Excessive boron (B) levels in soil can lead to toxicity in plants, impacting their growth and productivity. Effective strategies to reduce B uptake are important for improving crop performance in contaminated soils. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of chicken manure incineration ash (CMA) and triple superphosphate (TSP) on B uptake in barley plants grown in B-contaminated soil. Before the experiment, the chemical composition and molecular structure of CMA were analyzed using XRF, XRD and SEM. The soil was contaminated with 15 mg kg-1 of B, and both TSP and CMA were applied at rates of 40, 80, and 160 mg kg-1 of phosphorus (P). Neither P source had a significant impact on plant dry weight. However, increasing doses of applied TSP and CMA increased plant P concentration while significantly decreasing B concentration. Particularly with CMA applied at 160 mg kg-1 P dose, plant B concentration decreased to the lowest level of 194 mg kg-1. Increasing P doses led to a slight decrease in plant silicon (Si) concentration. The pH of soil samples taken after the experiment slightly increased with CMA treatments compared to TSP. The available P concentration in soils increased with increasing P doses. The available B concentration decreased with increasing P doses, especially reducing to the lowest level of 2.52 mg kg-1 in soils with a 40 mg kg-1 P, CMA. In conclusion, in addition to the effect of P, the molecular structure of P is also important in reducing B uptake in barley.

Jarosite is an inorganic byproduct waste produced during the purification and refining of zinc in the industry. Recycling such waste as a filler in biocomposites could be a sustainable solution to manage it. To create jute-jarosite-soy biocomposites, varying weight percentages of jarosite are combined with soy resin and applied to woven jute cloth. The impact of jarosite on the mechanical characteristics, hardness, fire retardant, thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and degrading nature of jute-soy composites was investigated, and it was discovered that its presence by a part of 3 weight percentage enhanced tensile strength by 37.2% and flexural strength by 34.7%, respectively. The hardness and thermal stability of jute-jarosite-soy composites are enhanced by 17.5% and 35.8%, respectively, over jute-soy composites. After 60 days, soil burial analyses of these composites revealed more than 70% weight loss. Due to its moderate strength and entirely biodegradable nature, manufactured jute-jarosite-soy composite can be used to replace non-degradable thermoplastic usage in several sectors.

The increasing environmental concerns regarding plastic waste, especially in agriculture, have driven the search for sustainable alternatives. Agricultural plastics, such as mulching films and greenhouse covers, are heavily reliant on petrochemical-derived materials, which persist in the environment and contribute to long-term pollution. This study explores the use of biodegradable biocomposites made from steam explosion-treated chicken feathers and various polymer matrices to address these issues. Chicken feathers, a waste by-product of the poultry industry, present an excellent biodegradability as a result of the steam explosion treatment and contain nitrogen, potentially enhancing soil fertility. The biocomposites were characterized by thermal stability, mechanical properties, and biodegradability, and ecotoxicity assessments were carried out studying the incorporation of feathers into the soil. Results showed that the incorporation of treated chicken feathers increased the water absorption capacity of the composites, promoting faster disintegration and biodegradation. In particular, biocomposites made with polyhydroxyalkanoates and Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) exhibited a significant increase in degradation rates, from 3-10% in the first month for pure matrices to 40-50% when reinforced with treated feathers. Meanwhile, those made from polylactic acid showed slower degradation. Furthermore, the addition of feathers positively influenced crop growth at low concentrations, acting as a slow-release fertilizer. However, high concentrations of feathers negatively affect plant growth due to excess nitrogen. These findings highlight the potential of poultry feathers as a valuable, sustainable filler for agricultural bioplastics, contributing to waste valorization and environmentally friendly farming practices.

