Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haimei Li, Yi Tian, Zhulin Li, Chao Wu, Yili Liu
Summary: The economic and environmental impacts of the reverse logistics process of the waste disposal chain were studied in Xi an City, China. The financial costs per ton of food waste and residual waste were $46.35-$49.03 and $62.52-$88.84, respectively. The environmental impacts accounted for a high percentage in the entire waste management chains, with labor costs as the biggest financial expenditure and the fuel cycle of C&T vehicles as the major cause of environmental impacts. Source-separated waste management scenarios had more environmental benefits but poorer economic positions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vinay Kumar Tyagi, Aparna Kapoor, Pratham Arora, J. Rajesh Banu, Sukanya Das, Shubham Pipesh, A. A. Kazmi
Summary: A feasibility analysis was conducted on a 100 tons per day MBT plant, which showed promising results in terms of energy and material recovery for municipal solid waste valorization. The plant's revenue is stable with excellent OPEX, and utilizing RDF locally can further reduce costs, in alignment with global benchmarks.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kok Siew Ng, Anh N. Phan, Eleni Iacovidou, Wan Azlina Wan Ab Karim Ghani
Summary: Innovative resource recovery methods are urgently needed to increase resource efficiency and reduce reliance on energy-from-waste facilities. The proposed mechanical-biological treatment with valorisation concept (MBT-v) shows higher economic potential and product diversification compared to conventional MBT for residual municipal solid waste treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Junqi Wang, Solomon Inalegwu Okopi, Haoxiang Ma, Miao Wang, Rui Chen, Wangyang Tian, Fuqing Xu
Summary: By comparing the environmental impacts of anaerobic digestion-pyrolysis and pyrolysis-anaerobic digestion integrations with single anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis technologies for organic solid waste, it was found that anaerobic digestion-pyrolysis has the least environmental impact, while pyrolysis-anaerobic digestion exhibits the heaviest environmental burden. Hence, the anaerobic digestion-pyrolysis integration is considered the top priority for treating organic solid waste from an environmental perspective.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Akihisa Ogawa, Shimpei Ono, Hiroshi Onoda
Summary: The study analyzed the performance of integrating waste incineration plants with the Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) system, indicating that the MBT system is the best choice. Located in Ichihara City in Chiba Prefecture, the integrated system can reduce CO2 emissions by transferring heat generated from waste incineration, with the lowest annual cost.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zeng Dan, Yuechi Che, Xutong Wang, Peng Zhou, Zhiyong Han, Duo Bu, Xuebin Lu, Wenchao Ma, Guanyi Chen
Summary: This study evaluates the environmental impacts, economic benefits, and energy efficiency of the municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) project in Lhasa, Tibet, and compares it with similar projects in plain regions using life cycle assessment (LCA), cost-benefit analysis (CBA), and energy analysis methods. The results show that the Lhasa MSWI project has lower positive environmental impacts than the projects in plain regions. However, attention is needed for the deficiencies in flue gas emissions in the plateau region. The cost-benefit analysis indicates a payback period of 11.97 years and an internal rate of return of 8.75%. The energy analysis shows a high boiler energy efficiency of 81.92%.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chunchao Liu, Huijuan Dong, Yang Cao, Yong Geng, Haifeng Li, Chenyi Zhang, Shijiang Xiao
Summary: The study developed an environmental damage cost assessment method for MSW management in Shanghai using the LIME model. Results showed that social assets damage cost was dominant, with landfill mainly causing social assets damage and incineration mainly causing human health damage. Scenarios analysis indicated that implementing MSW separation could reduce total environmental damage cost by about one-third.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Zhao, Jiayi Yuan, Silan Zhao, Huimin Chang, Rong Li, Guannv Lin, Xiang Li
Summary: This study compares the carbon footprints of pyrolysis technology enhanced by mechanical and biological treatment (MBT) with incineration technology, based on a process-oriented life cycle assessment. The results show that MBT-pyrolysis provides similar net carbon savings as incineration, but becomes more advantageous as the proportion of plastic waste increases and the energy system becomes greener. Optimizing the MBT-pyrolysis process can lead to even higher carbon footprint savings. With the future energy structure, MBT-pyrolysis is found to be superior to incineration in terms of carbon footprints.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tadeusz Dziok, Marcelina Bury, Piotr Burmistrz
Summary: The use of municipal solid waste for energy generation is important, however, the release of mercury from waste is a significant concern. This study investigated the behavior of mercury release during thermal treatment of different types of waste and found that textiles released mercury most easily while plastics had the lowest release. The research suggests a potential for producing low-mercury alternative fuel through thermal treatment of waste.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fang Liu, Hanqiao Liu, Na Yang, Lei Wang
Summary: Research shows that reutilization of municipal solid waste incinerator fly ash into cement and ceramsite is more effective, with the life cycle costing also indicating the economic feasibility of these two technologies. Adjusting methods such as using polluted soil as a replacement for sintering aids can further enhance the performance of ceramsite reutilization technology.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rutjaya Prateep Na Talang, Sanya Sirivithayapakorn
