Ilektra C. Feida , Vasileios D. Alampanos , Justyna Płotka-Wasylka , Dimitra A. Lambropoulou
{"title":"Aerogels and cryogels as green sorbents for organic contaminant extraction and chromatographic analysis","authors":"Ilektra C. Feida , Vasileios D. Alampanos , Justyna Płotka-Wasylka , Dimitra A. Lambropoulou","doi":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100287","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100287","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, there has been increasing interest in developing more environmentally friendly analytical methods. In this context, microextraction techniques have gained wider application, and novel materials are being researched as potential adsorbents. Among these, aerogels and cryogels stand out due to their exceptional attributes, including high porosity, large surface area, excellent adsorption capacity, and favorable mechanical properties. These materials can be combined with various affinity substances to form composites that interact with a wide range of analytes. This manuscript reviews the numerous applications of aerogels and cryogels in microextraction pretreatment processes, focusing on the extraction of organic pollutants from various matrices prior to liquid chromatography (LC) or gas chromatography (GC) analysis. The extraction methods and analytical parameters are thoroughly discussed, highlighting the environmental benefits of using aerogels and cryogels as green adsorbents. The future directions are also pointed out.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101196,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100287"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144925506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rois Uddin Mahmud , M Abu Darda , Md Tanvir Hossain , Md. Ahasan Habib , Ranajit Kumar Nag , Md. Palash Sarker
{"title":"Fabrication of waste cotton reinforced corn and potato starch sustainable bioplastics for eco-friendly packaging material","authors":"Rois Uddin Mahmud , M Abu Darda , Md Tanvir Hossain , Md. Ahasan Habib , Ranajit Kumar Nag , Md. Palash Sarker","doi":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100286","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100286","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Non-biodegradability and widespread use of plastics have made them a significant environmental threat by polluting the atmosphere, degrading ecosystems, and endangering wildlife. Researchers are trying hard to find alternatives to non-biodegradable plastic. Environmentally friendly biopolymer film can be an excellent alternative to non-biodegradable plastic explored from starch and cellulose. This study developed sustainable bioplastics from corn and potato starch reinforced with waste cotton to be used for eco-friendly packaging. The compression molding was employed to fabricate the samples, and thickness, solubility, water absorbency, tensile strength, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), biodegradability, and moisture management properties (MMP) tests were employed to characterize the samples. Physical properties such as thickness (1.8 mm), solubility (41.43 %), and water absorbency (21.51 %) have shown the possibility of using this material as packaging. Also, the material has good tensile characteristics, with a maximum tensile strength of 2.80 MPa, and can withstand external forces during its intended application. FTIR spectra validate the existence of starch and cellulose (3309.85 cm<sup>−1</sup>) in the chemical structure of the bioplastic. The intensity and position of XRD peaks provide valuable information about cellulose and starch's crystalline structure and orientation within the bioplastic matrix. Moreover, the MMP demonstrates the waterproof properties of developed bioplastic. Additionally, the soil burial biodegradability test reveals a 76 % weight loss by day 35, demonstrating its excellent biodegradable nature and making it an eco-friendly alternative to plastics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101196,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100286"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144921586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sana Riaz , Ashwini J. John , Melvin S. Samuel , Selvarajan Ethiraj
{"title":"Recent developments and emerging methodologies in the pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass","authors":"Sana Riaz , Ashwini J. John , Melvin S. Samuel , Selvarajan Ethiraj","doi":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100285","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100285","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lignocellulosic biomass offers a sustainable feedstock for bioethanol production, aligning with circular economy principles and enhancing energy security. Pretreatment methods play a crucial role by improving enzymatic access, hydrolysis, and fermentation efficiency, while reducing inhibitory compounds and enhancing cellulose accessibility. These techniques modify biomass structure, making it more conducive to bioconversion, thus improving the economic viability of bioethanol production. This study focuses on recent advancements in pretreatment methodologies for lignocellulosic biomass, elucidating their role in fiber breakdown, biomass conversion enhancement, and polysaccharide hydrolysis. It also examines strategies to reduce lignin content, decrease cellulose crystallinity, and minimize energy consumption during pretreatment. Additionally, the study evaluates physical, chemical, and biological pretreatment methods based on criteria such as economic feasibility, environmental impact, and efficiency. Future research suggestions emphasize the importance of refining pretreatment methods to reduce their environmental impact even further.