Article
Engineering, Environmental
Emma Lindkvist
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the most resource-efficient treatment method for organic waste from the food industry. Four different treatment methods were studied for thirteen feedstocks, and an optimization model was used to find the optimal treatment alternative from multiple perspectives. The evaluation included three perspectives: economy, energy, and environment. The results showed that there is no single optimum treatment method, but incineration and anaerobic digestion were considered resource-efficient options.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Anna Volkova, Ieva Pakere, Lina Murauskaite, Pei Huang, Kertu Lepiksaar, Xinxing Zhang
Summary: The 5th Generation District Heating and Cooling (5GDHC) network offers numerous advantages including integration of low-temperature resources, bi-directional operation, decentralised energy flows, and potential energy sharing. This study evaluates the prospects of implementing 5GDHC systems in the Baltic states and identifies Lithuania as having the most favorable conditions for implementation, while Estonia shows the greatest potential for heat pumps and excess heat utilization in 5GDHC systems.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pradeep Kumar Meena, Amit Pal, Samsher
Summary: This case study presents the experimental outcomes of a zero organic waste campus, where proper segregation and treatment of organic waste lead to the generation of compost and biogas, providing essential nutrients for plant growth.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Economics
Thomas Broberg, Elbert Dijkgraaf, Sef Meens-Eriksson
Summary: In this study, a net social cost framework is used to analyze policy issues related to cross-border trade in waste fuel. The results indicate that using imported waste fuel in a highly efficient CHP in a cold climate is beneficial, and the results are robust to variations in technical, economic, and environmental assumptions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anurag Deepak, Varun Sharma, Dinesh Kumar
Summary: This paper addresses the environmental burden of existing biomedical waste management in northern India and suggests constructive steps to achieve a less impactful environment through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The study finds that an integrated system including incineration with energy recovery, autoclave-shredder, chemical disinfection, and Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) reduces the environmental burden compared to the present state. The paper suggests that LCA is a beneficial tool for decision-makers and managers to reduce environmental burden and develop a life cycle inventory database for developed economies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Markus Fritz, Margaux Savin, Ali Aydemir
Summary: The use of industrial excess heat is important for the expansion and decarbonization of district heating networks. However, the factors and barriers for implementing excess heat recovery projects are uncertain. Through expert interviews and literature review, it is found that projects often rely on individuals, communication between stakeholders is insufficient, relevant stakeholders are unaware of excess heat recovery opportunities, and financial aspects play an important role in decision-making.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Lin Fu, Yonghong Li, Yanting Wu, Xiaoyin Wang, Yi Jiang
Summary: The study introduces a low carbon district heating system that is suitable for large cities in Northern China, aiming to reduce energy consumption, emissions, and improve the economics of the heating systems.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Marwan Abugabbara, Jonas Lindhe, Saqib Javed, Hans Bagge, Dennis Johansson
Summary: District heating and cooling are effective solutions for decarbonising the building sector, with the potential for integrating heat pumps and chillers to increase benefits such as reducing network losses and recovering waste heat.
