The demand for efficient separation techniques in industries dealing with high viscosity emulsions has surged due to their widespread applications in various scenarios, including emulsion-based drug delivery systems, the removal of emulsified impurities in formulations and oil spill remediation. However, membrane fouling is a major challenge for conventional separation methods, leading to decreased efficiency and increased maintenance costs. Herein, a novel approach is reported by constructing liquid-like surfaces with double anti-fouling structure, incorporating soft nanomicelles within a rigid, chemically cross-linked network for both anti-membrane-fouling and effective viscous water-in-oil emulsion separation. The coating significantly outperforms perfluorinated and commercial polytetrafluoroethylene (PVDF) membranes, effectively preventing the adhesion of viscous oils like crude oil and pump oil, and alleviating severe membrane fouling. For high-viscosity emulsions (97.3 cP and 52.8 cP), it maintains over 99% separation efficiency after 3 h continuous use. Even after 15 h immersion in strong acids, alkalis, salts, or organic solvents, its separation efficiency remains above 95%. In addition, thanks to the anti-membrane-fouling ability, this work achieved 6 h continuous emulsion separation performance for the first time, demonstrating unparalleled long-term stability. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the development of innovative coatings for efficient and eco-friendly separation of high-viscosity emulsions.

Alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding is an emerging and promising oil recovery technique. However, the methods for preventing hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria (SPB), chief culprits to microbial souring, in such alkali reservoirs remains unknown. Here, four alkaline-tolerant SPB exhibiting versatile sulfur metabolism were identified. Representative strains DS3, DS5, DS8, and DS23 were affiliated with Sulfurospirillum alkalitolerans, Desulfonatronovibrio hydrogenovorans, Desulfobotulus sapovorans, and Desulfovibrio alkalitolerans, respectively. Pure culture experiments showed nitrite exerted partial inhibitory effects since DS3 preferred nitrite as an electron acceptor. And nitrate inhibition was feeble, as nitrate was dissimilated to ammonium by DS3 and DS5, and DS8 preferentially utilized sulfate compared with nitrate, and DS23 ignored nitrate respiration. Glutaraldehyde effectively prevented the production of HS in pure culture and microcosmic simulation system, demonstrating its practical application potential in alkali reservoirs. This study enhances the understanding on physiological characteristics of SPB and bridges the gap in souring management in high alkaline ASP-flooded reservoirs.

In this study, we collected 177 soil samples from major tea-producing areas in China, systematically investigated the spatial distribution characteristics of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soil of these tea plantations and discussed the environmental factors influencing of the PAHs in tea garden soil. The feature ratio method and source analysis methods were used to determine the PAHs source in tea garden soil, and the potential risk of PAHs in tea garden soil was also evaluated. The results showed that the concentrations of the 16 PAHs in 177 samples ranged from 6.21 to 4068.91 ng·g, with an average of 257.00 ng·g. The majority of PHAs in tea garden soils predominantly contained a 5-6 ring pattern, and the highest content was indeno(1,2,3-cd) pyrene (InP, 23%) and benzo (b) fluoranthrene (BbF, 16%). In addition, 10.16% of the PAHs in tea plantation soils contained a 2-3-ring pattern, with naphthalene (NAP) having the highest content. PAH source in Chinese tea garden soil was predominantly mixed combustion, such as incomplete biomass combustion, petroleum combustion, coal combustion and wood combustion. The PAHs distribution was mainly affected by the industrial structure, geographical location of tea plantation, climatic conditions, soil properties and other factors in different regions. According to the Dutch Maliszewska-Kordybach grading standard, 79% of the soil samples from Chinese tea plantations were classified as unpolluted, 13% as mildly polluted, and 2% and 6% as moderately and severely polluted, respectively. Although the PAH pollution in tea plantations was generally low, BaP and InP pose significant ecological risk in some areas. Therefore, strategies such as effective guidelines and environmentally friendly technologies, must be developed to reduce the risk of PAH pollution in tea plantation soils.

