Review
Agricultural Engineering
Poonam Sharma, Vivek K. Gaur, Ranjna Sirohi, Sunita Varjani, Sang Hyoun Kim, Jonathan W. C. Wong
Summary: Utilizing advanced technologies for food waste valorization can address resource and environmental challenges, promote economic growth, and transform waste into bio-based products.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Jechan Lee, Wei-Hsin Chen, Young -Kwon Park
Summary: The conversion/valorization of food waste to produce bio-based chemicals is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Transforming food waste into renewable chemicals is an attractive and eco-friendly method for waste management. The production of platform chemicals from food waste is essential for creating high value-added renewable chemicals, with various methods such as physical, chemical, and enzymatic pretreatments, hydrolysis, fermentation, and hydrothermal conversion being extensively reviewed.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tao Cao, Meiju Li, Cuncun Xu, Jianzhong Song, Xingjun Fan, Jun Li, Wanglu Jia, Ping'an Peng
Summary: Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy is an important method for the identification of atmospheric chromophores. This study investigated EEM data of different types of organic compounds in aerosol samples, soil dust, and fulvic and humic acids using PARAFAC modeling. The results showed that aromatic compounds with strong electron-donating groups have strong fluorescence spectra, while those with electron-withdrawing groups have weaker fluorescence. Nitrophenols, the major component of atmospheric brown carbon, did not show significant fluorescence. The study also identified three fluorescent components in ambient WSOM, providing new insights into the analysis of atmospheric fluorophores.
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sriharan Raguraj, Susilawati Kasim, Noraini Md Jaafar, Muhamad Hazim Nazli, Rathnasekara Kuruppu Arachchige Amali
Summary: There is a growing demand for humic substances, but coal-related resources, from which humic substances are extracted, are in short supply. Consequently, there is an interest in producing humic-like substances from lignocellulosic waste materials. In this study, tea waste was used to extract humic fractions, including purified humic-like acid and unpurified humic and fulvic acids. Comparative analyses were performed between these tea waste derived humic-like substances (TWDHLS) and commercially available humic acid (CHA) extracted from lignite. The results showed slight differences in elemental composition and FTIR properties, while NMR results indicated similar carbon distribution. TWDHLS exhibited a more recalcitrant nature due to the presence of stable compounds. The biological activity of TWDHLS was found to be comparable to that of CHA. These findings suggest that TWDHLS could be a potential plant biostimulant and a better substitute for humic substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Nataliya Orlova, Elena Orlova, Evgeny Abakumov, Kseniia Smirnova, Serafim Chukov
Summary: The investigation of the mechanisms organic matter transformation in compost organic fertilizers is an urgent task of modern soil ecology and soil chemistry. The study found that the mechanism of converting newly formed humic acids (HAs) into more resistant forms varies depending on whether calcium carbonate or biochar is present. Calcium carbonate causes a physicochemical rearrangement of newly formed HAs, while biochar intensifies humification processes and increases the degree of aromatization. Understanding the formation and transformation mechanisms of HAs at the early stages of humification can help optimize methods for obtaining organic fertilizers.
