Nutrient recovery from anaerobic digestate: Fertilizer informatics for circular economy.

This study explores the integration of fertilizer informatics into the circular economy, with a focus on enhancing nutrient recovery from anaerobic digestate. It utilizes advanced algorithms and data analytics to develop new nutrient management strategies essential for sustainable agriculture. This research provides a detailed assessment of current nutrient recovery technologies, evaluating their environmental impact, cost efficiency, and adaptability. Our findings highlight the importance of merging circular economy principles with fertilizer informatics, showcasing the potential for transforming waste into environmentally friendly fertilizers. This approach has significant implications for improving agricultural practices towards sustainability. The methodologies and insights presented are relevant for ongoing research in environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management. This study describes practical solutions and new perspectives, making it a valuable reference for future research.

Management of biological sewage sludge: Fertilizer nitrogen recovery as the solution to fertilizer crisis.

In the current situation of a serious raw material crisis related to the disruption of supply chains, the bioeconomy is of particular significance. Rising prices and the problem with the availability of natural gas have made N fertilizers production very expensive. It is expected that due to natural gas shortages, conventional production of nitrogen fertilizers by chemical synthesis will be hindered in the coming season. An important alternative and an opportunity to solve the problems of fertilizer nitrogen availability are biological wastewater treatment plants, which can be treated as a renewable biological nitrogen mines. Sewage sludge (including activated sludge) contains up to 6-8% DM. N. Considering the quantity of sewage sludge generated in wastewater treatment plants, it can become an important raw material for the sustainable production of organic-mineral fertilizers from renewable resources available locally, with a low carbon footprint. Furthermore, the sewage sludge management method should take nitrogen retention into account and should not allow the emission of greenhouse gases containing nitrogen. This article analyzes the technological solutions of nitrogen recovery for fertilization purposes from biological wastewater treatment plants in the context of a new and difficult resource situation. Conventional and new nitrogen recovery methods were analyzed from the perspective of the current legal situation. An attempt was made to evaluate the possibility of implementing the assumptions of the circular economy through the recovery of renewable nitrogen resources from municipal wastewater treatment plants.

Using greenhouse gases in the synthesis gas production processes: Thermodynamic conditions.

The work concerns the thermodynamic analysis of CH4 reforming with various oxidants (CO2, H2O, O2) in the technological variants DRM (Dry Reforming of Methane) and TRM (Tri-reforming of Methane) technological variants. Both processes of synthesis gas production (raw material for the production of value-added products) are problematic in terms of environmental protection. In the process, two components of greenhouse gases are used as a substrate: CO2 and CH4. The influence of temperature, pressure, and the molar ratio of oxidants to methane on the efficiency of both processes was analyzed using the deterministic method: raw material conversion, product efficiency and selectivity - H2 and CO, and the value of the H2/CO ratio characterizing the suitability of the synthesis gas for various syntheses. The problem of carbon deposition tendency in DRM was minimized through the selection of operational process conditions, and in the case of TRM, it was fully reduced. The deterministic method of non-linear programming by defining the objective function with constraints helped formulate allowed one the values of TRM parameters: complete reduction of the coking problem, maintaining the H2/CO ratio at the desired level - 2 and CO2 conversion equal to 90%, led to a hydrogen efficiency of over 90%. This efficiency can be obtained at the process temperature T = 273 K, with a pressure of 1 atm, and the molar ratios of oxidants to methane: CH4/CO2/H2O/O2 = 1/0.36/0.77/0.01.

Maximizing the potential of leachate from sewage sludge as a sustainable nutrients source to alleviate the fertilizer crisis.

