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3 pages, 162 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nanomineral and Their Importance on the Earth and Human Health: A Real Impact

by Luis F. O. Silva and Kátia da Boit Martinello

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020758 - 16 Jan 2024

Viewed by 565

Abstract

Naturally, nanominerals and amorphous nanoparticles have a crucial influence on the Earth and human health [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomineral and Their Importance on the Earth and Human Health: A Real Impact)

Research

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16 pages, 1618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rock Powder Enhances Soil Nutrition and Coffee Quality in Agroforestry Systems

by Fernanda de Paula Medeiros, André M. X. de Carvalho, Claudete Gindri Ramos, Guilherme Luiz Dotto, Irene Maria Cardoso and Suzi Huff Theodoro

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010354 - 30 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 863

Abstract

The use of rock powders is an agricultural practice that facilitates the agroecological transition and autonomy of many farmers. These inputs should be used in conjunction with management systems that enhance the weathering of the minerals contained in the rocks. This study aimed [...] Read more.

The use of rock powders is an agricultural practice that facilitates the agroecological transition and autonomy of many farmers. These inputs should be used in conjunction with management systems that enhance the weathering of the minerals contained in the rocks. This study aimed to assess the impact of incorporating gneiss powder on soil quality and coffee cultivation within agroecological and organic frameworks, encompassing agroforestry systems (AFSs) as well as areas fully exposed to sunlight (FS). Comprehensive analyses, including chemical, microbiological, and physical assessments, were carried out on the soil. The study involved evaluating various parameters such as electrical conductivity, grain density, total titratable acidity, and pH of the exudates to gauge the coffee quality. Following a 24-month application of rock powder, noteworthy observations included increased soil moisture in agroforestry systems (AFSs), presumably attributable to enhanced nutrient availability (potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc) derived from the gneiss powder. In addition, a higher level of CO₂ was derived from microbial respiration than from soil production. Similarly, coffee beans presented lower electrical conductivity, higher density, and fewer defects in AFSs than fully exposed sun systems (FS). The total titratable acidity values remain consistent with the limits indicated in the literature for quality coffees; the pH values, however, were lower. The results suggest that the use of gneiss powder enhances soil microorganism activity and accelerates the biological weathering of minerals for coffee plantations in AFSs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomineral and Their Importance on the Earth and Human Health: A Real Impact)

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20 pages, 4154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Removal of Brilliant Green Cationic Dye Using Bioadsorbent Material from Oyster Shells

by Andrea Liliana Moreno-Ríos, Carolanne Coronado-Herrera, Jean C. Rhenals-Navarro, Hugo Gaspar Hernandez-Palma, Guilherme Luiz Dotto, Claudete Gindri Ramos and Leandro Gómez-Plata

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16443; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316443 - 30 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 721

Abstract

This study explored the potential of coral rock, specifically coquina derived from oyster shells, as a bioadsorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater generated by the textile industry. The investigation included an examination of particle size fractions (300 µm and less than [...] Read more.

This study explored the potential of coral rock, specifically coquina derived from oyster shells, as a bioadsorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater generated by the textile industry. The investigation included an examination of particle size fractions (300 µm and less than 300 µm) and thermal treatment; the investigation involved drying at 120 °C and calcination at temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 800 °C. The material was subjected to a comprehensive analysis through various characterization techniques. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to evaluate the removal capacity and adsorption kinetics of the bioadsorbent utilizing brilliant green dye. The experiments involved varying dye concentrations (25, 50, and 75 mg L⁻¹), pH levels (2 to 12), and different doses of biosorbent material (0.2 to 0.6 g L⁻¹), with constant agitation. Various kinetic models were applied to fit the experimental data, with the pseudo-second-order model demonstrating the best fit. The findings reveal that coquina rock, characterized by a temperature of 120 °C and a particle size of greater than 300 µm, exhibits remarkable effectiveness. It achieved a removal efficiency of 90% within 15 to 20 min at pH 7.8. This study concludes that coquina rock not only stands out as demonstrating remarkable efficacy in dye removal but also underscores a sustainable approach, leveraging readily available and environmentally friendly materials for wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomineral and Their Importance on the Earth and Human Health: A Real Impact)

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17 pages, 2372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing Sustainability: Effective Strategies for Carbon Footprint Reduction in Seaports across the Colombian Caribbean

by Liliana Centanaro Acuña, Esteban Ochoa Caceres, Brayan Caballero Campo, Edson Campanhola Bortoluzzi, Alcindo Neckel, Andrea Liliana Moreno-Ríos, Leila Dal Moro, Marcos L. S. Oliveira, Giana de Vargas Mores and Claudete Gindri Ramos

Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 15819; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215819 - 10 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1093

Abstract

Colombian port terminals in the Caribbean are being called upon to increase the sustainability of their operations to better fit with the environmental dynamics of their locations. Within this context, the Palermo Sociedad Portuaria (PSP) has taken a proactive stance in identifying the [...] Read more.