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. F. Abbruzzini, A. L. Reyes-Ortigoza, R. J. Alcantara-Hernandez, L. Mora, L. Flores, B. Prado
Summary: The production of Technosols is a sustainable strategy to reuse urban wastes and regenerate degraded sites. Different mixtures of Technosols have varying effects on organic degradation and microbial activity, with the mixture of wood chips and compost being the most suitable for production. The microbial communities in these Technosols are not significantly different yet, but changes in soil matrix due to the addition of construction waste and biochar are influencing soil enzymatic activity.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Samin Fathalinejad, Esben Taarning, Peter Christensen, Jan H. Christensen
Summary: This study developed a GC-MS identification workflow for carbohydrate fragmentation compounds, built a library of compounds detected by five different GC-MS methods, investigated and compared compound coverage among the methods, and explored possible reaction pathways for some analytes. A total of 389 compounds were detected, with solid-phase microextraction detecting the highest number of analytes and derivatization GC-MS technique detecting the lowest but largest molecules.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kelsey Flanagan, Godecke-Tobias Blecken, Helene Osterlund, Kerstin Nordqvist, Maria Viklander
Summary: Stormwater ponds improve water quality by facilitating sedimentation of contaminants, but periodic removal of accumulated sediments is necessary to maintain their capacity. Variability in contamination levels between ponds was observed, influenced by dilution of urban pollutants and other particle sources.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vanessa O. Nunes, Adriano C. Fraga, Raquel V. S. Silva, Nathalia S. Pontes, Andrea R. Pinho, Eduardo F. Sousa-Aguiar, Debora A. Azevedo
Summary: The study found that the composition of bio-oil from sugarcane bagasse via hydrothermal liquefaction is influenced by temperature, residence time, catalyst use, and recycling. Operational parameters have different effects on the degrees of reactions, with processed water reuse benefiting reactions. Phenolic compounds formation is affected by temperature and catalyst use.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Gitishree Das, Kyung Jik Lim, Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco, Harold M. Carag, Sandra Goncalves, Anabela Romano, Swagat Kumar Das, Ericsson Coy-Barrera, Han-Seung Shin, Erick Paul Gutierrez-Grijalva, J. Basilio Heredia, Jayanta Kumar Patra
Summary: Cactus species are plants that grow in arid regions and are used for food, medicine, and decoration. Recent research indicates that cactus materials contain valuable natural products, but many species are endangered due to overexploitation.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wojciech Dronia, Jakub Kostecki, Jacek Polomka, Andrzej Jedrczak
Summary: The progress of civilization leads to an increase in household waste, including the significant amount of bio-waste. Bio-waste is considered suitable for valorization through fermentation and biogas production. However, designing and optimizing facilities require precise data on the composition and properties of bio-waste, which is challenging due to seasonal variability and collection methods.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maya Jacob John, Mpho C. Lefatle, Bruce Sithole
Summary: This review outlines the extraction processes of lignin from agricultural waste residues and various types of bio-based functional products that can be obtained from lignin.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Oktay Tomar, Gokhan Akarca, Veli Gok, Omer Istek
Summary: This study examined the chemical components of resin extracts from apricot, sour cherry, and cherry trees and their antifungal activity. The ethanol extracts from sour cherry tree resin had the highest antifungal activity, particularly against Aspergillus flavus.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianfeng Tang, Wendong Wang, Jiayong Feng, Lei Yang, Tian Ruan, Yaoyang Xu
Summary: This study examined the chemical variation and composition of DOM in engineered soils of four GI types in a heavily industrialized and urbanized area in Ningbo City, East China. The results showed differences in soil organic carbon content among the GI types, with specific distributions of fluorescent compositions and spectral parameters. Positive correlations were found between protein-like substances and human disturbances, while negative correlations were found between humic-like substances and those disturbances.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Francesca Ferrari, Carola Esposito Corcione, Raffaella Striani, Lorena Saitta, Gianluca Cicala, Antonio Greco
Summary: This study aims to address the reuse of organic wastes and epoxy-based thermosets, proposing a new method to convert waste flour into fully recyclable epoxy-based thermosets. Through experiments, ideal results were obtained demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Usuma Naknikham, Giuliana Magnacca, Ang Qiao, Peter Kjaer Kristensen, Vittorio Boffa, Yuanzheng Yue
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Anil Suri, Luca Calzavarini, Azeem Bo Strunck, Giuliana Magnacca, Vittorio Boffa
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vittorio Boffa, Cristian Lunghi, Cejna A. Quist-Jensen, Giuliana Magnacca, Paola Calza
