Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaoyan Liu, Fenfen Zhu, Rongyan Zhang, Luyao Zhao, Juanjuan Qi
Summary: The treatment and disposal methods of municipal sewage sludge have limited ability to produce high-value products, but research on using sludge for energy recovery, including biofuel production, has increased. Sludge drying by heat is efficient but costly, while organic solvents for lipid extraction are expensive and environmentally unfavorable. Solid acid catalysts are promising alternatives, and new catalysts like ionic liquids and enzymes show potential for future development.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alyaa Abdulhussein Alsaedi, Md. Sohrab Hossain, Venugopal Balakrishnan, Marwan Abdul Hakim Shaah, Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar, Norli Ismail, Mu. Naushad, Chinna Bathula
Summary: This study assessed the feasibility of using municipal sewage sludge as a feedstock for biodiesel production. The results showed that lipids can be extracted from sewage sludge using the soxhlet extraction method, and biodiesel can be synthesized from the extracted lipids using alkaline transesterification. The physicochemical properties of the biodiesel met the relevant standards.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Valeria D'Ambrosio, Luigi di Bitonto, Antonella Angelini, Agata Gallipoli, Camilla M. Braguglia, Carlo Pastore
Summary: This study optimized the process of extracting lipids from sewage sludge using ethyl butyrate through experiments. By extracting at 70 degrees Celsius for 7 hours without using any acids, 93.7% of the starting lipids were efficiently recovered and converted into biodiesel.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Muhammad Usman, Shuo Cheng, Jeffrey S. Cross
Summary: This study aims to develop an efficient process for extracting saponifiable lipids and preparing biodiesel from sewage sludge. Results showed that direct extraction method using hexane at room temperature was able to achieve saponifiable lipids' extraction in the range of 19-21.5 wt%. These extracted lipids were then converted into biodiesel through acid/base transesterification with high yields and conversion efficiency. Biodiesel produced from sewage sludge has potential as a carbon-neutral fuel with low cost and low sulfur content.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Muhammad Usman, Shuo Cheng, Sasipa Boonyubol, Muhammad Aziz, Jeffrey S. Cross
Summary: Biodiesel, as a promising eco-friendly alternative to diesel, faces the obstacle of high feedstock costs. This study evaluated the production costs of biodiesel from dewatered and wet sewage sludge in Japan, and proposed a sewage sludge biorefinery strategy integrated within Japanese wastewater treatment plants. The results showed that biodiesel production from sewage sludge is nine times cheaper than Japan's current biodiesel production cost.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bike Bao, Fei Wang
Summary: Disposal of sewage sludge, a by-product of wastewater treatment, has become a challenging issue for the environmental protection industry. The research compared the pollutant release characteristics of municipal sludge and industrial sludge by collecting and drying samples of different types of sludge. The results showed that the odor problem of municipal sludge was significantly worse compared to industrial sludge, with a much higher odor index.
JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yolanda Patino, Laura Faba, Eva Diaz, Salvador Ordonez
Summary: The study found that Amberlyst IR120 is the best catalyst, ultrasound pre-treatment can increase biodiesel yield but it damages lipids, affecting the yield.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Esmeralda Chiorescu, Feodor Filipov
Summary: The study demonstrates that the use of municipal sludge processed with the Euphore method is beneficial for agriculture, providing macro and micronutrients without negative environmental impact. The technology allows for the recovery of various essential nutrients, improving crop yield and quality.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mingyan Ma, Donghai Xu, Xuehan Gong, Yunfei Diao, Peng Feng, Krzysztof Kapusta
Summary: Biochar derived from municipal sewage sludge (MSS) pyrolysis can be used as a catalyst to achieve product recycling and enhance conversion rate. The kinetics of MSS product recirculation catalytic pyrolysis were investigated through non-isothermal thermogravimetric experiments. The results revealed that MSS noncatalytic/catalytic pyrolysis reaction involves five stages, with the main decomposition occurring between 180 and 680 degrees C and accounting for a significant mass loss.
