Carbon emissions in China's steel industry from a life cycle perspective: Carbon footprint insights.

China is the most important steel producer in the world, and its steel industry is one of the most carbon-intensive industries in China. Consequently, research on carbon emissions from the steel industry is crucial for China to achieve carbon neutrality and meet its sustainable global development goals. We constructed a carbon dioxide (CO2) emission model for China's iron and steel industry from a life cycle perspective, conducted an empirical analysis based on data from 2019, and calculated the CO2 emissions of the industry throughout its life cycle. Key emission reduction factors were identified using sensitivity analysis. The results demonstrated that the CO2 emission intensity of the steel industry was 2.33 ton CO2/ton, and the production and manufacturing stages were the main sources of CO2 emissions, accounting for 89.84% of the total steel life-cycle emissions. Notably, fossil fuel combustion had the highest sensitivity to steel CO2 emissions, with a sensitivity coefficient of 0.68, reducing the amount of fossil fuel combustion by 20% and carbon emissions by 13.60%. The sensitivities of power structure optimization and scrap consumption were similar, while that of the transportation structure adjustment was the lowest, with a sensitivity coefficient of less than 0.1. Given the current strategic goals of peak carbon and carbon neutrality, it is in the best interest of the Chinese government to actively promote energy-saving and low-carbon technologies, increase the ratio of scrap steel to steelmaking, and build a new power system.

The prevalence of occupational injuries and associated risk factors among workers in iron and steel industries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The iron and steel industries are among the most dangerous workplaces in the world compared to other manufacturing industries. Workers are exposed to multiple occupational hazards, which predispose them to high risks of both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Currently, the data on the global prevalence and associated risk factors for occupational injuries in the iron and steel industries is fragmented and incomplete. This study was undertaken to address this issue by pooling data relating to the prevalence of occupational injuries and its associated factors among workers in iron and steel industries studies around the world. METHODS: The search was conducted systematically using PubMed, HINARI, EMBASE and Google Scholar for published studies in English that reported on occupational injuries and associated risk factors among workers in iron and steel industries. MetaXL version 5.3 software was used in the meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of occupational injuries and associated risk factors among workers in the iron and steel industries. The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42022344258. RESULTS: Of the 447 articles identified, 15 studies from 9 countries met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence estimate of occupational injury was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.93). The pooled results indicated that the odds of having an occupational injury were 4.06 times higher among workers who did not use personal protective equipment compared to those who used such equipment. Likewise the odds of occupational injuries was increased by 1.65 among night shift workers compared to the counterpart. CONCLUSIONS: The global prevalence of occupational injuries in iron and steel industries was 55%. The results indicate that night work shift and the lack of use of personal protective equipment has a higher impact than other factors in the occurrence of occupational injuries in the iron and steel industries.

Synthesis of novel composite material with spent coffee ground biochar and steel slag zeolite for enhanced dye and phosphate removal.

Rising concerns over water scarcity, driven by industrialization and urbanization, necessitate the need for innovative solutions for wastewater treatment. This study focuses on developing an eco-friendly and cost-effective biochar-zeolite composite (BZC) adsorbent using waste materials-spent coffee ground biochar (CGB) and steel slag zeolite (SSZ). Initially, the biochar was prepared from spent coffee ground, and zeolite was prepared from steel slag; their co-pyrolysis resulted in novel adsorbent material. Later, the physicochemical characteristics of the BZC were examined, which showed irregular structure and well-defined pores. Dye removal studies were conducted, which indicate that BZC adsorption reach equilibrium in 2 h, exhibiting 95% removal efficiency compared to biochar (43.33%) and zeolite (74.58%). Moreover, the removal efficiencies of the novel BZC composite toward dyes methyl orange (MO) and crystal violet (CV) were found to be 97% and 99.53%, respectively. The kinetic studies performed with the dyes and phosphate with an adsorbent dosage of 0.5 g L-1 suggest a pseudo-second-order model. Additionally, the reusability study of BZC proves to be effective through multiple adsorption and regeneration cycles. Initially, the phosphate removal remains high but eventually decreases from 92% to 70% in the third regeneration cycle, highlighting the robustness of the BZC. In conclusion, this study introduces a promising, cost-effective novel BZC adsorbent derived from waste materials as a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment. Emphasizing efficiency, reusability, and potential contributions to environmentally conscious water treatment, the findings highlight the composite's significance in addressing key challenges for the removal of toxic pollutants from the aqueous solutions. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A novel biochar-zeolite composite (BZC) material has been synthesized. Excellent removal of dyes by BZC (~95%) was achieved as compared to their counterparts The kinetic studies performed suggest a pseudo-second-order model. BZC proves to be highly effective for multiple adsorption studies. Excellent reusability showed potential as a robust adsorbent.

