Article
Environmental Sciences
Ming Zhang, Junxiao Wei, Huan Li, Yang Chen, Jianguo Liu
Summary: China, as the largest developing country, has been facing an increasing amount of municipal solid waste (MSW). Incineration is the mainstream method for MSW treatment, but air pollution emissions have been a major concern. The Chinese government is committed to implementing MSW classification, but specific models and reduction targets are still unclear. This study projected scenarios of air pollution emissions until 2030 based on different MSW classification models and diffusion rates of ultra-low emission technology. The results provide valuable references for MSW management and air pollution reduction in China.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yanqing Niu, Liping Wen, Xin Guo, Shi'en Hui
Summary: Compared to landfill, MSW incineration not only eliminates secondary pollution and land occupation, but also achieves a net emission reduction. However, incineration fly ash produced in the process contains potentially toxic elements and dioxins. Therefore, a harmless integrated scenario for the co disposal and resource reutilization of MSW and its hazardous ash is proposed. By using an IFA melting furnace, the toxic dioxins are burned out and the potentially toxic elements are solidified into molten slag for high value-added rock wool production. This scenario leads to collaborative reduction, stabilization, harmlessness, and resource reutilization, as well as a net carbon emission reduction and high economic benefits.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Jianfu Liu, Liang Zheng
Summary: This study analyzes the development trend of municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment in China from 2011 to 2020 and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable MSW management. The study finds that MSW generation declined in 2020 due to factors such as low urban population growth, the implementation of garbage classification policies, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift from landfill to incineration is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, although there are still several structural problems that need to be addressed.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhiqiang Fu, Shumin Lin, Hezhong Tian, Yan Hao, Bobo Wu, Shuhan Liu, Lining Luo, Xiaoxuan Bai, Zhihui Guo, Yunqian Lv
Summary: The release of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plants in China has raised concerns. This study established a comprehensive emission inventory of HAPs from MSWI plants in China from 2006 to 2017. The results showed that HAPs emissions initially increased and then stabilized due to the implementation of stricter emission standards. The emissions were concentrated in developed coastal provinces and cities. Continuous improvement in pollution control devices and MSWI management is crucial to minimize the harmful impacts of HAPs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Tianbao Gu, Wenchao Ma, Torsten Berning, Zhenning Guo, Ronnie Andersson, Chungen Yin
Summary: This study conducted advanced computational fluid dynamics simulations to optimize a moving-grate boiler for municipal solid waste, in order to accommodate changes in waste properties. The results showed that after adjusting the air supply and thermal input, the boiler operation improved and was better able to adapt to the new waste.
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
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
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
Construction & Building Technology
Yiquan Liu, Dhanendra Kumar, Kang Hao Lim, Yi Ling Lai, Zhongting Hu, Krishnan U. Ambikakumari Sanalkumar, En-Hua Yang
Summary: Contrary to previous research, this study strategically utilizes municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (IBA) in autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) to improve its efficiency and enhance its properties. A systematic classification approach is used to determine suitable fractions of IBA for each ingredient, resulting in higher strength AAC due to the formation of pure tobermorite gel. The leaching test confirms the safe utilization of AAC during and after its service life, while the utilization of classified IBA optimizes the amount that can be incorporated.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiao Li, Yanan Ren, Xuezhao Chen, Yang Li, Marian R. Chertow
Summary: Rapid urbanization in Chinese cities has led to an increase in municipal solid waste generation, which requires the development of high-quality waste disposal facilities. This study uses data and regression models to analyze the status, development pathways, and driving forces of waste disposal facilities in China. The findings show a U-shaped relationship between facility capacities or numbers and cities' GDP per capita. The study also reveals regional disparities in waste disposal methods and identifies the complex influences of socioeconomic factors on capacity expansion. The results highlight the need for updated guidelines, regulations, and improved technological capabilities in waste management infrastructure.
FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
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
Engineering, Chemical
Yuchen Liu, Chengfeng Liao, Yuting Tang, Jiehong Tang, Yong Sun, Xiaoqian Ma
Summary: Through comparing the MGPG and MIPG technologies in two cities of China, it was found that MGPG is more environmentally friendly, while MIPG has a stronger stability in resisting policy risks. Despite the higher equipment investment, MGPG has higher profit in the same city. Therefore, MGPG technology could be regarded as a promising alternative power generation process in underdeveloped areas like Leizhou.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Muhammad Sajid, Abdul Raheem, Naeem Ullah, Muhammad Asim, Muhammad Saif Ur Rehman, Nisar Ali
Summary: Sustainable waste management is a crucial issue in modern societies, and scientific research aims to develop effective waste management strategies to address health and environmental concerns. Thermal treatments, particularly gasification, offer viable solutions for municipal waste management. This review critically examines different gasification technologies, feed alternatives, catalysts, and technology adoption. Mixed feedstock management, such as combining municipal solid waste with agricultural waste, can be a practical solution, although economic considerations and waste disposal regulations play important roles in design strategy and implementation.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianbo Guo, Liyuan Liu, Guangru Zhang, Rongwu Yue, Tongzhe Wang, Xiujin Zhang, Shitong Yang, Yitao Zhang, Kaiyue Wang, Hongfei Long, Qingzhong Feng, Yang Chen
Summary: Over the past decade, municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) has contributed significantly to anthropogenic mercury and CO2 emissions. This study developed an inventory of these emissions from 2014 to 2020 in China, finding an increase in anthropogenic mercury emissions and a 1.97-fold increase in CO2 emissions. These emissions were mainly concentrated in developed coastal provinces and cities. The findings highlight the importance of advanced air pollution control technologies and effective management of MSWI for reducing CO2 and mercury emissions in the future.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xucong Yang, Yanfen Liao, Yuqing Wang, Xinfei Chen, Xiaoqian Ma
Summary: This study investigated the denitrification process in municipal solid waste incinerator based on coupling technologies of flue gas recirculation, over-fired air, and selective non-catalytic reduction through numerical simulation. The results demonstrated that the application of flue gas recirculation, especially at a ratio of 20%, significantly reduced NOx emissions and improved boiler efficiency. When coupled with over-fired air technology, the selective non-catalytic reduction technology further enhanced the removal efficiency of NOx. Overall, the coupling of these technologies achieved a high NOx removal efficiency of 76.48%.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaojie Wang, Zhiqiang Yu, Guofeng Shen, Hefa Cheng, Shu Tao
Summary: This study investigated the spatial distribution of bacterial communities in seasonally frozen soil on the Tibetan Plateau and their relationships with environmental factors. The results showed that soil depth had different impacts on bacterial diversity, composition, and specific taxa, which were mainly determined by various environmental factors.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yuanan Hu, Hefa Cheng, Shu Tao
Summary: This review systematically summarizes the environmental and human health impacts of geothermal utilization in China and suggests key technologies and policy measures to mitigate them. Geothermal utilization in China can lead to pollution of local surface water, groundwater, soil, and air, affecting biodiversity. Toxic elements and gaseous pollutants pose risks to the health of people living in geothermal areas. Proper technology promotion and pollution control measures, along with government regulation and supervision, can help mitigate environmental impacts and human health risks.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mengwei Gao, Bing Li, Jue Liu, Yuanan Hu, Hefa Cheng
Summary: In this study, activated MIL-88A material was synthesized and found to have excellent adsorption capacity for p-ASA in water. The adsorption behavior followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir models. The Fe-O-As coordination and hydrogen bonding played important roles in the adsorption process.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yue Yin, Xiaojie Wang, Yuanan Hu, Fadong Li, Hefa Cheng
Summary: This study investigated the response of soil bacterial communities to heavy metal pollution in different habitats of an abandoned polymetallic mine. The results showed significant variations in the diversity and composition of bacterial communities among different soil habitats. Heterogeneous selection played a crucial role in shaping the bacterial community composition. The study also identified key factors driving the variations in bacterial community composition, such as the total contents of Cu and Zn in tailing and remediation areas, and bioavailable Mn and Cd, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, soil organic carbon, vegetation coverage, and plant diversity in undisturbed and natural recovery areas.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yatai Men, Yaojie Li, Zhihan Luo, Ke Jiang, Fan Yi, Xinlei Liu, Ran Xing, Hefa Cheng, Guofeng Shen, Shu Tao
Summary: This study conducted a wintertime field campaign in northern China to assess indoor PM2.5 variations. It was found that indoor PM2.5 concentration was about 60% lower in households using clean heating approaches compared to those burning traditional fuels. The results also showed that a transition to clean coals or biomass pellets could reduce indoor PM2.5 by 20%, and further switching to clean modern energies would reduce it an additional 30%, highlighting the significant benefits of promoting clean transitions in household heating activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yaqi Zhu, Xiaoqiao Jiao, Wenjun Meng, Xinyuan Yu, Hefa Cheng, Guofeng Shen, Xuejun Wang, Shu Tao
