Article
Energy & Fuels
Wojciech Czekala
Summary: The possibility of using digestate solid fraction (DSF) for biofuel production was explored, revealing that DSF still has energy potential post-anaerobic digestion and can be a valuable substrate for solid biofuels production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Saeed Firouzi, Mohammad Sadegh Allahyari, Mohammadreza Isazadeh, Amin Nikkhah, Sam Van Haute
Summary: The study utilized a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making approach to prioritize biomass resources for biofuel production, with municipal solid wastes and sewage, forest and wood farming wastes, and livestock and poultry wastes identified as the most important biomass resources for second-generation biofuels in the studied area.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ilman Nuran Zaini, Yuming Wen, Elsayed Mousa, Par Goran Jonsson, Weihong Yang
Summary: Primary fragmentation during rapid pyrolysis greatly affects particle size distribution and char conversion rates in fixed bed gasifiers. This study investigates the primary fragmentation behavior of RDF pellets with different cardboard-PE blending ratios during pyrolysis tests. The results show that the composition of RDF pellets has a significant impact on fragmentation compared to pyrolysis temperature, and the modified Fragmentation Ratio is introduced to quantify the degree of fragmentation.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhengwen Cao, Yun Xu, Pengbo Lyu, Michael Dierks, Angel Morales-Garcia, Wolfgang Schrader, Petr Nachtigall, Ferdi Schuth
Summary: This study presents a catalytic system that can convert lignin into high-quality hydrocarbons by controlling hydrogen partial pressure, providing flexibility in hydrogen storage/consumption to meet different regional and temporal demands. The product distribution between aromatics and aliphatics can be tuned by controlling hydrogen availability on the catalyst surface, leading to almost complete oxygen removal from lignin biomass.
Article
Thermodynamics
Ksenia Yu Vershinina, Vadim V. Dorokhov, Daniil S. Romanov, Pavel A. Strizhak
Summary: This paper presents the findings of an experimental investigation on the thermochemical transformation stages of fuels made from waste. It was observed that burning coal slime in combination with other components improved the ignition and burnout performance. The addition of turbine oil significantly accelerated flame combustion, while rapeseed oil reduced the duration of heat absorption. The burnout of slurry droplets was more intense and less temperature-dependent. These results are crucial for planning and conducting industrial tests on energy recovery from coal slime, biomass, and refined products.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sylvester Kosi Mawusi, Prabin Shrestha, Chunyu Xue, Guangqing Liu
Summary: Ghana's Renewable Energy Master Plan recognizes the potential of biomass pellets, but currently their commercial development and integration into the energy mix is lacking. This study examines the potential for production, adoption, and sustained use of pellets in Ghana, highlighting the country's abundant biomass resources, market demand, and relevant policies. The production of pellets has the potential to alleviate traditional biomass demand and improve environmental and health conditions. However, there are limitations in terms of technical, financial, social, and policy aspects hindering their production and use. It is recommended that the Ghanaian government establish a robust supply chain, provide necessary infrastructure, review renewable energy policies, raise public awareness, and conduct thorough impact assessments to promote sustainable production, adoption, and use of pellets and contribute to the United Nations' sustainable development goals.
