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Nano- and Micro-Contaminants and Their Effect on the Human and Environment

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 May 2022) | Viewed by 27604

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
Interests: nanominerals; coal; building constructions; environmental impacts
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Key Laboratory of Resource Exploration Research of Heibei Province, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
Interests: single particle analysis; coal combustion and its effects on climate and human health; atmospheric environment in coal mining areas; physiochemical properties of aerosol particles

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nano- and ultra-fine materials have a significant influence on construction building materials, environment, and human health. On the other hand, these present natural factors are connected to accumulating water contamination, emerging pollutants in nature, greenhouse gas production, and toxic effects of fuels, micro/nano-plastics, and chemicals, and all of these are of the utmost importance for ecological defense. This Special Issue (SI) of Sustainability provides an overview of nano- and micro-science-based environmental applications and discoveries concerning mineral mining, refining/production, and disposal of mining wastes; atmosphereic and sea changes; soil health; general contaminant remediation strategies; and influences to water quality. These processes result in massive pollution generation, which have highly significant environmental implications and human health consequences on local, regional, and even global levels. Until recently, very little was known about nano- and micro-particles fractions. Recent advancements and sophistications enable us to detect, collect and study these materials, which are roughly 1 nanometer (0.001 microns) up to several tens of nanometers in size. Several contaminant materials are known to behave differently (chemically, electrically, and mechanically), relative to their macroscopic equivalents. This is what makes nano and micro-science fascinating and difficult to predict, underscoring the importance of this emerging new field. This incorporates extensive and distant transportation downstream, and finally to seas such as is the case of mine drainages, petroleum refinery, and others industrial human activities. In terms of human health, in all phases of mining, oil production/refining, use, and waste disposal, the associated pollution can be acquired through oral ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. There is also a current gap among what we so far know about the behavior of nano- and micron-particles, and what remains to be determined. In addition, eco-friendly and green nano-sciences holds abundant promise to solve large-scale challenges offering results to these complications in the form of preventive and remedial tools to diminish contaminants from the several ecosystems. These original research papers, short communications, and review papers present a significant contribution to the current literature. We believe that these advances will be exciting to a broad readership and help to increase the visibility of Sustainability.

Prof. Dr. Luis F.O. Silva
Dr. Hongya Niu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • human health
  • environmental pollution
  • historical construction building
  • mining

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 188 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial: Nano- and Micro-Contaminants and Their Effect on the Humans and Environment
by Luis F. O. Silva and Hongya Niu
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6331; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106331 - 23 May 2022
Viewed by 1041
Abstract
Nano- and ultra-fine materials have a significant influence on construction building materials, the environment, and human health [...] Full article

Research

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14 pages, 5791 KiB  
Article
Environmental Impacts of Coal Nanoparticles from Rehabilitated Mine Areas in Colombia
by Marcos L. S. Oliveira, Segun A. Akinyemi, Bemgba B. Nyakuma and Guilherme L. Dotto
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4544; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084544 - 11 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1812
Abstract
With the possible increase in mining activities and recently projected population growth in Colombia, large quantities of nanoparticles (NPs) and potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) will be of major concern to mine workers, indigenous residents, and surrounding communities. This study highlights the need to [...] Read more.
