Composite materials with different contents of silicon-modified pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), calcined oyster shell powder (OSP), and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) were successfully prepared. Moreover, the flexural performance of the composite materials containing calcined oxazoline (OSP) was obviously enhanced. The addition of silicon-modified PALF contributed to the improvement of the material's thermal stability and affected its water absorption performance. Significant degradation differences were observed in PALF composite materials modified with glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (Glymo) and PBS when adding calcined OSP. Formulations containing calcined OSP and epoxy-type silicon-modified PALF showed better adhesion to the PBS substrate, thereby exhibiting good flexural performance. The flexural strength of the formulation increased by 47% compared to pure PBS. This research accentuates the differences between epoxy-type silicon-modified PALF and PBS when integrated with calcined OSP. Biodegradation experiments demonstrated a notable 38.32% degradation after 105 days of the soil burial period. Furthermore, the study investigated the potential for manufacturing products, including tableware, storage boxes, and bowls, using injection molding techniques.

In this study, novel block copolymers consisting of poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) and poly(amino acid)s were synthesized, and their thermal and mechanical properties and biodegradability characteristics were investigated. Various types of poly(amino acid) units were successfully introduced using N-phenyloxycarbonyl amino acids (NPCs). The reactions between the terminally aminated PES and the NPCs were conducted by heating in N,N-dimethylacetamide at 65 degrees C. Structural analyses of the obtained polymers confirmed that the reaction with the NPCs proceeded from both ends of the terminally aminated PES. The results of material property measurements demonstrated that the melting point of the block copolymer containing poly(alanine) units increased beyond 200 degrees C while that of the original PES was similar to 100 degrees C. Additionally, its strain at break increased similar to 80-fold compared to that of PES with a similar molecular weight. The results of biodegradability tests using a soil suspension as an inoculum indicated that some of the block copolymers underwent biodegradation, and a correlation was observed between the biodegradability and the type and feed amount of NPC. Therefore, it was proposed that the degree, rate, and onset time of biodegradation could be controlled by altering the type and amount of incorporated poly(amino acid) units. This research may contribute to the optimal and facile synthesis of polyester-b-poly(amino acid) copolymers and to the expansion of the range of available biodegradable materials.

(1) Background: Plastic contamination is on the rise, despite ongoing research focused on alternatives such as bioplastics. However, most bioplastics require specific conditions to biodegrade. A promising alternative involves using microorganisms isolated from landfill soils that have demonstrated the ability to degrade plastic materials. (2) Methods: Soil samples were collected, and bacteria were isolated, characterized, and molecularly identified. Their degradative capacity was evaluated using the zone of clearing method, while their qualitative and structural degradative activity was assessed in a liquid medium on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) films prepared by the cast method. (3) Results: Three strains-Bacillus cereus CHU4R, Acinetobacter baumannii YUCAN, and Pseudomonas otitidis YUC44-were selected. These strains exhibited the ability to cause severe damage to the microscopic surface of the films, attack the ester bonds within the PBS structure, and degrade lower-weight PBS molecules during the process. (4) Conclusions: this study represents the first report of strains isolated in Yucat & aacute;n with plastic degradation activity. The microorganisms demonstrated the capacity to degrade PBS films by causing surface and structural damage at the molecular level. These findings suggest that the strains could be applied as an alternative in plastic biodegradation.

For maintenance and water saving reasons artificial or semi-artificial (hybrid) turfs have worldwide replaced natural turfs in many football-, soccer- and hockey stadiums. For obvious sustainability reasons the polymers which replace or reinforce the natural grass should be degradable, but still maintain specific mechanical properties over a certain period of time. This study intends to design and validate a poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) which fulfils these requirements. We investigated the dependency of PBS hydrolysis on molecular mass and temperature in order to develop a kinetic model for abiotic hydrolysis, which is the limiting step in PBS biodegradation. The hydrolysis rates were found to be temperature dependent according to the Arrhenius relationship k = A * exp(- EA R*T). A molecular mass dependency of the pre-exponential factor A was established and could befitted well by a linear equation without intercept for higher molecular weights. A polynomial approach led to a better fit for the whole molecular weight range. Both models have been validated on a degradation experiment in soil and were able to predict the molecular mass degradation within the typical standard deviations by size exclusion chromatography. Furthermore, we used the models to simulate the degradation of PBS samples in soil on available long-term soil temperature data. Previously published data on the relationship between molecular weight and mechanical properties were used to forecast the loss of functionality. This prediction was then compared to traction tests of aged PBS filaments used as fibre reinforcement of football hybrid turfs. The measurements match the predictions and show that a hybrid turf system with PBS fibres can be played on for at least 5.2 years before the fibres lose their mechanical properties.