Summary: This research examined the cost-effectiveness of municipal solid waste disposal schemes for different income groups using life cycle cost assessment (LCCA). It found that lower income groups had the lowest environmental impacts and highest cost-effectiveness, with a positive correlation between environmental impacts and per capita income. Composting biodegradable waste and landfilling combustible waste incurred the lowest total environmental costs.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anna Degli Esposti, Chiara Magrini, Alessandra Bonoli
Summary: The study proposes a framework to evaluate the potential of preparation for reuse (PfR) as a strategy for waste management, aiming to decrease social, environmental, and economic impacts while meeting legal targets. The comprehensive indicator for reusability introduced in the study allows waste collection operators to assess the potential consequences of the reuse strategy on their systems, monitoring and disclosing impacts related to reuse activities for sustainability in the waste management sector.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Natalia Vinitskaia, Anna Zaikova, Ivan Deviatkin, Oksana Bachina, Mika Horttanainen
Summary: This study provides the first life cycle assessment for the municipal solid waste management system in Moscow, one of the largest cities in Europe. The assessment reveals that the current system has high global warming potential and acidification potential. Planned changes by 2024 will reduce impacts in all categories, especially with the production of RDF and its substitution for coal in cement kilns.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anastasiia Sholokhova, Gintaras Denafas, Valeriy Mykhaylenko
Summary: This article investigates the formation and abundance of microplastics during mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) and highlights the significant impact of mechanical pre-treatment and aerobic treatment on microplastics formation. It also suggests a relationship between microplastics abundance in ready organic output and the plastic content of the incoming waste. To reduce microplastics formation and emission by MBT, the organic fraction of MSW should be collected and treated separately.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Duan Lu, Asad Iqbal, Feixiang Zan, Xiaoming Liu, Guanghao Chen
Summary: Sustainable management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is crucial for future urban development. This study in the Southern Tai Lake Watershed (STWL) area in China integrated system dynamics to evaluate GHG emissions, energy recovery, and economic benefits of different MSW management strategies. The results suggest that co-processing landfill waste with fresh MSW in incineration plants is the most favorable strategy due to its lower GHG emissions, higher energy recovery, and greater economic benefits compared to the current landfill strategy.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barbara Ruffino, Angela Farina, Davide Dalmazzo, Gianandrea Blengini, Mariachiara Zanetti, Ezio Santagata
Summary: The waste paint sludge (PS) from automotive industry can be recycled in bituminous binders for asphalt pavement applications, reducing costs and environmental impacts. The annual production of PS from Italian automotive plants can be effectively utilized, providing a sustainable solution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jo Dewulf, Stefanie Hellweg, Stephan Pfister, Maria Fernanda Godoy Leon, Thomas Sonderegger, Cristina T. de Matos, Gian Andrea Blengini, Fabrice Mathieux
Summary: This paper discusses the accessibility of metals and minerals once they have entered the technosphere, identifying six human actions that compromise accessibility and proposing solutions to address resource (in)accessibility. Through a case study on cobalt in the EU, it demonstrates the current challenges and impacts of resource inaccessibility.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giuseppe Campo, Alberto Cerutti, Claudio Lastella, Aldo Leo, Deborah Panepinto, Mariachiara Zanetti, Barbara Ruffino
Summary: The management of sewage sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants is a pressing issue, with a survey in the Piemonte region revealing that a significant amount of sludge is disposed of outside of the region or used in agriculture. In response to rising costs and stricter regulations, the regional authority is considering reorganizing its sludge management network with solutions based on proximity and diversification, potentially requiring the planning of new plants for treatment and recovery of sludge.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Isabella Bianco, Francesca Thiebat, Corrado Carbonaro, Simonetta Pagliolico, Gian Andrea Blengini, Elena Comino
Summary: The study developed a tool based on life cycle assessment to assist actors in the furniture industry in selecting criteria that can maximize furniture sustainability throughout its life cycle.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maria Fernanda Godoy Leon, Gian Andrea Blengini, Jo Dewulf
Summary: Long-term statistical data was explored to assess the historical domestic production and international trade of cobalt-containing commodities in the EU, with different data sources examined and hidden flows identified. The importance of including hidden flows in analysis and the impact of data discrepancies on research were emphasized.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Isabella Bianco, Deborah Panepinto, Mariachiara Zanetti
Summary: This study examines the environmental consequences of using waste-to-energy technologies, specifically incineration and gasification of municipal solid waste (MSW), to produce electricity. The results show that the impact assessment results can vary significantly depending on the accounting rules used, and may even lead to opposite conclusions for certain impact categories. Therefore, caution is recommended when conducting studies on waste valorization.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
L. Tefa, I Bianco, G. A. Blengini, M. Bassani
Summary: This study demonstrates the advantages of using recycled construction and demolition waste aggregate (CDW-RA) in road construction, particularly in subbase layers. CDW-RA has better environmental performance compared to natural aggregate, and the use of CDW-RA in road subbase layers is encouraged. The study also supports the use of alternative and more environmentally friendly binders to enhance the environmental sustainability of pavement construction.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maria Fernanda Godoy Leon, Gian Andrea Belngini, Cristina Matos, Jo Dewulf