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101196,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100285"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144879567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Md. Kawcher Alam , Md. Sahadat Hossain , Takvir Hossan Parhad , Shassatha Paul Saikat , Tasnimul Quader Tazim , Muhammad Shahriar Bashar , Newaz Mohammed Bahadur , Samina Ahmed
{"title":"Utilization of solid marine wastes from snail and cockle shells for the sustainable synthesis of nanocrystalline Gypsum","authors":"Md. Kawcher Alam , Md. Sahadat Hossain , Takvir Hossan Parhad , Shassatha Paul Saikat , Tasnimul Quader Tazim , Muhammad Shahriar Bashar , Newaz Mohammed Bahadur , Samina Ahmed","doi":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100281","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100281","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cockle shells and discarded snails were employed as the source of calcium in this study to synthesize industrially essential minerals, known as gypsum, utlilizing a wet chemical precipitation technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for analyzing the generated gypsums. XRD data were also used to determine several crystallographic parameters, including growth preference, residual stress, microstrain, dislocation density, crystallinity index, and crystallite size (using the Scherrer equation and other model equations). Based on the information from XRD, the previously specified models were employed to determine that all the generated gypsum displays a crystallite size within the authorized range of 1–150 nm. The images captured by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) show that the gypsum crystals have a distinct morphology that takes the shape of plates. The texture coefficient (T<sub>c</sub>) provides an approximate representation of the given plane's texture, indicating a similar preferred orientation along the stated crystallographic planes. Furthermore, the EDX examination (Ca, S, and O percentages) and Rietveld refinement (nearly 99 % gypsum) supported the nature of the final gypsum samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101196,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100281"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144885799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Divine Angela G. Sumalinog , Dennis C. Ong , Jose Antonio I. Pimentel , Ralf Ruffel M. Abarca , Carl Francis Z. Lacson , Nurak Grisdanurak , Sergio C. Capareda , Mark Daniel G. de Luna
{"title":"Co-pyrolyzed and valorized municipal solid wastes and coconut husks into biochar adsorbing methylene blue in aqueous solution","authors":"Divine Angela G. Sumalinog , Dennis C. Ong , Jose Antonio I. Pimentel , Ralf Ruffel M. Abarca , Carl Francis Z. Lacson , Nurak Grisdanurak , Sergio C. Capareda , Mark Daniel G. de Luna","doi":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100284","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100284","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The adsorption potential of biochar derived from municipal solid waste (MSW) and coconut husk (CH) for methylene blue (MB) removal was investigated in this study. Both produced biochars exhibited a pH<sub>PZC</sub> of 8.5 with no observed significant compositional changes (consistent with literature values). The integration of CH in the co-pyrolysis process altered the surface morphology of MSW-BC. Moreover, the post-adsorption images indicated MB deposition on the biochar surfaces. The MCH-BC had 559 m² g<sup>−1</sup> specific surface area and about 29 mg g<sup>−1</sup> adsorption capacity, and practically indicated superior adsorbent quality than MSW-BC (with corresponding lower values). Furthermore, the adsorption behaviors suggested that the phenomena were (1) potentially influenced by chemisorption from kinetic studies, (2) best fitted the Freundlich isotherm model, denoting a heterogeneous adsorption mechanism, and (3) endothermic and spontaneous from the thermodynamic analysis. The proposed adsorption mechanism was feasibly dominated by physisorption, as indicated by low ΔG° values (−1.234 kJ mol⁻¹ to −4.531 kJ mol⁻¹) and functional groups, likely facilitating hydrogen bonding, which perhaps followed by initially identified chemisorption from kinetic studies. Finally, the study highlighted the potential of co-pyrolyzed MSW and CH biochar as a competitive low-energy synthesis, producing an adsorbent for MB removal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101196,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100284"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144879568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cellulose: A comprehensive review of its properties and applications","authors":"Elina Marinho","doi":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100283","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100283","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate and a fundamental structural element in plant cell walls, consisting of long chains of glucose molecules that form a rigid framework providing strength and support to plants. As the most prevalent natural polymer, cellulose is an ideal candidate for producing environmentally friendly and economically viable polymeric products, traditionally made from petroleum-based synthetic polymers. It is the most abundant renewable material in the biosphere, cost-effective, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Cellulose’s physical and chemical properties – such as its insolubility in water, semi-crystalline structure, high tensile strength, biodegradability, and chemical reactivity – make it an incredibly versatile material. Recent studies have demonstrated its promising applications in various industries, including biofuels, bioplastics, and eco-conscious packaging. Specifically, cellulose acetate has emerged as a widely used derivative due to its biodegradable nature and versatility in applications like 3D printing, medical supplies, and environmentally friendly packaging. However, challenges related to extraction costs, property variability, and competition with synthetic materials still exist. Future research will aim to overcome these barriers by enhancing the properties of cellulose, improving processing technologies, and exploring nanocellulose and genetically modified plants as key areas for innovation. Innovations in cellulose recycling and the use of agricultural waste for biofuels are expected to further drive its integration into circular economy models, fostering environmental benefits and reducing overall impact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101196,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100283"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144863786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica (Neem) fruit pulp extract and their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activity","authors":"Bangaru Babu Alampally , Y Subba Rao , Sravanthi Pidamarthi , Sankara Rao Miditana , Pulsingh Dhanavath , Durga Bhavani A.K.","doi":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100282","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100282","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this research, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using <em>Azadirachta indica</em> (Neem) fruit pulp extract as a natural reducing agent. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by the TEM, AFM, XRD, DLS, FTIR, and UV–visible spectral analysis. Visual confirmation of AgNP synthesis was indicated by the appearance of a reddish-brown color, further supported by a UV–visible SPR band at approximately 453 nm. FTIR analysis supported the formation and stabilization of the nanoparticles, attributed to the phytochemicals present in the flower extract. The AgNPs were characterized by XRD analysis that confirmed the FCC crystalline nature of the AgNPs with an average crystalline size of 20.8 nm. EDX confirmed the presence of elemental silver. HRTEM images showed that the AgNPs are nearly spherical with an average size of 31.5 nm. The high negative potential value of AgNPs (−36.7 mV) was evident from DLS studies. AFM data revealed that the particles were agglomerated and spherical in shape, with less than 40 nm. The AgNPs also exhibited good antioxidant activities against DPPH radical with 66.72 % radical scavenging ability. The biosynthesized AgNPs demonstrated notable anticancer activity against burst cancer cell lines (77.28 µg/mL in the MTT assay) and demonstrated good antibacterial activities against gram-negative bacteria and gram-positive bacteria with a Zone of inhibition ranging from 8 to 16 mm. This study demonstrates the synthesis of AgNPs and their promising in biomedical applications, and the benefits of using plant extracts to prepare green nanoparticles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101196,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100282"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144863785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Novel bifunctional thio-methylene-pyridine grafted polymeric resin for mercury removal from acidic solutions","authors":"Nikhilesh Iyer , Ritesh Ruhela , Suvarna Saundarajan , Sanjukta Abhay Kumar , Dhruva Kumar Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100280","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100280","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work brings forth a novel porous solid sorbent, thio-methylene-pyridine (TMP) ligand grafted polymeric resin (TMP resin), for selective mercury removal over a wide range of acidity in which the bi-functional group catered to sorption of both cationic and anionic species of Hg<sup>2 +</sup> in aqueous hydrochloric acid medium. TMP resin showed