Plant- vs. Bacterial-Derived Cellulose for Wound Healing: A Review
Ruth Naomi, Ruszymah Bt Hj Idrus, M. B. Fauzi
Cellulose is a naturally existing element in the plant’s cell wall and in several bacteria. The unique characteristics of bacterial cellulose (BC), such as non-toxicity, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility, together with the modifiable form of nanocellulose, or the integration with nanoparticles, such as nanosilver (AgNP), all for antibacterial effects, contributes to the extensive usage of BC in wound healing applications. Due to this, BC has gained much demand and attention for therapeutical usage over time, especially in the pharmaceutical industry when compared to plant cellulose (PC). This paper reviews the progress of related research based on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials, including the overall information concerning BC and PC production and its mechanisms in wound healing. The physicochemical differences between BC and PC have been clearly summarized in a comparison table. Meanwhile, the latest Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved BC products in the biomedical field are thoroughly discussed with their applications. The paper concludes on the need for further investigations of BC in the future, in an attempt to make BC an essential wound dressing that has the ability to be marketable in the global marketplace.
170 sitasi
en
Medicine, Chemistry
Life cycle assessment of football fields in Nordic climates: Comparing artificial and natural turf systems
Mikael Säberg, Emma Lindkvist, Roozbeh Feiz
et al.
Sport is more than just a game—it's a global phenomenon that shapes cultures, economies, and communities. Football, the world's most popular sport, is a prime example. Yet beneath the surface lies an overlooked environmental cost. As the climate crisis accelerates, the sprawling network of football facilities—stadiums, training grounds, and infrastructure—emerges as a silent contributor to environmental degradation and the transgression of planetary boundaries. Two common types of fields exist: artificial and natural turf. Research on environmental impacts of these turfs remains limited, especially in cold climates. This study presents a life cycle assessment of 1 m2 artificial and natural football turfs in Nordic climates, evaluating their environmental impacts such as global warming potential, eutrophication potential and ecotoxicity potential across construction, use, maintenance, and end-of-life phases over operational lifespans of 10, 20 and 30 years. Natural turf exhibited the highest overall environmental impacts over the operational lifespan, e.g. the global warming potential was 30.6 kg CO2 eq/m2 while the artificial turf reached 15.6 kg CO2 eq/m2. During the construction phase, artificial turf generated significant emissions, mainly from material production. In the use phase, natural turf showed the greatest impacts due to diesel consumption and fertilizer application. At the end-of-life stage, artificial turf's sand and infill were reused, while the turf carpet and shock pad were incinerated for energy recovery. However, without recycling, artificial turf would represent the highest environmental burden among the evaluated alternatives. Implementing effective recycling and energy recovery strategies is essential to mitigate its environmental impact. Furthermore, sourcing turf materials locally, combined with substituting conventional maintenance equipment with electric robotic alternatives, can further reduce overall environmental impacts.
Environmental effects of industries and plants
A Modification of the K-Nearest Neighbor Algorithm in the Assessment of Water Potability
Tanveer Ahmed Khan Fahim, Hasan Mahdi Mahi and Adeeb Shahriar Zaman
Water potability is crucial for public health, as access to clean and safe drinking water is vital for the prevention of waterborne diseases and promotion of overall well-being. Contaminated water poses significant health hazards, including gastrointestinal infections, chronic diseases, and potential outbreaks of life-threatening ailments, such as cholera. Dependable evaluation techniques are essential for detecting hazardous water sources and facilitating prompt action to reduce the hazards. In recent years, machine learning techniques have been versatile in solving classification problems, as they can analyze and discover hidden patterns in datasets that may be too complex for the human mind. In this study, we applied several machine learning techniques to predict the potability of a water body and attempted to modify one of these methods. The objective is to evaluate the models by testing their accuracy and propose a new model that is more advanced in terms of accurate prediction than the previous models. A dataset composed of nine features of a water body was used to examine the efficiency of the models in assessing water quality. By presenting a detailed comparison of the methods and results, we unlock a path for further modifications in the future, with the aim of further enhancing the performance and accuracy of the model.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Science (General)
Tracking terbium metabolism in China with implications for its dominance in global rare earth supply
Wei Liu, Wuhu Guo, Jiaming Chen
et al.
