Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiaolan Yu, Xiaoliang Li, Changqi Ren, Jinchuang Wang, Chaobi Wang, Yukun Zou, Xiongfei Wang, Guangyi Li, Qinfen Li
Summary: This study investigated the effects of vermicomposting on the degradation process of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) with high lignin content and the quality of composting products. The results showed that vermicomposting increased microbial activity and improved product quality. Additionally, co-composting with cow dung further promoted the maturity of SMS.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Irsa Shafique, Saiqa Andleeb, Farrukh Naeem, Shaukat Ali, Tauseef Tabassam, Tariq Sultan, Mohammad Almas Abbasi
Summary: This research evaluated the effects of cow dung and vermicompost on seed sprouting, seedlings, and vegetative growth of pansy. The results showed that vermicompost not only promoted seed germination and plant growth, but also improved soil health.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoqiang Gong, Jiao Xu, Lan Zou, Jing Huang, Bo Zhang, Xianming Yang, Junxian Jiang
Summary: The application of organic additives in vermicomposting of organic wastes significantly enhanced the survival rate, growth, and reproduction of earthworms, as well as the degradation of organic matter and the improvement of compost quality. The additives also stimulated the growth of beneficial bacteria and showed potential for biocontrol of phytopathogens. Among the additives, green waste compost yielded the best compost quality and future application prospects.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Asad Bin Zaman, Md Atoar Rahman, Iqbal Mahmud, Hridoy Roy, Sirajul Hoque, Md Jashim Uddin, Md Mominur Rahman
Summary: In this study, a six-week experiment was conducted on vermicomposting of textile sludge spiked with cow dung, using the epigeic earthworm species Eisenia fetida. The researchers examined the effects of different earthworm population densities (40, 80, and 120 earthworms/kg dry substrate) on earthworm characteristics and substrate metal content. The results showed that high population densities led to increased cocoon or egg production, but also hindered hatchling production and adult growth. The particle size of the substrate decreased with higher population densities, and all final substrates except the lowest populated one had a C/N ratio lower than 20. The change in metallic contents in the substrates was inversely related to the population density. Overall, while higher population densities favored the physicochemical properties of the substrate, they had negative effects on the biological activities of earthworms.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Bo Zhou, Yiyong Chen, Chi Zhang, Jianlong Li, Hao Tang, Jiayu Liu, Jun Dai, Jinchi Tang
Summary: Vermicomposting is an efficient and environmentally friendly technology for disposing of agricultural organic residues. The study investigated the responses of earthworm biomass and population structure to changes in the physicochemical properties of six types of organic residues during vermicomposting. It was found that earthworm activity varied among different types of organic residues, with the substrate C/N ratio negatively affecting earthworm growth dynamics. Regular monitoring of the chemical properties of vermicomposting systems is recommended to sustain active earthworm populations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lili Zhang, Ziqi Zhang, Dan Deng, Huiqiong Zhou, Jianqi Zhang, Zhixiang Wei
Summary: A novel N-pi-N type oligomeric acceptor, 2BTP-2F-T, with high absorption coefficient and high electron mobility, is reported. The device based on 2BTP-2F-T exhibits higher efficiency and improved stability compared to corresponding monomer and polymeric acceptor devices.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xin Su, Weiwei Shao, Jiahong Liu, Yunzhong Jiang, Kaibo Wang
Summary: In the context of climate change and rapid urbanization, a study was conducted to accurately assess flood disaster losses caused by extreme rainstorm events using various models and methods. The results showed that direct economic losses and affected population percentages were high, with built-up areas being the main disaster zones. The time characteristics of flood disaster losses change with increasing flood hazard severity and return periods.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carmel Witte, James H. Fowler, Wayne Pfeiffer, Laura L. Hungerford, Josephine Braun, Jennifer Burchell, Rebecca Papendick, Bruce A. Rideout
