Article
Engineering, Environmental
Carolina Amaral, Maria Isabel Pedro, Diogo Cunha Ferreira, Rui Cunha Marques
Summary: The unprecedented population increase has resulted in various consequences for the environment, such as increased urbanization levels and the production of municipal solid waste (MSW). This study examines the efficiency of MSW management in Portuguese municipalities and explores the relationship between performance indicators and efficiency.
Article
Thermodynamics
Lei Jiang, Haifeng Zhou, Shixiong He
Summary: The Chinese government has set quantitative and binding energy efficiency improvement targets, with specific targets assigned to manufacturing firms. Research shows a positive correlation between energy efficiency and output efficiency in textile firms, while no such trade-off is found in energy-intensive chemical firms.
Article
Management
Chiang Kao, Shiuh-Nan Hwang
Summary: This paper proposes a model to determine the minimum level of undesirable outputs that cannot be avoided in producing desirable outputs under weak disposability. The model can separate the effect of generating undesirable outputs from the inefficiency of producing desirable outputs. Weak disposability has two forms, one requiring all production units to have the same proportion, and the other allowing each production unit to have its own proportion in reducing desirable and undesirable outputs.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Management
Chiang Kao, Shiuh-Nan Hwang
Summary: The data envelopment analysis technique produces higher efficiency scores for decision making units (DMUs) when more input/output factors are considered, suggesting a concept to determine the minimum amount of undesirable outputs allowed for a DMU. Results show that efficiency of DMUs can be decomposed into parts accounting for desirable and undesirable outputs, which can help identify inefficiencies and formulate standards for allowable undesirable outputs.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Michal Struk, Martin Bod'a
Summary: This study focuses on the factors influencing performance in municipal solid waste management in the Czech Republic. The research finds that the availability of recycling consolidation facilities improves the performance of waste management, while programs encouraging waste separation or green waste collection do not have the anticipated effect.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Paula Llanquileo-Melgarejo, Maria Molinos-Senante, Giulia Romano, Laura Carosi
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of selective collection and recycling of MSW on the performance of municipalities in Chile providing MSW services. The results showed that there is significant room for improvement in the management of MSW by Chilean municipalities, as indicated by the low percentages of efficient and eco-efficient municipalities. Lack of collaboration between municipalities at the regional level, along with exogenous variables, also influenced the efficiency and eco-efficiency scores.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Corrado lo Storto
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive approach to analyze the effectiveness-efficiency nexus in municipal solid waste management performance evaluation in 258 municipalities in Apulia region, Southern Italy. The research reveals that most municipalities need to improve their waste management performance, with efficiency mainly affected by pure technical efficiency.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Wei Chen, Si-Si Li, Mukesh Kumar Mehlawat, Lifen Jia, Arun Kumar
Summary: This paper presents a portfolio selection problem model based on fuzzy data envelopment analysis cross-efficiency evaluation, and demonstrates its effectiveness through a real-life case study.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUZZY SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alejandro Salazar-Adams
Summary: The study found that private waste collection companies are more efficient than municipal governments in Mexico. Environmental variables such as population density, average household income, and tourism were also found to impact waste collection efficiency. Additionally, curbside collection was associated with higher efficiency, while separate collection of waste was negatively correlated with efficiency.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yao Wang, Yu Shi, Jizhi Zhou, Jun Zhao, Tek Maraseni, Guangren Qian
Summary: The study investigated the municipal solid waste management in Shanghai under compulsory waste sorting rules, revealing both successes and challenges. Effective waste classification in Shanghai has reduced carbon emissions, but has also led to some negative outcomes. To address the challenges, recommendations include establishing a more refined classification and recycling system, developing highly-efficient resource recovery technologies, and proposing optimization adjustments for overcapacity in incineration facilities.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Estefani Rondon Toro, Amaya Lobo, Antonio Gallardo Izquierdo
Summary: Circular Economy is crucial for sustainability, and waste processing plants play a key role in minimizing resource loss. This study proposes a new circularity indicator for municipal solid waste treatment plants, which evaluates material and energy recovery efficiency.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Operations Research & Management Science
Yuanxiang Zhou, Shan Wang, Shuqi Xu, Qingyuan Zhu
Summary: This study proposes a new algorithm to handle massive data with undesirable output and proves its applicability in practice.
