Article
Environmental Sciences
Arif Mohammad, Devendra Narain Singh, Anna Podlasek, Piotr Osinski, Eugeniusz Koda
Summary: This study investigated the temporal variation of chemical parameters of leachate collected from a bioreactor landfill in Mumbai, India and compared it with a landfill in Poland. The results showed that most chemical parameters decreased rapidly over time, indicating the stabilization of municipal solid waste. Additionally, the study found that native microorganisms in the landfill consumed volatile fatty acids, promoting the transition of the decomposition process.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
L. M. L. K. B. Lindamulla, N. K. R. N. Jayawardene, W. S. M. S. K. Wijerathne, M. Othman, K. G. N. Nanayakkara, K. B. S. N. Jinadasa, G. B. B. Herath, V Jegatheesan
Summary: This study describes the collection and characterization of landfill leachate from different climatic zones in Sri Lanka. Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) with different configurations were used to treat the leachate, and the optimal operating conditions for the treatment were determined. The study highlights the capabilities of MBR in treating landfill leachate.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sonil Nanda, Franco Berruti
Summary: The USA, China, and India are the top producers of municipal solid waste, with waste composition varying based on income levels. Municipal solid waste management options include recycling, incineration, waste-to-energy conversion, composting, or landfilling. Landfilling is a preferred method globally, with critical factors for sustainability including liners, soil cover thickness, leachate collection, and gas recovery facilities. Landfills act as ecological reactors undergoing various transformations, with bioreactor landfills emerging as a next-generation solution for efficient waste stabilization through controlled recirculation.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sajjad Karimi, Christopher A. Bareither
Summary: The study reveals that increasing the dose volume and frequency of liquid dosing can accelerate the methane generation rate of municipal solid waste, reducing the lag time for generation. For reactors with dose volumes of 40, 80, and 160 L/Mg-MSW, increasing dose frequency results in a more pronounced increase in methane generation rate and decrease in lag time.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peng Wen, Yuyu Huang, Zhongping Qiu, Qibin Li
Summary: The SAARB demonstrated stable removal of organic matter and nitrogen from different landfill leachates, with microbial communities changing significantly after treatment. Microbial abundance and diversity were most affected by the content of refractory organics in the leachate, with Proteobacteria being the dominant microorganism. This study highlights the potential for optimization and application of SAARB in leachate treatment.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lea Issa, Olga El Kik, Mutasem El-Fadel
Summary: This paper provides a critical review on the progress and application of anaerobic MBR (AnMBR) technology for treating landfill leachate. The technology enhances biomass retention and produces renewable energy in the form of methane biogas, reducing aeration and sludge handling costs. The paper evaluates its performance and addresses potential limitations, such as fouling and inhibitory factors that may affect microbial communities. It proposes a comprehensive experimental program to improve the application of AnMBR technology.
REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO-TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Junwei Ma, Yijia Li, Yuqian Li
Summary: This study found that the combination of leachate recirculation and preaeration in SABLs can enhance the stabilization of municipal solid waste, as evidenced by increased removal rates of COD and NH4+-N, and improved degradation rates of organic substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhepei Gu, Ke Feng, Yihui Li, Qibin Li
Summary: Informal landfills can lead to leachate pollution, impacting the microbial diversity and composition in contaminated soil. Firmicutes dominate in contaminated soil, affecting the ecological functions of soil. Network analysis shows keystone taxa like Bacilli and Clostridia play a vital role in maintaining soil stability.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Okan Karatas, Alireza Khataee, Mehmet Kobya, Yeojoon Yoon
Summary: The presence of PFASs in humans raises concerns about their negative impact on human health. This study evaluates the efficiency of electrooxidation (EO) in removing PFOS and achieves high TOC removal efficiency in groundwater and wastewater.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lahiru Lindamulla, Nadeeshani Nanayakkara, Maazuza Othman, Shameen Jinadasa, Gemunu Herath, Veeriah Jegatheesan
Summary: This review assesses the leachate quality from waste disposal sites in the tropical climate zone. The analysis reveals that young sites in the tropical rainforest and tropical monsoon zones have higher pollution potential, while the pollution potential in the tropical savanna zone does not show significant differences based on the age of the landfill. Open dumpsites pose higher pollution potential due to their operating method.