Activation technology of steel slag for concrete exposed to plateau climate: a state-of-the-art review.

As a byproduct of steelmaking, steel slag occupies significant land resources and poses potential environmental and safety challenges due to its extensive accumulation. Recently, steel slag has shown promising applications in the field of concrete. However, considering the complexity of the plateau environment, the utilization of steel slag is relatively lacking, and its low reactivity and poor volume stability remain the main factors restricting its application in plateau concrete. This paper reviews the research status of steel slag activation techniques for concrete, including wet grinding, chemi-excitation, high-temperature activation, and carbonation treatment. The effects of different treatment techniques on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete and the potential issues are discussed. Although different modification methods can improve the activity and volume stability of steel slag to varying degrees, a single modification technology is difficult to achieve the high-quality utilization of steel slag in concrete on the plateau. Based on this, a steel slag grading grinding-magnetic separation utilization technique suitable for high-altitude areas is proposed, which is beneficial for improving the added value and utilization rate of steel slag in concrete.

Recycle of steel slag as cementitious material and fine aggregate in concrete: mechanical, durability property and environmental impact.

Using steel slag (SS) as cementitious material and fine aggregate in concrete is an effective and environmental method for SS consumption and cost reduction. In this paper, SS was recycled in large volumes in concrete as partial cementitious material and fine aggregate. The compressive strength and reaction mechanism of cementitious material with different SS powder contents including 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% were presented. The results indicated that 20% of SS powder improved the compressive strength by 34.57% and the hydration products were ettringite (AFt) and calcium silica hydrate(C-(A)-S-H). Furthermore, the mechanical and durability performance of concrete with SS as fine aggregate were investigated. When the SS substitution rate was 75%, the compressive strength was increased by 37.83%. The volume shrinkage rate and 28d-carbonation depth were reduced nearly by 64% for 90 days and 2.33 mm, respectively. The chloride ion penetration resistance reached the optimal grade Q-V and abrasion resistance was improved by nearly 24%. Along with the reduced CO2 by 210-294 kg/m3 and the decreased cost by 12.61 USD/m3, it is regarded as an effective method to consume steel slag. As such, this research provided a scientific and systematic basis for the large-scale disposal and utilization of industrial waste residues as well as recycled materials preparation.

Electrochemical and computational evaluation of hydrazide derivative for mild steel corrosion inhibition and anticancer study.

In the present study the authors' main goal is to avoid the corrosive attack of the chloride ions of 3.5% NaCl solution in saline medium on the mild steel (MS), by addition of small amount of a new derivative of the hydrazide called ligand (HL), as a corrosion inhibitor. This study had been achieved by employing different electrochemical measurements such as, open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentio-dynamic polarization (PDP) methods. The results of the electrochemical test (OCP), showed that, the open circuit potential of the mild steel in saline solution, was guided to more positive direction in presence of the ligand (HL), at its ideal concentration (1 × 10-3 M), compared to the (OCP), of the mild steel in absence of (HL). The results of the electrochemical methods, EIS and PDP presented that, the ligand (HL), was acted as a good corrosion inhibitor for hindering the corrosion process of the mild steel in 3.5% sodium chloride, as it was recorded a good percentage of the inhibition efficiency (77.45%, 53.41%, by EIS and PDP techniques respectively), at its optimum concentration (1 × 10-3 M). Also, the corrosion rate of the mild steel in the saline medium without (HL), was listed about (0.0017 mm/year), while in existence of (HL), was decreased to a value about (0.00061 mm/year). As well, some of electrical properties of (HL), and its derivative [Pd(II), Cr(III), and Ru(III)], complexes were investigated such as; the activation energy (Ea(ac)), which recorded values in the range of 0.02-0.44 (eV) range and electrical conductivity which listed values at room temperature in the range of 10-5-10-8 S.cm-1. The results of the AC and DC electrical conductivity measurements for (HL), and its derivative [Pd(II), Cr(III) and Ru(III)] complexes indicate semiconducting nature which suggests that these compounds could be used in electronic devices. Also, the complexes exhibited higher conductivity values than (HL). Photophysical studies showed good florescence properties of HL that indicated that it can be used to determine most of the drugs with no fluorescence properties by quenching and calculating quantum yield. Moreover, the hydrazide ligand (HL), has shown selectivity as an active anticancer candidate drug for both breast and colon cancer in humans. Density function theory demonstrated that, the frontier molecular orbital HOMOs of the complexes have exhibited similar behavior and the charge density has localized in the metallic region of all the studied complexes. Also, the values of the energy gap of the ligand (HL), and its complexes Pd(II), Cr(III) and Ru(III), had been arranged in this order HL > Cr(III) > Ru(III) > Pd(II). All characterization using different spectroscopic techniques were reported to elucidate the proposed structures such as; thermal analysis, elemental analysis of C, H, and N atoms, spectral analysis using IR, UV, 1H NMR techniques, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analyses.

