Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Aser Alaa Ahmed, Mohammad A. Nazzal, Basil M. Darras, I. M. Deiab
Summary: This study aims to develop a comprehensive circular economy assessment framework for evaluating the circularity of products and processes across various industries and sectors. The framework can handle both quantitative and qualitative indicators, achieving comprehensive assessment and ranking through the use of fuzzy logic and multiple-criteria decision-making methods.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hao Lu, Lei Zhao, Xuejie Wang, Huiru Zhao, Jiangjiang Wang, Bingkang Li
Summary: This paper proposes an integrated fuzzy-GMCDM method for assessing the applicability of different energy storage systems in various scenarios. The method uses a comprehensive performance assessment index system, determines optimal weights, and considers decision-makers' risk preferences to optimize energy storage selection and ranking. The results show that this method provides decision-makers with optimal solutions for different scenarios such as renewable energy consumption and ancillary services.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Baoquan Cheng, Kun Lu, Jianchang Li, Huihua Chen, Xiaowei Luo, Muhammad Shafique
Summary: This study proposes an approach that integrates BIM and LCA to comprehensively evaluate the life cycle environmental impacts of buildings. By calculating environmental impact factors and linking them to building-related environmental issues, a comprehensive assessment is conducted. The results show that the material production stage is crucial for improving a building's environmental performance.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Priyan Malarvizhi Kumar, Gokulnath Chandra Babu, Anandamurugan Selvaraj, Mohsin Raza, Ashish Kr. Luhach, Vicente Garcia Diaz
Summary: A flexible manufacturing system using fuzzy rules is proposed to solve scheduling problems in inflexible manufacturing systems, resulting in improved scheduling outcomes.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Aleksandra Krol-Badziak, Seyyed Hassan Pishgar-Komleh, Stelios Rozakis, Jerzy Ksiezak
Summary: This study evaluated the sustainability of no tillage (NT), reduced tillage (RT), and conventional tillage (CT) in grain maize monoculture in Poland. Results showed that each tillage system had its own strengths in economic, environmental, and social aspects, with conventional tillage demonstrating the best overall performance. Sensitivity analysis revealed the significant impact of yield variability on the performance of tillage systems, suggesting that conservation tillage systems may play an important role in the face of climate change in the studied area.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Ammar Chakhrit, Mohammed Chennoufi
Summary: FMECA is a proactive quality tool for identifying and preventing potential failure modes, but it has shortcomings in decision-making and handling ambiguous information. The new fuzzy multi-criticality approach improves FMECA by using a fuzzy inference system to evaluate multiple criticalities for different impacts of failures, enhancing decision-making and prioritizing preventive actions.
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT & FUZZY SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Weiwei Wang, Yeguo Sun, Hasan Sh. Majdi, Ahmed Deifalla, Theyab R. Alsenani, Zhanping Zhao, Zhanguo Su, Wu Zhang, Mostafa A. H. Abdelmohimen
Summary: This study explores different aspects of an innovative multi-heat recovery-based solar-geothermal poly-generation system using exergetic, exergoeconomic, and energetic concepts. The proposed system utilizes Concentrated Photovoltaic Thermal (CPVT) solar collectors, Flat Plate Solar Collectors (FPSCs), geothermal wells, an Ejector Refrigeration Cycle (ERC) Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) integrated with a Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC), heating production units, an air dryer, and an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) unit. Various optimization scenarios were conducted using sensitivity analysis and decision-making methods, resulting in the selection of an optimal solution. The suggested system maximizes the use of energy, with crucial variables being influenced by the geothermal heater pinch point temperature gradient. In terms of unit cost of products / exergy efficiency, the TOPSIS and VIKOR methods selected optimal objectives of 4.29%/1.13 $/GJ and 4.06%/1.07 $/GJ, respectively.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Snehal Dewalkar, Sameer S. Shastri
