Enhanced bioenergy production through dual-chamber microbial fuel cells: Utilizing citric acid factory wastewater and grape waste as substrates.

INTRODUCTION: Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a variant of the bio-electro-chemical system that uses microorganisms as biocatalysts to generate bioenergy by oxidizing organic matter. Due to its two-prong feature of simultaneously treating wastewater and generating electricity, it has drawn extensive interest by scientific communities around the world. However, the pollution purifying capacity and power production of MFC at the laboratory scale have tended to remain steady, and there have been no reports of a performance breakthrough. PROBLEM STATEMENT: This research was conducted to produce electricity and evaluate the efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal from wastewater containing Citric Acid using a two-chamber microbial fuel cell without an intermediary. METHODOLOGY: In this research, citric acid factory wastewater was used as the substrate, graphite as the electrode, Nafion membrane for proton transfer from anode to cathode, and grape waste as a carbon source. These Experiments were performed at room temperature and neutral pH. Also, the effect of three independent variables mixed liquor suspended solid (MLSS), Carbon: Nitrogen: Phosphorus stoichiometric ratio (COD:TKN:P), and grape waste on electricity production and wastewater treatment was investigated. Then, the optimal values of each variable were determined under favorable conditions for electricity generation and COD reduction. RESULTS: The MFC was conducted at the optimal values of MLSS 1400 mg/L, the stoichiometric ratio of COD:TKN:P 140:10:1, and the grape waste dose of 1.4 g/L. At these conditions, the obtained maximum power density and current density were 18228.10 mW/m2 and 244.44 mA/m2, respectively. The maximum COD removal was 72% achieved in the values of MLSS 1400 mg/L, the stoichiometric ratio of COD:TKN:P equal to 260:10:1, and 1.4 g/L of grape waste. The maximum open circuit voltage was also recorded as 678 mV, obtained at MLSS 3000 mg/L, the stoichiometric ratio of COD:TKN:P equal to 200:10:1, and for a grape waste dose of 2 g/L. CONCLUSION: The results of this research showed that the use of grape waste to supply glucose to microorganisms in the MFC system has a significant effect on increasing energy production and COD removal, and it is recommended to conduct additional research in the future to improve the efficiency. However, scalability and practical application potential of these integrated technologies are the challenges towards their real-world applications in small scale trials.

No evidence of improvements in energy metabolism after 1 week of nitrate and citrulline co-supplementation in elite rowers.

PURPOSE: Citrulline (CIT) and beetroot extract (BR) supplements positively impacts exercise performance in elite rowers. However, its influence on metabolic outcomes such as whole-body volumes of oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2), substrate oxidation, energy expenditure (EE), and gross efficiency remains unknown. We studied the effects of 1 week of daily co-supplementation of 3.5 g BR (500 mg NO3-) plus 6 g CIT on VO2 and VCO2 kinetics, substrate utilization, EE, and gross efficiency in elite male rowers compared to a placebo and to a BR supplementation. METHODS: Twenty elite rowers participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial completing 1 week of supplementation in each group of study: Placebo (PLAG); BRG; and BR-CITG. Efficiency (70% VO2max) and performance (incremental maximal) tests were performed, and gas-exchange data were collected via indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed no mean between-condition differences on respiratory exchange ratio (RER), EE, and gross efficiency in the efficiency test (all P > 0.06), and in the performance test (all P > 0.28). Moreover, in both tests no interaction Time × Supplement effects were observed for VO2, VCO2, RER, EE, substrate oxidation, and, gross efficiency (all P > 0.12). CONCLUSION: After 1 week, no effects on energy metabolism and substrate utilization were observed after the daily co-ingestion of BR extract plus CIT supplement, therefore longer (> 7 days) and higher doses of supplementation might be needed to influence metabolism.

A self-powered and self-monitoring ultra-low frequency wave energy harvester for smart ocean ranches.