CURRENT POLLUTION REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ke Feng, Shiqi Mu, Feiyan Fang, Mingde Xie
Summary: The efficiency and mechanism of the UV/nFe(0)/H2O2 system in removing refractory organics from membrane bioreactor effluent were investigated. Under certain conditions, the system effectively removed organics and reduced their properties. Various iron-based oxides were formed on the surface of nano zero-valent iron, which contributed to the removal of refractory organics. UV radiation enhanced the redox cycle of iron, thereby enhancing the removal of organics.
WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Binay Kumar Tripathy, Mathava Kumar
Summary: The present study aims to design a lab-scale hybrid reactor for the removal of various pollutants from landfill leachate. The combination of sequential microwave treatment and algal-SBR shows great potential for sustainable leachate treatment, with high removal rates of turbidity, COD, ammonia, and heavy metals.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hanna Hamid, Loretta Y. Li, John R. Grace
Summary: This study found that 6:2 FTS undergoes indirect photolysis in landfill leachate, with a half-life of approximately 15 days, indicating that this is a relevant transformation pathway in sunlit aquatic environments. However, the presence of nitrate and humic acid did not lead to a significant decrease in 6:2 FTS over 72 hours. Additionally, the formation of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in irradiated leachate samples suggests that phototransformation in sunlit leachate could result in the formation of persistent PFCAs at environmental concentrations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ahmet Duyar, Vildan Ciftcioglu, Kevser Cirik, Gokhan Civelekoglu, Serhan Urus
Summary: This study recommended coupling of conventional single-stage A/O with moving bed biofilm reactor and membrane bioreactor for landfill leachate treatment. The system achieved efficient removal of COD, nitrogen, and PAEs, with notable presence of various metal elements and important microbial activities in the AnoxMBBR and AeMBR.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pundarika Sughosh, Periyaswami Lakshmikanthan, G. L. Sivakumar Babui
Summary: The study investigated the application and performance of AN, AER and SA bioreactors in stabilizing MBT waste from Bangalore city. The results showed that AER bioreactor landfills can be used for remediating existing municipal solid waste dumpsites in Bangalore city.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Haiming Wang, Guicai Liu, Andrei Veksha, Xiaomin Dou, Apostolos Giannis, Teik Thye Lim, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: The redox performances of iron ore modified with different alkaline earth metals as oxygen carriers for chemical looping combustion of municipal solid waste derived syngas were evaluated. It was found that BaO-modified iron ore demonstrated the best reactivity, and AEM oxides showed superior performance compared to AEM aluminates due to their strong interaction with Fe2O3.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Guicai Liu, Haiming Wang, Severin Deplazes, Andrei Veksha, Christian Wirz-Toendury, Apostolos Giannis, Teik Thye Lim, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: The study investigated the simultaneous high-temperature HCl removal and syngas combustion over barium-decorated oxygen carriers. Coating iron ore with Ba and Al compounds enhanced combustion efficiency and enabled sorbent regeneration through treatment with a mixture of CO2 and H2O. The findings demonstrate the potential of using Ba-Al-decorated iron ore as a bifunctional material in CLC processes.
COMBUSTION AND FLAME
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Haiming Wang, Guicai Liu, Andrei Veksha, Apostolos Giannis, Teik-Thye Lim, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: Iron ore modified with alkaline earth metal oxides, especially BaO, greatly improved chemical looping combustion performance for simulated municipal solid waste syngas, effectively reducing H2S emissions. BaO-loaded iron oxide showed superior sulfur species control and could be used for cleaner combustion processes with sulfur-containing fuels.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Angelos Kolosionis, Eleni Kastanaki, Andrei Veksha, Haiming Wang, Chao He, Grzegorz Lisak, Apostolos Giannis
Summary: The washed sewage sludge chars showed improved fuel properties such as higher fuel ratio and heating values, as well as better combustion reactivity. Among the washing techniques, HCl washing was the most efficient in increasing carbon content and decreasing ash content, leading to significant improvements in fuel ratio as well as slagging and ash fouling indexes. Additionally, the combustion reactivity of the washed chars resembled coal, suggesting enhanced thermal stability of the fuel.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anna-Maria Liliou, Maria-Liliana Saru, Andrei Veksha, Grzegorz Lisak, Apostolos Giannis
Summary: This research investigated the selective leaching of scandium and yttrium from red mud through agitation leaching, thermal processing, and hydrothermal processing. The results showed that the high selectivity of REEs during hydrothermal processing was controlled by the extraction and desorption of elements from the material surface, leading to enhanced leaching selectivity.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao He, Zhao Zhang, Candie Xie, Apostolos Giannis, Zhe Chen, Yetao Tang, Rongliang Qiu