Association between Visceral Adiposity Index and Hyperuricemia among Steelworkers: The Moderating Effects of Drinking Tea.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Steelworkers are more likely to have a higher prevalence of hyperuricemia due to their exposure to special occupational factors and dietary habits. The interrelationships of visceral adiposity index (VAI), hyperuricemia, and drinking tea remain uncertain. This study aimed to assess the association between VAI and hyperuricemia among steelworkers, and if drinking tea modified this association. METHODS: A total of 9928 steelworkers from Hunan Hualing Xiangtan Iron and Steel Company participated in this cross-sectional study. All participants completed a questionnaire, received anthropometric measurements, and provided blood samples for biochemical testing. Three logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between VAI and hyperuricemia. RESULTS: In this study, the prevalence of hyperuricemia was approximately 23.74% (males: 24.41%; females: 20.63%), and a positive correlation between VAI and hyperuricemia risk was observed. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the risk of hyperuricemia increased 1.76 times (95% CI: 1.64-1.89) and 2.13 times (95% CI: 1.76-2.57) with the increase of ln VAI in males and females, respectively. For males, compared to quartile 1, the risk of hyperuricemia in the second, third, and fourth quartile of VAI were 1.75 (95% CI: 1.11-2.71), 2.56 (95% CI: 1.67-3.93) and 4.89 (95% CI: 3.22-7.43). For females, compared to quartile 1, the risk of hyperuricemia in the second, third, and fourth quartile of VAI were 1.99 (95% CI: 1.40-2.82), 2.92 (95% CI: 1.96-4.34) and 4.51 (95% CI: 2.89-7.02). Additionally, our study found that, compared with not consuming tea, drinking tea could reduce uric acid levels by 0.014 in male steelworkers (t = -2.051, p = 0.040), 0.020 in workers consuming smoked food (t = -2.569, p = 0.010), and 0.022 in workers consuming pickled food (t = -2.764, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, VAI is positively correlated with hyperuricemia in steelworkers. Drinking tea may lower uric acid levels in male steelworkers and steelworkers who prefer smoked and pickled foods.