The ocean ranch environment contains ultra-low-frequency wave energy that can be utilized for powering low-power equipment. Therefore, this article proposes a smart ocean ranch self-powered and self-monitoring system (SOR-SSS) which consists of several key components: a mass pendulum ball (MPB), a commutation wheel system (CWS), an electromagnetic energy harvesting unit (EEHU), and four piezoelectric energy harvesting units (PEHU). Through six-degree-of-freedom vibration test bench experiments, the SOR-SSS achieved a maximum output power of 17.56 mW under a working condition of 0.4 Hz, which was sufficient to power 152 LED lights. Additionally, by training the experimental base data using the LSTM algorithm, two different tasks were trained with a maximum accuracy of 99.72% and 99.80%, respectively. These results indicate that the SOR-SSS holds significant potential for collecting and predicting ultra-low-frequency blue energy. It can provide an effective energy supply and monitoring solution for smart ocean ranch.

Comparative simulation of green finance-driven oil production and expulsion: Technological innovation with Expulsinator and traditional pyrolysis in near-natural conditions.

This study explores the impact of green finance and technological innovation on oil production and expulsion by comparing the Expulsinator with traditional pyrolysis methods. The Expulsinator introduces a novel approach to simulating compound production and expulsion in natural settings, utilizing hydrous decomposition in an open pass-on mode and lithostatic compression on an intact starting point disc with an undamaged mineral framework and chemical kerogen network. In contrast, traditional decomposition methods, while valuable for assessing production dynamics, are less suitable for studying primary emigration and expulsion due to sampling damage, improper pressure settings, closed-mode burning, or waterless pyrolysis. This study aims to assess the efficacy of energy production and expulsion emulation by the Expulsinator, driven by green finance initiatives, and compare it with traditional decomposition methods. Production and evacuation behaviors were evaluated using Rock Evaluation pyrolysis, HyPy, and covered small container pyrolysis (CSVP). The Expulsinator exhibited higher asphalt discharge than CSVP, attributed to increased bitumen cross-linking during traditional pyrolysis, which favors pyrobitumen formation. Variations in alkane quantities and structures were observed due to ejection impacts and production dynamics, especially delayed ejection from chromatography. Expulsinator hydrous CSVP ratios remained at 65 %, while TOC ratios exceeded 81 %. Lower gas production was observed compared to CSVP, with higher Expulsinator TOC conversion explained by the rapid removal of produced products in the open setup to prevent reformation. The Expulsinator provides valuable data on oil and gas production suitable for computational modeling tasks, highlighting the role of green finance and technological innovation in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Optimal Protein Allocation Controls the Inhibition of GltA and AcnB in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Neisseria gonorrhea (Ngo) is a major concern for global public health due to its severe implications for reproductive health. Understanding its metabolic phenotype is crucial for comprehending its pathogenicity. Despite Ngo's ability to encode TCA cycle proteins, GltA and AcnB, their activities are notably restricted. To investigate this phenomenon, we used the iNgo_557 metabolic model and incorporated a constraint on total cellular protein content. Our results indicate that low cellular protein content severely limits GltA and AcnB activity, leading to a shift towards acetate overflow for ATP production, which is more efficient in terms of protein usage. Surprisingly, increasing cellular protein content alleviates this restriction on GltA and AcnB and delays the onset of acetate overflow, highlighting protein allocation as a critical determinant in understanding Ngo's metabolic phenotype. These findings underscore the significance of Ngo's metabolic adaptation in light of optimal protein allocation, providing a blueprint to understand Ngo's metabolic landscape.

Mitogenomes comparison of 3 species of Asparagus L shedding light on their functions due to domestication and adaptative evolution.