Excessive heavy metal in drinking water are harmful to human body. Groundwater was still the drinking water resource in most of rural areas in the central of the Yangtze River Basin. Heavy metals of Fe, Mn, and As in the low plain region of the Yangtze River Basin significantly exceeded the standard, resulting in 16.67% and 5.00% of water samples in the area reaching moderate and severe heavy metal pollution states. However, the coupling effect and ecological risks of iron, manganese, and arsenic in the water environment are unknown. This paper found that the dissolution of iron-bearing and manganese-bearing minerals into groundwater affected each other, when the burial depth of groundwater was less than 20 m. Conversely, the dissolution of minerals containing iron and arsenic into the groundwater interacted with each other when the groundwater depth was greater than 20 m. The precipitation of siderite (FeCO) and rhodochrosite (MnCO) may control the dissolved Fe and Mn in groundwater. The area between Yangtze River and Han River was more affected by industrial activities, and the south area of the Yangtze River was more affected by agricultural activities. This paper not only strengthened the understanding of the risk of heavy metal pollution in local groundwater, but also provided important scientific basis for the protection of regional groundwater ecological environment.

Date processing industries generate substantial quantities of waste, including date seeds, which present disposal challenges and environmental concerns. Traditionally, date seed waste has been discarded through landfilling, open burning, or dumping, leading to soil, air, and water pollution. However, with increasing awareness of environmental sustainability and resource conservation, there is a growing interest in valorizing date seed waste using green extraction technologies and innovative food product development approaches for date seed valorization. Therefore, this review aims to explore the biochemical composition of date seeds and the application of green extraction technologies for recovering bioactive compounds. Moreover, this review focuseson the development of date seed-based functional foods, highlighting their applications in bakery, meat products, and beverages. Date seed waste contains both essential (e.g., amino acids, dietary fiber, minerals, etc.) and non-essential (e.g., phenolic compounds, oil, etc.) bioactive nutrients. Compared with traditional methods, green extraction technologies, such as ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, sub or supercritical, enzymatic-assisted extraction, and microbial fermentation have significantly improved extraction efficiency. The incorporation of date seed in the development of breads, cookies, meat products, and beverages (date seed coffee and functional drinks) can enhance bioavailability, stability, and sensory attributes, while preserving the bio-functionality and health benefits. Moreover, date seed valorization can contribute to Sustainable Development Goals 2, 3, 12, and 13. In general, the utilization of date seed waste for the development of innovative food products presents a sustainable solution that is beneficial for both the environment and human health.

Oil spills are a major cause of pollution impacting marine ecosystems. In this work, the effects of short-term exposure to three different concentrations of a hydrocarbon mixture (HC), that simulated the action of such an event, were investigated on Mytilus galloprovincialis specimens. Physiological effects were measured using a battery of biomarkers consisting of cellular activity (phagocytosis), immune-related enzymes, chaperonins (HSP70 and HSC70), and histomorphological alterations. Different concentrations of HC led to a significant decrease in phagocytosis, especially following high concentrations. Immune-related enzymes evaluated in hemolymph and digestive gland extract showed up-regulation, suggesting the activation of antioxidant, detoxicant, and inflammatory responses. Morphological alterations of digestive gland tubules were observed after exposure to the HC. HSP70 and HSC70 activity was up regulated following the treatments, indicating their involvement in maintaining organism homeostasis. In addition, the diversity and composition of hemolymph and digestive gland microbiota exposed to HC were analyzed by automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) and a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) approach to evaluate the connection with hydrocarbon contamination. Metagenomic analysis revealed significant differences in the hemolymph and digestive gland microbiota composition between mussels exposed and unexposed to HC. Exposure to increasing HC concentrations had a positive effect on microbial diversity with clear adaptative responses, and an increase in the relative abundance of several known degrading bacterial genera, including Alcanivorax, Roseovarius, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Oleibacter. These results show the utility of a multi-comprehensive approach to evaluating functional adaptation in terms of immunological dysfunctions and microbiota alteration in the sentinel organism M. galloprovincialis.

