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Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , DNA-free CRISPR genome editing in raspberry (Rubus idaeus) protoplast through RNP-mediated transfection(Frontiers, 2025-06-30) Creeth, Ryan; Thompson, Andrew J.; Kevei, ZoltanProtoplast-based systems have been utilised in a wide variety of plant species to enable genome editing without chromosomal introgression of foreign DNA into plant genomes. DNA-free genome editing followed by protoplast regeneration allows elite cultivars to be edited without further genetic segregation, preserving their unique genetic composition and their regulatory status as non-transgenic. However, protoplast isolation presents a barrier to the development of advanced breeding technologies in raspberry and no protocol has been published for DNA-free genome editing in the species. Pre-assembled ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) do not require cellular processing and the commercial availability of Cas9 proteins and synthetic guide RNAs has streamlined genome editing protocols. This study presents a novel high-yielding protoplast isolation protocol from raspberry stem cultures and RNP-mediated transfection of protoplast with CRISPR-Cas9. Targeted mutagenesis of the phytoene desaturase gene at two intragenic loci resulted in an editing efficiency of 19%, though estimated efficiency varied depending on the indel analysis technique. Only amplicon sequencing was sensitive enough to confirm genome editing in a low efficiency sample. To our knowledge, this study constitutes the first use of DNA-free genome editing in raspberry protoplast. This protocol provides a valuable platform for understanding gene function and facilitates the future development of precision breeding in this important soft fruit crop.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Advanced lignocellulose bioprocessing for Aloe vera leaf rind through novel termite gut microbiome consortia for acetone butanol ethanol (ABE) production: metagenomics insights and process economic analysis(Elsevier, 2025-08-01) Rajeswari, Gunasekaran; Kumar, Vinod; Jacob, SamuelConsolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) using microbes simplifies the process, eliminates enzyme cost and reduces the overall processing expenses. In this regard, termite gut, a potent reservoir of microbial symbionts produces various lignocellulolytic enzymes which acts synergistically to degrade LCB. However, the effectiveness of adapting the microbes with LCB for improved lignocellulolytic enzyme secretion and substrate degradation has been overlooked. Hence, in this study adaptive laboratory (ALE) of termite gut isolates was performed with various substrates such as saw dust (SD) and Aloe vera leaf rind (AVLR) under different conditions. Among the consortia, enriched termite consortium (ETC-3) showed the highest degradation of lignin (51.86 ± 2.03 %, w/w), hemicellulose (29.27 ± 1.29 %, w/w) and cellulose (41.97 ± 2.99 %, w/w) with maximum specific enzyme activities. High throughput sequencing revealed the significant enrichment of Proteobacteria (88.95 %) and Ascomycota (99.94 %) groups in ETC-3. Further, the efficiency of ETC-3 in consolidated pretreatment and bioprocessing (CPBP) and CBP of AVLR towards acetone, butanol and ethanol (ABE) production was studied. Compared to the CPBP, CBP resulted in 1.6-fold higher glucose yield which subsequently enhanced the butanol yield (7.97 ± 0.40 g/L). Finally, cost benefit analysis ensured the economic feasibility of process strategies for AVLR valorization.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Critical factors influencing biohythane production from research to commercialization(Elsevier, 2025-08-01) Cho, Si-Kyung; Trchounian, Karen; Reungsang, Alissara; Kumar, Vinod; Igliński, Bartłomiej; Piechota, Grzegorz; Kumar, GopalakrishnanThe shift from fossil-derived energy to clean, renewable sources has accelerated due to the demand for sustainable and commercially viable energy solutions. Another possible clean fuel is biohythane, also known as HCNG, which is a blend of bio–CH4 and bio–H2 with a concentration of 10 and 30 % v/v, respectively. The chemical industries have eventually been utilizing bio–CH4 and bio–H2 extensively because of their high calorific values of 143 and 55 kJ g−1, respectively. The bio–H2 and bio–CH4 have been emerged as promising green energy carriers, offering a broad range of applications in chemical industries, owing to their high calorific value, renewability, and CO2 neutrality. In the pursuit of zero-emission technologies to mitigate the global warming, biohythane is gaining attraction as a potential future fuel. This study explores biohythane production through a sequential two–stage process that converts organic wastes into bio–H2 and subsequently into bio–CH4, offering an ideal pathway for sustainable biohythane generation. Further, this study provides an overview of key developments and applications in two–stage microbial synthesis of bio–CH4 and bio–H2, alongside insights into the demand, supply, and current global status of biohythane production. This study delves into the acidogenic phase, where bio–H2 is produced, and the methanogenic phase, which yields bio–CH4. While detailing the biochemistry, critical factors, challenges, and limitations of an integrated bio–hythane production system are discussed. Finally, the strategies for enhancing bio–H2 and biohythane production and an outlook on their commercialization potential are discussed.