ABSTRACT Plastic transformation enterprises are of great importance due to their impact on others belonging to strategic sectors. However, the high consumption of electrical energy in the processing of these materials contributes negatively to the environment. The objective of this research is to determine the indirect emissions of greenhouse gases based on carbon dioxide, from the fixed consumption of energy in a plastics factory in the province of Holguín, Cuba. The methods used were the techniques for recording and processing data, direct observation, work with groups of experts and surveys, as well as documents analysis. A procedure based on the Tangram Technology methodology was designed to determine the amount of equivalent carbon dioxide that is emitted into the atmosphere. The study was carried out in the period between 2020 and 2022. The main results include the following: energy management at the Holguín Plastics Factory was improved based on the identification of energy saving opportunities in administrative areas, departments and attached premises, implementing an action plan that allowed a decrease in the pollutant load to the atmosphere in the analyzed stage.

RESUMEN Las fábricas de transformación de plásticos poseen gran importancia por su incidencia en otras pertenecientes a sectores estratégicos. Sin embargo, el alto consumo de energía eléctrica en el procesamiento de estos materiales, contribuye negativamente al medio ambiente. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar las emisiones indirectas de gases de efecto invernadero en base al dióxido de carbono, a partir del consumo fijo de energía en una fábrica de plásticos de la provincia de Holguín, Cuba. Los métodos utilizados fueron las técnicas para registro y procesamiento de datos, la observación directa, el trabajo con grupos de expertos y encuestas, así como el análisis de documentos. Se diseñó un procedimiento basado en la metodología de Tangram Technology, para determinar la cantidad de dióxido de carbono equivalente que se emite a la atmósfera. El estudio se realizó en el periodo comprendido entre el 2020 al 2022. Como principales resultados, destacan los siguientes: se logró mejorar la gestión energética en la Fábrica Plásticos Holguín a partir de la identificación de oportunidades de ahorro de energía en las áreas administrativas, departamentos y locales anexos, implementando un plan de acción que permitió una disminución de la carga contaminante a la atmósfera en la etapa analizada.

Abstract: The objective of this work is to carry out a comparative analysis of researches related to the determination of physical-mechanical properties of construction units (adobe and bricks) made of soil, soil-cement, and concrete with various reinforcements, to provide an overview of procedures that could lead to the improvement of the performance of these construction units. The percentage variation of compressive, tensile, flexural strength, thermal insulation, density, and water absorption according to the type of reinforcement and base mortar is analyzed. The incorporation of cement as reinforcement seems to have the greatest effect on improving the compressive strength, plastics on thermal insulation, density, and water absorption, and vegetables on tensile strength.

Resumen: El objetivo del presente trabajo es realizar un análisis comparativo de investigaciones relacionadas a la determinación de propiedades físico-mecánicas de unidades de construcción (adobes y ladrillos) hechos de suelo, suelo-cemento y concreto con refuerzos diversos para proveer un panorama sobre procedimientos que conduzcan a la mejora del desempeño de estas unidades de construcción. Se analiza la variación porcentual de resistencia a la compresión, tensión, flexión, aislamiento térmico, densidad y absorción de agua acorde al tipo de refuerzo y mortero base. La incorporación de cemento como refuerzo parece tener el mayor efecto en la mejora de desempeño por resistencia a la compresión, los plásticos al aislamiento térmico, densidad y absorción de agua y los vegetales en resistencia a la tensión.

Effective clinical interventions to engage in new habits remain a challenge despite intense research. One such strategy is to include the environmental issue of plastic packaging from ultra-processed food in nutrition recommendations. It expands the notion of health, contributing to engaging in healthy eating behaviors, in addition to being an ethical practice for health professionals. It brings co-benefits for both the environment and individual health through motivational incentives of less individual pollution, contributing to healthier food systems. Primary health professionals should be prepared to deal with risks of plastics and waste reduction strategies in their practice.

