Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rawan A. Tayeh, Mohammed F. Alsayed, Yahya A. Saleh
Summary: Palestinian territories depend on imported energy from Israel and struggle with MSW accumulation. The government is seeking sustainable solutions, with waste-to-energy seen as a promising option.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alejandra Gomez-Maldonado, Laura Catalina Ospina-Espita, Paul Rodriguez-Lesmes, Mayra Alejandra Rodriguez-Rodriguez
Summary: Low-and middle-income countries lack research on waste management initiatives and informal sector issues. This article focuses on waste pickers' role and their transition from informal to formal work in the Latin American context. The study in Colombia, which promotes a formalization pathway for waste picker organizations, utilizes both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the barriers and opportunities for waste pickers' formalization.
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Chen-Fu Chien, Kathleen Aviso, Ming-Lang Tseng, Minoru Fujii, Ming K. Lim
Summary: The limitations of traditional waste management methods and the increasing generation of solid waste necessitate the collection of research on efficient models and better treatment technologies in a virtual special issue. Strategies focusing on reuse and recycling in solid waste management have revealed their current challenges, and the progress in addressing these limitations is of growing importance for emerging economies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Chaitanya Reddy Chilakamarry, A. M. Mimi Sakinah, A. W. Zularisam, Ranjna Sirohi, Irshad Ahamad Khilji, Noormazlinah Ahmad, Ashok Pandey
Summary: This article discusses the green processing method of adding value to agricultural waste through solid-state fermentation, as well as the current knowledge on scenarios, sustainability opportunities, and future directions of a circular economy for solid waste utilization.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Arianna Baldinelli, Linda Barelli, Gianni Bidini, Giovanni Cinti
Summary: Bio-waste can be converted into valuable resources like biogas, and employing high-temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Combined Heat and Power generation can improve energy efficiency. Collaboration between small biogas producers and SOFCs can lead to market opportunities, but successful implementation depends on local regulations, waste management, renewable energy subsidies, and site availability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shikhangi Singh, Taru Negi, Narashans Alok Sagar, Yogesh Kumar, Ayon Tarafdar, Ranjna Sirohi, Raveendran Sindhu, Ashok Pandey
Summary: Seafood processing waste causes environmental risks and nutritional losses. Bioconversion and recovery of waste can provide environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solutions. Microbial fermentation and exogenous enzyme treatments are safe and efficient methods for waste conversion. Algal biotechnology offers unique technologies for the transformation of waste into valuable chemicals and biofuel. Sustainable bioprocessing interventions can enable circular bioeconomies in the seafood processing sector.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Deval Singh, Anil Kumar Dikshit, Sunil Kumar
Summary: The generation of municipal solid waste litter (MSWL) is a growing concern in urban areas, as it negatively affects the aesthetics and health of pedestrians and nearby residents. This study aims to assess the current status of MSWL generation and its management scheme in Nagpur, a tier two city in India. Characterization and environmental assessment were performed using the common weighted method for five different categories of streets. An environmental status index (ESI) model was developed to evaluate the existing scenario of MSWL management. The study found variations in MSWL generation rates among different types of streets, and the application of exploratory data analysis and cluster algorithm was effective in identifying areas with higher MSWL generation rates.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Jesse Luis Padilha, Andre Luiz Amarante Mesquita
Summary: This research paper focuses on the most common urban solid waste disposal method in Brazil, which is landfill. However, alternative technological solutions for waste disposal are also discussed. The study proposes an innovative approach to analyze the financial viability of Waste-to-Energy technologies for the management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in small cities in Brazil. The economic indicators used include Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Discounted Payback Period (DPP), and Leveled Cost of Electricity (LCOE). The results suggest that the routes with landfill and landfill gas, as well as recycling and anaerobic digestion, have the best financial values.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Hernan G. Mazzei, Stefania Specchia
Summary: There is an increasing concern about the treatment of solid medical waste due to the rise in waste generation caused by the pandemic. This paper analyzes the various existing technologies and developments in medical waste management. It also discusses waste-to-energy alternatives and provides tools and criteria for technology selection and economic analysis. It serves as a theoretical guide for decision-making and highlights the limitations in the current system, calling for future research.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
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
Environmental Sciences
M. F. S. Goncalves, G. Petraconi Filho, A. A. Couto, A. S. da Silva Sobrinho, F. S. Miranda, M. Massi
Summary: This study evaluated the efficiency of a thermal plasma treatment process in processing solid radioactive waste. The results showed that this method is a promising way to manage and reduce the mass and volume of radioactive waste.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Jianfu Liu, Liang Zheng
Summary: This study analyzes the development trend of municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment in China from 2011 to 2020 and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable MSW management. The study finds that MSW generation declined in 2020 due to factors such as low urban population growth, the implementation of garbage classification policies, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift from landfill to incineration is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, although there are still several structural problems that need to be addressed.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yassine Taha, Abdellatif Elghali, Rachid Hakkou, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: The phosphate industry generates huge amounts of waste, with current practices leading to significant environmental impacts. Transitioning to circular economy for waste management can unlock great potential for resource recovery and reducing environmental and societal impacts.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tat-Dat Bui, Jiun-Wei Tseng, Ming-Lang Tseng, Ming K. Lim
Summary: This study enriches knowledge of sustainable solid waste management by establishing a valid hierarchical model and critiques the causal interrelationship between waste reuse and recycling attributes. The challenges and opportunities for sustainable waste reuse and recycling are emphasized, and direction is provided for practices. The results show that circular resource management, societal requirements, and municipal sustainability are causative aspects with the capability to improve sustainable solid waste management as it regards waste reuse and recycling.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Filipe Ferreira de Oliveira Leite, Jose Carlos Escobar Palacio, Madson John Arcanjo Batista, Maria Luiza Grillo Reno
Summary: This study evaluated technological alternatives for Municipal Solid Waste management in Minas Gerais, Brazil, showing that scenarios combining incineration, gasification, anaerobic digestion, and recycling can achieve the highest potential for electricity generation.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
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.