BACKGROUND: Asparagus L., widely distributed in the old world is a genus under Asparagaceae, Asparagales. The species of the genus were mainly used as vegetables, traditional medicines as well as ornamental plants. However, the evolution and functions of mitochondrial (Mt) genomes (mitogenomes) remains largely unknown. In this study, the typical herbal medicine A. taliensis and ornamental plant A. setaceus were used to assemble and annotate the mitogenomes, and the resulting mitogenomes were further compared with published mitogenome of A. officinalis for the analysis of their functions in the context of domestication and adaptative evolution. RESULTS: The mitochondrial genomes of both A. taliensis and A. setaceus were assembled as complete circular ones. The phylogenetic trees based on conserved protein-coding genes of Mt genomes and whole chloroplast (Cp) genomes showed that, the phylogenetic relationship of the sampled 13 species of Asparagus L. were not exactly consistent. The collinear analyses between the nuclear (Nu) and Mt genomes confirmed the existence of mutual horizontal genes transfers (HGTs) between Nu and Mt genomes within these species. Based on RNAseq data, the Mt RNA editing were predicted and atp1 and ccmB RNA editing of A. taliensis were further confirmed by DNA sequencing. Simultaneously homologous search found 5 Nu coding gene families including pentatricopeptide-repeats (PPRs) involved in Mt RNA editing. Finally, the Mt genome variations, gene expressions and mutual HGTs between Nu and Mt were detected with correlation to the growth and developmental phenotypes respectively. The results suggest that, both Mt and Nu genomes co-evolved and maintained the Mt organella replication and energy production through TCA and oxidative phosphorylation . CONCLUSION: The assembled and annotated complete mitogenomes of both A. taliensis and A. setaceus provide valuable information for their phylogeny and concerted action of Nu and Mt genomes to maintain the energy production system of Asparagus L. in the context of domestication and adaptation to environmental niches.

Antioxidants for Skin Health.

Antioxidants play a pivotal role in maintaining skin health and integrity, combating the deleterious effects of oxidative stress induced by environmental aggressors such as UV ra-diation, pollution, and lifestyle factors. This paper reviews the contributions of key antioxidants, including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, green tea extract, Coenzyme Q10, Resveratrol, Selenium, and Polyphenols, in skin health care. Vitamin C, known for its collagen synthesis promotion and photoprotection properties, alongside Vitamin E, a lipid-soluble antioxidant, syn-ergistically works to neutralize free radicals and repair damaged skin cells. Vitamin A, in the form of retinol, plays a critical role in skin cell regeneration and the maintenance of skin integ-rity. Green tea extract, rich in Polyphenols, offers anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic prop-erties, making it a potent ingredient for skin protection. Coenzyme Q10, a naturally occurring antioxidant in the body, aids in energy production for cell repair and regeneration, while Resveratrol, found in grapes and berries, provides anti-ageing benefits by enhancing skin's re-sistance to oxidative stress. Selenium, an essential mineral, contributes to the protection of skin cells from oxidative damage. The incorporation of these antioxidants in skincare products and dietary sources is discussed, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach in skincare re-gimes. The paper emphasizes the synergy between topical applications and dietary intake of antioxidants, advocating for a comprehensive strategy for promoting skin health and preventing age-related skin alterations. Method: For the review article, a variety of search engines and databases were used to identify relevant articles. Furthermore, for biomedical literature focusing on antioxidants and their ef-fects on skin health, PubMed was used. Moreover, to access a wide range of scholarly articles, including those related to dermatology and skincare, Google Scholar was used. Scopus provides comprehensive coverage of peer-reviewed literature across various scientific disciplines. Web of Science identifies high-impact articles and research on antioxidants in skincare. In addition, for accessing full-text articles on antioxidants and their applications in dermatology, Science Direct was used. The inclusion criteria for the review paper were as follows: only studies pub-lished in peer-reviewed journals were included to ensure the credibility and reliability of the information. Articles published in English were considered, to avoid language-related biases and ensure comprehension. Studies published within the last 10 years were included to provide the most current insights into antioxidant research in skincare. Articles must specifically focus on the role of antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, green tea extract, Coenzyme Q10, Resveratrol, Selenium, Polyphenols) in skin health care. Both experimental studies (in vivo and in vitro) and clinical trials were included to provide a comprehensive overview of the antioxidant effects. Full-text articles were included to allow for thorough data extraction and analysis. The exclusion criteria for the review paper were as follows: Publications that were not peer-re-viewed, such as editorials, opinion pieces, and non-scholarly articles, were excluded. Articles published in languages other than English were excluded due to potential translation challenges and to maintain consistency. Studies that did not focus on the specified antioxidants or their impact on skin health were excluded. Duplicate publications were excluded to avoid redundancy in the review. Articles with insufficient or incomplete data were excluded to ensure the quality and reliability of the review findings.

