Carboxymethyl cellulose-based multifunctional film integrated with polyphenol-rich extract and carbon dots from coffee husk waste for active food packaging applications.

Sustainable carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based active composite films were developed through the addition of polyphenol-rich extract from coffee husk (CHE) and carbon dots (CDs) prepared using the biowaste residue of CHE extraction. The influences of various CDs contents on the physicochemical and functional characteristics of composite films have been researched. The 6% (w/w) CHE and 3% (w/w) CDs were uniformly dispersed within the CMC matrix to produce a homogenous film with enhanced mechanical properties. The CMC/CHE/CDs3% film exhibited outstanding UV-light blocking, improved water and gas barriers, potent antioxidant activity with above 95% DPPH and ABTS scavenging rates, and effective antibacterial capabilities against L. monocytogenes and E. coli. The food packaging experiment demonstrated that this active composite film slowed the rotting of fresh-cut apples and extended their shelf-life to 7 days at 4 °C storage. Therefore, the obtained multifunctional film showed promise as an environmentally friendly food packaging material.

Sustainable management of tea wastes: resource recovery and conversion techniques.

As the demand for tea (Camellia sinensis) has grown across the world, the amount of biomass waste that has been produced during the harvesting process has also increased. Tea consumption was estimated at about 6.3 million tonnes in 2020 and is anticipated to reach 7.4 million tonnes by 2025. The generation of tea waste (TW) after use has also increased concurrently with rising tea consumption. TW includes clipped stems, wasted tea leaves, and buds. Many TW-derived products have proven benefits in various applications, including energy generation, energy storage, wastewater treatment, and pharmaceuticals. TW is widely used in environmental and energy-related applications. Energy recovery from low- and medium-calorific value fuels may be accomplished in a highly efficient manner using pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and gasification. TW-made biochar and activated carbon are also promising adsorbents for use in environmental applications. Another area where TW shows promise is in the synthesis of phytochemicals. This review offers an overview of the conversion procedures for TW into value-added products. Further, the improvements in their applications for energy generation, energy storage, removal of different contaminants, and extraction of phytochemicals have been reviewed. A comprehensive assessment of the sustainable use of TWs as environmentally acceptable renewable resources is compiled in this review.

Lagrangian tracking of long-lasting plastic tags: From lobster fisheries in the USA and Canada to Macaronesia.

Plastic waste from the fishing industry, particularly lobster trap identification tags from the USA and Canada, poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems due to its resilience. This study unveils a novel link between North American fisheries and the appearance of these plastic tags in Macaronesia. Collected in the Azores and Canary Islands, these tags offer a unique insight into the sources and spatio-temporal scales of marine plastic pollution. Ocean model data indicates the Labrador Current and Gulf Stream as key forces transporting these tags. Virtual particle simulations show a small fraction reaching Macaronesia (4.12 % in the Azores, 0.76 % in the Canary Islands), suggesting real ocean drift. The Azores, with more collected tags, are more susceptible, and tags can reach Macaronesia in under a year. These findings underscore the urgency of better waste management and emphasize the role of citizen science in monitoring and combating marine pollution.

Olive Mill Wastewater as Source of Polyphenols with Nutraceutical Properties.

BACKGROUND: Agrifood waste products are often considered rich sources of bioactive compounds that can be conveniently recovered. Due to these peculiar characteristics, the study of these waste products is attracting great interest in nutraceutical research. Olive mill wastewaters (OMWWs) are generated by extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) production, and they pose environmental challenges due to their disposal. This study aimed to characterize the polyphenolic profile and to evaluate the nutraceutical properties of OMWW extracts from two Tuscan olive cultivars, Leccino (CL) and Frantoio (CF), collected during different time points in EVOO production. METHOD: After a liquid-liquid extraction, the HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis of OMWW extracts confirmed the presence of 18 polyphenolic compounds. RESULTS: The polyphenol composition varied between the cultivars and during maturation stages. Notably, oleacein was detected at remarkably high levels in CL1 and CF1 extracts (314.628 ± 19.535 and 227.273 ± 3.974 µg/mg, respectively). All samples demonstrated scavenging effects on free radicals (DPPH and ABTS assays) and an anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the nutraceutical potential of OMWW extracts, emphasizing their antioxidant, antiradical, and anti-inflammatory activities. The results demonstrate the influence of olive cultivar, maturation stage, and extraction process on the polyphenolic composition and the bioactivity of OMWW extracts. These findings support a more profitable reuse of OMWW as an innovative, renewable, and low-cost source of dietary polyphenols with potential applications as functional ingredients in the development of dietary supplements, as well as in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

Production of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) from some waste lignocellulosic materials and FTIR characterization of structural changes.