Terbium (Tb), a critical heavy rare earth element, faces intensifying supply–demand imbalances driven by its irreplaceable role in green technologies and geopolitical supply chain complexities. To explore sustainable pathways for Tb, this study establishes a spatially and temporally explicit material flow analysis framework to map Tb’s life cycle dynamics across China’s socioeconomic systems (1990–2024) and global trade networks. Results reveal that Asia and Europe as pivotal hubs, with China dominating 68.57% (1.05 × 104 t) of global Tb flows, primarily channeled into phosphors (peaking at 74.5% in 2007) and permanent magnets (90% of post-2021. Historically, Tb flows have been closely tied to industrial product cycles. From 1990 to 2024, approximately 1.16 × 104 t of Tb were mined and processed into various end-use products. Fluorescent lamps were historically the dominant end use; however, since 2014, permanent magnets have become precedence, accounting for 90% of the market flow in 2024, followed by new energy technologies and household appliances. Tb demand in the new energy sector is expected to exceed that of household appliances and become the main driver of consumption. Therefore, the most significant potential for Tb recovery resides in fluorescent lamps and home appliances, which account for 63% of total recovery in 2023. However, an urgent imperative exists for the proactive development of systematic recycling industries to address the imminent surge in end-of-life products such as wind turbines and new energy vehicles. To achieve global sustainability of Tb, technology-accelerated pathways urgently require diversified supply sources and innovations in industrial-scale recycling.
Environmental sciences, Environmental effects of industries and plants
Rotation reshapes sustainable potato production in dryland by reducing environmental footprints synergistically enhancing soil health
Hanyou Xie, Weiyan Wang, Ping He
et al.
Sustainable agricultural production encounters significant challenges in balancing economic returns with environmental sustainability, particularly in the ecologically fragile dryland regions of Northwest China. This study employed life cycle assessment (LCA) and comprehensive evaluation index (CEI) to identify the optimal cropping system among potato continuous cropping (PC), wheat/green manure-potato (WgP), pea/green manure-potato (PgP), and wheat/green manure-pea/green manure-potato (WgPgP) in the study region. Furthermore, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) was used to optimize regional cropping structure. The results indicated that crop rotations improved the soil health index by 13.1%–63.4%, increased the potato yield by 15.0%–38.2%, enhanced net economic benefits (NEB) by 30.6%–41.9%, and boosted net ecological economic benefits (NEEB) by 36.3%–47.6% compared to PC. Additionally, crop rotations reduced water consumption by 11.2%–26.1% and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 33.6%–59.3%, while improving the potato nutrient use efficiency by 12.8%–38.4%. The CEI rankings indicated that PgP (41.5%) was the highest, followed by WgPgP (33.2%), WgP (17.3%), and PC (9.7%). Expanding the PgP rotation in Northwest China could significantly reduce nutrient and water inputs, decrease GHG and reactive nitrogen (Nr) emissions, and enhance productivity and profitability. This study provides a practical pathway for sustainable food production in dryland agricultural regions by emphasizing the pivotal role of crop rotation in improving soil health and mitigating GHG and Nr emissions.
Environmental sciences, Environmental effects of industries and plants
Concentration-dependent effects of exogenous phytomelatonin on flowering and physiological changes in azaleas (Rhododendron maculiferum)
Linlan Fu, Jiawei Jiang, Kang Wang
et al.
The effects of exogenous phytomelatonin (PMT) on the flowering and physiology of azaleas were investigated in the cultivar Rhododendron maculiferum 'Pink Round Cluster'. Experimental plants in the budding stage were treated with PMT at concentrations of 100, 300, 500 μmol·L−1, 1, 3, and 5 mmol·L−1, with water serving as the control group. The results showed a concentration-dependent effect of exogenous PMT, with low concentrations promoting flowering and high concentrations delaying flowering. The sequence of flowering was as follows: PMT2 (300 µmol∙L−1) > PMT1 (100 µmol∙L−1) > PMT3 (500 µmol∙L−1) = CK > PMT4 (1 mmol∙L−1) > PMT5 (3 mmol∙L−1) > PMT6 (5 mmol∙L−1). All treatments extended the flowering duration, with the longest duration observed under PMT2 (32 d). PMT treatment significantly enhanced endogenous nutrient levels. Compared to the control, low-concentration PMT treatments increased the endogenous gibberellic acid (GA3), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and zeatin riboside (ZR) levels of flower buds in the early treatment phase (15 d after treatment) while significantly decreasing abscisic acid (ABA) levels. High-concentration PMT treatments significantly increased GA3, IAA, and ZR levels in the later treatment phase (45 d after treatment). High GA3, IAA, ZR, and low ABA levels promoted flowering during the floral bud differentiation phase. Exogenous PMT spraying induced physiological changes in R. maculiferum 'Pink Round Cluster' while altering its flowering time and duration. These findings provide theoretical support for regulating the flowering duration in azaleas by exogenous PMT and its application in the floriculture industry.
