Article
Agricultural Engineering
Aijun Zhu, Yu Qin, Jing Wu, Min Ye, Yu-You Li
Summary: The optimal performance was achieved in the thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion process of sewage sludge with paper waste at a ratio of 4:6, where the COD removal efficiency and biogas production increased significantly. The addition of paper waste had a positive impact on the competition between carbohydrate and protein degradation, with cellulolytic bacteria becoming the predominant group.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Siying Zhang, Mengyao Xiao, Chengyu Liang, Chunmeng Chui, Na Wang, Jiping Shi, Li Liu
Summary: This study investigated the effect of co-digestion of food waste (FW) with kitchen waste (KW) or garden waste (GW) on biogas production and organic loading rate. The results showed that co-digestion increased biogas production and improved the tolerance to higher organic loading rate by mitigating ammonia nitrogen inhibition and volatile fatty acids accumulation.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hongbo Liu, Xingkang Wang, Yueying Fang, Wenjia Lai, Suyun Xu, Eric Lichtfouse
Summary: Biochar addition to anaerobic digestion systems improves methane production, and the residues of anaerobic digestion can be recycled into new biochar. The study found that the residue biochar produced the highest methane yield, possibly due to its higher abundance of basic groups and electroactive microorganisms.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Matteo Palu, Maria Peprah, Panagiotis Tsapekos, Panagiotis Kougias, Stefano Campanaro, Irini Angelidaki, Laura Treu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of bioaugmentation on the co-digestion of cheese whey and manure in a continuous stirred tank reactor under in-situ biomethanation operations. The addition of Methanoculleus bourgensis in the mesophilic reactor resulted in a stable biomethanation process and increased methane production rate. On the other hand, the addition of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus in the thermophilic reactor did not improve biogas upgrading performance.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Amith Abraham, Hyojung Park, Okkyoung Choi, Byoung-In Sang
Summary: The world of bioplastics has rapidly expanded, generating new waste streams that pose challenges to waste processing; anaerobic co-digestion is considered the best option for efficient bioplastic waste processing with reduced space requirements and environmental pollution; the higher C/N ratio of bioplastics presents a challenge to anaerobic digestion, but co-digestion with lower C/N ratio biowastes can improve biogas production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bikash R. Tiwari, Satinder Kaur Brar, Rao Y. Surampalli
Summary: Thermophilic anaerobic digestion is a viable strategy to reduce municipal sludge volume and generate renewable energy. In this study, ultrasonication was found to be the best pretreatment method to enhance the digestion process.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Angeliki Maragkaki, Christos Tsompanidis, Kelly Velonia, Thrassyvoulos Manios
Summary: Bioplastics, commonly used for food packaging and carrier bags, can be sent to biogas plants from the separate collection of organic waste. This study focused on the valorization of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) composed of food waste through anaerobic digestion. The addition of PLLA increased biogas production without negative impacts on the operation of reactors in both laboratory and pilot-scale experiments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rongzhan Liu, Ke Zhang, Xiangyu Chen, Benyi Xiao
Summary: This study investigates the effect of substrate organic composition on the anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and paper waste mixtures. The results show that the organic composition of the substrate has a greater impact on mesophilic co-digestion than thermophilic co-digestion. When the organic composition is carbohydrates:proteins:lipids = 6.8:1.8:1, the two co-digestion processes have similar biogas and methane production. However, when the organic composition is carbohydrates:proteins:lipids = 13.5:2:1, thermophilic co-digestion is more favorable. The characteristics of the thermophilic digestion process are more sensitive to changes in organic composition than the mesophilic digestion process.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Hao Jiang, Fan Wu, Yuchang Wang, Lu Feng, Hongjun Zhou, Yeqing Li
Summary: In-situ hydrogen biomethanation is a promising technology for upgrading biogas quality, and investigating its characteristics under different conditions is crucial for its effectiveness. The experiments showed that hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis performed better at thermophilic conditions, with the highest methane content obtained when H2 and CO2 were fed at a 4:1 ratio with Methanothermobacter as the dominant genus.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eva Maria Prem, Rudolf Markt, Mathias Wunderer, Andreas Otto Wagner