In this study, oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom was cultivated from hazelnut branches (HB) (Corylus avellana L.), hazelnut husk (HH), wheat straw (WS), rice husk (RH) and spent coffee grounds (CG). Hazelnut branch waste was used for the first time in oyster mushroom cultivation. In the study, mushrooms were grown by preparing composts from 100 to 50% mixtures of each waste type. Yield, biological activity, spawn run time, total harvesting time and mushroom quality characteristics were determined from harvested mushroom caps. In addition, chemical analysis of lignocellulosic materials (extractive contents, holocellulose, α-cellulose, lignin and ash contents) were carried out as a result of mushroom production and their changes according to their initial amounts were examined. In addition, the changes in the structure of waste lignocellulosic materials were characterized by FTIR analysis. As a result of the study, 172 g/kg yield was found in wheat straw used as a control sample, while it was found as 255 g/kg in hazelnut branch pruning waste. The highest spawn run time (45 days) was determined in the compost prepared from the mixture of hazelnut husk and spent coffee ground wastes. This study showed that HB wastes can be used for the cultivation of oyster mushroom (P. ostreatus). After mushroom cultivation processes, holocelulose and α-cellulose content rates decreased while ash contents increased. FTIR spectroscopy indicated that significant changes occurred in the wavelengths regarding cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin components. Most significant changes occurred in 1735, 1625, 1510, 1322 and 1230 wavelengths.

Petroleum coke supplementation for enhanced biogas production and phosphate removal under mesophilic conditions.

The use of carbon-based conductive materials has been shown to lead to an increase in biogas and methane yields during anaerobic digestion (AD). The effect of these additives on AD using synthetic substrates has been extensively studied, yet their significance for wastewater sludge digestion has not been adequately investigated. Therefore, the aim of this research was to optimize the concentration of petroleum coke (PC) that is a waste by-product of oil refineries, for the anaerobic digestion of wastewater sludge and investigation of phosphate removal in the AD process in the mesophilic temperature range. According to the results of the experiments, supplementing reactors with PC could significantly improve biogas and methane production. Supplementation of reactors with 1.5 g/L PC led to 23.40 ± 0.26% and 42.55 ± 3.97% increase in biogas production and methane generation, respectively. Moreover, the average volatile solids (VS), phosphate, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removals were 43.43 ± 0.73, 46.74 ± 0.77%, and 60.40 ± 0.38%, respectively.

Greywater treatment in a green wall using different filter materials and hydraulic loading rates.

Green walls in urban environments can be both an aesthetic feature and be of practical use in greywater treatment. This study evaluates the effect of different loading rates (4.5 l/d, 9 l/d, and 18 l/d) on the efficiency of treating actual greywater from a city district in a pilot-scale green wall with five different filter materials as substrates (biochar, pumice, hemp fiber, spent coffee grounds (SCG), and composted fiber soil (CFS)). Three cool climate plant species, Carex nigra, Juncus compressus, and Myosotis scorpioides, were chosen for the green wall. The following parameters were evaluated: biological oxygen demand (BOD), fractions of organic carbon, nutrients, indicator bacteria, surfactants, and salt. Three of the five materials investigated - biochar, pumice, and CFS - showed promising treatment efficiencies. The respective overall reduction efficiencies of BOD, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were 99%, 75%, and 57% for biochar; 96%, 58%, and 61% for pumice; and 99%, 82% and 85% for CFS. BOD was stable in the biochar filter material with effluent concentrations of 2 mg/l across all investigated loading rates. However, higher loading rates had a significantly negative effect on hemp and pumice for BOD. Interestingly, the highest loading rate (18 l/d) flowing over pumice removed the highest levels of TN (80%) and TP (86%). Biochar was the most effective material in removing indicator bacteria, with a 2.2-4.0 Log10 reduction for E. coli and enterococci. SCG was the least efficient material, giving a higher BOD in the effluent than in the influent. Therefore, this study presents the potential of natural and waste-derived filter materials to treat greywater effectively and the results can contribute to the future development of nature-based greywater treatment and management practices in urban areas.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Colorectal Cancer Cells Treated with Oil Production Waste Products (OPWPs) Reveals Enrichment of Pathways of Mitochondrial Functionality.

