Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hakan Kavustu, Emir Huseyin Simsek
Summary: Many central banks are examining their environmentally sustainable activities, including the management of end-of-life banknotes, as part of their green finance policies. This study investigates the characteristics and gasification of cotton-rich banknotes classified as lignocellulosic waste, with the aim of finding more effective ways to integrate them into the economy. The findings show that the banknote samples have high calorific value and concentrations of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, cellulose, and lignin.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Cleitiane da Costa Nogueira, Carlos Eduardo de Araujo Padilha, Everaldo Silvino dos Santos
Summary: Efforts to improve lignocellulosic pretreatments have been costly in second-generation ethanol production, but high-concentration PEG shows promise in increasing ethanol production without the need for additional chemical or physicochemical pretreatments. Operational conditions in a study using high PEG concentrations and green coconut fiber as substrates showed increased ethanol production, with the addition of salts, yeast extract, or peptone further enhancing ethanol yield.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Guangxu Yang, Xiaolin Luo, Li Shuai
Summary: Cellulose hydrolysis is an important process for producing biobased fuels and chemicals, with solid acid catalysts showing potential advantages over conventional mineral acids. However, challenges such as slow mass transfer and lack of ideal binding sites on the catalyst surface still need to be addressed for efficient cellulose hydrolysis.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Erika Marsillac
Summary: This paper discusses the challenges of meeting the growing energy demand with a burgeoning world population. Utilizing renewable energy sources can lead to market growth with limited environmental impact, but sourcing constraints may limit production and create industrial and environmental problems. The paper explores the potential of utilizing end-of-use and end-of-life photovoltaic options as valuable opportunities to support renewable energy market growth, proposing a framework that combines circular economy, industrial ecology, and process integration principles.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Houde Jing, Huaimin Wang, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Huichuan Zhuang, Ming Ho To, Shao-Yuan Leu
Summary: CEPT sludge has proven biorefinery potential, producing valuable products through biochemical conversion. Despite potential inhibitors, production titer remained unaffected and even outperformed non-inhibitor controls. The sludge shows significant potential in supporting wastewater treatment towards sustainability and carbon neutrality.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Benjamin Piribauer, Andreas Bartl, Wolfgang Ipsmiller
Summary: This paper summarizes the current state-of-the-art in textile recycling, showing that recycling methods, especially for multi-material textiles, are not yet fully developed. The study demonstrates that enzymatic hydrolysis is a suitable process for recycling certain textiles, but industrial implementation has not yet been realized.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantin Born, Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
Summary: Increasing recycling of metals is important for reducing reliance on mining, but it cannot fully meet future metal demand. Primary production of metals is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for alternative circular economy strategies such as demand reduction and mitigating harmful impacts of primary metal production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
T. V. Krishna Mohan, R. K. Amit
Summary: The emerging economies' ELV recycling markets have many informal dismantlers and few formal dismantlers, creating an oligopsony market structure. Competition leads to increased market price for ELV but reduced profitability for dismantlers and aggregate dismantling capacity due to exit of informal dismantlers. Establishing high-capacity formal dismantling units and vertical integration of management systems may ensure more environmentally sound recycling.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna Schwarz, Spela Ferjana, Josse Kunst
Summary: Using biobased plastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA), can help reduce fossil resource depletion and CO2 emissions. PLA offers a wide range of applications and can be recycled using depolymerization technology. A life cycle assessment study showed that using a mixture of PLA grades and depolymerization technology in a durable product resulted in a 70% reduction in CO2-eq. emissions. However, there were increased environmental impacts in categories such as land use, eutrophication, and environmental toxicity. Sensitivity analyses highlighted the importance of design for collection and recycling in achieving more sustainable biobased products. Based on the study's findings, using PLA in durable and lasting products like furniture is encouraged, as long as the products are designed for easy collection and high-quality recycling to ensure material circularity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qianqian Yang, Fubao Sun, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Junhua Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the production of xylo-oligosaccharides from corncob using lactic acid-rich fermentation broth and xylanase hydrolysis. The highest yield of xylo-oligosaccharides obtained was 72%. Additionally, a monosaccharides-rich hydrolysate was obtained from corncob residues.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shahjadi Hisan Farjana, Olubukola Tokede, Zhong Tao, Mahmud Ashraf