Leachate from separate digesters in biological wastewater treatment plants contains valuable biogenic compounds that can serve as fertilizer nutrients. In this study, a method was developed to utilize leachate from sewage sludge dewatering as a raw material for the preparation of a plant conditioner, providing water, nutrients, and growth-stimulating amino acids. A chemical conditioning procedure (65% HNO3) was used to prepare the leachate solution for fertilization. The feasibility of producing an amino acid-based fertilizer using shrimp shells and inorganic acids (96% H2SO4 and 85% H3PO4) was also demonstrated. Microbiological analysis confirmed the safety of the formulations, and chelation of micronutrients with available amino acids was proven (up to 100% chelating degree). The bioavailability of all nutrients was confirmed through extraction tests (extraction in neutral ammonium citrate). Germination tests showed similar fresh plant masses to those with commercial preparations, demonstrating the effectiveness of the developed technology. This approach aligns with circular economy principles and sustainable development and contributes to mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Comparison of Mechanical Properties of Three Tissue Conditioners: An Evaluation In Vitro Study.

Introduction: Tissue conditioners have been widely used in various clinical applications in dentistry, such as treating inflamed alveolar ridges, temporarily relining partial and complete dentures, and the acquisition of functional impressions for denture fabrication. This study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties of the most prevalent tissue conditioner materials on the market, including Tissue Conditioners (TC), Visco Gel (VG), and FITT (F). Materials and Methods: The three tissue conditioners, TC, VG, and F, were assessed based on the parameters mentioned above. The following tests were performed based on the ISO 10139-1 and ISO 10139-2 requirements: Shore A hardness, denture plate adhesion, sorption, water solubility, and contraction after 1 and 3 days in water. Additional tests are described in the literature, such as ethanol content and gelling time. The tests were carried out by storing the materials in water at 37 °C for 7 days. Results: The gel times of all tested materials exceeded 5 min (TC = 300 [s], VG = 350 [s]). In vitro, phthalate-free materials exhibited higher dissolution in water after 14 days (VG = -260.78 ± 11.31 µg/mm2) compared to F (-76.12 ± 7.11 µg/mm2) and experienced faster hardening when stored in distilled water (F = 33.4 ± 0.30 Sh. A, VG = 59.2 ± 0.60 Sh. A). They also showed greater contractions. The connection of all materials to the prosthesis plate was consistent at 0.11 MPa. The highest counterbalance after 3 days was observed in TC = 3.53 ± 1.12%. Conclusions: Materials containing plasticizers that are not phthalates have worse mechanical properties than products containing these substances. Since phthalates are not allowed to be used indefinitely in medical devices, additional research is necessary, especially in vivo, to develop safe materials with superior functional properties to newer-generation alternatives. In vitro results often do not agree fully with those of in vivo outcomes.

Biomass-based micronutrient fertilizers and biofortification of raspberries fruits.

The increasing amount of bio-waste creates the need to develop a method for efficient management based on processes that are more environmentally friendly than incineration and composting. This research aimed to utilize the waste of raspberry seeds after supercritical CO2 extraction. The biomass was enriched with micronutrients by the biosorption process to prepare micronutrient fertilizers for organic farming and biofortification of raspberries fruits. It was observed that at 100% dose of micronutrients, raspberry crop yield increased by 3%, and transfer of micronutrients to fruit biomass increased by 4.7%, 6.4%, and 8.8% (Cu, Mn, Zn, respectively) compared to commercial fertilizer. The supply of micronutrients at a dose of 150% led to a significant increase in micronutrient content of 3%, 41%, and 8% (Cu, Mn, and Zn, respectively) compared to commercial fertilizer. Research shows that the application of higher doses of micronutrients leads to the enrichment of edible parts of fruits, and fertilizers ensure environmental safety. The fruits contained on average 11.5% more microelements compared to the groups fertilized with the commercial product. The fruit yield (9.09-10.4 Mg per hectare) and the sugar content (9.82-10.2%) were also the highest. The micronutrients released from fertilizers and available to plants throughout the vegetation period affect the increase in yield, especially in the case of plants fruiting several times a year.

Recent innovations in various methods of harmful gases conversion and its mechanism in poultry farms.