The preparation of geopolymer for solidification/stabilization of heavy metal contaminated soils using industrial solid waste was a sustainable method. In this study, a binary geopolymer curing agent was synthesized from red mud and fly ash for the treatment of copper- and cadmium- contaminated soils. The changes in the properties of the cured soil were investigated by analyzing compressive strength, permeability coefficient, pH value, toxicity leaching, and the chemical forms of heavy metals. These parameters were examined under varying amounts of curing agent and curing time. The solidification mechanism of contaminated soil was revealed by microscopic experiments such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results showed that geopolymer could significantly improved the mechanical properties and environmental safety of contaminated soil. Compressive strengths of Cu and Cd contaminated soils after 28d of curing with 30 % geopolymer were 1.27 and 1.44 MPa, the permeability coefficients were 4.2 and 3.8-6cm/s, and toxic leaching amounts of Cu2+ and Cd2+ were 4.8 and 0.21 mg/L, and pH values were 10.9 and 10.6, respectively. Geopolymer gel structures not only filled the voids between soil particles but also physically encapsulated, chemically bonded, precipitated and ion-exchanged to achieve solidification/stabilization of contaminated soils. This research provided a new technology for the management of heavy metal contaminated soil and promoted the sustainable use of industrial solid waste.

The disposal of excess milk can pose significant challenges for dairy farms during supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, or plant closures. Improper disposal methods risk causing environmental damage, public health issues, and regulatory violations. This study evaluates three on-farm milk disposal methods, lagoon discharge, composting, and land application, to guide the effective management of large-scale milk disposal events. Laboratory experiments assessed the impact of milk disposal on lagoon water quality, highlighting that lagoon discharge was feasible for large-scale operations but increased total solids and chemical oxygen demand (COD), potentially overloading the system's treatment capacity. Similarly, experiments on composting showed that adding milk enhanced compost quality but required careful monitoring to prevent moisture imbalance and odors. For land application, experiments demonstrated improvements in soil health and plant growth but also revealed risks of nutrient imbalance and gas emissions, particularly at higher application rates. Dividing milk into smaller, multiple applications consistently reduced adverse impacts across all methods. Each method's suitability depends on farm size, infrastructure, and disposal volume. Lagoon discharge is better suited for large farms with sufficient capacity to manage treatment risks. Composting works well for smaller volumes, while land application benefits soil health when carefully managed. The findings have practical applications in helping dairy farms select appropriate disposal strategies, minimizing environmental harm, and complying with regulations during large-scale milk disposal events. Additionally, this study serves as a foundation for creating more comprehensive guidelines and strategies to address milk disposal challenges, fostering sustainable practices across diverse agricultural settings.

Traditional bricks are still the most widely used building material in Madagascar. Bricks are made from clay that is fired for weeks in open-air kilns (600-750 degrees C) by using rice husks, peat, charcoal, coal, and wood as fuels. This process contributes significantly to environmental pollution by emitting CO2 and particles. In addition, the intensive use of wood and charcoal is partly responsible for the deforestation that still taking place on the Red Island. The development of sustainable building materials is therefore of global interest. This research provided a solution by implementing the oxyacetic acid derivative of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) as a binder to reduce energy consumption in the preparation of earthen materials. This product was obtained from cashew nut waste and was used in a proportion of 5 to 15% with the red soil of Madagascar. The materials were formulated at a much lower temperature (60 degrees C) compared to the traditional process for 24 to 48 hours in a custom-designed mold. The material with 10% oxyacetic binder from CNSL was a compact, hard solid with higher mechanical properties, including a twice higher compressive strength (5.6 MPa compared to 2.2 MPa) and a higher tensile strength (2.2 MPa compared to 1.6 MPa). This material also had better water resistance after 2 months of immersion; traditional clay bricks absorbed 36.65% of the water, and the material with binder only absorbed 12.62%. This research demonstrates that the utilization of local agricultural waste as a binder is a viable strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of traditional building materials while significantly improving their physico-mechanical properties.

The research assesses the environmental impacts of waste management in Fez, Morocco, in line with the legal standards set by law 28-00 on waste management and law 12-03 on environmental impact assessment. Using the DPSIR framework (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, Response), 43 unregulated landfills were analyzed to assess their impacts on water, air, soil, biodiversity, and socio-economic activities. The results reveal medium to major impacts, predominantly local but continuous, affecting soil, water, air, and ecosystems. Human-related impacts include noise pollution and health risks, though there are also positive effects, such as job creation. While drought has lessened some water-related impacts, the overall disruption to ecosystems and communities is significant. The key message of this investigation is that unregulated waste management in Fez is causing ongoing environmental damage, particularly through illegal landfills. This research underscores the necessity of improving waste management strategies by integrating systematic evaluation methods like DPSIR. By providing a more systematic approach to understanding the complex interactions between waste and the environment, these findings are essential for shaping future waste management policies and promoting better environmental integration in urban planning.