Summary: This paper aims to identify sustainable circular economy pathways for waste MDF and particleboard management through life cycle assessment, comparing landfill, recycling, and energy recovery scenarios. The results show that material recovery is preferred over energy recovery in most impact categories, except for climate change and fossil fuel depletion. The management of waste engineered woods has less impact than the production process, and energy recovery has the greatest toxicity impacts.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ana Fernandez-Rios, Sandra Ceballos-Santos, Jara Laso, Cristina Campos, Jorge Cristobal, Maria Margallo, Ruben Aldaco, Israel Ruiz-Salmon
Summary: This study evaluates the environmental impacts of the whole supply chain of gourmet tuna cans from Cantabria, Spain. The fishing and processing stages were found to have the greatest environmental impacts, while waste valorization and end-of-life treatments only had a minimal effect. The study identified the high dependence on fuel use and intensive use of resources, particularly sunflower oil, as critical points for improvement.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Aitana Tamayo, Fausto Rubio, Roberto Perez-Aparicio, Leticia Saiz-Rodriguez, Juan Rubio
Summary: The study found that introducing 3% of recycled end-of-life tire rubber particles into sustainable composite brake pads resulted in better coefficient of friction performance. The size of the particles is not a determining factor in the wear properties of the brake pads, but the rough surface of the particles enhances their long-life behavior.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jorge Senan-Salinas, Alberto Blanco, Raquel Garcia-Pacheco, Junkal Landaburu-Aguirre, Eloy Garcia-Calvo
Summary: The study evaluates the potential of direct recycling of EoL RO modules in terms of environmental and economic aspects. Results show significant environmental benefits of recycling, but long-distance transport may limit the distribution of recycled products.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vi Kie Soo, Matthew Doolan, Paul Compston, Joost R. Duflou, Jef Peeters, Yasushi Umeda
Summary: This paper evaluates the impact of different ELV regulations in Europe, Japan, Australia, and the US on product circularity and proposes potential improvements in vehicle material circularity based on different circular economy strategies. The study shows that current ELV regulations primarily focus on material recycling rates at the end-of-life phase, resulting in limited impact on material circularity performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Samy Yousef, Justas Eimontas, Nerijus Striu, Mohammed Ali Abdelnaby
Summary: This study investigated the gasification kinetics of char derived from metallised food packaging plastics waste, which was mechanically and chemically treated to prepare carbon black particles. The thermal stability and gasification behavior of the samples were studied using thermogravimetric analysis, revealing the significant effects of factors like Al leaching, gasification temperature, and CO2/N2 concentrations on the kinetics parameters and fitting curves.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Samy Yousef, Justas Eimontas, Nerijus Striu, Alaa Mohamed, Mohammed Ali Abdelnaby
Summary: This study focused on the pyrolysis utilization of end-life ultrafiltration polymer nanocomposite membranes, finding that CNTs and GNs can effectively reduce the activation energy of the decomposition process, making polymer membranes a potential source of renewable energy.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alaa Mohamed, Samy Yousef, Andrius Tonkonogovas, Vidas Makarevicius, Arunas Stankevicius
Summary: This study investigates the incorporation of graphene nanosheets (GNs) into polyethersulfone (PES) membranes for gas separation applications. The prepared PES-GNs mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) showed improved gas separation performance compared to the pristine PES membrane, along with adequate mechanical stability. The permeability and selectivity of CO2, N2, H2, and CH4 gases were enhanced by increasing the filler content, pressure, and temperature.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Samy Yousef, Justas Eimontas, Nerijus Striugas, Mohammed Ali Abdelnaby
Summary: This study investigates the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (GA) on the pyrolysis characteristics of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy (GFRE). The results show that CNTs and graphene act as self-catalysts, improving the quality and quantity of volatile compounds obtained, and their composition is significantly affected by the applied heating conditions.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Samy Yousef, Ieva Kiminaite, Justas Eimontas, Nerijus Striugas, Mohammed Ali Abdelnaby
Summary: The catalytic pyrolysis process was used to decompose the organic fraction of end-of-life glass fibre-reinforced epoxy resin composites (GFRP) and recover phenol. The catalyst concentration had a significant impact on the pyrolysis kinetics and yield.