Microplastics are small plastic materials often defined as those between 5 mm and 0.05 mm in size. Microplastics can have toxicological impacts on various biota, from gut blockages to the transport or leaching of toxicants used in their production or absorbed from the surrounding environment. Although microplastic research has increased significantly, microplastic research in Africa lags behind that of developed countries. South Africa is the African nation with the highest number of microplastic publications. We aimed to determine the current state of microplastic research in South Africa. A total of 46 publications on microplastics in South Africa have been produced. However, many of these publications use methods that might not be accurate in determining holistic descriptions of microplastics in the aquatic environment. Similarly, many ecologically relevant environments and species have not been investigated for microplastics in the country, including any atmospheric or terrestrial environment. We conclude that, although the research being produced in South Africa can be considered adequate, a singular standard method for sampling and assessing microplastics in South African environments is required. The production of such a standard method would be critical to use as a monitoring tool to determine and compare microplastic abundances across the country and globally. SIGNIFICANCE: • More than 40 publications on microplastics have been produced in South Africa. • Microplastics have been discovered in multiple aquatic environments in South Africa, but have not been investigated in atmospheric or terrestrial environments. • Polymer analysis was limited in published research. • A standard method is required for comparing between studies. • Terrestrial and atmospheric microplastic studies are required.

Abstract Currently, several industries have opted for the use of Cannabis sativa for different purposes, this time the capacity of the hemp stem fiber in conjunction with the Ralstonia eutropha bacterium for innovation of biodegradable plastics is highlighted, taking advantage of its potential for the generation of PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate). This review article supports the analysis of sources such as scientific articles and research papers related to the artisanal and industrial manipulation of hemp fibers, as well as previous research regarding the production of PHA by the bacteria. The perspective is to develop a methodology with easily accessible resources in Colombia. The results show that the investigations carried out recently and the raw material is a good factor in economy, management, and progress; Additionally, different studies show that cassava is recognized as a great source of carbon that increases the potential for PHB production by the bacteria. It is concluded that its composting does not require third parties. Still, only the environment because of the power that Ralstonia eutropha has to produce PHB and that under conditions of physiological stress, it is capable of degrading, allowing to reduce the impact of the degradation of the material in the environment without contamination or residual microplastics.

Resumen Actualmente varias industrias de diversa índole han apostado por el uso de Cannabis sativa con diferentes fines, en esta ocasión se resalta la capacidad que tiene la fibra del tallo de cáñamo en conjunto con la bacteria Ralstonia eutropha para la generación de plásticos biodegradables, aprovechando su potencial para la generación de PHB (Polihidroxibutirato). En este artículo de revisión se sustenta el análisis de fuentes como artículos científicos y trabajos de investigación relacionados con la manipulación artesanal e industrial de las fibras de cáñamo, así como también investigaciones previas con respecto a la producción de PHA por parte de la bacteria Ralstonia eutropha. La perspectiva es desarrollar una metodología con recursos de fácil acceso en Colombia. Los resultados arrojan que las investigaciones realizadas recientemente y la materia prima son un buen factor en cuanto economía, manejo y progreso; adicionalmente diferentes estudios evidencian que la yuca se ha reconocido como una gran fuente de carbono que permite aumentar el potencial de producción de PHB por parte de la bacteria. Se concluye que su compostaje no requiera de terceros, solamente del ambiente gracias al poder que posee la Ralstonia eutropha de producir PHB, y que bajo condiciones de estrés fisiológico es capaz de degradarse completamente permitiendo disminuir el impacto de la descomposición del material en el medio ambiente, sin contaminaciones o microplásticos residuales.

Abstract Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable plastics synthesized by a wide variety of microorganisms and are identified by sharing very similar characteristics with petrochemical plastics. These biopolymers can be used to replace plastic materials, the same ones that currently represent a major environmental pollution problem as they are poorly degradable. The most recent studies focus on the search for PHA extraction strategies, using bioremediation in petrochemical plastics, fuels, and in water treatment that seek to reduce the impact of environmental pollution. All this is carried out through chemical reactions that bacteria carry out with carbon sources, generating PHA while contaminating waste is eliminated. The main advantage of these compared to petroleum-derived plastics is that being produced by microorganisms. The objective of this review is to show the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates in bacteria as an alternative to the increase in environmental pollution.

