Abstract: Photocatalysis is a highly efficient method for degrading organic pollutants through reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we developed an eco-friendly photocatalyst using a dipcoating technique to immobilize nitrogen-doped TiO₂ (N-TiO₂) on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This 5 g/L N-TiO₂-coated PMMA demonstrated an impressive transmittance of 92%, surpassing previous methods that utilized sprinkling. Under visible light irradiation, this photocatalyst efficiently disinfected bacterial pathogens. At a visible light intensity of 0.54 mW/m², the 5 g/L N-TiO₂-coated PMMA it achieved complete inactivation (5-log reduction) of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) within 24 hours. This underscores the effectiveness of our photocatalyst for indoor environmental disinfection. The immobilized N-TiO₂ on PMMA showed higher disinfection efficiency compared to N-TiO₂ in suspension, which can be attributed to the increased ROS generation and improved contact between the photocatalyst and bacterial cells. The 24-hour disinfection efficiency was influenced by the dose of the photocatalyst coating solution and the visible light intensity, as modeled by the modified Hom model. Additionally, reusability experiments indicated that the N-TiO₂-coated PMMA maintained a 99.99% disinfection rate against S. aureus even after five cycles of photo-oxidation, suggesting its potential for long-term and sustainable disinfection applications. Atomic force microscopy revealed changes in the biophysical properties of inactivated bacterial cells, such as alterations in height and surface roughness due to photooxidation. In conclusion, the eco-friendly N-TiO₂-coated PMMA developed using the dip-coating method is an effective and economical solution for indoor pathogen control under visible light. This photocatalyst shows excellent promise for various indoor disinfection applications, including use in hospitals, schools, and other public spaces.

Abstract: Microplastic pollution is pervasive, reaching even the most remote regions of the Earth. However, data on microplastic deposition in deserts, which cover 21% of the global land area, are scarce. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding microplastic distribution in Asian deserts, focusing on the Badain Jaran Desert, the second largest desert in China. We examined microplastic distribution and deposition on the dunes and lakes of this desert. Microplastics were extracted from surface sediments and analyzed for their characteristics and polymer types using microscopic inspection and μ-FTIR. The abundance of microplastics (with a detection limit of approximately 40 μm) in the uninhabited area ranged from 0.7 ± 1.5 to 11.7 ± 15.5 items/kg, averaging 6.0 ± 15.4 items/kg. Fragments and fibers constituted 77% and 23% of the total microplastics, respectively. The primary polymer components identified were epoxy resin (28%), polyethylene terephthalate (25%), phenoxy resin (25%), and polyamide (9%), with sizes predominantly between 50–200 μm. Back-trajectory modeling suggested that the microplastics originated mainly from populated areas southeast of the desert, indicating long-distance atmospheric transport and deposition. The desert-edge zone, which experiences some tourism, had higher microplastic concentrations (8.2 ± 17.9 items/kg) compared to the non-tourism zone (0.9 ± 1.6 items/kg), suggesting a potential contribution from tourism activities. The microplastic abundance in the non-tourism zone (0.9 items/kg) serves as a reference for background levels in Central Asian deserts, a crucial parameter for simulating and predicting global microplastic yields.

Abstract: During the calendar year 2023 alone, the volume of Tomato production in India was estimated to have amounted to over 20 million metric tons. However, in India, due to a lack of proper storage and transportation facilities, about 20-40% of tomatoes are wasted (Statista Inc. Aug 24, 2023). Similarly India's flower production was estimated to amount to nearly 3 million metric tons in the year 2023. Here also the wastage was around 30-40% (Statista Inc. Aug 24, 2023) due to the same reasons. This research work aims to preserve and extend the shelf life of farm produce like Tomato, flowers, vegetables and other perishables when they are abundant but market price is lower. To achieve this, a Hybrid cold storage is built in the farm itself by running a Solar operated DC Inverter Vapour Compression Refrigeration system inside the red brick-sand structure which reduces the heat load on the storage unit by Evaporative cooling. As air in tropical regions are of lesser in humidity, the air flowing over the brick and sand structure continuously carry away the water vapour from the surface of the brick wall, which is permeable to water, which in return is poured periodically from the top of the wall gaps to achieve the optimum DBT and RH in the storage space. To achieve maximum permeability and hence the evaporation rate the gap between the inner and outer brick walls are filled with coarse river sand of permeability 1- 0.1×10^-3ms^-1. Generally, the ripened tomatoes can be stored in this type of cold storage for up to 2 to3 weeks at a temperature of 12°C- 16°C with a relative humidity of 85-90%. This results in significant reduction of wastage and also remunerative prices for farmers, when the market price is better. Thereby we can save about 9000 million Indian Rupees (112.5 million USD) per year as of 2023 Statistics when we take average Tomato price Rupees. 15.00 / kg results in significant saving of 0.01 % on India’s GDP( 1720 Lakh millions Rupees as of 2023-2024, National Statistical Office (NSO, India,12-04-2024).

