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Effects of pH and palmitic acid on the organization and stability of lutein in the phosphatidylcholine membranes – Spectroscopic studies
Badania nad procesem wytwarzania cementów zawierających odpady z energetyki słonecznej i wiatrowej
From Waste to Renewables: Challenges and Opportunities in Recycling Glass Fibre Composite Products from Wind Turbine Blades for Sustainable Cement Production
The progress of civilization, driven significantly by the widespread adoption of electricity, has impacted various aspects of life, from household operations to industrial activities. Consequently, there has been a notable increase in waste production across different sectors of the economy. Among used materials, composite products reinforced with glass fibres stand out due to their prevalent use in numerous industries. While offering strength and durability, they pose disposal challenges due to their complex composition, making recycling difficult and contributing to waste accumulation in landfills or to environmental contamination. Industrialised nations wrestle with balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability, aiming to reduce the ecological footprint of industrial activities. Efforts to promote recycling, develop alternative materials, and improve waste management practices are crucial for mitigating the environmental impact of civilisation’s progress. This article presents methods of disposing of post-operation wind turbine blades, focusing on recycling glass and glass fibre as secondary raw materials. We discuss technological, normative, and economic challenges and emphasise the need for ongoing research and innovation in waste management practices. We examine the use of glass and glass fibres in cement production and advocate for sustainable principles in the renewable energy industry, aligning industrial endeavours with ecological sustainability for a greener future.
Neural Modelling in the Study of the Relationship between Herd Structure, Amount of Manure and Slurry Produced, and Location of Herds in Poland
In the presented study, data regarding the size and structure of cattle herds in voivodeships in Poland in 2019 were analysed and modelled using artificial neural networks (ANNs). The neural modelling approach was employed to identify the relationship between herd structure, biogas production from manure and slurry, and the geographical location of herds by voivodeship. The voivodeships were categorised into four groups based on their location within Poland: central, southern, eastern, and western. In each of the analysed groups, a three-layer MLP (multilayer perceptron) with a single hidden layer was found to be the optimal network structure. A sensitivity analysis of the generated models for herd structure and location within the eastern group of voivodeships revealed significant contributions from dairy cows, heifers (both 6–12 and 12–18 months old), calves, and bulls aged 12–24 months. For the western voivodeships, the analysis indicated that only dairy cows and herd location made significant contributions. The optimal models exhibited similar values of RMS errors for the training, testing, and validation datasets. The model characterising biogas production from manure in southern voivodeships demonstrated the smallest RMS error, while the model for biogas from manure in the eastern region, as well as the model for slurry in central parts of Poland, yielded the highest RMS errors. The generated ANN models exhibited a high level of accuracy, with a fitting quality of approximately 99% for correctly predicting values. Comparable results were obtained for both manure and slurry in terms of biogas production across all location groups.
Interactions between surface properties of pristine coals and the intrinsic microbial communities involved in methane formation
The Effect of Biological Corrosion on the Hydration Processes of Synthetic Tricalcium Aluminate (C3A)
This paper presents a study related to the biological degradation of a tricalcium aluminate (C3A) phase treated with reactive media from the agricultural industry. During one month of setting and hardening, synthetic C3A was subjected to corrosion in corn silage, pig slurry and chicken manure. The hardening process of the C3A phase in water was used as a reference sample. The phase composition and microstructure of the hydrating tricalcium aluminate slurries were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (DTA/TG/DTG/EGA), scanning microscopy (SEM, EDS) and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In the samples studied, it was observed that the qualitative and quantitative phase composition of the synthetic tricalcium aluminate preparations changed depending on the corrosion exposure conditions. The main crystalline phases formed by the hydration of the examined samples in water as well as in corrosive media were the catoite (Ca3Al2(OH)12) and hydrocalumite (Ca2Al(OH)7·3H2O) phases. Detailed analysis showed the occurrence of secondary crystallisation in hydrating samples and the phases were mainly calcium carbonates (CaCO3) with different crystallite sizes. In the phase composition of the C3A pastes, varying amounts of aluminium hydroxides (Al(OH)3) were also present. The crystalline phases formed as a result of secondary crystallisation represented biological corrosion products, probably resulting from the reaction of hydrates with secondary products resulting from the metabolic processes of anaerobic bacterial respiration (from living matter) associated with the presence of bacteria in the reaction medium. The results obtained contribute towards the development of fast-acting and bio-corrosion-resistant special cements for use in bioenergetics.
