Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 174

Abstract: The object of this study was bentonite clay from the Ilnytskyi deposit in the Transcarpathian region. The clay was enriched in montmorillonite by sedimentation to remove the coarse-dispersed phase. Complex thermal, X-ray diffractometric, and energy-dispersive spectral analyses showed that the enriched bentonite consists mainly of Ca, Mg-montmorillonite. The sorption of methylene blue dye by the enriched bentonite was found to occur through an ion-exchange mechanism. Modeling of the experimental sorption isotherm data using the Langmuir equation revealed the influence of medium pH on the sorption characteristics of bentonite. The spent sorbent is recommended for application in sorption technologies for landfill reclamation and land restoration.

Abstract: The quality and chemical composition of water have a significant impact on the stability and efficiency of printing processes. Water is the basis of dampening solutions, used for washing blankets in offset printing and for cooling equipment. Ordinary tap water has an unstable composition, in most cases a high total hardness value, and contains calcium, magnesium and iron salts. The use of such water is unacceptable, as it can lead to printing technology malfunctions and cause defects in printed copies. It has been established that in order to ensure stable print quality, it is advisable to implement a multi-stage water treatment system for printing production. The proposed system includes mechanical filtration using titanium membranes to remove solid particles, softening and desalination of water using complex action columns or reverse osmosis technology, and disinfection to eliminate biological contamination. To restore the technologically necessary level of total mineralisation of water, the hardness is increased again. The paper calculates the required volumes of purified water used in offset printing depending on the volume of printed products. This allows the necessary productivity of filtration and softening units to be estimated. The paper calculates the required volumes of purified water used in offset printing depending on the volume of printed products. This allows assessing the required performance of filtration and softening units, as well as determining the feasibility of using closed or partially closed water circulation systems.

Abstract: The results of a theoretical analysis of the hydraulic regularities of turbulent flows in water supply pipelines with different roughness levels of the inner surface walls are presented. Based on this analysis, refined analytical dependencies were obtained for the distribution of averaged local velocities across the pipeline cross-section, hydraulic friction coefficients, and the ratio of the mean flow velocity to the maximum. It was established that the determining parameter of these dependencies is the relative hydraulic thickness of the boundary layer, which depends on the type and magnitude of the internal surface roughness of the pipeline and the Reynolds number. The validity of the proposed dependencies is confirmed by their correspondence with reliable experimental data obtained in specialized laboratories and with well-known classical dependencies of the semi-empirical theory of turbulent flows in pipelines. Compared to existing models, the refined dependencies are expressed in explicit form, more accurately meet the boundary conditions of turbulent flow, and do not complicate practical calculations. Based on experimental data for hydraulically smooth and rough pipes of various types, numerical parameter values for the proposed formulas were determined.

Abstract: This review analyzes modern strategies for decarbonizing gas emissions in industry and energy sector. You will find descriptions of key technologies, including carbon capture and storage (CCS), process electrification, hydrogen as fuel, and biogas solutions. The work compares the effectiveness of different approaches, evaluates their economic feasibility, and identifies implementation barriers. Results show that a combined approach using multiple technologies provides the best results for achieving climate neutrality goals by 2050.

Abstract: The present research investigates strategies to alleviate aquatic nutrient enrichment through the upcycling of hypertrophic algal matter, specifically by converting residuals from anaerobic biomethanation into specialized organo-mineral soil amendments. Analytical assessments indicate that these resulting amendments comply with toxicological safety mandates, exhibiting no deleterious heavy metal accumulation. The material possesses a dense nutritional profile, characterized by total nitrogen (6.36%) and phosphorus (2.1%) concentrations, alongside substantial calcium and sulfur fractions essential for crop development. Phyto-stimulatory potential is further augmented by intrinsic humic and fulvic acid concentrations, which facilitate the restoration of soil health and enhance biological productivity. Biological assays involving Triticum durum L. and Pisum sativum L. underscored that growth promotion is strictly governed by application dosage. While elevated concentrations were found to trigger inhibitory effects due to localized osmotic stress, a 1:500 dilution ratio emerged as the peak performance parameter for bolstering seed vitality and plant robustness. To mitigate industrial application challenges, including malodorous emissions and particle aggregation (caking), the integration of natural mineral sorbents – specifically zeolites – is recommended. This optimization enhances the substrate’s physical stability, supporting its strategic deployment in reclaiming anthropogenically damaged landscapes and advancing the circular bioeconomy paradigm.