Resumen Los polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA), son plásticos biodegradables sintetizados por una gran variedad de microorganismos y se identifican por compartir características muy similares con los plásticos de origen petroquímico. Estos biopolímeros pueden ser aprovechados para reemplazar materiales de plástico, los mismos que actualmente representan un gran problema de contaminación ambiental al ser poco degradables. Los estudios más recientes, se enfocan en la búsqueda de estrategias de extracción de PHA, empleando la biorremediación en plásticos petroquímicos, combustibles, y en tratamiento de aguas que buscan reducir el impacto de la contaminación ambiental. Todo esto se lleva a cabo mediante reacciones químicas, que las bacterias realizan con las fuentes de carbono, generando PHA mientras se eliminan los desechos contaminantes. La biodegradabilidad es la principal ventaja de estos materiales sintetizados por medio de microrganismos, en comparación con los plásticos convencionales que no poseen esta propiedad. El objetivo de esta revisión es evidenciar la producción de polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA), en bacterias como alternativa ante el aumento de la contaminación ambiental.

Abstract The excessive use of petroleum-based plastics creates a serious problem of environmental pollution, for this reason, this work proposes the production of bioplastic films based on cellulose extracted from leaves and stems of Ricinus communis L. (castor oil plant). The project was carried out in 2022 in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. The bioplastic was obtained in two stages, first the extraction of cellulose is carried out by an alkaline treatment at 80 °C, then, the cellulose obtained is mixed with water, glycerin, and acetic acid for the formation of the bioplastic film by the casting method. With the above procedure, uniform films with a thickness of 0.12 mm were obtained. Regarding the tensile strength, a maximum value of 7.1 MPa was found, as the amount of glycerin increases, the tensile strength increases. Through scanning electron microscopy analysis, it was observed that bioplastic films with 5% glycerin exhibit more uniform and homogeneous textures. The castor oil plant can be used not only to obtain oil but also to obtain plastics from sources alternative to petroleum, which would favor its cultivation in Michoacán.

Resumen El uso excesivo de plásticos elaborados con base de petróleo crea un grave problema de contaminación ambiental, por tal motivo, en el presente trabajo se propone la elaboración de películas de bioplástico a base de celulosa extraída de hojas y tallos de Ricinus communis L. (higuerilla). El proyecto se llevó a cabo en el año 2022 en el estado de Michoacán, México. El bioplástico se obtuvo en dos etapas, primero se lleva a cabo la extracción de celulosa mediante un tratamiento alcalino a 80 °C, posteriormente, la celulosa obtenida se mezcla con agua, glicerina y ácido acético para la formación de la película de bioplástico mediante el método de casting. Con el procedimiento anterior se obtuvieron películas uniformes con un espesor de 0.12 mm. En cuanto a la resistencia a la tracción se encontró un valor máximo de 7.1 MPa, al incrementar la cantidad de glicerina, aumenta la resistencia a la tensión. Mediante el análisis de microscopia electrónica de barrido, se observó que las películas del bioplástico con un 5% de glicerina exhiben texturas más uniformes y homogéneas. La higuerilla se puede aprovechar no solo para la obtención de aceite sino también para obtener plásticos de fuentes alternas al petróleo, lo que se favorecería su cultivo en Michoacán.

Abstract.- The circular economy and sustainable development are critical issues today, given the growing environmental pollution caused by solid waste, especially plastics. Furthermore, plastic waste has raised significant social concerns and alerted plastic product designers. Therefore, developing or redesigning plastic products in the flexible packaging industry is imperative to ensure their recyclability at the end of their life cycle. It is necessary to ensure that the mechanical and barrier properties of the ecological plastic packaging remain intact for specific uses. The current study aims to redesign flexible packaging, focusing on providing the mechanical and barrier properties of the packaging suitable for food industry applications, thus offering a solution through new design proposals that allow the development of sustainable and flexible packaging, emphasizing material reduction and recyclability. This study assessed and compared the mechanical properties of the proposed packaging with those of existing products. The results demonstrated the feasibility of reducing plastic film thickness or eliminating layers in a tri-laminated structure and transitioning to a bi-laminated structure. This adjustment did not compromise the mechanical and barrier properties; the oxygen barrier remained at 35.39 cc/m 2 *day, and the humidity stood at 0.57 mg/m 2 *day. This investigation led to a 26.48% reduction in the raw material consumption of laminated coils and 12.68% in Doypack type packaging used in food applications. Consequently, the decreased material usage and adoption of monomaterial structures significantly minimized the environmental impact of plastic waste contamination due to the possibility of mechanically recycling the final product.