Poultry breeding takes place in intensive, high-production systems characterized by high animal density, which is a source of harmful emission of odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and greenhouse gases, which in turn sustain animal welfare. This study identified and examined the characteristics of chemical compounds emitted in intensive poultry farming (laying hens, broilers) and their toxicity, which led to recommending methods of deodorization. Emphasis was placed on the law relative to air purification in poultry farms. Various methods of air treatment in poultry farms have been described: the modification of animal diet to improve nutrient retention and decrease the amount of their excrement; chemical oxidation technologies (ozonation, photocatalysis, Fenton reaction); various types/brands of biofilters, bioscrubbers and membrane reactors. Numerous studies show that biofilters can reduce ammonia emissions by 51%, hydrogen sulfide by 80%, odors by 67%, while scrubbers brings down ammonia emissions by 77% and odors by 42%, and the application of UV light lowers ammonia emissions by 28%, hydrogen sulfide by 55%, odors by 69% and VOCs by 52%. The paper presents both the solutions currently used in poultry farming and those which are currently in the research and development phase and, as innovative solutions, could be implemented in the near future.

Innovative bio-waste-based multilayer hydrogel fertilizers as a new solution for precision agriculture.

The aim of the research work was to present a multilayer hydrogel capsule with controlled nutrient release properties as an innovative fertilizer designed for sustainable agriculture. Preparation of the capsules included the following steps: sorption of micronutrients (Cu, Mn, Zn) on eggshells (1) and their immobilization in sodium alginate, with the crosslinking agent being the NPK solution (2). The capsules were coated with an additional layer of a mixture of biopolymers (0.79% alginate, 0.24% carboxymethylcellulose and 8.07% starch)by means of dipping and spraying techniques. The biocomposites were characterized by limited (<10% within 100 h for the structures encapsulated by the dipping method) release of fertilizer ions (except for small K+ ions). The hydrogel fertilizer formulations were analyzed for physicochemical properties such as macro- and micronutrient content, surface morphology analysis, coating structure evaluation, mechanical properties, swelling and drying kinetics. High nutrient bioavailability was confirmed in vitro (extraction in water and neutral ammonium citrate). Germination and pot tests have revealed that the application of multicomponent hydrogel fertilizers increases the length of cucumber roots by 20%, compared to the commercial product.

Hair mineral analysis in the population of students living in the Lower Silesia region (Poland) in 2019: Comparison with biomonitoring study in 2009 and literature data.

The paper presents a comparative analysis of biomonitoring research results using hair mineral analysis today and 10 years ago. The aim of the present work was to examine the impact of individual factors, on the content of elements in human hair. The mineral analysis of 115 hair samples was carried out using ICP-OES and AAS technique. It was shown that calcium, barium, copper, mercury, magnesium, manganese and selenium content depend on gender and is higher for women. Statistically significant synergistic correlations were identified between the following pairs of elements: (Ca-Mg), (P-S), (Mo-Sb) and (Ba-Pb). The results of the present work were compared with the previous assessment in 2009 on students of the same age. The content of most of the heavy metals in hair was reduced significantly, which is a sign of the improving state of the local environment. The greatest decrease was recorded for silver (96.6%), arsenic (93.4%), mercury (45.1%), lead (67.7%), antimony (55.2%), thallium (10 times) and cobalt (93.7%). The level of the following elements increased: Ba: 27.3%, Cu: 28.5%, Ni: 22.4%, Ti: 191%, Zn: 11.0%. Changes in the content of most heavy metals in hair have been noted, as well as changes of reference ranges, which may indicate an improvement in the state of the environment in Wroclaw, Lower Silesia (Poland) over the last 10 years. These results were confirmed by biomonitoring studies carried out with human hair, which was shown to be a reliable biomarker of human exposure to toxic elements.

Potential environmental pollution from copper metallurgy and methods of management.

