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Debele AD, Demeke S, Bekele T, Malimo M. Recycling and reusing potential of disposable low-density polyethylene plastic waste for flexible paver tile construction for outdoor application. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29381. [PMID: 38638943 PMCID: PMC11024625 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic waste disposal has escalated into a serious global concern due to the non-biodegradable nature of plastics, which are composed of high-molecular-mass organic polymers along with other ingredients. Therefore, this study focuses on reusing and recycling LDPE plastic waste as a binding agent in paver tile production. This aligns with global sustainability goals by promoting resource efficiency and reducing waste generation. The investigation aims to address the environmental impact of plastic waste by finding sustainable solutions for its management. This includes exploring the feasibility and viability of using LDPE plastic waste in paver tile production as a means of recycling and reusing locally collected waste. The LDPE waste plastic collection, identification, milling, and melting at 170 °C. Subsequently, the sampled sand, sieved to a size of ≤0.75 mm, was blended with molten plastic in a specified proportion and then molded to create paving tiles using a hydraulic press machine. The researchers utilized response surface methodology (RSM) combined with Box-Benken designs (BBD) to optimize three key experimental parameters (plastic-to-sand ratio: 10 %, 25 %, 40 %; time: 2, 5, 8 min, pressure: 1, 3, 5 MPa) influencing mechanical properties of paver tiles, including water absorption (WA), flexural strength (FS), and compressive strength (CS). The result revealed that the optimal combination of 25 % waste plastic, 5 min, and 3 MPa of pressure resulted in a maximum flexural strength (FS) of 3.689 MPa and compressive strength (CS) of 4.141 MPa, with an average water absorption (WA) of 0.322 %. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the developed tiles met the desired standard. In conclusion, the mechanical qualities of the tiles were promising, indicating that reusing waste LDPE plastic to create paver tiles presents an appealing option for plastic waste disposal. The composite paver tiles exhibited promising attributes for outdoor applications, such as park pavement and outdoor public spaces, owing to their favorable mechanical properties and low water absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Duguma Debele
- Energy and Environment Research Centre, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | | | - Tadele Bekele
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Mattu University, Mattu, Ethiopia
| | - Markos Malimo
- College of Education and Behavioral Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
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2
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Lou X, Liu F, Li Q, Chu M, Wang G, Chen J, Cao M. Advances in solar-driven, electro/photoelectrochemical, and microwave-assisted upcycling of waste polyesters. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:2828-2838. [PMID: 38362916 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc05930h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste in the environment causes significant environmental pollution. The potential of using chemical methods for upcycling plastic waste offers a dual solution to ensure resource sustainability and environmental restoration. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest technologies driven by solar-driven, electro/photoelectrochemical-catalytic, and microwave-assisted methods for the conversion of plastics into various valuable chemicals. It emphasizes selective conversion during the plastic transformation process, elucidates reaction pathways, and optimizes product selectivity. Finally, the article offers insights into the future developments of chemical upcycling of polyesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxi Lou
- Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China.
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Fangyue Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qingye Li
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Mingyu Chu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Guiling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Jinxing Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Muhan Cao
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
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Vuppaladadiyam SSV, Vuppaladadiyam AK, Sahoo A, Urgunde A, Murugavelh S, Šrámek V, Pohořelý M, Trakal L, Bhattacharya S, Sarmah AK, Shah K, Pant KK. Waste to energy: Trending key challenges and current technologies in waste plastic management. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169436. [PMID: 38160846 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Due to the 'forever' degrading nature of plastic waste, plastic waste management is often complicated. The applications of plastic are ubiquitous and inevitable in many scenarios. Current global waste plastics production is ca. 3.5 MMT per year, and with the current trend, plastic waste production will reach 25,000 MMT by 2040. However, the rapid growth in plastic manufacture and the material's inherent nature resulted in the accumulation of a vast amount of plastic garbage. The current recycling rate is <10 %, while the large volumes of discarded plastic waste cause environmental and ecological problems. Recycling rates for plastic vary widely by region and type of plastic. In some developed countries, the recycling rate for plastics is around 20-30 %, while in many developing nations, it is much lower. These statistics highlight the magnitude of the plastic waste problem and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to manage plastic waste more effectively and reduce its impact on the environment. This review critically analyses past studies on the essential and efficient techniques for turning plastic trash into treasure. Additionally, an attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive understanding of the plastic upcycling process, the 3Rs policy, and the life-cycle assessment (LCA) of plastic conversion. The review advocates pyrolysis as one of the most promising methods of turning plastic trash into valuable chemicals. In addition, plastic waste management can be severely impacted due to uncontrollable events, such as Covid 19 pandemic. Recycling and chemical upcycling can certainly bring value to the end-of-life plastic. However, the LCA analysis indicated there is still a huge scope for innovation in chemical upcycling area compared to mechanical recycling. The formulation of policies and heightened public participation could play a pivotal role in reducing the environmental repercussions of plastic waste and facilitating a shift towards a more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abhisek Sahoo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Ajay Urgunde
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, AL 36849, USA
| | - S Murugavelh
- CO(2) Research and Green Technologies Centre, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Vít Šrámek
- Department of Power Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic; Department of Gaseous and Solid Fuels and Air Protection, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Pohořelý
- Department of Power Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Trakal
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Praha 6, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Sankar Bhattacharya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - Ajit K Sarmah
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Kalpit Shah
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Kamal K Pant
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
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Mishra R, Chavda P, Kumar R, Pandit R, Joshi M, Kumar M, Joshi C. Exploring genetic landscape of low-density polyethylene degradation for sustainable troubleshooting of plastic pollution at landfills. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168882. [PMID: 38040372 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution increases globally due to the high volume of its production and inadequate mismanagement, leading to dumps in landfills affecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Landfills, as sink for plastics, leach various toxic chemicals and microplastics into the environment. We scrutinized the genetic expression for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) degradation via microorganisms to investigate cell viability and metabolic activities for biodegradation and genetic profiling. Samples were collected from the Pirana waste landfill at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which is one of the largest and oldest municipal solid waste (MSW) dump sites in Asia. Results analyzed that isolated bacterial culture PN(A)1 (Bacillus cereus) is metabolically active on LDPE as carbon source during starvation conditions when incubated for up to 60 days, which was confirmed via 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride (TTC) reduction test, reported cell viability and LDPE degradation. Abrasions, surface erosions, and cavity formations were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whereas the breakdown of high molecular polymers converted to low molecules, i.e., depolymerization, was also observed via Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy over 90 days, along with changes in functional groups of carboxylic acids and aldehyde as well as the formation of polysulfide, aliphatic compounds, aromatic ethers, alcohols, and ether linkages. Further, transcriptomic analysis was performed via DESeq2 analysis to understand key gene expression patterns and pathways involved in LDPE degradation. During the initial phase of LDPE degradation, genes related to biological processes, like membrane transportation, ABC transporters, carbon and lipid metabolism, fatty acid degradation/oxidation, and TCA cycle, are likely to indicate pathways for stress response and molecular functions, like oxidoreductase, catalytic, lyase, transferase, and hydrolase activities were expressed. Interlinking between metabolic pathways indicates biodegradation process that mineralizes LDPE during subsequent incubation days. These pathways can be targeted for increasing the efficiency of LDPE degradation using microbes in future studies. Thus, considering microbial-mediated biodegradation as practical, eco-friendly, and low-cost alternatives, healthy biomes can degrade polymers in natural environments explored by understanding the genetic and enzymatic expression, connecting their role in the process to the likely metabolic pathways involved, thereby increasing the rate of their biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshani Mishra
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Priyank Chavda
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Ramesh Pandit
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Madhvi Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India; Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, Monterrey 64849, Mexico.
| | - Chaitanya Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India.