ANNALS OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maria Molinos-Senante, Alexandros Maziotis
Summary: Efficient management of municipal solid waste sector is crucial for a sustainable circular economy, and the eco-efficiency assessment reveals significant eco-inefficiency in the sector. Reducing unsorted waste can greatly reduce operational costs, with an average marginal cost of 32.28 Chilean pesos per ton.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaoqi Zhang, Feng Yang, Fangqing Wei, Yangyang Wang
Summary: This study analyzes the provincial CO2 emission efficiency in China from 2013 to 2019 using data on energy consumption and carbon emissions. A game cross-equilibrium efficient frontier DEA approach is proposed, considering CO2 as a fixed-sum undesirable output and the interdependence between decision-making units (DMUs). The results indicate significant variation in CO2 emissions efficiency among provinces, with Beijing performing the best and Ningxia the worst. The national average CO2 emission efficiency shows a slow increasing trend over time, with the eastern region performing the best.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Laura Delgado-Antequera, German Gemar, Maria Molinos-Senante, Trinidad Gomez, Rafael Caballero, Ramon Sala-Garrido
Summary: This study evaluates the eco-efficiency of a sample of Spanish municipalities in providing MSW services, finding that one third of the municipalities are eco-efficient. Factors such as municipality size, population served, population density, tourism, and availability of containers for separative collection of paper, glass, and plastic significantly affect the eco-efficiency of the municipalities.
Article
Public Administration
Giulia Romano, Claudio Marciano, Mario Minoja
Summary: In recent years, many countries have witnessed remunicipalization in the public service sector, particularly in water and urban waste management. This study examines five successful cases of remunicipalization in Italy's urban waste management sector and investigates the factors that trigger, contribute to the success, and result from this process. The findings suggest that remunicipalization is initiated by the alignment of motivations and opportunities, along with the presence of committed actors. This process leads to significant improvements in company performance, considering the triple bottom line, if certain key success factors, related to the municipality, utility management, and stakeholder relationships, are met. Furthermore, the external context, including legal and institutional conditions, influences the overall process, triggers, and outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maria Molinos-Senante, Alexandros Maziotis, Ramon Sala-Garrido, Manuel Mocholi-Arce
Summary: Improving eco-efficiency in municipal solid waste provision is crucial for a sustainable economy. This study utilizes the double-bootstrap DEA model to derive robust eco-efficiency scores and explores the environmental factors affecting the eco-efficiency of MSWSPs in Chile. The findings highlight the importance of addressing data noise and uncertainty in benchmarking analysis and reveal the significant influence of variables such as region, tourism, population density, and waste per capita on the eco-efficiency of Chilean MSWSPs.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Maria Molinos-Senante, Alexandros Maziotis, Ramon Sala-Garrido, Manuel Mocholi-Arce
Summary: This study experimented with a new efficiency assessment method called the Efficiency Analysis Tree (EAT). By employing a combination of classification, regression tree methods, and non-parametric analyses, this method overcomes the limitations of traditional approaches and provides a better evaluation of water company performance.
EXPERT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ramon Sala-Garrido, Manuel Mocholi-Arce, Maria Molinos-Senante, Alexandros Maziotis
Summary: Improving the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is crucial for promoting circular economy and sustainability. This study estimated the shadow price of unsorted waste using the directional distance function and computed eco-efficiency scores for a sample of 119 Chilean municipalities. The results showed that the average shadow price of unsorted waste was 297.66 (sic)/ton, indicating the environmental cost of leaving waste unsorted. Population density, tourism intensity, and waste generation per capita were found to significantly influence the shadow price of unsorted waste. Furthermore, Chilean municipalities exhibited low efficiency in MSW management, with an average eco-efficiency score of 0.272. Additional policies and alternatives are necessary to improve MSW management and increase recycling rates.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Luis Maldonado, Maria Molinos-Senante, Maximo Quiero-Bastias, Gabriela Atal
Summary: This study examines customers' willingness to pay for a water company's initiatives to increase the drinking water service's autonomy during extreme climatic events. The research finds that the average willingness to pay is CLP 1,371 (USD 1.81), equivalent to 16.72% of the average water bills per month. Political attitudes are identified as an important determinant of willingness to pay.