With the possible increase in mining activities and recently projected population growth in Colombia, large quantities of nanoparticles (NPs) and potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) will be of major concern to mine workers, indigenous residents, and surrounding communities. This study highlights the need to regulate the pollution from Colombian mining activities that comply with regional regulations and global strategies. Colombian coal rejects (CRs) from the Cesar Basin, Colombia, were studied primarily by advanced electron microscopic and analytical procedures. Therefore, the goal of this research is to evaluate the role of NPs in the alteration of CRs’ structure in a renewed zone at Cerrejón coal area (La Guajira, Colombia) through advanced electron microscopic (AEMs) methods. The objective of the analysis is to evaluate the incidence mode of nanoparticles, which contain potentially hazardous elements. The bulk crystallography (X-ray diffraction), chemical structure, and morphologies of NPs were studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), micro-beam diffraction (MBD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) procedures. The AEMs provided comprehensive insights into the geochemical evolution of CRs. Consequently, the AEMs can be used as essential tools for CR management in coal mining areas. The regular dimension of detected NPs was found to be above 2 nm. Ultrafine particles of quartz were identified by the advanced electron microscopy. Furthermore, the findings also revealed aluminium, calcium, potassium, titanium, iron oxides, and PHEs in the CRs. The extensive water practice in the coal extraction process combined with atmospheric oxygen supports oxidations of iron sulphide, thus releasing PHEs to the surrounding environment. Dehydration of sulphate salts fluctuate at consistent humidity in the coal mine environments. The study demonstrates the great influence of coal mining activities on the environment and human health. Full article
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11 pages, 3056 KiB  
Article
An Analysis of Nanoparticles Derived from Coal Fly Ash Incorporated into Concrete
by Alcindo Neckel, Diana Pinto, Bashir Adelodun and Guilherme L. Dotto
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 3943; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073943 - 26 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2116
Abstract
The environmental benefits of incorporating coal fly ash (CFA) into the concrete manufacturing process as a partial substitute for Portland cement are well known. What is less studied is the potential release of CFA derived nanomineral and amorphous nanoparticles during this process of [...] Read more.
The environmental benefits of incorporating coal fly ash (CFA) into the concrete manufacturing process as a partial substitute for Portland cement are well known. What is less studied is the potential release of CFA derived nanomineral and amorphous nanoparticles during this process of incorporation. A thorough understanding of this makes it possible to understand the risks of exposure to particulates that are harmful to human health when CFA is mixed into concrete. The general objective of this study is to analyze airborne particulates released when CFA is mixed into concrete at the point of manufacture, focusing on the levels of nanominerals, amorphous nanoparticles and hazardous elements (HEs) contained within that are considered harmful to human health. These airborne particulates can be easily inhaled by plant workers in the absence of personal protective equipment. The authors analyzed samples of ash itself and collected actual airborne particulates using self-made passive samplers installed at the manufacturing plant. Regarding the ash analyzed, iron (Fe) was found in large amounts in relation to calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si). The transport, disposal and application of CFA in civil construction projects can provide an increased efficiency and reduce overall costs associated with the production of concrete. However, CFA poses a threat to human health due to the significant amount of HEs, nanominerals, and amorphous nanoparticles found to be released into the environment at the manufacturing plant. Full article
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13 pages, 2070 KiB  
Article
Geochemical and Morphological Evaluations of Organic and Mineral Aerosols in Coal Mining Areas: A Case Study of Santa Catarina, Brazil
by Segun A. Akinyemi, Marcos L. S. Oliveira, Bemgba B. Nyakuma and Guilherme L. Dotto
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 3847; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073847 - 24 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1768
Abstract
Numerous researchers have described the correlation between the short-term contact of nano-particulate (NP) matter in diverse coal phases and amplified death or hospitalizations for breathing disorders in humans. However, few reports have examined the short-term consequences of source-specific nanoparticles (NPs) on coal mining [...] Read more.