Recykling komponentów OZE w technologii cementu: Potencjał materiałów z paneli fotowoltaicznych i łopat turbin wiatrowych
Efficient Management of Asbestos Waste Through Utilization as Mineral Additives in Portland Cement Production
This article presents research on the effectiveness of utilizing asbestos waste, particularly chrysotile asbestos, in the production of Portland cement. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of transforming asbestos cement (Eternit) through thermal treatment and its enrichment with mineral additives, enabling its integration into the clinker synthesis process. Differences in the physicochemical properties of types of cement produced from conventional raw materials and those manufactured using asbestos waste were analyzed. The research findings indicate that the presence of asbestos in cementitious materials leads to a significant mass loss of 29.4% due to thermal decomposition. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) at levels of 4.10% and 3.54%, respectively, suggesting the formation of brownmillerite, a phase typical of cement clinker. Furthermore, compressive strength tests on asbestos-modified cements demonstrated comparable mechanical properties to reference cement (CEM I), indicating their potential applicability in construction. This study provides essential insights into the mineralogical composition of asbestos cement, which is crucial for developing effective methods for its safe disposal. It represents a significant step toward sustainable asbestos waste management and the promotion of innovative solutions in the construction industry.
EU Court of Justice rules that NGOs have the right to challenge forest management plans through the courts in Poland
Concentration of metals and metalloids in livers of birds of various foraging guilds collected during the autumn migration period in Poland
Neural Modelling in the Exploration of the Biomethane Potential from Cattle Manure: A Case Study on Herds Structure from Wielkopolskie, Podlaskie, and Mazowieckie Voivodeships in Poland
In the presented study, data on the size and structure of cattle herds in Wielkopolskie, Podlaskie, and Mazowieckie voivodeships in 2019 were analyzed and subjected to modelling with the use of artificial intelligence, namely artificial neural networks (ANNs). The potential amount of biogas (m3) from cattle manure and slurry for the analyzed provinces was as follows: for the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, 800,654,186 m3; for the Podlaskie voivodeship, 662,655,274 m3; and for the Wielkopolskie voivodeship, 657,571,373 m3. Neural modelling was applied to find the relationship between the structure of the herds and the amount of generated slurry and manure (biomethane potential), as well as to indicate the most important animal types participating in biogas production. In each of the analyzed cases, the three-layer MLP perceptron with a single hidden layer proved to be the most optimal network structure. Sensitivity analysis of the generated models concerning herd structure showed a significant contribution of dairy cows to the methanogenic potential for both slurry and manure. The amount of slurry produced in the Mazowieckie and Wielkopolskie voivodeships was influenced in turn by heifers (both 6–12 and 12–18 months old) and bulls 12–24 months old, and in the Podlaskie voivodeship by calves and heifers 6–12 months old. As for manure, in addition to cows, bulls 12–24 months old and heifers 12–18 represented the main factor for Mazowieckie and Wielkopolskie voivodeships, and heifers (both 6–12 and 12–18 months old) for Podlaskie voivodeship.
