Article
Environmental Sciences
Diego Ramirez, Liz J. Shaw, Chris D. Collins
Summary: Various co-solvents and surfactants were tested for the washing of oil sludges, with cyclohexane found to be a more environmentally friendly alternative to toluene. The use of surfactants such as rhamnolipid, Triton X-100, and Triton X-114 can significantly improve oil recovery rates, with the surfactant concentration having minimal impact on the process.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diego Ramirez, Liz J. Shaw, Chris D. Collins
Summary: The study evaluated the toxicity of oil sludge washing residuals from four types of oil sludges washed with five surfactants and a co-solvent. The impact on soil microbial dehydrogenase activity and ryegrass seed germination was examined. Results showed significant effects on soil microbial activity and plant germination at low concentrations, but not at high concentrations, suggesting other co-contaminants may contribute to the toxicity. Biotreatment techniques can be applied to mitigate the toxicity of the residuals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Menglan Li, Wanli Kang, Zhe Li, Hongbin Yang, Ruxue Jia, Yingqi He, Xin Kang, Zhongwen Zheng, Yongdong Wang, Bauyrzhan Sarsenbekuly, Maratbek Gabdullin
Summary: Nanoemulsions with small particle size, uniform dispersion, and long-term stability were prepared using the emulsification inverse phase method at a constant temperature. The effects of emulsifier and water content, salinity, and reservoir temperature on the stability of the nanoemulsion were studied, with results showing that increasing emulsifier content can enhance stability. The oil washing efficiency of the nanoemulsion can reach as high as 83%, providing theoretical support for efficient flooding systems in low-permeability reservoirs.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, Bashirul Haq, Dhafer Al-Shehri, Nasiru S. Muhammed, Mohamed Mahmoud
Summary: This study investigates the efficacy of green surfactants in sandstone reservoirs for chemical enhanced oil recovery. The results show that the RL formulation, consisting of rhamnolipid, alkyl polyglycoside (APG), and lecithin, performed the best in terms of phase behavior, interfacial tension, and core-flooding experiments, with a tertiary recovery of 24% and a total recovery of approximately 70%. These findings contribute to a better understanding of injection design and biosurfactant formulation selection for green enhanced oil recovery technology.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Min Zhang, Wanli Kang, Hongbin Yang, Zhe Li, Xinxin Li, Bobo Zhou, Xin Kang, Menglan Li, Bauyrzhan Sarsenbekuly
Summary: This study investigates the application of erucic acid amidopropyl-betaine (EDAB) and sodium alkyl sulfate (SDS) in constructing worm-like micelle systems for enhanced oil recovery. The results demonstrate that under specific conditions, the EDAB/SDS system exhibits viscoelastic fluid behavior, forming longer linear worm-like micelles and larger network structures. The rheological properties of the EDAB/SDS system are influenced by pH, temperature, and salt concentration.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Petroleum
Ningyu Wang, Yifei Liu, Luming Cha, Matthew T. Balhoff, Masa Prodanovic
Summary: We demonstrate the potential of hydrophilic superparamagnetic nanoparticles in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) by directly observing their effect on oil mobilization. The experiments show that the application of a magnetic field to the nanoparticles can effectively reduce oil saturation and increase oil displacement.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinjian Hou, Lingyu Sun
Summary: This study demonstrated the synergistic effect of using nanofluids and surfactants to enhance oil recovery from carbonate asphalt rocks. Nanofluids rendered the oil-wet calcite surface hydrophilic, while surfactants aided in the release of heavy oil. The combined use of nanofluids and surfactants resulted in altered wettability of the oil-wet calcite surface.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhong Chen, Kun Tong, Chunlan He, Ming Xue, Chong Lyu, Hongzhen Chen, Qiao Chen, Yuanjian Xu
Summary: In this study, near-/supercritical water was utilized as a green medium for extracting and upgrading heavy oil from oil-based drill cuttings. The addition of industrial wastes such as nickel-rich electroplating sludge showed promising catalytic effects in improving the quality of the recovered oil. The active components in these wastes, such as metallic oxides and ferrite, played a crucial role in the upgrading reactions, resulting in high quality oil with zero asphaltene and extremely low heteroatom content.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanfeng He, Kaili Liao, Jinmei Bai, Lipei Fu, Qianli Ma, Xiang Zhang, Zhangkun Ren, Weiyang Wang
Summary: The study explores the surfactant/nanoparticle flooding system based on CDEA and nano-SiO2, which effectively reduces oil-water interfacial tension, maintains system stability, and increases oil recovery rate.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Talha Majeed, Muhammad Shahzad Kamal, Xianmin Zhou, Theis Solling
Summary: The application of foam in the upstream petroleum industry has attracted attention, with stability being crucial for success, and nanoparticles playing a significant role in stabilizing the foam.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Magdalena Cifuentes-Cabezas, Carmen Maria Sanchez-Arevalo, Jose Antonio Mendoza- Roca, Maria Cinta Vincent-Vela, Silvia Alvarez-Blanco
Summary: An adsorption/desorption process using Purolite non-ionic resins was investigated to recover phenolic compounds from agroindustry wastewater. The optimal resin concentration and desorption solvent for maximum recovery were determined, and the adsorption mechanisms were characterized using kinetic and isotherm models. The MN200 resin was found to be the most effective adsorbent, achieving a 91% recovery of phenolic compounds.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Majid Saidi, Hossein Kadkhodayan