Resumen.- La economía circular y el desarrollo sostenible son temas críticos hoy en día, dada la creciente contaminación ambiental provocada por los residuos sólidos, especialmente los plásticos. Además, los residuos plásticos han generado importantes preocupaciones sociales y han alertado a los diseñadores de productos plásticos. Por lo tanto, desarrollar o rediseñar productos plásticos en la industria del embalaje flexible es imperativo para garantizar su reciclabilidad al final de su ciclo de vida. Es necesario garantizar que las propiedades mecánicas y de barrera de los envases de plástico ecológicos permanezcan intactas para usos específicos. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo rediseñar los envases flexibles, enfocándose en proporcionar las propiedades mecánicas y de barrera del envase adecuadas para aplicaciones de la industria alimentaria, ofreciendo así una solución a través de nuevas propuestas de diseño que permitan el desarrollo de envases sostenibles y flexibles, enfatizando en la reducción de materiales y la reciclabilidad. Este estudio evaluó y comparó las propiedades mecánicas del embalaje propuesto con las de los productos existentes. Los resultados demostraron la viabilidad de reducir el espesor de la película plástica o eliminar capas en una estructura trilaminada y realizar la transición a una estructura bilaminada. Este ajuste no comprometió las propiedades mecánicas y de barrera; la barrera de oxígeno se mantuvo en 35.39 cc/m 2 *día y la humedad se situó en 0.57 mg/m 2 *día. Esta investigación condujo a una reducción del 26.48% en el consumo de materia prima de bobinas laminadas y un 12.68% en empaque tipo doypack utilizadas en aplicaciones alimentarias. En consecuencia, la disminución del uso de materiales y la adopción de estructuras monomateriales minimizaron significativamente el impacto ambiental de la contaminación por desechos plásticos debido a la posibilidad de reciclar mecanicamente el producto final.

The objective of this work was the detection and traceability of the occurrence of diethyl phthalate (DEP) migrating from flexible packaging to food. Brazil is one of the largest producers of flexible plastics widely used in food. The evaluation of migrations of contaminants for food, mainly fatty foods, elucidates the possible transmission of diseases through the daily consumption of migrant contaminants from packaging. Throughout an accurate and highly specific methodology, with no use of simulants or organic solvents during sample preparation, the proposal of this study obtained a direct DEP ranking through migration traceability via headspace: HS-GC-MS. Of the 9 samples of flexible packaging and packaged foods analyzed, DEP was identified in 100%, thus confirming its occurrence in foods. Despite the storage conditions: temperature, shelf life, fat content of the products and the manufacturer’s assessment of use. It is urgent to review official standards to promote intense restrictions on the occurrence of DEP in food and encourage the benefits of reflecting daily consumption habits. (DEP methodology preparation headspace HSGCMS. HSGCMS HS GC MS. MS HS-GC-MS analyzed 100 100% conditions temperature life manufacturers manufacturer s habits 10 1

There is a demand for new technologies to replace fossil resources in activities due to environment concerns. In the circular economy, materials to be discarded are reused and reenter to the economy. An alternative for the plastic problem would be preparation of fiber-reinforced plastics from renewable sources. Herein polymeric films were prepared with starch, glycerol and bagasse derivatives. Some characterization techniques were presented to indicate the best applications. It was identified that higher glycerol ratio films are more malleable and have a higher humidity and solubility. The DSC scans for each film shows no increase in glass transition temperature. Biodiesel films are an alternative for the circular economy of waste and the biodiesel industry, since the study proved to be an alternative for the plastics currently used. This work will certainly attract the students’ interest, because the theme is in their daily lives, also bringing the precepts of sustainability and green chemistry. concerns fiberreinforced fiber reinforced sources starch derivatives applications solubility temperature industry used students interest lives chemistry

