Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaoqu Han, Hongzhang Chang, Chuan Wang, Jun Tai, Sotirios Karellas, Junjie Yan, Lijie Song, Zhujie Bi
Summary: This study proposes an onsite greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting approach for municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plants in China. A comprehensive life-cycle GHG emissions assessment model is developed and applied to a case study in Shanghai. Different methods for calculating fossil CO2 emissions originating from waste incineration are compared. The results show that modifying the dry matter content can effectively reduce the deviations among different methods. The study also highlights the impact of waste components, particularly the high plastics fraction, on GHG emissions from Chinese MSWI plants.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qing Zhao, Weihao Tang, Mengjie Han, Wenjing Cui, Lei Zhu, Huaijun Xie, Wei Li, Fengchang Wu
Summary: This study investigates the potential reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from municipal solid waste incineration with electricity recovery (MSW-IER) in China. Based on predicted MSW compositions in 106 Chinese prefecture-level cities, spatial and climatic factors were found to contribute 6.5%-20.7% and 20.1%-37.6% to total MSW composition, respectively. From 2002 to 2017, GHG emissions from MSW-IER reduced by 12.5 x 107 kg CO2-eq compared to landfill emissions, with an average annual growth rate of 26.3%. This study provides essential data for estimating GHG emissions in MSW management in China.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ling Tang, Jing Guo, Ruxing Wan, Min Jia, Jiabao Qu, Ling Li, Xin Bo
Summary: This study developed a nationwide air pollutant emission inventory of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration plants in China and evaluated the effectiveness of implementing new emission standards. The results showed that the overall proportions of pollutants reaching the new standards were high, with significant reductions in emissions compared to 2015. The analysis also suggested that strengthening emission standards and implementing waste sorting could further reduce emissions in the future.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Donghui Liu, Shanshan Wang, Ruoyu Xue, Gengyu Gao, Ruiqin Zhang
Summary: Municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration power generation is an important treatment technology, which can bring significant energy-saving and emission reduction benefits. It has lower environmental impact compared to landfill and coal-fired power generation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Guo, Xin Bo, Yang Xie, Ling Tang, Jun Xu, Zhongzhi Zhang, Ruxing Wan, Haiyun Xu, Zhifu Mi
Summary: This study estimates the emission and environmental impacts of dioxins from Chinese municipal solid waste incinerators using real data. The majority of incinerators meet emission standards, keeping the emissions and health risks below safety levels. The implementation of waste sorting programs will further reduce emissions and health risks.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junxiao Wei, Huan Li, Jianguo Liu, Rigang Zhong
Summary: China lacks a current inventory of dioxin emissions from municipal solid waste incineration, but it is necessary to monitor and control these emissions due to the rapid growth in this sector. According to simulation data, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu are the provinces with the highest dioxin emissions, and Zhejiang and Shanghai have the highest per capita emissions and density. Measures such as source classification, stable operation of incinerators and air pollution control devices, and improvements in monitoring programs can effectively reduce dioxin emissions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naila Amin, Muhammad Aslam, Zakir Khan, Muhammad Yasin, Shakhawat Hossain, Muhammad Kashif Shahid, Abrar Inayat, Ahmed Samir, Rizwan Ahmad, Mohammad N. Murshed, Muhammad Shahzad Khurram, Mohamed E. El Sayed, Moinuddin Ghauri
Summary: The global municipal solid waste is generating at an alarming rate, posing severe concerns for its disposal. It leads to climate change, health hazards, and other environmental issues. Waste to energy (WTE) is considered as an alternative renewable energy source to address global waste problems. This review evaluates the sources and management routes of solid waste, highlighting gasification as an efficient and sustainable approach. A framework for the gasification process and recommendations for country-wise waste management solutions are provided. Furthermore, the study discusses the potential perspectives and practical implications of membrane-based separation technology for bioenergy recovery.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liang Chen, Lei Wang, Yuying Zhang, Shaoqin Ruan, Viktor Mechtcherine, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: The study showed that adding biochar to the binder increased the stabilization/solidification efficiency of MSWI fly ash, enhanced the immobilization efficiency of hazardous elements, and maintained the mechanical stability of the solidified blocks.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Youngsun Kwon, Kyunghoon Choi, Yong-Chul Jang