Summary: This study proposes a comprehensive fuzzy formulated Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) framework that integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA) approaches to select the best suitable wastewater treatment (WWT) system for multi-storeyed residential buildings. Through literature survey, expert opinions, and questionnaires, the study identifies four dimensions of sustainability and associated indicators. The framework uses LCA and LCCA to assess environmental and economic sustainability parameters. It consists of three phases: identification of WWT systems, screening of criteria and indicators using Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), and ranking of alternatives using Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS). The study also suggests incorporating environmentally-friendly wastewater treatment tanks in multi-storeyed buildings. The proposed framework is tested by comparing the sustainability of the DOSIWAM system with other widely used WWT systems. The results show that DOSIWAM is the most suitable option, followed by MBR, SBT, SBR, MBBR, and ASP. Experts prefer natural treatment systems for their environmental and economic sustainability. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates the robustness of the DOSIWAM system. This framework provides a reliable basis for selecting the best WWT system for multi-storeyed residential buildings and can be used by local planning authorities to incentivize sustainable efforts.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ana D. Stanojevic, Mimica R. Milosevic, Dusan M. Milosevic, Branko AJ. Turnsek, Ljiljana Lj. Jevremovic
Summary: The study aimed to identify the most optimal measures to increase energy efficiency in built heritage, depending on the protection level, using the fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Results revealed that for higher protection levels, preserving building identity was favored, while for medium levels, internal insulation and collector walls were preferred.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Emma Soule, Philippe Michonneau, Nadia Michel, Christian Bockstaller
Summary: There is still a research gap in the in-depth analysis of the conceptual and methodological framework behind sustainability assessment methods. Clarity on terminology, explicit specification of purpose, target users, and temporal scale, as well as selection of appropriate indicators and addressing upscaling or spatialization issues are needed. Dynamic assessment of resilience or robustness with multiple criteria remains a challenge, and environmental sustainability assessment methods will need to integrate ecosystem services and emerging environmental issues.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Theory & Methods
Inusah Abdulai, Esko Turunen
Summary: This paper introduces a method for resolving decision problems concerning multiple criteria using paraconsistent logic, Pavelka style fuzzy logic, and many-valued similarity. The method is demonstrated to be robust through the analysis of two data sets and comparisons with existing Multi-Attribute Decision Making approaches. The novel approach has an edge over existing methods in handling large size decision problems with numerous criteria and alternatives.
FUZZY SETS AND SYSTEMS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Studies
Farhad Samimi Namin, Aliakbar Ghadi, Farshad Saki
Summary: Mining Method Selection (MMS) is an important decision in mining design. Empirical models have limitations, thus Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) is considered more effective. This research reviews literature on MCDM applications in MMS and presents decision methods and the importance of criteria in different ore bodies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuying Chen, Yanhu He, Qian Tan, Kejia Hu, Tianyuan Zhang, Shan Zhang
Summary: This study proposed a systematic framework for comprehensive WECC assessment, incorporating an indicator system and a VFPR approach, which demonstrated flexibility in adapting to various circumstances. By treating the sample as having a continuous degree of membership, the proposed method could distinguish similar result values and retain more original information, effectively reflecting the impacts of indicator changes on the results.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Dan Wang, Hayder A. Dhahad, Masood Ashraf Ali, Sattam Fahad Almojil, Abdulaziz Ibrahim Almohana, Abdulrhman Fahmi Alali, Farah Qasim Ahmed Alyousuf, Khaled Twfiq Almoalimi
Summary: In this study, a novel poly-generation system is introduced and analyzed from various perspectives such as energy, exergy, economy, and exergy-economy. The system recovers waste heat from proton exchange membrane fuel cells through an organic Rankine cycle and utilizes an LNG subsystem as a heat sink. The impact of system irreversibilities on the environment is also considered.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rosember Ramirez, Vicenc Marti, Rosa Mari Darbra