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Karlsson MB, Benedini L, Jensen CD, Kamp A, Henriksen UB, Thomsen TP. Climate footprint assessment of plastic waste pyrolysis and impacts on the Danish waste management system. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119780. [PMID: 38091733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Increased plastic recycling is necessary to reduce environmental impacts related to manufacturing and end-of-life of plastic products, however, mechanical recycling (MR) - currently the most widespread recycling option for plastic waste - is limited by quality requirements for inputs and reduced quality of outputs. In this study, pyrolysis of plastic waste is assessed against MR, municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) and fuel substitution through climate footprint assessment (CFA) based on primary data from pyrolysis of plastic waste sourced from Danish waste producers. Results of the CFA are scaled to the Danish plastic waste resource in an impact assessment of current Danish plastic waste management, and scenarios are constructed to assess reductions through utilization of pyrolysis. Results of the CFA show highest benefits utilizing pyrolysis for monomer recovery (-1400 and -4800 kg CO2e per ton polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), respectively) and MR for single polymer polyolefins (-1000 kg CO2e per ton PE). The two management options perform similarly with mixed plastic waste (200 kg CO2e per ton plastic waste). MSWI has the highest impact (1600-2200 kg CO2e per ton plastic waste) and should be avoided when alternatives are available. Scaling the results of the CFA to the full Danish plastic waste resource reveals an impact of 0.79 Mt CO2e in year 2020 of current plastic waste management. Utilizing pyrolysis to manage MR residues reduces the system impact by 15%. Greater reductions are possible through increased separation of plastic from residual waste. The best performance is achieved through a combination of MR and pyrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Karlsson
- Roskilde University, Institute of People and Technology, Universitetsvej 1, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - L Benedini
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, CHEC Research Centre, Miljøvej, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - C D Jensen
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, CHEC Research Centre, Miljøvej, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - A Kamp
- Roskilde University, Institute of People and Technology, Universitetsvej 1, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - U B Henriksen
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, CHEC Research Centre, Miljøvej, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - T P Thomsen
- Roskilde University, Institute of People and Technology, Universitetsvej 1, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
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6
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Jiao H, Ali SS, Alsharbaty MHM, Elsamahy T, Abdelkarim E, Schagerl M, Al-Tohamy R, Sun J. A critical review on plastic waste life cycle assessment and management: Challenges, research gaps, and future perspectives. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115942. [PMID: 38218104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The global production and consumption of plastics, as well as their deposition in the environment, are experiencing exponential growth. In addition, mismanaged plastic waste (PW) losses into drainage channels are a growing source of microplastic (MP) pollution concern. However, the complete understanding of their environmental implications throughout their life cycle is yet to be fully understood. Determining the potential extent to which MPs contribute to overall ecotoxicity is possible through the monitoring of PW release and MP removal during remediation. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) have been extensively utilized in many comparative analyses, such as comparing petroleum-based plastics with biomass and single-use plastics with multi-use alternatives. These assessments typically yield unexpected or paradoxical results. Nevertheless, there is still a paucity of reliable data and tools for conducting LCAs on plastics. On the other hand, the release and impact of MP have so far not been considered in LCA studies. This is due to the absence of inventory-related data regarding MP releases and the characterization factors necessary to quantify the effects of MP. Therefore, this review paper conducts a comprehensive literature review in order to assess the current state of knowledge and data regarding the environmental impacts that occur throughout the life cycle of plastics, along with strategies for plastic management through LCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Jiao
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Sameh S Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed Husssein M Alsharbaty
- Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq; Branch of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala, Iraq.
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Esraa Abdelkarim
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Michael Schagerl
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, Vienna A-1030, Austria.
| | - Rania Al-Tohamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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7
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Morganti P, Coltelli MB, Gagliardini A, Lazzeri A, Morganti G, Simonetti G, Fritsch T, Calabrese V, Fusco A, Donnarumma G. Biopolymer- and Natural Fiber-Based Biomimetic Tissues to Realize Smart Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals Using an Innovative Approach. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2525. [PMID: 38004505 PMCID: PMC10674939 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
More sustainable and smart cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals are necessary due to the ecological transition. In this study, a pullulan-based water solution containing chitin nanofibril-nano-lignin (CN-LG) complexes that encapsulate fish collagen polypeptide, allantoin and nicotinamide was electrospun onto a nonwoven substrate made of bamboo fibers to obtain a smart nanostructured bilayer system for releasing active molecules onto the skin or other body tissues. Infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the composition of the bilayer system before and after rapid washing of the sample with distilled water and liquids mimicking physiological fluids. The viability of keratinocytes was studied as well as the antioxidant activity, protective activity towards UV light, metalloproteinase release of aged fibroblasts and the inhibitor activity against collagen degradation. Immunomodulatory tests were performed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the bilayer system as well as its indirect antimicrobial activity. The results indicate that the bilayer system can be used in the production of innovative sustainable cosmeceuticals. In general, the adopted strategy can be extended to several smart treatments for fast release that can be commercialized as solid products, thus avoiding the use of preservatives and water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierfrancesco Morganti
- R&D Unit, Academy of History of Healthcare Art, 00193 Rome, Italy;
- Dermatology Department, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Maria-Beatrice Coltelli
- R&D Unit, Academy of History of Healthcare Art, 00193 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
| | | | - Andrea Lazzeri
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
| | | | - Giovanna Simonetti
- Environmental Department Biology, La Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, School of Medicine, Catania University, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Fusco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania University Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.F.); (G.D.)
| | - Giovanna Donnarumma
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania University Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.F.); (G.D.)
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Bourtsalas ACT, Yepes IM, Tian Y. U.S. plastic waste exports: A state-by-state analysis pre- and post-China import ban. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118604. [PMID: 37459814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
This study analyzes the regional implications of China's 2017 import ban on plastic waste by examining U.S. census data. A statistically significant decrease in total U.S. plastic waste exports was found, dropping from about 1.4 million tons to 0.6 million tons in the post-ban period. California remained the top exporter, throughout both pre- and post-ban periods, while South Carolina exhibited the highest per capita exports. Malaysia emerged as the largest importer of U.S. plastic waste, followed by Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. The ban also led to a change in the composition of the exported plastic waste. Ethylene polymers increased from 32.6% of total exports in the pre-ban period to 46.9% in the post-ban period. Other plastics (vinyl chloride polymers, styrene polymers, and for plastics not elsewhere specified or included) decreased from 67.4% of total exports in the pre-ban period to 53.1% in the post-ban period. Moreover, we found that exporting plastic waste has significant environmental and human health impacts. For example, the Global Warming Potential (GWP) decreased from 20 million tons CO2-eq in the scenario where 100% of plastics are exported, or 25 million tons exported from the U.S. since 2002, to -11.1 million tons CO2-eq in the scenario where 100% of plastics are treated domestically. Transportation exacerbates these impacts for exported waste scenarios, increasing to 5.4 million tons CO2-eq when plastics are exported by ship while decreasing to 0.9 million tons CO2-eq for domestic treatment. Although exporting plastic waste is initially cost-effective, our study highlights that investing in domestic waste management can yield significant long-term benefits, considering the environmental and public health impacts. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize context-specific solutions to address the challenges of the evolving global plastic waste landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Thanos Bourtsalas
- Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Isabela Maria Yepes
- Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Yixi Tian
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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Wang R, Cao T, He X, Fan Y. Energy financing, energy projects retrofit and energy poverty: a scenario-analysis approach for energy project cost estimation and energy price determination. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:108865-108877. [PMID: 37755591 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29822-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The research aims to determine the nexus of energy projects retrofit and poverty under two scenarios: energy project cost estimation and energy price determination. Households in rural areas of northern China are now required to switch from coal to cleaner heating options, including natural gas and electricity, as part of a government-led clean heating initiative. This initiative significantly increased the heating expense for participating homes, even when substantial subsidies were applied. We surveyed a large number of northern Chinese households to learn more about the rise in energy insecurity that has been attributed to government action. Our research shows that switching to electricity and gas from coal considerably worsens energy poverty in several ways, whereas switching to clean coal improves the situation. According to an econometric study, changes in energy poverty reveal heterogeneity in several ways. There is little change in Beijing, while the considerably less developed province of Hebei to the north sees a 75% rise. Energy poverty is more common in families with poorer incomes, lower levels of education, and smaller sizes. People who lack resources to insulate their homes will feel the effects more acutely. These results support the idea that low-income families would suffer disproportionately under a "one policy for all" mandate. For policymakers working on energy transition strategies for a low-carbon economy, it highlights the need to consider the distributional impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- RuiYing Wang
- Shijiazhuang Institute of railway technology, Shijiazhuang, ,050072, China
| | - Ting Cao
- Shijiazhuang Institute of railway technology, Shijiazhuang, ,050072, China.
