Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junkai Hu, Yongde Liu, Xue Song, Jihong Zhao, Qiaochong He
Summary: This study investigated the potential of using Brassica chinensis waste (BCW) for anaerobic fermentative production of volatile fatty acids (VFA). The results showed that stacking time, initial pH, inoculum dose, and temperature all had significant effects on VFA yield and the microbial community structure. Stacking BCW for 3 days resulted in the highest VFA yield of 187.79 mgCOD/gVS. VFA production was inhibited under acidic and alkaline conditions, and the optimal inoculum dose was found to be 2 gTS/L. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were identified as the dominant microorganisms involved in the acid production step of hydrolysis in anaerobic fermentation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kasra Khatami, Merve Atasoy, Maximilian Ludtke, Christian Baresel, Ozge Eyice, Zeynep Cetecioglu
Summary: The study investigated the impact of different sludge inoculums, pH levels, and retention times on the generation of VFAs during anaerobic digestion of food waste. Acetic acid was the dominant product under alkaline conditions, while propionic and acetic acids were dominant under acidic conditions.
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Siran Feng, Huu Hao Ngo, Wenshan Guo, Soon Woong Chang, Dinh Duc Nguyen, Yi Liu, Shicheng Zhang, Hoang Nhat Phong Vo, Xuan Thanh Bui, Bich Ngoc Hoang
Summary: This review provides an overview of the roles and applications of enzymes in volatile fatty acids production, as well as feasible measures to enhance enzyme processes. It critically evaluates the major obstacles and possible future research directions for the better utilization of enzymatic processes in promoting volatile fatty acids production from wastewater.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Borja Lagoa-Costa, Christian Kennes, Maria C. Veiga
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the microbial dynamics in response to a gradual change in feedstock composition during co-digestion of cheese whey and brewery wastewater, as well as its impact on PHA production. The results showed that the microbial community changed as the feedstock ratio gradually increased, leading to alterations in VFA profile and monomeric composition of the biopolymer.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mekdimu Mezmir Damtie, Jingyeong Shin, Hyun Min Jang, Hyun Uk Cho, Jinhua Wang, Young Mo Kim
Summary: The temperature-phased anaerobic digestion affects the hydrolysis and biomethane potential of microalgae biodegradation, depending on the anaerobic and aerobic pretreatments at different temperatures and microbial diversity. Statistical analysis reveals correlations between temperature and different parameters, with strong correlation between soluble nitrogen and phosphorous with methane under thermoanaerobic pretreatment.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ashutosh Kumar Pandey, S. Pilli, P. Bhunia, R. D. Tyagi, Y. Rao Surampalli, C. Tian Zhang, Sang-Hyoun Kim, Ashok Pandey
Summary: VFAs are the building blocks of the chemical industry and play a key role in the planet's organic carbon cycle. To address the issues of unsustainable VFA production from fossil fuels, it is crucial to develop alternate sources through anaerobic digestion. By researching accessible feedstocks, influencing parameters, and utilizing VFAs to create consumer products, economic stability can be achieved through traditional and advanced production methods.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ben-Yan Li, Zi-Yuan Xia, Min Gou, Zhao-Yong Sun, Yu-Lian Huang, Shuo-Bo Jiao, Wen-Ying Dai, Yue-Qin Tang
Summary: This study investigated the performance and microbial community dynamics of an anaerobic VFA production reactor for treating fruit waste. The results showed that increasing the organic loading rate resulted in higher VFA concentrations and yields, with acetate and butyrate being the dominant products. The microbial community analysis revealed the presence of Lactobacillus, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_12, and Caproiciproducens genera, which were closely associated with anaerobic VFA production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Sun, Mingyi Xu, Shubiao Wu, Renjie Dong, Irini Angelidaki, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: An innovative dual-chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cell was developed as a biosensor for volatile fatty acids (VFA) monitoring. The response of the biosensor was nonlinear, but linear at low concentrations, with high bicarbonate concentrations decreasing the voltage. Stirring speeded up the response but also reduced the detection range, and the biosensor was validated in monitoring VFA concentrations in AD effluents.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Resty Nabaterega, Ibrahim Alper Basar, Cigdem Eskicioglu
