Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jiacheng Sun, Veronica Benavente, Stina Jansson, Ondrej Masek
Summary: Microalgae, derived from municipal wastewater treatment, can be used as sustainable feedstock to produce biochar and hydrochar. This study compared the properties and phytotoxicity of biochar and hydrochar produced from microalgae at different temperatures and residence times. The results showed that biochar promoted germination and seedling growth, while raw hydrochar exhibited strong phytotoxicity. Post-treatments such as dichloromethane washing and further pyrolysis were effective in mitigating hydrochar phytotoxicity. Biochar also had higher carbon sequestration potential compared to hydrochar.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jorge Alberto Vieira Costa, Munise Zaparoli, Ana Paula Aguiar Cassuriaga, Bruna Barcelos Cardias, Bruna da Silva Vaz, Michele Greque de Morais, Juliana Botelho Moreira
Summary: The generation of wastewater from human activities is the main cause of environmental problems, containing a large amount of organic and inorganic pollutants such as pesticides, metals, pathogens, drugs, and dyes. Photosynthetic treatment of effluents is a sustainable and low-cost alternative for wastewater treatment, allowing the recovery and reuse of chemical compounds present in wastewater as a source of nutrients for microalgae cultivation. The cultivation of microalgae with effluents can produce biochar, a carbon-rich charcoal that can be used as an effective adsorbent material for removing pollutants from effluents. Biochar synthesis can be achieved through processes such as pyrolysis, torrefaction, and hydrothermal carbonization. This review article focuses on the production, characterization, and use of microalgae biochar in wastewater treatment, highlighting its potential in the circular economy and discussing the challenges and future perspectives.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yuewen Shao, Chao Li, Mengjiao Fan, Guoming Gao, Yuchen Jiang, Kai Sun, Lijun Zhang, Shu Zhang, Leilei Xu, Xun Hu
Summary: This study investigated the influence of torrefaction and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) on the pyrolysis behaviors of starch-rich food waste. The study found that torrefaction did not significantly affect the yield of pyrolytic products, but made the torrefied rice more hydrophobic. HTC significantly enhanced the overall yield of bio-oil and improved the combustion performance of the resulting biochar. In addition, HTC formed dominantly microsphere morphology in the hydrochar and biochar.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zheng Tang, Song Zhao, Yajie Qian, Hanzhong Jia, Pin Gao, Yanming Kang, Eric Lichtfouse
Summary: The use of biochar as soil fertilizer can offset global warming and reduce dependence on limited mineral resources, but it may contain contaminants that require ecotoxicity assessment before application.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Huu Son Le, Wei-Hsin Chen, Shams Forruque Ahmed, Zafar Said, Nazifa Rafa, Anh Tuan Le, Umit Agbulut, Ibham Veza, Xuan Phuong Nguyen, Xuan Quang Duong, Zuohua Huang, Anh Tuan Hoang
Summary: This study investigates the reaction mechanism, factors influencing, and physicochemical properties of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of food waste (FW). HTC is considered a promising approach for treating FW, aiming to achieve dual benefits in terms of economy and energy in sustainable development.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuang Wu, Qing Wang, Minghui Fang, Dongyang Wu, Da Cui, Shuo Pan, Jingru Bai, Faxing Xu, Zhenye Wang
Summary: With the improvement of living standards, food waste has become a significant organic solid waste globally. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technology, which can directly use the moisture in food waste as the reaction medium, is widely used to convert high-moisture food waste into environmentally friendly hydrochar fuel. This study comprehensively reviews the research progress of HTC of food waste for biofuel synthesis and summarizes the process parameters, carbonization mechanism, and clean applications.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ruixiong Hu, Yu Liu, Gaojun Zhu, Cheng Chen, Dwi Hantoko, Mi Yan
Summary: The combination of coagulation and activated carbon adsorption can effectively reduce the COD in HTC wastewater and enhance its biodegradability, making it suitable for further biochemical treatment.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sivaprasad Shyam, Jayaseelan Arun, Kannappan Panchamoorthy Gopinath, Gautam Ribhu, Manandhar Ashish, Shah Ajay