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Biochar amendment and water level optimization enhance nitrogen removal and reduce N2O emissions in vertical flow constructed wetlands via metagenomic analysis(Elsevier, 2025-08) Wang, Xin; Shen, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Qin; Lyu, Tao; Ding, Yanli; Bai, ShaoyuanTo explore how biochar influences nitrogen cycling in unsaturated, capillary, and saturated zones of partially saturated vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs), three parallel VFCWs were established to examine the effects of biochar's better water holding capacity on nitrogen removal and N2O emissions. Microbial mechanisms involved were studied by conducting ETS activity, metagenomic sequencing and performing high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA. Results indicated that the combination of adding 40 % biochar and maintaining water level of 45 cm facilitated TN removal and suppressed N2O emissions, achieving TN removal efficiency of 73.4 % and N2O/removed TN value of 0.3 %. Within the unsaturated zone, the relative abundance of amoA, hao, and nxrB increased by 929 %, 454 %, and 38.3 %, respectively, enhancing nitrification capacity microorganisms carrying these genes and involved in the oxidation of NH4+-N to NO3--N included Nitrosomonas, Methylosarcina, Nitrosospira, and Methylomonas, whose relative abundance increased by 75.2 %. In the capillary zone, the 19.2 % increase in nosZ (involved in the reduction of N2O to N2) transformed it into a potential N2O consumption layer. The functional genera involved in N2O reduction (Ferrovibrio, Thauera, Ramlibacter, and Hyphomicrobium) in the capillary zone increased by 1724 %, 357 %, 707 %, and 78.5 %, respectively, and the ETS activity in the 40W-CW capillary zone was 72.5 % higher than that of QS-CW. Within the saturated zone, the relative abundance of amoA increased by 591 %, hao by 149 %, and nxrB decreased by 20.0 %, potentially facilitating short-cut denitrification.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , In situ layered double hydroxide for efficient remediation of acidic water(Wiley, 2025) Qian, Zhongyang; Hu, Jiaojing; Chao, Jingbo; Huang, Jinlou; Coulon, Frederic; Zhang, Jingqi; Hu, Qing; Yang, Xiao JinThe efficient and sustainable in situ remediation of high‐strength acidic groundwater contaminated by complex micropollutants with minimal use of chemicals is a challenge. Here it is reported that MgAl alloy achieves neutralization and a complete removal of 20 mg L−1 Cd2+, Cr(VI), Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ in 15 min from acidic water free of chemicals. The removal rate of heavy metals and nitrate increases with decreasing pH and is not significantly reduced after 5 cycles of treating acidic water. The excellent performance of MgAl alloy in reactivity, durability, and efficiency is attributed to a synergistic effect of chemical reduction and eutectic reactions, which is catalyzed by intermetallic compound Mg17Al12 and in situ layered double hydroxide (iLDH). The pH 2.47 of an acid mine drainage sample from copper ore mines is raised to 7.4 ± 0.4 and the concentrations of Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn ions are reduced to <0.55 mg L−1 from 5–559 mg L−1. In contrast, quick lime treatment increases the pH to 12.45, whereas activated carbon, zerovalent iron, and conventional LDH are not able to neutralize or remove Al3+ and heavy metals. The findings of this study provide new insights into the efficient, green, and sustainable approach for acidic water remediation.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Bioactivity screening of selected Moroccan medicinal and aromatic plants, and the chemical basis of the phytotoxicity of caper, Capparis spinosa L.