Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dimitris Zagklis, Konstantina Tsigkou, Panagiota Tsafrakidou, Constantina Zafiri, Michael Kornaros
Summary: The novel waste treatment method developed by the authors, which involves the anaerobic co-digestion of disposable nappies with expired food products, shows a positive environmental impact in the Life Cycle Assessment. Compared to traditional landfilling methods, this process reduces CO2 emissions, resource consumption, and damage to human health and ecosystem quality.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Konstantina Tsigkou, Dimitris Zagklis, Panagiota Tsafrakidou, Paraskevi Zapanti, Georgios Manthos, Konstantina Karamitou, Constantina Zafiri, Michael Kornaros
Summary: Used absorbent hygiene products and food waste disposed of in landfills have significant environmental impacts. The study suggests co-digesting the biodegradable part of used disposable adult nappies with expired food products to recover energy, with different pretreatment schemes affecting the energy recovery efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Konstantina Tsigkou, Panagiota Tsafrakidou, Dimitris Zagklis, Anastasios Panagiotouros, Dimitris Sionakidis, Dimitris Marios Zontos, Constantina Zafiri, Michael Kornaros
Summary: This study successfully demonstrated the co-digestion of Used Disposable Nappies (DN) hydrolysate and Expired Food Products (EFP) in a two-stage pilot-scale anaerobic system, achieving a 75% COD removal and converting 73% of the chemical energy of feed materials to gaseous biofuels. The results indicate promising potential for the development of a full-scale process to valorize these specific waste streams.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dimitris Zagklis, Marina Papadionysiou, Konstantina Tsigkou, Panagiota Tsafrakidou, Constantina Zafiri, Michael Kornaros
Summary: This study evaluated the dark fermentation of used disposable nappies and expired food products under different pH values, finding optimal hydrogen production at pH 6 and maximum volatile fatty acids production at pH 7. The recoverable economic potential was maximized at pH 4.5 with minimal NaOH addition requirements, and at pH 6 where hydrogen production was maximized with simultaneous high volatile fatty acids production.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantina Tsigkou, Dimitris Zagklis, Aggeliki Vasileiadi, Christina Kostagiannakopoulou, George Sotiriadis, Ioannis Anastopoulos, Vassilis Kostopoulos, Constantina Zafiri, Michael Kornaros
Summary: There is currently no waste management plan for resource recovery from used disposable nappies. However, by separating the different components of the nappies, valuable resources can be recovered, resulting in a reduced environmental impact.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marina Tomasini, Mariana De Oliveira Faber, Viridiana Santana Ferreira-Leitao
Summary: Sugarcane straw is not effectively utilized in the industry currently, but sugarcane straw hemicellulose hydrolyzate (HH) shows promise as a raw material for H2 and CH4 production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hang P. Vu, Zhengqing Cai, Van-Tung Tra, Qilin Wang, Long D. Nghiem
Summary: This study demonstrated that anaerobic co-digestion is a feasible method for utilizing expired alcohol-based hand sanitizer for biogas production. Results showed the importance of acclimatisation to avoid process instability, and highlighted the potential for higher biogas production when using isopropanol-based sanitizer as a co-substrate. The study also emphasized the need for an acclimatisation period for the microbial community to adjust to the new substrate.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nesrine Ben Yahmed, Kevin Dauptain, Imen Lajnef, Helene Carrere, Eric Trably, Issam Smaali
Summary: This study implemented a processing approach to convert date flesh into biohydrogen and crude fiber into biogas. Additionally, the study found that date syrup has potential for agro-alimentary applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fuad Ameen, J. Ranjitha, Nazmul Ahsan, Vijayalakshmi Shankar
Summary: The co-digestion of microbial biomass with animal manures showed higher biogas production compared to digestion of animal manure alone. A three-stage anaerobic digester designed in the study had an average methane yield of 0.442 L/gVS and achieved a reduction of about 68% in volatile solids.