Article
Thermodynamics
Mohammad Rehan, Muhammad Amir Raza, Abdul Ghani Abro, M. M. Aman, Iqbal Mohammad Ibrahim Ismail, Abdul Sattar Nizami, Muhammad Imtiaz Rashid, Ahmed Summan, Khurram Shahzad, Nadeem Ali
Summary: Pakistan has been struggling with electricity shortages since 2005, hindering the country's growth in agriculture, industry, and services sectors. This study used LEAP & REG; software to forecast Pakistan's energy mix from 2022-2050 under baseline and transformation scenarios. The baseline scenario focuses on increasing hydroelectric power, while the transformation scenario emphasizes the use of biomass. The study recommends the transformation scenario due to retiring hydro plants and limited budget for new constructions. By utilizing biomass-based distributed power generation, Pakistan could generate enough sustainable energy to meet future demand.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haiying Lu, Ruiyan Xie, Hesham S. Almoallim, Sulaiman Ali Alharbi, G. K. Jhanani, T. R. Praveenkumar, Changlei Xia, A. Anderson
Summary: In this study, microalgae biochar was used to produce fuel pellets, and the results showed that the inclusion of microalgae biochar could enhance the calorific value, heating value, and bulk density of the pellets. The mechanical strength of microalgae-based pellets was also higher compared to other biomass, and their combustion time was longer due to their higher calorific value.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nur Syahirah Kamal Baharin, Vidya Cundasari Koesoemadinata, Shunsuke Nakamura, Nadia Farhana Azman, Muhamad Ali Muhammad Yuzir, Fazrena Nadia Akhir, Koji Iwamoto, Wira Jazair Yahya, Nor'azizi Othman, Tamio Ida, Hirofumi Hara
Summary: The study demonstrated that converting spent mushroom substrate into Bio-Coke as an alternative solid fuel is beneficial for mushroom substrate pasteurization. Bio-Coke exhibited better physical characteristics, with high apparent density and mechanical strength, making it ideal for biomass solid fuel applications.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haithem Soliman, Paul Osei, Ahmed Shalaby
Summary: In cold regions with freeze-thaw cycling, adding recycled plastic pellets as modifiers for bituminous binders can improve their elastic response and rutting resistance without affecting their low-temperature performance. Polyester-based recycled plastic pellets show better elastic behavior and rutting resistance compared to nylon-based ones.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Milosz Zardzewialy, Marcin Bajcar, Bogdan Saletnik, Czeslaw Puchalski, Jozef Gorzelany
Summary: Currently, fossil fuels are the main source of electricity production, although other sources, including biomass, are being explored due to environmental concerns. This scientific article examines the possibility of using biomass from parks and gardens for pellet production, specifically assessing their mechanical, thermogravimetric, and calorimetric properties. The study finds that biomass pellets made from fir and pine cones, with the addition of coniferous sawdust, show the highest resistance to mechanical damage and have a low ash content. Furthermore, the combustion of these pellets results in lower sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions compared to other biomass mixtures. Overall, this research suggests that waste biomass from green areas can be a valuable raw material for energy production.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Maja Ivanovski, Darko Goricanec, Danijela Urbancl
Summary: The paper evaluates the potential of using selected biomass wastes to produce solid biofuels through torrefaction process. Thermochemical properties of two lignocellulosic biomasses (miscantshus and hops) and non-lignocellulosic biomass (municipal solid waste) were studied, along with their mixtures, using different torrefaction temperatures and times. The study shows that torrefaction can enhance the physicochemical properties of raw biomasses, making them comparable to coal and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Article
Economics
Olusola Joshua Olujobi, Daniel E. Ufua, Uchechukwu Emena Okorie, Mercy E. Ogbari
Summary: This research examines the importance of transforming waste into energy in Nigeria's power sector for sustainable development and reducing environmental impact. The study analyzes the effectiveness of current legal and regulatory frameworks for waste management and electricity generation. It also investigates the relationship between carbon emissions and their determinants. Additionally, the research compares the renewable energy practices of other countries. The study recommends policy integration and non-statutory encouragements to promote waste-to-energy conversion in Nigeria's power industry.
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS-POLITICS LAW AND ECONOMICS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ahmed Bendaoud, Amal Lahkimi, Mohammed Kara, Tarik Moubchir, Amine Assouguem, Abdelkhalek Belkhiri, Aimad Allali, Anouar Hmamou, Rafa Almeer, Amany A. Sayed, Ilaria Peluso, Noureddine Eloutassi
Summary: The study aims to investigate the involvement of Moroccan companies in the valorization of green waste and identify those with great energy and industrial value. Results showed a diverse range of solid vegetable waste in Morocco, with most of it remaining untreated. Chemical analysis revealed that forestry waste and medicinal and aromatic plants waste have high cellulose and hemicellulose contents, making them suitable for energy biomass utilization.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Shiyang Fan, Anran Li, Annemiek ter Heijne, Cees J. N. Buisman, Wei-Shan Chen
