Search results for: waste valorization
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Advancing sustainable hybrid bitumen systems: A compatibilization solution by functionalized polyolefins for enhanced crumb rubber content in bitumen
PublicationPolymer waste pollution has a profound effect on the environment and, consequently, on the lifestyle of hu- mankind. The massive production and disposal of cross-linked polymers clearly exemplify the challenges of recycling. Increasing efforts are being undertaken to introduce recycled polymers, especially crumb rubber (CR), into asphalt formulations. Due to the rather poor processability and phase separation associated with CR- modified...
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Seasonal and spatial differences in metal and metalloid concentrations in the snow cover of Hansbreen, Svalbard
PublicationMetals and metalloids in snow on glaciers, depending on the season of deposition, may come from various sources: local rock dust (erosion of the geological substratum), marine aerosol, local human activity (e.g. fuel combustion, waste incineration) and long-range atmospheric transport. Hansbreen glacier, located close to the Polish Polar Station in Svalbard, is a perfect site to study metals and metalloids: it has complex geological...
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Miniaturized solid phase microextratcion
PublicationWithout any doubt analytical laboratories have an essential role in environmental protection due to the fact that they takes an active part in the monitoring pollutants present in air, water or soil. From the other side, the analytical activity is involved in the generation of toxic waste what is associated with the use of not eco-friendly reagents and solvents. For these reasons, green analytical chemistry (GAC) was introduced...
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Application of foam made of post-consumer pet materials for the construction of footbridges
PublicationThe article presents the possibility of application in civil engineering of highly ecological PET foam, manufactured from 100% recycled plastic packaging. It may find uses in construction of numerous engineering structures, such as pedestrian and cycle footbridges. Properly processed waste from post-consumer PET packaging may constitute a quality structural core for use in multilayered composite materials, commonly referred to...
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Two-phase optimizing approach to design assessments of long distance heat transportation for CHP systems
PublicationCogeneration or Combined Heat and Power (CHP) for power plants is a method of putting to use waste heat which would be otherwise released to the environment. This allows the increase in thermodynamic efficiency of the plant and can be a source of environmental friendly heat for District Heating (DH). In the paper CHP for Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is analyzed with the focus on heat transportation. A method for effectivity and feasibility...
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Sustainable polymers targeted at the surgical and otolaryngological applications: Circularity and future
PublicationThe ongoing climate changes, high air and noise pollution have significant impact on humans’ health. This influence is especially visible in otolaryngology, which focuses on respiratory and hearing systems disfunctions. However, even though surgeries are done in response to diseases related to climate changes, they also have a negative impact on the environment, mostly connected with the inherence of single-use fossil fuel derived...
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Analysis of the regenerative braking process for the urban traffic conditions
PublicationIn a regular drive system, with an internal combustion engine, vehicle braking is connected with the unproductive dissipation of kinetic and potential energy accumulated in the mass of the vehicle into the environment. This energy can constitute up to 70% of the energy used to drive a vehicle under urban conditions. Its recovery and reuse is one of the basic advantages of hybrid and electric vehicles. Modern traffic management...
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Recovery of silver metallization from damaged silicon cells
PublicationMetallization is one of the key process steps to fabricate solar cells with high performance in a cost-effective way. Majority of photovoltaic solar cell manufacturing uses thick film screen print metallization with Ag containing paste to produce solar cells. The average lifetime of PV modules can be expected to be more than 25 years. The disposal of PV systems will become a problem in view of the continually increasing production...
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Właściwości fizykochemiczne i możliwości zastosowania preparatu biosurfaktantowego wytwarzanego przez Pseudomonas PS-17
PublicationPraca dotyczy właściwości fizykochemicznych nieoczyszczonego biosurfaktantu wytwarzanego przez szczep Pseudomonas PS-17 (biokompleksu ramnolipidowego RL53) oraz możliwości jego zastosowania w rafinacji olejów roślinnych. W części literaturowej przedstawiono zarys wiedzy na temat toksyczności i biodegradowalności biosurfaktantów, a także na temat wybranych właściwości fizykochemicznych tych związków, takich jak zdolność do micelizacji...
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Assessment of under power ed propulsion machinery in electrically driven small inland waterway passenger ships from classification society point of view
PublicationPaper presents short operat ional a nd engineering analysis of underpowered propulsion in small electrically propelled small inland passenger ships. There is evidence that in certain weather conditions the phenomena of added aerodynamic resistance of small water crafts may have seriou s influence on their speed and manoeuvrability. Existing regulations like class societies rules for ship classification and construction or EU Directive 2006/87/EC do...