Article
Thermodynamics
Dominik Hering, Michael R. Faller, Andre Xhonneux, Dirk Mueller
Summary: This paper investigates operational optimization of a 4th-generation district heating network with regards to temperatures and use of thermal inertia. A case study demonstrates that quadratic formulations can optimize energy balances and temperatures, resulting in cost savings of up to 18.2%.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jaros law Mikielewicz, Dariusz Mikielewicz
Summary: The paper compares a traditional district heating system with conventional boilers to a low temperature DH system that incorporates CHP and the organic Rankine Cycle to produce both electricity and heat within the system. A developed analytical model is used to analyze the efficiency of the systems, although only simplified examples are provided in this paper.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Victoria Volodina, Edward Wheatcroft, Henry Wynn
Summary: This study proposes a decision support tool for district heating system design, using stochastic ordering to analyze and compare different designs, allowing decision-makers to make robust decisions. The results show that heat pump is a more robust low-carbon design option for waste heat recovery in district heating.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY GRIDS & NETWORKS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Samson Nnaemeka Ugwu, Kevin Harding, Christopher Chintua Enweremadu
Summary: This study conducted a comparative assessment of the potential environmental impacts of biogas production from enhanced anaerobic digestion using different enhancement options for agro-industrial wastes. The results revealed that the combined enhancement option (co-digestion + PPy/Fe3O4 NPs) had the least global warming potential.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ieva Pakere, Maksims Feofilovs, Kertu Lepiksaar, Valdis Vitolins, Dagnija Blumberga
Summary: Implementing innovation and sustainable development of district heating requires sound energy planning at the national and local levels. Research shows that phasing out natural gas and integrating heat pumps can increase energy efficiency and reduce heating costs, with the help of waste heat utilization and increased thermal storage capacity.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hewen Zhou, Qing Yang, Eid Gul, Mengmeng Shi, Jiashuo Li, Minjiao Yang, Haiping Yang, Bin Chen, Haibo Zhao, Yunjun Yan, Gunes Erdogan, Pietro Bartocci, Francesco Fantozzi
Summary: The catering industry in China produces approximately 17-18 Mt of food waste per year, accounting for about 20% of the total food losses in the country. The National Development and Reform Commission has approved 100 pilot cities to implement food waste treatment projects, with a focus on anaerobic digestion. A case study conducted on a university campus demonstrates that small scale biogas plants can help reduce the environmental impact of food waste management, especially when coupled with pyrolysis processes.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ieva Pakere, Dagnija Blumberga, Anna Volkova, Kertu Lepiksaar, Agate Zirne
Summary: This article compares waste heat valorisation strategies and their integration into existing district heating networks using a multi-criteria assessment method. The results show that the highest waste heat valorisation rate is achieved when integrated into low-temperature district heating systems, and it has a significant impact on already implemented solar technologies.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
K. Kissas, A. Ibrom, P. Kjeldsen, C. Scheutz
Summary: This study investigates the temporal variability of methane emissions from an old landfill in Denmark, caused by changes in barometric pressure. Two different quantification techniques were used simultaneously and their results were compared. The study found significant spatial and temporal variations in methane emissions, influenced by changes in barometric pressure and wind speed. The study also identified seasonal variations in emissions, but no diurnal variability was observed.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhan Duan, Peter Kjeldsen, Charlotte Scheutz
Summary: Landfills are a significant source of anthropogenic methane emissions globally. This paper examines the gas collection efficiencies of 23 Danish landfills and proposes using these values to regulate methane emissions in Denmark. The study finds that the gas collection efficiency in Danish landfills is lower than in Swedish, UK and US landfills, potentially due to factors such as shallow gas collection pipes, leakage from installations, and low gas production. It suggests using gas collection efficiency as a regulatory tool to achieve methane mitigation goals in landfills.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
C. Scheutz, A. Kjeld, A. M. Fredenslund
Summary: This study compares methane emissions from five Icelandic landfills and finds that the application of the IPCC FOD model for estimating landfill methane emissions in Iceland is appropriate.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
C. Scheutz, A. O. U. Olesen, A. M. Fredenslund, P. Kjeldsen
Summary: A biocover system established at Klintholm landfill in Denmark in 2009 showed efficient mitigation of methane emissions even after 6 years, with the methane oxidation potential and methane emissions remaining similar to the initial measurements after implementation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhan Duan, Charlotte Scheutz, Peter Kjeldsen
Summary: This study investigated the performance of three different biocover systems in reducing methane emissions from landfills in Denmark. The results showed that the biocover systems were efficient in reducing CH4 emissions, although there were challenges in controlling gas flow and ensuring homogeneous gas distribution.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
K. Kissas, A. Ibrom, P. Kjeldsen, C. Scheutz
Summary: An empirical model was developed to estimate annual methane emissions from Danish landfills. The model accurately predicts short-term emission variability and addresses temporal variability caused by barometric pressure. The results show that emissions vary between different landfills and propose an optimized sampling strategy.