Summary: Composting is an effective process for treating organic solid waste, and the interest in recovering and reusing heat from composting is growing. Current literature reviews inadequately address engineering aspects such as heat estimation, recovery, and utilization, so this study aims to fill this knowledge gap by providing methods for calculating heat potential, estimating heat production, and recovering generated heat. The study also summarizes the utilization of generated heat and identifies challenges and future research outlooks in this area.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ning Wei, Zhenyu Jia, Zhengyu Men, Chunzhe Ren, Yanjie Zhang, Jianfei Peng, Lin Wu, Ting Wang, Qijun Zhang, Hongjun Mao
Summary: In this study, a machine learning-based brake emission model was developed to accurately assess and control brake emissions generated during vehicle braking. The research found that avoiding sudden braking behavior and using brake pads with lower metal content can effectively reduce brake wear emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dengke Zhi, Quhan Cheng, Adam C. Midgley, Qiuying Zhang, Tingting Wei, Yi Li, Ting Wang, Tengzhi Ma, Muhammad Rafique, Shuang Xia, Yuejuan Cao, Yangchun Li, Jing Li, Yongzhe Che, Meifeng Zhu, Kai Wang, Deling Kong
Summary: Inspired by the architectural design of steel fiber reinforcement, poly(epsilon-caprolacton) (PCL) fiber skeletons were used to improve the mechanical strength and tissue regeneration of biotubes. The heat-treated medium-fiber-angle PB (hMPB) demonstrated superior performance in mechanical testing and animal models, showing potential as an alternative to autologous vessels in clinical applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ning Wei, Zhengyu Men, Chunzhe Ren, Zhenyu Jia, Yanjie Zhang, Jiaxin Jin, Junyu Chang, Zongyan Lv, Dongping Guo, Zhiwen Yang, Jiliang Guo, Lin Wu, Jianfei Peng, Ting Wang, Zhuofei Du, Qijun Zhang, Hongjun Mao
Summary: This study investigates the brake emissions from vehicles and highlights the inadequate research in this area compared to exhaust emissions. By constructing a dataset of real-world braking events and utilizing five algorithms, the study establishes a mapping function between brake emission intensity and segment features. The study identifies brake energy intensity and metal content as the most significant factors affecting brake emissions. The machine learning-based model outperforms the traditional MOVES model in predicting brake emissions and provides valuable insights for future assessment and control of brake emissions.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhengyu Men, Xinfeng Zhang, Jianfei Peng, Jing Zhang, Tiange Fang, Quanyou Guo, Ning Wei, Qijun Zhang, Ting Wang, Lin Wu, Hongjun Mao
Summary: Brake wear emission is becoming a significant contributor to vehicle-related particulate matter, but there is still limited knowledge about its emission features and determining factors. Experimental results show that separating brake pads and discs releases more particles, larger speed reduction exponentially increases emissions, and the enhancement of nanoparticles is related to the evaporation of organic constituents in the pads. The emissions from front and rear brake assemblies are not consistent with braking torque distribution due to different braking pressures. A parameterization scheme based on kinetic energy loss is developed to predict the variation of brake wear particle (BWP) emissions under real-world driving conditions.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ziqi Huang, Yuwen Zhang, Ruihua Liu, Yi Li, Muhammad Rafique, Adam C. Midgley, Ye Wan, Hongyu Yan, Jianghua Si, Ting Wang, Cuihong Chen, Ping Wang, Muhammad Shafiq, Jia Li, Lili Zhao, Deling Kong, Kai Wang
Summary: The study developed PCL-Co microfiber vascular grafts with antimicrobial and pro-regenerative properties, which are important for treating cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients. Results showed that PCL-Co grafts performed well in both infection prevention and treatment models, indicating potential to improve tissue regeneration under diabetes conditions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuening Li, Faqiang Zhan, Ying Duan Lei, Chubashini Shunthirasingham, Hayley Hung, Frank Wania
Summary: The use of passive air samplers (PAS) for semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) has been expanding. A year-long calibration study confirmed that the linear uptake period of a passive air sampler using XAD-resin sorbent is longer than estimated with a simulation model and much longer than those of samplers using polyurethane or polyethylene as sorbents. The sampling rates (SRs) for 26 SVOCs were determined, ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 m(3) day(-1) for SVOCs such as brominated flame retardants, organophosphate esters, and halogenated methoxylated benzenes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ning Wei, Zhenyu Jia, Xiaoyang Zhao, Lin Wu, Yanjie Zhang, Jianfei Peng, Ting Wang, Zhiwen Yang, Qijun Zhang, Hongjun Mao
Summary: Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory (GLOSA) is a cutting-edge technology for intelligent transportation and is being increasingly applied on the ground worldwide. However, evaluating the environmental benefits of vehicles using GLOSA has become a challenge owing to the complexity and unpredictability of real-traffic. Here, a standardized environmental benefit evaluation framework for GLOSA is first proposed, which combined standard driving cycle (DC) database and high-precision emission models.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tiange Fang, Ting Wang, Chao Zou, Quanyou Guo, Jianhua Lv, Yanjie Zhang, Lin Wu, Jianfei Peng, Hongjun Mao
