Article
Microbiology
Carlotta Alias, Daniela Bulgari, Fabjola Bilo, Laura Borgese, Alessandra Gianoncelli, Giovanni Ribaudo, Emanuela Gobbi, Ivano Alessandri
Summary: This study adopted a low-energy paradigm to achieve sustainable, affordable, and effective urban waste valorization through the production of citric acid via solid-state fermentation. The biological leaching solution was found to be comparable to commercial citric acid in extracting metals from waste printed circuit boards, providing a green alternative for the recovery of valuable metals such as Fe, Pb, and Ni from electronic waste.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Taiyu Huang, Jie Zhu, Xiongfei Huang, Jujun Ruan, Zhenming Xu
Summary: This study investigates the distribution of precious metals in waste printed circuit boards and evaluates the economic value of recycling. Gold, silver, and palladium were detected in different parts of the boards, with gold being widely distributed and silver concentrated on the pins of electronic components. The economic value of recyclable precious metals in 1 ton of waste printed circuit boards reaches up to $2292.94, with gold contributing the most. This study highlights the economic benefits and provides guidance for the recovery of precious metals from waste printed circuit boards.
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. M. dos Santos, D. C. Buzzi, A. B. Botelho Junior, D. C. R. Espinosa
Summary: The increase in electronic equipment consumption has made recycling processes crucial worldwide. The use of ultrasound technology in the recycling process has shown to enhance efficiency, particularly in the recycling of PCBs. The study found that ultrasound-assisted comminution reduced the particle size distribution of PCBs by 25% in 4 hours. Additionally, the leaching experiments showed that the extraction of aluminum doubled under the effect of ultrasound, while the leaching efficiency for iron decreased by half due to the formation of iron oxide, resulting in lower nickel recovery.
JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Thermodynamics
Zhitong Yao, Markus Reinmoller, Nuria Ortuno, Hongxu Zhou, Meiqing Jin, Jie Liu, Rafael Luque
Summary: With the rapid growth of the global electronics industry, waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) has become a major concern. This study focuses on thermochemical methods (combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal process) to effectively manage WPCBs and promote sustainable development in the electronics industry through circular economy.
PROGRESS IN ENERGY AND COMBUSTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Kai Dean Kang, I. M. S. K. Ilankoon, Meng Nan Chong, Ta Yeong Wu
Summary: This study investigates value recovery using coarse printed circuit boards (PCBs) through organic swelling pre-treatment. The experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of organic swelling in causing cracks and delamination in the multi-layered structure of the PCBs. Copper concentrate with high copper contents can be obtained by performing organic swelling for coarse PCBs. The weakened PCBs after organic swelling can be subjected to a less energy-intensive mechanical method to yield embedded copper foils.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Solene Touze, Valerie Laperche, Agathe Hubau, Pauline Moreau
Summary: In this study, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after acid digestion were used to analyze the chemical composition of waste printed circuit boards (WPCB). The results showed that the 200 μm particle size sample had homogeneity and reliability, and pXRF measurements with loose powder showed low data dispersion. For samples with a particle size of 750 μm and 2 mm, the homogeneity needed to be compensated by increasing the number of repetitions. pXRF could provide a rapid non-intrusive approach for first-level screening of metal contents.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pushpa Gautam, Arup Kumar De, Indrajit Sinha, Chhail Kumar Behera, Kamalesh Kumar Singh
Summary: This study focuses on producing copper oxide nanoparticles from discarded printed circuit boards (PCBs) to obtain a value-added nanoproduct. The synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed to be pure monoclinic CuO of size 19.23 nm without any impurity. These nanoparticles have a high specific surface area and mesoporous structure, making them suitable for photocatalytic degradation under visible light irradiation. Utilizing e-waste from PCBs to produce nanomaterials helps reduce environmental problems.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Amber Trivedi, Anusha Vishwakarma, Bhavini Saawarn, Byomkesh Mahanty, Subrata Hait
Summary: The rapid increase in e-waste and its improper handling have negative impacts on both humans and the environment. Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs), which contain toxic and precious metals, require efficient metal recovery for environmental protection and economic growth. Fungal biotechnology has emerged as a viable eco-friendly approach for metal extraction from WPCBs. Fungi have shown promising efficiency in metal extraction and can work in a wide pH range. However, research on fungal bioleaching for metal recovery from WPCBs is still limited.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huichao Chu, Can Qian, Bingyang Tian, Shiyue Qi, Jia Wang, Baoping Xin
Summary: The pyrometallurgy coupling indirect bioleaching strategy effectively extracts copper and nickel from waste printed circuit boards, with calcination pretreatment significantly improving copper release while inhibiting nickel release. Treated waste PCBs can be safely reused as non-hazardous materials, reducing environmental risks associated with them.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Guilherme Botelho Meireles de Souza, Mariana Bisinotto Pereira, Lucas Francisco dos Santos, Christian Goncalves Alonso, Veeriah Jegatheesan, Lucio Cardozo-Filho
Summary: This study explored the application of supercritical water technology in managing waste printed circuit boards, focusing on their recycling-oriented characterization and organic degradation. The study also investigated the subsequent treatment of liquid decomposition by-products, identified major gaseous products, and proposed a strategy to enhance combustible gas production.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guofu Dai, Jun Han, Chenlong Duan, Ligang Tang, Yonghui Peng, Youmei Chen, Haishen Jiang, Zhenhua Zhu
Summary: The study focused on enhancing the flotation efficiency of waste printed circuit boards by alkaline immersion treatment. SEM-EDS analysis revealed complete liberation of metal and nonmetal in the crushed products. By adjusting alkaline immersion time and pH value, a good flotation effect was achieved. XPS analysis showed changes in nonmetal molecular structure, leading to improved dispersion in slurry and increased hydrophilicity. This study offers a new route to enhance the recycling efficiency of waste printed circuit boards.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuyu Chen, Run Li, Yaqi Shen, Lu Zhan, Zhenming Xu
Summary: This study conducted thermogravimetric analysis and kinetic analysis, revealing the positive self-catalytic influence of co-existing metals in waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) during pyrolysis. It provides a theoretical basis for understanding the catalytic influence of these metals during the pyrolysis process.
FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kang Yan, Chongwei Liu, Liping Liu, Min Xiong, Jiongtong Chen, Zhongtang Zhang, Shuiping Zhong, Zhifeng Xu, Jindi Huang
Summary: The effective recycling of waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) can help conserve resources and reduce environmental pollution. This study investigates the pyrolysis and combustion characteristics of WPCBs in different atmospheres through thermogravimetric and Gaussian fitting analyses. The study also analyzes the pyrolysis products and combustion processes of WPCBs using thermogravimetric and Fourier transform infrared analyses (TG-FTIR) and thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry (TG-MS). The findings suggest that the pyrolysis and combustion processes of WPCBs involve multiple overlapping reactions. This study provides a theoretical basis for pollution control, process optimization, and reactor design in the pyrolysis of WPCBs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINERALS METALLURGY AND MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yunfeng Zhu, Bo Li, Yonggang Wei, Shiwei Zhou, Hua Wang
Summary: Resource shortages and metal demand increase, making resource recycling and environmental sustainability necessary for the abundant waste printed circuit boards (WPCB) generated. Pyrolysis is a promising pathway that converts WPCB into high value-added products to lessen the environmental burden. This study analyzes the characteristics of WPCB, introduces the types of pyrolysis reactors and the characteristics of pyrolysis products for WPCB, and summarizes the conventional and advanced pyrolysis technologies applied to manage and recover WPCB sustainably. The study also discusses the prospects, imperatives, and challenges of establishing a circular economy for WPCB and examines the economic feasibility and future challenges of WPCB pyrolysis.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Trunal Patil, Lara Rebaioli, Irene Fassi
Summary: Due to rapid changes in consumer demand and electronic technology advancements, strategies for End-of-Life (EOL) management of electronics products, specifically in the home automation segment, need to be adapted. This paper reviews current practices and issues related to EOL management of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and mechatronics products in the home automation segment, and focuses on their material compositions and uses in the circular economy perspective. Additionally, possible Cyber-Physical System (CPS) implementation scenarios using physical tools available at the STIIMA-CNR de-manufacturing pilot plant are provided. Challenges and guidelines to develop a new generation of advanced EOL management through the Cyber-Physical System technique are highlighted.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alessia Amato, Alessandro Becci, Paolo Mariani, Federica Carducci, Maria Letizia Ruello, Saveria Monosi, Chiara Giosue, Francesca Beolchini
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2019)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alessia Amato, Alessandro Becci, Francesca Beolchini
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alessandro Becci, Alessia Amato, Jose M. Rodriguez-Maroto, Francesca Beolchini
Summary: This work conducted a kinetic study on the bioleaching process for copper extraction from waste printed circuit boards using iron as an oxidant agent. The developed model consisted of three differential equations characterizing bacteria metabolism, Fe2+ oxidation, and Cu extraction. Results showed that bacteria metabolism was faster than the chemical reaction.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alessia Amato, Marianna Mastrovito, Alessandro Becci, Francesca Beolchini
Summary: This study conducted a life cycle assessment based on literature data to evaluate the environmental sustainability of five processes for producing bio-based products from agricultural residues. The analysis identified high energy demand and the use of high impact organic solvents as significant issues. The results suggest the need to reduce electricity demand and identify ecological agents to support the implementation of European policies.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alessandro Becci, Francesca Beolchini, Alessia Amato
Summary: The growing production of green technologies is increasing the demand for rare earth elements, with end-of-life permanent magnets considered as a potential secondary resource. A life cycle assessment was used to identify the most sustainable choice and suggest improvements to reduce environmental impact. The study aims to promote sustainable processes for end-of-life permanent magnet exploitation at an industrial scale.
Review
Environmental Sciences
F. Beolchini, M. Hekeu, A. Amato, A. Becci, A. B. Ribeiro, E. P. Mateus, A. Dell'Anno
Summary: Sediment contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is a major environmental concern worldwide, with remediation strategies mainly based on physico-chemical and biological approaches. Physico-chemical methods are efficient but costly, while biotechnological methods are more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and time-consuming.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Giulia Merli, Alessandro Becci, Alessia Amato, Francesca Beolchini
Summary: Acetic acid, a globally important organic acid, has seen increased demand and a growing interest in its production technologies. Current focus is on bioproduction by acetic acid and acetogenic bacteria, with genetic engineering and new substrates being explored for enhanced efficiency.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alessia Amato, Konstantina Tsigkou, Alessandro Becci, Francesca Beolchini, Nicolo M. Ippolito, Francesco Ferella
Summary: Considering the hindered gas supply from Russia, it is necessary to find alternative routes to guarantee the Italian gas stocks at a reasonable cost. This paper provides a quantitative tool to support the European green transition and reports the LCA of three different options for the production and supply of natural gas/methane in Italy. The application of LCA allowed for the quantification of the environmental benefit provided by the first option.