine (Atrazine) are described in this study for the first time. The carbon electrode (CE) surface was modified with cysteine-substituted naphthalene diimide to create this sensitive platform. The developed nanosensor (NDI-cys/GCE) was evaluated for its ability to sense Atrazine using differential pulse voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry. To achieve the best response from the target analyte, the effects of several parameters were examined to optimize the conditions. The cysteine-substituted naphthalene diimide significantly improved the signals of the Atrazine compared to bare GCE due to the synergistic activity of substituted naphthalene diimide and cysteine molecules. Under optimal conditions, atrazine detection limits at the (NDI-cys/GCE) were reported to be 94 nM with a linear range of 10–100 μM. The developed sensing platform also showed positive results when used to detect the atrazine herbicide in real tap water, wastewater, and milk samples. Furthermore, a reasonable recovery rate for real-time studies, repeatability, and stability revealed that the developed electrochemical platform could be used for sample analysis. • The carbon electrode surface was modified with NDI cys to create sensitive platform. • Atrazine limits of detection at the (NDI-cys/GCE) were reported to be 94 nM. • DPV, and cyclic voltammetry were evaluated for their ability to sense atrazine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food demand is expected to increase globally by 60–110% from 2005 to 2050 due to diet shifts and population growth. This growth in food demand leads to the generation of enormous agri-food wastes (AFWs), which could be classified into pre-consumption and post-consumption. The AFW represents economic losses for all stakeholders along food supply chains, including consumers. It is reported that the direct financial, social, and environmental costs of food waste are 1, 0.9, and 0.7 trillion USD/year, respectively. Diverse conventional AFW management approaches are employed at the different life cycle levels (entre supply chain). The review indicates that inadequate transportation, erroneous packaging, improper storage, losses during processing, contamination, issues with handling, and expiry dates are the main reason for the generation of AFWs in the supply chain. Further, various variables such as cultural, societal, personal, and behavioral factors contribute to the AFW generation. The selection of a specific valorization technology is based on multiple physicochemical and biological parameters. Furthermore, other factors like heterogeneity of the AFWs, preferable energy carriers, by-products management, cost, end-usage applications, and environmental legislative and disposal processes also play a crucial role in adopting suitable technology. Valorization of AFW could significantly impact both economy and the environment. AFWs have been widely investigated for the development of engineered added-value biomaterials and renewable energy production. Considering this, this study has been carried out to highlight the significance of AFW cost, aggregation, quantification, and membrane-based strategies for its management. The study also explored the satellite remote sensing data for Spatio-temporal monitoring, mapping, optimization, and management of AFW management. Along with this, the study also explained the most recent strategies for AFW valorization and outlined the detailed policy recommendation along with opportunities and challenges. The review suggested that AFW should be managed using a triple-bottom-line strategy (economic, social, and environmental sustainability). [Display omitted] • Diverse conventional waste management approaches are employed at production by farmer's end. • This review focus on agri-food wastes cost, aggregation, and strategies of its management. • GIS can be used for spatio-temporal monitoring, mapping, optimization and management of agri-food wastes. • This review also explore the most recent strategies for agri-food wastes valorization, opportunities and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An assessment of the different production methods of green ammonia was analyzed. • The various barriers facing widespread of green ammonia were discussed. • The contribution of green ammonia in achieving SDGs was elaborated. Fossil fuels are no longer accepted as the sole energy source with their environmental impacts and fluctuating price. Green hydrogen is considered a potential candidate for fossil fuel soon—however, hydrogen is facing the challenges of storage and transportation. Green ammonia, with its ease of transport and storage, is another promising alternative. Decarbonizing ammonia production is an environmental press toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This work summarizes the up-to-date progress in the green ammonia production methods. An assessment of the different production methods was conducted to highlight the merits and constraints of each approach. Moreover, the promising applications of green ammonia in the energy sectors were discussed. The various barriers, i.e., technical, economic, environmental, and regulations and policies, facing the widespread of green ammonia were also discussed. Finally, the contribution of green ammonia in achieving the different sustainable development goals was elaborated, focusing on the contribution of green ammonia in achieving climate change (SDG 13), clean energy (SDG 7), and other sustainability-related goals. Low efficiencies, high cost, and negative environmental impacts are the common challenges of the various production methods. The progress in green ammonia is essential for achieving SDG2, "Zero hunger". SDG3 "healthy life and well-being" and SDG13 "Climate action", will be achieved by eliminating 3.85 kg CO 2 -eq/kg NH 3 emitted from conventional ammonia-based processes. Ease storing of green ammonia in liquid form (at 9 bar or cooling to −33°); makes it the best green energy source, i.e., achieving SDG7 "green and affordable energy". By 2050, green ammonia is expected to represent 99 % of marine fuel, thus contributing to SDG9 "Industry and Infrastructure". Moreover, green ammonia production will save 35.2 GJ of natural gas, thus achieving SDG12 "Responsible consumption/production". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium is detected in most ecosystems due to the increased anthropogenic activities in addition to that developed from natural pollution. Chromium contamination in the food chain results due to its persistent and non-degradable nature. The release of chromium in the ecosystem accretes and thereafter impacts different life forms, including humans, aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Leaching of chromium into the ground and surface water triggers several health ailments, such as dermatitis, eczematous skin, allergic reactions, mucous and skin membrane ulcerations, allergic asthmatic reactions, bronchial carcinoma and gastroenteritis. Physiological and biological treatments for the removal of chromium have been discussed in depth in the present communication. Adsorption and biological treatment methods are proven to be alternatives to chemical removal techniques in terms of cost-effectiveness and low sludge formation. Chromium sensing is an alternative approach for regular monitoring of chromium in different water bodies. This review intended to explore different classes of sensors for chromium monitoring. However, the spectrochemical methods are more sensitive in chromium ions sensing than electrochemical methods. Future study should focus on miniaturization for portability and on-site measurements without requiring a large instrument provides a good aspect for future research. [Display omitted] • Effective processes for chromium removal from wastewater are evaluated. • Discussion on chromium removal technologies along with advantages and limitations. • New sensing technologies for the monitoring of chromium have been explored. • Spectrochemical methods are more sensitive in chromium sensing over electrochemical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene and its composites with semiconductor materials have been received highly attention in many research areas because of their unique properties. Efficient application of graphene is hindered by the lack of cost-effective synthesis methods. In this work, an economic and facile route for mass production of graphene-titanate nanocomposite has been discussed. Graphene was prepared by exfoliation of graphite powder in 40% ethanol aqueous solution. Titanate nanotubes were grown on graphene sheets by hydrothermal method, where the dispersed graphene sheets were mixed with titanate solution and then placed in autoclave and placed in oven for 16 h at 160 °C. The prepared composite was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). All the obtained results confirmed the synthesis of graphene and its composite with titanate in highly uniform and pure form. The adsorption efficiency of the prepared composite was tested using methylene blue (MB) as a model dye. The adsorption isotherm was investigated using Freundlich and Langmuir models. The adsorption capacity of MB was 270.27 mg/g. The obtained correlation coefficients (R2) by Freundlich and Langmuir model were 0.996 and 0.973, respectively. The adsorption kinetics was investigated and discussed using different models. The thermal stability of the developed composite is improved after MB adsorption. [Display omitted] • High purity graphene titanate nanocomposite was synthesized in high yield. • The prepared composite was characterized and investigated for water treatment application. • The utilized sorbent is thermally stable before/after MB adsorption. • The adsorption capacity toward methylene blue reached up to 270.27 mg/g. • Adsorption isotherm modelling and kinetics have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, iron-based metal organic framework (MOF) MIL-101(Fe) was successfully prepared via a facile solvothermal method. The as–synthesized MIL-101(Fe) was characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, FTIR, TGA and zeta potential techniques, and then employed as an adsorbent for methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) dyes. The adsorbed quantities of MO (1067 to 831 mg/g) were higher than those of MB (402 to 353 mg/g) indicating the high selectivity of MIL-101(Fe) towards the anionic dye at all temperatures (20–60 °C). Adsorption processes of MO and MB followed the pseudo-second order kinetics and the Langmuir equilibrium model. The interaction mechanism at a molecular level was analyzed and deeply interpreted via the advanced multilayer adsorption model. Steric parameters indicated that MO molecular aggregation (n) was 0.95–1.33 thus signifying the presence of multi–docking and multi–interactions mechanisms. The aggregated number of MB was superior to unity (i.e., n = 1.17–1.78) suggesting a vertical adsorption position and a multi-interactions mechanism at all operating temperatures. The density of MIL-101(Fe) active sites (D M = 77.33–52.38 mg/g for MB and 149.91–107.07 for MO) and the total adsorbed dye layers (N t = 3.12–2.49 for MB and 5.36–3.67 for MO) resulted in improving the adsorption capacities of MO dye. The adsorption energies ranged from 8.89 to 33.73 kJ/mol and they displayed that MO and MB uptake processes were exothermic controlled by physical interactions at all temperatures. Regeneration results indicated that this adsorbent can be reutilized without a significant loss in its removal efficiency after five adsorption-desorption cycles. Overall, the adsorption capacity, chemical stability, and regeneration performance of MIL-101(Fe) support its application as a very promising adsorbent for the removal of organic hazardous pollutants from water. • MIL-101 (Fe) MOF was synthesized and used to remove methylene blue and methyl orange from solutions. • Adsorbtion capacities of MO were higher than those of MB in single and binary ystems. • The Langmuir and the advanced multilayer models displayed the best fit for MO and MB adsorption data. • Removal of MO and MB was exothermic and caused by physical interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient elimination of phenolic compounds from the fuel is an important issue because it's adversely affecting the environment and fuel storage stability. Phenol can be removed by various methods including adsorption. Recently, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), both pristine and modified ones, have attracted continuous attention as an adsorbent for the purification of fuel. This paper highlights the synthesis of copper benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (Cu-BTC) supported on kaolin (K) to form Cu-BTC@K composites and examines their adsorption ability of phenol from model oil. The synthesized materials were characterized using XRD, FT-IR, SEM and BET techniques. Although the porosity of the 60% Cu-BTC@K composite was reduced after clay impregnation, the phenol adsorption increased. Investigation results displayed that the phenol adsorption performance by 60% Cu-BTC@K composite was improved up to 817 mg g−1 while with the pure Cu-BTC (676 mg g−1). The 60% Cu-BTC@K composite could be perfectly regenerated for at least 4 cycles with little loss in the adsorption ability. Monte Carlo (MC) simulation was applied to analyze the preferential adsorption sites, the adsorption energies and maximum adsorption capacities. The composites formed by the combination of clay and MOFs may find promising applications in fuel purification. [Display omitted] • Cu-BTC@K was synthesized via the coordination-assisted self-assembly method. • Remarakable removal of phenol by prepared Cu-BTC@ kaolinite was showed 817 mg g−1. • Free site of Cu atoms are the major interaction sites for phenol. • Removal mechanism may be due to H- bonding and and metal- π interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]