Lead is used in many industries such as refining, mining, battery manufacturing, smelting. Releases of lead from these industries is one of the major public health concerns due to widespread persistence in the environment and its resulting poisoning character. In this work, the castor seed shell (CSS) waste was exploited for preparing a beneficial bio-adsorbent for removal of Pb(II) ions from water. The raw CSS was modified with H3PO4 at different acid concentrations, impregnation ratios, activation times, and temperatures. An optimum adsorption capacity was observed for CSS modified with 2 M acid, 5 mL g−1 solid to liquid ratio, treated at 95 °C for 160 min. Exploiting acid modification, the SEM, XRD, and FTIR analyses show some alterations in functional groups and the surface morphology of the biomass. The impacts of physiochemical variables (initial lead ions concentration, pH, adsorbent dose and adsorption time) on the lead removal percentage were investigated, using response surface methodology (RSM). Maximum removal of 72.26% for raw CSS and 97.62% for modified CSS were obtained at an initial lead concentration (50 mg L−1), pH (5.7), adsorption time (123 min) and adsorbent dosage (1.1 g/100 mL). Isothermal and kinetics models were fitted to adsorption equilibrium data and kinetics data for the modified CSS and the adsorption system was evaluated thermodynamically and from the energy point of view. Isothermal scrutinization indicated the mono-layer nature of adsorption, and the kinetics experimental outcomes best fitted with the pseudo-second-order, implying that the interaction of lead ions and hot acid-treated CSS was the rate-controlling phenomenon of process. Overall, results illustrated that the hot acid-treated biomass-based adsorbent can be considered as an alternative bio-adsorbent for removing lead from water media. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd

Sodium-ion batteries are regarded as an affordable alternative to commercial lithium-ion batteries in energy storage systems because of their abundant resources and comparable energy storage capabilities. Hard carbon is a prospective anode material to consider for the commercialization of sodium-ion batteries due to its promising electrochemical performance and the possibility of using renewable resources of bio-waste to obtain hard carbon. However, numerous disadvantages, including low initial coulombic efficiency and voltage hysteresis, continue to constrain the use of hard carbon in sodium-ion batteries. Various strategies have been attempted to address these challenges to transfer present promising research opportunities into practical applications. This review provides recent insights on bio-waste-derived hard carbons, which are classified into different types of hard carbon precursors, the effect of carbonization temperature and doping on the physical characteristics, and the variation in the property of hard carbon under different synthetic parameters is directly correlated with sodium storage process. We discuss the associated sodium storage mechanisms in-depth. This work also provides a future perspective on bio-waste-derived hard carbons and the feasibility of their practical utilization in room temperature type low-cost sodium-ion batteries. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.

During a polymer flood, the field operator must be convinced that the large chemical investment is not compromised during polymer injection. Furthermore, injectivity associated with the viscous polymer solutions must not be reduced to where fluid throughput in the reservoir and oil production rates become uneconomic. Fractures with limited length and proper orientation have been theoretically argued to dramatically increase polymer injectivity and eliminate polymer mechanical degradation. This paper confirms these predictions through a combination of calculations, laboratory measurements, and field observations (including step-rate tests, pressure transient analysis, and analysis of fluid samples flowed back from injection wells and produced from offset production wells) associated with the Kalamkas oil field in Western Kazakhstan. A novel method was developed to collect samples of fluids that were back-produced from injection wells using the natural energy of a reservoir at the wellhead. This method included a special procedure and surface-equipment scheme to protect samples from oxidative degradation. Rheological measurements of back-produced polymer solutions revealed no polymer mechanical degradation for conditions at the Kalamkas oil field. An injection well pressure falloff test and a step-rate test confirmed that polymer injection occurred above the formation parting pressure. The open fracture area was high enough to ensure low flow velocity for the polymer solution (and consequently, the mechanical stability of the polymer). Compared to other laboratory and field procedures, this new method is quick, simple, cheap, and reliable. Tests also confirmed that contact with the formation rapidly depleted dissolved oxygen from the fluids—thereby promoting polymer chemical stability. © 2022 Society of Petroleum Engineers

The growing environmental impact of copper production necessitates innovative approaches for optimizing metallurgical processes and minimizing waste. This study addresses this challenge by leveraging advanced machine learning (ML) techniques to enhance the efficiency of pyrometallurgical operations such as slag optimization, composition prediction, and waste minimization. Using a combination of real-world and synthetic data, we developed models capable of both forward prediction, estimating slag and matte compositions from ore characteristics, and backward prediction, inferring ore compositions from output characteristics. Five ML algorithms were evaluated, with Gradient Boosting and Support Vector Regression demonstrating superior performance in capturing complex, non-linear relationships. Forward prediction achieved near-perfect accuracy, while backward prediction highlighted the inherent complexity of inverse modeling. This backward-driven strategy proposed in this research aims to determine optimal ore compositions to achieve desired outputs, reducing waste and energy consumption. By integrating ML models with a systematic hyperparameter optimization approach, this work advances the potential for sustainable and precise metallurgical processes. While challenges remain in refining backward predictions, the findings demonstrate the transformative potential of data-driven strategies in industrial metallurgy, paving the way for environmentally sustainable and economically efficient copper production practices. © 2025 by the authors.

