100 results match your criteria: "Sustainable Environment Research Center[Affiliation]"

Eutrophication impacts on seasonal endocrine disrupting compounds (PAE and AP) accumulation in estuarine microplankton.

Mar Pollut Bull

December 2024

Sustainable Environment Research Center, College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Article Synopsis
  • The study examines the presence and seasonal changes of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), specifically phthalate esters (PAE) and alkyl phenols (AP), in marine microplankton over different seasons (Summer 2022, Autumn 2022, Spring 2023) in a polluted area.
  • Sample analysis showed a wide range of concentrations of various EDCs, primarily di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and nonylphenols (NP), with significant variability depending on the season.
  • The research suggests that rivers are key to EDC distribution in microplankton, and factors like eutrophication
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Microplastic pollution in stony coral skeletons and tissues: A case study of accumulation and interrelationship in South Penghu Marine National Park, Taiwan Strait.

J Hazard Mater

December 2024

Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Sustainable Environment Research Center, College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Microplastics (MPs) pose a growing threat to coral reef ecosystems worldwide. However, data on MP contamination in coral reefs remain limited, hampering accurate ecological risk assessment. This study investigated MP contamination in coral reefs at South Penghu Marine National Park, analyzing 40 samples from 31 coral species.

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Humic acid (HA) is a prominent contaminant in wastewater, and its elimination is crucial to ensure purified drinking water. A variety of sources of HA in wastewater exist, ranging from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and natural decomposition. Adsorption is a technique that has been heavily investigated in this direction.

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Sediment organic matter predicts polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon distribution in port sediments.

Mar Pollut Bull

October 2024

Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Center for the Study of Sediments, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Sustainable Environment Research Center, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan. Electronic address:

We evaluated the influence of organic matter in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in port sediments using multiple linear regression (MLR) and prediction models. Total sediment PAHs ranged between 45 and 3230 ng/g dw (average: 557 ± 962 ng/g dw), with PAHs primarily originating from river inputs, confined to areas near the estuaries. Coal/biomaterial combustion and petroleum mainly contribute to the presence of PAHs along estuaries, with medium-high to high ecological risks.

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Seasonal dynamics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in microplankton from Kaohsiung Harbor (Taiwan Strait, northeastern South China Sea).

Mar Pollut Bull

September 2024

Sustainable Environment Research Center, College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Article Synopsis
  • * PAHs levels in microplankton ranged significantly, peaking in spring, with a notable spatial distribution, indicating higher concentrations in the southern regions of the studied area.
  • * There is a strong correlation between PAHs and environmental factors, notably in colder seasons and areas with lower salinity, highlighting the role of suspended matter and plankton in PAH transport and distribution.
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Article Synopsis
  • - This study examined the presence and effects of microplastics (MPs) in hard clams (Meretrix taiwanica) from Taiwan, finding that clamshells had significantly higher amounts of MPs compared to soft tissues.
  • - Two new risk indices were developed to evaluate the ecological and health impacts of MPs, showing a higher ecological risk in clam soft tissues and indicating that health hazards from metals found in shells are negligible, especially as consumption risk decreases with age.
  • - The main types of MPs found in the clams were predominantly small, fibrous, and blue, with rayon being the most common polymer, suggesting that MPs pose potential risks to both marine ecosystems and human health through shellfish consumption.
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Nano-based approaches, particularly nanogels, have recently emerged as a potential strategy for combating biofilm-related infections. Their exceptional characteristics including biocompatibility, biodegradability, stability, high water content, stimuli-responsiveness, and their nano size (which enables their penetration into biofilms) make nanogels a promising technology in the biomedical field. However, exploring nanogels for biofilm treatment remains in its early stages.

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Controlling effects of terrestrial organic matter on metal contamination and toxicity risks in port sediments.