Summary: This study estimated the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Seoul. The results showed that in 2021, Seoul incinerated 741 kt/yr of combustible waste, resulting in 545 kt CO2 eq emissions, which was 7.5 times higher than in 2000. Plastic waste was the dominant contributor to GHG emissions. Scenario analysis indicated that waste reduction and increased recycling rate could significantly reduce GHG emissions from incineration.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fanran Meng, Aritha Dornau, Simon J. Mcqueen Mason, Gavin H. Thomas, Alex Conradie, Jon McKechnie
Summary: Producing ethanol through fermentation can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with financial viability depending on the ethanol yield and productivity of microorganisms. The majority of revenue comes from gate fees received by diverting waste to autoclave and ethanol production, rather than ethanol sales revenue.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ioan-Robert Istrate, Jose-Luis Galvez-Martos, Daniel Vazquez, Gonzalo Guillen-Gosalbez, Javier Dufour
Summary: A circular economy can benefit energy recovery from MSW incineration. The optimization framework highlights the optimal capacity, economics, and carbon footprint of MSW incineration over time. Results from the case study in Madrid show that ambitious recycling targets do not pose a risk of feedstock shortage for incineration. Intensive use of incineration is necessary to achieve landfill reduction goals, and the net cost could decrease with a shift in feedstock composition and the use of more efficient facilities. However, changes in waste composition and decarbonization efforts may increase the carbon footprint of incineration, reducing potential climate benefits.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Samuel O. Alamu, Ayodeji Wemida, Tiyobistiya Tsegaye, Gbekeloluwa Oguntimein
Summary: The sustainability analysis of the MSW incineration plant in Baltimore city revealed that the emissions of CO2, N, and SO2 exceeded the limits set by the EPA, indicating the need for improved processing technology to reduce pollution emissions. Life Cycle Assessment proved suitable for evaluating the environmental impacts of the MSW-to-energy treatment approach.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yixuan Wang, James W. Levis, Morton A. Barlaz
Summary: The study found that material production contributes 68-75% to toxicity impacts in the landfill while LFG emissions contribute 50-99% to global warming, ozone depletion, and smog impacts. The current non-methane organic compound regulatory threshold reduces methane emissions by <7% relative to the former threshold.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ioan-Robert Istrate, Jose-Luis Galvez-Martos, Javier Dufour
Summary: The study found that phasing-out incineration may jeopardize landfill reduction targets, but can reduce environmental impacts such as acidification, terrestrial and marine eutrophication, photochemical ozone formation, human toxicity cancer effects, and ecotoxicity. The climate impact varies depending on how biogenic carbon is considered.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junjie Qiu, Tianqi Li, Fan Lu, Yulong Huang, Chao Li, Hua Zhang, Liming Shao, Pinjing He
Summary: This study investigated the anaerobic degradation and transformation of bio-derived dissolved organic matters (DOM) in wastewater treatment. Through molecular and biological information analysis, the behavior and fate of DOM mass features were characterized. The kinetic determination of DOM mass features was achieved using a reactivity continuum model and machine learning technologies. The identification of active microbes capable of utilizing bio-derived DOM was established through network analysis. This work highlights the significance of biological technology in effectively controlling recalcitrant bio-derived DOM during wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guangyu Cui, Fan Lu, Tao Lu, Hua Zhang, Pinjing He
Summary: The addition of digestate in vermicomposting with restaurant food waste and household food waste can reduce waste reduction rates and increase germination index, but it has an impact on larval productivity and material balance.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shasha Li, Fan Lue, Hua Zhang, Liming Shao, Pinjing He
Summary: The electron exchange capacities (EEC) of biochar have a wide impact on environmental electron transfer processes. However, the structure of micro/nanosized biochar and residual biochar may differ from fine particles due to gradual disintegration and aging during application. The EEC of exfoliated biochar is influenced by spatial structure distribution, not particle size.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guangyu Cui, Fan Lue, Hua Zhang, Honghui Chai, Pinjing He
Summary: This note summarizes the process, practical case, and perspectives of intelligent bioconversion via insect (housefly larvae) for treating food waste. It aims to provide a reference for the smooth and efficient promotion of this technology, which can achieve efficient reduction and recycling of food waste, save operation costs, and reduce potential environmental risks caused by odor emission.
JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wanting Du, Fan Lu, Hua Zhang, Liming Shao, Pinjing He
Summary: This study examined the rate of odor emission from different areas of a landfill. The surface odor emission rate (SOER) of different odorous compound groups was measured using the flux chamber method. Odor emission hotspots were found in the seams of the daily and temporary cover areas. Conversion of the emissions to the entire membrane cover surface showed that the working face, daily cover area, temporary cover area, and intermediate cover area had average SOERs of 138.34, 17.95, 22.43, and 6.24 μg/(m2s) respectively. The total odor emissions from these areas varied based on the size of each landfill zone.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Qi Chen, Fan Lu, Hua Zhang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study provides comprehensive insights into the degradation mechanisms of dissolved organic matter by the Fenton process, including the effects of different types of substances and the interference of humus and organic acids. Furthermore, a comparison of the economic feasibility of CF and three Fenton-like technologies is conducted, offering reference for engineering applications. Lastly, possible future research directions are suggested.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tianqi Li, Fan Lue, Junjie Qiu, Hua Zhang, Pinjing He
Summary: The study investigated the dissolved organic matter (DOM) in leachate membrane concentrates generated from different membrane separation technologies. The results showed that the concentration of DOM in the concentrates varied depending on the membrane type and water quality characteristics. The study also highlighted the challenges in treating the concentrates and suggested exploring treatment technologies for concentrates with refractory DOM and high salts.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Dong-Ying Lan, Pin-Jing He, Ya-Ping Qi, Ting-Wei Wu, Hao-Yang Xian, Rui-Heng Wang, Fan Lu, Hua Zhang
Summary: High-quality data sets were established by analyzing carbon contents and infrared spectra using elemental analysis and ATR-FTIR. Machine learning models were then used to classify carbon groups and predict carbon contents. The algorithms were validated with real environmental samples, showing robust performance. ATR-FTIR coupled with ML algorithms is feasible for rapidly identifying carbon groups and content, facilitating carbon emissions calculation and assessment.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jinghua Huang, Pinjing He, Haowen Duan, Zhan Yang, Hua Zhang, Fan Lue
Summary: Composting is a decentralized technology for treating organic wastes in rural areas, but its control over antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is less effective compared to industrial composting. This study quantitatively determined the abundance of ARGs and microbial communities in composts from rural areas, showing a high level of sulfonamides and tetracyclines resistance genes. Tet-C and tet-X had the highest leaching potential in both solid and liquid phases of the composts. The study highlights the leaching risk of compost ARGs when exposed to runoff or groundwater during open storage and field application.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Ting-Wei Wu, Hua Zhang, Wei Peng, Fan Lu, Pin-Jing He
Summary: This review examines the applications of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in intelligent waste identification and recycling (IWIR). It provides an introduction to CNNs, outlines the use of open-source datasets and advanced CNN models in IWIR, and summarizes the applications in recyclable material identification, trash pollution detection, and solid waste classification. The challenges and limitations of current applications are discussed, along with the future prospects of CNNs in this field.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tianqi Li, Fan Lu, Hua Zhang, Qiyong Xu, Pin-Jing He
Summary: This study identified halogenated organic compounds in wastewater and found that waste leachates and concentrates are reservoirs for these contaminants. The unknown pollutants were found to persist and remain stable even after treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qi Chen, Fan Lu, Hua Zhang, Qiyong Xu, Pinjing He
Summary: This study investigates the molecular properties of the derived-DOM in Fenton processes for removing dissolved organic matter. It confirms that DOM derivation is essential in Fenton technologies, with trace organic contaminants and new contaminants dominating the derived-DOM. The study also shows that different Fenton technologies and landfill organics have varying rates of DOM derivation.