Summary: Access to safe drinking water is a significant concern in China, particularly in rural areas. While the government has made efforts to increase access to tap water, the rate is still considerably lower than in urban areas and unevenly distributed across the country. Additionally, electricity, mainly electric kettles, contributes to the boiling of water, with 69% of households using this method. Further intervention and investment are necessary to improve drinking water safety in poor and remote rural areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wenjun Meng, Lei Zhu, Zhuang Liang, Haoran Xu, Wenxiao Zhang, Jin Li, Yuanzheng Zhang, Zhihan Luo, Guofeng Shen, Huizhong Shen, Yilin Chen, Hefa Cheng, Jianmin Ma, Shu Tao
Summary: A clean heating campaign in northern China replaced coal with electricity or natural gas among 13.9 million rural households, resulting in significant reductions in PM2.5 emissions and exposure, as well as a decrease in premature deaths attributable to residential emissions. However, the benefits and costs were unevenly distributed, with residents in mountainous areas experiencing less benefit but paying more due to higher costs. Targeted investment and subsidies in less developed areas, as well as promoting less expensive alternatives, could help achieve improved air quality, reduced health impacts, and reduced inequity in future clean heating interventions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xinlei Liu, Yaojie Li, Zhihan Luo, Ran Xing, Yatai Men, Wenxuan Huang, Ke Jiang, Lu Zhang, Chao Sun, Longjiao Xie, Hefa Cheng, Huizhong Shen, Yuanchen Chen, Wei Du, Guofeng Shen, Shu Tao
Summary: Through long-term field monitoring using low-cost sensors, we evaluated the variations of indoor PM2.5 in rural areas. We found large variations of household PM2.5 across different homes and within households. Factors such as outdoor PM2.5, outdoor temperature, and indoor-outdoor temperature difference have significant impacts on the variation of indoor PM2.5.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Zhaoxin Li, Qiuying Zhang, Zhao Li, Yunfeng Qiao, Kun Du, Zewei Yue, Chao Tian, Peifang Leng, Hefa Cheng, Gang Chen, Fadong Li
Summary: This study found that no-tillage can reduce soil CO2 emissions and increase crop yields in a winter wheat-summer maize rotation system, compared to conventional tillage.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bingbing Sun, Beibei Li, Shexia Ma, Ming Zhu, Chenyin Dong, Mingdeng Xiang, Hefa Cheng, Yunjiang Yu
Summary: Despite expanding the list of regulated waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), there are still significant amounts of valuable-resource components that can be recycled from the unregulated WEEE. A study estimated the quantities of these components in China from 2010 to 2030 and found that the total economic value is expected to decrease initially and then gradually increase. Household baking apparatuses and electric fans are predicted to contribute the most to the weight of unregulated WEEE, while electronics are the most significant source of economic value. These findings can help bridge the knowledge gap and inform future policies on WEEE recycling.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yafeng Wang, Hefa Cheng
Summary: Geothermal springs may release potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) that pose a threat to human health. This study analyzed the water geochemistry and sediment mineralogy of the hot springs in Nagqu geothermal field. The results showed high concentrations of PHEs, with Be, As, and Tl exceeding the Chinese groundwater standards by up to 2, 2, and 19 times, respectively. The mobility of PHEs in the geothermal springs is influenced by the presence of specific minerals in the sediments.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhaoxin Li, Qiuying Zhang, Zhao Li, Yunfeng Qiao, Kun Du, Zewei Yue, Chao Tian, Peifang Leng, Hefa Cheng, Gang Chen, Fadong Li
Summary: No-tillage (NT) is widely adopted worldwide as an effective agricultural practice for climate change mitigation and food security. This global meta-analysis of 116 peer-reviewed studies and 946 paired data shows that NT reduces global warming potential by 14.4% without changing crop yields. NT significantly inhibits CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions and enhances CH4 uptake in temperate zones. Clay loam and silt loam are recommended for global NT practice implementation. The analysis also suggests the importance of long-term NT practices for reducing GHG emissions and improving crop yields. Overall, this study provides solid scientific evidence for assessing the effects of NT practices on GHG emissions and agricultural productivity. Rating: 9/10.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hui Zhi, Guofeng Shen, Hefa Cheng, Shu Tao
Summary: This study reveals the pollution and potential ecological risk of antimicrobials in the Lhasa River on the Tibetan Plateau. It identifies untreated domestic wastewater as the main source of pollution. The study emphasizes the urgent need for improving the collection and treatment of domestic wastewater in Lhasa.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xian Li, Hefa Cheng
Summary: Mn-modified biochars (BCs) were developed for the simultaneous adsorption and degradation of cephalexin. The removal rates of cephalexin in the presence of MBCs and BCM were significantly higher than that of regular biochar. The oxidation of cephalexin was enhanced by the MnOx and Mn species on Mn-modified BCs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xue Ma, Hefa Cheng
Summary: In this work, CN/CNQDs were prepared by self-introducing carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQDs) into the planar structure of carbon nitride (CN) using a novel photo-triggered self-assembly strategy. The atomic junctions formed chemical bonds between the two components, which have stronger interfacial interactions and facilitate efficient carrier migration. The presence of in-plane electric field (IEF) in CN/CNQDs acted as a direct driving force for the migration of electrons and holes, greatly facilitating the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