Oil production waste products (OPWPs) derive from olive mill and represent a crucial environmental problem due to their high polyphenolic content able to pollute the ground. One option to reduce the OPWPs' environmental impact is to exploit polyphenols' biological properties. We sought to analyze the transcriptomic variations of colorectal cancer cells exposed to the OPWPs extracts and hydroxytyrosol, the major component, to recognize unknown and ill-defined characteristics. Among the top affected pathways identified by GSEA, we focused on oxidative phosphorylation in an in vitro system. Colorectal cancer HCT116 and LoVo cells treated with hydroxytyrosol or OPWPs extracts showed enhancement of the respiratory chain complexes' protein levels, ATP production and membrane potential, suggesting stimulation of mitochondrial functions. The major proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and fusion events of mitochondrial dynamics were positively affected, as by Western blot, fostering increase of the mitochondrial mass organized in a network of elongated organelles. Mechanistically, we proved that PPARγ mediates the effects as they are mimicked by a specific ligand and impaired by a specific inhibitor. OPWP extracts and hydroxytyrosol, thus, promote mitochondrial functionality via a feed-forward regulatory loop involving the PPARγ/PGC-1α axis. These results support their use in functional foods and as adjuvants in cancer therapy.

Development of pH-responsive active film materials based on purple corncob and its application in meat freshness monitoring.

The use of petroleum-based food packaging materials is causing environmental damage and increasing greenhouse gas production. Consequently, there is a great interest in developing smart and sustainable alternative materials. In this study, an agricultural waste product (purple corncob extract, PCCE) was used as a raw material to prepare environmentally friendly pH-sensitive packaging materials. Natural pH-sensitive pigments (anthocyanins) and lignin-containing cellulose nanocrystals (LCNC) were extracted from the purple corncobs. A cationic biopolymer (chitosan) was used as a scaffolding material to assemble the film matrix. Composite film (LCNC-PCCE-chitosan) was produced using a simple solvent casting method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses showed that the PCCE and LCNC were well dispersed within the chitosan matrix and they interacted with the matrix through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. The addition of LCNC improved the hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of the film and imparted antioxidant activity and UV-blocking properties. The presence of anthocyanins in the PCCE endowed the film with a sensitive and reversible pH response, which could be well used to monitor changes in the freshness of pork and shrimp products.

Characteristic pollutant purification analysis of modified phosphogypsum comprehensive utilization.

The waste product phosphogypsum (PG) is produced in phosphoric acid production processes. Its storage requires large amounts of land resources and poses serious environmental risks. In this work, detailed experimental research was carried out to investigate the potential reuse of PG after calcination modification as a novel building material for cast-in-place concrete products. The calcination modification mechanism was studied, and the environmental risk assessment of modified PG was presented. The results showed that the calcination modification includes crystal phase transformation, removal of impurities, and modifying the pH value. The calcination was carried out at 280 °C for 5 h, where the resulting product was a pH value of 7.1, and the soluble fluorine and phosphorus removal rates reached up to 69.2% and 71.2%, respectively. These removal rates met the requirements of the China national standard Phosphogypsum (GB/T 23456-2018). To ensure the environmental safety, ecological risk assessment methods for determining the leaching toxicity of the modified PG were employed. The toxicity of Ba and P elements in the modified PG products was assessed, as well as the leaching toxicity concentrations of all particular heavy metals, which were found well below the limits set by the national standards. All the results presented strongly suggest that the 280 °C modified PG presented here has excellent application potential as a raw component in building materials.

