ABSTRACT Aloe vera (AV) gel has emerged as a multifunctional ingredient for edible films and coatings amid global efforts to improve food security, reduce plastic waste, and limit postharvest losses. This review summarizes current knowledge on the extraction, composition, and application of Aloe vera gel in biopolymer‐based systems for food preservation. The literature indicates that AV gel contains polysaccharides, which are primarily responsible for film formation, as well as phenolic compounds and organic acids that provide antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The incorporation of biopolymers and inorganic nanoparticles into films containing AV gel can enhance their overall performance, as these materials reinforce the polymer matrix, increase mechanical strength, reduce water vapor permeability, and lower solubility. Nanoparticles act as structural reinforcing agents, while biopolymers such as starch, alginate, chitosan, and gelatin improve cohesion and stability, resulting in films with enhanced properties for food packaging applications. In postharvest applications, AV‐based coatings reduce weight loss, microbial and oxidative deterioration, and delay changes in color and texture in fruits, vegetables, and meat products, often extending shelf life without compromising sensory quality. Regulatory concerns mainly related to hydroxyanthracene derivatives, together with environmental and economic considerations, are also addressed. Overall, AV represents a promising natural ingredient for sustainable edible packaging. However, further progress relies on standardizing AV raw materials, conducting sensory and toxicological assessments, and validating formulations at pilot and industrial scales.

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the heavy metal concentrations in the sediments from the Korle Lagoon dumpsite and their potential leaching into the environment. The sediments were analyzed for total heavy metal concentrations using USEPA Method 3050B, with results showing the following ranges: 19.715–44.471 mg/kg for Cu, 0.098–0.398 mg/kg for Cd, 2.891–4.385 mg/kg for As, 26.00–45.176 mg/kg for Cr, 6.656–9.072 mg/kg for Ni, 33.932–60.029 mg/kg for Pb, 0.092–0.172 mg/kg for Hg, 111.9–214.88 mg/kg for Zn, and 12,884–19,192 mg/kg for Fe. Leachates from the sediments were analyzed using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) according to USEPA Method 1311. The metal concentrations in the leachate ranged from 0.002 to 0.005 mg/L for As, ND to 0.01 mg/L for Cd, 0.012 to 0.044 mg/L for Cu, 0.012 to 0.031 mg/L for Cr, 0.039 to 0.114 mg/L for Ni, 0.971 to 1.639 mg/L for Fe, ND to 0.001 mg/L for Hg, and 0.104 to 3.250 mg/L for Zn, with all leachate concentrations below the recommended guideline limits. The cumulative progressive TCLP results also showed metal concentrations below the guideline levels, suggesting that the leachate does not pose an immediate environmental risk. However, the study notes that while the current levels are within safe limits, significant leaching could occur if the pH of the medium decreases, potentially leading to environmental impacts over time. This research provides valuable insights into the current stability of the Korle Lagoon dumpsite sediments and establishes a baseline for future studies on long‐term environmental risks. The findings underscore the need for continued monitoring of pH changes and metal leaching to predict future environmental impacts.

ABSTRACT The utilization of biomass as a value‐added material has gained widespread attention due to the abundance of agricultural waste that remains underutilized. This waste is readily available at an affordable or no cost, yet when left unaddressed, it can contribute to environmental issues, such as the release of methane gas, which pollutes the air and poses risks to human health. The direct burning of agricultural waste further intensifies these problems. Along with a large amount of agricultural waste, critical land problems also arise due to the excessive use of inorganic fertilizers. This study addresses the issues by synthesizing biochar from agricultural waste (rice husks, sawdust, and bagasse) using the hydrothermal method at 180°C with NaOH as a solvent to enhance functional groups and increase adsorption capacity to be applied as a soil remediation agent. Biochar characterization was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) methods, and carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur (CHNS), and total plate count (TPC) analysis. The result shows, based on the functional group of the biochar of rice husks treated at different NaOH concentrations, the best results were obtained with a 5 M concentration, that applied for the synthesis condition for sawdust and bagasse‐based biochar. A large number of functional groups were exhibited by rice husk‐based biochar, yet they have the smallest surface area. The large number of functional groups, however, supports the ability of biochar in soil remediation. Proven by rice husk‐derived biochar demonstrated excellent performance, promoting leaf growth by 25%, root growth by 31%, and overall plant growth by 41%. Moreover, microorganisms observed in the soil after plantation increased tenfold with the addition of biochar compared to soil without biochar, highlighting the excellent potential of biochar in soil remediation.

