Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anurag Deepak, Varun Sharma, Dinesh Kumar
Summary: This paper addresses the environmental burden of existing biomedical waste management in northern India and suggests constructive steps to achieve a less impactful environment through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The study finds that an integrated system including incineration with energy recovery, autoclave-shredder, chemical disinfection, and Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) reduces the environmental burden compared to the present state. The paper suggests that LCA is a beneficial tool for decision-makers and managers to reduce environmental burden and develop a life cycle inventory database for developed economies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sara Rajabi Hamedani, Andrea Colantoni, Leonardo Bianchini, Monica Carnevale, Enrico Paris, Mauro Villarini, Francesco Gallucci
Summary: This study investigates the environmental performance of using spent coffee ground in pellet production. The results show that spent coffee ground pellets can mitigate climate change and reduce freshwater eutrophication, and they have favorable environmental profiles.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Josinaldo Dias, Angelus Giuseppe Pereira Silva, Jose Nilson Franca de Holanda, Fabiola Martins Delatorre, Amanda Oliveira da Conceicao, Gilson Mendonca de Miranda Junior, Aurora Futuro, Silvia Cardinal Pinho
Summary: The exponential growth in electronic consumption has led to a significant increase in discarded electronic materials. This study aimed to optimize the concentration of metallic copper in the recycling process of electronic waste. The results showed that the NM+1mm Concentrated product contained approximately 78% copper, contributing to the efficiency of copper extraction processes. However, the generation of dust during the fragmentation process may pose risks to occupational respiratory health.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fatih Tufaner
Summary: The zero-waste project in Turkey aims to reduce the pressure of organic waste on landfills and improve resource recycling by anaerobically treating refectory wastes, achieving a significant decrease in meal waste and strengthening recycling efforts.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rohit Gupta, Royce Miller, William Sloan, Siming You
Summary: The study evaluated the technical and economic feasibility of converting organic waste to biomethane in Glasgow, UK, using different biogas upgrading technologies. Biomethane production based on membrane separation technology could meet 0.8% of gas demand for Glasgow households with a conversion efficiency of 83%.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Michal Placek, Vladislav Valentinov, Gabriela Vacekova, Frantisek Ochrana, Stanislav Curda, Choirul Anam
Summary: This paper explores the challenges and impacts of hybridity in public service delivery using a case study of waste management service in Znojmo, Czech Republic. The study found that the engagement of the private for-profit sector increases innovation in service delivery, with the useful impact of innovativeness being maximized through a hybrid arrangement. The key benefit of hybrid arrangement is the stable intersectoral partnership allowing comprehensive control of service delivery.
Article
Thermodynamics
Daniel D. Otero Meza, Alexis Sagastume Gutierrez, Juan J. Cabello Eras, Jairo Salcedo Mendoza, Jorge Hernandez Ruydiaz
Summary: Landfills contribute to methane emissions globally, but landfill gas-to-energy systems can energetically revalorize municipal solid wastes. This study examines the potential of implementing landfill gas-to-energy in major Colombian cities and evaluates the technical, economic, and environmental aspects. Different scenarios for electricity and heat generation are assessed, and the economic and environmental performance are analyzed. The results indicate significant power generation potential, economic profitability, and the ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kevin Jia Le Lee, Sook Fun Wong
Summary: Proper end-of-life management of mixed plastic waste is a global challenge, and current pathways are designed based on geographical conditions and environmental regulations. This study assesses the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of different plastic EOL pathways in Singapore, emphasizing the need to redesign waste-to-resource taxonomy and maximize mechanical recycling to reduce reliance on thermal energies and improve performance.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Bottausci, Chiara Magrini, Giulia Adele Tuci, Alessandra Bonoli