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)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Juan F. Gonzalez, Ana I. Parralejo, Jeronimo Gozalez, Andres Alvarez, Eduardo Sabio
Summary: This study evaluated the biogas production and quality from four different biomasses in different batch reactors, revealing variations in methane yields from different biomasses and successfully applied various models to assess the kinetic parameters of methane production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nusara Sinbuathong, Boonsong Sillapacharoenkul
Summary: Biohydrogen can be produced from starch factory wastewater and mixed microorganisms through dark fermentation. The efficiency of hydrogen production is influenced by the initial pH level during fermentation, with alkaline-treated bacteria showing higher yield and production rate. No methane gas was observed in the gas mixture produced throughout the study.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ranjna Sirohi, V. Vivekanand, Ashutosh Kumar Pandey, Ayon Tarafdar, Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, Amita Shakya, Sang Hyoun Kim, Sang Jun Sim, Hoang A. Tuan, Ashok Pandey
Summary: The transition from fossil fuels to non-conventional sources is necessary for addressing the global energy crisis and environmental issues. Organic waste from various industries can be utilized to produce gaseous fuels through different biochemical strategies. However, current biogas and biohydrogen production practices are inefficient and require interventions to improve biofuel yield. Adding biochar has been shown to enhance gaseous fuel production by adsorbing inhibitors and activating gas-producing microorganisms. This review explores the effect of biochar on gaseous biofuel production and highlights the need for a circular bioeconomy approach.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zahra Al Hasani, Jagdeep Kumar Nayak, Halima Alhimali, Abdullah Al-Mamun
Summary: The study found that the use of conductive additive GAC/nZVI in anaerobic digestion process can significantly increase the biogas production and methane generation, as well as improve the removal rate of COD.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mariana de Oliveira Faber, Perola Lana Souza de Meireles, Viridiana Santana Ferreira-Leitao
Summary: Glycerin from biodiesel production can be valorized through dark fermentation and anaerobic digestion processes to produce hydrogen and methane. Adjusting reactor headspace and glycerol concentration can enhance production rate, and two-stage anaerobic digestion can improve energy yield and COD removal.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sameh Samir Ali, Dimitris Zagklis, Michael Kornaros, Jianzhong Sun
Summary: This study found that supplementation of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4-NPs) has a significant effect on anaerobic microbial population changes and anaerobic digestion (AD) performance and production. The addition of Co3O4-NPs at a concentration of 3 mg/L showed the maximum enhancement in biogas yield, increasing by 58.9% and 27.2% compared to the control and co-digestion processes, respectively. Additionally, methane (CH4) yield was enhanced by 89.96% and 43.4% over the control and co-digestion processes, respectively. The use of Co3O4-NPs also increased the viability of total bacterial cells by 9% as assessed by VIT(R) gene probe technology. Economic analysis showed that the highest net energy content of biogas was achieved with 3 mg/L Co3O4-NPs, resulting in a net profit of 67.66 USD/m3 of the substrate. Therefore, nanoparticle supplementation to the AD process is a promising approach to enhance biogas and CH4 production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
George Hotos, Despoina Avramidou, Savvas Giannis Mastropetros, Konstantina Tsigkou, Konstantina Kouvara, Pavlos Makridis, Michael Kornaros
Summary: In this study, nine halotolerant microorganisms were collected from lagoons in Western Greece, identified by morphological observations and DNA sequencing data. These microorganisms, including Chlorophyta, cyanobacteria, and dinoflagellate, showed potential for future exploitation, with high protein content and sufficient fatty acid accumulation. The pigments composition analysis indicated the dominance of chlorophyll b in some species and a high content of carotenoids in Amphidinium carterae. This study opens up opportunities for the valorization and recovery of valuable compounds from these newly discovered species.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Review
Fisheries
Seerengaraj Vijayaram, Konstantina Tsigkou, Antonio Zuorro, Yun-Zhang Sun, Holy Rabetafika, Hary Razafindralambo
Summary: Nanotechnology plays a vital role in various industrial sectors, but its applications in aquaculture are limited. This review focuses on the direction of nanotechnology in aquaculture, specifically the use of inorganic nanoparticles as antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and photocatalytic agents, as well as for animal nutrition. The potential risks of using inorganic nanoparticles in aquaculture are also discussed.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Georgios Manthos, Dimitris Zagklis, Sameh S. Ali, Constantina Zafiri, Michael Kornaros
Summary: Biomass treatment for energy production has the potential to replace fossil fuels and alleviate environmental issues. This study examined three thermochemical processes (combustion, gasification, and pyrolysis) in terms of their theoretical yields, products, and economic viability. The analysis showed that gasification had the best sustainability results, with a gross income of EUR 0.13/kg and treatment cost of EUR 0.09/kg of biomass. The investment had an internal rate of return of 9%, making it a promising alternative for sustainable green energy production.
