Article
Environmental Sciences
Shahbaz Ali, Shouhong Zhang, Farman Ali Chandio
Summary: Rainwater harvesting systems are widely implemented in urban areas to address water scarcity and stormwater issues. However, the impacts of rainfall change on these systems vary in different climatic zones. This study found that rainfall change can affect both water saving and stormwater control performance of rainwater harvesting systems in Pakistan, with specific locations requiring adaptive measures to mitigate negative impacts.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diego Antonio Custodio, Enedir Ghisi
Summary: Population increase, climate change and soil impermeability are factors causing floods in large urban centres. This research aims to evaluate the influence of rainwater harvesting in residential buildings on stormwater in a basin located in Southern Brazil. The study considers various factors such as urbanized and non-urbanized areas, soil types, curve numbers, and time of concentration of each sub-basin. The results show that rainwater tanks in residential buildings have little influence on stormwater runoff, and the reduction in peak flows is insignificant when considering the flooding in the region.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xing Du, Zhen Wang, Yao Liu, Rong Ma, Seng Lu, Xinglin Lu, Lifan Liu, Heng Liang
Summary: The study shows that the combination of electro-oxidation and membrane bioreactor is effective in treating roof rainwater and disinfection. The process utilizes reactive oxygen and chlorine species to achieve microbial disinfection, organic matter removal, stable ammonia removal, and transformation of nitrogenous substances. Additionally, precipitation of FePO4, CaCO3, and Mg(OH)2 was observed in the electro-oxidation unit causing TP removal and slight increase in turbidity.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Liangfu Wei, Qiang Yue, Guanglong Chen, Jun Wang
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive review of microplastics (MPs) in rainwater/stormwater environments, including their sources, transport, fate, and potential solutions. The study highlights the importance of considering various factors that influence MPs abundance and characteristics for accurate assessment and comparison. Plastic products and tire/road wear particles are identified as primary sources of MPs, and rainwater/stormwater acts as conduits for their transport. The fate of MPs is determined by complex processes like sedimentation, weathering, biofilm formation, and biological degradation. Removing MPs from rainwater/stormwater environments is crucial, and techniques like constructed wetlands, bioretention systems, and filtration show promise but vary in effectiveness depending on factors like size and mobility. Further research is needed to improve replicability and assess the influence of flow rate and rainfall intensity, particularly for underestimated MPs smaller than 100 mm.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jun Wang, Ankit Garg, Ning Liu, Deqiang Chen, Guoxiong Mei
Summary: In this study, the hydrological performance of green roofs with different water storage layer depths was analyzed through simulated rainfall experiments. The results showed that the depth of the water storage layer is the most sensitive parameter affecting rainwater retention and initial drainage time. A 25-mm water storage layer was found to increase rainwater retention capacity and delay drainage time, resulting in a reduction in peak drainage rate.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Monzur Alam Imteaz, Sameer Shadeed
Summary: This study presents a water balance modelling concept for rainwater harvesting analysis and compares the results with the traditional Rippl method, finding a more practical and feasible tank size calculation method. The research also indicates the correlation between optimal tank size, roof size, and rainwater demand, which can be incorporated into a generalized equation for determination.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Minseok Kang, Chulsang Yoo, Wooyoung Na
Summary: This study evaluated the contribution and role of small agricultural reservoirs on Udo in crop production, analyzing agricultural water demand, deficit, and irrigation water using a water balance model. Results showed that the water stored in the mool-tongs significantly aided crop survival and increased production.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Joanna Bak
Summary: This article presents a SWOT analysis for rainwater utilization in cities, compiling comprehensive information and knowledge on this topic. It discusses the possibilities and challenges of introducing rainwater utilization into future cities, providing a basis for further planning.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristina M. Monteiro, Cristina Santos, Paula M. L. Castro
Summary: This study assessed the suitability of a previously developed model for determining the runoff coefficient in green roofs (GRs) and evaluated different time scales for runoff coefficient determination. The results showed that the model did not fit the experimental data from this study, indicating the need for a new model that considers additional variables. The study also found that monthly determination of the runoff coefficient resulted in lower values than weekly or per rain event determination, but there were no significant differences when applied to long-term performance analysis.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shannon Stang, Masoumeh Khalkhali, Marek Petrik, Michael Palace, Zhongming Lu, Weiwei Mo
Summary: This study focuses on the application of decentralized water systems in Boston, finding that greywater recycling systems outperform rainwater harvesting systems overall in the city, with potential savings of around $909-948/year in cost and 586-622 MJ/year in energy. The central city area is advantageous for both rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems, suggesting incentives should be provided to promote decentralized system adoption, while the suburban southern areas are more suitable for rainwater harvesting systems and the downtown area is more suitable for promoting greywater recycling systems.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aniket Deo, Subhankar Karmakar, Amit Arora
Summary: Global environmental degradation, particularly in rain-fed farming dominant countries like India, highlights the necessity for optimal sizing and utilization of on-farm reservoirs (OFR) to ensure agricultural livelihoods and food security. A comprehensive simulation-optimization model was developed in this study to address the issue.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jun Wang, Ankit Garg, Shan Huang, Guoxiong Mei, Jiaqin Liu, Kexin Zhang, Lin Gan
Summary: This study investigates the influence of layered soil and green roof configurations on rainwater retention capacity and found that a combination of deep soil with high water holding capacity and permeable topsoil can increase the highest rainwater retention capacity.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Monzur Alam Imteaz, Vassiliki Boulomytis
Summary: This study investigates the outcomes of rainwater tanks using an hourly timestep model, considering hourly rainfall data and hourly variable rainwater demands. The results show that the hourly timestep model provides more accurate estimates of annual water savings compared to the daily timestep model.
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Oliver Weiss, Pia Minixhofer, Bernhard Scharf, Ulrike Pitha
Summary: Equations for calculating evapotranspiration in technical soils show significant variations in results due to different climatic conditions and vegetation specifics. Through laboratory tests, a user-friendly equation based on temperature, vegetation type, and technical soil has been developed to accurately measure evapotranspiration rates in technical soils.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samia Richards, Lakshminarayana Rao, Stephanie Connelly, Anjali Raj, Lakshmi Raveendran, Shahana Shirin, Priyanka Jamwal, Rachel Helliwell
Summary: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a rooftop rainwater harvesting system in reducing the pressure on groundwater supply at a public school in rural India. The stored rainwater quality and the application of low-cost treatment methods were assessed, indicating that chlorine dosing was effective in reducing microbial abundance over time. The results showed that the installed rainwater harvesting system has reduced water supply pressure by up to 25% with proper chlorination, allowing for greater savings and multiple uses of the stored water.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
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)