Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yvonne Ryan-Fogarty, Cornelis Peter Balde, Michelle Wagner, Colin Fitzpatrick
Summary: Mercury is a persistent toxic substance that can transform into methylmercury in the environment and bioaccumulate in food chains. Preventing mercury releases is crucial for protecting human health. Alternatives to mercury products are available, and the Minamata Convention is working towards further phase-outs. This study highlights the need to develop indicators for mercury-added product stocks and flows to optimize hazardous waste management and support the circular economy.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Olanrewaju S. Shittu, Ian D. Williams, Peter J. Shaw
Summary: The review highlights the importance of effective waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management in contributing to Sustainable Development Goals and a circular economy. It discusses current global trends in WEEE generation, legislation, and policies, as well as future scenarios. Key concerns include stockpiling of WEEE devices and challenges in regulation and enforcement. Recommendations for improving global WEEE management include incorporating circular economy principles, extending legislation, and harmonizing key terms and definitions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pavel Ryabchuk, Muhammad Anwar, Sarim Dastgir, Kathrin Junge, Matthias Beller
Summary: Electronic waste, a rapidly growing waste stream, is often exported to developing countries where it causes environmental damage and health risks. Developing new strategies for metal recovery from E-waste is crucial, and a methodology for converting E-waste to catalytic materials with byproduct gold-enriched solids has been described in this study.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yen Thi Ta, Tuyet Thi Anh Nguyen, Nam Hoang Nguyen
Summary: This study aims to identify the key areas for the transition to a circular economy in Vietnam by analyzing waste flows in the supply chains. The results show that industries such as Coke, Mining and Extraction, Paper production and services, Plastics, and Building materials have significant potential for reducing waste and should be prioritized for the circular economy transition in Vietnam.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Khalid Mujasam Batoo, Saravanan Pandiaraj, Muthumareeswaran Muthuramamoorthy, Emad H. Raslan, Sujatha Krishnamoorthy
Summary: The increase in household e-waste generation poses environmental and health risks, prompting the proposal of a behavior-based swarm model using a fuzzy controller for efficient e-waste collection. This approach aims to decrease costs and improve efficiency in e-waste collection.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hilal Shams, Altaf Hossain Molla, Mohd Nizam Ab Rahman, Hawa Hishamuddin, Zambri Harun, Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar
Summary: The widespread use of electric and electronic products has led to the generation of a large amount of e-waste. The concept of a circular economy is attracting researchers to study e-waste management. This study reviews research articles published in the MDPI Sustainability journal on e-waste in the context of operations and supply chain management, identifying research themes and clusters and providing future research guidelines.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ivan Celio Andrade Ribeiro, Isabela Cristina Filardi Vasques, Jessica Cristina Teodoro, Marcelo Braga Bueno Guerra, Jefferson Santana da Silva Carneiro, Leonidas Carrijo Azevedo Melo, Luiz Roberto Guimaraes Guilherme
Summary: This study developed a novel low-cost chemical compound named hydroxyl-eggshell (ES-OH) for arsenic removal from aqueous solutions, providing a local and environmentally-friendly way of recycling eggshells. The adsorption mechanism of ES-OH on arsenic was found to be vladimirite precipitation followed by weak electrostatic interactions, showing promising potential for application in egg-processing industries.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaocheng Hu, Xiaoyu Yan
Summary: The demand for critical metals has increased globally, leading to supply risks. The lack of understanding of the stocks and flows of different critical metals in electrical and electronic equipment has resulted in low recycling rates. This study quantifies the stocks and flows of critical metals in UK household EEE and provides evidence to assist decision makers in developing circular and sustainable strategies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vincenzo Santucci, Silvia Fiore
Summary: This study investigated the performance of waste polyurethane foam (PUF) derived from end-of-life refrigerators as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of waste PUF was limited for methylene blue and mercury, and much lower for phenol, with removal efficiency lower than that of commercial activated carbon (AC). The preliminary results suggest that additional pre-treatments are needed to overcome the adsorption limits of waste PUF for better wastewater treatment.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Vasile Gherhes, Marcela Alina Farcasiu, Iulia Para
Summary: The study analyzed the behaviors and awareness of 816 students from Politehnica University of Timisoara and found that there is a need to enhance their behaviors of reuse and selective collection of recyclable materials. The research results can be used in the development of strategic documents for environmental protection and sustainable development.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
I. P. Bras, S. Maia, L. M. Simoes, T. Rabaca, M. E. Silva
Summary: The European circular economy targets and waste policies have increasingly focused on bio-waste, leading to the need for selective collection strategies. In a non-intensive urban region in Portugal, the main bio-waste producers are hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops, followed by food commerce, social services, and tea houses. Selective collection should be conducted door-to-door in higher-density areas, while rural areas should introduce valorization locally.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marcella Bernardo, Hugh Forehead, Isabella De Carvalho Vallin, Sylmara L. F. Goncalves-Dias