quantitative sorption of ‘Hg<sup>2+</sup>’ in high as well as low acidic solutions (chloride medium) with uptake capacity in the range of 70–80 mg Hg/g, indicating sorption of ‘Hg<sup>2+</sup>’ in both cationic and anionic form as (HgCl<sub>4</sub>)<sup>2-</sup>, hence utilizing the bi-functionality of TMP ligand. Spectroscopic investigation on metal-ligand interactions, as well as DFT calculations indicated towards two separate mechanisms, one being preference for soft-soft co-ordinate complexation at lower acidity and other being anion exchange of Hg-chloride complex by pyridinium group at higher acidity. Near complete back extraction of Hg<sup>2+</sup> from the Hg-loaded sorbent was achieved using 0.1 M thiourea solution at 0.1 M HCl. Resin was regenerated upto 5 cycles of repeated loading and elution wherein there was no appreciable change in the performance with respect to Hg<sup>2+</sup> sorption & desorption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101196,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100280"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144843014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Utilizing basic oxygen furnace slag and fly ash to stabilize wet flue gas desulfurization gypsum for construction applications","authors":"Dumisane Mahlangu , Keletso Mphahlele , Nomcebo Mthombeni , Bridjesh Pappula , Seshibe Makgato","doi":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100278","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100278","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gypsum production in South Africa has surged due to the country’s dependence on coal-fired power plants, resulting in increased generation of fly ash (FA), wet flue gas desulfurization gypsum (WFGDG), and basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS). This study proposes a sustainable solution for repurposing these industrial by-products into eco-friendly construction materials. A novel binder was developed by blending varying proportions of WFGDG, FA, and BOFS. In these composite blocks, up to 50 wt% of WFGDG was substituted with FA and BOFS. The blends were evaluated for compressive strength, durability, resistance to wet-dry cycles, and environmental impact. The optimum mix-containing 10 wt% FA and 40 wt% BOFS - achieved a compressive strength of 4.4 MPa after 90 days of ambient curing at 40 °C, exceeding the SANS 10145 requirement for Class III mortar. Compaction tests showed that increasing FA content reduced reactivity, with the best performance observed at the mentioned ratio. Microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) revealed the development of new hydration products and confirmed crystallinity. Despite FA's pozzolanic potential, it does not self-activate due to the absence of alkalis and sulfates. Environmental compliance was verified through the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), meeting the safety criteria of SANS 227:2007 and ASTM C34–13. The study highlights the potential of these waste-derived composite bricks for load-bearing applications, offering an environmentally and economically sustainable alternative for the construction sector.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101196,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100278"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144852581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Aqueous-mediated synthesis of 2-amino-7-hydroxy-4-aryl-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile derivatives using triethanolamine: An effective basic organocatalyst","authors":"Farzaneh Mohamadpour","doi":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100279","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100279","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A sustainable method for the effective and simple synthesis of derivatives of 2-amino-7-hydroxy-4-aryl-4<em>H</em>-chromene-3-carbonitrile is developed. The process makes use of a domino Knoevenagel-Michael cyclocondensation reaction. The reaction occurs at reflux in an aqueous solution using triethanolamine, a cheap and effective basic organocatalyst. This process makes use of sustainable chemical principles. Reactions go more rapidly, yielding good to exceptional results. It does not separate mixtures using the chromatographic process. This is an easy and inexpensive way. Reaction times range from 40 to 65 min, with an average of 47.81 min, while yields range from 72 % to 93 %, with an average of 85.06 %. It's also important to note that a variety of functional groups that give or remove electrons may be used with this approach, and yet retain a fast reaction rate and good to exceptional yields. The results show that, given very basic and effective reaction conditions, this approach is a fruitful one-pot procedure. The nature of the substituents has no bearing on the reaction. Because it combines multiple steps into a one-pot, it is both convenient and expedient.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101196,"journal":{"name":"Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100279"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144852639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}