Evaluation of different operational conditions in a microbial electrolysis cell inoculated with a pure culture of Shewanella oneidensis for hydrogen production.

Hydrogen is a promising alternative to meet the world's energy demand in the future because of its energetic characteristics. Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) produces hydrogen from organic matter using exoelectrogenic bacteria. Shewanella oneidensis stands out for having the capacity to produce hydrogen using different electron transfer mechanisms. The present research aims to evaluate the hydrogen production efficiency in a MEC inoculated with a pure culture of S. oneidensis in different operational conditions. Since the use of a catalyst accounts for most of the MEC cost, no catalyst was used for anode or cathode. Experiments were performed in semi-continuous and batch mode using different electrodes, voltages applied, and medium in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The highest hydrogen production rate (HPR) was 0.107 m3 of H2/m3day obtained in a semi-continuous experiment using graphite plates and stainless steel electrodes. In batch experiments, a HPR occurred at 0.7 V, with a value of 0.048 m3 of H2/m3day versus 0.037 m3 of H2/m3day with 0.9 V. HPR was higher with carbon felt electrode (0.056 m3 of H2/m3day). However, current density dropped after 38 h, with carbon felt electrodes, and did not recover. Results of the present research showed that the MEC using a pure culture of S. oneidensis can be considered an alternative for hydrogen production without using a catalyst. Also, S. oneidensis produced hydrogen in both anaerobic and aerobic conditions with low methane production. Optimization can be proposed to improve hydrogen production based on the operational conditions tested in these experiments.

Investigating the impact of credit channels, energy production and oil revenues on agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa.

Development of the agricultural sector can numerously gift the economy by ensuring food security and rural livelihoods, fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, promoting social stability, and achieving sustainable development goals. But agricultural activities especially in Sub-Saharan Africa are faced with numerous challenges like lack of required credits to the farmers, unavailability of needed energy for powering the farm machinery and transportation of farm produce, and fluctuation of crude oil prices which serve as the main source of energy in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, the sequel to these highlighted challenges that face agricultural activities, this study examines the impact of credit channels, energy production, and oil revenue on agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa using an annual time series covering 21 years (2001-2021) drawn from selected sub-Saharan African countries under study. Using the panel autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) as the baseline model and the generalized method of moment (GMM) as the robustness check, we made the following findings. From the ARDL perspective, we found that credit channels have a negative impact on agricultural development. In contrast, energy production and oil revenue have positive and negative significant impacts on the agricultural development of sub-Saharan Africa. Further, results of the Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) revealed that while credit channels have both negative and positive long-run relationships with agricultural development, energy production, and oil revenues have positive and significant long-run relationships with agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa. The study concludes that credit channels have both negative and positive long-run relationships with agricultural development. In contrast, energy production and oil revenue have negative and significant long-run relationships with agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa. We recommended effective agricultural credit provision and a mechanized farming system to increase the quality and quantity of food supplies in sub-Saharan Africa.

Enhancing solar photovoltaic energy production prediction using diverse machine learning models tuned with the chimp optimization algorithm.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, integral for sustainable energy, face challenges in forecasting due to the unpredictable nature of environmental factors influencing energy output. This study explores five distinct machine learning (ML) models which are built and compared to predict energy production based on four independent weather variables: wind speed, relative humidity, ambient temperature, and solar irradiation. The evaluated models include multiple linear regression (MLR), decision tree regression (DTR), random forest regression (RFR), support vector regression (SVR), and multi-layer perceptron (MLP). These models were hyperparameter tuned using chimp optimization algorithm (ChOA) for a performance appraisal. The models are subsequently validated on the data from a 264 kWp PV system, installed at the Applied Science University (ASU) in Amman, Jordan. Of all 5 models, MLP shows best root mean square error (RMSE), with the corresponding value of 0.503, followed by mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.397 and a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.99 in predicting energy from the observed environmental parameters. Finally, the process highlights the fact that fine-tuning of ML models for improved prediction accuracy in energy production domain still involves the use of advanced optimization techniques like ChOA, compared with other widely used optimization algorithms from the literature.