Potential Antioxidative Activity of Waste Product of Purple Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.).

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Antioxidants are substances that can deactivate free radicals. Phenol and flavonoid are antioxidant compounds widely found in plants, including purple sweet potato (<i>Ipomoea batatas</i> L.). This research aimed to investigate three purple sweet potato-based organs' antioxidative activity and flavonoid contents. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Antioxidative activities, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were performed by UV-visible spectrophotometry. Pearson's method analyzed the correlation of TPC and TFC with antioxidative activities and the correlation between two antioxidative testing methods. <b>Results:</b> Antioxidative activity of three organs purple sweet potato using DPPH method showed values varied from 6.572-290.894 mg AAE g¹ and using CUPRAC method varied from 25.169-621.254 mg AAE g¹. The highest TPC was found in ethanolic leaves extract (20.885 g GAE 100 g¹), while the highest TFC was found in ethyl acetate leaves extract (10.048 g QE 100 g¹). <b>Conclusion:</b> DPPH and CUPRAC tests revealed that purple sweet potato leaves, stem and tuber extracts were potent antioxidants. The potential antioxidative activity was found in the waste product of purple sweet potatoes (leaves and stem). Phenol and flavonoid compounds had contributors to antioxidative activity. DPPH and CUPRAC methods gave linear results for most of the antioxidative activity in three organs of purple sweet potato. Ethanol stem extract contained luteolin 7-O-glucoside, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol and apigenin. Rutin had the highest content, which was 0.399%.

Onion waste based-biorefinery for sustainable generation of value-added products.

Waste derived from the onion processing sector can be harnessed for the production of organic acids, polyphenols, polysachharides, biofuels and pigments. To sustainably utilize onion processing residues, different biorefinery strategies such as enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation and hydrothermal carbonization have been widely investigated. This review discusses the recent advances in the biorefinery approaches used for valorization of onion processing waste followed by the production of different value-added products from diverse classes of onion waste. The review also highlights the current challenges faced by the bioprocessing sector for the utilization of onion processing waste and perspectives to tackle them.

A selective hydrometallurgical method for scandium recovery from a real red mud leachate: A comparative study.

The aim of this study was to recover Sc as the main product and Fe as a by-product from Hungarian bauxite residue/red mud (RM) waste material by solvent extraction (SX). Moreover, a new technique was developed for the selective separation of Sc and Fe from real RM leachates. The presence of high Fe content (∼38%) in RM makes it difficult to recover Sc because of the similarity of their physicochemical properties. Pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods were applied to remove the Fe prior to SX. Two protocols based on organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) were proposed, and the main extractants were evaluated: bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA/P204) and tributyl phosphate (TBP). The results showed that SX using diethyl ether and tri-n-octylamine (N235) was efficient in extracting Fe(III) from the HCl leachate as HFeC14. Over 97% of Sc was extracted by D2EHPA extractant under the following conditions; 0.05 mol/L of D2EHPA concentration, A/O phase ratio of 3:1, pH 0-1, 10 min of shaking time, and a temperature of 25 °C. Sc(OH)3 as a precipitate was efficiently obtained by stripping from the D2EHPA organic phase by 2.5 mol/L of NaOH with a stripping efficiency of 95%. In the TBP system, 99% of Sc was extracted under the following conditions: 12.5% vol of TBP, an A/O phase ratio of 3:1, 10 min of shaking time, and a temperature of 25 °C. The Sc contained in the TBP organic phase could be efficiently stripped by 1 mol/L of HCl with a stripping efficiency of 92.85%.

Partial replacement of cement with induction furnace dust for enhancing concrete properties with and without Aspergillus niger fungus: a green building approach.