Plant ecology, Environmental effects of industries and plants
Evaluation of Groundwater Potential Zones in Sg. Seguntor, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia by Using the Geographical Information System (GIS) Method
Zulherry Isnain and Muhammad Shazali Azahar
This study was conducted to determine the groundwater potential zone by using the Geographical Information System (GIS) method in Sungai Seguntor, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, and its surroundings. The study area consists of the Sandakan Formation, the Volcanic Breccia and the Quaternary Alluvium. The ArcGIS 10.5 and Global Mapper software were used in this study. Eight thematic maps have been produced: lithological map, rainfall map, drainage density map, lineament density map, soil type map, landuse map, elevation map and slope steepness map. GIS methods were used during the spatial analysis stage. All the thematic maps are weighted based on their emphasis on the existence of groundwater. During the map integration stage, the Raster Calculator is used based on the Eigen Vector of each parameter. The final map produced shows that almost 30% of the study area has high groundwater potential, most of which is in lowland alluvium areas with relatively high drainage density. This final map also shows significant results with tube well data obtained from the Department of Minerals and Geosciences, Sabah, Malaysia.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Science (General)
Investigating the Effectiveness of Peanut Hull as Biosorbent of Lead (Pb) from Water
Mehak Verma and Sarita Sachdeva
Lead contamination poses a major threat to health and environmental well-being. The remediation of this heavy metal from water sources is essential to safeguard health and ensure access to clean water. In this study, Peanut hull was used as a biosorbent for lead (Pb) removal from water. It focuses on optimizing various parameters important for lead removal. Statistical analysis, such as the Kruskal-Wallis test, was done to assess the significance of these parameters on lead biosorption, and an inverse variance weighting technique was employed to derive the weighted contribution of each variable for fixed Pb removal categories in the range of 80-100% and 80% (below). On analysis, it was found that factors such as pH and biomass dosage played major roles in lead removal. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), were done to find out changes in the structural and elemental characteristics of peanut hull after lead sequestration. Overall, this study highlights the potential of peanut hull as a promising biosorbent for lead removal from water, thereby offering a sustainable solution to water contamination with heavy metals.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Science (General)
Assessing groundwater recharge zones through land use analysis for sustainable management of degraded catchments in Cokro Spring area of Klaten Regency, Indonesia
Dwi Siswo Riyanto, Heru Hendrayana, Jossi Erwindy
Sustainable groundwater availability depends on the optimal functioning of recharge zones, particularly in spring catchments that supply clean water. This study delineates groundwater recharge zones in the 81 km² Cokro Spring catchment, Klaten Regency, using an integrated approach combining Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) geophysical data with a GIS-based Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Eight parameters were analyzed: lithology, rainfall, land use land cover, soil, drainage density, groundwater level, slope, and topography. The resulting recharge map was validated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, incorporating both spring observation points and random data points. Results indicated three recharge categories: good (38%), dominated by lapilli tuff and fractured lava, moderate (35%), located in the western fine tuff zone, and poor (27%), in the central area characterized by massive lava and built-up land. Land use changes from 2019 to 2022 revealed increased settlements and reduced infiltration areas, which contributed to a decline in recharge potential. Groundwater levels from 2012 to 2025 decreased at all measurement points, likely driven by LULC changes and increased abstraction. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of the integrated VES-AHP-GIS approach for mapping recharge zones, providing a scientific basis for targeted groundwater conservation and sustainable resource planning in volcanic catchments.