Summary: This paper summarizes the negative impacts of excessive phosphate run-off on water environments, and strategies for reducing phosphorus concentration using hydrochar and biochar, as well as potential handling methods for spent char. It highlights the advantages of hydrochar and biochar as phosphorus adsorbents, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and potential for reuse. Further research on optimizing conditions and analysis could lead to commercialization of char-based adsorption technology.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xiangzhou Yuan, Yafei Shen, Piumi Amasha Withana, Ondrej Masek, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Siming You, Filip M. G. Tack, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: Environmental issues caused by food waste are significant for human well-being and ecosystem health. This study provides a review of recent advancements in converting food waste into engineered biochar through thermochemical conversion. The synthesis routes and practical applications of food waste-derived biochar are also discussed. Engineered biochar shows promise in mitigating environmental pollution and addressing energy crisis. However, further research is needed to understand the relationship between biochar properties and specific applications, and assessments of environmental benefits and economic feasibility are necessary before industrial implementation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jiaqiu Xu, Zepeng Fan, Qilin Yang, Guoyang Lu, Pengfei Liu, Dawei Wang
Summary: Recycling biomass by converting it into hydrothermal carbon (HTC) and using it to modify bitumen is an effective way to develop sustainable pavements. This study found that HTC significantly improves the high-temperature and fatigue properties of bitumen, and prevents the aggregation and crystallization of wax components and asphaltenes in bitumen. The fibrous composition and porous structures of HTC enhance the interaction with bitumen, reinforcing and connecting the bitumen matrix.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alla Krylova, Kristina Krysanova, Mayya Kulikova, Albert Kulikov
Summary: The study on the thermal dissolution of biochar in tetralin revealed that the highest conversion and yield were achieved at temperatures of 425-450 degrees C, with an increase in reaction temperature leading to higher benzene content. Furthermore, increasing the concentration of tetralin in the mixture during thermal dissolution resulted in higher conversion and yield of hydrocarbon fractions for fuel applications, likely due to the involvement of elemental hydrogen in the hydrogenation process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tianchi Shen, Yayong Yang, Ekkachai Kanchanatip, Dwi Hantoko, Feng Chen, Cheng Chen, Mi Yan
Summary: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an efficient method to convert wet food waste into hydrochar. However, the by-product of this process, HTC wastewater, contains highly polluting chemicals. In this study, hydrochar was produced through HTC process and further processed into activated carbon (AC) using KOH activation. The obtained AC was used to catalyze the degradation of HTC wastewater. The optimal condition for the catalytic process was determined, achieving a COD removal efficiency of 78.94%.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shadi Kohzadi, Nader Marzban, Judy A. Libra, Mirco Bundschuh, Afshin Maleki
Summary: In this study, the efficiency of adsorption using different types of hydrochars and biochars derived from wheat straw was evaluated for the removal of the dye Rhodamin B. Fe-modified hydrochar showed higher adsorption efficiency and specific surface area compared to other adsorbents. The results suggest that Fe-modified hydrochar derived from wheat straw is an efficient and cost-effective adsorbent for dye removal from wastewater.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hari Bhakta Sharma, Sagarika Panigrahi, Kumar Raja Vanapalli, V. R. Sankar Cheela, Saikrishna Venna, Brajesh Dubey
Summary: This study investigated the reusability and valorization of process wastewater generated during co-hydrothermal carbonization of organic fraction of municipal solid waste. The anaerobic digestion of process water and its recirculation up to five times enhanced the fuel properties of hydrochar, leading to increased energy yield, carbon content, calorific value, and overall combustion characteristics. The presence of high organic and ionic species in recirculated process water promoted the carbonization process and reduced the water related burden, creating a cleaner production system for renewable solid biofuels production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiangzhou Yuan, Junyao Wang, Shuai Deng, Pavani Dulanja Dissanayake, Shujun Wang, Siming You, Alex C. K. Yip, Shuangjun Li, Yoonah Jeong, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: This study proposes the use of food waste-derived engineered biochar (FWDEB) for CO2 capture and demonstrates its high adsorption capacity. The CO2 uptake of FWDEB is limited by micropore volume and surface area, specifically the narrow micropores less than 8 angstroms. The KOH activation process generates basic O- and N-functional groups, which enhance the CO2 adsorption of FWDEB. Furthermore, the life cycle assessment confirms the negative net global warming potential of FWDEB-based CO2 capture. This method shows promise in mitigating climate change and achieving a waste-to-resource strategy.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yulin Zheng, Yongshan Wan, Yue Zhang, Jinsheng Huang, Yicheng Yang, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Hailong Wang, Hao Chen, Bin Gao