Article
Thermodynamics
Aysegul Abusoglu, Alperen Tozlu, Amjad Anvari-Moghaddam
Summary: This paper explores the district heating potentials of wastewater treatment plants based on their biogas, electricity, and heat productions, presenting two district heating scenarios. It is found that waste heat from cogeneration can effectively provide heating services, and the use of biogas can meet the energy needs of more households.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sangho Lee, Young-Min Kim, Muhammad Zain Siddiqui, Young-Kwon Park
Summary: Thermogravimetric analysis and pyrolyzer-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were used to study the kinetic behavior and product distribution of thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of different types of sewage sludge. Municipal sewage sludge (MSS) has a lower activation energy and produces more fatty acids and cholesterol than livestock manure sewage sludge (LMSS). By using a different catalyst, the product distribution of MSS can be altered, increasing the yield of aromatic hydrocarbons.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lalit R. Kumar, Sravan K. Yellapu, R. D. Tyagi, Patrick Drogui
Summary: This study conducted fed-batch fermentation at pH 6.0 using municipal sludge and crude glycerol to cultivate Y. lipolytica SKY7, resulting in high biomass and lipid concentration. The biodiesel produced from sludge-cultivated YL had a similar fatty acid ester profile as vegetable oil.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Afsane Sedighi, Mohsen Karrabi, Bahar Shahnavaz, Morteza Mostafavinezhad
Summary: This study investigated the potential for biogas production from anaerobic codigestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and sewage sludge under mesophilic conditions. The results showed that the best outputs were achieved at TS = 5% and ISR = 2, with the highest biogas yield and methane production.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Hossein Jahromi, Tawsif Rahman, Poulami Roy, Sushil Adhikari
Summary: This research investigated the influence of four solvents on the hydrotreatment of hydrothermal liquefaction biocrude derived from municipal sewage sludge. The results showed that hexane extraction resulted in the highest biocrude yield and the upgraded oil produced from hexane-extracted biocrude had the best quality in terms of fuel properties.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Edita Lekniute-Kyzike, Joana Bendoraitiene, Vesta Navikaite-Snipaitiene, Laura Peciulyte, Ramune Rutkaite
Summary: This study compared the performance of bio-based starch flocculants and synthetic flocculants in solid-liquid separation processes in wastewater treatment. It was found that chemically modified and mechanically sheared potato starch flocculants have advantages in sludge thickening and dewatering, and can be considered as alternative green flocculants in municipal sewage sludge treatment processes.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shahabaldin Rezania, Saeideh Mahdinia, Bahareh Oryani, Jinwoo Cho, Eilhann E. Kwon, Alireza Bozorgian, Hamid Rashidi Nodeh, Negisa Darajeh, Kamyar Mehranzamir
Summary: The study synthesized a novel catalyst using LaTiO3 nanoparticles, which showed high efficiency and reusability for biodiesel production under optimized conditions.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Minyoung Kim, Jong-Min Jung, Sungyup Jung, Jeonghwan Kim, Amit Bhatnagar, Yiu Fai Tsang, Kun-Yi Andrew Lin, Eilhann E. Kwon
Summary: Energy harvesting from agricultural waste allows for the production of renewable energy and the reduction of fossil fuel consumption. This study introduces an integrated upgrading process for peanut waste, producing syngas/biochar and biodiesel through pyrolysis and transesterification, respectively. The use of peanut waste biochar as a catalyst significantly improves the production of syngas and biodiesel. The results demonstrate that peanut waste is a valuable resource for biofuel production and catalyst material.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sungyup Jung, Sangyoon Lee, Sanghyuk Park, Kyungjung Kwon, Yiu Fai Tsang, Wei-Hsin Chen, Young-Kwon Park, Eilhann E. Kwon
Summary: To reduce the use of fossil fuels, the development of rechargeable batteries has been intensified. This study investigated the pyrolysis of battery separator in lithium-ion batteries to understand the thermal degradation of volatile compounds and recover hydrocarbons and syngas. The use of CO2 as a co-reactant was explored to make the process more environmentally friendly. The results showed that the pyrolysis of the battery separator under certain conditions could produce valuable hydrocarbons and syngas.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Seongdeock Jeong, Sanghyuk Park, Jangho Park, Mincheol Beak, Jimin Lee, Eilhann E. Kwon, Kyungjung Kwon
Summary: In the development of cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, Ni-rich and Co-free LiNixCoyMnzO2 (NCM) is considered the best choice. By doping zinc (Zn) into the regenerated NCM, the cycle performance and rate capability can be improved, leading to enhanced capacity retention and lower overvoltage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jong -Gook Kim, Hye-Bin Kim, Sumin Lee, Eilhann E. Kwon, Kitae Baek
Summary: This study utilized a graphite anode for groundwater remediation and found that the flow speed and anode-cathode distance affect the removal of sulfanilamide. The study also revealed the crucial role of chloride and sulfate electrolytes in the generation of active species, while bicarbonate and synthetic groundwater electrolytes impede the oxidation rate.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jong-Min Jung, Jee Young Kim, Jung-Hun Kim, Shin Myung Kim, Sungyup Jung, Hocheol Song, Eilhann E. Kwon, Yoon-E Choi