An improved transient search optimization algorithm for building energy optimization and hybrid energy sizing applications.

In this paper, a new algorithm named the improved transient search optimization algorithm (ITSOA) is utilized to solve classical test functions, optimize the consumption of building energy, and optimize hybrid energy system production. The conventional TSOA draws inspiration from the fleeting behavior of electrical circuits with energy storage components. Rosenbrock's direct rotation technique is used to improve the traditional TSOA performance against exploration and exploitation unbalance. First, the ITSOA performance is investigated in solving 23 classical benchmark functions, and the outcomes have shown the superior capability of the recommended algorithm in comparison with the conventional TSOA, DMO, SHO, GA, MRFO, and PSO methods. Also, the ITSOA proficiency is verified in solving the building energy optimization (BEO) problem for minimizing the energy usage of two simple and detailed buildings. The optimization results showed that the optimized solutions of ITSOA in single and multi-objective optimizations compared to conventional TSOA, DMO, SHO, GA, MRFO, and PSO obtained a lower value of the cost function. Also, the superiority of ITSOA has been confirmed to solve the BEO compared to previous methods. Moreover, the multi-objective optimization results have shown that ITSOA is able to determine the ultimate solution among the Pareto front set based on the fuzzy decision-making approach and building energy utilization decisions.

Life cycle assessment of electrolytic manganese metal production.

Manganese is an indispensable metal widely used in various fields. China ranks as the fourth-largest producer of manganese ore and the largest producer of electrolytic manganese metal (EMM). However, EMM production is linked to high energy consumption and pollution. This study conducts a life cycle assessment (LCA) of EMM production in the Manganese Triangle region of China to comprehensively evaluate its environmental impact. Results show that Human carcinogenic toxicity, mainly from electricity generation (65.3 %) and mining activities (24.4 %), is the most significant environmental impact. Chromium (VI) is identified as the predominant hazardous substance, contributing up to 91 % to Human carcinogenic toxicity. Endpoint results estimate that the production of 1 t of EMM results in 1.01E-02 DALY of harm to human health, 1.97E-05 species.yr of harm to the ecosystem, and $227.15 worth of resource depletion. Simulation scenarios demonstrate that replacing thermal power with hydropower can reduce environmental pollution by over 90 %. Finally, based on the findings, technical measures for promoting clean production of EMM were proposed.

Municipal Solid and Plastic Waste Co-pyrolysis Towards Sustainable Renewable Fuel and Carbon Materials: A Comprehensive Review.

The substantial rise in global energy demand, propelled by industrial expansion, population growth, and transportation needs, poses a formidable challenge. The concurrent urbanization places pressure on the disposal of solid municipal solid waste and the management of plastic waste. Addressing the global waste crisis requires innovative and sustainable garbage disposal solutions with an environmentally friendly approach. This review tackles the challenges of worldwide waste management, focusing on renewable and sustainable fuels and waste recycling through the exploration of co-pyrolysis as an innovative method. It explores the characteristics and environmental impact of municipal solid waste (MSW) and plastic waste (PW), delving into pyrolysis fundamentals, processes, and challenges. The primary emphasis is on co-pyrolysis, elucidating its integration of municipal and plastic waste, synergistic effects, and advantages. The manuscript thoroughly analyzes reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and the feasibility of co-pyrolysis for energy recovery. It also delves into the synthesis of renewable fuels and valuable chemical intermediates, considering optimization of product distribution. Environmental and economic sustainability aspects, including impact assessment, greenhouse gas emissions, life cycle analysis, and cost analysis of co-pyrolysis processes, are comprehensively investigated. The review underscores the economic benefits of renewable fuel and chemical materials synthesis. The conclusion addresses challenges, proposes future directions, outlines limitations, technical challenges, environmental considerations, and recommends further exploration and integration with other waste management techniques. The manuscript emphasizes the ongoing importance of research in this critical field, aiming to contribute to the development of effective solutions for the escalating global waste management crisis.