Environmental effects of industries and plants
Bromine contamination and risk management in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
A. Leri, Oshadi Hettithanthri, S. Bolan
et al.
Bromine (Br) is widely distributed through the lithosphere and hydrosphere, and its chemistry in the environment is affected by natural processes and anthropogenic activities. While the chemistry of Br in the atmosphere has been comprehensively explored, there has never been an overview of the chemistry of Br in soil and aquatic systems. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the sources, geochemistry, health and environmental threats, remediation approaches, and regulatory guidelines pertaining to Br pollution in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Volcanic eruptions, geothermal streams, and seawater are the major natural sources of Br. In soils and sediments, Br undergoes natural cycling between organic and inorganic forms, with bromination reactions occurring both abiotically and through microbial activity. For organisms, Br is a non-essential element; it is passively taken up by plant roots in the form of the Br- anion. Elevated Br- levels can limit plant growth on coastal soils of arid and semi-arid environments. Br is used in the chemical industry to manufacture pesticides, flame retardants, pharmaceuticals, and other products. Anthropogenic sources of organobromine contaminants in the environment are primarily wastewater treatment, fumigants, and flame retardants. When aqueous Br- reacts with oxidants in water treatment plants, it can generate brominated disinfection by-products (DBPs), and exposure to DBPs is linked to adverse human health effects including increased cancer risk. Br- can be removed from aquatic systems using adsorbents, and amelioration of soils containing excess Br- can be achieved by leaching, adding various amendments, or phytoremediation. Developing cost-effective methods for Br- removal from wastewater would help address the problem of toxic brominated DBPs. Other anthropogenic organobromines, such as polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants, are persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative, posing a challenge in environmental remediation. Future research directives for managing Br pollution sustainably in various environmental settings are suggested here.
Production of plant-based meat: functionality, limitations and future prospects
Muhammad Imran, Zhang Liyan
Integrating Satellite Data and In-situ Observations for Trophic State Assessment of Renuka Lake, Himachal Pradesh, India
Sujit Kumar Jally, Rakesh Kumar and Sibabrata Das
The present study focuses on estimating the Trophic State Index (TSI) of Renuka Lake, the smallest Ramsar site in India, utilizing in-situ observed Secchi disk transparency (SDT) and satellite data. Site-specific algorithms were developed by establishing the relationship between the spectral band ratio of Landsat 8 OLI and LISS-III with that of in-situ measured SDT data. Notably, the exponential regression model outperformed other regression models (linear, logarithmic, polynomial, and power), achieving a better model output (R2=0.94). Additionally, water quality parameters, namely pH and dissolved oxygen (DO), were measured using the TROLL 9500 multi-parameter instrument. Various interpolation methods were applied to the in-situ data, with the exponential regression model yielding the most accurate results.This method was subsequently selected to generate two-dimensional water-quality images of Renuka Lake. The combined analysis of in-situ and satellite-derived trophic status indicates the eutrophic to hypereutrophic condition of the lake’s eastern and western parts. Satellite imagery spanning 2010-2019 consistently reveals a eutrophic state in the lake, with fluctuations in intensity over the period. The sustained eutrophic condition is attributed to escalating human-induced activities surrounding the lake, particularly in the western region.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Science (General)
Plant-Microbe Interaction in Sustainable Agriculture: The Factors That May Influence the Efficacy of PGPM Application
G. Malgioglio, G. Rizzo, Sebastian Nigro
et al.
The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has caused considerable environmental damage over the years. However, the growing demand for food in the coming years and decades requires the use of increasingly productive and efficient agriculture. Several studies carried out in recent years have shown how the application of plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs) can be a valid substitute for chemical industry products and represent a valid eco-friendly alternative. However, because of the complexity of interactions created with the numerous biotic and abiotic factors (i.e., environment, soil, interactions between microorganisms, etc.), the different formulates often show variable effects. In this review, we analyze the main factors that influence the effectiveness of PGPM applications and some of the applications that make them a useful tool for agroecological transition.
Recent advances in Zizania latifolia: A comprehensive review on phytochemical, health benefits and applications that maximize its value
Weijie Wu, Yanchao Han, Ben Niu
et al.