(Elsevier, 2025-10-01) Kisiriko, Musa; Bitchagno, Gabin T. M.; Harflett, Claudia; Noleto-Dias, Clarice; Naboulsi, Imane; Anastasiadi, Maria; Terry, Leon A.; Sobeh, Mansour; Beale, Michael H.; Ward, Jane L.Plant natural products are potential sources of biostimulants that can help plants overcome the effects of stress. The adverse effects of soil salinity on wheat growth necessitate the exploration of alternative sustainable solutions, such as biostimulants from medicinal and aromatic plants, to enhance crop resilience and productivity. This study aimed to screen nine Moroccan medicinal and aromatic plant extracts for their effect on wheat growth under saline and non-saline conditions using a seed soaking treatment, in a completely randomised experiment. Except for Marrubium vulgare leaf and Origanum compactum extracts, which averagely improved root length by 25 % and 14 %, respectively, none of the other extracts had significant positive effects on wheat seedling growth. Capparis spinosa (caper) extracts inhibited wheat emergence and growth, with leaf extracts being more phytotoxic than the stem extracts. The leaf extracts of C. spinosa caused an average reduction of the leaf length, root length, shoot dry weight and root dry weight of the wheat seedlings by 31 %, 21 %, 92 % and 94 %, respectively, compared with the control. Further fractionation of the leaf crude extract and follow-up screening revealed that the phytotoxicity likely resulted from a synergy between compounds in different fractions. Chemical analysis of the most active fraction by UHPLC-MS and NMR revealed loliolide as the major compound, alongside oxylipins and indole alkaloid derivatives. Additionally, a previously undescribed compound, 8-(1H-indol-3-yl-methyl)rutin, was also identified. These compounds potentially contribute to the phytotoxicity. The results of this experiment show that although two extracts enhanced root length, overall biostimulant effects were minimal, with C. spinosa extracts being significantly toxic, indicating the need to prevent their application on wheat.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Characterization and PAH removal performance of microbe-immobilized biochars derived from different feedstocks(Elsevier, 2025-05) Sun, Anqi; Liang, Jiaqing; Zhou, Haixuan; Coulon, Frederic; Hou, Yanwei; Cai, ChaoMicrobial degradation is the primary mechanism for purifying polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in environments, and biochar immobilization is an effective technology to enhance biodegradation, but the process parameters of the immobilization technology still require further systematic evaluation. Here, biochars derived from pig manure (PM), bamboo (BB), rice straw (RS), and soybean straw (SS) were used as carriers of Mycobacterium sp. ZL7, and the optimal biochar dosage of 1:30 (w/v) and immobilization time of 24 h were determined. The immobilization effects followed the order of RS > SS > PM > BB. Scanning electron microscopy and physicochemical properties revealed that porous structures acted as shelters for bacteria, and high nitrogen content, large pore size and high-water holding capacity played important driving roles in immobilization. In the single-substrate system, pyrene removal rates of the PM-, RS- and SS-immobilized materials were greater than 96 %, which were significantly higher than those of the biochar alone or the free strains. An orthogonal design experiment in historically PAH-contaminated soil further revealed that, compared with free strain, immobilized materials combined with high moisture content and moderate salicylic acid or Brij 30 can effectively increase the abundance of bacteria and the nidA gene, and enhance the dehydrogenase and polyphenol oxidase activities. The removal rate of total PAHs increased by 8.53 %-30.45 % after 24 d. Moreover, biochar with strong immobilization capacity showed better PAH removal effects. This study provides a scientific basis and practical reference for biochar-immobilized microorganisms to enhance the self-purification of PAH-contaminated soil.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Chromium speciation monitoring platform for drinking water: machine learning-assisted dual-emission fluorescence sensor array(American Chemical Society (ACS), 2025-06-16) Zhu, Nuanfei; Tian, Yixing; Tao, Sinuo; Qiao, Ze; Yang, Zhugen; Hu, Ligang; Liu, Jingfu; Zhang, ZhenDifferent chromium (Cr) speciation in drinking water shows distinct risk levels to humans, failing to reflect real environmental impacts only by total Cr analysis. Integrated with machine learning, a novel fluorescence sensor array was developed for rapid identification and quantitative detection of Cr speciation without sample pretreatment other than filtration. This system prepared three-component fluorescence hybrid materials (MSN@Zr@Au and MSN@Zr@AgAu) with dual emission wavelengths. The sensing unit with a dual-mode algorithm was specific for Cr speciation and accurately identified chromium speciation among 11 coexisting cations. The algorithm of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) assisting hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) provided higher selectivity for Cr speciation for real samples. Finally, this method showed good analytical performance ranging from 1 to 60 μM, exhibiting a low detection limit of 1.29 μM. This strategy shows excellent practicability for Cr speciation analysis in drinking and tap water, developing a practical monitoring platform for real water.