Article
Engineering, Environmental
Murat Varol, Baris Gurel, Sema Yurdakul, Karani Kurtulus, Habib Gurbuz
Summary: Chicken manure can be used for energy production and co-combustion with lignite can reduce environmental impact and reliance on fossil fuels. However, the level of organic pollutants from chicken manure combustion is unclear. This study investigated the potential of chicken manure combustion in a circulating fluidized bed boiler and found that it burned in the upper parts of the boiler, leading to a decrease in bed temperature. Combustion efficiency increased with the share of chicken manure in the fuel mixture, but total PCDD/F emissions remained within the limit.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiaohui Li, Yongsheng Jia, Donghang Chen, Zhaoyu Zhou, Zhongyu Jiang, Jiakun Li, Limin Guo
Summary: This study adopted an integrated pyrolysis-combustion process and introduced synthesized bifunctional catalysts to achieve energy reuse and rapid harmless treatment of mixed component medical waste. The results showed that the catalysts in the pyrolysis stage could remove harmful HCl gas and upgrade the combustible gas content. This approach provides an efficient solution for the treatment of medical waste and enables energy recovery.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. Fournie, T. L. Rashwan, C. Switzer, G. P. Grant, J. I. Gerhard
Summary: Managing sewage sludge is challenging due to potentially toxic elements, persistent organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants. Thermal treatment technologies, particularly smouldering, show promise in destroying these compounds. Laboratory-scale and oil drum-scale tests demonstrated that smouldering acted as a sink for PCDD/Fs, with minimal emissions. Additionally, most of the analyzed PTEs were retained in the post-smouldered material. These findings highlight the significant potential of smouldering as a valuable waste management technique.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Liu, Lifeng Tian, Liuyang Yang, Dahai Yan, Qifei Huang, Guilan Lu, Zewei Liu, Zechun Huang
Summary: Research showed co-processing OBDC can reduce emission concentrations effectively, however, it may lead to exceeding PCDD/Fs emission limit. It is recommended to reduce the amount of added OBDC and enhance air pollution control to meet stricter emission limits.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jinxing Wang, Haiwen Song, Yongliang Zhang, Xing Zhou, Shaoqiang Zhang
Summary: This study introduced and applied a pathway substitution prediction method among PCDD/F isomers, confirming its accuracy and revealing the impact of CaO decoration on chlorine substitution probabilities, further reducing the probabilities for main transformation pathways.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ya Zhang, Xiaobo Zheng, Pu Wang, Qinghua Zhang, Zhengwang Zhang
Summary: The study found that little owls in Beijing were at the highest risk of exposure to PCDD/Fs and PCBs, while PCB levels in common kestrels have been decreasing in the past decade.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kai Hsien Chi, Yu-Ting Huang, Hung Minh Nguyen, Thi Tuyet-Hanh Tran, Somporn Chantara, Tuan Hung Ngo
Summary: Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are commonly found in the atmospheric PM2.5 of Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. However, higher PM2.5 concentrations do not necessarily translate to higher levels of PCDD/Fs. Traffic is a significant contributor to ambient PCDD/F levels in these cities, but specific sources vary between cities.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Lambiase, Filomena Fiorito, Francesco Paolo Serpe, Marco Trifuoggi, Pasquale Gallo, Mauro Esposito
Summary: The bioaccumulation of lipophilic environmental contaminants in farm animals, particularly in eggs of free-range hens, is an important issue to control and prevent human exposure to toxic pollutants. This study in the Campania region highlights the role of soil as a major source of contamination, and the importance of studying the transfer and bioaccumulation of different pollutants for effective risk assessment and management of exposure to toxic chemicals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shengyong Lu, Yifan Xiang, Zhiliang Chen, Tong Chen, Xiaoqing Lin, Weifeng Zhang, Xiaodong Li, Jianhua Yan
Summary: This study investigated the inhibition mechanisms of sulfur-, nitrogen- and phosphorus-based inhibitors on the de novo synthesis of PCDD/F. It found that different inhibitors had significant inhibition effects on the formation of PCDD/F, with changes in the chemical bonds on the surface of fly ash and enhanced carbon oxidation after the addition of inhibitors.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yen-Chen Hsu, Shu-Hao Chang, Moo Been Chang
Summary: The study found that the concentrations of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in municipal waste incinerators are lower than CPs, CBz, and PAHs, with the highest removal efficiency achieved by activated carbon injection + baghouse. Optimization of operating parameters of air pollution control devices is recommended to reduce the formation of PAHs and chlorinated aromatic pollutants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maolin Dong
Summary: The study focused on reducing PCDD/Fs emissions from an experimental scrap preheated EAF using quenching method. The results showed that quenching effectively inhibited the de novo synthesis of dioxins and achieved the expected cooling effect. The TEQ concentration of PCDD/Fs at the outlet of the chimney was far below the emission limit for EAFs in China, suggesting that quenching was effective in restraining de novo synthesis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ding Gao, Ziwei Chen, Jianbo Zhang, Weiguang Xu, Donghui Wen, Jianxin Hu
Summary: Using the UNEP standardized toolkit, this study inventoried the production and release of PCDD/Fs from 6 major sectors in China from 2003 to 2020, projecting until 2025 based on current control measures. The results showed a decline in production and release after 2007, but a reversal in trend after 2015 due to expansion of sectors and lack of control technology. Environmental release continued to decrease, but slower after 2015. The study also emphasized the importance of OCDF, OCDD, PeCDF, and TCDF, and the need for strengthened regulations and control measures.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marek Pajurek, Szczepan Mikolajczyk, Malgorzata Warenik-Bany
Summary: Free-range hens, exposed to environmental pollutants, were found to produce contaminated eggs due to soil contamination caused by oil leaking from a tractor engine on the farm. The dietary intake of the contaminated eggs could result in higher toxin intake for children compared to adults.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wojciech Jerzy Pietron, Malgorzata Warenik-Bany
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the human health risk associated with the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the livers of terrestrial animals. The liver samples from sheep and pigs in Poland were found to exceed the maximum concentration limits for certain POPs. According to the results, chicken liver consumption poses the lowest risk, while pork and beef livers should be consumed in limited amounts for risk avoidance, and mutton liver should not be consumed at all.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haifeng Li, Wenbin Liu, Anxiang Lu, Cheng Li, Qingqi Die, Rongrong Lei, Xiaolin Wu
Summary: The study found that fabric filters and desulfurization systems could effectively reduce the emissions of PCDD/Fs during secondary copper smelting, meeting the standard discharge requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.