Abstract: The escalating energy crisis and eutrophication of the Dnieper River cascade, worsened by military actions and the Kakhovka HPP dam destruction, demand a shift toward valorizing aquatic biomass. This study presents a full-cycle biotechnological approach to convert hyper-productive cyanobacteria, mainly Microcystis aeruginosa, from an environmental threat into a valuable resource. To overcome the structural resilience of cyanobacterial cell walls, we applied vibro-resonant cavitation (VRC) at 37–110 Hz. VRC outperforms acoustic and hydrodynamic methods in disintegration efficiency and continuous-flow scalability. Processed biomass produces high-purity biogas (75–80% methane) with a calorific value of 18–25 MJ/m³. The residual digestate serves as an effective organomineral fertilizer (NPK: 12.7%, 1.3%, 2.1%). Ecotoxicological tests with Daphnia magna show a 7.5–12.7 fold reduction in substrate toxicity due to microcystin degradation. With seasonal biomass accumulation of 4.14×10⁷ tons in Kremenchuk and Kam'yansk reservoirs, this approach could generate 18.84 million m³ of methane and 25 million tons of safe liquid fertilizers annually, supporting Ukraine’s post-war bio-based recovery.

Abstract: The paper explores the potential of biotechnological processes for air purification in closed environments. Ensuring a stable gas composition of air in isolated spaces is critical for maintaining human life in homes, offices, and the effective work of technical personnel and technical systems. Particular attention is paid to the biotechnological method of reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases with the participation of microalgae. Atmospheric air, bubbled through a membrane photobioreactor with a culture of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, showed a decrease in CO₂ content from 0.04% to 0.015%. This indicates the high efficiency of CO₂ biofixation by microalgae in a photobioreactor equipped with a membrane module for removing oxygen, a product of photosynthesis, thereby intensifying photosynthetic activity. This approach can be used in life support systems for enclosed environments, such as spacecraft, underground structures, bomb shelters, or energy-efficient buildings. The work also develops a mathematical description that models the mechanism of CO₂ transport from the air into the internal environment of microalgae cells to provide conditions for photosynthesis, as well as the effect of oxygen removal intensity and UV irradiation on the growth of microalgae cells. The results obtained allow the optimization of air purification conditions in real biological systems.

Abstract: Theoretical and experimental investigations have revealed significant spatial variations in the chemical element content of wastewater, primarily due to anthropogenic pressures from mining and industrial complexes. This indicates the diverse nature of pollution sources and the complex impact they exert. The most pronounced exceedances of permissible concentrations were observed for manganese, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, attributed to the leaching of elements from rock dumps and chemical weathering processes. Analysis of the total pollution index (Zc) helped identify areas with high levels of technogenic impact, necessitating urgent environmental protection and reclamation measures. Spatial models illustrating element distribution demonstrate a direct correlation between toxicant concentrations in aquatic environments and the location of technogenic objects, particularly spoil heaps. The findings are crucial for future planning of environmental protection initiatives in mining and industrial regions. They enable the identification of areas with the highest ecotoxicological burden and will be utilized for environmental monitoring of water bodies, forecasting ecological risks, and establishing a database for decision-making regarding reclamation and water resource quality management.

Abstract: This scientific work conducted a hydroecological analysis of water bodies in the Yavoriv National Nature Park territory. The methodology for assessing the hydroecological state of the Yavorivsky National Nature Park territory is presented. The leading hydrochemical indicators, such as total water mineralisation, biogenic substances, organic substances, dissolved gases, trace elements and pH level, were analysed. Modern analysis methods were used, including spectrophotometry, titration, gas chromatography and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results allow us to determine the quality of the park's water resources and develop recommendations for their protection. The leading physicochemical indicators of water were studied, including organoleptic properties, gas composition, mineralisation and content of biogenic substances. It was established that the park's waters are characterised by a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction, low gas saturation and the absence of hydrogen sulfide sources. The main hydrochemical types of water are calcium bicarbonate and sodium-calcium bicarbonate. Concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals do not exceed permissible standards, which indicates a satisfactory sanitary and chemical condition of water bodies.