Synthesis and Investigation of the Hydration Degree of CA2 Phase Modified with Boron and Fluorine Compounds
This study investigated the effect of fluoride and boron compound additives on the synthesis and hydration process of calcium aluminate (CA2). The analysis showed that the temperature of the full synthesis of CA2 without mineralizing additives was 1500 °C. However, the addition of fluorine and boron compounds at 1% and 3% significantly reduced the synthesis temperature to a range of 1100–1300 °C. The addition of fluoride compounds did not result in the formation of fluoride compounds from CaO and Al2O3, except for the calcium borate phase (Ca3(BO3)2) under certain conditions. In addition, the cellular parameters of the synthesized calcium aluminate phases were not affected by the use of these additives. Hydration studies showed that fluoride additives accelerate the hydration process, potentially improving mechanical properties, while boron additives slow down the reaction with water. These results highlight the relevance of fluoride and boron additives to the synthesis process and hydration kinetics of calcium aluminate, suggesting the need for further research to optimize their application in practice. TG studies confirmed the presence of convergence with respect to X-ray determinations made. SEM, EDS and elemental concentration maps confirmed the presence of a higher Al/Ca ratio in the samples and also showed the presence of hexagonal and regular hydration products.
Changes in the Phase Composition of Calcium Aluminoferrites Based on the Synthesis Condition and Al2O3/Fe2O3 Molar Ratio
The presented work concerns the study of the changes in the phase composition of calcium aluminoferrites which depend on the synthesis conditions and the selection of the Al2O3/Fe2O3 molar ratio (A/F). The A/F molar ratio extends beyond the limiting composition of C6A2F (6CaO·2Al2O3·Fe2O) towards phases richer in Al2O3. An increase in the A/F ratio above unity favours the formation of other crystalline phases such as C12A7 and C3A, in addition to calcium aluminoferrite. Slow cooling of melts characterised by an A/F ratio below 0.58, results in the formation of a single calcium aluminoferrite phase. Above this ratio, the presence of varying contents of C12A7 and C3A phases was found. The process of rapid cooling of the melts with an A/F molar ratio approaching the value of four favours the formation of a single phase with variable chemical composition. Generally, an increase in the A/F ratio above the value of four generates the formation of a calcium aluminoferrite amorphous phase. The rapidly cooled samples with compositions of C22.19A10.94F and C14.61A6.29F were fully amorphous. Additionally, this study shows that as the A/F molar ratio of the melts decreases, the elemental cell volume of the calcium aluminoferrites decreases.
Chemical composition of Lavatera thuringiaca L. biomass ash after pre-sowing stimulation of seeds with He–Ne laser light
AbstractThe article presents the effect of pre-sowing Lavatera thuringiaca L. seeds stimulation with He–Ne laser light on the chemical composition (P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn content) of ash obtained after combustion of shoots of different ages. Results varied, but it was confirmed that pre-sowing exposure of seeds to this physical factor for 10-min has the most pronounced effect on K, Cu and Mn content increase (6%, 20%, 31% increase respectively) in the ash after the first year of vegetation as well as on Cu, K and Zn content increase (9%, 19%, 22% increase respectively) after the second year of vegetation. However, 30-min stimulation significantly increases Ca (8%), Mn (20%) and Fe (72%) content in ash after the second year as well as results in ash richer in Ca (22%), P (48%), K (70%) and Zn (95%) after the third year of Lavatera vegetation. The pre-sowing application of He–Ne laser light depending on the time of stimulation can intensify the content of preferable macro- and microelement groups in Lavatera ash, in respective cultivation years. It can be an innovative method of biomass ash enhancement and its more effective use in agriculture as commercial fertilizers substitute.