Abstract: This paper explores the dynamics between nuclear plants, political parties, and anti-nuclear movements in Taiwan. By analyzing the development of anti-nuclear movements in Taiwan, this research highlights the complex role of political parties in the anti-nuclear movements. The environmental impact of nuclear power plants is a multifaceted issue that involves considerations ranging from emissions to waste management and potential accidents. Consequently, politics plays a significant role in shaping the environmental impact of nuclear power. The politicization of anti-nuclear energy in Taiwan is a complex and multifaceted issue. Taiwan has experienced significant debate and division over the role of nuclear energy in its overall energy strategy. One major factor contributing to the resurgence of anti-nuclear power in Taiwan is the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011. This event heightened public concerns about the safety of nuclear power, leading to increased opposition to nuclear energy and calls for its phase-out. Furthermore, Taiwan's unique political landscape, with its own domestic and international pressures, has also contributed to the politicization of this issue. In recent years, the Taiwanese government has navigated this complex landscape by outlining plans to gradually reduce its reliance on nuclear power while increasing investments in renewable energy sources. However, the issue remains politically charged and continues to be a subject of ongoing debate and activism. Overall, the politicization of anti-nuclear energy in Taiwan reflects larger societal concerns about environmental safety, energy independence, and the balance between economic development and sustainable practices.

Abstract: Sewage sludge is a promising resource for the recovery of phosphorus (P), an essential nutrient for agricultural production but with finite phosphate rock reserves. To select the optimal P recovery practice, it is imperative to understand the detailed P speciation in sewage sludge. In this study, advanced liquid- and solid-state NMR spectroscopy were used in combination with conventional analytical techniques (e.g., powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and sequential P extraction) to elucidate the P speciation in the sludge throughout three municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Liquid-state ³¹P NMR analysis showed that organophosphate (organic-P, 37-45%) and inorganic orthophosphate (ortho-P, 53-61%) dominated in the primary sludge; a significant amount of polyphosphate (poly-P, 23-44%) was formed in the secondary sludge due to the function of poly-P accumulating organisms (PAOs). After anaerobic digestion, inorganic ortho-P became the dominant P species (90-95%) in the sludge since most poly-P and organic-P were hydrolysed. This variation of P speciation throughout the WWTPs was consistent with the solid-state ³¹P NMR analysis. Moreover, solid-state ²⁷Al NMR spectra of the sludge after Al-based chemical P removal revealed that the Al-bound P existed in the form of phosphate adsorbed on Al (hydr)oxides. The NMR spectroscopy provides important information for P speciation in the sewage sludge, and this will facilitate the implementation of optimal P recovery technology in WWTPs.

Abstract: When students leave class at the same time and go to the cafeteria for lunch, the cafeteria is crowded and students need to wait in a long queue. In response to this situation, a smart restaurant system construction plan is proposed, which uses artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technology on a system integration platform. Using binocular recognition technology, infrared cameras collect information about people entering and leaving the restaurant, and transmit it to a cloud server to calculate the number of people entering and leaving the restaurant, the total number of diners, and the number of empty seats. The information is transmitted to the terminal display screen for display. Using the KMS take-out cabinet system, students order meals online, and the cafeteria prepares meals in advance according to demand. Students take out their meals offline. If students order meals on-site at the restaurant, select dishes, and place them in a visual settlement system, the system will automatically identify and quote the dishes. Diners can pay by face recognition or QR code payment. The construction and application of smart restaurants not only solve the problem of crowded dining queues for students at the same time, but also save manpower, material resources, and reduce inventory for school cafeterias, achieving the goal of improving restaurant service quality.