Numerous researchers have described the correlation between the short-term contact of nano-particulate (NP) matter in diverse coal phases and amplified death or hospitalizations for breathing disorders in humans. However, few reports have examined the short-term consequences of source-specific nanoparticles (NPs) on coal mining areas. Advanced microscopic techniques can detect the ultra-fine particles (UFPs) and nanoparticles that contain potential hazardous elements (PHEs) generated in coal mining areas. Secondary aerosols that cause multiple and complex groups of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, PM1) can be collected on dry deposition. In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) were employed to detect and define the magnitude of particulate matters on restaurants walls at coal mines due to weathering interactions. The low cost self-made passive sampler (SMPS) documented several minerals and amorphous phases. The results showed that most of the detected coal minerals exist in combined form as numerous complexes comprising significant elements (e.g., Al, C, Fe, K, Mg, S, and Ti), whereas others exist as amorphous or organic compounds. Based on the analytical approach, the study findings present a comprehensive understanding of existing potential hazardous elements in the nanoparticles and ultrafine particles from coal mining areas in Brazil. Full article
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21 pages, 4081 KiB  
Article
Distribution Pattern and Enrichment Mechanism of Selenium in Topsoil in Handan Se-Enriched Belt, North China
by Huidi Hao, Minmin Zhang, Jinxi Wang, Shuting Jiang, Juanjuan Ma, Yafan Hu, Hongya Niu, Balaji Panchal and Yuzhuang Sun
Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3183; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063183 - 08 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1781
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for human health with crucial biological functions. In this study, Se concentrations and physicochemical properties of soils in central and western Handan were determined to investigate their spatial distribution, enrichment degree, influencing factor, and geological source. [...] Read more.
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for human health with crucial biological functions. In this study, Se concentrations and physicochemical properties of soils in central and western Handan were determined to investigate their spatial distribution, enrichment degree, influencing factor, and geological source. The results show that: (1) Se concentrations vary from 0.00 to 1.95 μg/g, with an average of 0.45 μg/g, which exceed the mean of Se in soils in China (0.29 μg/g) and Hebei Plain (0.21 μg/g). (2) A continuous and irregular ring-like area showing significant enrichment of Se could be identified in Handan city, Yongnian District, Wu’an City, and Fengfeng Mining District. It can be defined as a positive abnormal Se zone, which is mainly located in the hilly area in the west of Handan City and east of Taihang Mountains, and the plains near Handan City. (3) Comprehensively, Se enrichment in the soil is principally affected by rock weathering, mining activities, and coal combustion. (4) As far as the single-factor pollution index (SFPI) is concerned, most of the study areas are in the safety domain and slightly polluted domain and are at low ecological risk. According to the Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI), the moderately and seriously polluted domain are distributed in Handan City, Fengfeng Mining District, and other central areas. Full article
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13 pages, 2040 KiB  
Article
Ultrasound-Assisted Demineralization Process of Sugarcane Straw and Its Influence on the Further Biomass Conversion
by Daniel Santos, Karen Giacobe, Carolina M. Silva, Loisleini F. Saldanha, Ayrton F. Martins, Erico M. M. Flores and Cezar A. Bizzi
Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010557 - 05 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2015
Abstract
Lignocellulosic materials have been considered as an alternative source from which liquid biofuel and fine chemicals can be produced with a moderate environmental impact. However, they can be contaminated with metals, soil, and ash, owing incrustation and corrosion of industrial reactors and pipelines. [...] Read more.