Abstract Wildlife roadkill surveys in Brazil often focus on birds, as they are one of the main groups affected by road accidents. In addition roadkill, anthropogenic litter also contributes to a significant number of bird fatalities every year. The present study aimed to investigate the stomach contents and possible contamination by inorganic material of birds killed on a federal highway that crosses the Serra de Itabaiana National Park in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Monitoring and data collection were carried out from January to June 2022, with a motorcycle at an average speed of 60 km/h. The collected animals were transported to the Institute of Technology and Research, located at the Tiradentes University, Sergipe, Brazil, and a plastic material was identified. The plastic material found was subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), which showed a similar wavenumber to a polymer in the polypropylene chain, very common in plastic packaging. The presence of plastics and metals in the intestinal contents of Caracara plancus and Crotophaga ani is noteworthy, as they have a greater tendency to ingest plastics due to their generalist diet. Plastic contamination in Progne chalybea and Nyctidromus albicollis probably occurred through bioaccumulation, from the consumption of insects contaminated by microplastics. accidents year Sergipe 2022 6 kmh km h km/h Research University identified FTIR, FTIR , (FTIR) chain packaging noteworthy diet bioaccumulation microplastics 202 (FTIR 20 2

Resumo As pesquisas sobre atropelamentos de animais silvestres no Brasil geralmente se concentram nas aves, pois elas são um dos principais grupos afetados por acidentes rodoviários. Além dos atropelamentos, o lixo antropogênico também contribui para um número significativo de mortes de aves todos os anos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar o conteúdo estomacal e possível contaminação por material inorgânico de aves atropeladas em uma rodovia federal que atravessa o Parque Nacional da Serra de Itabaiana, no estado de Sergipe, Brasil. O monitoramento e a coleta de dados foram realizados no período de janeiro a junho de 2022, com uma motocicleta a uma velocidade média de 60 km/h. Os animais coletados foram transportados para o Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa situado na Universidade Tiradentes, Sergipe, Brasil, onde foi identificado um material plástico. O material plástico encontrado foi submetido à espectroscopia no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR), que mostrou número de onda semelhante a um polímero da cadeia do polipropileno, muito comum em embalagens plásticas. Chama a atenção a presença de plásticos e metais no conteúdo intestinal de Caracara plancus e Crotophaga ani, pois apresentam maior tendência à ingestão de plásticos devido à dieta generalista. A contaminação plástica em Progne chalybea e Nyctidromus albicollis provavelmente ocorreu por bioacumulação, a partir do consumo de insetos contaminados por microplásticos. rodoviários anos Itabaiana Sergipe 2022 6 kmh km h km/h Tiradentes FTIR, FTIR , (FTIR) polipropileno plásticas ani generalista bioacumulação microplásticos 202 (FTIR 20 2

RESUMEN: La contaminación plástica es un problema moderno. Se trata de una situación preocupante, ya que se estima que en 2050 tendremos más plástico que peces en los océanos. Ante este escenario, realizamos una actividad sobre el tema. A partir de las ideas del Pensamiento Complejo y la Pedagogía de las 5Cs, se creó un recorrido temático en 6 momentos, con estudiantes de secundaria del Instituto Federal de Sergipe, Campus Lagarto. En cuanto a las cuestiones metodológicas, se optó por la investigación cualitativa, utilizando como método la investigación acción. Las producciones textuales utilizadas como instrumento de recolección de datos y los análisis realizados, referenciados en el análisis textual discursivo, tuvieron como objetivo investigar evidencias del desarrollo del pensamiento complejo. Los datos revelaron la existencia de 148 menciones en las dimensiones seleccionadas como categorías analíticas: ambiental, científico-tecnológica, social, económica y gubernamental. Teniendo en cuenta los datos, podemos inferir que las producciones textuales representan una herramienta eficaz, ya que permitió recopilar evidencias del desarrollo del pensamiento complejo por parte de los participantes, ya que sus textos trajeron discursos más refinados, articulando saberes de diferentes dimensiones y áreas del conocimiento. Así, se puede abordar la problemática del recorrido temático y, además, se presentaron soluciones a partir de un análisis multidimensional del problema. RESUMEN moderno preocupante 205 océanos escenario tema 5Cs Cs momentos Sergipe Lagarto metodológicas cualitativa acción realizados discursivo 14 analíticas ambiental científicotecnológica, científicotecnológica científico tecnológica, tecnológica científico-tecnológica social gubernamental eficaz participantes refinados conocimiento Así además 20 1 2