Article
Thermodynamics
Samy Yousef, Justas Eimontas, Nerijus Striugas, Mohammed Ali Abdelnaby
Summary: This research aims to develop a thermochemical strategy to extract butane from wasted COVID-19 masks. The results showed that catalytic pyrolysis over ZSM-5 zeolite can effectively convert masks into butanol compound, which can be used as a liquid fuel and lubricant.
THERMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samy Yousef, Justas Eimontas, Nerijus Striugas, Mohammed Ali Abdelnaby
Summary: This research aims to study the effect of aluminum leaching pre-treatment on the catalytic pyrolysis of metallised food packaging plastics waste. The results show that leaching and catalytic pyrolysis processes can convert MFPW into high-added energy and chemical products.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Samy Yousef, Ieva Kiminaite, Justas Eimontas, Nerijus Striugas, Mohammed Ali Abdelnaby
Summary: This research aims to recover high-added value chemical and energy products, phenol and acetic acid, from a large amount of GFRP waste through catalytic pyrolysis. The results showed that 2 wt.% of ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst can significantly decompose GFRP waste in the temperature range of 320-460 degrees C and recover phenol, acetic acid, and carbon dioxide compounds successfully.
THERMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Samy Yousef, Justas Eimontas, Nerijus Striugas, Marius Praspaliauskas, Mohammed Ali Abdelnaby
Summary: This research aims to study the catalytic pyrolysis of glass fibre-reinforced epoxy resin composites mixed with different fillers over zeolite catalyst. The experimental results show that the hybrid catalyst can significantly enhance the formation of aliphatic compounds and phenol compounds, reduce the energy required for decomposition, and demonstrate good consistency with increasing heating rates and addition of hybrid catalysts.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Martynas Lelis, Simona Tuckute, Marius Urbonavicius, Sarunas Varnagiris, Sandra Sakalauskaite, Rimantas Daugelavicius
Summary: A bi-layered magnetic photocatalyst powder consisting of a Ni layer on one side and carbon-doped TiO2 or ZnO photocatalyst layers on the other side was synthesized. The TiO2 layer showed a mixed anatase-rutile structure with carbon doping and Ti(III) oxide fraction, while the ZnO layer had a wurtzite structure with intrinsic defects. The C-TiO2+Ni magnetic photocatalyst exhibited higher and more stable activity compared to ZnO+Ni, as tested by dye degradation and bacterial inactivation.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Samy Yousef, Vidas Lekavicius, Nerijus Striugas
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in surgical mask waste (WM) in the EU region, and managing and recycling them became a challenge. This study analyzed the techno-economic viability of pyrolysis and gasification processes for converting WMs into pyrolysis oil and hydrogen-rich syngas. The results showed that gasification had higher economic performance compared to other methods, such as incineration and pyrolysis.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Samy Yousef, Justas Eimontas, K. estutis Zakarauskas, Nerijus Striu
Summary: This research aims to recover styrene and glass fibre (GF) from end-of-life wind turbine blades (WTBs). Conversion experiments were carried out at different pyrolysis temperatures, and the optimal temperature for decomposition of UPR fragments while maintaining the morphology of the recovered GF was determined. The results showed that styrene was the major compound in the oil product and CO2 was the main gas in the gaseous product.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Samy Yousef, Justas Eimontas, Kestutis Zakarauskas, Nerijus Striugas
Summary: This research aims to recover triacetin from cigarette butts using pyrolysis treatment and demonstrates the high potential of the pyrolysis process in disposing of cigarette butts and recovering triacetin.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samy Yousef, Andrius Tonkonogovas, Alaa Mohamed
Summary: This study investigates the effect of different porous structures and a polyester support layer on the gas permeation and selectivity of polysulfone membranes. The results show that the finger-like pore structure exhibits better selectivity, making it suitable for hydrogen separation industry.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Samy Yousef, Justas Eimontas, Nerijus Striugas, Alaa Mohamed, Mohammed Ali Abdelnaby
Summary: This research focuses on utilizing a pyrolysis process to maximize the extraction of benzoic acid from PET nonwoven fabric waste. The results demonstrate that PET fabric is highly volatile and can be completely degraded at 490 degrees Celsius. By applying pyrolysis treatment, the abundance of benzoic acid extracted from PET fabric waste can be increased by 134%.
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.