Article
Environmental Sciences
Vinay Kumar Badhwar, Charanjit Singh
Summary: The vermicomposting process involving textile mill sludge with cow dung and tea waste as amendments resulted in improved properties and nutrient content of the compost. Earthworm activity was enhanced, organic matter degradation efficiency increased, and heavy metal concentrations were reduced in the end-product.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Parveen Fatemeh Rupani, Asha Embrandiri, Vinod Kumar Garg, Madjid Abbaspour, Raf Dewil, Lise Appels
Summary: This study explores the waste treatment of university campuses using a biotechnological approach, specifically vermicomposting technology, for sustainable management. The results showed that a mixture containing 50%, 25%, and 25% vegetable waste, cow dung, and paper waste is compatible with an efficient vermicomposting process. This technology can help achieve the aim of a green campus.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Priyanka Chakraborty, Sampad Sarkar, Sandip Mondal, B. K. Agarwal, Arvind Kumar, Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, Satya Sundar Bhattacharya, Pradip Bhattacharyya
Summary: This study provides new insights into the microbial influence on metal remediation during vermicomposting of tannery waste sludge (TWS). The results suggest that a mixture of TWS and organic waste can be an effective substrate for Eisenia fetida and microbial proliferation, leading to a reduction in the bioavailability of potentially toxic metals.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhe Wang, Zhikun Chen, Yuhua Niu, Peng Ren, Mingde Hao
Summary: The study found that vermicomposting of spent drilling fluid (SDF) mixed with cow dung can result in high-quality manure, but mortality of earthworms increases when SDF content in the reactors exceeds 40%. The C/N ratio and EC are significantly impacted by vermicomposting. Experimental results suggest that a mixture of 20% SDF and cow dung is suitable for agricultural use.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Peter Kovacik, Vladimir Simansky, Sylwester Smolen, Jakub Neupauer, Katarina Olsovska
Summary: This study examined the effects of vermicompost and red worms on carrot growth and nutrient absorption in soil. The results showed that an appropriate amount of vermicompost could improve carrot yield and nutrient concentration. The presence of red worms also contributed to the growth of carrots. However, excessive use of vermicompost had a negative impact on carrot quality.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ning Wang, Wenhui Wang, Yuji Jiang, Wei Dai, Pengfa Li, Dandan Yao, Jieling Wang, Yu Shi, Zhongli Cui, Hui Cao, Yuanhua Dong, Hui Wang
Summary: The gut transit process of earthworms significantly alters the structure and function of the bacterial community, accelerating the degradation and mineralization of organic matter and enriching vital nutrients like phosphorous and potassium. This study highlights the important role that earthworm gut transit plays in regulating organic matter dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chaichi Devi, Meena Khwairakpam
Summary: The vermicomposting of Parthenium hysterophorus using a polyculture of earthworms showed significant improvement in nutrient content and earthworm growth rate, indicating that it is an effective method for sustainable management of this invasive weed.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Hira Khalid, Amir Ikhlaq, Usman Pervaiz, Young-Min Wie, Eui-Jong Lee, Kang-Hoon Lee
Summary: In this study, two different types of earthworms were used for vermicomposting and their efficacy for plant production was analyzed compared to chemical fertilizer. The results showed that the combination of worms produced better compost than a single species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Xi, Leiyu Diao, Ziyi Wang, Zi Jin, Yilin Wang, Wenhua Liu, Dongsheng Wen, Hongxin Li, Cong Sun, Jiqi Lu
Summary: This study investigated the toxic effects of smoked cigarette butt leachate (SCBL) on earthworms. The results showed that earthworms avoided SCBL in artificial soil, and the avoidance rate was correlated with the concentration of SCBL and exposure time. The LD50 of SCBL on earthworms at 36 and 48 hours of exposure were determined, and both the body surface and intestinal tissues of the earthworms were damaged. The survival rates and biomass of earthworms were negatively affected by SCBL concentration and exposure time.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Dhritashri Das, Nabajit Kalita, Dericka Langthasa, Vanlalhriet Faihriem, Glory Borah, Paramita Chakravarty, Hemen Deka
Summary: This study investigates the possibility of vermicomposting waste biomass of ginger and turmeric. The results show that vermicomposting can improve the odor of waste biomass, increase the nutrient content, and meet the limits for heavy metals and trace elements in compost applications. The findings suggest that waste biomass can be used as raw materials for the vermiconversion process and has potential for agricultural applications.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Linglong Chu, Xiaoxiao Hou, Xinshan Song, Xiaoxiang Zhao, Shuangqing Hu, Genxiang Shen
Summary: This study investigated the toxicity mechanism of ionic liquids (ILs) on earthworm gene expression using transcriptomics. ILs had adverse effects on earthworm behavior, growth, and antioxidant enzymatic activity. The toxicity effects were dependent on ILs concentration and alkyl chain length. Transcriptome analysis revealed that ILs mainly affected protein translation, modification, and intracellular transport, leading to potential pathological effects on earthworm's digestive system. Transcriptomics can provide insights into mechanisms that conventional toxicity endpoints cannot detect, which is important for evaluating the environmental adverse effects of ILs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Jose A. Saez, Angie M. Pedraza Torres, Zbigniew Emil Blesa Marco, Francisco Javier Andreu-Rodriguez, Frutos C. Marhuenda-Egea, Encarnacion Martinez-Sabater, Maria J. Lopez, Francisca Suarez-Estrella, Raul Moral
Summary: This study assesses the effects of agricultural plastic waste on the vermicomposting process and found that plastic materials have negative effects on the survival and biomass of earthworms, as well as on the microbiome and organic matter mineralization in the vermicompost.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
P. K. Srivastava, A. Singh, S. Kumari, S. Arora, A. K. Choubey, A. S. K. Sinha
Summary: The vermi-transformation of poultry litter and rice straw into enriched vermimanure using earthworms was found to be an effective waste treatment method. The combination of cow dung with different feedstocks showed increased growth performance of earthworms and improved composition of the vermimanure. This study highlights the importance of rice straw and poultry litter in the vermi-transformation process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vaibhav Srivastava, Andrea Squartini, Antonio Masi, Abhijit Sarkar, Rajeev Pratap Singh
Summary: This study conducted a culture-independent DNA metabarcoding analysis of bacterial communities in a vermicomposting cycle, finding a steady increase in community diversity and a strong positive correlation between physico-chemical attributes and enzyme activities. Results indicated a considerable degree of substrate specificity for the earthworm species used, offering clues to optimize vermistabilization of municipal solid waste and promote improved levels of the circular economy.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. Velmurugan, V Annamalai
Summary: Disposable groundnut shells and toddy palm shells pose a threat to the environment. This study demonstrates the degradation of these waste materials through microbial consortium and vermicomposting technology, resulting in the production of organic fertilizer and reduction of waste.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
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.