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in phosphorus removal technologies in wastewater treatment. The analysis focuses on the mechanisms, removal efficiencies, and recovery potential of four typical treatment processes, as well as comparing their design principles, feasibility, operation parameters, and pros & cons. The study also proposes perspectives and future research directions for phosphorus removal and recovery in the context of sustainable water treatment technology.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xing Yang, Zhinan Dai, Chengjun Ge, Huamei Yu, Nanthi Bolan, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Hocheol Song, Deyi Hou, Sabry M. Shaheen, Hailong Wang, Joerg Rinklebe
Summary: In this study, the effects of functionalized biochars (PBC and FePBC) and different irrigation regimes (CF and IF) on rice yield and the accumulation of As and Pb in rice grain were investigated. The results showed that FePBC increased rice yield under both CF and IF conditions. The concentration of As in grain was higher under CF conditions, whereas the concentration of Pb was higher under IF conditions. Therefore, the application of multiple-functionalized biochar can effectively increase rice yield and reduce As accumulation, particularly under IF conditions, but it is not applicable for Pb remediation in paddy soils.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liang Shi, Jie Li, Kumuduni Niroshika Palansooriya, Yahua Chen, Deyi Hou, Erik Meers, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Xiaonan Wang, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: Machine learning was used to predict the important factors affecting phytoextraction efficiency of hyperaccumulators. Heavy metal properties, especially the metal ion radius, were found to be the most important factors, while the plant family had the most influence on the bioconcentration factor, metal extraction ratio, and remediation time. The Crassulaceae family showed the highest potential as hyperaccumulators, related to gene expression and substance secretion. The insights from the machine learning model interpretation could guide efficient phytoremediation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuanmeng Tian, Ming Kong, Zeyu Tao, Chen Yang, Shanshan Shang, Qinfen Gu, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Liangchun Li, Jin Shang
Summary: A microporous covalent triazine framework (CTF) was developed as an effective adsorbent for NO2 capture, achieving high cyclable capacity and moderate adsorption affinity. The pristine CTF exhibited a high NO2 adsorption capacity, which was further enhanced by surface nitrogen conversion. This work not only provides promising adsorbents for mitigating NO2 pollution, but also a strategy for developing robust adsorbents for corrosive and toxic gases.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wang Mengmeng, Liu Kang, Yu Jiadong, Zhang Qiaozhi, Zhang Yuying, Marjorie Valix, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: In the recycling of retired lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the separation of cathode materials and aluminum foil is crucial for efficient metal recycling. However, the strong binding force of PVDF hinders their effective separation, leading to difficulties in metal extraction. This paper reviews the composition, properties, and binding mechanism of PVDF, as well as the separation technologies and reaction behavior of PVDF during the recycling process. Efficient separation of cathode materials and aluminum foil, along with the recycling of PVDF, is critical for reducing environmental risks. Developing fluorine-free alternative materials and solid-state electrolytes can help mitigate PVDF pollution in the recycling of LIBs in the EV era.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shi Yao, Ni Ni, Xiaona Li, Na Wang, Yongrong Bian, Xin Jiang, Yang Song, Nanthi S. Bolan, Qiaozhi Zhang, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: In this study, the interaction between microplastics and biochar during environmental aging was investigated. It was found that early-stage interactions of microplastics and biochar could promote the release of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from biochar, while their long-term interactions resulted in the sorption of hydrophobic and small molecules of microbial byproduct-like DOM. Early-stage interactions also promoted the sorption of organic contaminants, but this promotion was no longer observed after aging due to the influence of heterogeneous aggregation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ka-Hing Wong, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Iris K. M. Yu, Oi Yee Chan, Qiaozhi Zhang, Lei Wang
