Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
S. Connolly, V. O'Flaherty, D. J. Krol
Summary: Cattle slurry storage is a significant contributor to global methane and ammonia emissions. A study investigated the effectiveness of an oxygen-based amendment in reducing these emissions. Various peroxide sources were tested, and an amendment consisting of hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodide was found to successfully reduce methane emissions. While other peroxide sources reduced methane emissions, they also increased pH and subsequently ammonia emissions. The hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodide amendment achieved a 63% reduction in methane emissions and should be considered for larger scale implementation.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yunzhi Chen, Lizzie Pinegar, Jake Immonen, Kody M. Powell
Summary: Increasing quantities of food waste have become a concern due to high disposal costs in landfills and high greenhouse gas emissions. Collecting food waste from landfills and turning it into renewable natural gas using anaerobic digestion could be a win-win option for both food waste disposal and renewable energy production. This study focuses on the techno-economic and environmental assessment of food waste to energy via anaerobic digestion to bridge the gap in existing research.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xinxin Li, Jingjing Tong, Maomao Yuan, Mei Song, Jingsi Gao, Jia Zhu, Yanping Liu
Summary: This study investigated the effect of inoculation ratio and circulating batch on the performance of a food waste anaerobic digestion system. The results showed that a proper proportion of the digestion slurry cycle can enhance the system's activity and methane production, improving the performance of engineering applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alanis-Silva Edgar Daniel, Chavez-Parga Ma Del Carmen, Cortes Jose Apolinar
Summary: This study evaluates the effect of three pretreatments and organic load control on methane production from food waste, and the results show that optimal performance can be achieved under specific pretreatment conditions.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
H. M. Mahmudul, M. G. Rasul, D. Akbar, R. Narayanan, M. Mofijur
Summary: This paper thoroughly examines the technological, economic, and environmental feasibility of utilizing household food waste to produce sustainable energy in Australia, highlighting the importance of waste to energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting economic development.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wanli Zhang, Tianqi Kong, Wanli Xing, Rundong Li, Tianhua Yang, Nan Yao, Dan Lv
Summary: The study investigated the links between C/N ratio, synergy, and microbial characteristics of anaerobic co-digestion of different organic wastes. Co-digestion demonstrated the ability to overcome C/N imbalance, achieve multiple synergies, and improve methane production. Adjusting the C/N ratio of the system led to enhanced methanogenic functions and system stability.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hui Sun, Enzhen Wang, Xiang Li, Xian Cui, Jianbin Guo, Renjie Dong
Summary: The Chinese government aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, with technologies like anaerobic digestion of crop residues to recover biomethane playing a key role. The potential contribution of crop residues to energy production and reducing GHG emissions following anaerobic digestion is significant but has been scarcely evaluated. More research and development, along with governmental support policies, are needed to fully utilize the potential of biomethane production from crop residues in China.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
F. Granzotto, C. Aita, D. D. Silveira, F. D. Mayer, S. B. Pujol, J. A. Pinas, R. Hoffmann
Summary: Anaerobic digestion proved to be an efficient method for treating organic wastes from university restaurants, achieving high removal rates of pollutants and producing biogas and digestate for potential use as organic fertilizer.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Pan Wang, Xinzi Wang, Xiteng Chen, Lianhai Ren
Summary: This study found that adding bentonite during anaerobic digestion of food waste can increase methane production and effectively reduce the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in biogas residue. Bentonite and temperature were identified as major factors influencing the abundance of ARGs.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alyne Martins Maciel, Marcelo Henrique Otenio, Vanessa Romario de Paula, Virginia Mendonca Lourenco Benhami, Cassiano Moro Piekarski, Camila Marcal da Rocha, Nathan Oliveira Barros
Summary: The environmental impacts of milk production farms in Brazil were assessed using LCA, and it was found that anaerobic digestion can significantly reduce the impacts on acidification, eutrophication, and climate change by 25% to 38%.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Walter Anaya Menacho, Abdul Md Mazid, Narottam Das
Summary: Research on producing biofuel from food waste using a two-stage digester setup has shown promising results in increasing biogas and methane production, with simulations providing valuable data for future industrial-level biogas research and development.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Samatcha Krungkaew, Benedikt Huelsemann, Kanokwan Kingphadung, Busarakorn Mahayothee, Hans Oechsner, Joachim Mueller
Summary: This study investigated the biogas yield from banana trees and fruits at different ripening stages. The pseudostem was found to have the highest energy yield, while the peel of the fruits served as the major energy source.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andres Sarrion, Enrique Medina-Martos, Diego Iribarren, Elena Diaz, Angel F. Mohedano, Javier Dufour
