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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Enhancing the Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals by Combining Hyperaccumulator and Heavy Metal-Resistant Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria

Heavy metals (HMs) have become a major environmental pollutant threatening ecosystems and human health. Although hyperaccumulators provide a viable alternative for the bioremediation of HMs, the potential of phytoremediation is often limited by the small biomass and slow growth rate of hyperaccumulators and HM toxicity to plants. Here, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB)-assisted phytoremediation was used to enhance the phytoremediation of HM-contaminated soils. A PGPB with HM-tolerant (HMT-PGPB), Bacillus sp. PGP15 was isolated from the rhizosphere of a cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator, Solanum nigrum . Pot experiments demonstrated that inoculation with strain PGP15 could significantly increase the growth of S. nigrum . More importantly, strain PGP15 markedly improved Cd accumulation in S. nigrum while alleviating Cd-induced stress in S. nigrum . Specifically, PGP15 inoculation significantly decreased the contents of H 2 O 2 , MDA, and O 2 · − in S. nigrum , while the activities (per gram plant fresh weight) of SOD, APX, and CAT were significantly increased in the PGP15-inoculated plants compared with the control sample. These results suggested that the interactions between strain PGP15 and S. nigrum could overcome the limits of phytoremediation alone and highlighted the promising application potential of the PGPB-hyperaccumulator collaborative pattern in the bioremediation of HM-contaminated soils. Furthermore, the PGP15 genome was sequenced and compared with other strains to explore the mechanisms underlying plant growth promotion by HMT-PGPB. The results showed that core genes that define the fundamental metabolic capabilities of strain PGP15 might not be necessary for plant growth promotion. Meanwhile, PGP15-specific genes, including many transposable elements, played a crucial role in the adaptive evolution of HM resistance. Overall, our results improve the understanding of interactions between HMT-PGPB and plants and facilitate the application of HMT-PGPB in the phytoremediation of HM-contaminated soils.

Zhang, Yong↗
DOE OSTI2025

Acute Exposure to Aerosolized Nanoplastics Modulates Redox-Linked Immune Responses in Human Airway Epithelium

Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants detected in aquatic ecosystems, with emerging evidence suggesting their presence in airborne particles generated by water body motion. Inhalation exposure to airborne MPs and NPs remains understudied despite documented links between occupational exposure to these particles and adverse respiratory outcomes, including airway inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic respiratory diseases. This study explored the effects of acute NP exposure on a fully differentiated 3D human airway epithelial model derived from 14 healthy donors. Airway epithelium was exposed to aerosolized 50 nm polystyrene NPs at concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 2500 µg/mL for three minutes per day over three days. Functional assays revealed no significant alterations in tissue integrity, cell survival, mucociliary clearance, or cilia beat frequency, suggesting intact epithelial function post-exposure. However, cytokine and chemokine profiling identified a significant five-fold increase in CCL3 (MIP-1α), a neutrophilic chemoattractant, in NP-exposed samples compared to controls. This was corroborated by increased neutrophil chemotaxis in response to conditioned media from NP-exposed tissues, indicating a pro-inflammatory neutrophilic response. Conversely, levels of interleukins (IL-21, IL-2, IL-15), CXCL10, and TGF-β were significantly reduced, suggesting immunomodulatory effects that may impair adaptive immune responses and tissue repair mechanisms. These findings demonstrate that short-term exposure to NP-containing aerosols induces a distinct pro-inflammatory response in airway epithelium, characterized by enhanced neutrophil recruitment and reduced secretion of key immune modulators. These findings underscore the potential for aerosolized NPs to induce oxidative and inflammatory stress, raising concerns about their long-term impact on respiratory health and redox regulation.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗
DOE OSTI2024

Gold Nanoparticle Mesoporous Carbon Composite as Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Increased environmental pollution and the shortage of the current fossil fuel energy supply has increased the demand for eco-friendly energy sources. Hydrogen energy has become a potential solution due to its availability and green combustion byproduct. Hydrogen feedstock materials like sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ) are promising sources of hydrogen; however, the rate at which the hydrogen is released during its reaction with water is slow and requires a stable catalyst. In this study, gold nanoparticles were deposited onto mesoporous carbon to form a nano-composite catalyst (AuNP-MCM), which was then characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The composite’s catalytic ability in a hydrogen evolution reaction was tested under varying conditions, including NaBH 4 concentration, pH, and temperature, and it showed an activation of energy of 30.0 kJ mol -1 . It was determined that the optimal reaction conditions include high NaBH 4 concentrations, lower pH, and higher temperatures. This catalyst, with its stability and competitively low activation energy, makes it a promising material for hydrogen generation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Biobased Flame Retardants Towards Sustainable Building Materials with Low Embodied Carbon