Mar Pollut Bull

April 2024

Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Center for the Study of Sediments, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Sustainable Environment Research Center, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan. Electronic address:

The contents of metals, total carbon, total nitrogen (TN), total organic carbon (TOC), and stable isotope composition (δC and δN) of sediment organic matter (SOM) were investigated to explore the sources and spatial distribution of metals and SOM in the surface sediments (Kaohsiung Port, Taiwan). Results showed that TOC and metals in estuarine sediments are high, gradually decreasing toward the port entrances. The δC, δN, and TOC/TN ratios indicate that SOM comes mainly from terrestrial sources.

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This study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of stabilizer/binding agents in immobilizing arsenic (As) in contaminated soil using both geochemical and geophysical monitoring methods. The effluent from the stabilizer/binding agent's application and control columns was analyzed, and the status of the columns was monitored using electrical resistivity (ER) and induced polarization (IP) methods. As stabilizers/binder, acid mine drainage sludge (AMDS) and steel slag (SS) were used, which delayed As and Ca leaching time and significantly reduced As leaching amount.

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A circular biorefinery approach for the production of xylooligosaccharides by using mild acid hydrothermal pretreatment of pineapple leaves waste.

Bioresour Technol

November 2023

Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Sustainable Environment Research Center, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan. Electronic address:

A hydrothermal process is a sustainable approach for biorefinery leading to conversion of lignocellulosic (LC) biomass into value-added products. This study is based on the production of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) from pineapple leaves (PL) waste by using mild acid like gluconic acid (GA). GA, when used as catalyst in hydrothermal process to produce XOS the yield improved.

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Brown seaweeds are a promising source of bioactive substances, particularly oligosaccharides. This group has recently gained considerable attention due to its diverse cell wall composition, structure, and wide-spectrum bioactivities. This review article provides a comprehensive update on advances in oligosaccharides (OSs) production from brown seaweeds and their potential health applications.

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Depolymerization of lignin: Recent progress towards value-added chemicals and biohydrogen production.

Bioresour Technol

October 2023

Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomass Energy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China. Electronic address:

The need for alternative sources of energy became increasingly urgent as demand for energy and the use of fossil fuels both soared. When processed into aromatic compounds, lignin can be utilized as an alternative to fossil fuels, however, lignin's complex structure and recalcitrance make depolymerization impractical. This article presented an overview of the most recent advances in lignin conversion, including process technology, catalyst advancement, and case study-based end products.

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The triggering effects of nickel ferrite (NiFeO) photo nanocatalysts on photo fermentative hydrogen production (PFHP), and metabolic pathways under various excitation sources (incandescent lamp, Xenon lamp, and 532 laser) have been investigated. Compare to the control group (CG) highest cumulative hydrogen volume (CHV) and the maximum hydrogen production rate (HPR) of 568.8 mL and 9.

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Recently, concern on several environmental issues including the pollutant discharge and high concentration of CO have gained high interest due to its impact on ecosystem and global warming effect, respectively. Implementation of photosynthetic microorganism carries out numerous advantages including high efficiency of CO fixation, the great endurance under extreme conditions and generation of valuable bioproducts. Thermosynechococcus sp.

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Photo nanocatalyst have shownpromise in a variety of fields, including biohydrogen production where their catalytic efficiency is related to size, surface-to-volume ratio, and increasing the number of atoms on the surface. They can harvest solar light to create electron-hole pairs which is the key mechanism to define its catalytic efficiency, thus requiring suitable excitation wavelength, band energy, and crystal imperfections. In this review, a discussion on the role of photo nanocatalysts to catalyze biohydrogen production has been carried out.

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Significance of glycans in cellulolytic enzymes for lignocellulosic biorefinery - A review.

Bioresour Technol

July 2023

Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow 226 029, India. Electronic address:

Lignocellulosic (LC) biomass is the most abundant renewable resource for mankind gravitating society towards sustainable solution for energy that can reduce the carbon footprint. The economic feasibility of 'biomass biorefinery' depends upon the efficiency cellulolytic enzymes which is the main crux. Its high production cost and low efficiencies are the major limitations, that need to be resolved.