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ASSESSMENT OF UNDERPOWER ED PROPULSION MACHINERY IN ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN SMALL INLAND WATERWAY PASSENGER SHIPS FROM CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY POINT OF View
PublicationPaper presents short operat ional a nd engineering analysis of underpowered propulsion in small electrically propelled small inland passenger ships. There is evidence that in certain weather conditions the phenomena of added aerodynamic resistance of small water crafts may have serious influence on their speed and manoeuvrability. Existing regulations like class societies rules for ship classification and construction or EU Directive 2006/87/EC do...
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Comparative analysis of earthships and conventional buildings in terms of investment and operating costs
PublicationThe aim of the master's thesis is to present the idea of earthships and compare them with conventional buildings in terms of investment and operating costs. Earthships are buildings erected from tires and other wastes whose characteristic feature is their self-sufficiency. The first part of the master's thesis is to discuss the basic issues related to the earthship building. The beginnings of tire homes and their development are...
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Chemometric Assessment and Best-Fit Function Modelling of the Toxic Potential of Selected Food Packaging Extracts
PublicationFood packaging materials constitute an ever more threatening environmental pollutant. This study examined options to specifically assess the ecotoxicity of packaged wastes, such as cans, subjected to various experimental treatments (in terms of extraction media, time of exposure, and temperature) that imitate several basic conditions of the process of food production. The extracts were studied for their ecotoxicity with bioluminescent...
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The usefulness of birch saps from the area of Podkarpacie to produce birch syrup
PublicationIn northern European countries, as well as in North America tree saps of maples and birches are used for the production of syrups. Birch syrups are characterized by a specific aromatic taste and can be used as an addition to sweets, desserts, salads and meats. Attention is paid to the health benefits of birch syrups, mainly for high mineral content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of birch saps obtained from...
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Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of fermented beverages obtained from fruit pomace
PublicationFruit pomace should not be considered as a waste product but as a by-product as it contains a lot of valuable components such as dietary fiber, bioactive compounds and a source of nutrients. The reasonable way to utilize these by-products, both fresh or dried, could be the fermentation of its extracts, leading to beverages with functional properties. In our research, we checked the possibility of using chokeberry, apple and...
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Management of Urban Waters with Nature-Based Solutions in Circular Cities—Exemplified through Seven Urban Circularity Challenges
PublicationNature-Based Solutions (NBS) have been proven to effectively mitigate and solve resource depletion and climate-related challenges in urban areas. The COST (Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action CA17133 entitled “Implementing nature-based solutions (NBS) for building a resourceful circular city” has established seven urban circularity challenges (UCC) that can be addressed effectively with NBS. This paper presents the outcomes...
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Can bottom sediments be a prospective fertilizing material? A chemical composition analysis for potential reuse in agriculture.
PublicationEvery year huge amounts of bottom sediments are extracted worldwide, which need to be dis-posed. The recycling of bottom sediments for soil fertilization is in line with the long-promoted circular economy policy and enables the use of micro and macronutrients accumulated in sedi-ments for soil fertilization. When considering potential agricultural reuse of the dredge sediments, the first necessary step should be to analyze whether...
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The impact of filler thermomechanical modifications on static and dynamic mechanical performance of flexible foamed polyurethane/ground tire rubber/zinc borate composites
PublicationThe rapid development of the automotive industry is very beneficial to many aspects of human life, but it is also a very significant environmental burden. The most straightforward impact is related to the generation of exhaust, but the management of post-consumer car parts is also a major challenge. Among them, waste tires are very burdensome due to their enormous numbers. Therefore, it is essential to develop novel, environmentally...
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Hydrochar-nanoparticle integration for arsenic removal from wastewater: Challenges, possible solutions, and future horizon
PublicationArsenic (As) contamination poses a significant threat to human health, ecosystems, and agriculture, with levels ranging from 12 to 75% attributed to mine waste and stream sediments. This naturally element is abundant in Earth's crust and gets released into the environment through mining and rock processing, causing ≈363 million people to depend on As-contaminated groundwater. To combat this issue, introducing a sustainable hydrochar...