Induction furnace dust (IFD) is a waste product of the alloy-making process whose disposal by landfill process becomes unsafe due to the presence of heavy metals in high concentrations. It further reduces the fertility of soil and pollutes the air making it harmful for human health. However, efforts can be made to utilize this dust in construction material as it has the same oxides (silica, aluminium oxide, and magnesium oxide) as found in cement, bricks, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, etc. This study is aimed at the utilization of pre-treated induction furnace dust with Aspergillus niger fungus to replace cement for the construction of concrete structures through Taguchi design of experiments (DOE). The purpose of Aspergillus niger fungus is to reduce the heavy metal concentration from IFD to prevent the surroundings from getting toxic. The optimization of operating parameters such as dust replacement (5%, 10%, and 15%), curing days (7, 14, and 28 days), and cell count of fungus (104, 106, and 108 CFU/ml of distilled water) is done using Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm (G.A.) for effective compressive strength and water absorption capacity of cubes. The best results have been found in the case of IFD treated with Aspergillus niger fungus having dust replacement, curing time, and cell count of 14.96%, 28 days, and 9.22 × 107 CFU/ml of distilled water respectively for concrete production.

Microbial biotechnology approaches for conversion of pineapple waste in to emerging source of healthy food for sustainable environment.

One of the most significant and difficult jobs in food sustainability, is to make use of waste in the vegetable and fruit processing sectors. The discarded fruits along with their waste materials, is anticipated to have potential use for further industrial purposes via extraction of functional ingredients, extraction of bioactive components, fermentation. As a result of its abundant availability, simplicity and safe handling, and biodegradability, pineapple waste is now the subject of extensive research. It is regarded as a resource for economic development. This vast agro-industrial waste is being investigated as a low-cost raw material to produce a variety of high-value-added goods. Researchers have concentrated on the exploitation of pineapple waste, particularly for the extraction of prebiotic oligosaccharides as well as bromelain enzyme, and as a low-cost source of fibre, biogas, organic acids, phenolic antioxidants, and ethanol. Thus, this review emphasizes on pineapple waste valorisation approaches, extraction of bioactive and functional ingredients together with the advantages of pineapple waste to be used in many areas. From the socioeconomic perspective, pineapple waste can be a new raw material source to the industries and may potentially replace the current expensive and non-renewable sources. This review summarizes various approaches used for pineapple waste processing along with several important value-added products gained which could contribute towards healthy food and a sustainable environment.

Valorization of citrus peel waste for the sustainable production of value-added products.

Globally the generation and mismanagement of waste from fruit processing and post-harvest impose a severe burden on waste management strategies along with environmental pollution, health hazards. Citrus waste is one of such worrying fruit waste, which is rich in several value-added chemicals, including pectin. Pectin is a prebiotic polysaccharide possessing a multitude of health benefits. Citrus pectin has excellent gelling, thickening, water holding capacity, and encapsulating properties, which pave its functionality in versatile industrial fields including food processing and preservation, drug and therapeutic agents, cosmetics, and personal care products. The utilization of citrus wastes to derive valuable bioproducts can offer an effective approach towards sustainable waste management. With the ever-increasing demand, several strategies have been devised to increase the efficiency of pectin recovery from citrus waste. This review article discusses the sources, effect, and technology-mediated valorization of citrus waste, the functional and nutritive application of pectin along with its socio-economic and environmental perspective.

Spent Coffee Grounds Valorization as Bioactive Phenolic Source Acquired Antifungal, Anti-Mycotoxigenic, and Anti-Cytotoxic Activities.

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), which constitute 75% of original coffee beans, represent an integral part of sustainability. Contamination by toxigenic fungi and their mycotoxins is a hazard that threatens food production. This investigation aimed to examine SCGs extract as antimycotic and anti-ochratoxigenic material. The SCGs were extracted in an eco-friendly way using isopropanol. Bioactive molecules of the extract were determined using the UPLC apparatus. The cytotoxicity on liver cancer cells (Hep-G2) showed moderate activity with selectivity compared with human healthy oral epithelial (OEC) cell lines but still lower than the positive control (Cisplatin). The antibacterial properties were examined against pathogenic strains, and the antifungal was examined against toxigenic fungi using two diffusion assays. Extract potency was investigated by two simulated models, a liquid medium and a food model. The results of the extract showed 15 phenolic acids and 8 flavonoids. Rosmarinic and syringic acids were the most abundant phenolic acids, while apigenin-7-glucoside, naringin, epicatechin, and catechin were the predominant flavonoids in the SCGs extract. The results reflected the degradation efficiency of the extract against the growth of Aspergillus strains. The SCGs recorded detoxification in liquid media for aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OCA). The incubation time of the extract within dough spiked with OCA was affected up to 2 h, where cooking was not affected. Therefore, SCGs in food products could be applied to reduce the mycotoxin contamination of raw materials to the acceptable regulated limits.