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Schistosomiasis and water resources development in Africa: a scoping review and multi-case evaluation of associated snail control(Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2025-06-12) Sule, May N.; El Lahham, Ibrahim; Munkombwe, Mutinta N.; Nasike, Patricia; Gouvras, Anouk; Rollinson, David; Mbaziira, Rashid; Kanshio, Comfort; De Leo, Giulio A.Background Water resources development (WRD), specifically infrastructural man-made water bodies such as dams and irrigation schemes, are built to improve water supply, provide energy, and enhance food security. However, dams and irrigation schemes may lead to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of schistosomiasis. Methodology/Principal findings We conducted a scoping review of WRD impacts on schistosomiasis transmission risk in Africa using electronic databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature. From 1483 retrieved records, we assessed 186 full-text papers and identified 122 articles covering 54 dams and irrigation schemes in 32 African countries. We found that, although the relationship between WRD and schistosomiasis transmission risk is well-documented in the scientific literature, the vast majority of the approximately 1,600 medium- to large-sized dams currently operating in endemic regions of Africa lack before-and-after prevalence data necessary to evaluate their actual impact on schistosomiasis transmission. Our analysis revealed that rigorous epidemiological data to assess WRD’s effects exist for only 11 dams across 9 countries. Additionally, only a limited number of studies provided information on schistosomiasis control methods, surveillance, or monitoring for WRD. Few countries have implemented engineering and biological snail control measures, some of which have proven effective, enabling us to identify successful interventions employed at various stages of the WRD lifecycle. Lastly, to assess these measures in detail, we selected case studies from Africa that illustrate the success and challenges of schistosomiasis control with regard to WRD, thus gaining insights of the global relevance of lessons learnt for the future development of water resources. Conclusions/Significance Our analysis highlighted that an integrated and coordinated approach is vital for the successful control of schistosomiasis transmission risk associated with Water Resources Development. We provide key recommendations which could be adopted by the Continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) with the ultimate goal of decreasing prevalence and moving towards elimination.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Feasibility study on using combined tomography and spectroscopy techniques to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of organo-mineral fertilisers(Frontiers, 2025-06-04) Sakrabani, Ruben; Mosca, Sara; Liptak, Alexander; Burca, GenovevaFertilisers play a key role in agriculture, providing key nutrients needed by crops to ensure a secure food supply. However, with increasing prices and rising environmental concerns, there is a growing need to rely on alternative and sustainable fertiliser sources, introducing the opportunity to use organic amendments to formulate organo-mineral fertilisers (OMF). Despite their environmental advantages, the inherent variability in composition of organic amendments within OMF poses a challenge for their standardization. This study aims to use OMF derived from anaerobic digestate and coupled with carbon capture technologies to analyze for its physical characteristics and chemical composition using neutron computed tomography (NCT), X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and Raman spectroscopy (RS). This is a feasibility study to assess using non-destructive techniques on OMF as previously this has not been explored. This work represents the first attempt to utilize a combination of imaging techniques to investigate on OMF and demonstrates their feasibility for measuring the variability between individual samples. This is a proof-of-concept study which shows that combining NCT and XCT can provide images on how uniformly packed each OMF pellet are. The use of RS is to characterize OMF is more challenging largely due to the high fluorescence background arising from its matrix. This study needs to be further developed to enable image-based analysis using machine learning algorithms to determine characteristics of large batches of OMF. Further development is needed building on this work to quantify OMF pellet characteristics so that it can be confidently used as novel fertilisers in agriculture.