Summary: Efficient biogas production from organic waste is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality in the future. This study investigated the further digestion of thermophilic press water from a municipal solid waste digester using a combination of thermo- and mesophilic posttreatment methods. The results demonstrated that the press water still had significant biogas potential, particularly during the high season in central Europe. While there was an initial decrease in biogas production during the mesophilic posttreatment, the overall losses could be compensated, resulting in no significant difference in biogas production between the thermo- and mesophilic approaches. These findings suggest that the change in microbial community and the enhanced degradation of problematic intermediates, such as valerate, in the mesophilic reactor contribute to this compensatory effect.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ming-Yan Shen, Zong-Hao Huang, Yu-Ting Kuo, Jie Hsu, Han-Wen Yang, Chi-Yen Peng, Chen-Yeon Chu
Summary: This study investigated the hydrolysis and anaerobic biogas production processes. Subcritical water hydrolysis and chemical pretreatments were found to enhance hydrolysis efficiency and bioenergy conversion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ming-Yan Shen, Zong-Hao Huang, Yu-Ting Kuo, Jie Hsu, Han-Wen Yang, Chi-Yen Peng, Chen-Yeon Chu
Summary: This study investigated two steps of hydrolysis and anaerobic biogas production processes. Subcritical water hydrolysis and chemical pre-treatments were found to greatly enhance hydrolysis efficiency. The optimal biomethane yield was achieved through co-digestion of acid hydrolysate with pulp wastewater.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
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)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Archana Paranjpe, Seema Saxena, Pankaj Jain
Summary: Anaerobic co-digestion is an important technology for processing organic waste, recovering nutrients, and creating sustainable biofuel. However, the low biogas output and high installation costs limit its viability. This literature review demonstrates that anaerobic co-digestion produces more methane biogas than anaerobic digestion, and adjusting the waste-to-water waste ratio can increase methane production.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Arshid M. Ali, Ayyaz M. Nawaz, Hamad A. Al-Turaif, Khurram Shahzad
Summary: The waste generated from animal slaughtering during the Hajj period increases significantly, with substantial amounts being disposed of to landfills without recovery of materials or energy. Utilizing slaughterhouse waste for waste-to-energy production through sustainable management practices is economically feasible and has the potential to contribute significant revenue to the national economy.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. Remor, J. A. Bastos, J. H. L. Alino, L. M. Frare, P. Kaparaju, T. Edwiges
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of mild alkaline pretreatment on sugarcane bagasse (SB) for improved methane production. The results showed that pretreated SB with NaOH and KOH had higher methane yield. Optimizing pretreatment parameters is crucial for enhancing anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic substrates, leading to a more sustainable and profitable process.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oluchi Mbachu, Prasad Kaparaju, Chris Pratt
Summary: This study investigated plastic pollution in soil-based stormwater bioretention systems (BRS) and found that the plastic concentrations in BRS are comparable to other stormwater systems and soils in different land use areas. The study also revealed complex pathways of plastic transmission and accumulation in BRS, with plastic derived from various sources. The results suggest that gross pollutant traps are effective at reducing plastic pollution in BRS, but not as effective for microplastics.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mehabub Rahaman, Tirthankar Mukherjee, Prasad Kaparaju, Saswata Bose
Summary: Iron oxide- and copper oxide-decorated reduced graphene oxide composite has been synthesized via a simple wet chemical oxidation-reduction method. The composite shows excellent thermal stability, porous structure, high specific capacitance, and energy density, making it a promising candidate for supercapacitor electrodes.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohamed El-Qelish, Pritha Chatterjee, Marika Kokko, Fatma El-Gohary, Mohamed Abo-Aly, Jukka Rintala
