Articles in Press

Thematic

Solid waste management
Water and wastewater
Climate change and air pollution
Circular economy

The influence of nZVI composites as immobilizing agents on the bioavailability of heavy metals and plant growth in mining metal-contaminated soil
Mousa M, Al-Farraj A, Al-Wabel M, Ibrahim H, Usman A, Al-Swadi H, Ahmad M, Rafique M.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005774
Paper Topic:
Nanomaterials in the environment: applications and effects

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Abstract
Under the greenhouse scale, nano zero valent iron (nZVI) have been evaluated evaluated by formulation with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-nZVI), chitosan (Ch-nZVI), biochar (BC-nZVI), and smectite (SC-nZVI) at rates of 0 and 0.5 and 1% (w/w). The properties of manufactured compounds and their impact on the soil ecosystem planted with safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) as a phytoremediation crop for inorganic contaminants in contaminated mining soils have been measured. After 33 days, growth parameters were recorded in harvested plants and the concentrations of some HMs in plant tissues. Furthermore, pH, EC, soluble Na and available Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in the treated soil after harvest were analyzed. Results revealed that Ch-nZVI and SC-nZVI application at 0.5% led to a narrow non-significant increase in the dry biomass and the shoot length compared to the control. On the other hand, the application of CMC-nZVI and BC-nZVI resulted in reduced plant growth. All the applied amendments increased soil pH, EC, and soluble Na contents. The soils treated with synthesized nZVI composites showed a considerable increase (non-significant) in available heavy metals in treated soils compared to control. Application of CMC-nZVI1% resulted in increased shoot copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) (182% and 114%, respectively, compared to control), while Ch-nZVI, SC-nZVI applied at 1%, and BC-nZVI0 applied at 5% resulted in reduce Cu, Zn, and Pb concentrations in roots by 65.2%, 31.4% and 85.5% in Cu, Zn and Pb respectively as compared to control). The phytoremediation indices showed that the uptake and extraction of HMs by safflower plants weren't significant in decreasing heavy metals in polluted soil and the applied materials disabled the actions of hyperaccumulated plant used. Results showed that these materials didn’t have a significant effect on immobilize of HMs in mining soil, while the application of Ch-nZVI, SC-nZVI, and BC-nZVI resulted in disabled hyperaccumulated plant to reducing the uptake of Pb, Cu, and Zn. It could be concluded that the application of synthesized nZVI composites to mining polluted soil might be restricted, mainly due to their negative impacts on soil ecosystem besides their side effects on HMs uptake by test hyperaccumulated crop.
Gap type effect on photocatalytic degradation using newly hydrotalcite nanoposite precursor synthesized by hydrothermal method
Kerchich S, Boudjemaa A, Chebout R, Kerchich Y, Béchohra I, Bachari K

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005443
Paper Topic:
Water and Wastewater Treatment

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Abstract
A novel technique involving hydrothermal synthesis was employed to prepare nanocomposite precursors of lamellar double hydroxide based basic mixed oxides. This method extended ongoing research on iron-impregnated hydrotalcite-supported nanomaterials. The iron-based Fe/MgAl-h nanocomposite was prepared via dry impregnation, introducing a known % by weight of Fe (NO3)3.9H2O metal salt into the hydrothermally synthesized MgAl-h structure. For comparative analysis, the photocatalytic performance of Fe/MgAl-h was compared with the coprecipitation-synthesized Fe/MgAl-c after calcination at 400°C, using various characterization techniques. Structural examination revealed a double-layered hydroxyl structure and the presence of iron oxide phase Fe2O3 in Fe/MgAl-h400. Optical assessments indicated an indirect band gap energy of 1.89 eV for solid Fe/MgAl-h400, which is suitable for visible light absorption. Photocatalytic experiments for methylene blue (MB) dye degradation in aqueous solution were performed under artificial irradiation with a tungsten lamp as the visible light source, mirroring the conditions of Fe/MgAl-c400. Using 50 mg/L MB concentration and 0.5 g/L catalyst quantity, increased MB removal efficiency with time was observed. A comparative study of hydrothermal and coprecipitation synthesis methods showed decreased photodegradation for the hydrothermally prepared solid. Fe/MgAl-h400 and Fe/MgAl-c400 exhibited reaction efficiencies of approximately 46% and 67%, respectively, possibly attributed to their distinct indirect and direct band gap characteristics. Moreover, a wider band gap in a semiconductor material offers several advantages for the degradation of dyes.
Physicochemical Variation of Water, Diversity, and Bacterial Community Structure in Post-coal Mining Ponds of Different Ages in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Kusumawati E. Retnaningdyah C. Mustafa I. Suharjono