MXenes have emerged as promising two-dimensional (2D) materials for catalytic applications in energy production due to their exceptional structural, electronic, and chemical properties. Their high surface area, tunable surface terminations, and excellent electrical conductivity make them ideal candidates for facilitating surface reactions and enhancing charge transfer processes. Additionally, the ability to modify their composition and structure at the atomic level allows for the design of tailored MXene-based catalysts suited for various energy-related reactions. This review highlights recent advancements in MXene-based catalysts, focusing on novel synthesis techniques, including selective etching, CVD and ALD, as well as advanced characterization methods such as XRD, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, FTIR, and In-situ/Operando techniques. Their applications in key catalytic processes, including the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of hydrocarbons, CO₂ hydrogenation to methane, and hydrogen production via electrochemical water splitting, are discussed, as these reactions play a crucial role in carbon utilization, energy storage, and the transition to sustainable fuels. Notably, Mo₂C-based catalysts favor heavier hydrocarbon formation, while NiV oxycarbide electrocatalysts exhibit high durability and hydrogen selectivity. These findings emphasize MXenes’ potential in sustainable energy conversion and highlight the need for further optimization to enhance their catalytic efficiency and stability. © 2025 The Authors

Potable water is crucial in today's society, which is resolving the freshwater issue. In this work, the progress of direction in a basin area inner heat transmission mode with a Double Effect Solar Distiller (DESD), which is approaching the temperature mechanisms (parameters) for the Laplacian method using builds coated basin areas with a TiO2/Jackfruit peel with silver balls (TJPSB) blend is done. To create green TiO2 nanoparticles from eco-friendly bleaching chemicals and jackfruit peel, a green nanoscale approach has been developed. The TiO2/Jackfruit peels (TJP) (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%), along with the performance of silver color balls, are used to build and verify the DESD. The TJP materials studies were supported by the surface morphology analysis of chemical compounds with functional energy absorption additions. A typical particle magnitude of jackfruit peel has 40–60 nm, giving a zeta potential value. Images taken using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) presented an absorbent structure with 85% crystallinity in the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements. The TJPSB by the DESD outcomes as of 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. focuses on 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% by layer yields of approximately 4.800 L/m2, 5.560 L/m2, then 6.120 L/m2, individually. More vibration basin regions that benefit from TJPSB's average productivity of 50.55% and 8.790 L/m2/d attracted to focus on 0.3% with a performance of DESD. TJPSB initially presents further manipulative applications of solar desalination process ingredients. Maximum access to the energy, exergy productivity of DESD consequences is 41% and 5.63%, individually. Based on water depth of 0.8 cm, TJPN is discovered in 20% of cases. Overall DESD efficiency is 7.35 kg m2 per day at 12 h of 30% TJPN observation and 0.8 cm of water depth. An economic analysis of DESD was found with a cost of concentration that portable water (per liter) and assessed approximately 0.0726$ by reimbursement term of 14 months. The average thermo-enviro-economics analysis of DESD was found to be 3.35 (exergy), and 4.71% (Energy). © 2023

The indicators of the SDGs are a description of the principles of sustainable development. An SDG indicator for preparing a professional workforce is decent work to support economic growth. Through the professional workforce certification program, it is hoped that workers will get decent jobs to increase economic growth and apply sustainable development principles. This study aims to: 1) determine the implementation of a professional workforce certification program in the construction sector to support sustainable development following the needs and regulations of the Government of Indonesia; and 2) how much is the percentage of readiness of professional workers in construction in participating in the labor certification program. This study uses a survey approach. The subject of this study is a professional workforce in Yogyakarta. The aspects of the assessed review were the sub-classification of professional building workers, the sub-classification of construction safety work professionals, and the sub-classification of construction management work professionals. Data were collected through questionnaires and interview techniques. The results of the tabulation of data were analyzed descriptively. The results of the study show that 1) the implementation of the professional workforce certification program in the construction sector in the sub-classification of building professional workers, sub-classification of construction safety professionals, and sub-classification of construction management professionals is in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, including environmental, social and economy; 2) the proportion of professional workforce readiness in the construction sector in participating in the certification program for the application of building work sub-classification is 95.45% (very high), construction safety work sub-classification is 83.33% (very high), and construction management work sub-classification by 89.39% (very high). © 2024 Author(s).