Polyethylene wear and cup migration of cemented total hip arthroplasty with femoral heads made of oxidized zirconium, steel, or cobalt chromium: a 10-year secondary analysis from a randomized trial using radiostereometry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate polyethylene (PE) wear, cup migration, and clinical outcome over 10 years in total hip arthroplasties (THA) using different articulations. METHODS:  This is a secondary analysis of 150 patients randomized into 5 groups, using different articulations: Charnley/Charnley Ogee for steel and conventional polyethylene (CPE), or Spectron EF/Reflection with either CPE or highly cross linked polyethylene (XLPE) cups, paired with heads made of either cobalt-chromium (CoCr) or oxidized zirconium (OxZr). All cups were cemented. Patients underwent repeated radiostereometric analysis (RSA) measurements for up to 10 years to assess wear and migration. Clinical outcome was assessed using Harris Hip Score (HHS). RESULTS:  After 10 years, the XLPE cups demonstrated low wear rates: 0.08 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.11 to 0.26 mm) with CoCr heads and 0.06 mm (CI -0.14 to 0.26 mm) with OxZr heads, with a mean difference of 0.01 mm (CI -0.26 to 0.29 mm). In contrast, CPE cups exhibited significantly more wear: 1.35 mm (CI 1.16 to 1.55 mm) with CoCr heads and 1.68 mm (CI 1.44 to 1.92 mm) with OxZr heads, with a mean difference of 0.33 mm (CI 0.02 to 0.64 mm). The Charnley/Ogee group (CPE) showed PE wear of 0.34 mm (CI 0.12 to 0.56 mm). The CPE groups with OxZr and CoCr heads had 0.67 mm (CI 0.38 to 0.96 mm) and 0.35 mm (CI 0.09 to 0.61 mm) greater proximal migration respectively than the corresponding XLPE groups. HHS was similar across all groups. CONCLUSION:  We found no significant advantage of OxZr over CoCr heads in reducing wear or migration. XLPE demonstrated a major reduction in wear as well as a reduction in cup migration compared with CPE. Charnley performed better than the other CPE cups in terms of PE wear and cup migration. No differences in clinical outcome were found.

Spillover effects of structure-adjustment pollution reduction measures in China's iron and steel industry.

The iron and steel industry (ISI) is a significant source of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter pollution in China. Existing research on regional environmental regulation or ISI emission reduction strategies tends to overlook spillover effects and the enterprise perspective. During the heating season, production limitations in ISI are potential policy measures for achieving structural emission reductions in heavily polluted cities in China's Jing-Jin-Ji and surrounding regions. We adopt a bottom-up modeling approach, incorporating effective production time to describe enterprise behavior and establishing a quantitative trade model based on trade theory. By modeling three types of production restriction policies outlined in policy documents, we evaluate the emission reduction effects of structure-adjustment measures using the example of reduced effective production time for steel-producing enterprises in the air pollution transmission channel in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area. The results indicate the following: (1) Reducing the effective production time of ISI enterprises can help decrease domestic production value and total factor productivity in pollution-intensive industries, including but not limited to ISI. It also leads to reduced emissions of various pollutants in the implementation regions. (2) Due to interprovincial trade and input-output linkages, structural reduction measures in certain regions have implications for almost all other provinces' industrial structures. Differences in initial industrial structures, factor endowments, and geographical locations contribute to varying directions and magnitudes of industrial structural changes. Pollution-intensive industries' share tends to increase higher in less developed regions. (3) Our estimated pollution reduction is smaller compared to the literature evaluating clean air policies in similar regions using top-down strategies. This discrepancy arises because we analyze a single policy tool rather than modeling industry-wide emission fluctuations from the top down. Additionally, our modeling approach allows us to examine dynamic changes in comparative advantages. The increase in production scale for certain industries in policy-affected regions partially offsets the decline in pollution emissions. These findings enhance our understanding of structure-adjustment reduction measures' role and highlight their potential advantages and limitations.

Influence of ground motion parameters on seismic response of a large-longitudinal-slope and small-radius curved girder bridge.

The mechanical performance of curved bridges under the action of an earthquake is complex. To obtain the influence of seismic parameters on the seismic response of curved girder bridges, this paper relies on a large slope small-radius curved steel box girder bridge (LSCGB) and selects seismic wave incidence angle, vertical component of ground motion, and site category as seismic parameters to carry out nonlinear time history analysis. Based on the analysis results of the case bridge, it is shown that the torsional vibration of the first 10 modes of LSCGB is significant, the modes are dispersed, and the contribution of high-order modes of vibration cannot be ignored. The most unfavorable seismic wave incidence angle is in the direction of 45°âˆ¼60° counterclockwise Angle from the central connection line of Pier No. 1 and Pier No. 4 of the bridge. The seismic response of the curved bridge components increases with the vertical seismic intensity, and the influence on displacement responses is more significant. The basic vibration period of curved girder bridges built on soft soil sites is extended by approximately 18.23%, and the seismic response of key components increases with the softening of the site soil. Therefore, when analyzing the seismic response of LSCGBs, the influence of vertical component of ground motion and site category should not be ignored.

