Article
Engineering, Environmental
Didem Civancik-Uslu, T. T. Nhu, Bart Van Gorp, Uros Kresovic, Macarena Larrain, Pieter Billen, Kim Ragaert, Steven De Meester, Jo Dewulf, Sophie Huysveld
Summary: Belgium is transitioning to collect more household plastic packaging waste separately for increased recycling. Results of a Life Cycle Assessment show that mechanical recycling has a better net environmental impact compared to thermochemical recycling, mainly due to avoided burdens of virgin materials.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Harish Jeswani, Christian Krueger, Manfred Russ, Maike Horlacher, Florian Antony, Simon Hann, Adisa Azapagic
Summary: The study compares the environmental impacts of chemical recycling through pyrolysis with other plastics waste management options and virgin plastics production. Results indicate that pyrolysis has lower climate change impact and life cycle energy use, but higher other impacts compared to mechanical recycling, energy recovery, and virgin plastics production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tu Xayachak, Nawshad Haque, Raj Parthasarathy, Sarah King, Nargessadat Emami, Deborah Lau, Biplob Kumar Pramanik
Summary: Plastic pyrolysis is a promising sustainable solution for plastic waste management, with the potential to surpass incineration and landfill in environmental benefits. The use of Artificial Intelligence can enhance understanding of the complex operational factors involved, but there is a need for further improvement in AI capacity to incorporate more variables. Future research efforts should focus on catalytic pyrolysis and monomer recovery to further advance the field.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ioan-Robert Istrate, Rafael Juan, Mario Martin-Gamboa, Carlos Dominguez, Rafael A. Garcia-Munoz, Javier Dufour
Summary: Plastic recycling offers potential environmental benefits in reducing landfill and incineration rates, but challenges remain in incorporating recycled high-density polyethylene into polyethylene pipe grade resins. The study indicates that the recycled content significantly influences the life cycle assessment results.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. A. Martin-Lara, J. A. Moreno, G. Garcia-Garcia, S. Arjandas, M. Calero
Summary: This article analyzes a case study of mechanical recycling of post-consumer polyethylene flexible films in Granada, Spain, using the Life-Cycle Assessment methodology. The study finds that the washing area has the largest environmental impacts, particularly due to electricity consumption. The mechanical recycling process also causes significant damage to human health.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jorge Senan-Salinas, Alberto Blanco, Raquel Garcia-Pacheco, Junkal Landaburu-Aguirre, Eloy Garcia-Calvo
Summary: The study evaluates the potential of direct recycling of EoL RO modules in terms of environmental and economic aspects. Results show significant environmental benefits of recycling, but long-distance transport may limit the distribution of recycled products.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jorge Senan-Salinas, Junkal Landaburu-Aguirre, Jorge Contreras-Martinez, Eloy Garcia-Calvo
Summary: Recycling end-of-life RO membrane modules into FO membranes is an innovative approach to integrate membrane science into Circular Economy. This study assessed the environmental potential of this strategy and compared it with commercial TFC and CTA membranes. The results showed the interest in most impact categories and identified solvent losses as a source of error.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Bishop, David Styles, Piet N. L. Lens
Summary: Governments globally have increased their commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while the compostable bioplastic market is rapidly growing. A life cycle assessment was conducted on four indicative feedstocks for bioplastic production, highlighting the importance of appropriate utilization of residues and sidestreams for the environmental performance of bioplastics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Carlo Ingrao, Concetta Saja, Patrizia Primerano
Summary: The study highlights the environmental hotspots in the process of recycling glass cullet into sodium silicate, which are the production of electricity and sodium hydroxide. By sourcing electricity needs through a photovoltaic plant, a 64% reduction in environmental damage can be achieved. This research demonstrates that recycling glass cullet is more environmentally sustainable than the virgin-origin counterpart, showing the potential for implementing sustainable circular models in the economy.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna Schwarz, Spela Ferjana, Josse Kunst
Summary: Using biobased plastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA), can help reduce fossil resource depletion and CO2 emissions. PLA offers a wide range of applications and can be recycled using depolymerization technology. A life cycle assessment study showed that using a mixture of PLA grades and depolymerization technology in a durable product resulted in a 70% reduction in CO2-eq. emissions. However, there were increased environmental impacts in categories such as land use, eutrophication, and environmental toxicity. Sensitivity analyses highlighted the importance of design for collection and recycling in achieving more sustainable biobased products. Based on the study's findings, using PLA in durable and lasting products like furniture is encouraged, as long as the products are designed for easy collection and high-quality recycling to ensure material circularity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