Optimal Protein Allocation Controls the Inhibition of GltA and AcnB in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Neisseria gonorrhea (Ngo) is a major concern for global public health due to its severe implications for reproductive health. Understanding its metabolic phenotype is crucial for comprehending its pathogenicity. Despite Ngo's ability to encode TCA cycle proteins, GltA and AcnB, their activities are notably restricted. To investigate this phenomenon, we used the iNgo_557 metabolic model and incorporated a constraint on total cellular protein content. Our results indicate that low cellular protein content severely limits GltA and AcnB activity, leading to a shift towards acetate overflow for ATP production, which is more efficient in terms of protein usage. Surprisingly, increasing cellular protein content alleviates this restriction on GltA and AcnB and delays the onset of acetate overflow, highlighting protein allocation as a critical determinant in understanding Ngo's metabolic phenotype. These findings underscore the significance of Ngo's metabolic adaptation in light of optimal protein allocation, providing a blueprint to understand Ngo's metabolic landscape.

Catch-up growth with alpha and beta decoupling and their relationships between CO2 emissions by GDP, population, energy production, and consumption.

This study explores the relationship between CO2 emissions by GDP, population, energy production, and consumption in the United States, China, Romania, and Thailand economies from 1990 to 2019. It evaluates the phenomenon of catch-up growth, which transpires when an lagging economy goes through an expansionary phase after a period of below-average performance. We used the stochastic model to illustrate in terms of alpha and beta decoupling techniques. The outcomes validated by positive and negative decoupling attitudes play a crucial role in predicting a rise in CO2 emissions owing to oil, gas, and coal use in comparison to Romania. Thailand and Romania have a more viable road to sustainability than the United States and China. The United States and China appear to have an antagonistic relationship, as suggested by decoupling attitudes. Thailand and Romania are considered to be highly environmentally sustainable countries on account of their minimal carbon emissions, efficient energy usage, and forward-thinking environmental policies. Accordingly, policy recommendations are offered based on CO2 emissions and effective mitigation policies, since this allows for determining which countries with high emissions need technological advances, best practices, and intersectoral policies.

Impact of energy imports, renewable electricity production, alternative, and nuclear energy sources on natural gas resource rents.

The world faces several problems related to natural gas resource rents and energy production from renewable sources. One of the main problems is the influence of energy imports, manufacturing exports, and alternative energy sources on natural gas and electricity production from renewable sources. Energy imports, manufacturing exports, and alternative energy sources can impact natural gas and electricity production. This paper examines natural gas resource rents and electricity production from renewable sources nexus from 1971 to 2021, using energy imports, manufacturer's exports, and alternative energy sources in China. Electricity production from renewable sources and manufacturing exports are negatively associated with natural gas resource rents. Energy imports and alternative energy sources positively relate to natural gas resource rents in China. These results suggest that the energy sector in China is highly interconnected and that policies that seek to promote renewable energy sources and other alternatives can positively affect natural gas resource rents. China needs to develop an energy policy considering the policy implications of energy imports and natural gas resource rents. Such a policy should focus on increasing domestic production, reducing energy imports, and ensuring adequate revenue from natural gas resource rents. Additionally, regulations could be implemented that support the development of alternative energy sources, such as requiring utilities to purchase a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources.

Wind energy resource assessment and wind turbine selection analysis for sustainable energy production.