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Nanoparticle-assisted biohydrogen production from pretreated food industry wastewater sludge: Microbial community shifts in batch and continuous processes
PublicationBiohydrogen production from industrial waste has gained a significant attention as a sustainable energy source. In this study, the enrichment of biohydrogen production from pretreated dissolved air flotation (DAF) sludge, generated from food industry wastewater treatment plants, was investigated using SiO2@Cu-Ag dendrites cor- e–shell nanostructure (NS). The effect of NS on the changes of the microbial community and biohydrogen...
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The Environmental Benefits of Photovoltaic Systems: The Impact on the Environment in the Production of Photovoltaic Systems: With a Focus on Metal Recovery
PublicationGreenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane, trap heat and energy, thus preventing solar radiation from escaping back into space. As the quantity of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases so does the trapped heat and corresponding global temperature. As a result, storms become more violent, droughts more prevalent, glaciers melt, and sea levels rise, to name but a few effects of a rapidly changing...
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Reinforced Secure Gossiping Against DoS Attacks in Post-Disaster Scenarios
PublicationDuring and after a disaster, the perceived quality of communication networks often becomes remarkably degraded with an increased ratio of packet losses due to physical damages of the networking equipment, disturbance to the radio frequency signals, continuous reconfiguration of the routing tables, or sudden spikes of the network traffic, e.g., caused by the increased user activity in a post-disaster period. Several techniques have...
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Challenges in operating and testing loop heat pipes in 500–700 K temperature ranges
PublicationThe potential applications of loop heat pipes (LHPs) are the nuclear power space systems, fuel cell thermal management systems, waste heat recovery systems, medium temperature electronic systems, medium temperature military systems, among others. Such applications usually operate in temperature ranges between 500–700 K, hence it is necessary to develop an LHP system that will meet this requirement. Such a thermal management device...
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Smart Decisional DNA Technology to Enhance Industry 4.0 Environment in Conjunction with Conventional Manufacturing
PublicationKnowledge-based support has become an indispensable part not only to the traditional manufacturing set-ups but also to the new fast-emerging Industry 4.0 scenario. In this regard, successful research has been performed and extensively reported to develop Decisional DNA based knowledge representation models of engineering object and engineering process called Virtual engineering object (VEO), Virtual engineering process (VEP) and...
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Development of nanoscale morphology and role of viscoelastic phase separation on the properties of epoxy/recycled polyurethane blends
PublicationA novel and cost-effective approach towards the modification of epoxy matrix has been developed using recycled polyurethane for the first time without sacrificing any of the intrinsic properties of the resin. Polyurethane, recycled from waste foam by glycolysis process (RPU), was found to be very effective in improving the properties of the thermosetting resin based on Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA). The effect of the...
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Structural, thermal and physico-mechanical properties of polyurethane/brewers’ spent grain composite foams modified with ground tire rubber
PublicationIn this work, brewers’ spent grain (BSG) and ground tire rubber (GTR) waste fillers were applied as low-cost reinforcement phase in rigid polyurethane foam (PUR). PUR/BSG/GTR composites were prepared by a single step method, using polyglycerol as partial substitute of commercially available petrochemical polyols. Foaming parameters, chemical structure, dynamic mechanical properties, thermal stability, physico-mechanical properties...
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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF SOLAR CELL MATERIALS
PublicationIn today’s world, fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas, are the primary energy sources from which electricity is obtained. As they are exhaustible and their exploitation has a negative impact on the natural environment, they should be, at least partially, replaced by renewable energy sources. One of these sources is solar energy. The use of solar energy releases no CO2, SO2, or NO2 gases, and does not contribute to global...
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Electrochemical Production of Sodium Hypochlorite from Salty Wastewater Using a Flow-by Porous Graphite Electrode
PublicationThe production of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) from salty wastewater using an electrochemical cell has several advantages over other methods that often require hazardous chemicals and generate toxic waste, being more sustainable and environmentally friendly. However, the process of producing sodium hypochlorite using an electrochemical cell requires careful control of the operating conditions, such as the current density, flow rate,...
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Jan Ostoj dr hab.
PeopleProf. Assoc. dr hab. Jan Ostoj – rector of the Bielsko-Biała School of Finances and Law between 1999 and 2020, currently head of Banking and Finances Department at the same school, lecturer and researcher in the area of economics and finances with more than 40 years of experience. Co-creator of two faculties of the school managed and two off-campus teaching centres. Previously employed at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University...
