The environmental occurrence of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals and antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistant genes has become a global phenomenon and a multifaceted threat. Integrated actions of many parties are needed to prevent further aggravation of the problem. Well-directed actions require clear understanding of the problem, which can be ensured by frequent revaluation of the existing knowledge and disseminating it among relevant audiences. The goal of this review paper is to discuss the occurrence and abundance of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment in context of adverse effects caused directly by these substances and the threat associated with the antibiotics resistance phenomenon. Several classes of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals (aminoglycosides, β-lactams, glycopeptides, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides and trimethoprim, tetracyclines) have been selected to illustrate their sources, environmental abundance, degradation routes (transformation products) and environmental implications including their ecotoxic effect and the spread of antibiotic resistance within the compartments of the aquatic environment and wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater treatment plants are indeed the main source responsible for the prevalence of these factors in the aquatic environment, since predominantly the plants have not been designed to retain antimicrobial pharmaceuticals. In order to limit the prevalence of these impurities into the environment, better source control is recommended as well as the establishment of stricter environmental quality standards. Counteracting all the above-mentioned threats requires to undertake integrated activities based on cooperation of professionals and scientists from various fields of science or industry, such as environmental sciences, medicine, veterinary, pharmacology, chemical engineering and others.
Abstract Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are ubiquitous multifaceted microorganisms widely used in food and agricultural industries due to their metabolic adaptability, safety and beneficial bioactivities. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent advances in LAB applications focusing on their roles in food fermentation, value-added compound production, human health, and biocontrol and bioremediation in sustainable agriculture. In food systems, LAB not only can improve preservation or shelf life, but also contributes to improved nutritional profiles through the production of functional biomolecules (e.g., exopolysaccharides, bacteriocins, and vitamins). Furthermore, LAB-derived extracellular vesicles, lipoteichoic acids, and exopolysaccharides have demonstrated immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory effects, and hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic properties, highlighting their therapeutic and nutraceutical potential. Meanwhile, in agriculture LAB can promote plant growth, soil health, and pathogen suppression through antimicrobial properties and nutrient solubilization. These microorganisms have also demonstrated capabilities in degrading contaminants in the environmental and food sectors showcasing its diverse biotechnological utility. Altogether, this review emphasizes emerging biotechnological applications in addressing global challenges related to food safety, agri-environmental sustainability, and human health.
Bauxite residue, an industrial solid waste generated during alumina production, with over 80 % of bauxite residue worldwide being accumulated around alumina plants, which occupying a significant amount of land resources and posing a threat to the natural environment in the surrounding areas. This paper reviews recent advances in extracting valuable resources from bauxite residue, and its applications in building materials, environmental adsorbents, energy storage materials, and soil alkalinization. It also highlighted the main problem existing in these researches, which is the inability of the existing single processes to achieve the comprehensive utilization of various types of bauxite residue or maximize the utilization of bauxite residue components, resulting in a low comprehensive utilization rate and insignificant absorption effects of bauxite residue. To address these issues, we proposed a strategy of classifying and utilizing bauxite residue based on its components and establishing a multi-industry application system, involving sectors such as steel and building materials. This collaborative approach aims to handle various types of bauxite residue more effectively. Additionally, we suggest selecting suitable treatment methods based on the specific characteristics of bauxite residue and implementing measures to promote its comprehensive and large-scale utilization.
Didik Triwibowo, Muthia Elma, Eko Suhartono
et al.
Open-pit coal mining temporarily alters natural landscapes, resulting in degraded overburden dumps and the formation of pit lakes. In Indonesia, post-mining landforms must undergo reclamation to support sustainable land use. This study evaluates the hydrological capacity of a reclaimed area functioning as the catchment for the Paringin pit lake by applying two hydrological models: the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the F.J. Mock model. Using an integrated approach that combines remote sensing, GIS-based spatial analysis, and field-based observations—including meteorological data, real-time inflow monitoring using aerial sensors, and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) measurement—both models successfully simulated monthly inflow and showed good agreement with field observations. Under a tropical climate with over 3,000 mm of annual rainfall and evaporation exceeding 1,000 mm, the catchment-to-lake area ratio of 6.4:1 was found to support sustainable inflow volumes ranging from 0.078 to 0.103 m³/s throughout the year. Although the estimated erosion rate of 3.51 t/ha/year remains within acceptable limits, average TSS levels (89.13 mg/L) exceeded the regulatory threshold of 50 mg/L for raw water supply and aquaculture use. The results affirm the effectiveness of the NRECA and F.J. Mock model in supporting post-mining water management where monitoring data are scarce. This study contributes to the growing need for hydrological connectivity assessment in post-mining landscapes and supports improved planning and sustainable management of pit lakes as integrated components of degraded post-mining land.
Hafid Alwysihah, Irdika Mansur, Arum Sekar Wulandari
et al.