G. Vinci, S. A. Prencipe, L. Pucinischi, F. Perrotta, M. Ruggeri
Summary: This study assesses the environmental compatibility of Agaricus bisporus mushroom production in Italy using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and a Water-Energy-Nitrogen-Carbon-Food (WENCF) nexus analysis. The results show that using agricultural residues for mushroom cultivation and optimizing resource management can contribute to environmental sustainability, improve the resilience and efficiency of the food system.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Min-Yong Lee, Na-Hyeon Cho, Sun-Ju Lee, Namil Um, Tae-Wan Jeon, Young-Yeul Kang
Summary: The Republic of Korea aims to reduce plastic waste generation by 50% and increase recycling rate by 70% by 2030. A study found that in 2018, 69% of plastic waste in Korea was recycled, but the closed-loop recycling rate was only 33%. Improvements in the waste management system are necessary to increase the closed-loop recycling rate of synthetic waste polymers.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fabiana Frota de Albuquerque Landi, Claudia Fabiani, Beatrice Castellani, Franco Cotana, Anna Laura Pisello
Summary: Global waste is expected to significantly increase by 2050, making it crucial to develop effective waste management strategies. Food and green waste account for a significant portion of total waste production, highlighting the importance of processing and reusing materials such as waste cooking oil. This study compares various valorization pathways for waste cooking oil, including biodiesel and direct burning fuel, to their common alternatives, and assesses their environmental impact and energy consumption. The results show that waste cooking oil has lower environmental impact in most cases, particularly as direct burning fuel. However, obstacles such as limited stock and collection difficulties need to be addressed for its widespread usage.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ana B. Lopez-Garcia, Manuel Uceda-Rodriguez, Sara Leon-Gutierrez, Carlos Javier Cobo-Ceacero, Jose Manuel Moreno-Maroto
Summary: Waste recycling is an important means to mitigate environmental problems. This study found that glass wool and rock wool can be used as raw materials for lightweight aggregates, with suitable density and mechanical strength. The use of glass wool significantly reduces energy consumption in the manufacturing of lightweight aggregates, and there is a significant environmental improvement compared to traditional artificial aggregates.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Macarena Larrain, Steven Van Passel, Gwenny Thomassen, Bart Van Gorp, Trang T. Nhu, Sophie Huysveld, Kevin M. Van Geem, Steven De Meester, Pieter Billen
Summary: Increasing plastic recycling rates is crucial to tackle plastic pollution and reduce consumption of fossil resources. This study examines the economic feasibility of mechanical recycling for different plastic waste fractions, showing significant differences in profit potential.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Joule A. Bergerson, Adam Brandt, Joe Cresko, Michael Carbajales-Dale, Heather L. MacLean, H. Scott Matthews, Sean McCoy, Marcelle McManus, Shelie A. Miller, William R. Morrow, I. Daniel Posen, Thomas Seager, Timothy Skone, Sylvia Sleep
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eleni E. Karamerou, Sophie Parsons, Marcelle C. McManus, Christopher J. Chuck
Summary: Through designing models and assessing various scenarios, it is possible to produce lower cost heterotrophic single-cell oils (SCOs). However, research must focus on three key areas: designing products that fully utilize the cell, further improving continuous processing methods, and creating an effective biorefinery.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Guilherme Pessoa Nogueira, Marcelle C. McManus, David J. Leak, Telma Teixeira Franco, Marina Oliveira de Souza Dias, Carla Kazue Nakao Cavaliero
Summary: With RenovaBio, Brazil is looking towards the life cycle of cellulosic ethanol in a new light. Second-generation approaches now offer economic advantages, with potential for lower carbon footprints. Utilizing eucalyptus forest residues can increase productivity without expanding cultivated areas.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Philip B. Yang, Matthew G. Davidson, Karen J. Edler, Steven Brown
Summary: Recent research on the synthesis of cyclic polymers has made significant progress, especially in the field of bio-based polymers. Novel synthetic routes have opened up new possibilities for the development of cyclic polymers, and their unique physical properties offer potential opportunities for applications in various fields.
Editorial Material
Agricultural Engineering
Svein Jarle Horn, Marcelle McManus, Ingrid Nystrom
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jack M. Payne, Muhammad Kamran, Matthew G. Davidson, Matthew D. Jones
Summary: In this study, Zn-II complexes were used for the mild and selective chemical upcycling of commercial polyesters and polycarbonates, and the first example of discrete metal-mediated poly(bisphenol A carbonate) methanolysis at room temperature was reported. A completely circular upcycling approach to plastic waste was demonstrated by producing renewable poly(ester-amide)s from bottle-grade PET.