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Unlabelled: Resveratrol butyrate esters (RBEs), which are novel resveratrol-synthesized derivatives, exhibit increased biological activity. This study elucidated the effect of RBEs on fat metabolism and their anti-obesity characteristics. Their molecular mechanism was investigated in the 3T3-L1 murine preadipocyte cells and adipocytes.

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Efficient thermal treatment of radish () for enhancing its bioactive compounds.

J Food Sci Technol

March 2023

Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Rd., South Dist., Taichung City, 40227 Taiwan.

Old preserved radish (OPR), a traditional pickled-food of Asia, contains the healthy bioactive compounds, such as phenols and flavonoids. To preserve the phenols levels in radish by thermal treatment, which are decreased due to the polyphenol oxidase activity during long storage. Range of thermal processing evaluated to retain the maximum phenols level in the radish while processed at temperatures of 70 °C, 80 °C and 90 °C for 30 days.

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Unlabelled: Bacterial cellulose (BC) has attracted worldwide attention owing to its tremendous properties and versatile applications. BC has huge market demand, however; its production is still limited hence important to explore the economically and technically feasible bioprocess for its improved production. The current study is based on improving the bioprocess for BC production employing 14148.

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Pidan, a pickled duck egg, is a traditional Chinese cuisine and generally produced by soaking in metal ion containing strong alkaline solution such as NaOH solution. However, nowadays consumers possess negative perception for using strong alkali in food processing. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to determine the potential of incinerated eggshell powder and alkaline electrolyzed oxidized (EO) water for pidan production rather than harmful NaOH use.

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The depletion of fossil fuels is resulting in an increased energy crisis, which is leading the paradigm shift towards alternative energy resources to overcome the issue. Lignocellulosic biomass or agricultural residue could be utilized to produce energy fuel (bioethanol) as it can resolve the issue of energy crisis and reduce environmental pollution that occurs due to waste generation from agriculture and food industries. A huge amount of sorghum distillery residue (SDR) is produced during the Kaoliang liquor production process, which may cause environmental problems.

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Laccase: A potential biocatalyst for pollutant degradation.

Environ Pollut

February 2023

Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan; Sustainable Environment Research Center, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow, 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India. Electronic address:

In the continual march to a predominantly urbanized civilization, anthropogenic activities have increased scrupulously, industrialization have occurred, economic growth has increased, and natural resources are being exploited, causing huge waste management problems, disposal issues, and the evolution of several pollutants. In order to have a sustainable environment, these pollutants need to be removed and degraded. Bioremediation employing microorganisms or enzymes can be used to treat the pollutants by degrading and/or transforming the pollutants into different form which is less or non-toxic to the environment.

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Environmental concerns have taken a center stage in our lives driving the society towards biorefinery. Bioprocess development to produce valuable products utilizing waste has its own significance in circular bioeconomy and environmental sustainability. In the present study, production of bacterial cellulose using pineapple waste as carbon source by Komagataeibacter europaeus was undertaken and it was applied for removal of vanadium, a heavy metal which is generated as waste by semiconductors industry in Taiwan.

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Role of hydrothermal pretreatment towards sustainable biorefinery.

Bioresour Technol

January 2023

Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; Sustainable Environment Research Center, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Recently, the world is experiencing a shift from petroleum refineries to biorefineries due to fossil fuel depletion and environmental concerns. To achieve sustainable development of biorefineries and other components of the biofuel production process, eco-friendly and cost-effective approaches are necessary. Therefore, lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) must be exploited in biorefineries for the generation of a broad spectrum of products.

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Being a lignocellulose-rich biomass, pineapple leaves waste (PL) could be a potential raw material for the production of biofuel, biochemicals, and other value-added products. The main aim of this study was to investigate the potential of pineapple leaves in the sustainable production of bioethanol via stepwise saccharification and fermentation. For this purpose, PL was subjected to hydrothermal pretreatment in a high-pressure reactor at 150 °C for 20 min without any catalyst, resulting in a maximum reducing sugar yield of 38.

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