| | - XingYuan He
- Shijiazhuang Institute of railway technology, Shijiazhuang, ,050072, China
| | - YiMin Fan
- Shijiazhuang Institute of railway technology, Shijiazhuang, ,050072, China
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10
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Shekoohiyan S, Hadadian M, Heidari M, Hosseinzadeh-Bandbafha H. Life cycle assessment of Tehran Municipal solid waste during the COVID-19 pandemic and environmental impacts prediction using machine learning. CASE STUDIES IN CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2023; 7:100331. [PMID: 37521456 PMCID: PMC9998284 DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2023.100331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Life cycle assessment and machine learning were combined to find the best option for Tehran's waste management for future pandemics. The ReCipe results showed the waste's destructive effects after COVID-19 were greater than before due to waste composition changes. Plastic waste has changed from 7.5 to 11%. Environmental burdens of scenarios were Sc-1 (increase composting to 50%) > Sc-3 > Sc-4 > Sc-b2 > Sc-5 > Sc-2 (increase recycling from 9 to 20%). The artificial neural network and gradient-boosted regression tree could predict environmental impacts with high R2. Based on the results, the environmental burdens of solid waste after COVID-19 should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakine Shekoohiyan
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobina Hadadian
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Heidari
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Hosseinzadeh-Bandbafha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering of Agricultural Machinery, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
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11
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The Key to Solving Plastic Packaging Wastes: Design for Recycling and Recycling Technology. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15061485. [PMID: 36987265 PMCID: PMC10053126 DOI: 10.3390/polym15061485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Confronted with serious environmental problems caused by the growing mountains of plastic packaging waste, the prevention and control of plastic waste has become a major concern for most countries. In addition to the recycling of plastic wastes, design for recycling can effectively prevent plastic packaging from turning into solid waste at the source. The reasons are that the design for recycling can extend the life cycle of plastic packaging and increase the recycling values of plastic waste; moreover, recycling technologies are helpful for improving the properties of recycled plastics and expanding the application market for recycled materials. This review systematically discussed the present theory, practice, strategies, and methods of design for recycling plastic packaging and extracted valuable advanced design ideas and successful cases. Furthermore, the development status of automatic sorting methods, mechanical recycling of individual and mixed plastic waste, as well as chemical recycling of thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic waste, were comprehensively summarized. The combination of the front-end design for recycling and the back-end recycling technologies can accelerate the transformation of the plastic packaging industry from an unsustainable model to an economic cycle model and then achieve the unity of economic, ecological, and social benefits.
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Park H, Kim K, Yu M, Yun Z, Lee S. Economic analysis of the circular economy based on waste plastic pyrolysis oil: a case of the university campus. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2023:1-21. [PMID: 37363013 PMCID: PMC10014391 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-02963-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the concept of a circular economy for carbon neutrality is emerging. In particular, waste plastics are one of the key wastes, and efforts are being made to recycle them as energy rather than dispose of them. Accordingly, the technology of producing and utilizing pyrolysis oil from waste plastics attracts attention. As it is an early stage of technology development, however, there are not many demonstrations and papers that analyze the technology broadly. The goal of this study is to propose building a circular economy on a university campus through waste plastic pyrolysis oil technology. To show its feasibility, waste plastic pyrolysis oil technology is analyzed comprehensively from economic, environmental, and policy perspectives using the scenario analysis technique on the university campus level. A methodology of the scenario analysis technique enables predicting the uncertainties. Since plastic pyrolysis oil technologies and carbon neutrality are accompanied by many uncertainties, this technique is expected to be an appropriate methodology for this study. First, the amount of pyrolysis oil production from waste plastics from the campus is estimated. Then, the cost and carbon emissions from waste plastics are estimated if the pyrolysis oil technology is used instead of the traditional waste disposal process. As a result, the total economic profits of up to 425,484,022 won/year (354,570.01 $/year) are expected when a circular economy is built using waste plastic pyrolysis oil. In addition, it is also confirmed that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be reduced by up to 840,891 kgCO2eq/year. The waste plastic pyrolysis oil satisfies Korea's gas pollutant standards and is consistent with the GHG reduction policy. It can be concluded that building a circular economy at the university campus level using waste plastic pyrolysis oil technology is suitable from economic, environmental, and policy perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayoung Park
- Department of Climate and Energy Systems Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kayoung Kim
- Department of Climate and Energy Systems Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mirae Yu
- Department of Climate and Energy Systems Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhihao Yun
- Department of Climate and Energy Systems Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghun Lee
- Department of Climate and Energy Systems Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Mao Q, Chen J, Lv J, Guo M, Xie P. Selection of plastic solid waste treatment technology based on cumulative prospect theory and fuzzy DEMATEL. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:41505-41536. [PMID: 36633741 PMCID: PMC9838375 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-25004-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Under the global implementation of a low-carbon economy, the treatment of municipal plastic solid waste (PSW) has become an important task to be solved urgently. In the actual decision-making process of PSW treatment, the evaluation information is usually fuzzy, and the decision-makers (DMs) are bounded rational. For selecting the most appropriate PSW treatment technology, we propose a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method based on cumulative prospect theory and fuzzy decision-making trail and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). Firstly, we construct the criteria system of PSW treatment that consists of 9 sub-criteria from the perspectives of environment, economy, society, and technology. Then, considering the interdependences and interactions between these evaluation criteria and allowing multiple stakeholders to participate in decision-making, we propose a fuzzy DEMATEL method to deal with the fuzziness of evaluation in the decision-making process and determine the weights of the evaluation criteria. Subsequently, taking into account the different opinions of different stakeholders and psychological factors such as risk preference and loss aversion of stakeholders, we aggregate the evaluation information of different stakeholders and develop the PSW treatment alternatives to rank the orders by using the proposed multi-actor cumulative prospect theory (CPT) method. We study seven alternative processes for PSW treatment by the developed model, including landfill, recycling, pyrolysis, incineration, and the combination of landfilling and recycling, landfill and incineration, and recycling and pyrolysis. According to the ranking results, we find the combination of recycling and incineration is the best treatment alternative. We take the seven PSW treatment technologies in Shanghai as the case study to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method. Through the sensitivity analysis and comparison analysis with fuzzy similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) method and an acronym in Portuguese of the interactive and multi-criteria decision-making (TODIM) method, we illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method. This research provides significant references for the PSW treatment technology selection problems under uncertain environments and extends the methods in the decision-making field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Mao
- School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004 China
| | - Jinjin Chen
- School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004 China
| | - Jian Lv
- School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004 China
| | - Mengxin Guo
- School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004 China
| | - Pengzhen Xie
- School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004 China