Ascorbic acid (ASC) is a molecule naturally synthesized in plant cells, protecting against abiotic stresses by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative damage. Aluminum (Al) toxicity is the major limiting factor on crop productivity in acidic soils, increasing ROS within cells and impairing the growth and development of plants. Exogenous antioxidant applications are an effective strategy to promote tolerance to abiotic stress. The objective was to evaluate the effect of foliar ASC applications (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg L-1 ASC) and their interaction with Al toxicity (0, 400 mu M Al) in Star, an Al-sensitive cultivar of highbush blueberry. Significant increases of 1.6-fold in growth were observed in roots and leaves under treatment with 200 mg L-1 ASC. In the same treatment, increased pigments and antioxidant activity (similar to 1.2- to 2.3-fold) were observed concomitant with reduced lipid peroxidation. Positive correlations between organic acid exudation, the ASC/DHA ratio, and calcium levels were observed, whereas a negative correlation between lipid peroxidation and dehydroascorbate (DHA) was observed. Foliar ASC application also increased the ASC/DHA ratio in leaves and enhanced 2.2-fold organic acid exudation in the 200 mg L-1 ASC treatment. The results suggest that foliar ASC applications improved redox balance and underscore the potential of ASC as a practical solution to enhance resilience in Al-sensitive plants.

Alkaline salts have more severe adverse effects on plant growth and development than neutral salts do. However, the adaptive mechanisms of plants to alkaline salt stress remain poorly understood, especially at the molecular level. The Songnen Plain in northeast China is composed of typical 'soda' saline-alkali soil, with NaHCO3 and Na2CO3 as the predominant alkaline salts (pH >= 9.2). Leymus chinensis can grow on this saline-alkali land, showing strong adaptability. We investigated the role of succinic acid and genes regulating its synthesis in the response to alkaline salt stress in L. chinensis roots. Compared to the neutral salt (NaCl) and high pH treatments, the alkaline salt (NaHCO3 and Na2CO3) treatment specifically caused changes in 11 organic acids, of which the increase in succinic acid was the greatest. The exogenous addition of succinic acid alleviates the damage of alkaline salt to L. chinensis roots. Further, two genes encoding succinyl-coenzyme A ligase (SUCLA) subunits that regulate succinic acid synthesis, LcSUCLA alpha and LcSUCLA(3, were identified; these genes interact and were localized within mitochondria. Overexpression of LcSUCLA alpha and LcSUCLA beta caused an increase in succinic acid and enhanced tolerance of NaHCO3 in transgenic rice seedlings. These results suggest that LcSUCLA alpha and LcSUCLA(3 may be involved in the response to alkaline salt stress through the regulation of succinic acid synthesis.

Background . The paper is devoted to the analysis of vertical displacements based on remote sensing data as an identifier of hazardous engineering-geological processes in areas with underground infrastructure. The study was carried out on the example of the of the tunnel between Demiivska and Lybidska stations of the Kyiv subway. In December 2023, processes of uneven compaction and vibration creep of the soil massif around the tunnel lining were detected, and there was a risk of loss of stability of the tunnel structures and an emergency. Methods . This study employs the Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (D-InSAR) method which allows monitoring of soil surface deformations through phase change analysis among radar images. The correction procedures were applied to mitigate noise in processed images caused by temporal and geometric decorrelation, atmospheric disturbances, and other noise interferences. Correction and filtering method, specifically Canny and Sobel linear filters, were used to improve accuracy. Their application to processed satellite images enhances the contours of recorded vertical displacements and reduces geometric distortion noise, preserving the structural integrity of the images. According to our calculations, effective anomaly detection in images of urbanized areas requires a minimum threshold of 25 % in image contrast and clarity. The filters' application for highlighting significant intensity changes achieved a 28 % increase in clarity, indicating high processing effectiveness for further analysis of displacement maps and other parameters related to vertical shifts. Results . Abnormal zones of vertical displacements were identified within the study area based on vertical displacement data. During the 2022-2023 observation period, these zones shifted toward the metro tunnel axis. Vertical displacements directly above the area of subsidence near the 'Rozetka' store were detected during the fifth observation period, October-December 2023, coinciding with the tunnel closure for repairs. Overall, displacement values shifted from negative in 2022 to positive in 2023, suggesting that displacements may have served as an early indicator of underground structure deformation activation. The use of filters allowed for more precise identification of displacement dynamics and localization of deformation zones throughout the observation periods. In the final period, the anomalous zone aligned with the location of tunnel deformations and recorded surface subsidence. Conclusions . Using the example of the distillation tunnel section, we demonstrate the possibility of using the analysis of vertical surface displacements performed by D-InSAR together with a combination of Kenny and Sobel filters to track vertical surface displacements, which is important for monitoring the condition of underground facilities and preventing possible accidents. This study lays the foundation for further development of methodological approaches to the analysis of potential deformations of underground structures based on surface dynamics (vertical displacements). Further improvement of the methodology will help to ensure the accuracy and reliability of data in the context of monitoring underground structures.