Lignocellulosic materials have been considered as an alternative source from which liquid biofuel and fine chemicals can be produced with a moderate environmental impact. However, they can be contaminated with metals, soil, and ash, owing incrustation and corrosion of industrial reactors and pipelines. In this work, the use of ultrasound energy was applied for the removal of metals and nonmetals (Ba, Ca, Mg, Mn, P, S, Si, and Sr) from sugarcane straw. Ultrasound-assisted demineralization (UAD) experiments were carried out in ultrasonic baths in several frequencies (from 25 up to 130 kHz). The following experimental conditions were evaluated: demineralization solution (HNO3, HCl, H2SO4, H2O2, and H2O), H2O2 concentration (from 5 to 30% v v−1), extraction temperature (from 30 to 70 °C), sonication time (from 5 to 45 min), and ultrasound amplitude (from 10 to 70%). Better demineralization efficiencies (66%) were obtained employing an ultrasound bath operating at 25 kHz for 30 min, ultrasound amplitude of 60%, and using a diluted H2O2 solution (15% v v−1) at 70 °C. When the obtained results were compared with those obtained by mechanical stirring (MS, 500 rpm), it was observed that the use of ultrasound energy increased the demineralization efficiency up to 16%. Furthermore, acid hydrolysis was performed to evaluate the influence of US and mechanical stirring in fermentable sugars’ production. The total sugars’ yield (glucose, xylose, and arabinose) increased around 55% for both systems (US and MS). To prove the applicability of the proposed process, some experiments for scaling up were performed using several reaction loads (0.5 to 3 L). An attempt for scaling the proposed process up was well succeeded up to a 3 L load. Therefore, the proposed ultrasound-assisted procedure can be considered as a suitable alternative for high-efficiency demineralization from sugarcane straw. Full article
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16 pages, 1757 KiB  
Article
Development of Green Methods for the Determination of Elemental Impurities in Commercial Pharmaceutical Tablets
by Vitoria Hagemann Cauduro, Alessandra Schneider Henn, Rochele Sogari Picoloto, Edson Irineu Muller, Marcia Foster Mesko and Erico Marlon Moraes Flores
Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010422 - 31 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1979
Abstract
In this study, two methods based on the use of diluted acids were developed: microwave-assisted wet digestion (MAWD) and microwave-assisted ultraviolet digestion (MAWD-UV). These methods are evaluated for the digestion of oral pharmaceutical drugs and further determination of elemental impurities from classes 1 [...] Read more.
In this study, two methods based on the use of diluted acids were developed: microwave-assisted wet digestion (MAWD) and microwave-assisted ultraviolet digestion (MAWD-UV). These methods are evaluated for the digestion of oral pharmaceutical drugs and further determination of elemental impurities from classes 1 (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) and 2A (Co, Ni and V) by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Commercial drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes are used. No prior comminution is performed. For MAWD, the optimized conditions were 2 mol L−1 or 3 mol L−1 HNO3, 1 mL of 50% H2O2 and a 45 min or 55 min irradiation program. For MAWD-UV, the condition using 1 mol L−1 HNO3, 1.6 mL of 50% H2O2 and a 55 min irradiation program enabled the digestion of all samples. In this way, efficient methods are proposed for the digestion of commercial pharmaceutical tablets for further determination of class 1 and 2A elemental impurities (ICH Q3D guidelines). Full article
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12 pages, 2459 KiB  
Article
Microwave-Assisted Solid Sampling Analysis Coupled to Flame Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for Cd and Pb Determination in Food-Contact Polymers
by Alessandra Schneider Henn, Angelica Chaiani Frohlich, Matheus Felipe Pedrotti, Vitoria Hagemann Cauduro, Marcos Leandro Silva Oliveira, Erico Marlon de Moraes Flores and Cezar Augusto Bizzi
Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010291 - 28 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1770
Abstract
Microwave-assisted solid sampling analysis coupled to flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (MW-SS-FF-AAS) was used for Cd and Pb determination in food-contact polymer samples, with the aim of minimizing reagents and laboratory waste. Operational parameters, such as the FF tube design, the oxygen flow [...] Read more.