Review
Environmental Sciences
A. K. Priya, Muthiah Muruganandam, Sameh S. Ali, Michael Kornaros
Summary: Pollution from heavy metals is a significant global environmental concern caused by human activities such as mining, farming, and manufacturing. This pollution can harm crops, disrupt the food chain, and pose a threat to human health. Phytoremediation, a method that uses plants to remove heavy metals, is the most controllable and eco-friendly solution. However, the effectiveness of phytoremediation depends on the bioavailability of heavy metals in soil and the biomass of plants. This study examines different techniques and frameworks for heavy metal removal, emphasizing the challenges and limitations of phytoremediation and its potential application in addressing other harmful pollutants.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aikaterini Ioannis Vavouraki, Michael Kornaros
Summary: This study evaluates the composting effectiveness of vermicomposting anaerobic sludge and investigates the effects of different sludge compositions on compost properties. The results show that AS2 leads to higher N-P-K content compared to AS1.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Georgios Manthos, Margarita Dareioti, Dimitris Zagklis, Michael Kornaros
Summary: This study aimed to mathematically model anaerobic digestion in batch systems to analyze the potential synergies between complementary substrates. The results showed that a mixture ratio of 70:30 for olive mill wastewater and liquid cow manure achieved a maximum net profit of 16 euro/m3reactor/d, ensuring the sustainability of the process.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Konstantina Tsigkou, Eirini Sventzouri, Constantina Zafiri, Michael Kornaros
Summary: This study valorized a mixture of fruits/vegetable waste-disposable nappies hydrolysate through anaerobic digestion, optimizing the digestate recirculation rate (RR) and evaluating the two-stage system's operation. It was found that RR0.25 significantly increased H2 production by 208%. Compared to RR0.25, using RR0.5 reduced the alkali solution requirements. However, the alkalinity content of the digestate greatly influenced the system's efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alexandra A. Ioannidi, Maria Vlachodimitropoulou, Zacharias Frontistis, Athanasia Petala, Eleni Koutra, Michael Kornaros, Dionissios Mantzavinos
Summary: This study examines the use of pristine Mo2C as a sodium persulfate (SPS) activator for the degradation of the drug losartan (LOS). The results show that acidic pH enhances LOS decomposition, and the apparent kinetic constant decreases with higher LOS concentrations. Sulfate radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and singlet oxygen are identified as the reactive species in LOS oxidation, with singlet oxygen being the predominant species. The addition of chloride accelerates the degradation rate, while bicarbonate and organic matter reduce the efficiency. The study also investigates the application of the Mo2C/SPS system for simultaneous LOS decomposition and elimination of Escherichia coli, with significant synergistic effects observed when simulated solar irradiation is present.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Manar K. K. Abd Elnabi, Nehal E. E. Elkaliny, Maha M. M. Elyazied, Shimaa H. H. Azab, Shawky A. A. Elkhalifa, Sohaila Elmasry, Moustafa S. S. Mouhamed, Ebrahim M. M. Shalamesh, Naira A. A. Alhorieny, Abeer E. E. Abd Elaty, Ibrahim M. M. Elgendy, Alaa E. E. Etman, Kholod E. E. Saad, Konstantina Tsigkou, Sameh S. S. Ali, Michael Kornaros, Yehia A. -G. Mahmoud
Summary: The accumulation of both natural and anthropogenic sources of metals in the ecosystem has led to increasing concerns over heavy metal (HM) pollution. Human exposure to HMs, such as mercury, arsenic, lead, chromium, and cadmium, has become a significant environmental and health issue. These HMs can cause acute or chronic poisoning through water, air, or food. Their bioaccumulation in the body leads to various toxic effects on organs and tissues, primarily through the production of reactive oxygen species, enzyme inactivation, and oxidative stress. Conventional techniques for HM removal are limited, especially when the HM concentration is low. Microbial bioremediation, utilizing organisms like fungi and bacteria, has emerged as a potential solution due to their superior biosorption and bioaccumulation capabilities. This review aims to provide insights into HM uptake, toxicity mechanisms, and the management of metal poisoning through the selection of microbial remediation technology.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Georgios Manthos, Leila Abbaszadeh, Dimitris Zagklis, Michael Kornaros