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Chaturvedi K, Singhwane A, Dhangar M, Mili M, Gorhae N, Naik A, Prashant N, Srivastava AK, Verma S. Bamboo for producing charcoal and biochar for versatile applications. BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY 2023:1-27. [PMID: 36817514 PMCID: PMC9924895 DOI: 10.1007/s13399-022-03715-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Bamboo, the fastest-growing plant, has several unique characteristics that make it appropriate for diverse applications. It is low-cost, high-tensile, lightweight, flexible, durable, and capable of proliferating even in ineffectual areas (e.g., incline). This review discusses the unique properties of bamboo for making charcoal and biochar for diverse applications. To produce bamboo charcoal and biochar, this study reports on the pyrolysis process for the thermal degradation of organic materials in an oxygen-depleted atmosphere under a specific temperature. This is an alternative method for turning waste biomass into products with additional value, such as biochar. Due to various advantages, bamboo charcoal is preferred over regular charcoal as it has four times the absorption rate and ten times more surface area reported. According to the reports, the charcoal yield ranges from 24.60 to 74.27%. Bamboo chopsticks were the most useful source for producing charcoal, with a high yield of 74.27% at 300 °C in nitrogen, but the thorny bamboo species have a tremendous amount of minimal charcoal, i.e., 24.60%. The reported biochar from bamboo yield ranges from 32 to 80%. The most extensive biochar production is produced by the bamboo D. giganteus, which yields 80% biochar at 300 °C. Dry bamboo stalks at 400 °C produced 32% biochar. One of the sections highlights biochar as a sustainable solution for plastic trash management produced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another section is dedicated to the knowledge enhancement about the broad application spectrum of the charcoal and biochar. The last section highlights the conclusions, future perspectives, and recommendations on the charcoal and biochar derived from bamboo. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamna Chaturvedi
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, MP 462026 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research - Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal, MP 462026 India
| | - Anju Singhwane
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, MP 462026 India
| | - Manish Dhangar
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, MP 462026 India
| | - Medha Mili
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, MP 462026 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research - Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal, MP 462026 India
| | - Nikhil Gorhae
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, MP 462026 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research - Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal, MP 462026 India
| | - Ajay Naik
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, MP 462026 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research - Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal, MP 462026 India
| | - N. Prashant
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, MP 462026 India
| | - A. K. Srivastava
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, MP 462026 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research - Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal, MP 462026 India
| | - Sarika Verma
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, MP 462026 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research - Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal, MP 462026 India
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15
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Chea JD, Yenkie KM, Stanzione JF, Ruiz-Mercado GJ. A generic scenario analysis of end-of-life plastic management: Chemical additives. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 441:129902. [PMID: 37155557 PMCID: PMC10125005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Plastic growing demand and the increment in global plastics production have raised the number of spent plastics, out of which over 90% are either landfilled or incinerated. Both methods for handling spent plastics are susceptible to releasing toxic substances, damaging air, water, soil, organisms, and public health. Improvements to the existing infrastructure for plastics management are needed to limit chemical additive release and exposure resulting from the end-of-life (EoL) stage. This article analyzes the current plastic waste management infrastructure and identifies chemical additive releases through a material flow analysis. Additionally, we performed a facility-level generic scenario analysis of the current U.S. EoL stage of plastic additives to track and estimate their potential migration, releases, and occupational exposure. Potential scenarios were analyzed through sensitivity analysis to examine the merit of increasing recycling rates, using chemical recycling, and implementing additive extraction post-recycling. Our analyses identified that the current state of plastic EoL management possesses high mass flow intensity toward incineration and landfilling. Although maximizing the plastic recycling rate is a reasonably straightforward goal for enhancing material circularity, the conventional mechanical recycling method requires improvement because major chemical additive release and contamination routes act as obstacles to achieving high-quality plastics for future reuse and should be mitigated through chemical recycling and additive extraction. The potential hazards and risks identified in this research create an opportunity to design a safer closed-loop plastic recycling infrastructure to handle additives strategically and support sustainable materials management efforts to transform the US plastic economy from linear to circular.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D. Chea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, hosted by Office of Research & Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Kirti M. Yenkie
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Joseph F. Stanzione
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Gerardo J. Ruiz-Mercado
- Office of Research & Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
- Chemical Engineering Graduate Program, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia 080007, Colombia
- Corresponding author at: Office of Research & Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA. (G.J. Ruiz-Mercado)
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16
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Kibria MG, Masuk NI, Safayet R, Nguyen HQ, Mourshed M. Plastic Waste: Challenges and Opportunities to Mitigate Pollution and Effective Management. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 17:20. [PMID: 36711426 PMCID: PMC9857911 DOI: 10.1007/s41742-023-00507-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The present world is now facing the challenge of proper management and resource recovery of the enormous amount of plastic waste. Lack of technical skills for managing hazardous waste, insufficient infrastructure development for recycling and recovery, and above all, lack of awareness of the rules and regulations are the key factors behind this massive pile of plastic waste. The severity of plastic pollution exerts an adverse effect on the environment and total ecosystem. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of plastic waste generation, as well as its effect on the human being and ecological system, is discussed in terms of source identification with respect to developed and developing countries. A detailed review of the existing waste to energy and product conversion strategies is presented in this study. Moreover, this study sheds light on sustainable waste management procedures and identifies the key challenges to adopting effective measures to minimise the negative impact of plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Golam Kibria
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), Rajshahi, 6204 Bangladesh
| | - Nahid Imtiaz Masuk
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), Rajshahi, 6204 Bangladesh
| | - Rafat Safayet
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), Rajshahi, 6204 Bangladesh
| | - Huy Quoc Nguyen
- Faculty of Heat and Refrigeration Engineering, The University of Danang—University of Science and Technology, Danang, 550000 Vietnam
| | - Monjur Mourshed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), Rajshahi, 6204 Bangladesh
- Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Bundoora, 3083 Australia
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17
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Screening non-noble metal oxides to boost the low-temperature combustion of polyethylene waste in air. Chin J Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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18
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Gonzalez-Aguilar AM, Cabrera-Madera VP, Vera-Rozo JR, Riesco-Ávila JM. Effects of Heating Rate and Temperature on the Thermal Pyrolysis of Expanded Polystyrene Post-Industrial Waste. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14224957. [PMID: 36433086 PMCID: PMC9699519 DOI: 10.3390/polym14224957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of plastic as material in various applications has been essential in the evolution of the technology industry and human society since 1950. Therefore, their production and waste generation are high due to population growth. Pyrolysis is an effective recycling method for treating plastic waste because it can recover valuable products for the chemical and petrochemical industry. This work addresses the thermal pyrolysis of expanded polystyrene (EPS) post-industrial waste in a semi-batch reactor. The influence of reaction temperature (350-500 °C) and heating rate (4-40 °C min-1) on the liquid conversion yields and physicochemical properties was studied based on a multilevel factorial statistical analysis. In addition, the analysis of the obtaining of mono-aromatics such as styrene, toluene, benzene, ethylbenzene, and α-methyl styrene was performed. Hydrocarbon liquid yields of 76.5-93% were achieved at reaction temperatures between 350 and 450 °C, respectively. Styrene yields reached up to 72% at 450 °C and a heating rate of 25 °C min-1. Finally, the potential application of the products obtained is discussed by proposing the minimization of EPS waste via pyrolysis.