ABSTRACT: Plastic pollution is a modern problem. This is a worrying situation, as it is estimated that by 2050 we will have more plastic than fish in the oceans. Given this scenario, we carried out an activity on the topic. Based on the ideas of Complex Thinking and 5Cs Pedagogy, a thematic journey was created in 6 moments, with high school students from the Federal Institute of Sergipe, Campus Lagarto. Regarding methodological issues, we opted for qualitative research, using action research as a method. Textual productions used as a data collection instrument and the analyzes that were carried out, referenced in discursive textual analysis, aimed to investigate evidence of the development of complex thinking. The data revealed the existence of 148 mentions in the dimensions selected as analytical categories: environmental, scientific-technological, social, economic and governmental. Given the data, we can infer that textual productions represent an effective tool, as it allowed us to gather evidence of the development of complex thinking by the participants, since their texts brought more refined discourses, articulating knowledge from different dimensions and areas of knowledge. Thus, the problem of the thematic journey can be addressed and, in addition, solutions were presented based on a multidimensional analysis of the problem. ABSTRACT situation 205 oceans scenario topic Cs Pedagogy moments Sergipe Lagarto issues method 14 categories environmental scientifictechnological, scientifictechnological scientific technological, technological scientific-technological social governmental tool participants discourses Thus addition 20 1 2

RESUMO: A poluição plástica é um problema hodierno. Situação preocupante, pois estima-se que até 2050 teremos mais plásticos que peixes nos oceanos. Diante desse cenário, realizamos uma atividade sobre o tema. Fundamentados nas ideias do Pensamento Complexo e Pedagogia 5Cs, elaborou-se uma jornada temática em 6 momentos, com alunos do Ensino Médio do Instituto Federal de Sergipe, Campus de Lagarto. Nas questões metodológicas, optou-se por uma pesquisa qualitativa, tendo a pesquisa-ação como método. Produções textuais utilizadas como instrumento de coleta de dados e as análises que foram realizadas referenciadas na análise textual discursiva, visavam investigar evidências do desenvolvimento do pensamento complexo. Os dados levantaram a existência de 148 menções nas dimensões selecionadas como categorias analíticas: ambiental, científica-tecnológica, social, econômica e governamental. Diante dos dados podemos inferir que as produções textuais representam uma ferramenta eficaz, pois nos permitiu levantar evidências do desenvolvimento do pensamento complexo pelos participantes, uma vez que seus textos trouxeram discursos mais refinados, articulando conhecimentos de diversas dimensões e áreas do conhecimento. Assim, a problemática da jornada temática pode ser tratada e, para além disso, encaminhamentos de soluções foram apresentados a partir de uma análise multidimensional do problema. RESUMO hodierno preocupante estimase estima se 205 oceanos cenário tema 5Cs Cs elaborouse elaborou momentos Sergipe Lagarto metodológicas optouse optou qualitativa pesquisaação ação método discursiva 14 analíticas ambiental científicatecnológica, científicatecnológica científica tecnológica, tecnológica científica-tecnológica social governamental eficaz participantes refinados conhecimento Assim disso 20 1 2