Incorporation of fire retardants in different types of products is one of the essential steps in the material production process to minimize fire risk and meet fire safety requirements. A variety of commonly used flame retardants based on halogen, mineral, and other compounds has gained popularity due to their efficient flame-retardant behaviors. However, especially in the case of halides, there are numerous toxicity related issues and environmental pollution effects that have urged the building sector to deviate from their use and focus on the development of non-toxic alternatives. Therefore, to enhance the safety of flame retardants, the synthesis of flame retardants from waste feedstocks using phosphorous chemistry with a dual flame-retardant mechanism has been established. A range of waste feedstocks that include cardanol, vanillin, and gallic acids has been converted into a series of flame retardants using a one-step approach by incorporating phosphorous moieties into their structures. The established pathways allow to develop a range of flame-retardant materials by converting waste feedstocks into phosphorous-based materials with inherent flame retardancy. The introduction of abundant aromatic structures from biobased feedstocks enables high charring capabilities in materials in which these biobased flame retardants have been incorporated, increasing their char yields which significantly enhances the flame suppressing properties of the designed materials. Studies show that inclusion of phosphoric moieties into structures allows the displacement of flame enhancing radicals, by releasing non-flammable and non-toxic gases, therefore inhibiting the spread of fire in the gas phase. The resulting biobased flame retardants have been incorporated in wood substrates, foam insulation, and hemp fibers where the results show that only 1-5% of loading of biobased flame retardant suppressed the flame completely. This study represents a novel approach for the development of flame retardants with high performance while utilizing waste feedstocks as a source for their design.

Demchuk, Zoriana [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000326292235)↗
NASA NTRS1970

Special projects of the geographic applications program

Alternative uses were investigated for the Mississippi Test Facility since the phaseout of Saturn 5 engine testing. Using the facility for collecting remotely sensed data is suggested for regional studies. The capabilities of various remote sensing devices to detect, identify, monitor, or determine effects of environmental pollution are summarized. Which pollutants could be monitored from spacecraft, high and low altitude aircraft, and ground based platforms are determined. Examples of special processing and enhancement and analysis techniques used in connection with remote sensing data are provided.

North, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Technology assessment or technology harassment: The attacks on science and technology

The manner in which technology is being assessed by various groups and individuals is discussed. Attacks on science and technology (specifically military uses and funding), and the disillusionment of the public with the lack of relevance of science to the public interest and with the infallible wisdom of scientists are described. The effects of the fear of environmental pollution are emphasized. It is concluded that the important issues of science, technology, and public policy will require a pluralistic definition of the public interest by open adversary proceedings. It is also felt that the danger is not that new technology will receive inadequate assessment for possible deleterious secondary effects, but that harassment by an overemotional political process may prevent its coming to fruition.

Green, L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Generating social impact scenarios, a key step in making technology assessment studies

The social impact scenario, a method used to trace the effects of new technological applications, is discussed. The research seeks to anticipate the secondary social impacts that arise from: (1) government or private programs that cope with major social problems like poverty, environmental pollution, or public safety; and (2) a concerted national effort to achieve a widely supported specific goal like landing a man on the moon or finding a cure for cancer.

Jones, M. V.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Remote sensing of the Chesapeake Bay

Proceedings of conference on remote sensing of resources contained in Chesapeake Bay to determine effects of environmental pollution

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1973

Measuring micro-organism gas production

Transducer, which senses pressure buildup, is easy to assemble and use, and rate of gas produced can be measured automatically and accurately. Method can be used in research, in clinical laboratories, and for environmental pollution studies because of its ability to detect and quantify rapidly the number of gas-producing microorganisms in water, beverages, and clinical samples.