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19
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Lejarazu-Larrañaga A, Landaburu-Aguirre J, Senán-Salinas J, Ortiz JM, Molina S. Thin Film Composite Polyamide Reverse Osmosis Membrane Technology towards a Circular Economy. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12090864. [PMID: 36135883 PMCID: PMC9502371 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12090864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination will produce, by 2025, more than 2,000,000 end-of-life membranes annually worldwide. This review examines the implementation of circular economy principles in RO technology through a comprehensive analysis of the RO membrane life cycle (manufacturing, usage, and end-of-life management). Future RO design should incorporate a biobased composition (biopolymers, recycled materials, and green solvents), improve the durability of the membranes (fouling and chlorine resistance), and facilitate the recyclability of the modules. Moreover, proper membrane maintenance at the usage phase, attained through the implementation of feed pre-treatment, early fouling detection, and membrane cleaning methods can help extend the service time of RO elements. Currently, end-of-life membranes are dumped in landfills, which is contrary to the waste hierarchy. This review analyses up to now developed alternative valorisation routes of end-of-life RO membranes, including reuse, direct and indirect recycling, and energy recovery, placing a special focus on emerging indirect recycling strategies. Lastly, Life Cycle Assessment is presented as a holistic methodology to evaluate the environmental and economic burdens of membrane recycling strategies. According to the European Commission's objectives set through the Green Deal, future perspectives indicate that end-of-life membrane valorisation strategies will keep gaining increasing interest in the upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jorge Senán-Salinas
- BETA Tech. Center, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra. de Roda, 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Ortiz
- IMDEA Water Institute, Avenida Punto Com, 2, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - Serena Molina
- IMDEA Water Institute, Avenida Punto Com, 2, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
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20
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Duailibe Monteiro ADR, de Miranda DMV, Pinto JC, Soto J. Life Cycle Assessment of the Catalytic Pyrolysis of High‐Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and High‐Impact Polystyrene (HIPS). MACROMOL REACT ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/mren.202200037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra da R. Duailibe Monteiro
- Departamento de Engenharia Química Universidade Federal Fluminense Rua Passos da Pátria, n.156 bloco D sala 305, Niterói Rio de Janeiro RJ 24210‐240 Brazil
| | - Débora Micheline Vaz de Miranda
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPE Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Cidade Universitária, CP:68502 Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941‐972 Brazil
| | - José Carlos Pinto
- Programa de Engenharia Química/COPPE Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Cidade Universitária, CP:68502 Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941‐972 Brazil
| | - Jorge Soto
- Braskem S.A., Rua Lemes Monteiro n.120, Butantã São Paulo SP 05501‐050 Brazil
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21
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Use of 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate for the Slow Pyrolysis of Plastic Waste. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10071418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastics are widely used and are part of modern life. Recycling of plastic waste can be achieved by pyrolysis. Conventional pyrolysis of plastic waste takes place at temperatures higher than 450 °C, because the oil yield is higher. In this study, we examined if an initiator for radical reactions can achieve the conventional pyrolysis of HDPE and PP even at low temperatures. To support the onset of decomposition of HDPE and PP at low temperatures, 2-ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN) was added. 2-EHN forms radicals already at about 150 °C and can thus initiate the pyrolysis process at lower temperatures. Pyrolysis oil yields increased, especially for HDPE pyrolysis, at the expense of the gaseous (minus 50%) and especially the solid fraction (minus 80%). For PP and HDPE pyrolysis oil, the proportion of carbon compounds shifted toward shorter-chain, less cyclic compounds, and there was an improvement in the physicochemical property profile: the heating values of both oils were slightly higher and the pour point significantly lower, in line with the shift toward shorter-chain compounds. The diesel content and, to a lesser extent, the gasoline content increased at the expense of waxes and other high-boiling compounds.
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22
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23
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Jehanno C, Alty JW, Roosen M, De Meester S, Dove AP, Chen EYX, Leibfarth FA, Sardon H. Critical advances and future opportunities in upcycling commodity polymers. Nature 2022; 603:803-814. [PMID: 35354997 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04350-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The vast majority of commodity plastics do not degrade and therefore they permanently pollute the environment. At present, less than 20% of post-consumer plastic waste in developed countries is recycled, predominately for energy recovery or repurposing as lower-value materials by mechanical recycling. Chemical recycling offers an opportunity to revert plastics back to monomers for repolymerization to virgin materials without altering the properties of the material or the economic value of the polymer. For plastic waste that is either cost prohibitive or infeasible to mechanically or chemically recycle, the nascent field of chemical upcycling promises to use chemical or engineering approaches to place plastic waste at the beginning of a new value chain. Here state-of-the-art methods are highlighted for upcycling plastic waste into value-added performance materials, fine chemicals and specialty polymers. By identifying common conceptual approaches, we critically discuss how the advantages and challenges of each approach contribute to the goal of realizing a sustainable plastics economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Jehanno
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain.,POLYKEY, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Jill W Alty
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Martijn Roosen
- Laboratory for Circular Process Engineering, Ghent University, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Steven De Meester
- Laboratory for Circular Process Engineering, Ghent University, Kortrijk, Belgium.
| | - Andrew P Dove
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Eugene Y-X Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Frank A Leibfarth
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Haritz Sardon
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain.
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24
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Gupta P, Toksha B, Rahaman M. A Review on Biodegradable Packaging Films from Vegetative and Food Waste. CHEM REC 2022; 22:e202100326. [PMID: 35253984 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202100326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastics around the globe have been a matter of grave concern due to the unavoidable habits of human mankind. Taking waste statistics in India for the year 2019-20 into account, the data of 60 major cities show that the generation of plastic waste stands tall at around 26,000 tonnes/day, of which only about 60 % is recycled. A majority of the non-recycled plastic waste is petrochemical-based packaging materials that are non-biodegradable in nature. Vegetative/food waste is another global issue, evidenced by vastly populated countries such as China and India accounting for 91 and 69 tonnes of food wastage, respectively in 2019. The mitigation of plastic packaging issues has led to key scientific developments, one of which is biodegradable materials. However, there is a way that these two waste-related issues can be fronted as the analogy of "taking two shots with the same arrow". The presence of various bio-compounds such as proteins, cellulose, starch, lipids, and waxes, etc., in food and vegetative waste, creates an opportunity for the development of biodegradable packaging films. Although these flexible packaging films have limitations in terms of mechanical, permeation, and moisture absorption characteristics, they can be fine-tuned in order to convert the biobased raw material into a realizable packaging product. These strategies could work in replacing petrochemical-based non-biodegradable packaging plastics which are used in enormous quantities for various household and commercial packaging applications to combat the ever-increasing pollution in highly populated countries. This paper presents a systematic review based on modern scientific tools of the literature available with a major emphasis on the past decade and aims to serve as a standard resource for the development of biodegradable packaging films from food/vegetative waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Gupta
- MIT - Centre for Advanced Materials Research and Technology, Department of Plastic and Polymer Engineering, Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Aurangabad, 431010
| | - Bhagwan Toksha
- MIT - Centre for Advanced Materials Research and Technology, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Aurangabad, 431010
| | - Mostafizur Rahaman
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Vazquez YV, Castillo LA, Barbosa SE. Rethinking of toiletries rigid bottles for recycling improvement. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 311:114839. [PMID: 35255326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rethinking of plastic rigid shampoo bottles based on "Design for the Environment" concepts is proposed. Bottles of most consumed shampoo brands with different capacities were selected. Bottle weight/capacity ratio was assessed and compression mechanical properties were evaluated. Oversizing of bottles and high amounts of material used in caps only for aesthetic purposes was proved. The analysis confirmed the need to change marketing strategies based on aesthetic attractiveness by an ecodesign based on functionality and sustainability aspects. The use of single material for the overall bottle is recommended, and it seems that HDPE is more suitable as it is appropriate to make all bottle parts, is recyclable, and has a low price/performance relationship. From a marketing point of view, a proper ecodesign would lead to a paradigm shift from an aesthetic approach to a sustainable one, in line with the environmental awareness of today's consumer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamila V Vazquez
- Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química, PLAPIQUI (UNS-CONICET), Cno. La Carrindanga km. 7, Bahía Blanca, 8000, Argentina; Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Av. Alem 1253, Bahía Blanca, 8000, Argentina.
| | - Luciana A Castillo
- Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química, PLAPIQUI (UNS-CONICET), Cno. La Carrindanga km. 7, Bahía Blanca, 8000, Argentina; Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Av. Alem 1253, Bahía Blanca, 8000, Argentina
| | - Silvia E Barbosa
- Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química, PLAPIQUI (UNS-CONICET), Cno. La Carrindanga km. 7, Bahía Blanca, 8000, Argentina; Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Av. Alem 1253, Bahía Blanca, 8000, Argentina
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26
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Xiao P, Yi X, Wu M, Wang X, Zhu S, Gao B, Liu Y, Zhou H. Catalytic performance and periodate activation mechanism of anaerobic sewage sludge-derived biochar. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127692. [PMID: 34800842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Periodate (PI)-based advanced oxidation processes are a newly discovered approach for effective pollutant elimination. In this study, we demonstrated that biochar obtained from pyrolysis of anaerobic sewage sludge without any pretreatment can be used for PI activation. The biochar obtained at 800 °C (SBC-800) exhibited the best PI activation capacity using acid organic II (AO7) as substrate. The PI activation was strongly dependent on pH and exhibited the highest AO7 removal rate at pH 3.0. Meanwhile, the anti-interference capacity with common wastewater components and reusability of the SBC-800/PI system were confirmed. Combined with the results of chemical quenching, reactive oxygen species (ROS) trapping, X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemical and density function theory (DFT)-based calculations, singlet oxygen production and electron transfer mediated by the SBC-800-PI complex were the dominant AO7 oxidation mechanisms. This study provides easily prepared catalysts for PI activation and paves the way for solid waste recycling and reuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Xianliang Yi
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Minghuo Wu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Simeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Bixia Gao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China.