Summary: This study examines the impact of plastic impurities on the environmental and economic performance of an Italian composting plant. It includes a material flow analysis to quantify impurities before and after composting, as well as a life cycle assessment and costing of the composting process. Results show that conventional plastic remains constant, while compostable plastic almost disappears after composting. Shredding and mixing phases are identified as the most environmentally damaging, and operating costs contribute the most to total annual costs. The study suggests potential improvements by addressing plastic impurities in biowaste.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oluwatobi Adeleke, Stephen A. Akinlabi, Tien-Chien Jen, Israel Dunmade
Summary: Proper information regarding the performance of waste management systems from an environmental perspective is significant to sustainable waste management decisions and planning toward the selection of the least impactful treatment options. This study evaluates the environmental impact of different waste management systems in South Africa, using Johannesburg as a case study, and finds that material recycling facilities are the most beneficial unit operation while landfilling without energy recovery is the most impactful. No scenario had the best performance across all impact categories, but S3 is considered the most environmentally friendly option with the lowest impact in most categories.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jeremy Rodrigues, Natacha Gondran, Adrien Beziat, Valerie Laforest
Summary: The paper expands the AESA framework to multifunctional systems, using a simplified case study on municipal solid waste (MSW) management to identify specific challenges of multifunctionality within AESA. The methodology developed includes steps to quantify impacts, identify beneficiaries, determine significant impact categories, and assess the carrying capacity of the system based on human needs satisfaction. Steps were applied to a proof of concept model of MSW management in the Lyon Metropolitan Area, highlighting the importance of understanding system functions and different sharing principles in determining environmental sustainability.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alyne Martins Maciel, Marcelo Henrique Otenio, Vanessa Romario de Paula, Virginia Mendonca Lourenco Benhami, Cassiano Moro Piekarski, Camila Marcal da Rocha, Nathan Oliveira Barros
Summary: The environmental impacts of milk production farms in Brazil were assessed using LCA, and it was found that anaerobic digestion can significantly reduce the impacts on acidification, eutrophication, and climate change by 25% to 38%.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Khadija Al-Omran, Asma Abahussain, Ezzat Khan
Summary: This study assesses the increasing generation rate and management of medical waste in Bahrain. The results show a vast increase in medical waste during COVID-19. Existing policies address the impact of medical waste issues but lack measures to tackle the drivers and pressures.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jacoba M. M. Viljoen, Catherina J. Schenck, Liza Volschenk, Phillip F. Blaauw, Lizette Grobler
Summary: Waste management in rural areas of developing countries presents challenges for municipalities due to limited budgets and lack of proper infrastructure. Collaboration between municipalities and households is necessary to find effective solutions for managing household waste.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fabio Friol Guedes de Paiva, Luis Fernando dos Santos, Jacqueline Roberta Tamashiro, Lucas Henrique Pereira Silva, Silvio Rainho Teixeira, Adela P. Galvin, Antonio Lopez-Uceda, Karol Skowera, Angela Kinoshita
Summary: This study investigates the potential of sugarcane vinasse wastewater (SVW) in substituting water in mortar for civil construction. The research findings demonstrate that replacing 60% to 100% of water with SVW improves workability and reduces water demand. Mortars with 20% to 60% SVW substitution maintain satisfactory mechanical properties. However, the SVW delays the cement hardening process and achieves mechanical strength after 28 days. Furthermore, the use of SVW enhances the mortar's impermeability and reduces susceptibility to weathering. This evaluation provides significant insights for the application of SVW in civil construction, promoting the replacement of water with liquid waste in cementitious composites and the conservation of natural resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maklawe Essonanawe Edjabou, Alessio Boldrin, Thomas Fruergaard Astrup