Summary: Heavy port transportation networks are increasingly recognized as major contributors to PM2.5 pollution compared to vessels. The study reveals that non-exhaust emissions from port traffic play a significant role. By using filter sampling and the ER-PMF method, PM2.5 concentrations in different locations and traffic fleet characteristics were linked in the port area. The study shows that freight delivery activity emissions, including vehicle exhaust, non-exhaust particles, and road dust resuspension, accounted for nearly half of the total contribution. The contribution of non-exhaust emissions, especially from dense traffic with a high proportion of trucks, was comparable to exhaust emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhenyu Jia, Ning Wei, Jiawei Yin, Xiaoyang Zhao, Lin Wu, Yanjie Zhang, Jianfei Peng, Ting Wang, Zhiwen Yang, Qijun Zhang, Hongjun Mao
Summary: Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory (GLOSA) is a rapidly expanding technology for intelligent transportation worldwide. However, little research has been done on the energy consumption, pollutant emissions, and driving behavior changes of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) before and after GLOSA implementation. In this study, we quantitatively analyze the environmental and energy benefits of PHEVs after GLOSA application using real-road driving cycles and chassis dynamometer tests. The results show that GLOSA significantly reduces engine starts and throttle openings, improves powertrain operating conditions, and leads to a reduction in energy consumption and pollutant emissions of PHEVs.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuening Li, Faqiang Zhan, Chubashini Shunthirasingham, Ying Duan Lei, Hayley Hung, Frank Wania
Summary: This study demonstrates that even the most volatile PCBs can maintain linear uptake in a passive air sampler using XAD-resin as the sorbent (XAD-PAS). The sampling rates for 66 congeners decrease with the number of chlorines and increase within a homologue with the number of chlorines in the ortho-position. By quantifying the effects of chlorine substitution and temperature on sampling rates, it is possible to estimate the sampling rates for all congeners at any deployment temperature. The XAD-PAS is suitable for unbiased sampling of gaseous PCBs in various settings.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Faqiang Zhan, Chubashini Shunthirasingham, Yuening Li, Jenny Oh, Ying Duan Lei, Amina Ben Chaaben, Abigaelle Dalpe Castilloux, Zhe Lu, Kelsey Lee, Frank A. P. C. Gobas, Nick Alexandrou, Hayley Hung, Frank Wania
Summary: Halomethoxybenzenes are organic compounds that are present in the atmosphere at higher concentrations than persistent organic pollutants. They have properties of persistence, long-range transport, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. These compounds are primarily synthesized by wood-rotting fungi, marine algae, and invertebrates, and enter the atmosphere through evaporation from water. Our research provides evidence of their continental-scale transport and sheds light on their widespread atmospheric dispersal.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hongyu Yan, Quhan Cheng, Jianghua Si, Songdi Wang, Ye Wan, Xin Kong, Ting Wang, Wenting Zheng, Muhammad Rafique, Xiaofeng Li, Ju He, Adam C. Midgley, Yi Zhu, Kai Wang, Deling Kong
Summary: Researchers have introduced highly efficient and biocompatible functional modifications to living cells within tissue-engineered constructs, improving the performance of vascular grafts and promoting vascular regeneration without the need for anticoagulant therapy.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lei Cao, Ruiping Diao, Xuefeng Shi, Lu Cao, Zerui Gong, Xupeng Zhang, Xiaohan Yan, Ting Wang, Hongjun Mao
Summary: This study investigates the association between air pollution and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in small- and medium-sized cities. The results suggest that PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 are risk factors for GDM, with increased exposure during preconception and pregnancy. Pregnant women aged 30-35 years, nulliparous women, and those with lower education levels are the most sensitive groups.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiv Bolan, Deyi Hou, Liuwei Wang, Lauren Hale, Dilfuza Egamberdieva, Priit Tammeorg, Rui Li, Bing Wang, Jiaping Xu, Ting Wang, Hongwen Sun, Lokesh P. Padhye, Hailong Wang, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Joerg Rinklebe, M. B. Kirkham, Nanthi Bolan
Summary: Biochar is an effective carrier for microbial inoculants due to its properties that promote microbial life. It contains organic carbon, nutrients, and functional groups that facilitate microbial adhesion and proliferation. Moreover, biochar-based microbial inoculants have been shown to enhance the persistence and colonization of microbes in soil and plant roots, benefiting soil biochemical processes and remediation of soil contamination. Future research should focus on improving carrier material performance and expanding the potential applications of this emerging biochar-based technology.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Zhang, Jingbo Zhao, Qian Hu, Hongjun Mao, Ting Wang
Summary: PM2.5 exposure is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis, and nitro-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) accelerate the occurrence and development of the disease through severe oxidative stress.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
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.