Epoxy Composites with Post-Production Gray Cast-Iron Powders.

Processing of cast-iron castings by machining is associated with a large amount of post-production waste in the form of cast-iron chips, which constitute up to about 5% of the weight of the entire casting. In the case of serial production, this generates large amounts of post-production waste, constituting a constantly growing scale of environmental problems. The aim of this research was to develop a simple and cheap method of utilizing post-production waste of gray cast-iron chips from the machining process for the production of small structural elements of water supply fittings.

Sewage sludge fertilization affects microbial community structure and its resistome in agricultural soils.

Global sewage sludge production is rapidly increasing, and its safe disposal is becoming an increasingly serious issue. One of the main methods of municipal sewage sludge management is based on its agricultural use. The wastewater and sewage sludge contain numerous antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and its microbiome differs significantly from the soil microbial community.

Fertilizing drug resistance: Dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes in soil and plant bacteria under bovine and swine slurry fertilization.

The increasing global demand for food production emphasizes the use of organic animal fertilizers, such as manure and slurry, to support sustainable agricultural practices. However, recent studies highlight concerns about antibiotic resistance determinants in animal excrements, posing a potential risk of spreading antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in agricultural soil and, consequently, in food products. This study examines the dissemination of ARGs within the soil and plant-associated microbiomes in cherry radish following the application of swine and bovine slurry.

The occurrence of heavy metals and antimicrobials in sewage sludge and their predicted risk to soil - Is there anything to fear?

The study assessed the occurrence of legally-monitored heavy metals and unmonitored antimicrobials in sludge from small, medium, large and very large municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and the predicted environmental risk and risk of resistance selection associated with sludge administration to soil. The temporal variations of the studied compounds in sludge and associated risks to soil were determined by sampling over a year. Although the highest concentrations of heavy metals were noted in sludge from the largest WWTP, i.

Microbial Community Response to Various Types of Exogenous Organic Matter Applied to Soil.

Recycling of solid biowaste and manure would reduce the dependence of agriculture on synthetic products. Most of the available studies on the effects of exogenous organic matter (EOM) application to soil were focused on nutrients and crop yield, with much less attention to microbiological processes in soil, especially using modern molecular methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of various types of manure, sewage sludge and bottom sediment on the biochemical activity and biodiversity of soil and plant yield in a pot experiment.

Behind the plant-bacteria system: The role of zucchini and its secondary metabolite in shaping functional microbial diversity in MCPA-contaminated soil.

MCPA (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) contamination is an emerging problem, especially in water reservoirs. The early removal of MCPA residues from soil can prevent its spread to untreated areas. It has been found that the growth of cucurbits and the addition of selected plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) can stimulate MCPA removal from soil.

Occurrence of primary aromatic amines and nicotine in sediments collected from the United States.

Despite extensive use of primary aromatic amines (AAs) in consumer products, little is known about their occurrence in the environment. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of 14 AAs and nicotine in 75 sediment samples collected from seven estuarine and freshwater ecosystems in the Unites States. Additionally, risk quotients (RQs) were calculated to assess potential risks of these chemicals to aquatic organisms.

The Effect of Syringic Acid and Phenoxy Herbicide 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) on Soil, Rhizosphere, and Plant Endosphere Microbiome.

The integration of phytoremediation and biostimulation can improve pollutant removal from the environment. Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs), which are structurally related to xenobiotics, can stimulate the presence of microbial community members, exhibiting specialized functions toward detoxifying, and thus mitigating soil toxicity. In this study, we evaluated the effects of enrichment of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) contaminated soil (unplanted and zucchini-planted) with syringic acid (SA) on the bacterial community structure in soil, the rhizosphere, and zucchini endosphere.

The evaluation of Hudson River sediment as a growth substrate - Microbial activity, PCB-degradation potential and risk assessment.

The potential use of growth substrates prepared with an admixture of 10% to 75% Hudson River sediments was evaluated by analysis of changes in microbial activity (measured using Biolog Ecoplates) and molecular markers (presence of degradative tceA1 and bphA genes) as well as potential risks toward humans and the environment (health and environmental risk quotients). The highest microbial activity was found in growth substrate with 25% Hudson River sediments compared to unamended control soil. Significant differences were observed between samples amended with lower (0-10%) and higher (25-75%) proportion of sediment.

Water-sanitation-health nexus in the Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra River Basin: need for wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 for preparedness during the future waves of pandemic.

The Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra River Basin (IGBRB) is a trans-boundary river basin flowing through four major countries in South Asia ., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Contamination of surface water by untreated or inadequately treated wastewater has been a huge problem for pathogenic microorganisms in economies in transition.

The effects of syringic acid on the properties of MCPA-contaminated soil and the growth of two cucurbit species.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of syringic acid (SA), a plant secondary metabolite (PSM), on the properties of soil contaminated with 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) and the condition of two cucurbit species zucchini ( L. 'Atena Polka') and cucumber ( 'Cezar') grown on that soil. It was found that amendment with MCPA and MCPA + SA modified the soil physico-chemical properties.

Recycling of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite Polymers-Review-Part 1: Volume of Production, Recycling Technologies, Legislative Aspects.

The paper presents the current volume of international production and global markets of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites, also regarding the potential development trends. Examples were provided on how to effectively recycle carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. Legally binding legislation in the EU on polymer composite recycling was given.

Recycling of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite Polymers-Review-Part 2: Recovery and Application of Recycled Carbon Fibers.

The paper presents some examples of new technological solutions for the recovery and re-use of recycled carbon fiber in automotive and railway industries, as well as in aviation and wind turbine constructions. The new technologies of fiber recovery that are described can enable the mass-scale use of recycled carbon fiber in the future.