Microwave-assisted solid sampling analysis coupled to flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (MW-SS-FF-AAS) was used for Cd and Pb determination in food-contact polymer samples, with the aim of minimizing reagents and laboratory waste. Operational parameters, such as the FF tube design, the oxygen flow rate, the flame stoichiometry, the sample mass, among others, were evaluated and optimized. Calibration was performed using only reference solutions, and the limits of quantification were 1.7 and 4.6 μg g−1 for Cd and Pb, respectively. Accuracy was assessed by the analysis of certified reference materials (CRMs), and by comparison with the results obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave-assisted wet digestion. The MW-SS-FF-AAS results for the CRMs showed no statistical difference with the certified values, and good agreement was observed with the results of the digestion method. The MW-SS-FF-AAS method was considered suitable for Cd and Pb determination in food-contact polymers. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in the analyzed samples varied from <1.7 to 628 μg g−1, and from <4.6 to 614 μg g−1, respectively. As sample digestion is not necessary, the use of concentrated acids can be avoided by using the proposed MW-SS-FF-AAS method, greatly reducing waste generation. Full article
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19 pages, 1732 KiB  
Article
Impact of Environmental Pollution in the Sustainability of Architectural Heritage: Case Study from Cartagena of India, Colombia
by Heidis Cano, John Fredy Ríos-Rojas, Joaquin Hernández-Fernández, Wilson Bernal Herrera, Mayka Bautista Betancur, Lorcy De La Hoz Vélez and Lidy Agámez González
Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010189 - 24 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3615
Abstract
Limited studies have been carried out in emerging nations on the correlation among the environmental pollution, economic factors, and architectural heritage. For this reason, this research presents an assessment of environmental parameter values on materials deterioration used in architectural heritage in Cartagena de [...] Read more.
Limited studies have been carried out in emerging nations on the correlation among the environmental pollution, economic factors, and architectural heritage. For this reason, this research presents an assessment of environmental parameter values on materials deterioration used in architectural heritage in Cartagena de Indias; furthermore, it depicts the effect of heritage degradation on socioeconomic aspects of people whose livelihood depends on trade, tourism, and service activities. Dose-response functions were used for estimating of deterioration of carbon steel, copper, and zinc caused by relative humidity (RH), temperature (T), sulphur dioxide deposition (DSO2), and chloride deposition (DCl). In addition, socioeconomic impact on architectural heritage was studied using a Socioeconomic Impact Survey (SEIS), with the sample of 174 individuals who work in areas of great architectural value in the city. The results show a corrosion rate (Vcorr) in the range of 80 < Vcorr < 200, 2.8 < Vcorr < 5.6 and 4.2 < Vcorr < 8.4 μm/year for carbon steel, copper, and zinc, respectively, due to the high level of pollutants. The high deterioration jointly with the lack of citizen culture affect the architectural heritage monuments causing a negative impact in several economic aspects. The establishment of public programs is essential for the conservation of the heritage monuments of the city. Full article
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10 pages, 6593 KiB  
Article
Indoor Nanoparticle Characterization in Construction Waste Recycling Companies over Time
by Diana Pinto, Alcindo Neckel, Guilherme L. Dotto and Bashir Adelodun
Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 14071; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132414071 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2355
Abstract
Building activity is a significant source of atmospheric contamination by ultrafine dust. Cognizant of this fact, those active in the use and recycling of construction materials must be aware of the risks associated with exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) and ultra-fine particles (UFPs), as [...] Read more.
Building activity is a significant source of atmospheric contamination by ultrafine dust. Cognizant of this fact, those active in the use and recycling of construction materials must be aware of the risks associated with exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) and ultra-fine particles (UFPs), as well as the associated health impacts. This work analyzed NPs and UFPs generated in a small building-material recycling company using high-resolution electron microscopes and X-ray Diffraction. A self-made passive sampler (LSPS) that can obtain particulate samples without physical and morphological changes, especially where there is a suspension of particulate material, was used in this study. A total of 96 particulate samples, using the LSPS for three months in four seasons, were collected during the study. Thus, the dry deposition of the particles, which are considered highly harmful to human health, was found in each of the four seasons of the year. It is suggested that for future research, the toxicological evaluations of the particulates in the construction industry should be investigated through the consideration of measures to control and mitigate the health risks of workers regarding exposure to NPs and UFPs. Full article
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15 pages, 5867 KiB  
Article
Ballistic Impact Resistance of UHPC Plates Made with Hybrid Fibers and Low Binder Content
by Paulo Rodrigo Dapper, Hinoel Zamis Ehrendring, Fernanda Pacheco, Roberto Christ, Giovanna Costella Menegussi, Maria Fernanda de Oliveira and Bernardo Fonseca Tutikian
Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13410; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313410 - 03 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1810
Abstract
This study assesses the ballistic impact strength of thin plates made of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with low cement content (250 kg/m3) and volumes of 80% steel and 20% polypropylene (PP) hybrid fibers. The plates were prepared with thicknesses of 30, 50, [...] Read more.
