This study examined the impact of different biochar (BC) as an anaerobic digestion (AD) additive on antibioticresistant bacteria (ARB) survival and AD performance using dairy cow manure. Bamboo BC and Olive BC with different particle sizes were added into the mesophilic AD at 15 g/L and 30 g/L dosages (Bamboo-15, Bamboo- 30, Olive-15, and Olive-30). The study provides a detailed analysis of biogas production, organic metabolism, and ARB and microbial dynamics, elucidating the mechanisms by which BC influences AD. Findings reveal significant reductions in CEZ-resistant bacteria (CEZ-r) across all reactors, ranging from 12.88 % to 76.47 %. Both Bamboo and Olive BC increased CEZ-r removal by 3.08–5.94 times compared to the control. Additionally, BC supplementation prevented the rise in CEZ-r percentage within the total bacteria count observed in the control reactor. Bamboo BC outperformed Olive BC in enhancing biogas yield, with Bamboo-15 and Bamboo-30 showing significant increases of 43.2 % and 48.0 %, respectively, compared to the control. Adding BC in AD regulates ARB by decreasing potential ARG hosts and impeding the transmission of resistance. It also enhances biogas production by improving the efficiency of methanogenic bacteria and optimizing the methanogenic pathway. This research provides insights into how BC can be used to enhance AD performance and mitigate ARB proliferation, offering a sustainable approach to waste management and energy production.
 

The urgent need for sustainable waste management has led to the exploration of upcycling waste plastics and biomass as viable solutions. In 2018, global plastic production reached 359 million tonnes, with an estimated 12000 million tonnes projected to be delivered and disposed of in landfills by 2050. Unfortunately, current waste management practices result in only 19.5% of plastics being recycled, while the rest is either landfilled (55%) or incinerated (25.5%). The improper disposal of plastics contributes to issues such as soil and groundwater contamination, air pollution, and wildlife disturbance. On the other hand, biomass has the potential to deliver around 240 exajoules of energy per year by 2060. However, its current utilization remains relatively small, with only approximately 9% of biomass-derived energy being consumed in Europe in 2017. This review explores various upcycling methods for waste plastics and biomass, including mechanical, chemical, biological, and thermal approaches. It also highlights the applications of upcycled plastics and biomass in sectors such as construction, packaging, energy generation, and chemicals. The environmental and economic benefits of upcycling are emphasized, including the reduction of plastic pollution, preservation of natural resources, carbon footprint reduction, and circular economy advancement.

The circular economy requires advanced methods to recycle waste matter such as ammonia, which can be further used as a fuel and a precursor of numerous value-added chemicals. Here, we review methods for the recovery of ammonia from wastewater with emphasis on biological and physicochemical techniques, and their applications. Biological techniques involve nitrification, denitrification, and anammox processes and the use of membrane bioreactors. Physicochemical techniques comprise adsorption, membrane filtration, ion exchange, chemical precipitation, ammonia stripping, electrochemical oxidation, photocatalytic oxidation, bioelectrochemical systems, and membrane hybrid systems. We found that nitrification and anammox processes in membrane bioreactors stand out for their cost-effectiveness, reduced sludge production, and energy efficiency. The use of struvite precipitation is an efficient, environmentally friendly, and recyclable method for ammonia removal. Membrane hybrid systems are promising for ammonia recovery, nutrient concentration, and wastewater treatment, with applications in fertilizer production and water purification. Overall, nitrogen removal ranges from 28 to 100%, and nitrogen recovery ranges from 9 to 100%.
 

Hydrogen, globally recognized as the most efficient and clean energy carrier, holds the potential to transform future energy systems through its use as a fuel and chemical resource. Although progress has been made in reversible hydrogen adsorption and release, challenges in storage continue to impede widespread adoption. This review explores recent advancements in hydrogen storage materials and synthesis methods, emphasizing the role of nanotechnology and innovative synthesis techniques in enhancing storage performance and addressing these challenges to drive progress in the field. The review provides a comprehensive overview of various material classes, including metal hydrides, complex hydrides, carbon materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and porous materials. Over 60 % of reviewed studies focused on metal hydrides and alloys for hydrogen storage. Additionally, the impact of nanotechnology on storage performance and the importance of optimizing synthesis parameters to tailor material properties for specific applications are summarized. Various synthesis methods are evaluated, with a special emphasis on the role of nanotechnology in improving storage performance. Mechanical milling emerges as a commonly used and cost-effective method for fabricating intermetallic hydrides capable of adjusting hydrogen storage properties. The review also explores hydrogen storage tank embrittlement mecha­ nisms, particularly subcritical crack growth, and examines the advantages and limitations of different materials for various applications, supported by case studies showcasing real-world implementations. The challenges underscore current limitations in hydrogen storage materials, highlighting the need for improved storage ca­ pacity and kinetics. The review also explores prospects for developing materials with enhanced performance and safety, providing a roadmap for ongoing advancements in the field. Key findings and directions for future research in hydrogen storage materials emphasize their critical role in shaping future energy systems.
 