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Germination response of South African cannabis landraces to accelerated aging: implications for seed storage(Elsevier, 2025-07) Langa, Sabeliwe; Magwaza, Lembe Samukelo; Mditshwa, Asanda; Tesfay, Samson ZerayThis study investigated the impact of accelerated aging on seed germination in five South African cannabis landraces: Ladysmith Ugwayi wesiZulu (‘L1’) and Iswazi (‘L2’), Bergville Natal (‘B2’) and Ugwayi wesiZulu (‘B1’), and Msinga Ugwayi wesiZulu (M1). Seeds were subjected to aging at 42 °C for 0 (control), 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. Seed viability assessed using a tetrazolium chloride (TTC) test, electrolyte conductivity, pH, and water activity were measured over five days. Germination tests were conducted at 30/25°C in Petri dishes in the laboratory and validated in a greenhouse, with daily recording of germination percentage (GP), germination rate index (GRI), and coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG). Accelerated aging significantly (p < 0.05) reduced seed viability, GP, GRI, and CVG while increasing electrolyte leakage and water activity. Landrace responses varied with ‘B1’ having maintained the highest viability (100% unaged, 94.41% after 120 hours), whereas ‘M1’ showed the lowest (70.63% after aging). Electrolyte conductivity was highest in ‘M1’ (393.2 μS cm-1 g-1 after 120 hours), while ‘L2’ exhibited the highest water activity (0.724 after 120 hours). Germination declined significantly under prolonged aging, with ‘L2’ and ‘B2’ exhibiting over 50% reductions in GP. The findings demonstrate that accelerated aging impairs seed quality through electrolyte leakage and moisture uptake demonstrated by water activity, with landrace-dependent sensitivity. These results emphasize the need for controlled storage to preserve cannabis seed viability and germination performance, particularly under conditions of elevated temperature and humidity common to many smallholder farming systems.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Morphological changes of lenticels and their role in gas exchange and sprouting physiology of potato tubers during postharvest storage(Frontiers, 2025-06-11) Magwaza, Lembe Samukelo; Bernal, Antonio J. B.; Chope, Gemma A.; Alamar, M. Carmen; Terry, Leon A.The application of exogenous gases has been used to suppress sprouting in stored potato tubers. However, their efficacy in extending ecodormancy largely depends on achieving optimal gas exchange between the storage atmosphere and the tuber itself. This study aimed to investigate morphological variations and spatial distribution of lenticels and apical buds and to identify their potential role in tuber respiration rate and sprouting of five potato cultivars (‘Hermes’, ‘Lady Claire’, ‘Lady Rosetta’, ‘Saturna’, and ‘VR808’) during storage. Results revealed a consistent spatial pattern wherein the apical section of potato tubers exhibited significantly higher bud counts compared to lateral and stolon regions. ‘Lady Claire’ stood out as having the highest number of apical buds among the cultivars studied. Digital image analysis showed a seven times higher number of buds surrounding the apical eye and these were generally smaller than those distributed across the skin. ‘Saturna’ displayed double the lenticel density (12 lenticels cm-2) in smaller tubers, suggesting an inverse relationship between tuber size and lenticel density. ‘Lady Claire’ and ‘Saturna’ had respiration rates of 2.75 and 1.9 mL CO2 kg-1 h-1, respectively, and were selected for additional respiration and ethylene efflux analyses. In both cultivars, distinct spatial differences were observed, with the apical section exhibiting a seven-fold increase in lenticel density compared to the lateral and stolon sections. Respiration rate increased five-fold when apical lenticels were blocked, whereas it decreased 30-fold when the apical was the only unblocked section, suggesting differential physiological activity across lenticel locations. The apical sections, with the highest lenticel density, exhibited elevated respiration rates as a stress-induced physiological response upon blockage, compared to the lateral and stolon sections. Lenticels changed their morphology during storage, erupting before bud movement, suggesting lenticel eruption could be used as a pre-symptomatic visual marker of dormancy break. This study highlights the critical role that lenticel morphology and spatial distribution may have in determining potato tuber gas exchange and refining allied storage regimes.