Unraveling the mechanisms of biochar and steel slag in alleviating lithium stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants via modulation of antioxidant defense and methylglyoxal detoxification pathways.

With progress in technology, soaring demand for lithium (Li) has led to its release into the environment. This study demonstrated the mitigation of the adverse effects of Li stress on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) by the application of waste materials, namely coconut shell biochar (CBC) and steel slag (SS). To explore the impact of Li treatment on tomato plants different morphological, biochemical parameters and plant defense system were analyzed. Tomato plants exposed to Li had shorter roots and shoots, lower biomass and relative water contents, and showed decreases in physiological variables, as well as increases in electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation. However, the application of CBC and SS as passivators, either singly or in combination, increased growth variables of tomato and relieved Li-induced oxidative stress responses. The combined CBC and SS amendments reduced Li accumulation 82 and 90% in tomato roots and shoots, respectively, thereby minimizing the negative impacts of Li. Antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, APX and GR reflected 4, 5, 30, and 52% and glyoxalase enzymes I and II 7 and 250% enhancement in presence of both CBC and SS in Li treated soil, with a concurrent decrease in methylglyoxal content. Lithium treatment triggered oxidative stress, increased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels, and induced the synthesis of thiols and phytochelatins in roots and shoots. Hence, co-amendment with CBC and SS protected tomato plants from Li-induced oxidative damage by increasing antioxidant defenses and glyoxalase system activity. Both CBC, generated from agricultural waste, and SS, an industrial waste, are environmentally benign, safe, economical, and non-hazardous materials that can be easily applied on a large scale for crop production in Li-polluted soils. The present findings highlight the novel reutilization of waste materials as renewable assets to overcome soil Li problems and emphasize the conversion of waste into wealth and its potential for practical applications.

Insights into the biocorrosion of Q235A steel influenced by the electron transfer process between iron and methanogenic microbiota.

Anaerobic microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of Fe (0) metals causes great harm to the environment and economy, which depends on the key electron transfer process between anaerobic microorganisms and Fe (0) metals. However, the key electron transfer process in microbiota dominating MIC remains unclear, especially for methanogenic microbiota wildly distributed in the environment. Herein, three different methanogenic microbiota (Methanothrix, Methanospirillum, and Methanobacterium) were acclimated to systematically investigate electron transfer pathways on corroding Q235A steel coupons. Results indicated that microbiota dominated by Methanothrix, Methanospirillum, or Methanobacterium accelerated the steel corrosion mainly through direct electron transfer (DET) pathway, H2 mediated electron transfer (HMET) pathway, and combined DET and HMET pathways, respectively. Compared with Methanospirillum dominant microbiota, Methanothrix or Methanobacterium dominant microbiota caused more methane production, higher weight loss, corrosion pits with larger areas, higher corrosion depth, and smaller corrosion pits density. Such results reflected that the DET process between microbiota and Fe (0) metals decided the biocorrosion degree and behavior of Fe (0) metals. This study insightfully elucidates the mechanisms of methanogenic microbiota on corroding steels, in turn providing new insights for anti-corrosion motives.

Corrosion behavior of predominant Halodesulfovibrio in a marine SRB consortium and its mitigation using ZnO nanoparticles.

Formation of Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) biofilm accelerates microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). The aim of this study was to investigate both the corrosivity of a marine SRB consortium on carbon steel coupons and its mitigation in the presence of ZnO. Metagenomics analysis revealed that Halodesulfovibrio (78.9%) was predominant and could be related to MIC. The analysis also showed a remarkable shift from a highly corrosive SRB consortium in the control bioreactors to a far less corrosive consortium when ZnO was added to the bioreactors. Further results indicated that the corrosion rate of the SRB consortium was 8.17 mpy on the carbon steel coupons. In the ZnO-treated bioreactors, the count of SRB and MIC in the carbon steel coupons simultaneously reduced. Moreover, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and profilometry analysis determined that ZnO could significantly decrease the amount of biofilm and the corrosion rate. Electrochemical experiments revealed higher corrosion current density (icorr) and lower charge transfer resistance (Rct) in the control bioreactors relative to the ZnO-treated bioreactors. We introduce Halodesulfovibrio as a potentially important corrosive genus in a marine SRB consortium. Additionally, ZnO could be considered a proper candidate to control the corrosion induced by Halodesulfovibrio.