Summary: This study converted bread waste into glucose through enzymatic hydrolysis, and used the glucose as a carbon substrate for cultivating Euglena gracilis. Additionally, the bread waste residue was valorized into syngas using CO2 as a raw material and a catalyst. The results showed that, in the presence of CO2 and catalyst, the concentration of H2 and CO in the pyrolytic gas products was significantly higher.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Kanit Manatura, Benjapon Chalermsinsuwan, Napat Kaewtrakulchai, Eilhann E. Kwon, Wei-Hsin Chen
Summary: Torrefaction is a remarkable technology in biomass-to-energy, but biomass has several disadvantages. Machine learning and statistical approaches are powerful tools for analyzing and predicting torrefaction outcomes and optimizing the thermal process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Ayyadurai Saravanakumar, Pradeshwaran Vijayakumar, Anh Tuan Hoang, Eilhann E. Kwon, Wei-Hsin Chen
Summary: This paper investigates the thermochemical conversion behavior of large-size woody biomass and explores its potential application in an industrial setting. The study contributes to reducing energy consumption in the preprocessing of wood chips and briquettes, as well as reducing CO2 emissions.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Obaid Ali Qamar, Farrukh Jamil, Murid Hussain, Sungjun Bae, Abrar Inayat, Noor S. Shah, Ammara Waris, Parveen Akhter, Eilhann E. Kwon, Young -Kwon Park
Summary: Biodiesel is a strategic measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and negative environmental impacts. Alkali-catalysed transesterification is the conventional production method due to its reliability and low cost. However, it requires refined lipid feedstock and has low tolerance for impurities.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Taewoo Lee, Jung-Hun Kim, Yiu Fai Tsang, Wei-Hsin Chen, Doyeon Lee, Min-Woong Jung, Sungyup Jung, Eilhann E. Kwon
Summary: Construction waste is a significant environmental problem due to its landfilling/incineration treatment, which increases the risk of releasing microplastics, leachates, air pollutants, and toxic gases. However, there is still a lack of sustainable disposal methods for building plastic waste. This study proposes a cleaner and safer disposal platform for building insulator waste (BIW) by using CO2 as a detoxifying agent. Through catalytic pyrolysis, toxic chemicals in BIW can be transformed into syngas (H2/CO), and CO2 facilitates the conversion of toxic compounds into CO, reducing their hazardous effects. This research confirms the technical feasibility of catalytic pyrolysis under CO2 as a promising disposal method for BIW.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jechan Lee, Kun-Yi Andrew Lin, Sungyup Jung, Eilhann E. Kwon
Summary: The integration of waste-to-energy conversion with other renewable energy processes is a key strategy for waste disposal and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Proper system configurations are crucial for sustainable power generation. Comparative analysis of hybrid systems is lacking in existing literature.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xing Yang, Ergang Wen, Chengjun Ge, Ali El-Naggar, Huamei Yu, Shengsen Wang, Eilhann E. Kwon, Hocheol Song, Sabry M. Shaheen, Hailong Wang, Joerg Rinklebe
Summary: The use of functionalized biochar amendments can reduce the accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in rice grains. Specifically, silicon (Si)-rich and phosphorus (P)-rich biochars can decrease the concentration of arsenic (As) in rice grains, while iron-modified biochars can enhance rice grain yield. Additionally, P-rich biochar can increase the activity of beneficial bacteria in the soil and decrease lead (Pb) concentration in rice grains. However, iron-modified P-rich biochar can increase cadmium (Cd) and Pb concentration in rice grains.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hee Sue Lee, Sungyup Jung, Kun-Yi Andrew Lin, Eilhann E. Kwon, Jechan Lee
Summary: Rapidly changing fashion trends have resulted in a large amount of textile waste globally. Textile waste, which consists of various substances, poses challenges for recycling due to its inhomogeneity and complexity. Pyrolysis, a thermochemical process, can upcycle textile waste into value added products. This article provides a systematic review of pyrolysis processes for upcycling textile waste, discussing challenges and recommending future research needs. Despite these challenges, pyrolysis can be an effective end-of-life option for textile waste with continuous research and development.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dimberu G. Atinafu, Beom Yeol Yun, Eilhann E. Kwon, Seong Jin Chang, Sumin Kim
Summary: Thermal energy storage systems based on phase-change materials (PCMs) have attracted attention due to their ability to address intermittency issues in renewable energy. This study investigates the impact of molecular chain length on the thermal energy storage density and phase-change temperature of phase-change composites. The results demonstrate that the composite using a longer-chain n-alkane (BN@C22) exhibits higher latent heat storage capacity compared to the one using a shorter-chain n-alkane (BN@C12). Both composites show good chemical compatibility, thermal durability, and low leakage rate, making them suitable for thermal management applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Seong-Heon Cho, Sangyoon Lee, Youkwan Kim, Hocheol Song, Jechan Lee, Yiu Fai Tsang, Wei-Hsin Chen, Young -Kwon Park, Dong-Jun Lee, Sungyup Jung, Eilhann E. Kwon
Summary: Crop residues, which are agricultural waste materials, are generated massively worldwide. However, a significant amount of crop residues are currently wasted, despite their high potential as a valuable carbon-rich material. This review discusses the valorization methods for crop residues as carbon-rich materials and their applications in the removal of toxic gases in industries. The applications of crop residue biochars in toxic gas removal can have significant environmental benefits and economic feasibility.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)