Colombian port terminals in the Caribbean are being called upon to increase the sustainability of their operations to better fit with the environmental dynamics of their locations. Within this context, the Palermo Sociedad Portuaria (PSP) has taken a proactive stance in identifying the factors contributing to its CO₂ emissions. This study evaluated the CO₂ emissions of the PSP in 2019 and 2020 and, through the implementation of sustainable practices (rock dust spreading, composting and reducing the burning of fossil fuels), examined the mitigation of the port’s carbon footprint (CF) in the year 2022. Based on collaborative management results and efforts, a set of viable mitigation strategies adapted to port operations was formulated. Viability was assessed through monitoring of the practical implementations encompassing initiatives such as fuel reduction, waste composting and the application of rock dust. The introduction of the CARE system in the operational equipment led to a reduction in fuel consumption over five periods—amounting to an overall emission decrease of 1629 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (ton CO₂ eq). Meanwhile, the strategic composting of waste generated by port activities (including organic waste, hand towels, coffee grounds and landscaping waste) resulted in the potential reduction of 2 metric tons of CO₂ annually. The application of rock dust (10 kg m⁻²) in the available green spaces within the operational areas contributed to a decrease of 0.00080543 ton CO₂ eq over 45 days. The implementation of these three key measures over the course of a year has the potential to prevent the release of 37 ton CO₂ eq, signifying a 2% decrease in overall CF when compared to the base year of 2020. This investigation was rooted in the current operational reality of the port terminal and its correlated activities. The strategies deployed underscore the feasibility of low-cost solutions that can be emulated across port terminals in pursuit of the holistic aspirations encapsulated in the concepts of a “green port” and a “smart port”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomineral and Their Importance on the Earth and Human Health: A Real Impact)

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19 pages, 63525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Heat Input on the Weldability of ASTM A131 DH36 Fillet Joints Welded by SMAW Underwater Wet Welding

by Hugo Alexander Gonzalez Romero, Edinson Alfonso Bastos Blandón, Lissette Patricia Casadiego Miranda and Enrique Esteban Niebles Nuñez

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11222; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411222 - 19 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1267

Abstract

Naval vessels face multiple risks that can damage their hulls during navigation, leading to on-site repairs through the shield metal arc welding (SMAW) process and underwater wet welding (UWW). This paper presents a weldability study to identify the optimal heat input parameters to [...] Read more.

Naval vessels face multiple risks that can damage their hulls during navigation, leading to on-site repairs through the shield metal arc welding (SMAW) process and underwater wet welding (UWW). This paper presents a weldability study to identify the optimal heat input parameters to improve ASTM A131 DH36 welded joints quality, development, and sustainability. This study analyzes the influence of heat input on the microstructure and mechanical properties of underwater wet welding fillet joints welded with shield metal arc welding at 4 m water depth in a real-life environment located at the bay of Cartagena (Colombia). The methodology involves nondestructive and destructive tests, including visual inspection, fillet weld break, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Vickers hardness, and shear strength tests. The welds microstructure is composed of ferrite, pearlite, retained austenite, bainite, and martensite; the hardness values range from 170 HV1 to 443 HV1, and the shear strength values range from 339 MPa to 504 MPa. This indicates that high thermal inputs improve the weld quality produced by the underwater wet welding technique and can comply with the technical acceptance criteria of AWS D3.6, making them more sustainable, with less welding resources wastage and less impact on marine ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomineral and Their Importance on the Earth and Human Health: A Real Impact)

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18 pages, 6998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hazardous Elements in Sediments Detected in Former Decommissioned Coal Mining Areas in Colombia: A Need for Environmental Recovery

by Marcos L. S. Oliveira, Gabriela Oliveira Valença, Diana Pinto, Leila Dal Moro, Brian William Bodah, Giana de Vargas Mores, Julian Grub, Bashir Adelodun and Alcindo Neckel

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8361; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108361 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1669

Abstract

This study demonstrates an investigation into nanomineralogical and geochemical evolution for the detection of hazardous elements from old, abandoned coal mining deposits capable of causing negative environmental impacts. The general objective of this study is to evaluate the number of nanoparticulate chemical elements [...] Read more.