Deciphering microbial communities involved in marine steel corrosion using high-throughput amplicon sequencing.

To characterize the source and effects of bacterial communities on corrosion of intertidal structures, three different UK coastal sites were sampled for corrosion materials, sediment and seawater. Chemical analyses indicate the activity of sulfate-reducing microbes (SRBs) at 2 sites (Shoreham and Newhaven), but not at the third (Southend-on-Sea). Microbial communities in the deep sediment and corrosion samples are similar. The phylum Proteobacteria is dominant (40.4% of the total ASV), followed by Campilobacterota (11.3%), Desulfobacterota and Firmicutes (4%-5%). At lower taxonomic levels, corrosion causing bacteria, such as Shewanella sp. (6%), Colwellia sp. (7%) and Mariprofundus sp. (1%), are present. At Southend-on-sea, the relative abundance of Campilobacterota is higher compared to the other two sites. The mechanism of action of microorganisms at Shoreham and Newhaven involves biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion of iron by the combined action of SRBs and sulfur-oxidizing microbes. However, at Southend-on-sea, sulfur compounds are not implicated in corrosion, but SRBs and other electroactive microbes may play a role in which cathodic reactions (electrical MIC) and microbial enzymes (chemical MIC) are involved. To contribute to diagnosis of accelerated intertidal corrosion types, we developed a rapid identification method for SRBs using quantitative polymerase chain reaction high-resolution melt curve analysis of the dsrB gene.

Textile effluent treatment by reductive process using commercial steel wool followed by oxidative process.

Textile industries stand out as one of the main polluters of water resources, generating large amounts of liquid effluents with variable composition and intense coloration. The objective of this work is the integration of the reductive process using commercial steel wool, combined with oxidative processes, in the treatment of textile effluent. The effect of the variables of the reductive process were studied using a 32 factorial design. After 30 minutes, the reductive process allowed a reduction of 68% COD, 46% TOC, 62% true color and 72% of total phenols, but showed an increase in color apparent and turbidity, due to the iron species formed by the oxidation of steel wool during the process. With the combined process using sunlight, the reduction was 73% COD, 50% TOC, 97% phenols, 93% true color and 48% apparent color. With artificial light, the reduction was 94% COD, 63% TOC, 95% phenols, 98% true color and 65% apparent color. The evaluation of the acute toxicity against Daphnia magna indicated that after the proposed treatments, the effluent did not present toxicity or the toxicity was reduced. It is concluded that the combined process can be considered an efficient alternative for the treatment of textile effluent.

[On the June 25, 2024 Judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding Ilva Taranto (Southern Italy)]. / Sulla sentenza della Corte di Giustizia dell'Unione europea del 25 giugno 2024 in merito all'Ilva di Taranto.

The June 25, 2024 Judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union is based on the Industrial Emissions (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control) Directive 2010/75/EU and confirms its applicability to the Taranto steel plant, reiterating that the concept of pollution includes damage to the environment and human health; the health impact assessment of polluting industrial activities, such as the Ilva steelworks in Southern Italy, must constitute an internal act in the procedures for granting and reviewing the operating permission; all pollutants attributable to the plant that are scientifically recognized as harmful to health must be considered in the assessment procedures. In the case of serious and significant danger to the integrity of the environment and human health, the operation of the installation must be suspended. The Judgment highlights important elements on the level of principle and application, which are extraordinarily useful for environment and health personnel, for open-minded and aware local, regional, and national administrators, and above all for the citizens and communities most exposed to pollutants recognized as harmful to health. Preventive environmental health impact assessments gain renewed strength as tools for evaluative and authorized decision-making on production activities, in a sense of full integration between environment and health. The right to environmental and health protection and prevention is an integral part of the defence of human rights, especially in sacrifice zones such as Taranto and many other sites to be reclaimed, considered by the UN as "places where residents suffer devastating physical and mental health consequences and human rights violations".

The corrosion behavior of carbon steel under coexistence of carbon dioxide and SRB.