Article
Polymer Science
Muhammad Kamran, Matthew G. Davidson, Vasilios Tsanaktsis, Stefan Van Berkel, Sicco De Vos
Summary: A series of semi-aromatic polyamides based on a renewable monomer FDCA were synthesized using an environmentally friendly melt polycondensation technique. The newly synthesized furan-based polyamides showed high molecular weights, high glass transition temperatures, and comparable thermal stabilities to petroleum-based counterparts. Various analytical techniques were used to study the structure and properties of these polyamides.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Falk Schneider, Sophie Parsons, Sally Clift, Andrea Stolte, Michael Krueger, Marcelle McManus
Summary: This study assesses the potential environmental impacts of derelict fishing gear waste treatment options in Europe. Mechanical recycling and energy recovery are found to have the lowest environmental impacts, while syngas production and landfill disposal are not environmentally competitive. The study suggests that disposal of derelict fishing gear should be replaced with mechanical recycling or energy recovery, and marine litter prevention should also be emphasized for further reducing environmental impacts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Philip B. Yang, Matthew G. Davidson, Karen J. Edler, Niamh Leaman, Elly K. Bathke, Strachan N. McCormick, Olga Matsarskaia, Steven Brown
Summary: Small-angle neutron scattering experiments were conducted to compare the chain configurations, scaling, and effective polymer-solvent interactions of cyclic and linear polymers in different solvents. The results showed that cyclic polymers have more compact conformations and the polymer microstructure significantly influences the polymer-solvent interaction parameters.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Antoine Buchard, Matthew G. Davidson, Gerrit Gobius du Sart, Matthew D. Jones, Gabriele Kociok-Kohn, Strachan N. Mccormick, Paul Mckeown
Summary: We have reported three niobium-based initiators for the catalytic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of epsilon-caprolactone, exhibiting good activity and molecular weight control. Among them, a monometallic cationic alkoxo-Nb(V) epsilon-caprolactone adduct has been prepared on the gram-scale and characterized, which represents an unprecedented example of a metal complex with an intact lactone monomer and a functional ROP-initiating group simultaneously coordinated at the metal center. At 80 degrees C, all three systems initiate the immortal solution-state ROP of epsilon-caprolactone via a coordination-insertion mechanism, which has been confirmed through experimental studies, and is supported by computational data. Natural bond orbital calculations further indicate that polymerization may necessitate isomerization about the metal center between the alkoxide chain and the coordinated monomer. The observations made in this work are expected to inform mechanistic understanding both of amine tris(phenolate)-supported metal alkoxide ROP initiators, including various highly stereoselective systems for the polymerization of lactides and of coordination-insertion-type ROP protocols more broadly.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Muhammad Kamran, Matthew G. Davidson, Sicco de Vos, Vasilios Tsanaktsis, Bahar Yeniad
Summary: Polyphthalamides (PPAs) are promising engineering thermoplastics used in demanding applications, with most commercially available PPAs currently derived from non-renewable petroleum resources. The synthesis of a semi-aromatic polyamide, PA6F, based on a bio-based monomer FDCA, using catalysts Ti-isopropoxide (TIPT) and Ti-citrate (TIC) resulted in improved molecular weights and glass transition temperatures. Incorporating hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) led to further enhancement in glass transition temperature, with PA6F showing high glass transition temperature and elastic modulus.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthew G. Davidson, Shaun Elgie, Sophie Parsons, Tim J. Young
Summary: Research suggests that bio-based production of HMF and FDCA may reduce CO2 emissions compared to fossil-based products, but it can also increase environmental impacts in other categories, with expensive feedstocks and high energy demands making it less economically viable. Further investigation into different raw materials, energy production methods, and catalytic systems may help improve the production of HMF and FDCA.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lars odegaard Bentsen, Narada Dilp Warakagoda, Roy Stenbro, Paal Engelstad
Summary: This study investigates uncertainty modeling in wind power forecasting using different parametric and non-parametric methods. Johnson's SU distribution is found to outperform Gaussian distributions in predicting wind power. This research contributes to the literature by introducing Johnson's SU distribution as a candidate for probabilistic wind forecasting.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xing Liu, Qiuchen Wang, Yunhao Wen, Long Li, Xinfang Zhang, Yi Wang
Summary: This study analyzes the characteristics of process parameters in three lean gas ethane recovery processes and establishes a prediction and multiobjective optimization model for ethane recovery and system energy consumption. A new method for comparing ethane recovery processes for lean gas is proposed, and the addition of extra coolers improves the ethane recovery. The support vector regression model based on grey wolf optimization demonstrates the highest prediction accuracy, and the multiobjective multiverse optimization algorithm shows the best optimization performance and diversity in the solutions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cairong Song, Haidong Yang, Xian-Bing Meng, Pan Yang, Jianyang Cai, Hao Bao, Kangkang Xu
Summary: The paper proposes a novel deep learning-based prediction framework, aTCN-LSTM, for accurate cooling load predictions. The framework utilizes a gate-controlled multi-head temporal convolutional network and a sparse probabilistic self-attention mechanism with a bidirectional long short-term memory network to capture both temporal and long-term dependencies in the cooling load sequences. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method, which can serve as an effective guide for HVAC chiller scheduling and demand management initiatives.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhe Chen, Xiaojing Li, Xianli Xia, Jizhou Zhang
Summary: This study uses survey data from the Loess Plateau in China to evaluate the impact of social interaction on the adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) technology by farmers. The study finds that social interaction increases the likelihood of farmers adopting SWC, and internet use moderates this effect. The positive impact of social interaction on SWC adoption is more pronounced for farmers in larger villages and those who join cooperative societies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chenghua Zhang, Yunfei Yan, Kaiming Shen, Zongguo Xue, Jingxiang You, Yonghong Wu, Ziqiang He
Summary: This paper reports a novel method that significantly improves combustion performance, including heat transfer enhancement under steady-state conditions and adaptive stable flame regulation under velocity sudden increase.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)