Hydrogen is viewed as the future carbon–neutral fuel, yet hydrogen storage is a key issue for developing the hydrogen economy because current storage techniques are expensive and potentially unsafe due to pressures reaching up to 700 bar. As a consequence, research has recently designed advanced hydrogen sorbents, such as metal–organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, porous carbon-based adsorbents, zeolite, and advanced composites, for safer hydrogen storage. Here, we review hydrogen storage with a focus on hydrogen sources and production, advanced sorbents, and machine learning. Carbon-based sorbents include graphene, fullerene, carbon nanotubes and activated carbon. We observed that storage capacities reach up to 10 wt.% for metal–organic frameworks, 6 wt.% for covalent organic frameworks, and 3–5 wt.% for porous carbon-based adsorbents. High-entropy alloys and advanced composites exhibit improved stability and hydrogen uptake. Machine learning has allowed predicting efficient storage materials.
 

The production and use of traditional building materials contribute to environmental pollution and natural resource depletion. Besides, disposal of agricultural, industrial, and construction waste and other solid wastes is a significant contemporary for both developing and developed countries. Consequently, this study comprehensively examines sustainable construction materials (SCMs) sourced from waste materials. It analyzes 190 peerreviewed papers, evaluating their properties, engineering suitability, and their impacts on the environment, economy, and society. Findings reveal that most SCMs have good engineering performance, yet improvements are needed in demonstrating their environmental (33.3%), economic (40%), and social sustainability (73.3%). Also, most SCMs are in experimental stages, requiring further research on human toxicity, long-term savings, maintenance costs, and other vital indicators. This review highlights some of the current challenges facing SCMs to promote their further studies, reduce non-renewable energy consumption and solid waste recycling, and facilitate their application in green buildings.
 

In light of the anticipated 50% increase in global energy demand by 2050, the demand for innovative, environmentally conscious, efficient, and dependable energy technologies is paramount. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) offer a promising solution for sustainable energy production. This comprehensive review provides a detailed analysis of SOFCs, covering their fundamentals, materials, performance, and diverse applications, while also addressing technological challenges and future prospects. The review emphasizes the key advantages of SOFCs, including their high efficiency of up to 60% and minimal environmental impact. It explores the significance of impurity resistance and durability in materials and manufacturing processes for SOFC components. Comparative evaluations demonstrate the superior energy efficiency and ecological effects of SOFCs compared to other fuel cell technologies. SOFCs’ versatility and potential are showcased through their applications in transportation, power generation and storage, portable devices, and residential usage. However, challenges such as cost, longevity, reliability, and integration with other energy systems are identified, emphasizing the need for supportive policies and regulations.
 

The demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions is escalating as the global population grows and economies develop. Fossil fuels, which currently dominate the energy sector, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. In response to these challenges, hydrogen storage technologies have emerged as a promising avenue for achieving energy sustainability. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in hydrogen storage materials and technologies, emphasizing the importance of efficient storage for maximizing hydrogen's potential. The review highlights physical storage methods such as compressed hydrogen (reaching pressures of up to 70 MPa) and material-based approaches utilizing metal hydrides and carbon-containing substances. It also explores design considerations, computational chemistry, high-throughput screening, and machine-learning techniques employed in developing efficient hydrogen storage materials. This comprehensive analysis showcases the potential of hydrogen storage in addressing energy demands, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and driving clean energy innovation.

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), a common viral disease, can affect large ruminants, both domesticated and wild. In Assiut Governorate, there is little information about BVD despite their financial losses. Thus, the aim of this investigation was to study the current situation of BVDV infection among large ruminants in Assiut Governorate. In this study, 39 cattle and 11 buffaloes were obtained from various villages in the Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Whole blood and oral lesions swabs were collected for laboratory investigation using RT-PCR. Nine cattle and one buffalo were found to have BVDV-RNA. The clinical findings accompanied by BVDV infection in examined animals were fully discussed. The species, age, and sex of the animals that underwent molecular testing had no significant effect on the BVDV infection rate (P<0.05). Meanwhile, Assiut Governorate's climatic conditions were found to have a significant influence (P<0.001) on the BVD infection rate, in which the prevalence of BVDV infection was highest in the summer season. Emphasizing the importance of putting effective prevention and control measures in place throughout Egypt is recommended in order to minimize the prevalence of BVDV.

Empagliflozin (EMPA) is a glucose-lowering agent that is widely used for treatment of diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. This work aimed to evaluate the therapeutic and prophylactic effects of EMPA and NAC in treating nephrotoxicity caused by 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in male Albino Wistar rats. 48 rats were divided into 6 groups: The first group used as negative control. The second received 20 mg/kg of 5-FU intraperitoneally for 6 days. The third group received 5-FU plus 10 mg/kg EMPA orally for 10 days. The fourth group received EMPA 10 days before the injection of 5-FU. The fifth group received 5-FU plus N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 40 mg/kg. The sixth group received 5-FU, NAC plus EMPA. Biochemical evaluation for urea, creatinine, uric acid, albumin, TNF-α and IL-1β in serum and GSH and MDA in renal homogenate were done. Histopathological examination of kidneys was done with immunohistochemical analysis of caspase-3. The nephrotoxic effect of 5-FU was characterized by elevation of creatinine, urea, uric acid, MDA, TNF-α and IL-1β with reduction of albumin and GSH. EMPA caused improvement in kidney status especially when used therapeutically or with NAC. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that EMPA caused a reduction in the expression of caspase-3. EMPA is an effective drug in cases of 5-FU induced nephrotoxicity. It is more effective when used as a treatment rather than a prophylactic strategy. The effect of EMPA is enhanced when combined with NAC. EMPA nephroprotective effect is mediated via antioxidant, antiinflammatory effects and by decreasing the expression of renal caspase-3.