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Jang JY, Sadeghi K, Seo J. Chain-Extending Modification for Value-Added Recycled PET: A Review. POLYM REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15583724.2022.2033765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jae Young Jang
- Department of Packaging, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwondo, Korea
| | - Kambiz Sadeghi
- Department of Packaging, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwondo, Korea
| | - Jongchul Seo
- Department of Packaging, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwondo, Korea
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28
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Deme GG, Ewusi-Mensah D, Olagbaju OA, Okeke ES, Okoye CO, Odii EC, Ejeromedoghene O, Igun E, Onyekwere JO, Oderinde OK, Sanganyado E. Macro problems from microplastics: Toward a sustainable policy framework for managing microplastic waste in Africa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 804:150170. [PMID: 34517317 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a ubiquitous and emerging environmental and public health concern in Africa due to increased plastic production, product and waste importation, and usage. While studies on the environmental monitoring and characterization of microplastics demonstrated the urgent need for a drastic reduction in plastic waste generation, the effectiveness of the various regulatory and policy interventions implemented or proposed in Africa countries remains poorly understood. We critically examined policies, legislations, and regulations enacted to control microplastic pollution in Africa to develop a sustainable, harmonized framework for the coordinated reduction of plastic waste generation across Africa. Analysis of the interventions revealed most African countries employed traditional perspective (i.e., command-and-control) approaches, whereby state instruments such as plastic ban, production and importation levies, and consumer taxes were enacted. However, the continued increase in microplastic waste generation suggests traditional perspective approaches might not be effective in Africa. Although rarely used in Africa, market-oriented approaches such as private-public waste management are often effective in controlling plastic pollution. Hence, we proposed a bottom-up hybrid regulatory approach for managing microplastics pollution in Africa, involving price-based, right-base, legislation and behavioral frameworks based on best practices in microplastic waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Gywa Deme
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, P. O. Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David Ewusi-Mensah
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, P. O. Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Oluwatosin Atinuke Olagbaju
- TOF-MR, PET/CT, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Harbin Medical University & Biological Trace Element Laboratory, Department of Physics and Engineering Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, P. O. Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 41000, Enugu State, Nigeria; Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 41000, Enugu State, Nigeria; School of Environment and safety engineering, Jiangsu University, China; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, P. O. Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Obinwanne Okoye
- School of Environment and safety engineering, Jiangsu University, China; Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, P. O. Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elijah Chibueze Odii
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, P. O. Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Onome Ejeromedoghene
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211189, PR China; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, P. O. Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eghosa Igun
- Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Western Delta University, Ogara, Nigeria & Key Laboratory of Regional Climate-Environment for Temperate East Asia, Institute of Atmospheric Physic, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, P. O. Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Joseph Okoro Onyekwere
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, P. O. Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Olayinka Kehinde Oderinde
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211189, PR China; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, P. O. Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edmond Sanganyado
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, P. O. Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya
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Zhang B, Sun H, Wang Q. Household kindling behaviours and potential health risks of dioxins exposure in rural Northern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:6072-6079. [PMID: 34435285 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15982-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to analyse the potential risk behind kindling behaviour in Chinese rural families and to provide insights for policymakers in environmental health. A cluster survey was performed on 113 participant's families who were living in the countryside in the north of China, using solid fuels for cooking and heating purpose. A questionnaire survey on their kindling behaviour and family information was administrated. Harmful kindling materials including plastic bottles, plastic planting plates, plastic film mulches, plastic bags, waste foams, and medium density fibreboard (MDF) are targeted in the survey. About one third of participant's families have ever used the listed harmful material for kindling. Based on literature review and the exposure proportion estimated from the questionnaire, we estimated the population attributable fractions (PAF) for all cancer type (10.48-19.48%) and type 2 diabetes (15.57-27.86%) attributable to dioxin exposure. The PAF estimates were greater than our expectation from the view of the global estimate PAF for cancer and T2D. Moreover, we found farming families are more likely to use their farming-related plastic byproducts as kindling material. There is a huge knowledge gap in environmental health in rural China. Although we were not able to measure the specific exposure data, our survey provided a new research aspect for environmental health research and health education. Strengthened environmental health education, better relevant laws, regulations, and supporting policies for regulating rural and farming waste disposal are highly recommended for policymakers in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Zhang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Sun
- UNICEF office for China, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
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30
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Thiyagarajan S, Maaskant-Reilink E, Ewing TA, Julsing MK, van Haveren J. Back-to-monomer recycling of polycondensation polymers: opportunities for chemicals and enzymes. RSC Adv 2021; 12:947-970. [PMID: 35425100 PMCID: PMC8978869 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra08217e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of plastics in a wide range of applications has grown substantially over recent decades, resulting in enormous growth in production volumes to meet demand. Though a wide range of biomass-derived chemicals and materials are available on the market, the production volumes of such renewable alternatives are currently not sufficient to replace their fossil-based analogues due to various factors, in particular cost-effectiveness. Hence, the majority of plastics are still industrially produced from fossil-based feedstocks. Moreover, various reports have clearly raised concern about the plastics that are not recycled at their end-of-life and instead end up in landfills or the oceans. To avoid further pollution of our planet, it is highly desirable to develop recycling processes that use plastic waste as feedstock. Chemical recycling processes could potentially offer a solution, since they afford monomers from which new polymers can be produced, with the same performance as virgin plastics. In this manuscript, the opportunities for using either chemical or biochemical (i.e., enzymatic) approaches in the depolymerization of polycondensation polymers for recycling purposes are reviewed. Our aim is to highlight the strategies that have been developed so far to break down plastic waste into monomers, providing the first step in the development of chemical recycling processes for plastic waste, and to create a renewed awareness of the need to valorize plastic waste by efficiently transforming it into virgin plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tom A Ewing
- Wageningen Food & Biobased Research Wageningen P. O. Box 17 6700 AA The Netherlands
| | - Mattijs K Julsing
- Wageningen Food & Biobased Research Wageningen P. O. Box 17 6700 AA The Netherlands
| | - Jacco van Haveren
- Wageningen Food & Biobased Research Wageningen P. O. Box 17 6700 AA The Netherlands
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31
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Jiao X, Zheng K, Hu Z, Zhu S, Sun Y, Xie Y. Conversion of Waste Plastics into Value-Added Carbonaceous Fuels under Mild Conditions. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2005192. [PMID: 33834571 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the extremely difficult breakage of the adamant cross-linked structures, converting non-recyclable plastic wastes into valuable fuels usually demands rigorous conditions, wherein the required high temperature and pressure is inevitably energy-wasting and environment-polluting. Given this aspect, herein, the recent achievements in the conversion of plastics into value-added carbonaceous fuels under mild conditions are summarized. In detail, solar-driven conversion of commercial plastics into liquid fuels in alkaline solutions or pure water at ambient temperature and pressure are surveyed; also, enzyme-driven conversion of polyethylene terephthalate into terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol at a mild temperature are emphasized; and low-temperature-driven catalytic conversion of polyethylene into oils and waxes with the help of a light alkane are reviewed. Finally, other potentially used strategies and in situ characterization technologies in plastics degradation under moderate conditions are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchen Jiao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Kai Zheng
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Zexun Hu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Shan Zhu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yongfu Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
- Institute of Energy, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, P. R. China
| | - Yi Xie
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
- Institute of Energy, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, P. R. China
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32