Abstract Polyhydroxyalkanoates are renewable, and biocompatible plastics having physiochemical properties similar to petrochemical plastics, and meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Two bacterial strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis were selected to produce the PHA. The standard carbon source was glucose while molasses and banana peels were cheaper carbon substrates used in a medium to grow the bacterial strains. Sudan black B and Nile blue A staining were used to confirm the PHA production via spread plate assay. PHA granules were observed inside the bacterial cell microscopically, using Sudan stain. The carbohydrate concentration was estimated in molasses (29.4mg/mL) and banana peel extract (9.8mg/mL) by the Phenol-sulfuric acid test. In batch fermentation, time profiles of PHA production and growth of microbial strains for every 3hrs were performed up to incubation of 48hrs at 150rpm. PHA was extracted by sodium dodecyl sulfate digestion and chloroform extraction method. PHA production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 1.120g/L (66.82%) and 0.380g/L (44.60%) while in Bacillus subtilis was 0.476g/L (53.84%) and 0.288g/L (39.18%) utilizing molasses and banana peels, respectively after 48hrs. FTIR characterized the PHA monomer as polyhydroxybutyrate having a C=O bond at 1697.8cm-1 and 1750.0cm-1 and a CH3 group at 1395.9cm-1 and 1458.3cm-1. A statistical significance between the PHA productions was calculated by applying an unpaired t-test, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a significant difference was observed between glucose with both substrates, while for Bacillus subtilis, a significant difference was noted only between glucose and peel extract. renewable SDG. SDG . (SDG) assay microscopically stain 29.4mg/mL 294mgmL mgmL 29 4mg mL mg (29.4mg/mL 9.8mg/mL 98mgmL 9 8mg (9.8mg/mL Phenolsulfuric Phenol sulfuric test fermentation hrs 150rpm rpm method 1120gL gL 1 120g L g 66.82% 6682 66 82 (66.82% 0380gL 0 380g 44.60% 4460 44 60 (44.60% 0476gL 476g 53.84% 5384 53 84 (53.84% 0288gL 288g 39.18% 3918 39 18 (39.18% CO C O 1697.8cm1 16978cm1 cm 1697.8cm 1697 8cm 1697.8cm- 1750.0cm1 17500cm1 1750.0cm 1750 0cm 1750.0cm- CH 1395.9cm1 13959cm1 1395.9cm 1395 9cm 1395.9cm- 1458.3cm1. 14583cm1 1458.3cm 1. 1458 3cm 1458.3cm-1 ttest, ttest t test, t-test (SDG 2 66.82 668 6 8 (66.82 44.60 446 4 (44.60 53.84 538 5 (53.84 39.18 391 3 (39.18 8cm1 16978cm 169 0cm1 17500cm 175 9cm1 13959cm 139 3cm1 1458.3cm1 14583cm 145 1458.3cm- 66.8 (66.8 44.6 (44.6 53.8 (53.8 39.1 (39.1 16 17 13 14 66. (66. 44. (44. 53. (53. 39. (39. (66 (44 (53 (39 (6 (4 (5 (3 (

ABSTRACT Regular concrete uses a lot of cement, which is bad for the environment. Adding plastic waste to concrete as a substitute reduces pollution, but it can weaken the concrete. This study tackles this problem by creating an eco-friendly concrete alternative. The researchers mixed shredded PET plastic bottles (up to 10%) with concrete and replaced some cement (up to 10%) with nano-silica. They tested how this affected the concrete’s strength in different ways (bending, splitting, and compression). Interestingly, they found that using a specific mix (4% plastic and 4% nano-silica) actually made the concrete stronger! This suggests a promising new way to use recycled plastic to create a more sustainable and even stronger building material. environment pollution ecofriendly eco friendly alternative up 10% 10 nanosilica. nanosilica nano silica. silica nano-silica concretes s bending, bending (bending splitting compression. compression . compression) Interestingly 4 (4 material 1 (

Phthalates are organic molecules found in various everyday materials, such as plastics, but they do not bond chemically to the product. Consequently, they are released and contaminate the environment. In humans, ingesting phthalates can stimulate a functionality similar to estrogen hormones, acting as endocrine disruptors, thus requiring selective adsorption. This paper demonstrates the use of cyclodextrins (CDs), which are useful due to their capacity for selective adsorption by the inclusion of organic molecules in their internal cavities to remove pollutants from water. Graphene (Gr) is also evaluated due to its interesting electronic properties and a large surface, making this nanomaterial ideal for molecule adsorption. Through ab initio simulations, three phthalate molecules, benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dicyclohexyl-phthalate (DCHP), and dipropyl phthalate (DPP) interacting with β-CD and Gr, were evaluated. The results indicate that a weak interaction occurs, through physical adsorption. β-CD interacting with phthalates tends to form a host-guest complex. In the case of Gr, weak adsorption is favored by π-π interactions and H-bonds. Therefore, this study shows that these nanosystems are promising for removing phthalate molecules from wastewater. materials plastics product Consequently environment humans hormones disruptors CDs, CDs , (CDs) water Gr (Gr surface simulations BBP, BBP (BBP) dicyclohexylphthalate dicyclohexyl DCHP, DCHP (DCHP) DPP (DPP βCD β CD occurs hostguest host guest complex ππ π Hbonds. Hbonds H bonds. bonds H-bonds Therefore wastewater (CDs (BBP (DCHP