Summary: The rapid development of nanotechnology has led to the use of silver nanoparticles in various fields, resulting in their presence in different ecosystem compartments, particularly aquatic ecosystems. AgNPs have been found to affect a variety of living organisms. Therefore, researchers have developed a methodology for assessing the risk of AgNPs to aquatic ecosystems using fuzzy logic. By considering variables such as AgNPs' size, shape, and coating, their toxicity level can be determined along with their concentration level to create a risk assessment. This approach has been successfully applied to two case studies involving continuous effluent from a wastewater treatment plant and accidental spills, demonstrating its usefulness for stakeholders and decision makers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suu-Yan Liang, Wen-Sheng Lin, Gwo-Fong Lin, Chen-Wuing Liu, Chihhao Fan
Summary: This study investigated the impact of waste decay temperatures on bentonite performance and degradation of buffer materials caused by smectite dehydration. By simulating the temperature evolution due to smectite dehydration, changes in porosity in the buffer zone and the concentration of released radionuclides were determined. The results provide insights into the long-term behavior of bentonite in high-level radioactive waste disposal repositories.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suu-Yan Liang, Wen-Sheng Lin, Chan-Po Chen, Chen-Wuing Liu, Chihhao Fan
Summary: Radionuclides are inorganic substances that affect the disposal of radioactive waste and the release of concentrations of radionuclides. The solubility of inorganic substances determines nuclide migration within disposal sites. Variability in environmental factors complicates safety assessments, while focus on radionuclide reactions may overlook the thermodynamics of these processes. Empirical models are commonly used to describe nuclide distributions within geochemical systems. Emerging research focuses on the application of geochemical models and activity coefficient equations to improve safety assessments and environmental management strategies for nuclear waste disposal sites.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chihhao Fan, Ya-Zhen Huang, Jhen-Nan Lin, Junwei Li
Summary: The ubiquity of microplastics poses threats to the environment and ecology, making it crucial to identify their polymer constituents for pollution control and risk management. This study utilized Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to identify the various constituents of microplastics, proposing a procedure for microplastic identification.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shu-Yuan Pan, Cheng-Yen Tsai, Chen-Wuing Liu, Sheng-Wei Wang, Hyunook Kim, Chihhao Fan
Summary: This paper reviews the effects of feedstock characteristics and key control parameters on the performance of anaerobic digestion processes, and presents perspectives on priority research to promote anaerobic co-digestion as a steppingstone for a circular bioeconomy.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sheng-Wei Wang, Shu-Yuan Pan, Yu-Hsuan Kao, Hyunook Kim, Chihhao Fan
Summary: In this study, the oxidation/filtration dual-process was used to increase dissolved oxygen concentration and oxidation-reduction potential in groundwater, facilitating the formation of iron oxides and the co-precipitation of arsenic. As a result, arsenic and iron concentrations in groundwater were significantly reduced.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zarrar Khan, Edo Abraham, Srijan Aggarwal, Manal Ahmad Khan, Ricardo Arguello, Meghna Babbar-Sebens, Julia Lacal Bereslawski, Jeffrey M. Bielicki, Pietro Elia Campana, Maria Eugenia Silva Carrazzone, Homero Castanier, Fi-John Chang, Pamela Collins, Adela Conchado, Koteswara Rao Dagani, Bassel Daher, Stefan C. Dekker, Ricardo Delgado, Fabio A. Diuana, Jonathan Doelman, Amin A. Elshorbagy, Chihhao Fan, Rossana Gaudioso, Solomon H. Gebrechorkos, Hatim M. E. Geli, Emily Grubert, Daisy Huang, Tailin Huang, Ansir Ilyas, Aleksandr Ivakhnenko, Graham P. W. Jewitt, Maria Joao Ferreira dos Santos, J. Leah Jones, Elke Kellner, Elisabeth H. Krueger, Ipsita Kumar, Jonathan Lamontagne, Angelique Lansu, Sanghyun Lee, Ruopu Li, Pedro Linares, Diego Marazza, Maria Pia Mascari, Ryan A. McManamay, Measrainsey Meng, Simone Mereu, Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, Rabi Mohtar, Abubakr Muhammad, Adenike Kafayat Opejin, Saket Pande, Simon Parkinson, Raphael Payet-Burin, Meenu Ramdas, Eunice Pereira Ramos, Sudatta Ray, Paula Roberts, Jon Sampedro, Kelly T. Sanders, Marzieh Hassanzadeh Saray, Jennifer Schmidt, Margaret Shanafield, Sauleh Siddiqui, Micaela Suriano, Makoto Taniguchi, Antonio Trabucco, Marta Tuninetti, Adriano Vinca, Bjorn Weeser, Dave D. White, Thomas B. Wild, Kamini Yadav, Nithiyanandam Yogeswaran, Tokuta Yokohata, Qin Yue