Wilkins, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Technology applications

A review was made of recent and current efforts to apply aerospace derived solutions to nonaerospace problems. Specific problems discussed include transportation, environmental pollution and abatement, housing and urban construction, firefighter equipment, and mine safety. Medical diseases and equipment are also discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1973

Apollo management: A key to the solution of the social-economical dilemma - The transferability of space-travel managerial techniques to the civil sector

An analysis has been conducted to find out whether the management techniques developed in connection with the Apollo project could be used for dealing with such urgent problems of modern society as the crisis of the cities, the increasing environmental pollution, and the steadily growing traffic. Basic concepts and definitions of program and system management are discussed together with details regarding the employment of these concepts in connection with the solution of the problems of the Apollo program. Principles and significance of a systems approach are considered, giving attention to planning, system analysis, system integration, and project management. An application of the methods of project management to the problems of the civil sector is possible if the special characteristics of each particular case are taken into account.

Puttkamer, J. V.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Lead: Aspects of its ecology and environmental toxicity

An analysis of lead toxicity in the Hawaiian environment was conducted. It was determined that lead enters the environment as an industrial contaminant resulting from the combustion of leaded gasoline. The amount of lead absorbed by the plants in various parts of the Hawaiian Islands is reported. The disposition of lead in the sediments of canals and yacht basins was investigated. The methods for conducting the surveys of lead content are described. Possible consequences of continued environmental pollution by burning leaded gasoline are discussed.

Siegel, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Citizen's actions

The various ways in which energy may be conserved by individual citizens as consumers were explored. The following barriers against citizens implementing an effective conservation program were described: credibility gap between producers and consumers, consumptive lifestyles, inverted rate structure, low fuel costs, and initial costs compared to life cycle costs. The following indices for saving energy were identified: time to develop alternatives, scarcity of fuels, reduction of dependence on imports, and decreasing environmental pollution. The various approaches to encourage energy conservation by individuals were described, followed by specific conclusions and recommendations.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1978

Microbial desulfurization of coal

Experiments indicate that several sulfur-oxidizing bacteria strains have been very efficient in desulfurizing coal. Process occurs at room temperature and does not require large capital investments of high energy inputs. Process may expand use of abundant reserves of high-sulfur bituminous coal, which is currently restricted due to environmental pollution. On practical scale, process may be integrated with modern coal-slurry transportation lines.

Dastoor, M. N.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Energy conservation through sealing technology

Improvements in fluid film sealing resulting from a proposed research program could lead to an annual energy saving, on a national basis, equivalent to about 37 million bbl of oil or 0.3% of the total U.S. energy consumption. Further, the application of known sealing technology can result in an annual saving of an additional 10 million bbl of oil. The energy saving would be accomplished by reduction in process heat energy loss, reduction of frictional energy generated, and minimization of energy required to operate ancillary equipment associated with the seal system. In addition to energy saving, cost effectiveness is further enhanced by reduction in maintenance and in minimization of equipment for collecting leakage and for meeting environmental pollution standards.

Stair, W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Charged particle concepts for fog dispersion

Charged particle techniques hold promise for dispersing warm fog in the terminal area of commercial airports. This report focuses on features of the charged particle technique which require further study. The basic physical principles of the technique and the major verification experiments carried out in the past are described. The fundamentals of the nozzle operation are given. The nozzle characteristics and the theory of particle charging in the nozzle are discussed, including information from extensive literature on electrostatic precipitation relative to environmental pollution control and a description of some preliminary reported analyses on the jet characteristics and interaction with neighboring jets. The equation governing the transfer of water substances and of electrical charge is given together with a brief description of several semi-empirical, mathematical expressions necessary for the governing equations. The necessary ingredients of a field experiment to verify the system once a prototype is built are described.

Frost, W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Photointerpretation of LANDSAT images

Learning objectives include: (1) developing a facility for applying conventional techniques of photointerpretation to small scale (satellite) imager; (2) promoting the ability to locate, identify, and interpret small natural and man made surface features in a LANDSAT image; (3) using supporting imagery, such as aerial and space photography, to conduct specific applications analyses; (4) learning to apply change detection techniques to recognize and explain transient and temporal events in individual or seasonal imagery; (5) producing photointerpretation maps that define major surface units, themes, or classes; (6) classifying or analyzing a scene for specific discipline applications in geology, agriculture, forestry, hyrology, coastal wetlands, and environmental pollution; and (7) evaluating both advantages and shortcomings in relying on the photointerpretive approach (rather than computer based analytical approach) for extracting information from LANDSAT data.

Source record↗