ABSTRACT The depletion of limited natural resources and the need for strict environmental policies have catalyzed a shift toward sustainable and circular resource management, including the recovery of valuable nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen from wastewater. This review evaluates the current state‐of‐the‐art technologies for nutrient recovery, focusing on their economic viability. By analyzing these technologies, the review article gives a novel perspective on their potential to reduce reliance on finite resources, create a sustainable, resource‐efficient societal network, and contribute toward the circular economy. Our current study highlights the economic potential and implementation challenges, offering a comprehensive overview of how nutrient recovery from wastewater can be a crucial strategy for closing a nutrient loop.

ABSTRACT Mechanistic understanding of the nitrogen cycle in natural freshwater systems, such as the Euphrates River, is critical for sustaining ecosystem services and environmental protection. A model framework of the biogeochemical processes of nitrogen dynamics has the potential to analyze system performance and could highlight the most effective solutions for water quality pollution. The dynamics of mineral nitrogen, including ammoniacal N (NH 4 + +NH 3 ), oxidized N (NO 2 − +NO 3 − ) and total mineral N (TIN) in the Euphrates River within Karbala city in Iraq, are investigated between April 2018 and September 2019. In this study, a system dynamics model is developed to examine the dynamics of mineral N and explore new insights for mitigation strategies. Findings obtained from this research indicate the ability of the system model to reproduce field observations reasonably. The root mean squared error (RMSE) value for the modeled and observed total ammoniacal N is 0.619 g N m −3 , which reflects a best fitted description for the steady state concentration. A higher RMSE value observed for total oxidized N (3.591 g N m −3 ) could be attributed to the higher nitrifying capacity of the system than model predictions. Field observations and model predictions confirm that the NO 3 − is the predominant N form in the Euphrates River (2.64 ± 1.54 g m −3 ), suggesting the important role of metabolic pathways in N cycling in the river system. These findings are also supported by the changes in the hydraulic water budget and physicochemical responses. Research outcomes highlight the modeling framework as an important approach to improving knowledge of N dynamics, system analysis, and helping decision‐making to explore best management practices in the Euphrates River.

ABSTRACT MPs contamination has emerged as a growing environmental concern across diverse ecosystems. Nevertheless, research specifically addressing MPs contamination in pastures used for livestock feed remains limited. This study assessed MPs contamination in grasslands from four major feed fields in Pamekasan, Madura Island. Six samples of soil (T) and forage grass (R) were analyzed for MPs concentration, abundance, size, color, and polymer type. Soil samples contained 70–170 items/kg, while forage grass contained 160–260 items/kg. MPs were identified as fibers, fragments, granules, and films, with black as the dominant color across all samples. FTIR analysis showed PE as the dominant polymer (65.54% in soil, 78.45% in forage grass), followed by LDPE (34.46% and 21.55%, respectively). MPs were consistently higher in forage grass than soil, indicating potential transfer from soil to feed. These findings underscore the need to address MPs pollution in agricultural systems to safeguard environmental quality, livestock production, and food safety.