The objective of this study is to perform an analysis to determine the most suitable type of wind turbine that can be installed at a specific location for electricity generation, using annual measurements of wind characteristics and meteorological parameters. Wind potential analysis has shown that the analyzed location is suitable for the development of a wind farm. The analysis was carried out for six different types of wind turbines, with a power ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 MW and a hub height set at 80 m. Wind power potential was assessed using the Weibull analysis. The values of the scale coefficient c were determined, and a large monthly variation was observed, with values ranging from 1.92 to 8.36 m/s and an annual value of 4.95 m/s. Monthly values for the shape coefficient k varied between 0.86 and 1.53, with an annual value of 1.07. Additionally, the capacity factor of the turbines was determined, ranging from 17.75 to 22.22%. The Vestas turbine, with a nominal power of 2 MW and a capacity factor of 22.22%, proved to be the most efficient wind turbine for the specific conditions of the location. The quantity of greenhouse gas emissions that will be reduced if this type of turbine is implemented was also calculated, considering the average CO2 emission intensity factor (kg CO2/kWh) of the national electricity system.

Photothermally carbonized natural kelp for hydrovoltaic power generation.

We have developed an eco-friendly and efficient method for hydrovoltaic power generation through carbonizing natural kelp, a hydrogel with abundant cations. Under ambient conditions, a CO2 laser beam was focused on the top surface of dried kelp, photothermally converting it into porous graphitic carbon (PGC) and reducing dissociable cations by thermal evaporation. Owing to the preservation of the bottom surface, this photothermal process yielded a PGC-hydrogel membrane (PHM) featuring a cation concentration gradient. With the introduction of deionized water to the intact region, the kelp hydrogel retained a considerable volume of water, creating a moist environment for the PGC. The cation concentration gradient facilitated a continuous migration of cations between the PGC and unaltered kelp, generating a voltage of 0.34 V and a current density of 49 µA/cm2. We demonstrated its practical applicability by turning on three light-emitting diodes using an array of eight PHMs.

Environmental reporting in Italian thermal power plants: insights from a comprehensive analysis of EMAS environmental statements.

The global energy sector heavily relies on fossil fuels, significantly contributing to climate change. The ambitious European emissions' reduction targets require sustainable processes and alternatives. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of 73 Italian thermal power plants registered to the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) aimed at assessing EMAS effectiveness in addressing and quantifying the environmental impacts of this relevant industrial sector. The analysis was based on EMAS environmental statements, publicly disclosing verified and certified data, with the secondary objective of evaluating if EMAS could be an efficient tool to improve the plants' environmental performances. An inventory of technical and environmental aspects, adopted indicators, and allocated budgets was based on 2023 data. A strong correlation was found between the significance of the environmental aspects and the number of adopted indicators. Gaps were observed in describing aspects like "biodiversity" and "local issues". Improvement objectives and budget allocation showed discrepancies and lacked correlation with the significance of the related environmental aspects. "Energy production" accounted for 68% of the total allocated budget; "environmental risks", "emissions to air", "electricity consumption", and "local issues" were also key focus areas. Insufficient information on emission control technologies and progress tracking of improvement objectives was detected. This study highlights the need for thermal power installations to improve the selection of appropriate indicators and to better relate allocated budget to improvement objectives when implementing EMAS. Such measures would facilitate the quantification of the effective environmental impacts of the energy production sector, supporting future research on this topic, allowing stakeholders a better comparison among plants, and driving industry-wide improvements.

Analysis of wind characteristics and wind energy resource assessment for Tonga using eleven methods of estimating Weibull parameters.

of wind characteristics and assessment of wind energy resource is carried out at a location in Tonga with the help of twelve months of measurements carried out at 34 m and 20 m heights above ground level. The daily, monthly and annual averages are computed. The wind shear analysis and its diurnal variation were studied and compared with the temperature variation. The turbulence levels at the two heights were estimated for the entire measurement period as well as for some typical days. For estimating the Weibull parameters, eleven methods were employed along with goodness of fit and error estimates to find the best method. The overall averaged wind speed for the entire period of study is estimated to be 4.41 m/s at 34 m above ground level. The predominant wind direction was south-east for Tonga. 'Moments' is seen to be the best method to determine accurate Weibull parameters. The average net annual energy production from one Vergnet 275 kW wind turbine is 198.57 MWh. A payback period of 8.95 years by installing five turbines near the measurement location was estimated, which is very encouraging in terms of investment. Installing wind turbines will lower the heavy reliance on the imported fossil fuels in the country and also help in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7.