Concentration of dioxin and screening level ecotoxicity of pore water from bottom sediments in relation to organic carbon contents.

The information about concentrations of dioxin in pore water, ecotoxicity and DOC and TOC content can be key factor for the prediction of the fate of dioxins in the aquatic environment as well as an ecological risk assessment. The aims of the study were to assess the concentration of PCDDs/PCDFs and ecotoxicity of pore water and to compare above results in relation to the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total organic carbon (TOC) content. The concentration of dioxins was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunoassay test, while the ecotoxicity of pore water was determined using a crustacean Daphnia magna and bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri.

Precursors of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in Arctic and Antarctic marine sediments: Environmental concern in the face of climate change.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) and their precursors - pentachlorophenol (PCP) and triclosan (TCS), constitute a group of persistent, highly toxic multimedia pollutants, being easily transported via atmosphere over long distances, thus particularly threatening to the polar areas. The global fate of PCDD/Fs is temperature-dependent, and their transfer and immobilization at the Poles are described by the grasshopper effect and the cold trap phenomenon. The aim of this interdisciplinary study was to perform a preliminary assessment of the present state of pollution of Arctic and Antarctic marine sediments by PCP and TCS along with determination of PCDD/Fs contamination by immunoassay.

Utilization of PCB-contaminated Hudson River sediment by thermal processing and phytoremediation.

The need to dispose of dredged sediments and development of appropriate technology for their safe utilization has become a growing problem in recent years. It has been proposed that dredged, fresh sediments can be utilized in agriculture or environment; however there is also growing interest in the use of thermally-treated sediments. Hence, the aim of this study was threefold: 1) to evaluate the effect of two incineration temperatures (300 °C and 600 °C) on the chemical and ecotoxicological properties of sediment; 2) select the appropriate treatment for further phytoremediation experiments with zucchini; and 3) assess the impact of sediment admixture on the physico-chemical parameters of soil, based on the responses of Aliivibrio fischeri and growth of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.

Effects of amendments of PCB-containing Hudson River sediment on soil quality and biochemical and growth response of cucumber ( L. cv 'Wisconsin SMR 58').

Approximately 200 million m of sediments are dredged every year in the United States. Of this amount, 2.3-9 million m are contaminated to the extent that they require special, and often costly, handling.

Evaluation of ecotoxicological and chemical properties of soil amended with Hudson River (New York, USA) sediment.

The aim of this study was to assess the potential for application of Hudson River sediment as a plant growth medium by mixing with various proportions of soil. The growth medium obtained by the admixture of soil and Hudson River sediment was characterized by optimal pH, reduced salinity, and presence of macro- (K, Mg) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn). Apart from beneficial nutrients and organic matter, the riverine sediment also contained toxic metals (Zn 86 mg; Cu 17.

Biodegradation Potential and Ecotoxicity Assessment in Soil Extracts Amended with Phenoxy Acid Herbicide (2,4-D) and a Structurally-Similar Plant Secondary Metabolite (Ferulic Acid).

Phenoxy acid 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acid) is one of the most commonly-used herbicide in agriculture. Biodegradation of 2,4-D can be stimulated by structurally-related plant secondary metabolites such as ferulic acid (FA). The aim of this study is to: (1) assess the potential of indigenous soil bacteria to degrade 2,4-D in the presence of FA by PCR analysis of functional tfdA genes, (2) to determine the influence of 2,4-D and FA on samples ecotoxicity using Phytotoxkit and Microtox biotests.

Effects of soil amendment with PCB-contaminated sediment on the growth of two cucurbit species.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the application of increasing proportions (0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of an admixture of PCB-contaminated Hudson River sediment collected from the Upper Hudson River, near Waterford, Saratoga county (New York, USA) on soil properties, phytotoxicity, and biometric and physiological responses of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv 'Wisconsin SMR 58') and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L. cv 'Black Beauty') grown as potential phyto- and rhizoremediators.

The response of cucumber plants ( L.) to the application of PCB-contaminated sewage sludge and urban sediment.

Background: The increasing production of sewage sludge (SS) engenders the problem of its responsible utilization and disposal. Likewise, urban sediments (SED) are deposited at the bottom of urban reservoirs and sedimentation ponds, and these require periodical dredging and utilization. However, while the SS and SED deposits often contain nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus; however, they also contain a variety of hazardous compounds including heavy metals, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and microbial pollutants.

The stimulating role of syringic acid, a plant secondary metabolite, in the microbial degradation of structurally-related herbicide, MCPA.

The ability of microorganisms to degrade xenobiotics can be exploited to develop cost-effective and eco-friendly bioremediation technologies. Microorganisms can degrade almost all organic pollutants, but this process might be very slow in some cases. A promising way to enhance removal of recalcitrant xenobiotics from the environment lies in the interactions between plant exudates such as plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) and microorganisms.

Impact of rhizobacterial inoculants on plant growth and enzyme activities in soil treated with contaminated bottom sediments.

The impact of contaminated bottom sediments on plant growth and soil enzyme activities was evaluated in a greenhouse pot study. The sediments were moderately contaminated with zinc and heavily contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans. The sediments were mixed with soil and planted with either Festuca arundinacea or Tagetes patula.

The biochemical response of willow plants (Salix viminalis L.) to the use of sewage sludge from various sizes of wastewater treatment plant.

Sewage sludge production is increasing, as is the importance of its safe and sustainable disposal. The study examine the impact of fertilizing poor quality soil with sewage sludge from three sizes of wastewater treatment plants (WTP) (small, medium and large) located in Central Poland, applied in two doses (3 and 9tons per hectare), on biomass yield and selected biochemical parameters in willow plants. The WTPs were selected based on the size criterion given in Polish regulations.