Summary: This study investigates the optimization of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production through anaerobic digestion (AD) by evaluating the impact of digester sludge retention time (SRT), temperature, and pH on the reactor performance. The results show that fermenters operated at high pH of 8, low SRT of 2 days, and varying temperatures of 55 and 45 degrees C have the highest VFAs production. Batch acidogenic assays provide quantitative information regarding the presence and activities of cultures in continuously-fed AD, offering insights for utilizing more complex substrates.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Yao Zhang, Chunxing Li, Zengwei Yuan, Ruming Wang, Irini Angelidaki, Gefu Zhu
Summary: This review summarizes the roles of syntrophic bacteria and methanogens in the anaerobic digestion (AD) process, revealing the mechanisms of metabolism pathways, microbial characteristics, substrate oxidation, and electron transfer in syntrophic methanogenesis. The review also provides an overview of process control and optimization methods for improving the efficiency of syntrophic methanogenesis.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Umarin Jomnonkhaow, Clarisse Uwineza, Amir Mahboubi, Steven Wainaina, Alissara Reungsang, Mohammad J. Taherzadeh
Summary: Cow manure has long been seen as a waste management challenge, but its organic content presents opportunities for producing value-added bioproducts like VFAs through anaerobic digestion. This study applied thermal pretreatment to inhibit methanogens and utilized an immersed membrane bioreactor for in situ recovery of VFAs, achieving stable long-term production and recovery.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Juntao Yang, Xinyue Cao, Yongming Sun, Gaixiu Yang, Weiming Yi
Summary: The double-chamber microbial fuel cell shows effective treatment of molasses wastewater, but performance declines with increasing influent concentration due to accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and low pH. However, the MFC exhibits strong self-recovery capability, able to regain high efficiency after a certain period of time.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Liu, Yinguang Chen, Haining Huang, Xu Duan, Lei Dong
Summary: This study reported a new strategy for improving anaerobic digestion (AD) performance under ammonia pressure by regulating the microbiome and enzymes to enhance volatile fatty acids (VFAs) bioconversion. The addition of glutathione significantly increased methane yield and enhanced bioconversion and cell viability under ammonia stress. Metagenomic and metaproteomic analyses revealed that key microbiota and vital proteins involved in enzyme synthesis and catalysis were enriched in the presence of glutathione. The findings suggest that glutathione plays a role in regulating functional microbiome and enzyme activity, offering an alternative approach for improving AD performance under high ammonia conditions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiaonan Zhou, Yu Lu, Liu Huang, Qi Zhang, Xiangyou Wang, Jiying Zhu
Summary: The study investigated the effects of pH on the production of volatile fatty acids and evolution of microbial community structure during anaerobic fermentation of Chinese cabbage waste. The results showed variations in VFA production and microbial community composition under different pH conditions.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, Lukitawesa Lukitawesa, Yumin Duan, Mohammad J. Taherzadeh, Zengqiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, the bacterial community in anaerobic digestion of citrus wastes inoculated with sludge was evaluated, revealing that key bacteria associated with volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production mainly belonged to Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. The study also observed changes in bacterial diversity among different treatment groups during the anaerobic digestion process.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Andrea Goglio, Stefania Marzorati, Laura Rago, Deepak Pant, Pierangela Cristiani, Andrea Schievano
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Michael Nicoli, Francois Grosjean, Remy Mingant, Jean Kittel, Monica Trueba, Stefano Trasatti, Hubert Perrot, Francois Ropital
CORROSION ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mirko Magni, Ester Postiglione, Stefania Marzorati, Luisella Verotta, Stefano P. Trasatti
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Luigi D'Avico, Ruben Beltrami, Eleonora Pargoletti, Stefano P. M. Trasatti, Giuseppe Cappelletti