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Operational problems of large power diesel engines combusting biofuels, considered togetherwith assessment of their operation
PublicationWithin this article the issue of large power self ignition engines fed with biofuels has been undertaken. The analysis focused mainly on operation problems. There has been noticed some advantages and difficulties associated with the biofuel application to self ignition engines. The research problem has been characterised and the research purposes have been proposed enabling the most profitable formation of energetic features of...
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Preconcentration and Analytical Methods for Determination of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether and Other Fuel Oxygenates and Their Degradation Products in Environment: A Review
PublicationFuel oxygenates (FOs) are mainly ethers or alcohols which are added to gasoline either to boost the octane number or to make the fuel burning process more "cleaner" with increasing the oxygen content, or to obtain a combination of both effects. FOs are water soluble with high mobility in the environment which presence even at very low concentrations lower the quality of water making it unsafe or unpleasant due to their objectionable...
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Comparison of the Physical and Sensory Properties of Hybrid Citrus Fruit Jaffa® Sweetie in Relation to the Parent Fruits
PublicationIn the presented study, an overall Jaffa sweetie evaluation was made to find a correlation between Citrus grandis Osbeck × Citrus paradisi Macf. and its parent fruits’ (Citrus grandis Osbeck, Citrus paradisi Macf.) properties. Based on the sensory analysis, it was found that the taste and aroma of the new hybrid fruit are close to pummelo. By the use of chromatographic analysis, the selected monoterpenes present in the fruits were...
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Thermodynamic Cycle Concepts for High-Efficiency Power Plants. Part B: Prosumer and Distributed Power Industry
PublicationAn analysis was carried out for different thermodynamic cycles of power plants with air turbines. A new modification of a gas turbine cycle with the combustion chamber at the turbine outlet has been described in the paper. A special air by-pass system of the combustor was applied, and in this way, the efficiency of the turbine cycle was increased by a few points. The proposed cycle equipped with an effective heat exchanger could...
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Structure-Property Relationship and Multiple Processing Studies of Novel Bio-Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers
PublicationCurrently, the growing demand for polymeric materials has led to an increased need to develop effective recycling methods. This study focuses on the multiple processing of bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (bio-TPUs) as a sustainable approach for polymeric waste management through mechanical recycling. The main objective is to investigate the influence of two reprocessing cycles on selected properties of bio-TPUs....
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Consumerism in Poland – a fact or a myth?
PublicationPurpose Consumerism, understood as excessive consumption, poses a vital problem in the world, and requires taking appropriate steps and actions in individual countries depending on the extent and nature of this phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to examine the phenomenon of consumerism in Poland, with partial reference to other EU countries and to answer the question whether there is consumerism as such in Poland. Design/methodology/approach...
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Investigation on domestic fruits seed oils in personal care emulsion systems
PublicationThe use of fruit seed oils in personal care products is of significance to both their function and image. Poland is an important processor of fruit products within the EU, and thus has a large availability of seeds from domestic fruits, which are normally considered to be a waste material. Unfortunately, current literature is scarce of the suitability of these oils for topical use in the form of cosmetic emulsions. Published data...
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Improving the energy balance in wastewater treatment plants by optimization of aeration control and application of new technologies
PublicationThe methods to improve the energy balance of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) by optimization of aeration process control and application of innovative nitrogen removal technologies were overviewed in the study. The control of aeration based on the ABAC (Ammonia-Based Aeration Control) system allows not only for significant savings in electricity consumption, but it can also increase the efficiency of the denitrification process....
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The metabolic activity of denitrifying microorganisms accumulating polyphosphate in response to addition of fusel oil
PublicationThe effect of distillery waste product (fusel oil) as an alternative external organic carbon source (EOCS) was investigated in terms of the metabolic properties of denitrifying polyphosphate accumulating organisms (DPAOs). Samples of the non-acclimated biomass were collected from a local full-scale wastewater treatment plant employing A2/O type bioreactors. The acclimated biomass was obtained after cultivation (with fusel oil added)...
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Properties of New Composite Materials Based on Hydroxyapatite Ceramic and Cross-Linked Gelatin for Biomedical Applications
PublicationThe main aim of the research was to develop a new biocompatible and injectable composite with the potential for application as a bone-to-implant bonding material or as a bone substitute. A composite based on hydroxyapatite, gelatin, and two various types of commercially available transglutaminase (TgBDF/TgSNF), as a cross-linking agent, was proposed. To evaluate the impacts of composite content and processing parameters on various...
