SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: Air pollution is one of the significant environmental challenges facing modern humanity. Atmospheric air is polluted with harmful substances emitted from anthropogenic and natural sources. Aim: The presented paper provides an overview of monitoring results conducted in the Capital of Georgia for 2023. Results from air quality monitoring sensors show that particulate matter, sulfur, and nitrogen dioxide represent problematic pollutants in different city areas. Methods: The research was carried out through sensors installed in different districts of Tbilisi. The investigation was carried out within the NATO SPS program project REACT. Results: Atmospheric air pollution was monitored at four stationary sensor sets on K. Cholokashvili, Nutsubidze Street, Chavchavadze Avenues, and the Old Tbilisi area. The results are presented in the article in the form of tables. Discussion: Average indexes of sulfur dioxide and PM particles were observed in all areas. Nitrogen dioxide indices were both low and medium. Conclusions: Based on the data obtained, it can be assumed that the air in most districts of Tbilisi is moderately polluted, and in some cases, the data exceeds the maximum allowable norm. There may be several reasons for this.: 1. Unauthorized slashing of Green islands and massive construction of high-rise residential buildings on their place in Tbilisi. 2. Malfunctioning vehicles, the technical inspection of which has recently been made stringent. However, some vehicles still pollute the air. 3. Emissions produced by mini factories and enterprises.

Background: Ketogenic diets have a long history of therapeutic use and have recently attracted significant attention due to their promising effects on a variety of disorders. However, no definitive links have been identified. This review aims to highlight the possible impacts of ketogenic diets as well as the mechanisms involved in metabolic processes and related non-communicable metabolic diseases. Methods: For our analysis, a bibliographic review of articles about ketogenic diets and their therapeutic effect on chronic pathologies was carried out, retrieved from the scientific literature. Results and discussion: These studies found both positive and negative outcomes for the effects and implications of ketogenic diets on metabolism. Significant differences in metabolic markers such as weight, glycemia, serum lipids and lipoproteins, anthropometric measures, and hormones such as insulin, leptin, and adiponectin have been reported. In addition to changes in the microbiome that have modest to moderate concurrent effects, changes in metabolism indicate the significance of dietary changes in treating and preventing chronic non-communicable diseases. Conclusions: In this review, we present the available scientific evidence on the effects of the ketogenic diet, and thus ketone bodies, on metabolism and related chronic diseases.

Background: This study explores the potential use of biomass residues from soybean pressing via static pyrolysis to produce carbonaceous materials for pesticide adsorption. It emphasizes concerns regarding the environmental impact of agroindustrial waste and the persistent nature of pesticides in soil and water systems. Aims: To investigate the efficacy of biochar obtained from soybean waste in adsorbing pesticides. Specifically, to analyze the gas products generated during pyrolysis and characterize the obtained carbonaceous material for its adsorption capabilities. Methods: Soybean residue underwent static pyrolysis at various temperatures and durations. Gas analysis utilizing FTIR spectroscopy identified the gaseous products generated during the pyrolysis process. The obtained biochar underwent successive washes and characterization through FTIR spectra comparison with commercial activated carbon. Through absorption assays, using UV-VIS spectroscopy, investigations were conducted on the solid biocarbon fractions to evaluate their capacity for absorbing pesticides. Results: Gas Analysis: The study revealed the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and highlighted the prevalence of mono-carbon compounds with increased temperature and pyrolysis time. The analysis demonstrated consistent carbon mass percentages across different reaction conditions. Characterization of Biochar: Comparison with activated carbon indicated structural similarities with heightened intensity in certain bands, suggesting the presence of incomplete cellulose cracking in the obtained biochar. Regarding the Chlorothalonil, Atrazine and DIcamba remotion, notably, the concentration of Chlorothalonil in a 7:3 water: acetonitrile solution decreases by 77 % through adsorption on the carbons. Discussion: The investigation examined the adsorption efficiency of the biochar for Chlorothalonil, Atrazine, and Dicamba from aqueous solutions. Chlorothalonil exhibited substantial retention by the biochar, while Atrazine showed comparatively lower adsorption effectiveness. Remarkably, Dicamba did not demonstrate retention by either the biochar or activated carbon. Conclusion: The study underscores the potential of pyrolyzed soybean waste for pesticide adsorption, particularly highlighting Chlorothalonil's strong affinity with the carbonaceous structure. Further research is needed to optimize adsorption properties and explores potential enhancements of these materials through additional treatment methods, offering promising avenues for environmental remediation.