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005752
Paper Topic:
Water Quality

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Abstract
This study aims to determine physicochemical variation of water, diversity, and community structure of bacteria at post-coal mining ponds of various ages located in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Bacteria species were identified using a metagenomic approach on the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) nanopore platform and analyzed using the QIIME2 pipeline. The result showed that ponds aged > 20 years old had better water quality compared to others < 5 years old. In addition, ponds > 20 years old had lower conductivity values (0,21-0,40 mS/cm), water temperature (29,1-30,1oC), and sulfur content (2,35-6,44 mg/L), as well as higher pH (6,57-7,61) and abundance of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) (217-364 CFU/mL). Based on the results, ponds < 5 years old had water quality characterized by higher conductivity (0,27-1,29 mS/cm), water temperature (30,1-31,4 oC), and sulfur content (6,56-15,03 mg/L), lower pH (2,93-3,72), and abundance of SOB (0-38 CFU/mL). Diversity and structure of bacteria community showed that the Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) in post-coal mining ponds > 20 years old was 3819 compared to 2027 in those < 5 years old. Bacteria community in post-coal mining ponds > 20 years old consisted of 11 phyla and 45 classes, while those < 5 years old had 9 phyla and 38 classes. Moreover, the relative abundance of families, genera, and species at ponds > 20 years old was also higher. The high water quality, diversity, and community structure of bacteria at ponds > 20 years old showed the successful remediation of ponds water by SOB.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Development of Circular Economy in China: A Perspective on Green Total Factor Productivity
Li H. Lei X.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005923
Paper Topic:
Circular economy

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Abstract
In the process of China's transition to high-quality development, the circular economy, as a key strategy for achieving green growth, is of significant importance in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. This study employs the SBM-GML model to analyze the Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2019, exploring the influence of climate change on the development of the circular economy. The research finds that although China's GTFP shows an overall upward trend, indicating some achievements in the circular economy, the performance in the eastern region significantly outperforms other regions, with technological progress being the primary driver of growth. The impact of climate change on GTFP varies with temperature changes and exhibits differentiated characteristics in different regions. Based on these findings, this paper puts forward a series of policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the practice of the circular economy, enhancing resource utilization efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and addressing the challenges of climate change through promoting green low-carbon development, optimizing industrial structure, and formulating adaptive environmental regulations.
Production of nanocellulose from lignocellulosic biomass and its potential applications: A review
Khan M.N. Ditta A. Sharif A. Farooqi Z.H. Rehman N. Ahmed E. Din M.I. Tariq M. Iqbal R. Basuliman O.A. Ali I. Bawazeer S.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005604
Paper Topic:
Nanomaterials in the environment: applications and effects

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Abstract
Lignocellulosic biomass is a complex natural polymer primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and various other chemical components. The cellulose in the lignocellulosic biomass can depolymerize into a nano-dimension biomaterial called nanocellulose, which possesses unique features with potential application in various fields. Nanocellulose production from lignocellulosic biomass has become the subject of extensive research in the last few decades in the fields of material sciences and biomedical engineering and has attracted the attention of scientists and technologists worldwide. This production faces many challenges in utilizing the cellulose from lignocellulosic biomasses and subsequent processing for their conversion into nanocellulosic materials and their further applications in various fields of science and technology. This current review not only focuses on the production of nanocellulose from lignocellulosic biomass through different production methods but also discusses various sources, types, properties, and their applications in material science and biomedical engineering. This research review certainly shows that in the future, nanocellulose has great potential to be used as a renewable source in the field of sustainable materials and nanocomposites.
The impacts of green finance on regional carbon emission：Evidence from China
Xu L.J Chen S.H Liu F.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005677
Paper Topic:
Environmental Management and Policies

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Abstract
Green finance has become an important tool for the low-carbon development in China. This research constructs a comprehensive indicator system, and carefully describes the spatial characteristics of green finance and carbon emissions in China from 2012 to 2021. Then, the dynamic SDM and the mediating effect model are used to explore the spatial spillover effect, the mechanism and the heterogeneity. The research finds that carbon emission levels are generally higher in the north of China, and the level of green finance shows a spatial distribution of high in the east and low in the west. Moreover, green finance can significantly reduce carbon emissions in the presence of spatial spillovers with heterogeneity. For 1% increase in green finance within the region, per capita carbon emissions are reduced by 0.68% in the short term and 0.60% in the long term, and by 0.75% in the short term and 0.33% in the long term in the surrounding areas. In addition, green technology innovation has become an important way for green finance to boost low-carbon development.
Synthesis characterization and sorption properties of nanoscale zero valent iron using red mud as the iron source: cadmium removal from spiked aqueous solutions
Pentari D., Tournavitou A., Stratakis A.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005807
Paper Topic:
Circular economy