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2018)
Editorial Material
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Thomas Fruergaard Astrup, Kostyantyn Pivnenko, Marie Kampmann Eriksen, Alessio Boldrin
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marie Kampmann Eriksen, Anders Damgaard, Alessio Boldrin, Thomas Fruergaard Astrup
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Giorgia Faraca, Alessio Boldrin, Thomas Astrup
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Giorgia Faraca, Vincent M. Edjabou, Alessio Boldrin, Thomas Astrup
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maklawe Essonanawe Edjabou, Giorgia Faraca, Alessio Boldrin, Thomas Fruergaard Astrup
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2019)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tim Patterson, Jaime Massanet-Nicolau, Rhys Jones, Alessio Boldrin, Francesco Valentino, Richard Dinsdale, Alan Guwy
Summary: The meat and dairy industry in Europe relies on grass production, but there is potential to use grass for producing alternative products like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) due to pressures to reduce agriculture's environmental impact, potential decrease in meat and dairy consumption, and the need to lower food production costs. Research shows that utilizing grass as a carbon source for PHA production could lead to a viable future option with reduced energy demand and improved efficiency through process optimization.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vinay Yadav, M. A. Sherly, Pallav Ranjan, Rafael O. Tinoco, Alessio Boldrin, Anders Damgaard, Alexis Laurent
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marie Kampmann Eriksen, Kostyantyn Pivnenko, Giorgia Faraca, Alessio Boldrin, Thomas Fruergaard Astrup
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
T. H. Christensen, A. Damgaard, J. Levis, Y. Zhao, A. Bjorklund, U. Arena, M. A. Barlaz, V Starostina, A. Boldrin, T. F. Astrup, V Bisinella
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Susanna Andreasi Bassi, Alessio Boldrin, Giammarco Frenna, Thomas F. Astrup
Summary: The study found that the use of biorefinery-based production can outperform traditional fossil fuel plastics in terms of environmental impacts and societal costs, but further improvements are needed to enhance biorefinery performance.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maklawe Essonanawe Edjabou, Vasiliki Takou, Alessio Boldrin, Claus Petersen, Thomas Fruergaard Astrup
Summary: Sampling and characterisation of municipal household waste in Denmark was conducted to investigate the impact of recycling schemes on residual household waste (RHW) composition and generation, providing detailed waste data. The detailed waste composition enables waste management authorities to design comprehensive guidelines for waste sorting and improve the validity and certainty of LCA results and recommendations.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Steffen Foss Hansen, Rickard Arvidsson, Maria Bille Nielsen, Oliver Foss Hessner Hansen, Lauge Peter Westergaard Clausen, Anders Baun, Alessio Boldrin
Summary: The transition from a linear economy to a circular economy is gaining momentum, but there are significant challenges related to (eco-)toxicological hazards and the presence of nanomaterials in waste streams in utilizing nanotechnology for circularity.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sina Leipold, Anna Petit-Boix, Anran Luo, Hanna Helander, Machteld Simoens, Weslynne S. Ashton, Callie W. Babbitt, Alba Bala, Catharina R. Bening, Morten Birkved, Fenna Blomsma, Casper Boks, Alessio Boldrin, Pauline Deutz, Teresa Domenech, Navarro Ferronato, Alejandro Gallego-Schmid, Damien Giurco, Kersty Hobson, Roope Husgafvel, Cynthia Isenhour, Mait Kriipsalu, Donato Masi, Joan Manuel F. Mendoza, Leonidas Milios, Monia Niero, Deepak Pant, Keshav Parajuly, Stefan Pauliuk, Marina P. P. Pieroni, Jessika Luth Richter, Michael Saidani, Marzena Smol, Laura Talens Peiro, Stijn van Ewijk, Walter J. V. Vermeulen, Dominik Wiedenhofer, Bing Xue
Summary: The current enthusiasm for the circular economy offers an opportunity for research on sustainability transitions. However, diverse interpretations and assessments of its potential benefits hinder progress. This study synthesizes policy-relevant lessons and research directions for a sustainable circular economy and identifies three narratives that underpin the ambiguity in assessments.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Susanna Andreasi Bassi, Alessio Boldrin, Giorgia Faraca, Thomas F. Astrup
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2020)
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.