Summary: Low temperature liquefaction benefits resource recovery, while high temperature liquefaction facilitates heavy metal immobilization in hydrochars. However, caution should be taken regarding the environmental risks of manganese and lead.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guicai Liu, Haiming Wang, Andrei Veksha, Apostolos Giannis, Teik Thye Lim, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: The study on high temperature purification of HCl-containing syngas using chemical looping combustion-adsorption (CLCA) technology revealed that Ba and Sr-coated iron ore exhibited outstanding dechlorination performance, while Ca-coated IO showed lower HCl removal ability. Selecting high temperature and H2O as the regenerating gas were crucial for achieving stable and efficient regeneration performance during the sorbent regeneration stage.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haiming Wang, Guicai Liu, Yinn Zhao Boon, Andrei Veksha, Apostolos Giannis, Teik Thye Lim, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: This study investigated the synergetic effect of witherite and iron ore for dechlorination and chemical looping combustion of syngas derived from municipal solid waste. The IO-witherite mixture showed significantly higher HCl adsorption capacity compared to pristine IO and IO-limestone mixture, due to the formation of a strong solid-solid interaction and the improved redox performance of IO. The research demonstrates the potential of using IO-witherite mixture as an oxygen carrier for cleaner combustion of HCl containing syngas.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ashiq Ahamed, Andrei Veksha, Apostolos Giannis, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: FPPW is a common waste stream that flows into the natural environment annually, with a focus on research gaps in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, assessment of technological solutions for FPPW treatment. Furthermore, holistic approaches including circularity, decarbonisation, bio-based plastics substitution, and demand reduction are discussed to mitigate environmental impacts.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ajay Menon, James Lyng, Apostolos Giannis
Summary: Deficiency of trace metals exacerbates instability in the methanogenic phase of thermophilic anaerobic digestion (AD), but addition of a micronutrient supplement can increase methane production and enhance microbial diversity and functional diversity.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Panagiotis Chazirakis, Apostolos Giannis, Evangelos Gidarakos
Summary: This study develops a model and a life cycle inventory database based on a mechanical composting facility in Chania, Greece, to comprehensively analyze input-output flows and assess different stages of the composting process. The results show that the degradation rate is independent of the initial fragmental composition.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Arshia Fathima, Jessie Yuk Bing Tang, Apostolos Giannis, I. M. S. K. Ilankoon, Meng Nan Chong
Summary: This article reviews the importance of metal recovery from e-waste, focusing on the example of copper recovery through electrowinning. The challenges of this method and possible solutions, such as catalysts and coupled systems, are discussed. Electro-catalysts have been found to improve the electrowinning process, while coupled systems can reduce energy consumption.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Guicai Liu, Chia Chyi Chang, Ya Zhao, Andrei Veksha, Apostolos Giannis, Teik Thye Lim, Grzegorz Lisak
Summary: The influence of alkali earth metals (AEMs) doping on CuO/Al2O3 oxygen carrier in chemical looping combustion (CLC) was investigated. The doping of AEMs enhanced the performance and stability of the oxygen carrier, and deferred the agglomeration. The improved performance was attributed to the enhanced redox kinetics and the migration of AEM species during the synthesis process.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Eleni Kastanaki, Apostolos Giannis
Summary: With the rapid promotion of electric vehicles in the EU, a new e-waste category, lithium-ion batteries, is emerging. Proper management of these batteries, including remanufacturing, reuse, and recycling, is necessary for circular economy models. Analyzing material and substance flow, it is projected that there will be 113-301 thousand (6-31 GWh) batteries available for remanufacturing by 2024-2034, and 212-617 GWh capacity of Second Life (2 L) batteries by 2040. The recycled metals from these batteries can meet 5.2-11.3% of the demand for new materials according to the recycling efficiencies of the 2020 EU Battery Directive.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Panagiotis Chazirakis, Apostolos Giannis, Evangelos Gidarakos
Summary: This article uses life cycle assessment to investigate the environmental impacts of two alternative approaches in a biowaste management system. The study is based on actual data and on-site sampling at a facility in Greece. The results show that biowaste source segregation in an integrated waste management system not only significantly benefits its recoverability potential but also improves its environmental performance.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.