Summary: This article introduces the nexus between water, energy, and food, emphasizing the importance of understanding their interdependencies and trade-offs in solving global challenges. The article presents 10 key recommendations, highlighting the need for a nexus community of practice to facilitate communication, share standardized datasets, and develop applied case studies.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monu Verma, Ingyu Lee, Vinod Kumar, Shu-Yuan Pan, Chihhao Fan, Hyunook Kim
Summary: A polymeric adsorbent (Chi-Glu-beta-CD) developed by cross-linking chitosan and beta-cyclodextrin shows promising removal performance for perfluorobutanesulfonate (PFBS) from water, especially under acidic conditions. The adsorption mechanism involves electrostatic attractions and host-guest inclusion formations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fatima Haque, Chihhao Fan
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased demand for single-use plastic, exacerbating the existing plastic waste problem. Improper disposal of used personal protective equipment (PPE), packaging materials, and food containers may result in the release of microplastics and nanoplastics into the environment, posing potential ecological and toxicological risks to aquatic organisms, soil organisms, and humans. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of COVID-related plastic waste on microplastic pollution.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chihhao Fan, Ya-Zhen Huang, Jhen-Nan Lin, Junwei Li
Summary: This study modified the Walkley-Black titration method and developed a wet oxidation protocol to accurately quantify the organic content of PET and NY in environmental samples. The results showed that the proposed method can effectively measure the mass of PET and NY, providing an important tool for microplastics quantification.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
You-Yi Lee, Chihhao Fan, Fatima Haque
Summary: This study combined the Fenton process as pretreatment with the activated sludge process to efficiently remove aqueous Carbamazepine (CBZ). The hybrid combination system showed enhanced removal of CBZ, COD, and TOC. Biodegradable intermediates formed during the process were identified through EEM analysis. The degradation pathways of CBZ were explored using LC-MS analysis and literature studies. Therefore, using the Fenton process as a pretreatment can improve the treatment of aqueous CBZ.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fatima Haque, Chihhao Fan, You-Yi Lee
Summary: The agricultural sector faces challenges and barriers in transitioning to a circular economy, including conversion technology, business models, analytical tools, and stakeholder involvement. Overcoming these barriers requires collaborative efforts, innovative technologies, and effective communication.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Sheng-Wei Wang, Chihhao Fan
Review
Environmental Sciences
Fatima Haque, Chihhao Fan
Summary: Plastic waste is causing an increase in plastic litter, especially in undesignated areas like coastal shorelines. This leads to the formation of microplastics, which are small fragments of plastic that have ecotoxicological impacts on aquatic environments and soil systems. Microplastics can come from primary sources such as plastic pellets and beads in makeup products, as well as from secondary sources like normal-use plastics and textile washing. While the fate of microplastics in the hydrosphere has been extensively studied, the transport mechanisms in the pedosphere and atmosphere remain poorly understood.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fatima Haque, Chihhao Fan
Summary: This manuscript discusses the impact of global warming on the fate of environmental microplastics, including their discharge and accumulation in the ocean and soil. The perspective on the effects of climate change and microplastic pollution on aquatic and soil organisms is also discussed.
Review
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Shu-Yuan Pan, Kung-Hui He, Kuan-Ting Lin, Chihhao Fan, Chang-Tang Chang
Summary: This article provides an overview of international movements to reduce nitrogenous gas emissions from farmlands, summarizes the impact of agricultural management practices on nitrogen use efficiency for different crops, and evaluates their effect on nitrogenous gas emissions. The results indicate the importance of implementing site-specific sustainable management practices to improve nitrogen use efficiency and mitigate nitrogenous gas emissions. The article also highlights the need for systematic trade-off evaluations to maximize environmental benefits and maintain ecosystem services.
NPJ CLIMATE AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
(2022)