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Abstract
The aim of the present study was to synthesize a sorbent material, nanoscale zero valent iron (n ZVI), using red mud as the iron source in the framework of circular economy. The sorbent synthesized was tested for Cd removal from spiked aqueous solutions. For the synthesis of the sorbent, iron reductive precipitation was used. The specific surface area (BET method) of the sorbent prepared was determined, while its surface composition, morphology, and texture were examined by powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX). The sorption efficiency of the sorbent produced was inve-1stigated with kinetic and equilibrium experiments, performed in batch conditions. MATLAB software was used to fit experimental data to Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The results of the study showed that with the described process, nanoscale zero valent iron was prepared with grain size 81 and 89 nm and specific surface area of 36.59 and 28.9 m2·g-1 depended on the synthesis procedure followed. The sorbent appeared to be efficient for Cd removal from spiked aqueous solutions. Kinetic experiments proved that equilibrium was achieved within 24h while the maximum sorption capacity as evidenced by equilibrium experiments was 65 mg·g-1. Data proved to follow the pseudo second order model and to fit better to the Langmuir equation.
Enhancing sunflower resilience: Zinc-solubilizing bacteria mitigate cadmium uptake and translocation
Aimen A. Hussain A. Ahmad M. Dar A. Jamil M. Iqbal R. Al Farraj D.A. AbdelGawwad M.R.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005820
Paper Topic:
Ecology, environmental change and management

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Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly hazardous metal known for its easy absorption and accumulation in plants, particularly in edible vegetable oils. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) holds global significance as an oil crop. This study aims to assess the potential of zinc-solubilizing bacterial strains in reducing cadmium uptake by enhancing zinc availability in sunflower plants. For this investigation, we selected twelve pre-isolated zinc-solubilizing bacterial (ZSB) strains for screening against cadmium tolerance and were evaluated for their exopolysaccharides (EPS) and siderophore production capabilities. Four strains exhibiting excellent tolerance to cadmium, EPS production, and siderophore production were subsequently inoculated into sunflower plants to determine the cadmium concentration to determine EC50 at various cadmium levels (ranging from 0 to 200 mg kg-1). Following the compatibility assessment of these strains as single and consortium inoculation, sunflower seeds were cultivated in jars containing soil with two cadmium levels (0 and 125 mg kg-1), totaling 600 g of soil. Our findings demonstrated that the application of ZSB significantly enhanced sunflower growth while simultaneously reducing cadmium uptake. Particularly noteworthy was the performance of the bacterial consortium, composed of strains ZM27 and AN31, which resulted in a remarkable 96% reduction in cadmium translocation, an 86% decrease in cadmium bioaccumulation, and a 97% reduction in overall cadmium uptake compared to the control group. Moreover, the same treatment has caused increase in root length (21.6%), shoot length (18.8%), chlorophyll contents (23.5%), Zn in shoot (30.8%), root Zn contents (13.5%), seedling vigor (49.6%) and leaf area (23.1%) of sunflower under Cd stress as compared to control. The present study concludes that zinc-solubilizing bacterial strains, in consortium ZM27+AN31 were found effective in mitigating the adverse effects of cadmium uptake in sunflower plants. These results suggest that bacterial inoculation strategies hold significant promise for reducing cadmium content in sunflower crops, thereby enhancing the safety and suitability of sunflower-derived edible oils for human consumption and safeguarding human health.

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Articles in Press

Thematic

The influence of nZVI composites as immobilizing agents on the bioavailability of heavy metals and plant growth in mining metal-contaminated soil

Gap type effect on photocatalytic degradation using newly hydrotalcite nanoposite precursor synthesized by hydrothermal method

Physicochemical Variation of Water, Diversity, and Bacterial Community Structure in Post-coal Mining Ponds of Different Ages in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

The Impact of Climate Change on the Development of Circular Economy in China: A Perspective on Green Total Factor Productivity

Production of nanocellulose from lignocellulosic biomass and its potential applications: A review

The impacts of green finance on regional carbon emission：Evidence from China

Synthesis characterization and sorption properties of nanoscale zero valent iron using red mud as the iron source: cadmium removal from spiked aqueous solutions

Enhancing sunflower resilience: Zinc-solubilizing bacteria mitigate cadmium uptake and translocation

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