ABSTRACT Peat soils in Malaysia are characterized by low nutrient content and very high acidity, which can pose challenges to agricultural productivity. This study developed a proof‐of‐concept biofertilizer to address the low nutrient content and high acidity of Malaysian peat soils. A low‐methoxyl (LM) pectin (2.97 ± 0.86% methoxyl content) was extracted from durian rind waste to create a stable, controlled‐release matrix. The microalga Chlorella vulgaris was then encapsulated within this pectin matrix using sodium alginate to observe its impact on chili plant growth and soil quality. After 30 days, chili plants grown in peat soil treated with the biofertilizer demonstrated significantly improved growth, reaching a height of 6 cm with five leaves, which is a 100% increase compared to the 3 cm height and three leaves of untreated controls. FTIR analysis of the treated soil showed distinct peaks representing hydroxyl, aliphatic, carbonyl, and polysaccharide groups (3951, 2926, 1625, and 1047 cm −1 ), suggesting increased organic matter input and enhanced microbial activity. An improved soil chemical profile was confirmed by the higher spectral intensity in treated samples. This result underscores the success of our innovative approach, which uses durian rind pectin as a natural carrier for C. vulgaris . The findings, supported by both plant growth data and FTIR analysis, reveal a significant dual‐action benefit. Biofertilizer not only enhances plant vitality but also directly improves the fundamental organic structure of soil, thus providing an effective method for rehabilitating acidic peat soil compared to conventional approaches.

ABSTRACT Basic sanitation has become a tool for social inclusion, however, studies regarding the quality of public basic sanitation services are still incipient. Thereat, this study aimed to identify user perceptions regarding the quality of sanitation services in Rio Grande do Sul State (southern Brazil). A survey was conducted with 1114 users. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. The frequency of perceived problems was grouped according to the four components of basic sanitation. The average perception of the quality of basic sanitation services received was calculated, and the impact of self‐reported problems in each sanitation component on the perception of service quality was identified. Basic sanitation has become a tool for social inclusion; however, studies on the quality of public sanitation services are still in their infancy. The results indicated that users are partially satisfied with the quality of services provided, although there is a need for improvements, particularly in drinking water supply and solid waste management, the latter having the most significant negative impact on the perception of sanitation service quality. Understanding the needs and problems associated with the sanitation policy offered to citizens facilitates improvements to be instituted in the management of each component of the sanitation service.

ABSTRACT Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that pose significant environmental and health risks due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. In urbanizing regions like Ado‐Ekiti, Nigeria, these contaminants, stemming from industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and waste disposal, accumulate in soils, threatening ecosystems and human health. This study investigates the concentrations, spatial distribution, sources, and ecological risks of PAHs and PCBs in sediment samples from three sites (A, B, and C) in Ado‐Ekiti, Nigeria. Sixteen priority PAHs and 13 PCB congeners were analyzed to characterize contamination levels and patterns. The total PAH concentrations ranged from 29.12 µg/kg at Site B to 55.44 µg/kg at Site A, with high molecular weight PAHs (5–6 rings) dominating, comprising over 70% at Site A and over 50% at Sites B and C. Diagnostic ratios indicated a mix of pyrogenic and petrogenic sources. Total PCB concentrations varied from 7.65 µg/kg at Site B to 40.50 µg/kg at Site A, with dioxin‐like PCBs (e.g., PCB 114, PCB 77) prevalent at Site A (>70% of total PCBs) and indicator PCBs (e.g., PCB 28, 44, 101) elevated at Site C. Spatial variability was moderate with a coefficient of variation (CV%) of 63.59%. However, individual congeners like PCB 114 exhibited CVs exceeding 170%, indicating localized contamination region. Toxic equivalency (TEQ) estimates highlighted potential carcinogenic risks, particularly at Sites A and C, surpassing international sediment quality guidelines. Ecological Risk Index values revealed moderate to high risks at Sites A and C, driven by local industrial activities, waste disposal, and land use practices. These findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and regulatory measures to mitigate POP contamination and protect environmental and public health in Ado‐Ekiti.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the drivers of resource efficiency practices adoption by small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union. Using data from the Flash Eurobarometer 498 survey on a sample of SMEs across 27 EU countries, multilevel random intercept probit regression models are estimated for nine resource efficiency actions: water savings, energy savings, renewable energy use, materials savings, switching to greener suppliers, minimizing waste, selling scrap materials, recycling, and eco‐design. Results show that SMEs’ characteristics like economic activity sector, dimension, age, type of market served, as well as country‐level factors such as population density, GDP per capita, unemployment rate, education level, air quality, and environmental taxes significantly influence the probability of adopting circular economy and sustainability practices. The findings highlight the need for targeted policies tailored to specific SME profiles and national contexts to accelerate the transition towards a more resource‐efficient economy in the EU.