Summary: There is a lack of proper understanding of the historical societal metabolism of cobalt in the European Union, which hinders the identification of potential sources of secondary materials, enhancing circularity, and improving forecasting assessments. A retrospective dynamic material flow analysis was conducted to assess the stocks and flows of cobalt in the EU27. The results indicate that landfill stock and in-use stock were the largest stocks in the EU.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Davide Tonini, Paola Federica Albizzati, Dario Caro, Steven De Meester, Elena Garbarino, Gian Andrea Blengini
Summary: Quality of recycling is a concept that lacks a clear definition and operational framework. This lack of clarity hinders the development of effective recycling and circular economy policies. This article reviews existing studies, synthesizes different approaches, and suggests a way forward for research to support circular economy policy measures and monitoring. The definition of recycling quality should consider the technical characteristics of the recyclate and its suitability for different end applications. Preserving functionality through functional recycling is crucial for resource substitution in the circular economy.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ornella Salimbene, Luca Boniardi, Andrea Maria Lingua, Marco Ravina, Mariachiara Zanetti, Deborah Panepinto
Summary: This article discusses the preliminary results of an experiment on using black carbon (BC) as an indicator for air pollution assessment. The results suggest that BC could be a better indicator, and living labs have the potential to promote innovative approaches in designing urban-scale air quality management plans.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Gandiglio, P. Marocco, I. Bianco, D. Louera, G. A. Blengini, M. Santarelli
Summary: This paper analyzes the environmental sustainability of an innovative solution based on Renewable Energy Sources (RES) integrated with a hybrid hydrogen-battery energy storage system. The results show that the RES-based system has significantly lower environmental impacts compared to the current diesel-based configuration, with a reduction in GHG emissions of 89%.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claudia Baranzelli, Gian Andrea Blengini, Sergio Oliete Josa, Carlo Lavalle
Summary: This paper consists of two interconnected sections. The first section focuses on mineral resource indicators and their role in drawing 11 EU-Africa Strategic Corridors within the broader context of Africa-EU partnership. The second section aims to understand the concept of Strategic Corridors as mineral corridors, where mineral resources are utilized as catalysts to boost economic and societal development through the creation and strengthening of value chains and territorial organization. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how Strategic Corridors can enhance access to present and future mines, thereby mitigating the risk of supply disruptions of critical raw materials for the EU.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINING RECLAMATION AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Deborah Panepinto, Marco Ravina, Mariachiara Zanetti
Summary: Waste-to-energy technologies provide sustainable solutions for waste that cannot be further reused or recycled. This paper focuses on the direct combustion in incineration plants and examines the main process, technologies applied, and environmental aspects. The study analyzes flue gas emissions, with a particular focus on the CO2 parameter, to understand the impacts of these processes. The aim is to fill the gap in understanding the emissions and possible reduction of CO2 from these types of plants.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Giuseppe Campo, Antonella Miggiano, Deborah Panepinto, Mariachiara Zanetti
Summary: The current geopolitical landscape of the European Union has highlighted the importance of the energy sector in EU policy, particularly in light of the escalation of conflicts between Russia and Ukraine. Energy efficiency has been prioritized as a tool to address energy and climate crises, with a focus on reducing vulnerability and limiting gas emissions. The white certificate mechanism in Italy has played a vital role in promoting energy-saving measures. This paper examines the replacement of the air distribution system in a large wastewater treatment plant as an effective intervention, considering economic perspectives such as the discounted Payback Period (dPBP) and the Net Present Value (NPV). The results demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of the plant and the significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Isabella Bianco, Raffaella Gerboni, Giuseppe Picerno, Gian Andrea Blengini
Summary: This study conducts an environmental analysis of recycled wool fibers using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology, and finds that recycled wool fibers have significantly lower environmental impacts compared to virgin fibers. This study contributes to filling data gaps in the textile industry and provides insights for addressing environmental issues.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yui Kawasaki, Sayaka Nagao-Sato, Misa Shimpo, Kahori Fujisaki, Emi Yoshii, Rie Akamatsu, Petra Warschburger
Summary: This study qualitatively describes sustainable dietary behaviors (SDBs) that Japanese and German adults can implement in their lives, and quantitatively compares the similarities and differences in understanding SDBs between the two samples. The study found that Japanese participants were more focused on food waste prevention, while German participants were more focused on solving environmental problems.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kechun Chen, Yuan Ding, Liming Yang, Zhihao Wang, Haoxuan Yu, Difan Fang, Yufa Feng, Liying Hu, Chenxi Xu, Penghui Shao, Xubiao Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study proposes a targeted repair scheme for the recovery of graphite anodes from spent LIBs by systematically characterizing and analyzing the structure and composition of spent graphite (SG). The results show that the repair scheme achieves effective SG repair and the repaired graphite anode displays excellent lithium storage performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Takao Ueda, Shigeki Koyanaka, Tatsuya Oki