This paper presents the latest overview of the environmental impact of wastes from the non-ferrous metallurgical industry. Ashes, slags and dusts - by-products from mining and metal processing - are sources of toxic metals, such as Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Al, as well as particulate matter. Physical, chemical and biological processes transform industrial wastes and cause water, soil and air pollution. Improperly protected heaps are subject to wind erosion and rain water leaching. Heavy metals and particulate matter are transported over long distances, contaminating the soil, living areas, watercourses, while in combination with mist they create smog. Water erosion releases heavy metals, which are leached into groundwater or surface runoff. This paper focuses on the range of pollution emissions from non-ferrous metallurgy wastes, hazards, mechanisms of their formation and fallouts, on the current state of technology and technological risk reduction solutions. The impact of pollution on human health and the biosphere, and methods of waste reduction in this industry sector are also presented. A sustainable and modern mining industry is the first step to cleaner production.

New directions for agricultural wastes valorization as hydrogel biocomposite fertilizers.

The tremendous amount of waste is an environmental and social problem worldwide. The agri-food sector is the largest producer of waste and requires the extensive use of fertilizers, which entails the need to look for innovative solutions in waste management. Properly recycled bio-waste can be reused as fertilizer. Polymer capsules with immobilized waste biomass can be applied as carriers for fertilizer nutrients. The amount of components exerts a certain influence on the effectiveness of copper ions binding. The most important physicochemical properties of biocomposites, such as swelling, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) were investigated. FTIR analyzes revealed that carboxyl and hydroxyl groups play a key role in Cu2+ ion binding. Morphology analysis showed that ion binding leads to homogenization of the composite surface, while coating the structure makes it more regular and cohesive. The sorption kinetics and the determination of the process's equilibrium parameters (Qmax = 29.4 ± 0.493 mg g-1) play an important role. The study of Cu2+ ion release in different media showed that the chitosan layer slowed down the diffusion of cations by about 50% in NaNO3 (1% m/m) solution. Preliminary studies of the applicability of the capsules in germination tests demonstrate that the biocomposites have no phytotoxic effects on the test plant. The chitosan coating slows the release of Cu2+ ions by about 20% compared to uncoated capsules. New fertilizer formulations containing chitosan-encapsulated hydrogel with biomass-immobilized micronutrients can be applied for precision agriculture to minimize the loss of fertilizer nutrients to the environment. These fertilizers could be used to cultivate houseplants and greenhouse crops.

Innovative high digestibility protein feed materials reducing environmental impact through improved nitrogen-use efficiency in sustainable agriculture.

Sustainable development in agriculture brings both environmental and economic benefits. Contemporary agriculture is also about increasing nutrient use efficiency, especially nitrogen, as the critical nutrient causing the most significant environmental pressure. This creates the need to produce highly digestible protein feed with high bioavailability, reducing losses of biogenic elements to feces. In this review, the latest trends and the potential for their implementation in sustainable agriculture have been compared, as well as the need to reduce the negative environmental impact of agriculture has been demonstrated. Applying local protein sources to feed animals reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation. The production of highly digestible fodder leads to a reduction in environmental pollution caused by excessive nitrogen outflows. Another approach indecreasing ammonia emissions from livestock farming is feed protein reduction and amino acid supplementation. All of the aforementioned approaches may result in beneficial long-term changes, contributing to environmental safety, animal welfare and human health.

Polyphenols in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases / Polifenole w leczeniu nieswoistych chorób zapalnych jelit.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic diseases. The exact etiology of IBD is not well elucidated, however it is defined as a multifactorial disease. In addition, IBD carries the risk of serious complications and increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Also, in recent years, an increased rate of IBD cases has been noted. So far, there is no effective and well-defined therapy for IBD, and currently available drugs mainly provide symptomatic treatment. Unfortunately, conventional treatment does not always bring the expected benefits, moreover, it is often associated with unpleasant side effects. Currently, some research have been focused on unconventional forms of IBD treatment, testing therapies based on natural products. Individual polyphenols, as well as polyphenol-rich preparations and extracts are also valuable in IBD treatment through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal activity. Moreover, described here results of clinical trials suggest that polyphenols can alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence of IBD.

Biofortification of hens' eggs with microelements by innovative bio-based dietary supplement.