Correction
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shari Lorang, Zhan Yang, Hua Zhang, Fan Lue, Pinjing He
WASTE DISPOSAL & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yui Kawasaki, Sayaka Nagao-Sato, Misa Shimpo, Kahori Fujisaki, Emi Yoshii, Rie Akamatsu, Petra Warschburger
Summary: This study qualitatively describes sustainable dietary behaviors (SDBs) that Japanese and German adults can implement in their lives, and quantitatively compares the similarities and differences in understanding SDBs between the two samples. The study found that Japanese participants were more focused on food waste prevention, while German participants were more focused on solving environmental problems.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kechun Chen, Yuan Ding, Liming Yang, Zhihao Wang, Haoxuan Yu, Difan Fang, Yufa Feng, Liying Hu, Chenxi Xu, Penghui Shao, Xubiao Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study proposes a targeted repair scheme for the recovery of graphite anodes from spent LIBs by systematically characterizing and analyzing the structure and composition of spent graphite (SG). The results show that the repair scheme achieves effective SG repair and the repaired graphite anode displays excellent lithium storage performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Takao Ueda, Shigeki Koyanaka, Tatsuya Oki
Summary: Fires caused by accidental crushing of batteries are a serious issue in the e-waste recycling process. A new in-line sorting system that uses X-ray scanning and deep learning has been developed to accurately detect batteries. Through a validation study, the system achieved higher accuracy compared to other existing programs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannes Geist, Frank Balle
Summary: Research on circular economy often lacks empirical data, especially in the theory of circular process design and design for remanufacturing. This study systematically collected and analyzed engineering data on seven remanufacturing processes in the European automotive remanufacturing industry for the first time, providing empirical support for circular engineering challenges, potentials, and solutions.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Haoyang Wang, Xiaoqin Liang, Yibo Wang, Zijie Feng
Summary: The expansion of the photovoltaic market has resulted in a significant increase in PV waste. Therefore, conducting scientific research to determine the importance of the circular economy for sustainable growth in the PV industry is essential. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of PV installed capacity and quantifying the importance of recycling in balancing the supply and demand of raw materials can be achieved through a multi-factor installed capacity prediction model and recovery potential prediction.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chuanzhen Zhang, Baojing Gu, Xia Liang, Shu Kee Lam, Yi Zhou, Deli Chen
Summary: Reactive nitrogen is crucial for agriculture and human nutrition, but mismanagement can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystem services, hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards nitrogen-related targets varies across countries, highlighting the need for integrated management to achieve overall synergies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Gatto, Marijke Kuiper, Corina van Middelaar, Hans van Meijl
Summary: This study examines the economic and environmental effects of transitioning towards more circular food systems in the European Union (EU27) by feeding animals with low-opportunity-cost feed and better utilizing local feed resources. The results show that providing subsidies for circularity and promoting the use of low-cost feed can increase animal production, but also have negative impacts on land use and emissions. On the other hand, promoting domestic feed sourcing through import tariffs can decrease animal production and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. However, complementary policies are needed to mitigate drawbacks and enhance benefits of a more circular agri-food system.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinbo Zhang, Liu Chen, Yulei Xie, Pingjian Yang, Zheng Li, Huaicheng Guo, Yang Zhang, Lirong Liu
Summary: This study examines the impact of carbon taxes on low-carbon development and climate change mitigation. By constructing a cross-system bi-layer model, the study finds that reasonable carbon taxes can promote the stability of the energy network, reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants, and optimize production efficiency and the structure of the energy system. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects and implementation pathways of carbon taxes.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantin Born, Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
Summary: Increasing recycling of metals is important for reducing reliance on mining, but it cannot fully meet future metal demand. Primary production of metals is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for alternative circular economy strategies such as demand reduction and mitigating harmful impacts of primary metal production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yinqiu Ma, Lin Huang, Jiahui Li, Wei Cao, Yumei Cai
Summary: Afforestation and reforestation, such as China's Grain for Green Program, have shown to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the significant carbon potential of the program and its potential application in other countries to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arlind Dervishaj, Kjartan Gudmundsson
Summary: This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment and provides suggestions. The study identifies limitations in the functionalities of current tools, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. Further development is needed in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamadreza Y. Azarfam, Anuj Maheshwari, Frank D. Blum, Siddhesh Chaudhari, Clinton Switzer, Ranji Vaidyanathan, Jay C. Hanan, Sudheer Bandla
Summary: This study introduces a feasible method for manufacturing recycled composites using post-consumer carpets and recycled resin. The resulting composites have impressive strength and modulus, surpassing commercial thermoplastics and making them suitable for structural applications. This research presents a promising approach to address carpet landfilling and reduce reliance on additives.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pujiang Shi, Tianle Huang, Hong Kit Lim, Chiew Kei Tan, Jong-Min Lee, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study developed a highly porous bioadaptive 3D sponge-like construct from plastic materials in discarded keyboards for advanced in vitro applications. The findings demonstrate the potential of using discarded keyboards as a waste-to-resource feedstock to achieve waste reduction and maximize value-capture.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuo-Jui Wu, Hailing Qiu, Caiyan Huang, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: Government resource allocation practices for achieving carbon neutrality should be guided by dynamic system theory to identify potential dynamics. Carbon intensity control dynamics have a significant influence on other dynamics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