In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Essential Oil and ß-Bisabolol Derived from Cotton Gin Trash.

Natural α-bisabolol has been widely used in cosmetics and is sourced mainly from the stems of Candeia trees that have become endangered due to over exploitation. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of cotton gin trash (CGT) essential oil and the major terpenoid (ß-bisabolol) purified from the oil were investigated against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages as well as the 3t3 and HS27 fibroblast cell lines. Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) were measured using Greiss reagent, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and cytokine bead array (CBA)-flow cytometry. Non-toxic concentrations of CGT oil and ß-bisabolol (1.6-50.0 µg/mL) significantly inhibited the production of the inflammatory mediators in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal inhibition by ß-bisabolol was 55.5% for NO, 62.3% for PGE2, and 45.3% for TNF-α production in RAW cells. ß-Bisabolol induced a level of inhibition similar to an equal concentration of α-bisabolol (50.0 µg/mL), a known anti-inflammatory agent. These results suggest ß-bisabolol exerts similar in vitro effects to known topical anti-inflammatory agents and could therefore be exploited for cosmetic and therapeutic uses. This is the first study to report the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of ß-bisabolol in CGT essential oil.

In vitro antioxidant extracts evaluation from the residue of the Hevea brasiliensis seed.

The antioxidants used in the food industry are essential to inhibit the formation of free radicals, preserving the existing properties in the different matrices. However, the insecurity of the synthetic antioxidants regarding human health propels search for natural substrates with potential antioxidant activity as an alternative to synthetic compounds. In this way, the work had as objective obtaining extracts from the seed pomace of the Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree), relating the contents of flavonoids and total phenols in the application as an antioxidant. The methodology consisted of the extraction using four solvents, varying extractive methods, time, and seed concentrations. The antioxidant activity in vitro was evaluated by capturing the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil) radical. The optimized results demonstrate that the aqueous extracts produced in the Soxhlet in the concentrations of 85 g L-1 and retention time of 4 h reached 37.73 ± 1.69% in the antioxidant tests of the free radical DPPH capture, 1405.15 mg EAC 100 g-1 in the quantification of phenolic compounds and 223.34 mg 100 g-1 of total flavonoids. Thus, this work may contribute to the realization of studies and future research for characterization and identification concerning which phenolic compounds and flavonoids attribute the antioxidant characteristic to the extracts produced, enabling the discovery of products with high added value in the production chain. In addition, because the water used as a solvent showed greater antioxidant potential between the extracts, the non-toxic and environmentally friendly character is highlighted, allowing a wide variety of applications in the food industry.

Evaluation of combined utilization of marble dust powder and fly ash on the properties and sustainability of high-strength concrete.

With the recent increase in demand for high-strength concrete, higher cement content is utilized, which has increased the need for cement. The cement industry is one of the most energy-consuming sectors globally, contributing to 10% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emissions and global warming. Similarly, with rapid urbanization and industrialization, a vast number of by-products and waste materials are being generated in abundance, which causes environmental and health issues. Focusing on these two issues, this study aimed to develop an M50-grade eco-friendly high-strength concrete incorporating waste materials like marble dust powder (MDP) and fly ash (FA) as partial cement replacement. 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% MDP and FA by weight of total binder was utilized combinedly, such that the 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% cement content was replaced, respectively. The fresh state properties in terms of workability and hardened state properties in terms of compressive and flexural strengths were evaluated at 7, 14, 28, 56, and 90 days. Furthermore, to assess the environmental impact of MDP and FA, the embodied carbon and eco-strength efficiency were calculated. Based upon the results, it was observed that a combined 10% (5% MDP and 5% FA) achieved the highest strength; however, 15% (7.5% MDP and 7.5% FA) substitution could be optimal. Furthermore, the combined utilization of FA and MDP also enabled a reduction in the total embodied carbon. It decreased the cost of concrete, resulting in an eco-friendly, high-strength concrete.