Summary: This study evaluated a novel strategy for food waste valorization from an environmental life-cycle perspective. The system, based on acid-assisted hydrothermal carbonization of food waste combined with the exploitation of hydrochar and nutrient recovery stage, showed better environmental performance compared to stand-alone anaerobic digestion. The use of hydrochar as a substitute for fossil fuels and the reduced impacts of soil application contribute to the promising circular economy concept for food waste valorization.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Uisung Lee, Arpit Bhatt, Troy Robert Hawkins, Ling Tao, Pahola Thathiana Benavides, Michael Wang
Summary: Producing fuels and chemicals from waste is economically and environmentally favorable, with renewable natural gas and lactic acid showing significantly lower carbon intensities compared to conventional pathways. Life cycle analysis helps identify greenhouse gas emission hotspots and emission savings sources, supporting decisions for sustainable waste valorization.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wanli Zhang, Xue Wang, Wanli Xing, Rundong Li, Tianhua Yang, Nan Yao, Dan Lv
Summary: The study found that co-digestion of food waste with cattle manure is more likely to achieve synergy compared to other combinations, which is achieved through coupling effects such as improving nutrient balance and dilution of toxic compounds. In the process of co-digestion, specific microbial communities can accelerate detoxification and system recovery through co-metabolism.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wei Zhang, Nikolaos Venetsaneas, Sonia Heaven, Charles J. Banks
Article
Microbiology
Anna M. Alessi, Bing Tao, Wei Zhang, Yue Zhang, Sonia Heaven, Charles J. Banks, James P. J. Chong
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yue Zhang, Sigrid Kusch-Brandt, Sonia Heaven, Charles J. Banks
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Santiago Pacheco-Ruiz, Sonia Heaven, Charles J. Banks
Summary: The study found that solids retention time (SRT) had a significant impact on membrane fouling in anaerobic membrane bioreactors, with the least fouling observed at an SRT of 30 days. While operating at a short SRT was beneficial for membrane performance, it resulted in lower methane productivity and higher effluent COD.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yue Zhang, Sigrid Kusch-Brandt, Andrew M. Salter, Sonia Heaven
Summary: This study provides a detailed analysis and comparison of methane yields from different energy crops and crop residues, focusing on European crops, revealing significant differences in methane yields among different crops. The intra-crop variation of methane yield was found to be higher than the inter-crop variation, highlighting the high-risk nature of relying on individual assay results when planning biogas operations.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wei Zhang, Anna M. Alessi, Sonia Heaven, James P. J. Chong, Charles J. Banks
Summary: Transitions in microbial community structure in response to increasing ammonia concentrations were studied in mesophilic anaerobic digesters. The addition of trace elements, organic loading rates, and hydraulic retention times influenced metabolic routes and community structures. The study demonstrated a quantitative approach using 14C isotope analysis alongside sequencing data to understand methanogenic pathways and microbial populations.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Molly Muleya, Kevin Tang, Martin R. Broadley, Andrew M. Salter, Edward J. M. Joy
Summary: This study estimated the dietary protein supplies and deficiency risk in Malawi using household consumption and expenditure survey data. It found that a significant proportion of households in Malawi lack adequate protein and lysine, with the poorest households being the most vulnerable. The adoption of quality protein maize (QPM) could potentially reduce the risk of protein and lysine deficiency in these vulnerable households.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Angela Bywater, Sonia Heaven, Yue Zhang, Charles J. Banks
Summary: The UK's decarbonisation strategy includes energy from hydrogen and biomethane. By removing carbon dioxide, biogas can be upgraded to biomethane. The study uses publicly available datasets and modelling to identify potential scale and knowledge gaps.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lujain A. Almousa, Andrew M. Salter, Marcos Castellanos, Sean T. May, Simon C. Langley-Evans
Summary: Vascular endothelial cells are sensitive to changes in magnesium concentration, which can affect key cellular processes such as cellular organization, apoptosis, protein binding, signal transduction, and metabolism. The study also suggests that magnesium-induced changes may indirectly impact endothelial cell function through other ions.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yue Zhang, Sonia Heaven, Charles J. Banks
Summary: CO2 biomethanisation is a promising technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable use of organic feedstocks. However, the depletion of CO2 during the reaction leading to pH increase can cause instability and digestion failure. This study validates predictive equations for managing H-2 addition in anaerobic digesters and provides coefficient values for some organic feedstocks.
Editorial Material
Engineering, Chemical
Sigrid Kusch-Brandt, Sonia Heaven, Charles J. Banks
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bing Tao, Yue Zhang, Sonia Heaven, Charles J. Banks
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Paul Eades, Sigrid Kusch-Brandt, Sonia Heaven, Charles J. Banks
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)