New bio-based dietary supplement with micronutrients for livestock was elaborated. The new preparation was tested on laying hens to determine the influence of new biological feed additives on the level of trace elements in egg content. The diet of laying hens (Hy-Line Brown, 30 weeks of age) was supplemented with soya bean meal enriched with Cu(II), Zn(II), Fe(II) and Cr(III) by biosorption. A total of 150 laying hens were divided into five groups: one control and four experimental. In the control group, microelements were supplemented in the inorganic form, whereas in experimental groups, Cu, Zn, Fe and Cr were replaced with soya bean meal enriched with a given microelement ion. The feeding experiment was conducted for 12 weeks and was divided into three series. The results showed that adding the new feed additives to the diet of laying hens had an impact on microelement transfer to eggs, in particular with increased dosing. Eggs were biofortified with iron, zinc and copper and to a lesser extent with chromium. The microelements were accumulated primarily in the albumen because soy protein was the carrier of micronutrient ions in hens' diet. Transfer of trace elements to eggs was not linearly dependent on the dosage of biologically bound microelements in the diet.

Annexin A2 is critical for blood-testis barrier integrity and spermatid disengagement in the mammalian testis.

Throughout spermatogenesis, two important processes occur at late stage VIII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle in the rat testis: preleptotene spermatocytes commence entry into the adluminal compartment and step 19 spermatids release from the seminiferous epithelium. Presently, it is not clear how these processes, which involve extensive restructuring of unique Sertoli-Sertoli and Sertoli-germ cell junctions, are mediated. We aimed to determine whether annexin A2 (ANXA2), a Ca2+-dependent and phospholipid-binding protein, participates in cell junction dynamics. To address this, in vitro and in vivo RNA interference studies were performed on prepubertal Sertoli cells and adult rat testes. The endpoints of Anxa2 knockdown were determined by immunoblotting, morphological analyses, fluorescent immunostaining, and barrier integrity assays. In the testis, ANXA2 localized to the Sertoli cell stalk, with specific staining at the blood-testis barrier and the concave (ventral) surface of elongated spermatids. ANXA2 also bound actin when testis lysates were used for immunoprecipitation. Anxa2 knockdown was found to disrupt the Sertoli cell/blood-testis barrier in vitro and in vivo. The disruption in barrier function was substantiated by changes in the localization of claudin-11, zona occludens-1, N-cadherin, and ß-catenin. Furthermore, Anxa2 knockdown resulted in spermiation defects caused by a dysfunction of tubulobulbar complexes, testis-specific actin-rich ultrastructures that internalize remnant cell junction components prior to spermiation. Additionally, there were changes in the localization of several tubulobulbar complex component proteins, including actin-related protein 3, cortactin, and dynamin I/II. Our results indicate that ANXA2 is critical for the integrity of the blood-testis barrier and the timely release of spermatids.

Protein trafficking at the crossroads to mitochondria.

Mitochondria are central power stations in the cell, which additionally serve as metabolic hubs for a plethora of anabolic and catabolic processes. The sustained function of mitochondria requires the precisely controlled biogenesis and expression coordination of proteins that originate from the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Accuracy of targeting, transport and assembly of mitochondrial proteins is also needed to avoid deleterious effects on protein homeostasis in the cell. Checkpoints of mitochondrial protein transport can serve as signals that provide information about the functional status of the organelles. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of mitochondrial protein transport and discuss examples that involve communication with the nucleus and cytosol.

Invasive Colon Cancer Cells Induce Transdifferentiation of Endothelium to Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts through Microtubules Enriched in Tubulin-ß3.

Colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world, is usually diagnosed in invasive stages. The interactions between cancer cells and cells located in their niche remain the crucial mechanism inducing tumor metastasis. The most important among those cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the heterogeneous group of myofibroblasts transdifferentiated from numerous cells of different origin, including endothelium. The endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is associated with modulation of cellular morphology, polarization and migration ability as a result of microtubule cytoskeleton reorganization. Here we reveal, for the first time, that invasive colon cancer cells regulate EndMT of endothelium via tubulin-ß3 upregulation and its phosphorylation. Thus, we concluded that therapies based on inhibition of tubulin-ß3 expression or phosphorylation, or blocking tubulin-ß3's recruitment to the microtubules, together with anti-inflammatory chemotherapeutics, are promising means to treat advanced stages of colon cancer.

Effect of the New Plant Growth Biostimulants Based on Amino Acids on Yield and Grain Quality of Winter Wheat.

Field and laboratory experiments were carried out in 2012-2013, aimed at evaluating the influence of new products stimulating plant growth based on amino acids on crop yield, characteristics of grain and content of macro- and micronutrients in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The tests included two formulations produced in cooperation with INTERMAG Co. (Olkusz, Poland)-AminoPrim and AminoHort, containing 15% and 20% amino acids, respectively, and 0.27% and 2.1% microelements, respectively. Field experiments showed that the application of products based on amino acids influenced the increase of grain yield of winter wheat (5.4% and 11%, respectively, for the application of AminoPrim at a dose 1.0 L/ha and AminoHort at dose 1.25 L/ha) when compared to the control group without biostimulant. Laboratory tests showed an increase of technological characteristics of grain such as ash content, Zeleny sedimentation index and content of protein. The use of the tested preparations at different doses also contributed to the increase of the nutrients content in grains, in particular copper (ranging 31-50%), as well as sodium (35-43%), calcium (4.3-7.9%) and molybdenum (3.9-16%). Biostimulants based on amino acids, tested in the present study, can be recommended for an efficient agricultural production.

Using XRF and ICP-OES in Biosorption Studies.

In this work, a method of recalculation of results of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique to Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method was elaborated for biosorption studies. Equations that calibrate XRF to ICP-OES were determined, as a biosorbent strawberry, blackcurrant and raspberry seeds after supercritical CO2 extraction were used. ICP-OES showed a better precision and lower detection limits than XRF. The latter technique is cheaper, requires minimal sample preparation and gives faster results. Linear regression of the data gave almost 1:1 correlations without additional correction (for Cu r² = 0.9998, Mn r² = 0.807, Zn r² = 0.979). Calibration and quantification of intensities of XRF was obtained using ICP-OES measurements after samples digestion with HNO3 in a microwave system. High positive correlations were estimated for Cu, Mn, Zn. It was demonstrated that XRF technique can be used together with other well established techniques (ICP-OES) to produce quantitative data from biosorption studies. Elaboration of cheap and quick analytical methodology is an important aspect in development of new processes and products based on biosorption process.

AKAP9, a Regulator of Microtubule Dynamics, Contributes to Blood-Testis Barrier Function.

The blood-testis barrier (BTB), formed between adjacent Sertoli cells, undergoes extensive remodeling to facilitate the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the barrier from the basal to apical compartments of the seminiferous tubules for further development and maturation into spermatozoa. The actin cytoskeleton serves unique structural and supporting roles in this process, but little is known about the role of microtubules and their regulators during BTB restructuring. The large isoform of the cAMP-responsive scaffold protein AKAP9 regulates microtubule dynamics and nucleation at the Golgi. We found that conditional deletion of Akap9 in mice after the initial formation of the BTB at puberty leads to infertility. Akap9 deletion results in marked alterations in the organization of microtubules in Sertoli cells and a loss of barrier integrity despite a relatively intact, albeit more apically localized F-actin and BTB tight junctional proteins. These changes are accompanied by a loss of haploid spermatids due to impeded meiosis. The barrier, however, progressively reseals in older Akap9 null mice, which correlates with a reduction in germ cell apoptosis and a greater incidence of meiosis. However, spermiogenesis remains defective, suggesting additional roles for AKAP9 in this process. Together, our data suggest that AKAP9 and, by inference, the regulation of the microtubule network are critical for BTB function and subsequent germ cell development during spermatogenesis.