An experimental solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) unit with a capacity of 2.5 kW produced in Russia was studied. It was determined that the carbon footprint of the SOFC unit manufacturing process amounts to 3628.2 kg CO₂-eq., while the carbon footprint of the generated electricity (excluding fuel-related emissions) is 20.4 g CO₂-eq./(kWh) with minimal equipment service life. It is noted that optimization of operating modes and extension of equipment lifetime ensure a carbon footprint of electricity (excluding fuel-related emissions) of 14.1 g CO₂-eq./(kWh). It is concluded that the transition to serial production and optimization of SOFC unit operating conditions will make it possible to achieve an electricity production cost of 8 RUB/(kWh).

To reduce the environmental impact of the alumina production sludge storage facility, engineering solutions were developed for the local treatment of wastewater and surface runoff from the industrial storm drainage system. The proposed system prevents the discharge of untreated wastewater into natural water bodies and ensures the return of treated water for reuse in the technological process of alumina and soda byproduct production. It is noted that the implementation of local treatment facilities will allow the accumulation not only of industrial storm drainage wastewater but also of effluents from sludge ponds, thereby preventing their discharge into a technogenic stream in the sludge storage area and ensuring treatment to the established regulatory standards. It is concluded that the return of treated wastewater to the process of nepheline ore processing reduces the withdrawal of fresh water from the river by 14 million m³ per year.

To increase the efficiency of ash and dust removal in electrostatic precipitators, it is proposed to introduce microquantities of conditioning agents into the flue gas stream that improve the electrophysical properties of coal ash, such as sulfur trioxide. Structured catalytic systems for the oxidation of SO₂ present in flue gases were studied, based on platinum fiberglass catalysts that can be positioned directly in the flue duct, partially blocking its cross-section in the high-temperature zone (~450 °C). A modification of the catalyst layer configuration and its hydraulic resistance is recommended, which allows control of the gas volume passing through the catalytic block and, consequently, regulation of the SO₃ concentration in the flue gases before the electrostatic precipitator. It is concluded that this approach can significantly enhance the environmental efficiency of coal-fired thermal power plants without costly reconstruction of electrostatic precipitators, installation of a separate catalytic reactor or the use of an external sulfur source.

The results of studies of chemical and phase compositions, structural features, physico-chemical and physical properties of ash and slag mixtures of boiler stations Amazar, Chernyshevsk Zabaikalsky and Borzya (Zabaikalskaya Railway) are presented. The investigation revealed that the specific effective activity of natural radionuclides ranged from 217 to 306 Bq/kg, which complies with regulatory requirements for the application of these waste materials in road construction applications. It has been established that these mixtures can be effectively utilized as inert porous fillers in composite material formulations. The findings demonstrate that the mineralogical composition and heterogeneous pore space of the fly ash-slag mixtures have the potential to enhance the thermophysical properties of resulting composite materials.

The effectiveness of membrane technology for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater using nanofiltration and reverse osmosis processes is reviewed . The influence of the main technological parameters on the rejection and flux of nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes in wastewater treatment containing heavy metal ions (Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺) is shown. The isoelectric point (minimum rejection value) of the studied nanofiltration membrane in the treatment of wastewater from manganese ions has been determined.

Data on the activity of Fe-containing Fischer-Tropsch catalysts doped with Cu, Co, and K deposited on attapulgite, as well as with different Cu:Fe ratios (3:17, 12:8 or 17:3), have been established in the synthesis of C2+ alcohols from synthesis gas (H2:CO=1; 2) to produce sustainable aviation fuel (225–300 °C, 30 bar). It was found that the joint introduction of Cu, Fe, Co and K provides a higher yield of C2+ alcohols, the selectivity of which increases with increasing proportion of Fe and temperature (H2:CO=1), reaching 90% over 3Cu17FeCoK/attapulgite at CO < 10% conversions. It is noted that the higher activity of 3Cu17FeCoK along the route of synthesis of C2+ alcohols is apparently associated with a higher content of highly dispersed phases of Fe0; Fe₃O₄ (XRD) and a uniform distribution of metals on the surface (TEM), providing effective interphase contact.

The possibility of recycling buckwheat husks by pyrolysis is considered. It was found that at a temperature of 550 °C and a heating rate of 5 °C/min, the yield of biochar, bio-oil and gas obtained by thermochemical conversion amounted to 33.92, 40.34 and 25.74 % of the used raw materials (by weight) accordingly It was revealed that the heat of combustion of biochar is equal to 7404–7593 kcal/kg, which is comparable to the calorific value of hard coal. The break-even point of an enterprise processing 30 tons of husk per day and producing 3,154.56 tons of biochar annually was determined. It is noted that this technology will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7,486 tons per year, which will help reduce the carbon footprint.

An increase in the consumption of de-icing fluids in aviation was noted, leading to a rise in the volume of wastewater containing ethylene glycol (EG) that requires treatment, as EG reduces dissolved oxygen concentration and decreases biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. Conventional wastewater treatment technologies, such as biological and adsorption methods, are considered; however, these are not always efficient in addressing the issue. Advanced oxidation methods (AOM) based on the use of highly reactive particles – radicals – are recommended. It is concluded that AOM-based processes can be effectively employed for the removal of a wide range of organic contaminants from aqueous solutions, including the destruction of ethylene glycol in water.

An assessment of the technical condition of the hydraulic infrastructure in the irrigation network was carried out to determine their potential environmental impact. Non-destructive testing methods were used to examine the condition of the hydraulic infrastructure. Between 2023 and 2024, increased levels of water mineralization, bicarbonates, and calcium ions were detected in irrigation water. Soil samples revealed elevated concentrations of ammonium and chloride ions. Cracks and voids penetrating the entire lining of irrigation canals were identified, leading to water filtration losses into the soil and potential contamination of both the soil cover and shallow groundwater (depth range 0.8–4.3 m). A significant excess of pollutant concentrations was recorded in water, bottom sediments, and soils, associated with the intensive application of mineral fertilizers during the growing season.

An analysis of waste in the regions of Asian part of Russia is presented in the context of the need to transition to the principles of a circular economy. Based on statistical data on waste disposal, neutralization and generation, calculations were made and the dynamics of the product recycling rate were assessed for 27 regions of Asian part of Russia. A clustering of regions based on product recycling indicators was conducted. Factors hindering waste recycling development were identified and clusters of leaders and laggards in recycling were defined among regions of Asian part of Russia. Strategic directions for improving waste management efficiency have been identified and specific measures have been developed to reduce the burden on the natural ecosystem and the population in compliance with the principles of a circular economy.

An environmental assessment of soil pollution caused by copper-pyrite ore mining was carried out using the Nemerov integrated pollution index. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Accumulation of Cu, Zn, and Ni was observed in the topsoil layer of waste dump 1, due to the presence of barriers ranging from moderately to strongly contrasting. In the soil profile near waste dump 2, heavy metals were found to predominantly migrate into the parent rock, with retention in the transitional horizon, explained by the presence of weakly and strongly contrasting geochemical barriers. It was revealed that the soil near dump 3 is characterized by a medium level of contamination, while areas directly adjacent to the dump showed high levels of pollution.