This study demonstrates an investigation into nanomineralogical and geochemical evolution for the detection of hazardous elements from old, abandoned coal mining deposits capable of causing negative environmental impacts. The general objective of this study is to evaluate the number of nanoparticulate chemical elements in sediments collected during the years 2017 and 2022 from deactivated coal mining areas in the La Guajíra and Cesar regions of Colombia. Sediments were collected and analyzed from areas that experienced spontaneous coal combustion (SCC). The analysis consisted of traditional mineralogical analysis by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, nanomineralogy by field emission scanning electron microscope-FE-SEM, and high-resolution transmission electron microscope-HR-TEM (energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis system-EDS). The analyzed sediment samples contained high proportions of amorphous materials containing the chemical elements As, Cl, Hg, Mo, Pb, Sb, and Se. This study emphasizes the need to implement environmental recovery projects at former, now abandoned coal extraction areas located in the investigated region, as they have negative effects on the environment and human health across large regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomineral and Their Importance on the Earth and Human Health: A Real Impact)

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15 pages, 8868 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Brazilian Coal Tailings Projects: Advanced Study of Sustainable Using FIB-SEM and HR-TEM

by Marcos L. S. Oliveira, Diana Pinto, Maria Eliza Nagel-Hassemer, Leila Dal Moro, Giana de Vargas Mores, Brian William Bodah and Alcindo Neckel

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010220 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1582

Abstract

The objective of this study is to obtain a more detailed assessment of particles that contain rare-earth elements (REEs) in abandoned deposits of Brazilian fine coal tailings (BFCTs), so as to aid current coal mining industries in the identification of methodologies for extracting [...] Read more.

The objective of this study is to obtain a more detailed assessment of particles that contain rare-earth elements (REEs) in abandoned deposits of Brazilian fine coal tailings (BFCTs), so as to aid current coal mining industries in the identification of methodologies for extracting such elements (Santa Catarina State, Brazil). The BFCT areas were sampled for traditional mineralogical analysis by X-ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy and nanomineralogy by a dual beam focused ion beam (FIB) coupled with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis system (EDS). The results show that the smaller the sampled coal fines were, the higher the proportion of rare-earth elements they contained. Although the concentration of REEs is below what would normally be considered an economic grade, the fact that these deposits are already ground and close to the surface negate the need for mining (only uncovering). This makes it significantly easier for REEs to be extracted. In addition, owing to their proximity to road and rail transport in the regions under study, the opportunity exists for such resources (BFCTs) to be utilized as a secondary market as opposed to simply being discarded as has been done in the past. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomineral and Their Importance on the Earth and Human Health: A Real Impact)

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14 pages, 10011 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Coal Fire Sublimates: Are We Missing Something?

by Robert B. Finkelman, Henry R. Dodds, Naomi T. Nichols and Glenn B. Stracher

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16262; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316262 - 24 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 749

Abstract

Uncontrolled coal fires present a nearly unparalleled environmental and human health disaster. These fires can cause the destruction of the ecosystem, ignite forest fires, become a source of windblown dust and siltation of streams, and pollute surface water, ground water, and crops. They [...] Read more.

Uncontrolled coal fires present a nearly unparalleled environmental and human health disaster. These fires can cause the destruction of the ecosystem, ignite forest fires, become a source of windblown dust and siltation of streams, and pollute surface water, ground water, and crops. They can cause significant disruption of families and communities resulting from physical hazards of collapse or explosion, excessive heat, visual blight and loss of potentially valuable acreage, deterioration of cultural infrastructure, personal and public property, and loss of a valuable energy resource. The emission of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases presents a significant health hazard due to respiration of dust and aerosols, and exposure to acidic gases, potentially toxic trace elements, and organic compounds. Numerous studies have described many dozens of phases that have condensed from the effluents of these fires. However, many of these studies may have overlooked the nano- and ultra-fine particles that exist beside, in, and under the brightly colored, often spectacular crystalline macro phases. Using a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive X-ray detector we examined a small (30 mm × 10 mm) piece of condensate from an uncontrolled coal fire in the Jharia region of India and found more than 30 different phases in this one small piece. The phases included ammonium, copper, iron, lead, bismuth chlorides; bismuth, lead, and ammonium silici-fluorides; ammonium and lead iodates; iron, barium, lead, copper, and zinc sulfides; iron and silicon oxides; and others. Broken fragments revealed multiple generations of phases. Though not strictly nanoparticles (smaller than 0.1 μm), many of these particles are in the micrometer to sub-micron range and it is likely that there are phases present in the nanoparticle size range. Certainly, particulates in the nanoparticle and ultra-fine particle range are being released from the uncontrolled coal fires and may be impacting the environment and the health of the mine workers and nearby residents, an issue that should be investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomineral and Their Importance on the Earth and Human Health: A Real Impact)

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