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Detection of Fusarium spp. and T-2 and HT-2 toxins contamination in oats using visible and near-infrared spectroscopy(Elsevier, 2025-10-02) Teixido-Orries, Irene; Yang, Lexuan; Molino, Francisco; Medina, Angel; Marín, Sonia; Verheecke-Vaessen, CarolFusarium langsethiae (FL) is one of the major contaminants in oats in the United Kingdom (UK) and is a significant producer of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, among the most prevalent mycotoxins in oats. Visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) (350–2500 nm) spectroscopy was explored as a non-invasive, rapid method for detecting FL, Fusarium species that produce T-2 and HT-2 toxins, and T-2 and HT-2 toxins content. Oat grains were artificially inoculated with FL and other Fusarium species under controlled water activity (aw) conditions (0.98, 0.90, and 0.80). FL was found to be particularly responsible for producing T-2 and HT-2 toxins. Classification models were developed to distinguish oat grains based on the presence of FL. The best performance was achieved with all the Vis-NIR spectra, with a classification accuracy of 76.2 %. The Vis region (350–995 nm) emerged as the most important range for classification. Additionally, oat grains were classified by T-2 and HT-2 toxin content, distinguishing oats above and below the European Union (EU) threshold with 93.3 % accuracy. For mycotoxin quantification, the best performance was obtained using the Vis region with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.875. Key wavelengths such as 464, 568, 575 and 636 nm were relevant for toxin detection. The NIR region (1005–1795 nm) also played a significant role in the models. This study shows that Vis-NIR spectroscopy is a promising, non-destructive tool for detecting Fusarium and type A trichothecenes in oats, though further research is needed to improve model robustness and support food safety monitoring.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Understanding organic carbon dynamics in a river catchment through improved sediment fingerprinting(Elsevier, 2025-10) Wiltshire, Catherine; Meersmans, Jeroen; Waine, Toby W.; Grabowski, Robert C.; Addy, Stephen; Glendell, MiriamAgricultural practices accelerate the rates of soil erosion and organic carbon (OC) loss, increasing the input of nutrient rich sediment to surface waters. As climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of hydrological disturbances that drive erosion, it is of vital importance to quantify the terrestrial to aquatic fluxes of OC to inform sustainable management strategies and mitigate the impacts of soil OC loss in river catchments. In this study, OC sediment fingerprinting was used to determine seasonal sources of sediment to a freshwater stream from different land uses in a river catchment. Multiple lines of evidence (soil and stream sediment sampling, local climate and agronomic data) were used to evaluate tracer properties and sources in order to improve the sediment fingerprinting technique. Within a mixed land-use catchment, four potential sources of sediment (arable, forest, pasture and moorland) were characterised between June 2018 and December 2019. Spatio-temporal differences in OC sources were observed at different times of year. Arable soil was the dominant contributor to suspended sediment OC, ranging from 37% to 61% at the catchment outlet. Increased rainfall, discharge, livestock poaching, and bare or sparsely vegetated areas were found to be the drivers of change in seasonal sources of sediment relative to land use. This study demonstrated a holistic approach to inform sustainable catchment management; using multiple lines of evidence to improve the characterisation of sediment sources and highlight remaining uncertainties in the sediment fingerprinting technique.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Insight into the stickiness of faecal sludge from dry sanitation technologies: a path toward sustainable and efficient FSM via thermal processes(Elsevier, 2025-06) Mupinga, Ratidzaishe T.; Mercer, Edwina; Rayavellore Suryakumar, A.; Pocock, Jonathan; Septien, SantiagoThis study explores the stickiness behaviour of faecal sludge (FS) during thermal drying—an operational challenge that hampers the performance of faecal sludge management (FSM) systems. Samples were collected from ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines and urine diversion dry toilets (UDDTs) in Durban, South Africa, and analysed using a texture analyser to measure adhesive and cohesive forces over a temperature range of 25–80 °C and moisture contents between 20–90 wt.%. Complementary tests were conducted to assess water activity, drying kinetics, rheological properties, and plastic behaviour. Maximum stickiness occurred in the 50–60 wt.% moisture range. In this region, FS transitioned from a viscoelastic fluid to lumpy and plastic consistency dominated by interstitial moisture, and eventually to a granular solid at the end of the sticky region, as interstitial water was depleted. The sticky phase coincided with the transition from the first to the second falling-rate period of drying, reflecting a shift from surface to internal moisture evaporation. Cohesive forces were consistently greater than adhesive forces and increased modestly at 80 °C. UDDT sludge was slightly stickier than VIP sludge under similar conditions. The results highlight the strong dependence of FS stickiness on moisture content and its binding properties. To address this issue, the study proposes mitigation strategies such as bypassing the sticky range, using bulking agents, or applying pre-treatments to improve drying performance. These findings provide practical guidance for the design and operation of sludge treatment systems and contribute to more sustainable FSM practices.