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Azeem Bo Strunck, Anil Suri, Vittorio Boffa
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Katarzyna Janowska, Vittorio Boffa, Mads Koustrup Jorgensen, Cejna Anna Quist-Jensen, Fabien Hubac, Francesca Deganello, Fabricio E. Bortot Coelho, Giuliana Magnacca
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xianzheng Ma, Cejna Anna Quist-Jensen, Aamer Ali, Vittorio Boffa
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Shen, Luca Maurizi, Giuliana Magnacca, Vittorio Boffa, Yuanzheng Yue
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarzyna Janowska, Xianzheng Ma, Vittorio Boffa, Mads Koustrup Jorgensen, Victor M. Candelario
Summary: This study developed a new water purification strategy that combines an Al2O3-doped silica nanofiltration membrane with a cerium-doped strontium ferrate thermocatalyst, which can degrade organic pollutants and reduce the chemical oxygen demand in water. It is a simple and efficient treatment method with the potential to degrade micropollutants in water treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Esra Eray, Victor Manuel Candelario, Vittorio Boffa
Summary: In this study, a low-cost and environmentally-friendly procedure for the fabrication of silicon carbide (SiC) membranes was developed, achieving good membrane performance. The membrane showed excellent corrosion resistance and high oil droplet removal efficiency, making it promising for industrial applications in wastewater treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Martin B. Ostergaard, Azeem B. Strunck, Vittorio Boffa, Mads K. Jorgensen
Summary: The catalytic activity and carbonate formation kinetics of a Ce-doped SrFeO3 perovskite in water were investigated. The perovskite formed SrCO3 in water, leading to a decrease in catalytic efficiency over time. However, the catalyst could be regenerated after high-temperature treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Davide Palma, Francesca Deganello, Leonarda Francesca Liotta, Valeria La Parola, Alessandra Bianco Prevot, Mery Malandrino, Enzo Laurenti, Vittorio Boffa, Giuliana Magnacca
Summary: The influence of synthesis and processing parameters on the thermocatalytic performance of Ce-doped SrFeO3 inorganic perovskites was investigated to improve reproducibility and reliability. Analysis revealed that strict control of synthesis parameters is crucial for optimizing the thermocatalytic properties. The best synthesis conditions include full gelification of the sol, an overstoichiometric reducer-to-oxidizer ratio, a nominal cerium content of 15 mol%, pH 6, and thermal treatment at 800 °C/2 h.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
C. Morgante, X. Ma, X. Chen, D. Wang, V. Boffa, V. Stathopoulos, J. Lopez, J. L. Cortina, A. Cipollina, A. Tamburini, G. Micale
Summary: Nanofiltration (NF) plays an increasingly important role in Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)/Minimal Liquid Discharge (MLD) systems, improving the efficiency of downstream technologies for recovering valuable minerals from seawater and brines. However, the purity of the recovered minerals often does not meet market specifications, making ZLD/MLD economically unfeasible. In this study, a novel positively charged NF membrane was developed using NH2-MIL-101(Al) and ZnO nanoparticles in a chitosan matrix to enhance magnesium and calcium selectivity.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martin Bonderup Ostergaard, Andreas Veis, Francesca Deganello, Vittorio Boffa, Mads Koustrup Jorgensen
Summary: The limited access to clean water is due to an increasing amount of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which cannot be completely removed by current methods. Therefore, new treatment technologies for surface water and wastewater are required. This study combines membrane filtration and thermocatalytic chemical oxidation of POPs into one step, using a perovskite-type catalyst incorporated into an alumina membrane. The results demonstrate the great potential of thermocatalytic membranes for continuous membrane filtration and simultaneous degradation of POPs.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martin B. Ostergaard, Francesca Deganello, Valeria La Parola, Leonarda F. Liotta, Vittorio Boffa, Mads K. Jorgensen
Summary: Ce-doped SrFeO3 perovskite-type compounds are effective thermocatalysts for degrade wastewater contaminants. The effects of cerium excess on the properties and thermocatalytic activity of Sr0.86Ce0.14FeO3-CeO2 perovskite-oxide systems were investigated. The introduction of a larger cerium excess enhances the perovskite performance, and the oxygen mobility and reducibility contribute to the superior thermocatalytic properties of these perovskite oxide-based systems.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vittorio Boffa, Debora Fabbri, Paola Calza, Delia Revelli, Peter Vittrup Christensen
Summary: Nanofiltration (NF) technology shows potential for application in intensive recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) by removing unwanted substances. However, issues concerning water productivity and pre-treatments need to be addressed. NF technologies are more suitable for treating fish tank effluents after biological treatments to prevent accumulation of unwanted substances in the water loop. Ongoing innovations in NF technologies are expected to facilitate their integration in RAS.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL ADVANCES
(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.
