In this study, a new and very quick method to depolymerize PET plastics is reported. The depolymerization experiments were conducted using a type-IV deep eutectic solvent containing ZnCl₂ and urea, and a microwave oven as reactor. Different combinations of power and reaction times were employed while keeping the total energy constant. Successful conversions were obtained carrying out the process at 180 W for 2 min and 360 W for 1 min, whereas at higher powers and shorter times, an inclusion likely occurs of some solvent into the structure of the recovered PET flakes, as suggested by the porosity of the flakes, imaged by SEM microscopy. The flakes increase their crystalline character during the treatment, as indicated by the appearance of narrow diffraction peaks in the XRD patterns, at variance with the broad signals observed in the case of the pristine amorphous polymer. The NMR analysis of the supernatant liquid above the partially solubilized PET shows the presence of terephthalic acid peaks. The infrared spectra of the solid powder achieved upon the acidic treatment of the extract reveal the presence of C=O stretching peaks and the absence of typical CH₂ wagging absorptions that satisfactorily comply with the presence of terephthalic acid.

Within the framework of plant biostimulation, a pivotal role is played by the achievement of low-cost, easily prepared nanoparticles for priming purposes. Therefore, in this report, two different synthetic strategies are described to engineer zinc oxide nanoparticles with an inulin coating. In both protocols, i.e., two-step and gel-like one-pot protocols, nanoparticles with a highly pure ZnO kernel are obtained when the reaction is carried out at T ≥ 40 °C, as ascertained by XRD and ATR/FTIR studies. However, a uniformly dispersed, highly homogeneous coating is achieved primarily when different temperatures, i.e., 60 °C and 40 °C, are employed in the two phases of the step-wise synthesis. In addition, a different binding mechanism, i.e., complexation, occurs in this case. When the gel-like process is employed, a high degree of coverage by the fructan is attained, leading to micrometric coated aggregates of nanometric particles, as revealed by SEM investigations. All NPs from the two-step synthesis feature electronic bandgaps in the 3.25–3.30 eV range in line with previous studies, whereas the extensive coating causes a remarkable 0.4 eV decrease in the bandgap. Overall, the global analysis of the investigations indicates that the samples synthesized at 60 °C and 40 °C are the best suited for biostimulation. Proof-of-principle assays upon Vicia faba seed priming with Zn5 and Zn5@inu indicated an effective growth stimulation of seedlings at doses of 100 mgKg⁻¹, with concomitant Zn accumulation in the leaves.

Soil contamination in underexplored environments remains poorly characterized, particularly in regions where systematic monitoring is limited. El-Bur (Somalia) represents one such environment, where prolonged drought, humanitarian instability, limited accessibility, and inadequate waste management are expected to influence soil quality while hindering systematic environmental investigations. In this study, an exploratory multi-technique approach was applied to soil samples collected from selected sites in El-Bur (Somalia) to obtain chemical, structural, and morphological information. A combination of SEM–EDX, ICP-OES, XRD, and GC–MS was used to characterize both inorganic and organic fractions. The results show a predominant presence of sodium chloride, indicating severe soil salinity likely associated with prolonged drought and evaporative processes. In addition, trace organic compounds, including plastic-related species such as diethyl phthalate and styrene, together with short- to medium-chain hydrocarbons, were detected, suggesting localized anthropogenic contamination likely related to plastic waste and inadequate wastewater and waste management practices. This work provides a proof-of-concept analytical framework for identifying contamination features in soils affected by severe drought. The findings highlight the coexistence of natural and anthropogenic drivers of soil degradation and provide exploratory evidence for future targeted investigations in underexplored regions.