This study assesses the ballistic impact strength of thin plates made of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with low cement content (250 kg/m3) and volumes of 80% steel and 20% polypropylene (PP) hybrid fibers. The plates were prepared with thicknesses of 30, 50, and 70 mm and fiber volume ratios of 1.5% and 3.0%. Compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, residual strength, and ballistic impact strength were determined using experimental methods. Test results showed that regardless of fiber content, the UHPC specimens prepared with the hybrid fibers showed similar performance against ballistic impact, exerting relatively low impact energy below 1000 J. The UHPC3.0 mixture made with 3.0% hybrid fiber content exhibited the best performance in terms of energy absorption and spalling resistance at impact energy levels greater than 4000 J. Plate sections with thicknesses of 7 mm showed class III performance (highest level), as recommended for military-based applications. Full article
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Review

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13 pages, 994 KiB  
Review
Recovery of Degraded Areas through Technosols and Mineral Nanoparticles: A Review
by Janaína Oliveira Gonçalves, Carolina Moreno Fruto, Mauricio Jaraba Barranco, Marcos Leandro Silva Oliveira and Claudete Gindri Ramos
Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020993 - 17 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2715
Abstract
Anthropogenic sources such as urban and agricultural runoff, fossil fuel combustion, domestic and industrial wastewater effluents, and atmospheric deposition generate large volumes of nutrient-rich organic and inorganic waste. In their original state under subsurface conditions, they can be inert and thermodynamically stable, although [...] Read more.
Anthropogenic sources such as urban and agricultural runoff, fossil fuel combustion, domestic and industrial wastewater effluents, and atmospheric deposition generate large volumes of nutrient-rich organic and inorganic waste. In their original state under subsurface conditions, they can be inert and thermodynamically stable, although when some of their components are exposed to surface conditions, they undergo great physicochemical and mineralogical transformations, thereby mobilizing their constituents, which often end up contaminating the environment. These residues can be used in the production of technosols as agricultural inputs and the recovery of degraded areas. Technosol is defined as artificial soil made from organic and inorganic waste, capable of performing environmental and productive functions in a similar way to natural ones. This study presents results of international research on the use of technosol to increase soil fertility levels and recover degraded areas in some countries. The conclusions of the various studies served to expand the field of applicability of this line of research on technosols in contaminated spaces. The review indicated very promising results that support the sustainability of our ecosystem, and the improvement achieved with this procedure in soils is comparable to the hybridization and selection of plants that agriculture has performed for centuries to obtain better harvests. Thus, the use of a technosol presupposes a much faster recovery without the need for any other type of intervention. Full article
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Other

10 pages, 6087 KiB  
Case Report
Swell Conditions at Potential Sites for the Colombian Antarctic Research Station
by Serguei Lonin, Wilson A. Rios-Angulo and Jairo Coronado
Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2318; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042318 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1328
Abstract
The objective of this paper was to characterize swell conditions in the coastal zone of the South Shetland Islands, where our preliminary analyses evaluated potential locations for the Colombian scientific station. The Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) spectral model was implemented for the Bransfield [...] Read more.
The objective of this paper was to characterize swell conditions in the coastal zone of the South Shetland Islands, where our preliminary analyses evaluated potential locations for the Colombian scientific station. The Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) spectral model was implemented for the Bransfield Strait. The boundary conditions were selected by a cluster analysis of the wave climate from global hindcasting obtained with the WAVEWATCH III model. Some comparisons between the model and wavemeter measurements were made. The results demonstrated that optimal sea state conditions for the scientific base are present in the South Bay, Livingston Island. Full article
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