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Correlation between Compressive Strength and Heat of Hydration of Cement Mortars with Siliceous Fly Ash
PublicationThis paper presents the results of calorimetric and strength tests of mortars with ordinary Portland cement and two substitution rates (10 and 20%) of cement by siliceous fly ash. The prepared samples were cured under isothermal conditions at four different temperatures: 23, 33, 43 and 53 °C. Heat of hydration was measured using an isothermal calorimeter dedicated to monitor the hydration process of cementitious composites such...
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Determination of Metals Content in Wine Samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
PublicationKnowledge about the metal content of wine is very important, for many reasons. Depending on the element, its quantity varies in wine from ng/L to mg/L. Despite the fact that metals are not directly connected to the taste and aroma of the wine, their content should be determined and controlled, because excess is undesirable, and in some cases prohibited, due to potential toxicity. Several analytical procedures for metal determination...
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Key issues in modeling and optimization of lignocellulosic biomass fermentative conversion to gaseous biofuels
PublicationThe industrial-scale production of lignocellulosic-based biofuels from biomass is expected to benefit society and the environment. The main pathways of residues processing include advanced hydrolysis and fermentation, pyrolysis, gasification, chemical synthesis and biological processes. The products of such treatment are second generation biofuels. The degree of fermentation of organic substances depends primarily on their composition...
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Zrównoważony rozwój lokalny. Podstawy teoretyczne i działania praktyczne
PublicationRozwój zrównoważony to jedna z koncepcji rozwoju lokalnego. Celem monografii jest prezentacja podstaw tego rozwoju na poziomie lokalnym oraz ukazanie jego przejawów i działań praktycznych w sferach gospodarczej, społecznej i ekologicznej, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem dwóch wewnętrznych czynników rozwojowych – turystyki i oświaty. W pierwszym rozdziale przedstawiono teoretyczne podstawy rozwoju lokalnego. Omówiono najpowszechniej...
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Trypsin inhibitor, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as well as chemical composition of potato sprouts originating from yellow- and colored-fleshed varieties
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Antimicrobial potential of commercial silver nanoparticles and the characterization of their physical properties toward probiotic bacteria isolated from fermented milk products
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End-Of-Life Management of Photovoltaic Solar Modules
PublicationThe PV industry continues to push its credentials as a technology that addresses one of the fundamental challenges of our times – climate change. There are however two major concerns about this technology: first, the potential negative environmental impacts of energy used in the production stage and second, the possible shortage of the valuable materials in the future. The currently dominant semiconductor used in photovoltaic modules...
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Zirconia-based mixed potential sensor with Pt electrode prepared by spin-coating of polymeric precursor
PublicationMany types of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) based gas sensors have been explored extensively in recent years. Great attention have been directed to mixed-potential-type gas sensors. It is due to growing concerns with environmental issues. Not without a significance is the fact of very attractive performance of this type of sensor allowing to detect low concentration of pollutant gases. In this paper two types of YSZ based mixed-potential...
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Chitosan-coated coconut shell composite: A solution for treatment of Cr(III)-contaminated tannery wastewater
PublicationTannery industry generates a large amount of Cr(III)-contaminated wastewater daily. Unless properly treated, not only this effluent contaminates the water body, but also damages the environment and threatens public health. This batch study investigates the feasibility of chitosan-coated coconut shells as a low-cost material for removing Cr(III) from tannery wastewater. Both chitosan and coconut shell (CS) waste are abundantly available...
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Renewable Energy in the Pomerania Voivodeship—Institutional, Economic, Environmental and Physical Aspects in Light of EU Energy Transformation
PublicationIn the era of globalization and rapid economic growth, affecting most world economies, increased production and consumption are leading to higher levels of energy production and consumption. The growing demand for energy means that energy resources from conventional sources are not sufficient; moreover, its production generates high costs and contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases and waste. In view of the above, many...
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Thermomechanical and Fire Properties of Polyethylene-Composite-Filled Ammonium Polyphosphate and Inorganic Fillers: An Evaluation of Their Modification Efficiency
PublicationThe development of new polymer compositions characterized by a reduced environmental impact while lowering the price for applications in large-scale production requires the search for solutions based on the reduction in the polymer content in composites’ structure, as well as the use of fillers from sustainable sources. The study aimed to comprehensively evaluate introducing low-cost inorganic fillers, such as copper slag (CS),...