Summary: This study combined social network analysis and whole-genome sequencing to investigate the contagious spread patterns of mycobacterial infection in birds. Results showed genetic clustering of some mycobacteria genotypes along pathways of bird connectivity, particularly for Mycobacterium avium avium.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bojing Yan, Yuping Zhang, Yizhe Wang, Xiangmin Rong, Jianwei Peng, Jiangchi Fei, Gongwen Luo
Summary: Coupled amendments of biochar and organic fertilizers have the potential to ensure high crop yields and reduce nutrient losses by regulating the soil C:N:P stoichiometry, soil microbiome, and enzyme activities. This eight-year field experiment demonstrated that these amendments significantly increased crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency, and reduced nutrient runoff losses when compared to chemical-only fertilizer treatments.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Marie-Elise Samson, Martin H. Chantigny, Anne Vanasse, Safya Menasseri-Aubry, Isabelle Royer, Denis A. Angers
Summary: Subsoil contains around half of the global soil organic carbon (C) and the responses of C and nitrogen (N) to different agricultural management practices in subsoil are uncertain. This study compared the effects of 20 different management systems on C and N stocks in two Brunisols with different textures, showing that management practices significantly influenced C and N stocks in subsoil layers, with different responses compared to topsoil. Ultimately, management differences in subsoil C and N stocks were more pronounced than in topsoil, suggesting that deep soil layers must be considered for effective C stock management in agricultural soils.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel William Davies, Bumjoon Seo, Sang Kyu Park, Stephen B. Shiring, Hyunjoong Chung, Prapti Kafle, Dafei Yuan, Joseph W. Strzalka, Ralph Weber, Xiaozhang Zhu, Brett M. Savoie, Ying Diao
Summary: Cooperativity is used by living systems to overcome energetic and entropic barriers for efficient molecular processes. The reorientation of alkyl side chains in a 2-dimensional quinoidal terthiophene triggers cooperative behavior and controls polymorphic behavior for novel electronic applications.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenxuan Hou, Kang Peng, Shikuo Li, Fangzhi Huang, Baojun Wang, Xinyao Yu, Hengxiu Yang, Hui Zhang
Summary: To achieve exceptional electromagnetic wave absorption properties, it is crucial to design the microstructure and modify the components of composites. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their unique metal-organic crystalline coordination, tunable morphology, high surface area, and well-defined pores, have been recognized as promising precursors for electromagnetic wave absorption materials. However, the inadequate contact abilities between adjacent MOFs nanoparticles result in poor electromagnetic wave dissipation capacity at low filler loading, posing a significant challenge in breaking the size effect of nanoparticles.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Umme Fariha Tasnim, Mashura Shammi, Md Khabir Uddin, Md Ahedul Akbor
Summary: This study investigated the effect of biochar addition on vermicomposting of food and beverage industry sludge and cow dung. Results showed that adding biochar increased worm survival rate and cocoon production, as well as improving seed germination rate and fertilizer value of the compost.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Xiaorui Xu, Wanjun Chen, Shuyi Zhang, Chao Liu, Ruize Sun, Zhaoji Li, Bo Zhang
Summary: This article studies the physical mechanism and characteristics of the N-IGBT with PD-IGBT. By changing the main blocking junction from the emitter side to the collector side, the PD-IGBT enhances the dynamic electric field modulation and reduces turn-off loss and time. Moreover, the change in location of the blocking junction also optimizes the relationship between breakdown voltage and on-state voltage, leading to higher avalanche energy.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRON DEVICES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Keijo Jacobs, Mietek Bakowski, Per Ranstad, Hans-Peter Nee
Summary: This article investigates the performance of three differently optimized 10-kV SiC p-i-n diodes in high-power converters and compares them. The results show that using SiC diodes can reduce rectifier losses by 37%, compared to the use of Si diodes. The proportion of switching losses to total losses is low, indicating a higher possible operation frequency for SiC diodes.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS
(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.