Open-pit coal mining activities have an impact on environmental changes, one of which is the emergence of acid mine drainage. Acid mine drainage (AMD) arises from sulfide minerals that react with oxygen and water. Coal utilized in electric steam power plants as fuel to produce electrical energy results in combustion residue known as fly ash and bottom ash (FABA). FABA has alkaline properties and has the potential to be combined with plant species that are resistant to acid mine drainage (AMD). This study aimed to explore the potential use of FABA as a growing medium for eucalyptus (Melaleuca cajuputi) to neutralize the pH of acid mine drainage (AMD) in artificial wetlands. FABA block medium was made by mixing FABA, cow manure, and cement as an adhesive and incorporating holes as planting media. The results of this study showed that the application of FABA and cow manure increased the pH of AMD from 3.27 to 6.27 in 24 hours. FABA medium blocks could adsorb heavy metals in AMD, such as Fe in the K1-P1 treatment, from a value of 0.15 mg/L to 0.08 mg/L, and heavy metal Mn in the K3-P3 treatment, from a value of 4.1 mg/L to 0.2 mg/L. In addition, medium blocks K2 (50% FABA + 30% cow manure + 20% cement) and K3 (30% FABA + 50% cow manure + 20% cement) had a good effect on the growth of M. cajuputi seedlings in the K3-P1 treatment with an average height of 17.67 cm and a stem diameter of 9.2 mm for 8 weeks.
The food industry is adapting to evolving consumer demands for “healthy” and premium quality food by reducing the adverse effects of food packaging through innovative advancements in active and intelligent packaging technologies. These smart innovations offer diverse and creative ways to enhance food product quality and safety while extending shelf life. Emerging techniques are also improving the passive aspects of food packaging systems, such as thermal stability, barrier effectiveness, and mechanical strength. Notably, the use of plants, biodegradable materials, and nanomaterials in sustainable food packaging helps mitigate its negative environmental impact. By integrating intelligent, environmentally friendly, and active packaging technologies, a multipurpose food packaging system can be developed that maintains the integrity of all its components, representing the pinnacle of technological advancement in food packaging. This article reviews the fundamentals of food packaging systems, recent advancements in various packaging techniques, commercialized patents, future research trends, and the challenges that need to be addressed in food packaging.
Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are a waste product generated after brewing coffee. For every ton of brewed coffee, approximately 650 kg of grounds are produced. Their disposal can have harmful environmental effects, making it necessary to find alternative uses for SCGs. The valorization of coffee’s bioactive compounds significantly contributes to environmental protection and management. According to the literature, SCGs can be utilized as fertilizers, sorbents, additives for biodiesel production, in bioelectricity, or as an enhancer for the calorific value of biomass. SCGs can also be used as substrates for producing various items, such as cups or plant pots, in the food, cosmetics, and construction industries. The applications of SCGs described in this review article were conducted under laboratory conditions. The aim of this article is to analyze the alternative uses of SCGs in various fields, highlighting the diversity of applications as well as key drawbacks and limitations associated with their use. Additionally, potential future research directions are outlined, which could contribute to a more efficient and sustainable utilization of SCGs.
José L. Ramos-Tejeda, José A. Valeriano-Zapana and Nilton B. Rojas-Briceño
Heavy metals (iron, copper, and zinc) were quantified in purple crab (Platyxanthus orbignyi) tissues collected in winter (September 2021), spring (November 2021), and summer (March 2022) at three beaches (Tres Hermanas, Fundición, and El Diablo) in Ilo Harbour (Moquegua), South Peru. The rank order of heavy metal concentrations in purple crab tissues and sediments was similar; iron (Fe) was followed by Copper (Cu), and this last one was followed by Zinc (Zn). The heavy metal concentrations in tissue crabs from the three beaches differed from each other spatially and seasonally. In addition, Fundición Beach was the zone with the highest concentration of those three metals during the summer.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Science (General)
Sustainable energy legislation in the modern world is the primary strategy that has raised the benchmark for energy and environmental security globally. The rapid growth in the human population has led to rising energy needs, which are predicted to increase by at least 50% by 2030. Waste management and environmental pollution present the biggest challenge to developing countries. The improvement of energy efficiency while ensuring higher nutritional evacuation wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a significant problem for many wastewater treatment plants. Some treatment techniques require high energy input, which makes them expensive to remediate water use. Pollutants like chemical pesticides, hydrocarbons, colorants (dyes), surfactants, and aromatic compounds are present in wastewater and are contributing to other problems. Israel consumes 10% of the global energy supply, significantly more than other countries. The lagoon and trickling filters are the most widely used technologies in South African WWTPs, where the electricity intensity ranges from 0.079 to 0.41 kWh.m-3 (Wang et al. 2016). Korea and India use almost the same energy (0.24 kWh.m-3). An estimated one-fifth of the energy used in a municipality’s WWTPs is used for overall public utilities, and this percentage is anticipated to rise by 20% over the next 15 years owing to expanding consumption of water and higher standards. In this review paper, we examined the potential for creating energy-self-sufficient WWTPs and discussed how much energy is currently consumed by WWTPs. The desirable qualities of microalgae, their production on a global level, technologies for treating wastewater with biogas and solar power, its developments, and issues for sustainable development are highlighted. The scientific elaboration of the mechanisms used for pollutant degradation using solar energy, as well as their viability, are the key issues that have been addressed.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Science (General)
Tolulope Yetunde Akande, Li Xiaoqing, Toluwase Oreoluwa Adegoke
et al.