Abstract Zizania latifolia is an aquatic and medicinal plant with a long history of development in China and the East Asian region. The smut fungus “Ustilago esculenta” parasitizes Z. latifolia and induces culm expansion to form a vegetable named Jiaobai, which has a unique taste and nutritional attributes. However, the postharvest quality of water bamboo shoots is still a big challenge for farmers and merchants. This paper traced the origin, development process, and morphological characteristics of Z. latifolia. Subsequently, the compilation of the primary nutrients and bioactive substances are presented in context to their effects on ecology a postharvest storage and preservation methods. Furthermore, the industrial, environmental, and material science applications of Z. latifolia in the fields of industry were discussed. Finally, the primary objective of the review proposes future directions for research to support the development of Z. latifolia industry and aid in maximizing its value. To sum up, Z. latifolia, aside from its potential as material it can be utilized to make different productions and improve the existing applications. This paper provides an emerging strategy for researchers undertaking Z. latifolia. Graphical Abstract
The Emerging Role of Plant-Based Building Materials in the Construction Industry—A Bibliometric Analysis
Anita Boros, Dávid Tőzsér
The emergence of plant-based building materials is supported by several factors, such as shortages, adverse effects, and quality deficits of conventional resources, strict legislative frameworks targeting the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and growing environmental awareness on the individual and stakeholder levels. To support these findings, this paper aimed to assess the relevance of these green materials in the construction industry and highlight the most widespread and thoroughly studied plant-based compounds in the literature, using bibliometric analysis. By evaluating 977 publications from 453 sources, the results show that the total number of relevant papers has increased yearly, while most belonged to the engineering discipline. Most articles were dedicated to one or more of the SDGs, which was confirmed by the more comprehensive representation and elaboration of “green”, “environmental”, and “sustainability” aspects regarding the topics of “materials” and “building” as the most frequent terms. Additionally, a wide range of plant-based building materials are thoroughly evaluated in the literature; these are primarily used to improve conventional materials’ mechanical properties, while many are also tested as substitutes for conventional ones. In conclusion, the green transition in the construction industry is aided by the scientific community by proposing plant-based supplements and alternatives to well-known materials and practices; however, further in-depth studies are needed to verify the applicability of such novelties to gain uniform acceptance and foster the expansion of sustainability initiatives in the sector.
A Comprehensive Review on Biochar
M. R. Pandao, Gandikota Rupa Lalitha, A. Kishore
et al.
Biochar from the pyrolysis of organic biomass is a highly porous carbon with many useful applications. While providing practical options for disposal and disease control, it also contributes to carbon sequestration by trapping carbon in plant biomass. The composition and structure of biochar depends on factors such as temperature, heating rate and production time. It also leads to bio-oil and biogas, which can be used for biochar production, electricity generation and the production of various chemicals. Incorporating biochar into the soil improves pH, electrical conductivity, water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity and microbial activity.It reduces nutrient leakage and all necessary fertilizers reduce environmental pollution. Biochar also plays an important role in crop improvement. Besides improving the soil, biochar also has the advantage of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing pesticide use and being used in the construction, cosmetics and treatment, wastewater and food industries. India is rich in biomass resources and has great potential for biochar production. This study explores various production technologies, their effects on biochar energy and the benefits of using biochar.
A critical review of the remediation of PAH-polluted marine sediments: current knowledge and future perspectives
Francesco Bianco, Marco Race, Stefano Papirio
et al.
PAHs are largely spread in the aquatic environment, and the drawbacks of conventional remediation techniques as well as the expenditures for alternative disposal of polluted sediments lead to seek more effective, environmentally-friendly and sustainable approaches. Therefore, the present review shows a critical overview of the literature evaluated with VOSviewer, focusing on the problem of PAH-contaminated marine sediments and the knowledge of available remediation processes to shed light on what research and technology lack. This review supplies specific information about the key factors affecting biological, physical-chemical and thermal remediation techniques, and carefully examines the drawbacks associated with their employment for remediating PAH-polluted marine sediments by showing adequate alternatives. The technologies thoroughly discussed here are biostimulation, bioaugmentation, sediment washing, carbonaceous adsorbent addition and thermal desorption. The environmental and economic impacts associated with the application of the mentioned remediation technologies have been also taken into account. Finally, this review examines new research directions by showing future recommendations.