Soil Moisture (SM) is a key parameter in northern Arctic and sub-Arctic (A-SA) environments that are highly vulnerable to climate change. We evaluated six SM satellite passive microwave datasets using thirteen ground-based SM stations across Northwestern America. The best agreement was obtained with SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) products with the lowest RMSD (Root Mean Square Difference) (0.07 m$3$3 m${-3}$-3) and the highest R (0.55). ESA CCI (European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative) also performed well in terms of correlation with a similar R (0.55) but showed a strong variation among sites. Weak results were obtained over sites with high water body fractions. This study also details and evaluates a dedicated retrieval of SM from SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) brightness temperatures based on the $\tau -\omega$tau-omega model. Two soil dielectric models (Mironov and Bircher) and a dedicated soil roughness and single scattering albedo parameterization were tested. Water body correction in the retrieval shows limited improvement. The metrics of our retrievals (RMSD = 0.08 m$3$3 m${-3}$-3 and R = 0.41) are better than SMOS but outperformed by SMAP. Passive microwave satellite remote sensing is suitable for SM retrieval in the A-SA region, but a dedicated approach should be considered.

Vegetation barriers are an important environmental characteristic of spent fuel road transportation accidents. Spent fuel vessels may be affected by force majeure factors during transportation, which leads to damage to spent fuel assemblies and containers and can cause radionuclides to gradually release from assemblies to vessels to the external environment. In this work, considering the growth periods of coniferous vegetation barriers and vessel type, a radionuclide dispersion model based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was established by adding a decay term and a pressure loss term. The simulations showed that, first, compared to the small (Type-II) vessel, the effects of fluid flow around the large vessel (Type-I) have a more significant impact on radionuclide dispersion. The backflow around the Type-I vessel causes leaked radionuclides to disperse towards the vessel, and the larger the vessel is, the more significant the rise of the leaked radionuclide plume tail will be due to the increased negative pressure gradient area. Moreover, the area contaminated exceeding the maximum allowable concentration by radioactivity for the Type-I vessel is reduced gradually with the growth of coniferous vegetation barriers due to the weakening of the backflow effect by growing vegetation. Second, compared to vegetation barriers of 15 years and 23 years, the horizontal distance exceeding the maximum allowable concentration of the leaked I-131 dispersion from Type II vessels near vegetation barriers for 12 years is the longest. The older the vegetation barrier is, the shorter the horizontal dispersion range, and the shape of radionuclide dispersion gradually transforms from flat to semicircular with vegetation barrier growth, but this could cause a greater radioactive accumulation effect near the leakage point, and the maximum concentration of leaked I-131 reached 0.54 kBq center dot m(-3) for leaked radionuclides from the Type II vessel under vegetation barriers of 23 years. In addition, improvement suggestions based on the proposed method are presented, which will enable the Standards Institutes to apply the research methodologies described herein across various scenarios. Environmental Implication: Compared to nonradioative pollutants, radioactive pollutants are intercepted by vegetation barriers and then migrate to the soil through leaves, stems, and roots, which can contaminate the surrounding environment. Considering the effects of vessel type and coniferous vegetation growth, a radionuclide dispersion model based on CFD was established. Suggestions for decontaminating radioactive pollution areas have been proposed based on the simulation results of hypothetical scenarios. The scenario applicability improvements based on the proposed model could assist relevant Standards Institutes to making improving measures.

Biodegradable polyesters are excellent candidates for sustainable packaging and mulch films. Poly(butylene succinate terephthalate) (PBST) and poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) possess excellent barrier properties and specific mechanical properties. Herein, reactive melt-blending of PGA and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) using a multifunctional epoxy oligomer (ADR) and diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) was conducted to improve their mechanical performance and processability. With increasing content of the compatibilizer, the cross-sectional microstructure showed a decreased phase size and blurred interface, which effectively improved the interfacial adhesion and compatibility. Compared to PBST/PGA blend films without compatibilizers, the tensile strength increased from 32.8 to 39.4 or 47.2 MPa after addition of 0.1 ADR or 0.5 MDI. The tear strength increased from 146.2 to 162.1 or 174.1 N/mm. Meanwhile, the compatibilized PBST/PGA films showed stable barrier properties and maintained their mechanical properties when subjected to an ultraviolet light accelerated aging test. Finally, a field trial was carried out using the blown PBST/PGA mulch films spanning nearly four months to assess their processability for practical application. Thus, this work promotes a sustainable PBST/PGA film with excellent strength and barrier properties, made via a reactive melt-blending method, that shows great potential as an agricultural mulch film.