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Changes in land capability for agriculture under climate change in Wales(Elsevier, 2025-07-25) Hannam, Jacqueline A.; Keay, Caroline A.; Mukherjee, Kriti; Rugg, Ian; Williams, Arwel; Cooke, JamesLand capability assessments are key models that can identify current and future capacity of land for agricultural production. However, assessments of land capability under climate change do not fully consider climate-soil-crop interactions, are produced at scales too coarse for decision making and exclude key end users. We tackle these gaps by co-developing a predictive fine-scale spatial assessment of Agricultural Land Classification in Wales for baseline climate (1961-1990) and future climate scenarios. The findings revealed an increase in the proportion of land with better agricultural potential in 2020 (2010-2039) and 2050 (2040-2069) compared to the baseline, becoming more favourable for agriculture due to decreased soil wetness. However, by 2080 (2070-2099), there was a reduction in the proportion of higher grade and best and most versatile land for agriculture. During this period, an increase in accumulated temperature and decrease in rainfall during the growing season resulted in higher soil moisture deficits and increased risk of summer drought. We identified soil droughtiness as the most limiting factor for agricultural capability in 2080, resulting in a decrease in the best and most versatile land for agriculture (by 2 to 11% compared to the baseline). The transparency of the approach and prediction of land capabilities at local scale enabled effective policy implementation and decision making. The predicted future changes in land capability highlight that policy instruments used currently to protect high grade agricultural land should also consider the potential impacts of climate change.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Organic management in coffee: a systematic review of the environmental, economic and social benefits and trade-offs for farmers(Taylor and Francis, 2025-05-29) Jones, Katharine; Njeru, Ezekiel Mugendi; Garnett, Kenisha; Girkin, Nicholas T.Global coffee production is expanding, contributing to environmental degradation, notably through extensive use of inorganic fertilizers. Volatile prices, climate change, rising input costs, and pressure to decrease carbon footprints represent key challenges for farmers. Regenerative soil management and the use of organic management as an alternative to conventional mineral fertilizers offer one potential solution to address these challenges. However, information is limited regarding the potential options available for farmers, and their potential environmental, economic, and social impacts. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to assess the benefits and trade-offs from adopting different organic management approaches following PRISMA guidelines. We identified 43 peer-reviewed articles, predominantly focusing on agroforestry, plant-derived additions, soil management or animal manure to improve livelihoods and environment. Research priorities differ by region and there is a skew toward researching the environmental impacts of regenerative techniques. Our synthesis demonstrates multiple potential environmental benefits to organic management, but increasing economic risks and trade-offs for farmers, particularly in transitioning to organic management. We also highlight the social barriers facing farmers, from education to access to knowledge networks to support implementation. These challenges must be addressed to support any future sustainable transitions to organic management in coffee.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Insights into Alternaria in apple fruit causing mouldy core, external infection and mycotoxin production under retail and storage conditions(Elsevier, 2025-08-02) Pavicich, María Agustina; Maldonado, María Luisa; Nguyen, Truong Nhat; De Boevre, Marthe; De Saeger, Sarah; Patriarca, AndreaApple fruit is widely consumed worldwide, but fungal contamination in the postharvest stage presents a significant food safety concern. This study evaluates the production and accumulation of Alternaria mycotoxins, including alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl-ether (AME), and the modified forms (AOH-3-S, AME-3-S, AOH-3-G, AME-3-G), altenuene (ALT), tenuazonic acid (TeA), tentoxin (TEN), altertoxin I and II (ATX[sbnd]I, ATX-II), in Red Delicious apples under simulated retail and post-harvest conditions. Three Alternaria tenuissima strains (isolates 02, 31 