Summary: This study explores the possibility of producing hydrogen and methane from sedimented pulp and paper mill waste fibre for the first time. Two-stage thermophilic anaerobic digestion achieves the highest yields of hydrogen and methane, while reducing treatment time and increasing total energy yield.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Donya Kamravamanesh, Johanna M. Rinta Kanto, Harri Ali-Loytty, Antti Myllaerinen, Mikko Saalasti, Jukka Rintala, Marika Kokko
Summary: This study investigated the potential of using biowaste reject water as a nutrient source for hydrogen conversion in a thermophilic trickle bed reactor. The results showed that the use of reject water improved H2 conversion efficiency and methane productivity. However, trace element supply was necessary to stabilize the process performance at high H2 loading rates.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Diego Moya, Cesar Arroba, Christian Castro, Cristian Perez, Sara Giarola, Prasad Kaparaju, Angel Perez-Navarro, Adam Hawkes
Summary: This study proposes a methodology to evaluate the impact of consumption drivers on domestic energy consumption in Ecuador between 2010 and 2020. It considers factors such as energy requirement, population density, outdoor temperature, and socioeconomic aspects. The results can be used for energy-planning strategies and can be reproduced in other countries and regions.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Nilay Kumar Sarker, Prasad Kaparaju
Summary: This review summarizes the research conducted on microalgae cultivation in outdoor photobioreactors (PBRs). It examines various aspects of outdoor algal cultivation in PBRs, such as temperature and light intensity control, photosynthetic efficiency, outdoor adaptation of strains, PBR designs, and the impact of weather on algal growth and biochemical composition. It also briefly reviews downstream processes and environmental and economic impacts. This review provides guidance for further research in this field.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Vishakha Kaim, Jukka Rintala, Chao He
Summary: The increasing generation of e-waste poses a significant risk of REEs pollution if not properly disposed of. However, e-waste could be a secondary source for critical REEs mining. This review focuses on the selective recovery of REEs from e-waste using IL extraction as a sustainable alternative to traditional solvents. The use of ILs shows promising results in terms of extractability and selectivity, although further research is needed for real e-waste extraction efficiency and recovery rate.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fahim Fayaz, Chao He, Avishek Goel, Jukka Rintala, Jukka Konttinen
Summary: Oxidative ethanol dry reforming using 10%Co/Al2O3 catalyst is a promising method to produce high-quality syngas, which can be upgraded to liquid biofuels and chemicals. Increasing the reaction temperature improves the conversion of ethanol and CO2, and yields higher amounts of H2 and CO.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Markus Koppanen, Tero Kesti, Jukka Rintala, Marja Palmroth
Summary: Early warning systems monitoring drinking water quality need to distinguish between normal fluctuations and those caused by contaminants. This study used different sensors to monitor the water quality and found that certain particle classes and electrochemical sensors can effectively distinguish contamination from fluctuations. The study also provided insights into choosing water quality sensors for early warning systems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Josefine Probst, Sara J. Couperthwaite, Graeme J. Millar, Prasad Kaparaju
Summary: Zeolite N exhibits high selectivity and capacity for ammonium ions, making it suitable for applications such as wastewater treatment. This study investigated various process factors related to zeolite N synthesis scale-up, including reactant solution agitation, mother liquor recycling, zeolite washing strategies, clay source, reactor geometry, and materials of construction. The results showed that agitation did not significantly affect zeolite N formation rate at 120 ?, but promoted it at 100 ?. Mother liquor recycling reduced the need for chemicals and improved product quality. Excessive quartz content in the clay feedstock inhibited zeolite N growth. Using specific materials and reactor types could significantly shorten reaction time.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Josefine Probst, Sara J. Couperthwaite, Graeme J. Millar, Prasad Kaparaju
Summary: This study focused on the process flow design and manufacturing economics of Zeolite N synthesis. By implementing recycling strategies for mother liquor and wash water, the demand for certain materials was reduced, and water consumption as well as wastewater generation were minimized. The optimal economic model for Zeolite N synthesis was found to be the one with recycling of mother liquor and wash water, which resulted in the highest net present value and a shorter payback period.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(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.