Summary: Fires caused by accidental crushing of batteries are a serious issue in the e-waste recycling process. A new in-line sorting system that uses X-ray scanning and deep learning has been developed to accurately detect batteries. Through a validation study, the system achieved higher accuracy compared to other existing programs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannes Geist, Frank Balle
Summary: Research on circular economy often lacks empirical data, especially in the theory of circular process design and design for remanufacturing. This study systematically collected and analyzed engineering data on seven remanufacturing processes in the European automotive remanufacturing industry for the first time, providing empirical support for circular engineering challenges, potentials, and solutions.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Haoyang Wang, Xiaoqin Liang, Yibo Wang, Zijie Feng
Summary: The expansion of the photovoltaic market has resulted in a significant increase in PV waste. Therefore, conducting scientific research to determine the importance of the circular economy for sustainable growth in the PV industry is essential. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of PV installed capacity and quantifying the importance of recycling in balancing the supply and demand of raw materials can be achieved through a multi-factor installed capacity prediction model and recovery potential prediction.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chuanzhen Zhang, Baojing Gu, Xia Liang, Shu Kee Lam, Yi Zhou, Deli Chen
Summary: Reactive nitrogen is crucial for agriculture and human nutrition, but mismanagement can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystem services, hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards nitrogen-related targets varies across countries, highlighting the need for integrated management to achieve overall synergies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Gatto, Marijke Kuiper, Corina van Middelaar, Hans van Meijl
Summary: This study examines the economic and environmental effects of transitioning towards more circular food systems in the European Union (EU27) by feeding animals with low-opportunity-cost feed and better utilizing local feed resources. The results show that providing subsidies for circularity and promoting the use of low-cost feed can increase animal production, but also have negative impacts on land use and emissions. On the other hand, promoting domestic feed sourcing through import tariffs can decrease animal production and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. However, complementary policies are needed to mitigate drawbacks and enhance benefits of a more circular agri-food system.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinbo Zhang, Liu Chen, Yulei Xie, Pingjian Yang, Zheng Li, Huaicheng Guo, Yang Zhang, Lirong Liu
Summary: This study examines the impact of carbon taxes on low-carbon development and climate change mitigation. By constructing a cross-system bi-layer model, the study finds that reasonable carbon taxes can promote the stability of the energy network, reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants, and optimize production efficiency and the structure of the energy system. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects and implementation pathways of carbon taxes.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantin Born, Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
Summary: Increasing recycling of metals is important for reducing reliance on mining, but it cannot fully meet future metal demand. Primary production of metals is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for alternative circular economy strategies such as demand reduction and mitigating harmful impacts of primary metal production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yinqiu Ma, Lin Huang, Jiahui Li, Wei Cao, Yumei Cai
Summary: Afforestation and reforestation, such as China's Grain for Green Program, have shown to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the significant carbon potential of the program and its potential application in other countries to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arlind Dervishaj, Kjartan Gudmundsson
Summary: This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment and provides suggestions. The study identifies limitations in the functionalities of current tools, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. Further development is needed in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamadreza Y. Azarfam, Anuj Maheshwari, Frank D. Blum, Siddhesh Chaudhari, Clinton Switzer, Ranji Vaidyanathan, Jay C. Hanan, Sudheer Bandla
Summary: This study introduces a feasible method for manufacturing recycled composites using post-consumer carpets and recycled resin. The resulting composites have impressive strength and modulus, surpassing commercial thermoplastics and making them suitable for structural applications. This research presents a promising approach to address carpet landfilling and reduce reliance on additives.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pujiang Shi, Tianle Huang, Hong Kit Lim, Chiew Kei Tan, Jong-Min Lee, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study developed a highly porous bioadaptive 3D sponge-like construct from plastic materials in discarded keyboards for advanced in vitro applications. The findings demonstrate the potential of using discarded keyboards as a waste-to-resource feedstock to achieve waste reduction and maximize value-capture.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuo-Jui Wu, Hailing Qiu, Caiyan Huang, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: Government resource allocation practices for achieving carbon neutrality should be guided by dynamic system theory to identify potential dynamics. Carbon intensity control dynamics have a significant influence on other dynamics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)