and 36) were inoculated in apple fruit at two sites separately (core and exterior) and incubated at two temperatures (25 °C and 4 °C) for 1 and 9 months. Mycotoxin production was quantified using LC-MS/MS, revealing significant variability across strains and conditions. Isolates 02 and 36 exhibited significant temperature and site-dependent variability in mycotoxin production. Higher levels of AOH, AME, ALT, and ATX-I were produced at 25 °C and in the core. Long-term cold storage delayed fungal growth but did not prevent mycotoxin accumulation, raising concerns about the safety of processed apple products. These findings highlight the need for stricter monitoring of mycotoxins during post-harvest storage to mitigate health risks. The findings provide insights into their toxigenic capacity in vivo and highlight potential risks for food safety.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Anaerobic microbial core for municipal wastewater treatment — the sustainable platform for resource recovery(Elsevier, 2025-08-01) Conall Holohan, B.; Trego, Anna; Keating, Ciara; Bressani-Ribeiro, Thiago; Chernicharo, Carlos L.; Daigger, Glen; Galdi, Stephen M.; Knörle, Ulrich; Paissoni, Eleonora; Robles, Angel; Rogalla, Frank; Shin, Chungheon; Soares, Ana; Smith, Adam L.; Szczuka, Aleksandra; Hughes, Dermot; O’Flaherty, VincentThe requirement for carbon neutrality and bioresource recovery has shifted our views on water treatment from health and pollution avoidance to one of sustainability with water and nutrient circularity. Despite progress, the current process of wastewater treatment is linear, based on core aerobic microbiology, which is unlikely to be carbon neutral due to its large use of energy and production of waste sludge. Here, we outline a shift from aerobic to anaerobic microbiology at the core of wastewater treatment and resource recovery, illustrating the state-of-the-art technologies available for this paradigm shift. Anaerobic metabolism primarily offers the benefit of minimal energy input (up to 50% reduction) and minimal biomass production, resulting in up to 95% less waste sludge compared with aerobic treatment, which is increasingly attractive, given dialogue surrounding emerging contaminants in biosolids. Recent innovative research solutions have made ambient (mainstream) anaerobic treatment a ready substitute for the aerobic processes for municipal wastewater in temperate regions. Moreover, utilising anaerobic treatment as the core carbon removal step allows for more biological downstream resource recovery with several opportunities to couple the process with (anaerobic) nitrogen and phosphorus recovery, namely, potential mainstream anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) and methane oxidation (N-DAMO). Furthermore, these technologies can be mixed and matched with membranes and ion-exchange systems, high-value biochemical production, and/or water reuse installations. As such, we propose the reconfiguration of the wastewater treatment plant of the futurewith anaerobic microbiology. Mainstream anaerobic treatment at the core of a truly sustainable platform for modern municipal wastewater treatment, facilitating circular economy and net-zero carbon goals.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Appropriate technologies or appropriating technologies? Technopolitics within artisanal and small-scale mining in Ghana(Elsevier, 2025-07-01) Ofori, Alesia Dedaa; Awolorinke, Augustine Chiga; Amankwaah, Gad AmoakoThis article contributes to the discourse on the significance of “appropriate” technologies in formalising artisanal and small-scale gold miners' activities. By raising the question of what or who defines what is “appropriate” for artisanal miners, the paper engages critically with the ignored and complicated spatial and temporal dynamics that underpin miners’ decisions regarding technologies and the impact of these choices on the political ecology of artisanal gold mining. Until recently, technologies used by small and artisanal miners have been known to be crude and rudimentary, with deleterious impacts on the natural environment. Hence, the policy drive to formalise illegal miners has emphasised the essence of appropriate technologies, depoliticizing the complex underpinning factors that shape technology adoption and rejection. Thus, the paper focuses on two technologies that have become prevalent in the artisanal mining scene in Ghana, i.e. the Chinese Changfa and the Trommel, to demonstrate the complex and myriad ways miners determine which technology is appropriate. Appropriate technologies, the paper argues, are determined based on a multifaceted combination of socio-political, economic, ecological, biophysical and cultural factors. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of these observations on the formalisation of artisanal miners amid the increasing demand for energy transition minerals in developing economies.