The corrosion behavior of carbon steel under the coexistence of carbon dioxide and SRB was studied by means of corrosion weight loss, SEM, EDS, in situ pH test, and other methods. The results showed that Chloride ions, temperature, pH, and oxygen coexist with iron bacteria will affect the corrosion under the coexistence of CO2 and SRB, and SRB tends to grow in a favorable environment for itself, and the corrosion rate of X52N at 42 days is slightly higher than that at 21 days. However, the pitting depth increased sharply from 21.20 µm in 21 days to 39.79 µm in 42 days. So that the corrosion can be divided into two stages. First, SRB catalyze the dissolution of FeCO3, leading to local uniform corrosion. Second, SRB directly obtain electrons from the metal surface, resulting in local pitting. In addition, the environment under the stable mineralized biofilm was found to be slightly alkaline.

Construction of colorimetric sensor arrays using steel slag-based composites for highly sensitive detection of tetracycline antibiotics.

Sensor array methods have received much attention in recent years. In this study, a colorimetric sensor array consisting of three kinds of steel slag-based composites (including porphyrin-functionalized non-magnetic steel slag (NMSS-Por), alkali-excited steel slag (A-SS), and platinum modified steel slag (ALANH-Pt)) was developed for the detection and recognition of tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) such as tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC) and doxycycline (DOX). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed that the colorimetric sensor array has excellent recognition ability for TCs. The detection limits of this sensor array for TC, OTC, and DOX were 0.059 µM, 0.111 µM and 0.118 µM, respectively, which provided higher sensitivity compared to the colorimetric sensors composed of a single steel slag-based composite material. At the same time, the array sensor has anti-interference ability, and this study provides a new application route for steel slag.

Nitrogen-doped activated carbon-based steel slag composite material as an accelerant for enhancing the resilience of flexible biogas production process against shock loads: Performance, mechanism and modified ADM1 modeling.

Anaerobic digestion for flexible biogas production can lead to digestion inhibition under high shock loads. While steel slag addition has shown promise in enhancing system buffering, its limitations necessitate innovation. This study synthesized the nitrogen-doped activated carbon composite from steel slag to mitigate intermediate product accumulation during flexible biogas production. Material characterization preceded experiments introducing the composite into anaerobic digestion systems, evaluating its impact on methane production efficiency under hydraulic and concentration sudden shocks. Mechanistic insights were derived from microbial community and metagenomic analyses, facilitating the construction of the modified Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1) to quantitatively assess the material's effects. Results indicate superior resistance to concentration shocks with substantial increment of methane production rate up to 33.45% compared with control group, which is mediated by direct interspecies electron transfer, though diminishing with increasing shock intensity. This study contributes theoretical foundations for stable flexible biogas production and offers an effective predictive tool for conductor material reinforcement processes.

Hydrological response and crack resistance of polypropylene-fiber reinforced compacted steel slag-bentonite mixtures under wetting-drying cycles.

Desiccation-induced cracks in a compacted clay liner significantly deteriorate the hydraulic barrier performance of landfill covers. The present study explores the effects of polypropylene (PP) fiber reinforcement on the hydrological response and crack resistance of compacted steel slag (SS; 90 wt%) - bentonite (10 wt%) mixtures under drying and wetting cycles. Comprehensive tests were conducted to explore the impact of different fiber lengths (6-12 mm) and contents (0-0.4 % wt.%), including hydraulic conductivity tests for measuring the saturated hydraulic conductivity (ks), unconfined-penetration tests for measuring the tensile strength, small-sized plate tests for quantifying crack development, and large-sized bucket tests for studying the hydrological response and crack characteristics. Higher fiber contents and longer fiber lengths increased the ks-value of the specimens. For a 0.3 % fiber content, the tensile strength peaked for the 9-mm fiber. Consistently, the specimen reinforced with the 9-mm fibers exhibited significantly fewer cracks than those reinforced with the 6-mm and 12-mm fibers. It was because the 6-mm fibers had a shorter anchorage length, while the 12-mm fibers tended to agglomerate. The large-sized bucket tests showed that fiber reinforcement limited crack development significantly under wetting and drying cycles, reducing the rainfall infiltration by 40 % and enhancing the soil water retention capacity. Finally, a 0.3 wt% of 9-mm PP was recommended to reinforce the compacted SS-bentonite mixtures.