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Olatayo KI, Mativenga PT, Marnewick AL. Life cycle assessment of single-use and reusable plastic bottles in the city of Johannesburg. S AFR J SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.17159/sajs.2021/8908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles of water have experienced huge growth in demand and sales in South Africa. This expansion in use creates challenges as well as opportunities for managing the life cycle impact. The properties that make PET desirable for fluid-containing bottles have also made it highly resistant to environmental biodegradation. Reusable plastic bottles are now marketed as a solution to reduce the impact of single-use plastic bottles. We assessed the life cycle impact of single-use PET bottles and an alternative, reusable PET bottle based on consumption patterns in South Africa and the material flow and supply chain in the urban environment. This robust consideration of local conditions is important in evaluating the life cycle impact. In an examination of 13 impact categories, the reusable PET bottle had lower impact than the single-use bottle in all the impact categories examined. The mass of PET bottle material required to deliver the water needs at any given time is a dominant factor on the environmental burden. Extending the life of reusable bottles and designing lighter weight bottles would reduce their life cycle impact. Information obtained in evaluating alternatives to plastic water bottles can be valuable for providing a foundation assessment for policymakers and plastic bottle manufacturers to make informed choices and to focus on improvements in life cycle impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunle I. Olatayo
- Postgraduate School of Engineering Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Paul T. Mativenga
- Postgraduate School of Engineering Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Annlizé L. Marnewick
- Postgraduate School of Engineering Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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33
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Guzik MW, Nitkiewicz T, Wojnarowska M, Sołtysik M, Kenny ST, Babu RP, Best M, O'Connor KE. Robust process for high yield conversion of non-degradable polyethylene to a biodegradable plastic using a chemo-biotechnological approach. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 135:60-69. [PMID: 34478949 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the optimisation of a process for producing medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) by Pseudomonas putida KT2440 when fed with a polyethene (PE)-derived fatty acid mixture was investigated. The PE was pyrolysed to produce a hydrocarbon wax that was subsequently oxidised to produce a mixture of fatty acids, purified, and used as a PHA substrate for the growth and selection of microorganisms. Based on the shaken flask screening, a production strain, i.e., Pseudomonas putida KT2440, was selected for conducting bioreactor studies. Feeding PE-derived fatty acids in a 20-L setup resulted in high mcl-PHA yields (83.0 g L-1 CDW with 65% PHA in 25 h). Furthermore, life-cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to determine the environmental advantages of the proposed process and its impacts compared to those of other technologies for treating PE-derived waste streams. We conclude that processing waste PE into PHA, rather than incineration, produces biodegradable material while also reducing the additional emissions that arise from traditional PE waste treatment processes, such as incineration to gain energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej W Guzik
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, BiOrbic Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre, UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, 30-239 Kraków, Poland
| | - Tomasz Nitkiewicz
- Life Cycle Modelling Centre, Faculty of Management, Częstochowa University of Technology, al. Armii Krajowej 19B, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Magdalena Wojnarowska
- Department of Product Technology and Ecology, Cracow University of Economics, ul. Rakowicka 27, 31-510 Kraków, Poland
| | - Mariusz Sołtysik
- Department of Management Process, Cracow University of Economics, ul. Rakowicka 27, 31-510 Kraków, Poland
| | - Shane T Kenny
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, BiOrbic Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre, UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ramesh P Babu
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; AMBER Centre, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marshall Best
- Oxy-Wax Ltd., 9-12 Dam St., Loftus, Cleveland TS13 4JX, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin E O'Connor
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, BiOrbic Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre, UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Kumar S, Singh E, Mishra R, Kumar A, Caucci S. Utilization of Plastic Wastes for Sustainable Environmental Management: A Review. CHEMSUSCHEM 2021; 14:3985-4006. [PMID: 34431621 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202101631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The advancement and modernization of industries have provided numerous benefits to human life including diversification of manufacturing a wide range of products made from plastic materials, thereby leading to the generation of huge quantities of plastic waste. Owing to the increasing issues related with plastic waste, recycling methods have attracted much interest. Recycling not only protects the environment and resources for future generations but also reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. A wide range of valuable products including char, oil, fuels, sorbent materials, and chemicals can be obtained through different techniques. This Review highlights various sustainable research avenues and potential routes to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste based on both traditional and potential approaches for its utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, India
- United Nations University, Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNUFLORES), Ammonstrasse 74, 01067, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ekta Singh
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, India
| | - Rahul Mishra
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, India
| | - Aman Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, India
| | - Serena Caucci
- United Nations University, Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNUFLORES), Ammonstrasse 74, 01067, Dresden, Germany
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35
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Siwal SS, Chaudhary G, Saini AK, Kaur H, Saini V, Mokhta SK, Chand R, Chandel UK, Christie G, Thakur VK. Key ingredients and recycling strategy of personal protective equipment (PPE): Towards sustainable solution for the COVID-19 like pandemics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 9:106284. [PMID: 34485055 PMCID: PMC8404393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.106284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the complications of plastic trash management and disposal. The current situation of living in fear of transmission of the COVID-19 virus has further transformed our behavioural models, such as regularly using personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and single-use applications for day to day needs etc. It has been estimated that with the passage of the coronavirus epidemic every month, there is expected use of 200 billion pieces of single-use facemasks and gloves. PPE are well established now as life-saving items for medicinal specialists to stay safe through the COVID-19 pandemic. Different processes such as glycolysis, hydrogenation, aminolysis, hydrolysis, pyrolysis, and gasification are now working on finding advanced technologies to transfer waste PPE into value-added products. Here, in this article, we have discussed the recycling strategies of PPE, important components (such as medical gloves, gowns, masks & respirators and other face and eye protection) and the raw materials used in PPE kits. Further, the value addition methods to recycling the PPE kits, chemical & apparatus used in recycling and recycling components into value-added products. Finally, the biorenewable materials in PPE for textiles components have been discussed along with concluded remarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samarjeet Singh Siwal
- Department of Chemistry, M.M. Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Gauri Chaudhary
- Department of Chemistry, M.M. Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Adesh Kumar Saini
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Harjot Kaur
- Department of Chemistry, M.M. Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Vipin Saini
- Department of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Kumarhatti, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Sudesh Kumar Mokhta
- Department of Environment, Science & Technology, Government of Himachal Pradesh, 171001, India
| | - Ramesh Chand
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Himachal Pradesh, 171001, India
| | - U K Chandel
- Department of surgery, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001, India
| | - Graham Christie
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QT, UK
| | - Vijay Kumar Thakur
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
- Enhanced Composites and Structures Center, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK
- Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry Institute of Polymer Materials, Riga Technical University, P.Valdena 3/7, LV, 1048 Riga, Latvia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh 201314, India
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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36