Summary: In this study, a comprehensive mathematical model was developed to describe the nitrification process in mixed cultures involving isolated NOB and starved AOB, allowing for a more accurate representation of the biological dynamics during starvation conditions. The accuracy of the model was confirmed by testing its predictions against experimental data. This model provides insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying nitrification, contributing to the advancement of sustainable wastewater treatment practices.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Abdallah Abdelfattah, Sameh Samir Ali, Hassan Ramadan, Eslam Ibrahim El-Aswar, Reham Eltawab, Shih-Hsin Ho, Tamer Elsamahy, Shengnan Li, Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Michael Schagerl, Michael Kornaros, Jianzhong Sun
Summary: The rapid expansion of the global economy and human population has led to a shortage of water resources suitable for direct human consumption, making water remediation a global priority. Microalgae cultivation in various types of wastewaters has shown promise in removing contaminants from industrial and urban effluents. Microalgae-based wastewater treatment has gained attention for its low energy requirements, ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions, and potential to transform wastewater nutrients into valuable compounds. This review highlights the application of microalgae in wastewater remediation, including the removal of various pollutants and the potential for resource recovery through different mechanisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vasiliki P. Aravani, Konstantina Tsigkou, Vagelis G. Papadakis, Wen Wang, Michael Kornaros
Summary: In Greece, the improper disposal of biomass leads to significant environmental impacts. This study focuses on the assessment of anaerobic co-digestion of biomass mixtures in Northern and Southern Greece. The results suggest that different mixtures are suitable for methane yield maximization in these two regions. However, the accumulation of volatile fatty acids and inhibitors poses challenges to the operation of the reactors. Further research is recommended to optimize the use of biomass mixtures.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cameron Bracken, Nathalie Voisin, Casey D. Burleyson, Allison M. Campbell, Z. Jason Hou, Daniel Broman
Summary: This study presents a methodology and dataset for examining compound wind and solar energy droughts, as well as the first standardized benchmark of energy droughts across the Continental United States (CONUS) for a 2020 infrastructure. The results show that compound wind and solar droughts have distinct spatial and temporal patterns across the CONUS, and the characteristics of energy droughts are regional. The study also finds that compound high load events occur more often during compound wind and solar droughts than expected.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ning Zhang, Yanghao Yu, Jiawei Wu, Ershun Du, Shuming Zhang, Jinyu Xiao
Summary: This paper provides insights into the optimal configuration of CSP plants with different penetrations of wind power by proposing an unconstrained optimization model. The results suggest that large solar multiples and TES are preferred in order to maximize profit, especially when combined with high penetrations of wind and photovoltaic plants. Additionally, the study demonstrates the economy and feasibility of installing electric heaters (EH) in CSP plants, which show a linear correlation with the penetration of variable energy resources.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. Szubel, K. Papis-Fraczek, S. Podlasek
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. Silva, J. C. Goncalves, C. Rocha, J. Vilaca, L. M. Madeira
Summary: This study investigated the methanation of CO2 in biogas and compared two different methanation reactors. The results showed that the cooled reactor without CO2 separation achieved a CO2 conversion rate of 91.8%, while the adiabatic reactors achieved conversion rates of 59.6% and 67.2%, resulting in an overall conversion rate of 93.0%. Economic analysis revealed negative net present worth values, indicating the need for government monetary incentives.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yang Liu, Yonglan Xi, Xiaomei Ye, Yingpeng Zhang, Chengcheng Wang, Zhaoyan Jia, Chunhui Cao, Ting Han, Jing Du, Xiangping Kong, Zhongbing Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effect of using nanofiber membrane composites containing Prussian blue-like compound nanoparticles (PNPs) to relieve ammonia nitrogen inhibition of rural organic household waste during high-solid anaerobic digestion and increase methane production. The results showed that adding NMCs with 15% PNPs can lower the concentrations of volatile fatty acids and ammonia nitrogen, and increase methane yield.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhong Ge, Xiaodong Wang, Jian Li, Jian Xu, Jianbin Xie, Zhiyong Xie, Ruiqu Ma