Summary: In addition to circular economy approaches, Australian municipal waste management systems face challenges due to the loss of capacity to export waste overseas. Selective Waste Collection (SWC) is crucial for effective waste sorting and collection. The study focused on SWC systems in Wollongong and investigated their organization and role in managing household plastic waste. The findings revealed low collection rates and identified challenges such as contamination and lack of data. Recommendations include transitioning to a non-commingled system.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jose Francisco de Oliveira Neto, Laise Alves Candido, Anisio Brasileiro de Freitas Dourado, Simone Machado Santos, Lourdinha Florencio
Summary: This study provides a qualitative and quantitative literature review on the management of waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from a circular economy perspective. The results show an increase in publications on WEEE management since 2015, with a focus on recycling, reuse, and technologies for material/energy recovery. However, there is a lack of research on prevention/reduction of WEEE generation. The current management approach prioritizes technological solutions for end-of-pipe treatment, rather than addressing long-term sustainability.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marinella Favot, Luca Grassetti, Antonio Massarutto, Raphael Veit
Summary: This study fills the empirical research gap on the application of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in Europe by analyzing the impact of competition and regulation on the cost of dealing with waste from electric and electronic equipment (WEEE). The results provide valuable insights into EPR models and the collection and economic outcomes achieved by compliance organizations. The statistical analysis shows that a more competitive market structure allows for the same collection outcomes at a lower cost, which has potential implications for waste management policies.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wojciech Czekala
Summary: Municipal waste management is crucial for environmental protection in any country, with biowaste being the dominant stream in Poland. This study aims to discuss the selective collection and management of biowaste in Poland's municipal sector and identify limiting factors. Developing installations for biological waste management is essential for meeting increasingly stringent waste management requirements.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Piotr Nowakowski
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2018)
Article
Environmental Studies
Piotr Nowakowski, Krzysztof Szwarc, Urszula Boryczka
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PART D-TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT
(2018)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Piotr Nowakowski, Marian Bubak, Tomasz Bartynski, Tomasz Gubala, Daniel Harezlak, Marek Kasztelnik, Maciej Malawski, Jan Meizner
JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Piotr Nowakowski
Article
Environmental Sciences
Piotr Nowakowski, Aleksander Krol
Summary: This study investigates the collection and transportation costs of end-of-life tires (ELT) and proposes a new method of multi-criteria decision support to select the best collection scenario. In the Polish case study, it was found that packing tires at collection points can reduce costs, decrease exhaust emissions, and improve efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Piotr Nowakowski, Teresa Pamula
Article
Environmental Sciences
Piotr Nowakowski, Krzysztof Szwarc, Urszula Boryczka
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Krzysztof Szwarc, Piotr Nowakowski, Urszula Boryczka
Summary: The article discusses the utilitarian problem of mobile collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment, proposing a novel method of designing Evolutionary and Memetic Algorithms. The recommended methods are shown to provide much better results than the metaheuristics described in the available literature.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Monika Kosacka-Olejnik, Mariusz Kostrzewski, Magdalena Marczewska, Bogna Mrowczynska, Pawel Pawlewski
Summary: This paper explores the application of Digital Twins in internal transport systems, clarifies definitions related to the concept, and explains the relationships between Digital Twins and terms such as material handling and material flow. By identifying major research trends and future research directions, the paper contributes to the current state of the art of Digital Twins.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Piotr Nowakowski, Sandra Kusnierz, Julia Ploszaj, Patrycja Sosna
Summary: The study reveals a growing interest among residents in disposing of small e-waste, with a majority being aware of proper methods. However, only one-third of respondents actually intend to dispose of small e-waste. While containers in supermarkets have simple designs, those in residential areas are more attractive, yet the frequency of cleaning discarded items like lamps needs improvement.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Piotr Nowakowski, Sandra Kusnierz, Patrycja Sosna, Jakub Mauer, Dawid Maj
Article
Transportation Science & Technology
Mariusz Wala, Piotr Nowakowski
TRANSPORT PROBLEMS
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
B. Mrowczynska, A. Krol, P. Czech
BULLETIN OF THE POLISH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES-TECHNICAL SCIENCES
(2019)
Article
Transportation Science & Technology
Mariusz Wala, Piotr Nowakowski
SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF SILESIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY-SERIES TRANSPORT
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yui Kawasaki, Sayaka Nagao-Sato, Misa Shimpo, Kahori Fujisaki, Emi Yoshii, Rie Akamatsu, Petra Warschburger