Environmental sciences, Environmental effects of industries and plants
Biodegradation and Kinetic Study of Hazardous Metribuzin Herbicide Using a Novel Soil Bacterial Isolate Olivibacter oleidegradans Strain SP01 in Aqueous Solution
Sulbha R. Kadam and Madhuri K. Pejaver
In the present work, degradation of the herbicide metribuzin (C8H14N4OS) has been performed. A novel metribuzin-degrading bacterium, Olivibacter oleidegradans strain SP01, was isolated from the metribuzin-contaminated soil by an enrichment technique. To investigate the effect of various parameters on metribuzin degradation, various experiments were performed at an initial concentration in the range of 20-100 mg.L-1, a pH of 5-9, and a temperature of 25-40°C. Around 85% of the highest percentage degradation of metribuzin was obtained at a concentration of 20 mg.L-1 in 120 h under optimized conditions. The current work for the Metribuzin degradation study fits well with first-order reactions. Also, at higher concentrations, i.e., 100 mg.L-1, only 40.3% degradation of metribuzin was observed. The Olivibacter oleidegradans strain SP01 has the potential to be extremely beneficial in the removal of Metribuzin from the environment.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Science (General)
Conceptualising the peer-to-peer second-hand practice-as-entity
Per Fors, Ahmed Nuur, Fadel Randia
The peer-to-peer (P2P) economy is an emerging economic model where people can buy and sell, trade and share products and services with strangers online. The social interactions and the economic transactions are facilitated by digital platforms. It is believed that this model may contribute to sustainable development by extending the lifespan of existing products. Previous research has examined the motivations for individuals to participate in the P2P economy, including environmental, social, and economic factors. However, there remains a lack of theoretical consensus and comprehensive conceptualisations of the P2P economy as a whole. In light of previous conceptualisations and our own empirical research, this paper aims to provide a framework for the P2P second-hand practice-as-entity, drawing upon Social Practice Theory (SPT). Based on our empirical inquiries, the developed framework highlights that the P2P second-hand practice-as-entity comprises two main sub-practices, each characterised by shared and non-shared materials, meanings, and competencies. The paper thus has mainly theoretical implications, but also provides a more structured and holistic understanding of how the P2P second-hand economy operates, which is valuable for policymakers and practitioners attempting to promote the economic model for sustainable consumption.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Economic growth, development, planning
Digestate Biofertilizers Support Similar or Higher Tomato Yields and Quality Than Mineral Fertilizer in a Subsurface Drip Fertigation System
T. J. Barzee, Abdolhossein Edalati, H. El-mashad
et al.
This study investigated the effects of applying anaerobically digested food waste and dairy manure-derived biofertilizers to processing tomatoes. The biofertilizers were produced from a pilot scale system consisting of coarse solid separation and ultrafiltration (5,000 Da) with a capacity of approximately 3.8 m3*d-1. The coarse solids had particle size greater than 53 µm and were not used for drip fertigation. The liquid concentrate and permeate from the system were both delivered to tomato plants through a subsurface drip fertigation system in a farm-scale cultivation experiment. The results showed that liquid digestate biofertilizers could be effectively delivered to the tomato plants given that steps to ensure suitable particle sizes were maintained prior to delivery. The ultrafiltered dairy manure digestate biofertilizer (DMP) had the highest yield of red tomatoes (7.13 tonne*ha-1) followed by the concentrated food waste digestate biofertilizer (FWC) and mineral N fertilizer treatments with 6.26 and 5.98 tonne*ha-1, respectively. The FWC biofertilizer produced tomatoes with significantly higher total and soluble solids contents compared to the synthetically fertilized tomatoes. Few significant differences between the treatments were observed among the pH, color, or size of the red tomatoes. These results indicate promise for the prospect of applying digestate biofertilizer products to tomatoes using the industry standard subsurface drip fertigation method. Additionally, digestate-derived biofertilizers may have potential to increase crop yields as well as certain quality characteristics of the harvested tomato fruit. No changes in soil quality were found among treatments but more study is required to understand long-term effects of biofertilizer applications with regards to soil quality and environmental risks.
110 sitasi
en
Environmental Science