Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 162

Abstract: A method for the synthesizing of carbon composites based on hydrolysis lignin powders and iron oxides (FeO and Fe₂O₃) was proposed in this work. The obtained composites were studied by X-ray diffractometry, adsorption/desorption gas porometry and magnetometry. X-ray phase analysis has revealed the presence of an amorphous carbon phase and crystalline phases of FeO, Fe₃O₄, Fe₂O₃, and Fe in both types of synthesised composites. The synthesized composites demonstrated significantly higher specific magnetisation values compared to the initial iron oxide powders. For Fe₂O₃ powder, the specific magnetisation was σ_s = 6 A·m²/kg, while the saturation specific magnetisation of the composite based on this oxide was σ_s = 34 A·m²/kg. For FeO powder, the specific magnetisation was σ_s = 28 A·m²/kg, with the composite based on it exhibiting a specific saturation magnetisation of σ_s = 40 A·m²/kg. The observed results were explained by the formation of particles with sufficiently high values of specific magnetisation due to thermal reduction of iron oxides in the presence of carbon monoxide, obtained from the pyrolysis of hydrolysed lignin.

Abstract: The object of the study was the Ukrainian bentonite clays of the Cherkasy deposit (layer II of the Dashukivska area) and the Ilnytske deposit of the Transcarpathian region. Enrichment of clays with montmorillonite was carried out by the method of sedimentation of the coarsely dispersed phase. The natural type of montmorillonite and the nature of isomorphic substitutions in its structure were confirmed by X-ray diffractometric and complex thermal analyses. Activation of bentonite clay enriched with montmorillonite was carried out by the action of ultrasonic waves. The sorption capacity of activated and montmorillonite-enriched clays with respect to Cu²⁺ ions was assessed by the results of energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The ion exchange mechanism of sorption of Cu²⁺ ions was confirmed by the data of diffractometric X-ray analysis. The prospects for the use of enriched bentonite clays activated by ultrasonic waves are outlined.

Abstract: Water resources are crucial in any region's overall natural resource complex. This research focuses on addressing these pollution issues through water treatment processes. The primary objective of this study was to examine the adsorption of phosphates using both natural and synthetic adsorbents, particularly aluminosilicates. Under static and dynamic conditions, the research assessed the sorption characteristics of natural zeolite, specifically clinoptilolite obtained from the Sokyrnytsia mineral deposits. Results indicated that the adsorption of phosphates is more effective in acidic environments. It was observed that clinoptilolite exhibits a higher adsorption capacity for unsubstituted phosphates, which diminishes when alkali metal ions replace orthophosphoric acid. Additionally, the study highlighted the significant influence of pH levels on the sorption properties of clinoptilolite, especially about P₂O₅. The kinetic coefficients of the adsorption process were determined using experimental data and theoretical frameworks. Furthermore, mathematical modelling was employed to describe the adsorption dynamics of the active components by granular sorbents, effectively capturing the transient nature of diffusive-kinetic processes in complex, multicomponent systems. This research deepens our understanding of phosphate adsorption mechanisms. It provides valuable insights into optimising water treatment strategies using natural adsorbents, which could play a critical role in mitigating the effects of water pollution in the region. Zeolites derived from fly ash produced by the Dobrotvir thermal power plant have been synthesised and modified to enhance their properties. This study focuses on the characteristics of these zeolites, with a particular emphasis on thermogravimetric analysis, to understand their stability and performance under varying conditions. The adsorption capabilities of the natural zeolite were tested against common pollutants found in wastewater from meat-processing plants, specifically targeting ammonium and phosphate contaminants. Experimental data allowed for determining equilibrium adsorption capacities and corresponding isotherms were constructed at a standard temperature of 20°C. The results indicate that zeolite adsorbs phosphates more effectively than ammonia nitrogen. Further analysis revealed that clinoptilolite's adsorption capacity is higher when interacting with single-component systems but decreases when it simultaneously adsorbs two different substances from the solution. This decrease suggests competitive adsorption dynamics when multiple contaminants are present. Given the finite availability of natural zeolite resources, this research highlights the importance of synthesising synthetic zeolites as a sustainable alternative.

Abstract: Buckwheat grain processing produces a significant amount of buckwheat hulls, which are usually stored or incinerated, posing a threat to the environment, particularly to soil and air. The solution to this problem may lie in the production of biochar from buckwheat husks. Buckwheat husks have a favourable composition for biochar production. The resulting biochar can be used as an additive to compost to improve its characteristics, ensure a high-quality composting process and adsorb pollutants. Since the mechanisms of sorption of biochar produced from buckwheat husk are not yet well understood, the aim of this study is to investigate the sorption properties of biochar on the example of lead ion sorption. Comparison of the efficiency of lead ion sorption by different modified forms of raw materials shows that the method of biochar production significantly affects its sorption activity. An increase in the pyrolysis temperature has a positive effect on the sorption properties; the highest sorption is achieved at an initial concentration of lead ions of 1.00 mg/ml. The analysis of adsorption isotherms indicates a type L, which indicates minimal interaction between the adsorbed molecules. The kinetic parameters of the sorption process show that the system reaches equilibrium within a few hours, and the maximum sorption values are observed after 2.5-3 hours of incubation.