Summary: Utilizing Aspen Plus modeling based on Taguchi experimental design, a new plan for sodium permanganate production from industrial sludge with MnO2 has been studied. The optimized results from Taguchi approach were used for modeling and sensitivity analysis, leading to the identification of optimal operating conditions and high production efficiency.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
O. A. Olabode, V. O. Ogbebor, E. O. Onyeka, B. C. Felix
Summary: Oil rim reservoirs are characterized by their small thickness relative to gas caps and aquifers, requiring careful planning to maximize oil production and avoid gas and water coning. Chemical enhanced oil recovery is viewed as a preferred option to improve recovery, with studies showing positive results compared to conventional methods like water and gas injection.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Adeyinka Sikiru Yusuff, Peace Otaoghene Aka, Anselm Iuebego Igbafe
Summary: This study investigates the catalytic activity of KOH-modified CaO from eggshell for biodiesel production. The optimal catalyst formulation resulted in a high biodiesel yield, and the physicochemical properties of the biodiesel sample met the specifications. Additionally, a strong basic catalyst for biodiesel production from waste oil was successfully developed and characterized.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiujuan He, Jun Qiu, Leyu Cui, Hui Zhang, Zhiqin Shen, Junwei Ma, Yingcheng Li
Summary: A novel RNEC surfactant is designed to enhance the foam properties of AOS surfactant for enhanced oil recovery under high-temperature conditions. The AOS/RNEC binary blend generates stronger foam faster in sandpack compared to AOS only. The enhanced foam performance is maintained over a wide range of salinity and divalent ion concentration.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eric Dede, Marcus J. Tindall, John W. Cherrie, Steve Hankin, Chris Collins
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Youchao Wang, S. M. Shariar Morshed Rajib, Chris Collins, Bruce Grieve
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2018)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katerina Kademoglou, Adrian C. Williams, Chris D. Collins
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Katerina Kademoglou, Georgios Giovanoulis, Anna Palm-Cousins, Juan Antonio Padilla-Sanchez, Jorgen Magner, Cynthia A. de Wit, Christopher D. Collin
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2018)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Diego Ramirez, Radoslaw M. Kowalczyk, Chris D. Collins
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2019)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chris Collins, Mike Depledge, Robert Fraser, Andrew Johnson, Gary Hutchison, Peter Matthiessen, Richard Murphy, Susan Owens, John Sumpter
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2020)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
M. Craggs, G. R. Gibson, P. Whalley, C. D. Collins
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diego Ramirez, Liz J. Shaw, Chris D. Collins
Summary: Various co-solvents and surfactants were tested for the washing of oil sludges, with cyclohexane found to be a more environmentally friendly alternative to toluene. The use of surfactants such as rhamnolipid, Triton X-100, and Triton X-114 can significantly improve oil recovery rates, with the surfactant concentration having minimal impact on the process.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erika A. Rodriguez, Diego Ramirez, Jose L. Balcazar, J. Natalia Jimenez
Summary: This study utilized shotgun metagenomics and culture-based approaches to determine the bacterial community composition, resistome, and mobilome at a wastewater treatment plant in Antioquia, Colombia. The research found marked differences in bacterial community composition, resistome, and mobilome at different sampling points, indicating that wastewater treatment plants are hotspots for antimicrobial resistance.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Linn Persson, Bethanie M. Carney Almroth, Christopher D. Collins, Sarah Cornell, Cynthia A. de Wit, Miriam L. Diamond, Peter Fantke, Martin Hassellov, Matthew MacLeod, Morten W. Ryberg, Peter Sogaard Jorgensen, Patricia Villarrubia-Gomez, Zhanyun Wang, Michael Zwicky Hauschild
Summary: This article suggests that the safe operating space of the planetary boundary for novel entities is exceeded due to the increasing production and releases exceeding the global capacity for assessment and monitoring. Plastic pollution is highlighted as a major concern. The article presents an impact pathway from the production of novel entities to their impacts on Earth system processes and proposes several criteria for control variables. Urgent action is recommended to reduce the harm associated with exceeding the boundary by reducing the production and releases of novel entities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Linn Persson, Bethanie M. Carney Almroth, Christopher D. Collins, Sarah Cornell, Cynthia A. de Wit, Miriam L. Diamond, Peter Fantke, Martin Hassellov, Matthew MacLeod, Morten W. Ryberg, Peter Sogaard Jorgensen, Patricia Villarrubia-Gomez, Zhanyun Wang, Michael Zwicky Hauschild
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diego Ramirez, Liz J. Shaw, Chris D. Collins
Summary: The study evaluated the toxicity of oil sludge washing residuals from four types of oil sludges washed with five surfactants and a co-solvent. The impact on soil microbial dehydrogenase activity and ryegrass seed germination was examined. Results showed significant effects on soil microbial activity and plant germination at low concentrations, but not at high concentrations, suggesting other co-contaminants may contribute to the toxicity. Biotreatment techniques can be applied to mitigate the toxicity of the residuals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
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.