The obtaining of new data on the transformation of parent materials into soil and on soil as a set of essential properties is provided on the basis of previously conducted fundamental studies of soils formed on loess-like loams in Belarus (15,000 numerical indicators). The study objects are autochthonous soils of uniform granulometric texture. The basic properties without which soils cannot exist are comprehensively considered. Interpolation of factual materials is given, highlighting the essential properties of soils. Soil formation is analyzed as a natural phenomenon depending on the life activity of biota and the water regime. Models for differentiation of the chemical profile and bioenergy potential of soils are presented. The results of the represented study interpret the available materials taking into account publications on the biology and water regime of soils over the past 50 years into three issues: the difference between soil and soil-like bodies; the soil formation as a natural phenomenon of the mobilization of soil biota from the energy of the sun, the atmosphere, and the destruction of minerals in the parent materials; and the essence of soil as a solid phase and as an ecosystem. The novelty of the article study is determined by the consideration of the priority of microorganisms and water regime in soil formation, chemical-analytical identification of types of water regime, and determination of the water regime as a marker of soil genesis.

This paper is devoted to the determination of the dispersive component of the surface energy of two boron materials such as h-BN and BPO₄ surfaces by using the inverse gas chromatography (IGC) at infinite dilution. The specific interactions and Lewis’s acid-base parameters of these materials were calculated on the light of the new thermal model concerning the dependency of the surface area of organic molecules on the temperature, and by using also the classical methods of the inverse gas chromatography as well as the different molecular models such as Van der Waals, Redlich-Kwong, Kiselev, geometric, Gray, spherical, cylindrical and Hamieh models. It was proved that h-BN surface exhibits higher dispersive surface energy than BPO₄ material.

The specific properties of interaction of the two boron materials were determined. The results obtained by using the new thermal model taking into account the effect of the temperature on the surface area of molecules, proved that the classical IGC methods, gave inaccurate values of the specific parameters and Lewis’s acid base constants of the solid surfaces. The use of the thermal model allowed to conclude that h-BN surface has a Lewis basicity twice stronger than its acidity, whereas, BPO₄ surface presents an amphoteric character.

The agronomic use of mushroom post-harvest substrates (SPCHs) in horticultural seedbeds could be an interesting alternative for the reuse of these wastes in line with the European circular economy strategy. This work evaluates the potential use of four treatments with different SPCHs, mushroom (-Ch), mushroom (-St), mushroom compost (-CO), and a mixture (SPCH-Ch and SPCH-St) as substrates for lettuce and chili pepper seed germination. The trial was carried out in a germination chamber using commercial compost as a control treatment. The evaluation was based on its chemical (salinity, N and C content), physical (bulk and real density, porosity and water retention) and plant effect (germination and biomass) characteristics. Of the chemical properties studied, the high salinity in SPCH-Ch and SPCH-CO was a limiting factor for the development of the horticultural species evaluated (electrical conductivity 1:2.5; p/v; ~11 dS m^-1), and low germination percentages were observed. Regarding physical properties, porosity and water retention, the SPCH-CO, SPCH-St and mixture treatments presented some values outside the optimal range established for germination substrates. In the case of SPCH-St, its high C/N ratio could be a limitation for supplying N to the crop. In relation to biomass production (aerial and root) of lettuce and chili pepper, all the treatments evaluated obtained similar values to the control treatment. The mixed treatment presented the highest biomass values, significantly higher in the lettuce crop. In general, the mixed treatment proved to be the best alternative for use in the seedbed.

Photocatalysis, an innovative technology, holds promise for addressing industrial pollution issues across aqueous solutions, surfaces, and gaseous effluents. The efficiency of photodegradation is notably influenced by light intensity and duration, underscoring the importance of optimizing these parameters. Furthermore, temperature and pH have a significant impact on pollutant speciation, surface chemistry, and reaction kinetics; therefore, process optimization must consider these factors. Photocatalytic degradation is an effective method for treating water in environmental remediation, providing a flexible and eco-friendly way to eliminate organic contaminants from wastewater. Selectivity in photocatalytic degradation is achieved by a multidisciplinary approach that includes reaction optimization, catalyst design, and profound awareness of chemical processes. To create efficient and environmentally responsible methods for pollution removal and environmental remediation, researchers are working to improve these components.

The provided material presents a priority article on the scientific discovery titled “The phenomenon of simultaneous destruction of water-oil and oil-water emulsions”. The authors propose the corresponding formula: the previously unknown phenomenon of simultaneous destruction of water-oil and oil-water emulsions occurs when polynanostructured surfactant demulsifiers with characteristics akin to crystalline liquids, intramolecular interblock activity, and enduring intramolecular nanomotors (such as block copolymers of ethylene and propylene oxides, which act as sources of oligomer homologues of oxyethylene ethers) are added to crude oil during primary oil processing. This phenomenon is attributed to the redistribution of oligomer homologues, with the most hydrophobic oxyethylene ethers being dispersed in water-oil emulsions and the most hydrophilic ones in oil-water emulsions, resulting in robust nanodispersed phases with crystalline liquid properties.