Summary: This study evaluates the thermodynamic, exergy, and economic performance of a double-stage organic flash cycle (DOFC) using ten eco-friendly hydrofluoroolefins. The influences of key parameters on performance are analyzed, and the advantages of DOFC over single-stage type are quantified.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nicolas Kirchner-Bossi, Fernando Porte-Agel
Summary: This study investigates the optimization of power density in wind farms and its sensitivity to the available area size. A novel genetic algorithm (PDGA) is introduced to optimize power density and turbine layout. The results show that the PDGA-driven solutions significantly reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) compared to the default layout, and exhibit a convex relationship between area and LCOE or power density.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chunxiao Zhang, Dongdong Li, Lin Wang, Qingpo Yang, Yutao Guo, Wei Zhang, Chao Shen, Jihong Pu
Summary: In this study, a novel reversible liquid-filled energy-saving window that effectively regulates indoor solar radiation heat gain is proposed. Experimental results show that this window can effectively reduce indoor temperature during both summer and winter seasons, while having minimal impact on indoor illuminance.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alessandro L. Aguiar, Martinho Marta-Almeida, Mauro Cirano, Janini Pereira, Leticia Cotrim da Cunha
Summary: This study analyzed the Brazilian Equatorial Shelf using a high-resolution ocean model and found significant tidal variations in the area. Several hypothetical barrages were proposed with higher annual power generation than existing barrages. The study also evaluated the installation effort of these barrages.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Francesco Superchi, Nathan Giovannini, Antonis Moustakis, George Pechlivanoglou, Alessandro Bianchini
Summary: This study focuses on the optimization of a hybrid power station on the Tilos island in Greece, aiming to increase energy export and revenue by optimizing energy fluxes. Different scenarios are proposed to examine the impact of different agreements with the grid operator on the optimal solution.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peimaneh Shirazi, Amirmohammad Behzadi, Pouria Ahmadi, Sasan Sadrizadeh
Summary: This research presents two novel energy production/storage/usage systems to reduce energy consumption and environmental effects in buildings. A biomass-fired model and a solar-driven system integrated with photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels and a heat pump were designed and assessed. The results indicate that the solar-based system has an acceptable energy cost and the PVT-based system with a heat pump is environmentally superior. The biomass-fired system shows excellent efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zihao Qi, Yingling Cai, Yunxiang Cui
Summary: This study aims to investigate the operational characteristics of the solar-ground source heat pump system (SGSHPS) in Shanghai under different operation modes. It concludes that tandem operation mode 1 is the optimal mode for winter operation in terms of energy efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
L. Bartolucci, S. Cordiner, A. Di Carlo, A. Gallifuoco, P. Mele, V. Mulone
Summary: Spent coffee grounds are a valuable biogenic waste that can be used as a source of biofuels and valuable chemicals through pyrolysis and solvent extraction processes. The study found that heavy organic bio-oil derived from coffee grounds can be used as a carbon-rich biofuel, while solvent extraction can extract xantines and p-benzoquinone, which are important chemicals for various industries. The results highlight the promising potential of solvent extraction in improving the economic viability of coffee grounds pyrolysis-based biorefineries.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luiza de Queiroz Correa, Diego Bagnis, Pedro Rabelo Melo Franco, Esly Ferreira da Costa Junior, Andrea Oliveira Souza da Costa
Summary: Building-integrated photovoltaics, especially organic solar technology, are important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. This study analyzed the performance of organic panels laminated in glass in a vertical installation in Latin America. Results showed that glass lamination and vertical orientation preserved the panels' performance and led to higher energy generation in winter.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhipei Hu, Shuo Jiang, Zhigao Sun, Jun Li
Summary: This study proposes innovative fin arrangements to enhance the thermal performance of latent heat storage units. Through optimization of fin distribution and prediction of transient melting behaviors, it is found that fin structures significantly influence heat transfer characteristics and melting behaviors.
