Article
Agricultural Engineering
Nadiia Nikulina, Seda Uslu, Andreas Lemmer, Nuri Azbar, Hans Oechsner
Summary: The anaerobic co-digestion experiment found that the optimal methane yield was achieved with a 20/80 ratio of organic solid waste/solid inoculum with liquid inoculum under thermophilic conditions. Addition of chicken manure positively influenced the start-up phase and helped maintain pH within the optimal range.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Madhu Kumari, Munish K. Chandel
Summary: Utilizing municipal solid waste (MSW) and sewage sludge (SS) as a source of renewable energy is crucial for achieving sustainable and integrated MSW management. Co-digestion of SS and organic fraction of MSW (OFMSW) can mitigate the challenges of mono-digestion and enhance methane production. This study aimed to optimize the mix ratio for anaerobic co-digestion of OFMSW and SS, and the results showed that increasing the proportion of SS in the mix ratio significantly increased methane yield. These findings highlight the potential of co-digesting SS and OFMSW as a preferable alternative for renewable energy generation and organic waste management.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vinay Kumar Tyagi, Akansha Bhatia, Kengo Kubota, Ankur Rajpal, Banafsha Ahmed, Abid Ali Khan, A. A. Kazmi, Manish Kumar
Summary: Anaerobic digestion is a process where anaerobic microbes transform organic matter into biogas and nutrient-rich digestate, with different microbial groups responding differently to varying operating conditions. The dynamic performance of microbial community development is closely related to digester functionality and operational states.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Asma Hanif, Lucas Loetscher, Sybil Sharvelle
Summary: The addition of a top sand layer to leach bed reactors (LBRs) can facilitate the processing of drylot cattle manure containing up to 90% total solids without hydraulic failure. The system operated as a batch process for 42 days showed a mean total chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction of 51.6% and a total volatile solids reduction of 44.7% in manure. The appropriate operational time for the system was found to be 14 days.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Fernanda E. Ibarra-Esparza, Martin Esteban Gonzalez-Lopez, Juanpablo Ibarra-Esparza, Gary Ossmar Lara-Topete, Carolina Senes-Guerrero, Annabel Cansdale, Sarah Forrester, James P. J. Chong, Misael Sebastian Gradilla-Hernandez
Summary: This systematic review investigates the implementation of anaerobic digestion (AD) for treating organic waste in developing countries. The study finds that there is a significant difference in the maturity level of AD systems between developed and developing countries, mainly due to the economic capacity of developed countries. The review also identifies practices used in developed countries that could be beneficial for the large-scale implementation of AD systems in developing countries, such as developing high-value products, forming partnerships with local industries, and exploring different pretreatment technologies. Additionally, the analysis shows that capital and operational costs tend to be higher for developing countries due to the need for importation of materials and equipment. The review highlights technical, economical, and political challenges for the implementation of AD at a large scale in developing countries.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
G. Chinellato, F. Battista, D. Bolzonella, C. Cavinato
Summary: An innovative layout promoting the use of small, decentralised AD plants was proposed in this study, aiming to achieve stable processing and efficient gas production by treating high solid content source-separated OFMSW in a single-stage reactor.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Afsane Sedighi, Mohsen Karrabi, Bahar Shahnavaz, Morteza Mostafavinezhad
Summary: This study investigated the potential for biogas production from anaerobic codigestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and sewage sludge under mesophilic conditions. The results showed that the best outputs were achieved at TS = 5% and ISR = 2, with the highest biogas yield and methane production.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Banafsha Ahmed, Vinay Kumar Tyagi, Kaoutar Aboudi, Azmat Naseem, Carlos Jose Alvarez-Gallego, Luis Alberto Fernandez-Guelfo, A. A. Kazmi, Luis Isidoro Romero-Garcia
Summary: This paper reviews the characteristics of OFMSW and thermal pre-treatment methods, discusses the advantages and limitations of anaerobic digestion, and explores the impact of different thermal pre-treatments on biogas yield. It concludes that the 55°C and TPAD processes demonstrate more effective performance at low HRTs and high OLRs.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Joerg Steinbrenner, Anastasia Oskina, Joachim Mueller, Hans Oechsner
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop an automated technical-scale leach bed reactor system for VFA production and successfully suppress methane formation using pH-controlled flushing mode.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ben A. Collins, Cristian H. Birzer, Stephen P. Kidd, Tony Hall, Paul R. Medwell
Summary: Due to the rapid growth of the poultry industry, chicken litter has become a significant and problematic waste. An effective solution is anaerobic digestion with the use of biochar, particularly when placed within a leach bed reactor system. This study examines the impact of biochar positioning on anaerobic digestion of chicken litter and finds that mixing biochar in the feedstock and placing it below the feedstock significantly enhances methane production and hydrogen sulfide removal, leading to improved waste treatment efficiency.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Najoua Mlaik, Fatma Karray, Sami Sayadi, Firas Feki, Sonia Khoufi
Summary: The study examined the anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and its impact on the microbial community. The results showed that the biogas yield decreased with increased organic loading rates (OLRs) and the microbial community composition changed during the digestion process.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
B. A. Collins, C. H. Birzer, P. W. Harris, S. P. Kidd, B. K. McCabe, P. R. Medwell
Summary: Biochar addition in anaerobic digesters is a promising way to enhance high-solids anaerobic digestion. By coupling a leach bed reactor (LBR) with a biochar-packed anaerobic filter (AF), the process efficiency can be improved by separating the digestion process between reactors. However, the effectiveness of phase separation is critical for the efficiency of this two-phase system.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. F. M. A. Zamri, Saiful Hasmady, Afifi Akhiar, Fazril Ideris, A. H. Shamsuddin, M. Mofijur, I. M. Rizwanul Fattah, T. M. Mahlia
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive review of anaerobic digestion (AD) process using the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) substrate. Key factors affecting digestion efficiency include the hydrolysis phase and process conditions. Solid-state anaerobic digestion (SSAD) is the most suitable method for OFMSW, with proper parameter selection being crucial for process feasibility and economic sustainability.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiri Rusin, Katerina Chamradova, Panagiotis Basinas
Summary: Anaerobic digestion of food waste at low temperature can efficiently produce biomethane. The two-stage low-temperature reactor is more energy-efficient and operates stably compared to mesophilic reactors.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zi Jun Yong, Mohammed J. K. Bashir, Mohd Sayuti Hassan
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of energy and bio fertilizer recovery from organic solid waste through anaerobic digestion, showing that organic waste contributes significantly to the total MSW generated in Malaysia. Anaerobic digestion is expected to produce a considerable amount of electricity and bio fertilizer, while also reducing carbon dioxide emissions and the need for landfill areas.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
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.