Marine ecosystems and their living marine resources (LMRs) continue to respond to the effects of global change, with environmental factors impacting marine fisheries biomass, distribution, harvest, and associated economic performance. Extreme events such as high-category hurricanes, harmful algal blooms, marine heatwaves, and large-scale hypoxia affect major regions and subregions of United States waters, with their frequency expected to increase over the next decades. The impacts of extreme events on fisheries biomass, harvest, and economic performance have not been examined as closely as a system (i.e., cumulatively), or in terms of their differential effects on particular functional groups of a given system. Among several U.S. subregions, we examined responses of fisheries biomass, landings, and revenue for particular functional groups to large-scale environmental perturbations (i.e., marine heatwaves, Hurricane Katrina, Deepwater Horizon oil spill). Distinct negative short-term consequences to annual fisheries biomass, landings, and revenue were observed in all regions, including at the system-level scale for several ecosystems which have higher proportions of pelagic species composition and variable shellfish-based revenue. In addition, shifts in species composition often were associated with environmental perturbations. Recovery to pre-perturbation levels (both in the immediate years following the event and over the post-event period of study) and resilience at the system level was observed in several cases, although post-event declines in biomass and landings occurred in the California ecosystem. Certain extreme events are expected to become more common in marine environments, with resulting perturbations throughout multiple components of U.S. socioecological systems. The recognition and understanding of the consequences of extreme events throughout marine ecosystems is necessary for effective, holistic, and sustainable management practices.

In today's world, environmental concerns about plastic pollution of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are at the forefront of many conversations. However, a solution that is gaining momentum is bioplastics. Bioplastics come from sustainable biological sources such as plants, bio-waste, or microorganisms, rather than non-renewable fossil fuels like petroleum or natural gas. The properties of Azolla, including its growth in aquatic environments, high nutrient content, and ability to symbiotically fix nitrogen, make it an intriguing candidate for sustainable bioplastics feedstock. By analyzing the current state of research on bioplastics, this review aims to demonstrate the feasibility, challenges and environmental sustainability of this new environmentally friendly alternative to plastics. Thus, we contribute to the ongoing discourse on addressing plastic pollution and environmental degradation through innovative, sustainable materials. The research results show that the unique properties of Azolla such as rapid growth and nutritional content make it a strong contender for sustainable bioplastics raw materials. Azolla-based bioplastics can be helpful as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics. However, it is crucial to address challenges related to cultivation, processing, and economic feasibility for practical implementation. Azolla-based bioplastics are an opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Widespread environmental pollution from heavy metals poses severe health hazards, necessitating advanced detection methods. This study presents an innovative approach utilizing Mesua Ferrea Carbon Dots (MFCDs) incorporated biopolymeric nanocomposite films for optical identification of heavy metal ions (Fe, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu). A blend of Na-Alginate and Agarose biopolymer was prepared as a matrix. Hydrothermally synthesized MFCDs possess negative zeta potential with their characteristic photoluminescence property. The MFCDs incorporated Na-Alginate-Agarose biopolymeric nanocomposite (MAA) film displayed enhanced hydrophilicity and UV absorption behaviour, showcasing its potential for optical detection of heavy metal ions. The optical analysis like fluorescence intensity and photoluminescence lifetime studies of the MAA film in response to heavy metal ions were thoroughly studied. The interaction dynamics highlighted specific metal ion quenching capabilities, emphasizing the potential of MFCDs coated film for sensitive heavy metal detection. The quenching mechanism for Fe ions underscored the lowest level of detection in comparison with Cd, Hg, Pb and Cu ions, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the optical detection phenomenon. Our research work provides a robust and scientifically validated solid platform for development of economically viable and environmentally benign optical sensor as an alternative of other existing methods for detection of heavy metal ions.

The demand for real-time identification of oil spills in disaster emergency response is urgent, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are important monitoring means for oil spills by advantage of their flexible, fast and low-cost, so it's crucial of developing lightweight model for UAVs. This paper proposed a lightweight hyperspectral identification model called SR-SqueezeNet, which based on SqueezeNet model and used the designed smooth-type activation function Smooth-ReLU. And this research conducted a series of experiments based on the multi-dimensional airborne images of the oil spills. The results show that SR-SqueezeNet performs the best in both model lightweighting and extraction accuracy. Compared with the traditional SqueezeNet, the identification accuracy is improved by 1.92 %, the number of parameters is reduced by 75.11 %, and the model size is reduced from 26.46 MB to 12.15 MB. Therefore, the SR-SqueezeNet model has potential ability in the practical needs of oil spill UAVs' lightweight detection.