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elinor P. Thompson, Emilio L. Bombelli, Simon Shubham, Hamish Watson, Aldous Everard, Vincenzo D'Ardes, Andrea Schievano, Stefano Bocchi, Nazanin Zand, Christopher J. Howe, Paolo Bombelli
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad Sadegh Koochaki, Saied Nouri Khorasani, Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany, Ali Ashrafi, Stefano P. Trasatti, Mirko Magni
Summary: A methodology was developed to enrich epoxy coatings with an effective self-healing feature on wet surfaces by chemically engineering polyetheramine and encapsulating it in microcapsules. The study confirmed the successful modification of polyetheramine by dopamine units and investigated the influence of dopamine grafting on the healing performance. The highly responsive self-healing coatings were prepared by embedding amine- and isocyanate-containing microcapsules as a dual-capsule system, and in operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests were employed to study the underwater self-healing performance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Masoud Atapour, Vahid Rajaei, Stefano Trasatti, Maria Pia Casaletto, Gian Luca Chiarello
Article
Polymer Science
Marco F. D'Elia, Mirko Magni, Thomas Romano, Stefano P. M. Trasatti, Markus Niederberger, Walter R. Caseri
Summary: This study investigates the corrosion resistance of Poly(phenylene methylene) (PPM)-based coatings on aluminum alloy and the effect of coating thickness on their performance. The results demonstrate that PPM copolymer exhibits superior corrosion resistance and self-healing ability compared to PPM blend.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mathilde Chen, Andrea Schievano, Simona Bosco, Ana Montero-Castano, Giovanni Tamburini, Marta Perez-Soba, David Makowski
Summary: The identification of sustainable fertilisation practices is crucial for reducing agriculture's environmental impact and ensuring sufficient crop production. Enhanced efficiency fertilisers (EEFs) have been found to increase nutrient uptake by crops and reduce nutrient losses to the environment. This review synthesizes evidence from 26 meta-analyses and reviews to assess the effects of four commonly used EEFs on the environment, nutrient use efficiency, soil fertility, and crop production.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco F. F. D'Elia, Mirko Magni, Stefano P. M. Trasatti, Markus Niederberger, Walter R. R. Caseri
Summary: This study aims to enhance the corrosion protection features of poly(phenylene methylene) (PPM) through sidechain engineering. The influence of side methoxy groups at different concentrations on the final polymer properties was investigated. Coatings made with co-PPM 9% showed the best protection performance and exhibited an intrinsic self-healing phenomenon.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Mirko Magni, Davide Sironi, Michele Ferri, Stefano Trasatti, Sebastiano Campisi, Antonella Gervasini, Maddalena Papacchini, Pierangela Cristiani
Summary: The study combines the excellent adsorption capacity of nanostructured hydroxyapatite (Hap) in heavy metal cations with the good electrical conductivity of high-surface carbon materials to fabricate high-content hydroxyapatite electrodes (Hap 84-96 wt.%). The electrodes demonstrate the synergistic capability of detection and adsorption of heavy metal cations in water solutions. A mesoporous carbon derived from bio-waste is used as a scaffold for depositing Hap by co-precipitation. The composite with 92 wt.% Hap shows superior sensitivity compared to low-content Hap electrodes reported in literature.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Carolina Mori, Giorgia Ghiara, Paolo De Montis, Paolo Piccardo, Giacomo D. Gatta, Stefano Pierpaolo Trasatti
Summary: This study characterized two Venetian swords from the Luigi Marzoli Arms Museum in Brescia to understand their manufacturing process and gather information about their provenance. Analysis of the blades and hilts components revealed differences in metallurgical features, as well as unique manufacturing techniques such as hot forging and copper joints. Hypotheses about ironmaking processes and the origins of raw materials were obtained through inclusions, suggesting a combination of direct and indirect processes and a likely source of minerals from the mines of Brescia and Bergamo.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stefania Marzorati, Andrea Schievano, Antonio Ida, Luisella Verotta
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
G. Ghiara, R. Spotorno, P. Piccardo, P. Cristiani
METALLURGIA ITALIANA
(2019)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Pierangela Cristiani, Iwona Gajda, John Greenman, Francesca Pizza, Paolo Bonelli, Ioannis Ieropoulos
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2019)
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.