Article
Agronomy
Marlies Hrad, Marion Huber-Humer, Torsten Reinelt, Bernhard Spangl, Claudia Flandorfer, Fabrizio Innocenti, Johan Yngvesson, Anders Fredenslund, Charlotte Scheutz
Summary: This study compared and validated the quantification of methane emissions using different methods at agricultural biogas plants. The results showed that on-site methods underestimated overall emissions, while off-site methods were more accurate. The study also highlighted the comparability of the methods between different plants.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
N. T. Vechi, J. Mellqvist, J. Samuelsson, B. Offerle, C. Scheutz
Summary: Dairy CAFOs in the San Joaquin Valley, California are significant sources of methane and ammonia emissions. Optical techniques using SOF and MeFTIR were employed to measure NH3 and CH4 concentrations. The NH3 emission rates were 101.9 +/- 40.6 kgNH3/h and CH4 emission rates were 437.7 +/- 202.0 kgCH4/h. NH3 emissions showed a diurnal pattern with lower nighttime emissions. Measured NH3 and CH4 emissions were higher than reported rates, but similar to airborne measurements. These new measurement methods provide high-resolution quantification of emissions over large areas.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nathalia T. Vechi, Nina S. Jensen, Charlotte Scheutz
Summary: This study investigated methane emissions from different pig farms in Denmark and compared them with inventory emission models. The results showed that manure management practices and pig types have an impact on methane emissions, and the inventory models underestimated the actual measurements.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
K. Kissas, P. Kjeldsen, A. Ibrom, C. Scheutz
Summary: This study examined the performance of a passive biocover system at a Danish landfill. The effectiveness of the system was assessed by comparing methane emissions before and after biocover installation. It was found that the performance of the biocover system was influenced by barometric pressure changes, with higher oxidation efficiency achieved under increasing pressure.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anders Michael Fredenslund, Einar Gudmundsson, Julie Maria Falk, Charlotte Scheutz
Summary: This study involved 69 biogas plants in Denmark, which represented 59% of the country's biogas production, in an effort to reduce methane emissions. Various measurements and assessments were conducted to determine emission rates, sources, and potential mitigation strategies. The findings showed variations in emission rates and losses between different types of plants, with pressure relief valves being a commonly observed source of leakage. The study also determined a national emission factor for Danish biogas production and demonstrated the effectiveness of mitigating actions in reducing emissions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Viktoria Wechselberger, Torsten Reinelt, Johan Yngvesson, Deborah Scharfy, Charlotte Scheutz, Marion Huber-Humer, Marlies Hrad
Summary: This study investigates the methane (CH4) emissions from various biogas plant technologies in Austria, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland. The results provide emission factors (EFs) for different components of biogas plants, helping to estimate emissions more accurately and identify low emission technologies.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
C. Scheutz, Z. Duan, J. Moller, P. Kjeldsen
Summary: A life cycle-based environmental assessment was conducted to evaluate the mitigation of landfill gas emissions using biocover and gas collection with energy utilisation at aging landfills. The study found that biocover and gas collection systems with energy utilisation led to significant environmental improvements compared to the baseline scenario with no emission mitigation action. Scenarios representing biocovers with higher methane oxidation efficiencies were environmentally superior in terms of climate change impact compared to scenarios with longer gas collection and energy utilisation. Combining gas collection with energy utilisation and the subsequent installation of a biocover provided major improvements compared to scenarios with only gas collection and energy utilisation. It was concluded that a biocover, under the given assumptions, is more environmentally appropriate than gas collection and utilisation at aging landfills due to methane emissions escaping through the landfill cover.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Nathalia T. Vechi, Charlotte Scheutz
Summary: This study developed a new approach, the stationary tracer dispersion method (STDM), to measure methane emissions from farm-scale manure storage tanks. The method was validated through controlled gas release experiments and showed a relatively stable methane recovery rate. The study also found a strong correlation between methane emissions and atmospheric and manure temperatures.
BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Delre, Arjan Hensen, Ilona Velzeboer, Pim van den Bulk, Maklawe Essonanawe Edjabou, Charlotte Scheutz
Summary: This study quantified the site-specific methane and ethane emission rates from the onshore oil and gas sector in Romania using the mobile tracer gas dispersion method. The results showed that the emission rates varied among different sites and regions, with methane emissions being negatively correlated to wastewater production and ethane emissions being relatively low compared to literature values.
ELEMENTA-SCIENCE OF THE ANTHROPOCENE
(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.