In many parts of the globe, agricultural soil degradation and nutrient loss both contribute to the decline of soil quality. The utilization of various organic sources has provided meaningful trends in sustainable agriculture. The research was carried out to examine how biochar (B) and pig manure (PM) affected soil chemical properties as well as the growth and yield of maize for two years. A randomized complete block design was adopted with three replications. The soil was amended with biochar and pig manure at two rates (15 and 30 t ha-1): biochar (B15 and B30), pig manure (PM15 and PM30), biochar with pig manure (BPM15 and BPM30), respectively, and control (CK). The incorporation of biochar and pig manure together at 15 and 30 t ha-1 improved soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (AP) compared to control. Individual use of pig manure at 15 and 30 t ha-1 significantly decreased compared to its combination in SOC, TN and AP. The combined use of biochar and pig manure at 15 t ha-1 significantly increased compared to the lone addition of biochar in SOC, TN and AP. The application of organic amendments significantly increased plant height, dry matter yield, and grain yield in both years. The relationship pattern was measured between soil properties and agronomic characteristics. The use of biochar and pig manure separately or together offers strong potential to improve soil fertility and increase crop productivity in soils.
Junita Barus, Endriani, Dewi Rumbaina Mustikawati
et al.
This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of several types of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) derived from plant waste and the dose of P fertilizer on the growth and yield of upland rice on degraded acid soil. The treatments consisted of two factors. The first factor (A) was several types of LOF consisting of A1 (control), A2 (LOF containing isolates of P-solubilizing bacteria), A3 (LOF-banana waste), and A4 (A2+A3). The second factor (B) was fertilizer doses consisting of B1 (50% of the recommended dose of P fertilizer), B2 (75% of the recommended dose of P fertilizer), and B3 (100% of the recommended dose of P fertilizer). The treatment combinations were arranged in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The research results showed that applying either LOF-banana waste or the mixture of LOF-banana waste and LOF-containing isolates of P-solubilizing bacteria improved plant height, the number of tillers, and N and P uptake by the plant. The rice grain yields among the treatments were not significantly different, but the highest rice grain yield (139.8 g/pot) was obtained at the treatment of the mixture of LOF-P isolate + LOF-banana waste (A2+A3 treatments). The 75% of the recommended dose of P fertilizer was not significantly different from 100% P fertilizer with LOF on growth and yield upland rice and nutrient uptake by the plant.
The positive relationship between species richness and area is a fundamental principle in ecology. However, this pattern deviates on small islands, where species richness either changes independently of area or increases at a slower rate—a phenomenon known as the Small-Island Effect (SIE). While the SIE has been well-documented in natural ecosystem, its presence in highly fragmented and disturbed urban ecosystem remains unexplored, posing challenges for urban vegetation conservation. Urban remnant vegetation, isolated by surrounding infrastructures, preserves intact zonal vegetation characteristics, serves as a benchmark for restoring near-natural habitats and offers ideal conditions to test the existence of SIE in human-altered landscapes. In this study, we surveyed 17 remnant vegetation patches in Qingdao City, China. In total of 331 plants attributed to 255 genus in 81 families been recorded. Firstly, by using six species-area relationship regression models tested SIE for remnant vegetation with different life form (i.e. annual herb, perennial herb, shrub and tree), we found SIE detected in only woody plants, with area threshold ranging from 6.38 ha (tree) to 11.91 ha (shrub). According to stepwise and generalized linear regression mode analysis we found SIE detected in only woody plants, with area threshold 6.38 ha for tree and 11.91 ha for shrub. Further analysis revealed that the SIE in shrub was driven by landscape shape index, perimeter-area ratio, and the proportion of sealed surface within patch. For trees, the SIE was influenced by the distance to the source of species, GDP, night light intensity and perimeter-area ratio. This finding justifies that conservation in urban planning, construction and development should focus not only on protecting large areas, but also on maintaining and promoting diverse habitats within these areas. At the same time, reducing anthropogenic disturbance and enhancing the connectivity of green spaces are important for the persistence of metacommunities and can contribute to the local species pool, thus potentially improving the ecological resilience of urban environments.