Summary: This study qualitatively describes sustainable dietary behaviors (SDBs) that Japanese and German adults can implement in their lives, and quantitatively compares the similarities and differences in understanding SDBs between the two samples. The study found that Japanese participants were more focused on food waste prevention, while German participants were more focused on solving environmental problems.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kechun Chen, Yuan Ding, Liming Yang, Zhihao Wang, Haoxuan Yu, Difan Fang, Yufa Feng, Liying Hu, Chenxi Xu, Penghui Shao, Xubiao Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study proposes a targeted repair scheme for the recovery of graphite anodes from spent LIBs by systematically characterizing and analyzing the structure and composition of spent graphite (SG). The results show that the repair scheme achieves effective SG repair and the repaired graphite anode displays excellent lithium storage performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Takao Ueda, Shigeki Koyanaka, Tatsuya Oki
Summary: Fires caused by accidental crushing of batteries are a serious issue in the e-waste recycling process. A new in-line sorting system that uses X-ray scanning and deep learning has been developed to accurately detect batteries. Through a validation study, the system achieved higher accuracy compared to other existing programs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannes Geist, Frank Balle
Summary: Research on circular economy often lacks empirical data, especially in the theory of circular process design and design for remanufacturing. This study systematically collected and analyzed engineering data on seven remanufacturing processes in the European automotive remanufacturing industry for the first time, providing empirical support for circular engineering challenges, potentials, and solutions.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Haoyang Wang, Xiaoqin Liang, Yibo Wang, Zijie Feng
Summary: The expansion of the photovoltaic market has resulted in a significant increase in PV waste. Therefore, conducting scientific research to determine the importance of the circular economy for sustainable growth in the PV industry is essential. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of PV installed capacity and quantifying the importance of recycling in balancing the supply and demand of raw materials can be achieved through a multi-factor installed capacity prediction model and recovery potential prediction.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chuanzhen Zhang, Baojing Gu, Xia Liang, Shu Kee Lam, Yi Zhou, Deli Chen
Summary: Reactive nitrogen is crucial for agriculture and human nutrition, but mismanagement can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystem services, hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards nitrogen-related targets varies across countries, highlighting the need for integrated management to achieve overall synergies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Gatto, Marijke Kuiper, Corina van Middelaar, Hans van Meijl
Summary: This study examines the economic and environmental effects of transitioning towards more circular food systems in the European Union (EU27) by feeding animals with low-opportunity-cost feed and better utilizing local feed resources. The results show that providing subsidies for circularity and promoting the use of low-cost feed can increase animal production, but also have negative impacts on land use and emissions. On the other hand, promoting domestic feed sourcing through import tariffs can decrease animal production and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. However, complementary policies are needed to mitigate drawbacks and enhance benefits of a more circular agri-food system.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinbo Zhang, Liu Chen, Yulei Xie, Pingjian Yang, Zheng Li, Huaicheng Guo, Yang Zhang, Lirong Liu
Summary: This study examines the impact of carbon taxes on low-carbon development and climate change mitigation. By constructing a cross-system bi-layer model, the study finds that reasonable carbon taxes can promote the stability of the energy network, reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants, and optimize production efficiency and the structure of the energy system. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects and implementation pathways of carbon taxes.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
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
Engineering, Environmental
Yinqiu Ma, Lin Huang, Jiahui Li, Wei Cao, Yumei Cai
Summary: Afforestation and reforestation, such as China's Grain for Green Program, have shown to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the significant carbon potential of the program and its potential application in other countries to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arlind Dervishaj, Kjartan Gudmundsson
Summary: This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment and provides suggestions. The study identifies limitations in the functionalities of current tools, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. Further development is needed in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamadreza Y. Azarfam, Anuj Maheshwari, Frank D. Blum, Siddhesh Chaudhari, Clinton Switzer, Ranji Vaidyanathan, Jay C. Hanan, Sudheer Bandla
Summary: This study introduces a feasible method for manufacturing recycled composites using post-consumer carpets and recycled resin. The resulting composites have impressive strength and modulus, surpassing commercial thermoplastics and making them suitable for structural applications. This research presents a promising approach to address carpet landfilling and reduce reliance on additives.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pujiang Shi, Tianle Huang, Hong Kit Lim, Chiew Kei Tan, Jong-Min Lee, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study developed a highly porous bioadaptive 3D sponge-like construct from plastic materials in discarded keyboards for advanced in vitro applications. The findings demonstrate the potential of using discarded keyboards as a waste-to-resource feedstock to achieve waste reduction and maximize value-capture.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuo-Jui Wu, Hailing Qiu, Caiyan Huang, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: Government resource allocation practices for achieving carbon neutrality should be guided by dynamic system theory to identify potential dynamics. Carbon intensity control dynamics have a significant influence on other dynamics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)