In this study, a series of achiral/chiral ferrocene fuctionalized amino precursors were used to develop a new series of homoleptic Ni(II)-dithiocarbamate complexes: 1, (R,R)-2, (S,S)-3, (R,R)-4 and (S,S)-5. These compounds incorporate chirality, pendent amido, and ferrocenyl groups within their ligand frameworks. The synthesis and composition of these complexes were confirmed through microanalysis, advanced spectroscopic and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Complex 1 crystallised in the monomeric centrosymmetric P21/c space group, with two dithiocarbamate ligands coordinated to the Ni(II)-center in a κ2S,S-chelating mode, giving a square planar geometry around the Ni(II)-center. The experimentally obtained structural parameters were consistent with those predicted by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed the thermal stability and degradation patterns of all complexes. Notably, the molecules of 1 adopted a stereochemical conformation that opens numerous weak intermolecular interactions, through the mapping of molecular electrostatic potential, facilitating the formation of a 3D supramolecular assembly with significant voids. The optimised geometries for all complexes at the B3LYP/LanL2DZ level were validated by comparing their experimental structural parameters and λmax values. Interestingly, when compared to free chiral amine precursors, the combined effects of several pharmacophores and chirality were found to increase the binding affinity of these complexes with the active sites of TNF-alpha protein (TNF-α), as confirmed by in-silico and electrochemical studies. The integration of chirality and multiple pharmacophores significantly improved bioactivity, underscoring their promise in anticancer drug development.

Rapid population growth and shifts in lifestyles have significantly increased plastic production and disposal, resulting in a major environmental chal-lenge. The persistence of plastic waste, due to its non-biodegradable nature and large volume, has become a critical concern. Recycling plastic waste into valuable prod-ucts offers a more sustainable solution compared to traditional disposal methods, effectively addressing waste management issues while also enhancing economic value. One promising approach is the use of green concrete, a sustainable composite material that incorporates natural and waste-derived substances as substitutes for conventional cement and aggregates, that may be a key contributor to carbon dioxide emissions and shows the great interest in developing green concrete using readily available natural and waste materials. This chapter explores studies on cement-based materials that integrate recycled plastic waste into concrete. It also examines the potential applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence in predicting the mechanical properties of plastic-infused concrete, such as workability; reduced density; and achieving compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths within accept-able limits. It is suggested that incorporating plastic waste into construction not only promotes sustainability but also helps to mitigate environmental pollution.

Large quantities of spent catalysts containing strategic metals such as molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, and vanadium, are lost after hydrodesulfurization of petroleum. Here, we review the recycling of those metals using bacteria and fungi. We analyze bioleaching approaches, utilizing both chemoautotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms, and examine how various operational parameters influence the extraction process. The formation of soluble species in the metabolic lixiviant derived from high-sulfur feedstocks creates optimal conditions for the activity of sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms, such as Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. In contrast, bioleaching with Penicillium simplicissimum at a pH range of 4–7 promotes the formation of stable anionic molybdate, which is advantageous for the subsequent recovery process.

Traditionally, germanium has been a critical dopant in the silica core of fiber optics, facilitating high-speed internet and data transfer, and functions as a semiconductor in N-type diodes. Over the past decade, its importance has greatly expanded to multi-junction solar cells, where it serves as a substrate, providing a foundation for other semiconductor layers. Despite rising demands from renewable energy and semiconductor industries, germanium has no primary ores and is found only as a companion element with others. It is primarily sourced as a by-product from industrial residues like zinc refinery residues (ZRR) and coal burnt fly-ash (CFA), with concentrations ranging between 0.04–0.5% and 0.05–1.7%, respectively. Given the scarcity of germanium, its recovery through recycling of electronic waste is also gaining interest. However, the recovery process from both primary and secondary sources is complex, involving several key steps to ensure efficient extraction. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these processes, along with thermodynamic strategies applied to different materials, is essential. Consequently, this review covers germanium recovery from major primary and secondary resources, involving leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and precipitation methods, with a focus on the underlying thermodynamics. Additionally, the environmental impacts of different extraction schemes are assessed using life-cycle analysis, revealing the global warming potential (GWP) of 852 kg CO2-eq for ZRR and 698 kg CO2-eq for CFA. In contrast, recycled germanium exhibits a much lower GWP of 163 kg CO2-eq, highlighting the importance of recycling efforts in advancing Sustainable Development Goals 7, 12, and 13.

Plastics are extensively used across various sectors, including agricul-ture, industries, construction, and daily life, owing to their low cost and excellent corrosion resistance. However, this widespread use has led to a significant accu-mulation of plastics released into the environment, coupled with growing concerns about its potential harm to biota has made plastic waste an escalating issue world-wide. Under environmental stress, plastics break down into micro-and nano-plastics (MNPs), which vary in size, shape, morphology, and composition. Despite growing concerns, research on effective methods for collecting and separating MNPs remains limited. This chapter outlines the sampling procedures for MNPs from both envi-ronmental and biological sources. It then explores the methods for extracting and separating MNPs, followed by an in-depth examination of the techniques used to identify and quantify these particles. Finally, the review discusses the need for stan-dardized and harmonized approaches for the separation, extraction, and identification of MNPs, aiming to provide a framework for advancing pollution monitoring and risk assessment of MNPs in the future.

This book gives a broader framework of plastic pollution, which is a significant issue worldwide. The book emphasizes the primary (plastic waste discharged from the direct source) and secondary pollutants (plastic trash which is disposed of on land and converted to micro and nano plastics in ocean). In addition to this, the volume also addresses the issues of plastic pollution by managing plastic waste in a circular closed loop. The book is divided into three parts: (1) generation and assessment of plastic waste, (2) impact assessment of plastics due to improper management and disposal, (3) sustainable management of plastic waste and converting them into resource.