This article is devoted to the study of geoheritage objects and the scientific justification for the creation of a geopark in the Ulytau region of Central Kazakhstan. This region is the largest copper-bearing province in the world and has a unique natural and cultural heritage. The purpose of this article is to show the scientific and tourist significance of geoheritage objects of the potential Ulytau Geopark. The geological history of this area tells about no less than 500 million years of the planet’s development. Geological, historical and sacred objects make this area extremely interesting for the development of geotourism and the creation of geoparks as a basis for the sustainable development of the area. The research methods included a bibliographic method, which made it possible to collect information on the geoheritage of the territory; field survey techniques; and methods based on the evaluation of the criteria for eligibility for UNESCO Geoparks. The methodology included five main blocks of assessment (geology and landscape, structure and management model, interpretation and environmental education, geotourism and sustainable development at the regional level) and represents an integrated interdisciplinary approach to present regional features in the context of the geological heritage of the world. Despite the length of time geology has been studied and the resources actively used, geoheritage sites have not been previously studied and characterised. Geoparks in Kazakhstan are at an early stage of development and this article aims to show the potential for establishing geoparks in the Ulytau region. © 2024 by the authors.

This study explores the use of microbial fuel cell (MFC) for wastewater treatment and energy production, focusing on enhancing electron generation. To encourage bacterial activity in removing metal ions from the inoculation source, coconut sugar and organic contaminants were used as dual substrates. With phenol degradation at 82.18% and removal efficiencies for Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Cr³⁺ at 92.10%, 89.85%, and 90.60%, respectively, the study’s energy efficiency was 72.7 mW/m² within 21 days. Compared to the external resistance of 1000 Ω, the internal resistance was 514.39 Ω. On day 30, CV studies revealed maximum oxidation currents of 4.0 × 10⁻⁵ mA and peak reduction currents of -1.6 × 10⁻⁵ mA, suggesting increasing metal and phenol treatment. Lysinibacillus, Lysobacter, and Pseudoxanthomonas were found to be the dominating bacterial species at the anode biofilm, confirming the efficacy of this strategy via electrochemical and biological testing. The potential of coconut sugar in MFC applications was highlighted by its greater voltage generation when compared to other substrates. The research highlighted pH 7 and room temperature as optimal conditions while discussing processes and parameter optimization. The challenges of electron transportation are crucial for advancing MFC to a practical stage: hence, using waste materials for electrode production is a novel approach to address this challenge. However, there has been a thorough discussion of promising key challenges and potential future perspectives.

The article discusses the interpretation of remote sensing data at the study of the thermic field in the southeastern part of the South Mangyshlak-Ustyurt trough system in order to determine the possibility of involving thermic parameters to exploration hydrocarbon (HC) fields. The products derived from Remote Thermal Infrared Survey Data (RTISD) are analyzed in detail, providing a complementary analysis for the geological and geophysical approach generally used at the exploration oil and gas fields. Thermal properties of different horizontal and vertical sections of the area were estimated from regional and local components of ground infrared survey data, which provided the detection of geothermic anomalies. We interpreted that the Shakhpakhty tectonic step is characterized by relatively large positive thermal anomalies, which indicates the predominance of shallow set of rocks (< 2 km deep) with high values of thermophysical properties. Moreover, the intensity of the thermal infrared anomalies increases with depth in blocks, which apparently characterizes the position of geological and structural elements that differ of thermal and physical properties. The Central Ustyurt dislocation system and the Assakeudan depression, are characterized by low intensity thermal anomalies, indicating that they include rocks or sediment with low thermophysical properties. The Assakeudan depression is characterized by large thickness of sedimentary rocks, which mostly form the oil-source suites. Faults that disrupt the lateral continuity of these geological formations are considered as conduits for migration of hydrocarbons, deep fluids, heat and mass transfer. The results show that satellite infrared data can be used as exploration criterion for mapping potential hydrocarbon accumulations in the southern part of the Ustyurt region. The results of integrated analysis of geothermal, gravity, magnetic and radiometric anomalies allowed us to interpret on geological heterogeneity of large regional structures, about the depth of occurrence of gravity-disturbing masses and magnetically disturbed objects is revealed, about the characteristic of faults and the local structures in the geophysical fields. According to the analyze highlighted local structures Utezhan, Kozhantai, North Kozhantai, Otynshy with sufficiently high hydrocarbon potential, and recommended for further study by seismic and deep drilling methods. © 2023, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. All rights reserved.