Summary: Food processing byproducts such as spent coffee grounds (SCG) and spent tea leaves (STL) can be used to fabricate biomass/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites for 3D printing. The addition of biomass disrupts the PLA structure and reduces tensile strength, but enhances elongation at break. The naturally occurring oil in SCG can improve ductility when added to STL/PLA composites.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Deyi Hou, Abir Al-Tabbaa, David O'Connor, Qing Hu, Yong-Guan Zhu, Liuwei Wang, Niall Kirkwood, Yong Sik Ok, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Nanthi S. Bolan, Joerg Rinklebe
Summary: Widespread pollution from industrial activities has driven land degradation with detrimental human health effects, especially in urban areas. Sustainable remediation strategies for the clean-up of contaminated soil and groundwater at brownfield sites are outlined in this Review. These strategies can substantially reduce the environmental footprint of remediation and maximize overall net benefits.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiefei Zhu, Zejun Luo, Qiaozhi Zhang, Mingjing He, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: A novel strategy is proposed in this study to use pristine biochar as an adsorbent to adsorb pyrolysis vapors, aiming to achieve green production of biochar and efficient utilization of the vapors. The composition of the vapors mainly includes oxygenated compounds, hydrocarbons, CO2, CO, and H2O. The strategy provides a theoretical basis for green preparation of biochar and recovering energy from pyrolysis vapors.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mingjing He, Yang Cao, Yinzheng Fan, Ondrej Masek, James H. Clark, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: In this study, the catalytic effects of CO2 on hydrochar production and its quality were investigated through CO2- and N2-pressurized hydrothermal carbonization processes. Both processes enhanced the energy recovery in hydrochar by enhancing the dehydration reactions. However, they exhibited contrasting trends in volatile release, oxygen removal, and combustion performance as pressure increased. High N2 pressure enhanced deoxygenation reaction and increased hydrochar aromaticity and combustion activation energy. This study presents a feasible strategy to produce high-quality hydrochar for renewable energy and carbon recovery using CO2-rich flue gas in the HTC process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuangchi Li, Ning Wang, Shuiqing Chen, Yuqing Sun, Puwang Li, Jinfang Tan, Xiaoqian Jiang
Summary: In this study, eggshell-modified biochars were used to enhance phosphorus immobilization and utilization in agricultural production. The modified biochars showed excellent adsorption performance for phosphorus and significantly reduced phosphorus leaching. This research provides a new perspective on the use of eggshell-modified biochar as a soil amendment for improving phosphorus immobilization and utilization.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yohannes L. Yaphary, Mingjing He, Guoyang Lu, Fuliao Zou, Pengfei Liu, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Zhen Leng
Summary: This study fundamentally explored the capability and mechanism of asphalt and biochar-modified asphalt (BMA) in removing Cu and other heavy metals. The presence of biochar enhanced the absorption of Cu and other metals by modifying the spatial distribution of asphalt fractions. The findings provide insights for designing asphalts with improved functionality in reducing environmental pollution.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Junhao Lin, Zibo Xu, Qiaozhi Zhang, Yang Cao, Ondr ej Mas, Hanwu Lei, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: This study presents a method of programmed microwave pyrolysis combined with low-dose ferric chloride to produce hydrophobic porous biochar suitable for efficient adsorption of benzene derivatives. The results show that programmed microwave pyrolysis can significantly increase the specific surface area of biochar and enhance its adsorption capacity for benzene and toluene.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mengmeng Wang, Zibo Xu, Shanta Dutta, Kang Liu, Claudia Labianca, James H. Clark, Julie B. Zimmerman, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: The article discusses the recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and highlights the issues with current recycling methods. It introduces a low-energy solvometallurgy technique using biodegradable solvents. The comprehensive assessment of the technique reveals sustainability concerns and the need for further improvements.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jingyi Gao, Mengdi Zhao, Zibo Xu, Kang Liu, Hua Zhong, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: A mechanochemical method was used to fabricate Ca-biochar using oyster shell waste and wood waste. The smaller size Ca-biochar produced through medium-speed ball milling showed higher As(III) removal, and the wood-based biochar acted as a platform for co-precipitation of As.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
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)