The escalating global crisis of plastic waste necessitates innovative and sustainable approaches to its management. This study explores a novel method; the transformation of discarded plastic materials into high quality 3D printing filaments, offering a promising solution to this pervasive environmental challenge. This review paper delves into the prospects of leveraging plastic waste recycling for the production of 3D printing filaments, thereby advancing the cause of sustainable additive manufacturing. The investigation encompasses a comprehensive examination of the recycling process, encompassing waste collection, sorting, and filament extrusion. The outcomes of this study underscore the substantial potential of recycling plastic waste for 3D printing filaments as a sustainable alternative to conventional manufacturing. This review also delves into the polymer degradation phenomenon, assessment of properties of recycled polymers, and environmental impact assessment, conducting a comparative analysis with traditional filament production methods. This paper advances the application of recycling plastic waste for 3D printing filaments, offering a tangible and immediate response to the global plastic waste crisis.

Purpose. This paper aims to establish a robust soil treatment plan designed to enhance the geotechnical engineering properties of tailings. The study evaluates the efficacy of various soil additives, including both traditional and non-traditional types, in reinforcing tailings dam materials. Methods. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted, where polymeric resin and a combination of recycled gypsum (B), cement kiln dust (CKD), and ordinary cement (OC) were added to tailings in a controlled laboratory setting. The assessment methodology included unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests to determine the optimal treatment percentage, Oedometer tests to evaluate stiffness and consolidation properties, and direct shear strength tests to assess the material's response to shearing. Findings. The study provides valuable insights into the performance of the CKD:B compound, revealing a critical OC percentage that must be maintained to prevent sample dissolution in water due to anhydrate presence. The tailings treated exhibit improved mechanical properties, contributing essential data that can support numerical modeling for assessing the stability of tailings dams. Originality. This research offers novel data on tailings treatment, particularly regarding the combination of CKD and B with OC. The study's findings advance understanding in the field by identifying the optimal conditions for enhancing tailings dam stability, which has not been extensively explored in previous literature. Practical implications. The results of this study contribute to improved tailings storage facility management and environmental best practices. By optimizing soil treatment strategies, the research supports more effective utilization of natural resources and enhances the safety and sustainability of tailings dam structures.

In order to reduce the storage cost and avoid environmental hazards of feldspar powder waste from lithium extraction byproducts, this work investigated the feasibility of ordinary silicate cement-stabilized feldspar powder-lateritic clay (FP-LC) composite as road construction material. Firstly, preliminary mix design of the new material was conducted to determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density. Subsequently, the effects of ratio of FP to LC on the mechanical properties of the composite were investigated through unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR) and shear strength tests. Finally, the strength formation mechanism of the FP-LC mixture was analyzed in combination with SEM and XRD testing. The results indicate that the UCS after 14 d curing, CBR and cohesive strength of FP simply stabilized by 6 % cement is 0.95 MPa, 87.3 % and 140.64 kPa, respectively, which can meet the requirements for subgrade materials. The addition of LC significantly improves the mechanical properties of the composite. The mass ratio of 40 % FP to 60 % LC results in the optimal UCS after 14 d curing, CBR and cohesive strength with 1.6 MPa, 164.1 % and 250.16 kPa, respectively, which makes it applicable as subbase materials for medium-light traffic levels. The particle closest packing analysis and SEM and XRD characterization demonstrated that the enhancement of UCS, CBR and shear strength comes from compact arrangement of FP and LC particles and the bonding effect of cement hydration products between them. This work proposes an eco-friendly and sustainable utilization approach of feldspar powder from lithium extraction byproducts as road construction material, which are important to overcome the challenges of both waste management and resource shortage for new energy and highway industries, respectively.