Neural Modelling from the Perspective of Selected Statistical Methods on Examples of Agricultural Applications
Modelling plays an important role in identifying and solving problems that arise in a number of scientific issues including agriculture. Research in the natural environment is often costly, labour demanding, and, in some cases, impossible to carry out. Hence, there is a need to create and use specific “substitutes” for originals, known in a broad sense as models. Owing to the dynamic development of computer techniques, simulation models, in the form of information technology (IT) systems that support cognitive processes (of various types), are acquiring significant importance. Models primarily serve to provide a better understanding of studied empirical systems, and for efficient design of new systems as well as their rapid (and also inexpensive) improvement. Empirical mathematical models that are based on artificial neural networks and mathematical statistical methods have many similarities. In practice, scientific methodologies all use different terminology, which is mainly due to historical factors. Unfortunately, this distorts an overview of their mutual correlations, and therefore, fundamentally hinders an adequate comparative analysis of the methods. Using neural modelling terminology, statisticians are primarily concerned with the process of generalisation that involves analysing previously acquired noisy empirical data. Indeed, the objects of analyses, whether statistical or neural, are generally the results of experiments that, by their nature, are subject to various types of errors, including measurement errors. In this overview, we identify and highlight areas of correlation and interfacing between several selected neural network models and relevant, commonly used statistical methods that are frequently applied in agriculture. Examples are provided on the assessment of the quality of plant and animal production, pest risks, and the quality of agricultural environments.
Sustainable Management of Photovoltaic Waste Through Recycling and Material Use in the Construction Industry
The rapid expansion of photovoltaic (PV) technology as a source of renewable energy has resulted in a significant increase in PV panel waste, creating environmental and economic challenges. A promising strategy to address these challenges is the reuse of glass waste from decommissioned PV panels as a component of cementitious materials. This review explores the potential of integrating glass waste from PV panels into cementitious materials, focusing on its impact on their mechanical, thermal, and durability properties. This analysis includes various methods of processing PV glass waste, such as crushing and grinding, to obtain the desired particle size for cementitious applications. It goes on to analyze how advances in cementitious materials can facilitate the incorporation of PV glass waste, helping to improve properties such as compressive strength, workability, and setting time. In addition, this review makes a detailed analysis of the long-term sustainability and environmental benefits of PV glass waste, highlighting its potential to reduce the carbon footprint of cementitious materials. Incorporating PV glass waste can improve certain properties of cementitious materials, resulting in increased durability and improved thermal insulation, while contributing to waste reduction and resource conservation. This review highlights the importance of developing standardized recycling methods and integration processes and identifies areas for further research to optimize the use of PV glass waste in cement formulations. Ultimately, the sustainable integration of PV glass panel waste into cementitious materials is a viable approach to promote green building practices and support a circular economy in the construction industry.
Factors affecting the concentration of metals and metalloids in the kidneys of a top predator, the Eurasian Buzzard (Buteo buteo) wintering in farmland in Poland
AbstractDuring late autumn and winter, raptors in the western Palearctic face challenges due to food scarcity and dropping temperatures. That time they can be exposed to various elements including toxic ones ingested with food. Kidney samples from 22 females and 19 males of a medium-sized raptor, the Common Buzzard Buteo buteo found dead in farmland of Eastern Poland in winter were analyzed for a concentration of 21 elements. Elemental concentrations were analyzed regarding the age and sex of birds. Results revealed that only 4.9% of individuals had kidney lead levels exceeding 8.0 mg, while 9.8% showed cadmium levels above 8.0 mg/kg, indicating potential poisoning. The study also highlighted the limited entry of arsenic into agricultural ecosystems exploited by Common Buzzards. Sex differences were noted, with females accumulating more lead and vanadium than males which can be associated with foraging niche partitioning between sexes driven by body size dimorphism. Sulfur showed complex interactions with cadmium, mercury, and zinc, with a positive correlation between sulfur and zinc levels in the kidneys, emphasizing dietary needs during food scarcity. A positive correlation was found between zinc and lead concentrations, indicating zinc’s role in mitigating lead’s impact. The study also revealed positive correlations between selenium and highly toxic elements like mercury (Spearman correlation, rs = 0.41) and cadmium (rs = 0.51), suggesting a mitigating effect of selenium on exposure to heavy metals. This study enhances understanding of year-round environmental contamination exposure for raptors and sheds light on bioaccumulation in a top predator.