URBAN WATER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manel Poch, Carolina Aldao, Lluis Godo-Pla, Hector Monclus, Lucia Alexandra Popartan, Joaquim Comas, Manuel Cermeron-Romero, Sebastia Puig, Maria Molinos-Senante
Summary: The article proposes a framework that extends the theory of nudges to all stages of the urban water cycle and to various decision-making levels, in order to address the challenges associated with the urban water cycle and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The framework integrates four main drivers, including the fourth water revolution, digitalization, decentralization, and climate change, which influence how different stakeholders approach the challenges posed by the urban water cycle. The proposed framework serves as a reference for policymakers to develop medium and long-term strategies and policies for improving the sustainability and resilience of the urban water cycle.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alexandros Maziotis, Ramon Sala-Garrido, Manuel Mocholi-Arce, Maria Molinos-Senante
Summary: Assessing carbon efficiency in the provision of drinking water services is crucial for achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas urban water cycle. This study estimated the carbon efficiency of English and Welsh water companies using the Efficiency Analysis Trees approach, combining machine learning and non-linear programming techniques. The findings provide insights for policymakers to develop low-carbon urban water cycle policies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexandros Maziotisa, Manuel Mocholi-Arce, Ramon Sala-Garrido, Maria Molinos-Senante
Summary: Drinking water treatment systems (DWTSs) are energy intensive facilities. Benchmarking energy efficiency is important for improving economic and environmental performance. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is commonly used to assess efficiency, but it has limitations for cross-unit comparison. This study explored using common sets of weights within DEA to evaluate the energy efficiency of DWTSs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Maria Molinos-Senante, Alondra Chamorro, Marta Contreras, Tomas Echaveguren
Summary: This study examines disaster risk management in the production of drinking water in Chilean water companies. The survey reveals significant heterogeneity in their practices and the use of various tools to address natural disasters, with earthquakes being the most relevant hazard. Based on these findings, recommendations are proposed to enhance the water industry in Chile.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Daniela Madrazo-Ortega, Maria Molinos-Senante
Summary: This research aims to quantify all indicators in SDG 6 in Chile, and the results show that none of the targets have been achieved. The main challenges the country faces are related to integrated water resource management, transboundary arrangements, and community participation in water management.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alexandros Maziotis, Maria Molinos-Senante, Ramon Sala-Garrido, Manuel Mocholi-Arce
Summary: Benchmarking the dynamic performance of water companies is important for developing policies. This study used the StoNED method to evaluate productivity and eco-productivity changes of Chilean water companies. The results showed that Chilean water companies focus more on reducing operational costs than improving service quality. Full private water companies performed better than concessionary companies and the public company.
Article
Water Resources
Maria Molinos-Senante, Alexandros Maziotis, Ramon Sala-Garrido, Manuel Mocholi-Arce
Summary: This study evaluates the economic and water leakage efficiency (ELE) of Chilean water companies using efficiency analysis trees (EAT). It finds that potential savings in operating costs and leakage could reach 58%, equivalent to a reduction of £391.5 million per year in operating costs and 20.6 million cubic metres per year in water leakage. The study also reveals a downward trend in ELE scores from 2007 to 2018, and identifies customer density and the source of raw water as significant factors affecting water company ELE.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Manuel Mocholi-Arce, Ramon Sala-Garrido, Maria Molinos-Senante, Alexandros Maziotis
Summary: This study used a novel method to estimate profit inefficiency and its changes in the water industry in Chile. The main contributor to profit inefficiency was allocative inefficiency, while technical inefficiency had a limited effect.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elena M. Rojo, Maria Molinos-Senante, A. Alejandro Filipigh, Tomas Lafarga, F. Gabriel Acien Fernandez, Silvia Bolado
Summary: The intensification of livestock activities leads to increased waste generation, such as piggery wastewater, which contains high nutrients. However, this type of waste can be used as a culture medium for algae cultivation in thin-layer cascade photobioreactors to reduce environmental impact and produce valuable algal biomass.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexandros Maziotis, Ramon Sala-Garrido, Manuel Mocholi-Arce, Maria Molinos-Senante
Summary: Wastewater treatment plants in Chile have significant energy inefficiency, with an average energy efficiency of 0.287. A reduction of 71.3% in energy use is needed to treat the same volume of wastewater. Only 4 out of 203 assessed WWTPs (1.97%) were identified as energy efficient. The age of treatment plant and type of secondary technology played a significant role in explaining energy efficiency variations among WWTPs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
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.