Abstract: The research was performed with the aim of obtaining new data on effective methanogenesis during the fermentation of sugar production waste with the addition of lignocellulosic raw materials. Amaranth crops of different varieties were used as raw materials. After analyzing the component composition of fresh amaranth and dry raw materials according to standard methods, the samples were subjected to microbiological processing in the presence of an enzyme preparation in laboratory and industrial conditions. It was determined that when using the vegetative mass of amaranth plants with waste from sugar production in the processes of methanogenesis, the yield of biogas and its caloric content increase.

Abstract: The results of the study of the calorific value of the fuel obtained from the biomass of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, obtained as a result of the absorption of greenhouse gases, by the method of complex thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyzes are presented. The calorific value of fuel samples obtained from biomass grown by absorbing pure carbon dioxide and biomass grown by absorbing a mixture of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides was determined. Combustion of fuel samples obtained as a result of absorption of greenhouse gases is accompanied by a higher exothermic effect by 1.7% compared to the standard obtained from pure carbon dioxide. According to research results, the calorific value of this fuel exceeds by 17% the calorific value of aspen, which is an alternative source of energy in Europe, and is commensurate with the calorific value of selectively bred energy willow.

Abstract: Methods of assessing the intensity of plant growth in soils contaminated with elements of heavy metals as a result of military operations can provide important data regarding the migration, bioavailability of chemical compounds for plants, as a result of the formation of chemical compounds, which are key parameters for assessing the phytoremediation potential. The use of various methods of assessing the impact of heavy metals in the soil on plant growth can be evaluated not only based on the degree of environmental risk, but also predict the magnitude of the impact of a complex of chemical elements taking into account synergistic factors based on a statistical assessment based on the Pearson and Spearman complex. It was established that the mutual influence on the formation of active compounds in the soil significantly affects the intensity of plant growth and, accordingly, the negative correlation of the Pearson coefficient with the concentration of heavy metals in the soil for such as Cd, Cr and Ni. A positive correlation in the range of 0.75-0.89 is typical for soil samples with copper, lead, zinc and titanium. The impact of potentially toxic elements on the biometric parameters of plants was determined using germination tests. Slowdown of plant growth in the range of 5-10% was observed for soils with excess content of elements in the following sequence: zinc, lead, nickel, copper, chromium, cadmium and titanium.Statistical analysis was performed based on the results of biometric parameters of plants from germination tests. The application of the t-test (Shapiro-Wilk, p>0.05) established statistical differences in the homogeneity of the dispersion and the normality of the distribution. Under the condition (p=0.05) of normal distribution, the Mann-Whitney test was used. At p>0.05, the Brown-Forsyth test was used to analyze homogeneity of variances with a normal distribution. The use of the Welch test made it possible to establish the fact whether the distribution is normal for homogeneous and heterogeneous dispersion. Based on the Statistica 13.1 program, it was established that the Welch test data confirm the normal distribution of various types of variance.

Abstract: Assessing the impact of military actions is an important task that allows for evaluating the extent of damage, forecasting environmental restoration measures, and making decisions regarding risk and threat management. The purpose of the work is to develop a procedure for applying satellite monitoring to assess the impact of military actions on natural complexes. The study presents available tools for identifying fires and damage to forest stands, steppe areas, and arable land, as well as determining their area and nature. Using the proposed satellite monitoring procedure, an assessment of the fire consequences for the especially valuable areas of the Dnipro-Buh Estuary in Mykolaiv region (Ukraine) was conducted.

Abstract: Green spaces are an integral part of a modern city. The state of urban green spaces is one of the most pressing environmental issues. The aim of the study was to assess the level of greenery in certain districts of Odesa based on the analysis of available statistical data. The territories of real parks and squares in Odesa districts do not meet WHO recommendations and urban planning standards. A comparative analysis of the green areas of Odesa districts by their quality showed that the best quality of green spaces is observed in Prymorskyi district. The second place is occupied by Kyivskyi district, followed by Khadzhibeyskyi district and the last place is occupied by Peresypskyi district. For urban landscaping, it is very important to select sustainable plants that not only successfully clean polluted air, but are also resistant to noise, dust and gas pollution.