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Piotrowska K, Piasecka I. Specification of Environmental Consequences of the Life Cycle of Selected Post-Production Waste of Wind Power Plants Blades. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14174975. [PMID: 34501064 PMCID: PMC8434586 DOI: 10.3390/ma14174975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Wind power plants during generation of electricity emit almost no detrimental substances into the milieu. Nonetheless, the procedure of extraction of raw materials, production of elements and post-use management carry many negative environmental consequences. Wind power plant blades are mainly made of polymer materials, which cause a number of problems during post-use management. Controlling the system and the environment means such a transformation of their inputs in time that will ensure the achievement of the goal of this system or the state of the environment. Transformations of control of system and environment inputs, for example, blades production, are describing various models which in the research methodology, like LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), LCM (Life Cycle Management), LCI (Life Cycle Inventory), etc. require meticulous grouping and weighing of life cycle variables of polymer materials. The research hypothesis was assuming, in this paper, that the individual post-production waste of wind power plant blades is characterized by a different potential impact on the environment. For this reason, the aim of this publication is to conduct an ecological and energy life cycle analysis, evaluation, steering towards minimization and development (positive progress) of selected polymer waste produced during the manufacture of wind power plant blades. The analyzes were based on the LCA method. The subject of the research was eight types of waste (fiberglass mat, roving fabric, resin discs, distribution hoses, spiral hoses with resin, vacuum bag film, infusion materials residues and surplus mater), which are most often produced during the production of blades. Eco-indicator 99 and CED (Cumulative Energy Demand) were used as the computation procedures. The influence of the analyzed objects on human health, ecosystem quality and resources was appraised. Amidst the considered wastes, the highest level of depreciating impact on the milieu was found in the life cycle of resin discs (made of epoxy resin). The application of recycling processes would decrease the depreciating environmental influence in the context of the total life cycle of all analyzed waste. Based on the outcome of the analyzes, recommendations were proposed for the environmentally friendly post-use management of wind power plant blades, that can be used to develop new blade manufacturing techniques that better fit in with sustainable development and the closed-cycle economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Piotrowska
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Izabela Piasecka
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
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Hossain MU, Ng ST, Dong Y, Amor B. Strategies for mitigating plastic wastes management problem: A lifecycle assessment study in Hong Kong. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 131:412-422. [PMID: 34247139 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Considering the volume of plastic generation and its persistence in nature, the management of plastic wastes has gained increasing attention globally. To select the most environmentally sustainable solution, insights in the environmental impacts of different management strategies are crucial. This study thus aimed to evaluate different plastic waste management strategies such as mechanical recycling, incineration, industrial incineration, construction and landfill, and exemplified with potential case demonstrations in Hong Kong. The environmental impacts of the developed strategies are comparatively evaluated by the lifecycle assessment (LCA) technique in order to identify the most environmentally preferable strategy. The LCA results indicate that industrial incineration is the most potential preferential strategy for Hong Kong, as it can potentially consume the generated waste locally and substitute the imported coal for the cement industry. Mechanical recycling is the second preferential strategy for the city, as it conserves secondary resources significantly. Grate incineration for generating electricity is the third preferable solution, while the use of recycled plastics in construction may not be a benign environmental strategy for Hong Kong. The findings of this study could help policy makers to design strategic direction for environmentally sustainable management of plastic wastes locally based on the circular economy principle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Uzzal Hossain
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - S Thomas Ng
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
| | - Yahong Dong
- School of Electromechanical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, No. 99 Songling Road, Qingdao, China; Qingdao Center for National Climate Change Strategy Research and Carbon Market Capacity Building, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, No. 99 Songling Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Ben Amor
- Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory on Sustainable Engineering and Ecodesign (LIRIDE), Department of Civil and Building Engineering, Université de Sherbooke, 2500 boul. de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada
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Jeswani H, Krüger C, Russ M, Horlacher M, Antony F, Hann S, Azapagic A. Life cycle environmental impacts of chemical recycling via pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste in comparison with mechanical recycling and energy recovery. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 769:144483. [PMID: 33486181 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
A large portion of plastic produced each year is used to make single-use packaging and other short-lived consumer products that are discarded quickly, creating significant amounts of waste. It is important that such waste be managed appropriately in line with circular-economy principles. One option for managing plastic waste is chemical recycling via pyrolysis, which can convert it back into chemical feedstock that can then be used to manufacture virgin-quality polymers. However, given that this is an emerging technology not yet used widely in practice, it is not clear if pyrolysis of waste plastics is sustainable on a life cycle basis and how it compares to other plastics waste management options as well as to the production of virgin plastics. Therefore, this study uses life cycle assessment (LCA) to compare the environmental impacts of chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste (MPW) via pyrolysis with the established waste management alternatives: mechanical recycling and energy recovery. Three LCA studies have been carried out under three perspectives: waste, product and a combination of the two. To ensure robust comparisons, the impacts have been estimated using two impact assessment methods: Environmental footprint and ReCiPe. The results suggest that chemical recycling via pyrolysis has a 50% lower climate change impact and life cycle energy use than the energy recovery option. The climate change impact and energy use of pyrolysis and mechanical recycling of MPW are similar if the quality of the recyclate is taken into account. Furthermore, MPW recycled by pyrolysis has a significantly lower climate change impact (-0.45 vs 1.89 t CO2 eq./t plastic) than the equivalent made from virgin fossil resources. However, pyrolysis has significantly higher other impacts than mechanical recycling, energy recovery and production of virgin plastics. Sensitivity analyses show that some assumptions have notable effects on the results, including the assumed geographical region and its energy mix, carbon conversion efficiency of pyrolysis and recyclate quality. These results will be of interest to the chemical, plastics and waste industries, as well as to policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Jeswani
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The University of Manchester, Sackville Street, M13 9PL, UK
| | | | - Manfred Russ
- Sphera Solutions GmbH, Hauptstr. 111-113, 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany
| | - Maike Horlacher
- Sphera Solutions GmbH, Hauptstr. 111-113, 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany
| | - Florian Antony
- Oeko Institut e.V., Institute for Applied Ecology, Merzhauserstr. 173, 79100 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Hann
- Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd, 37 Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 4QS, UK
| | - Adisa Azapagic
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The University of Manchester, Sackville Street, M13 9PL, UK.
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Plastic Waste Management: A Review of Existing Life Cycle Assessment Studies. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13105340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a tool that can help to quantify the impacts of different processes to facilitate comparison and decision making. There are many potential methods for managing plastic waste, but it can be difficult to determine which methods are preferable in terms of environmental impact. Suitable existing LCA studies are identified through a screening process and the methodologies used and their outputs are compared. When undertaking an LCA, the researchers must define their scope and select their parameters, according to their aims and context, which leads to a wide variation in the approach taken. In this study, six parameters have been considered to analyze research progress in these fields regarding LCA, i.e., goals and scope, functional units, impact assessment categories, system boundaries, geographical context, and uncertainty analysis. These studies include the similar type of different studies considering plastic waste recycling, each taking a different approach to defining the system boundaries, revealing how the decision to include or exclude factors such as transport can have a significant impact on the outcomes. Additionally, compared to these similar studies on mixed-plastic waste management, different available options are used to quantitatively compare the impact outcomes, revealing how the context and parameter selection can affect the results. This review aims to highlight the prospect of LCA during the development of a waste management framework as an efficient waste recycling tool and recommend a research gap for the development of an improved management framework in the future.
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Smith SL, Orsborn GN, Sulley A, Chatterjee NB, Morgan PB. An investigation into disposal and recycling options for daily disposable and monthly replacement soft contact lens modalities. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2021; 45:101435. [PMID: 33715968 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the annualised waste and end-of-life disposal options with two representative soft contact lens (CL) modalities. METHODS The component parts of two representative soft CL modalities were catalogued, separated, weighed and inspected for material identification: somofilcon A soft CLs (clariti elite, CooperVision Inc.) used with multi-purpose solution (MPS) (All in one Light, CooperVision Inc.) and somofilcon A CLs (clariti 1 day, CooperVision Inc). Using a model that assumed compliant wear and care of CLs, the mass of material solid waste generated by CL use over a year was calculated. Disposal options were explored using household and specialist recycling streams in order to develop recommendations for responsible disposal of CL waste. RESULTS Full-time daily disposable (DD) CL wear generates 1.06 kg of waste annually compared to 0.83 kg generated by reusable-monthly replacement daily wear ('reusable') CLs. Plastic was the dominant material in both modalities. With full-time use of DD CLs, 64% of waste by mass was plastic blister trays. For full-time use of reusable CLs, where figures from lens and MPS packaging are combined, plastics accounted for 67% of waste by mass. MPS bottles alone made up almost half the waste (45%) associated with full-time reusable CL wear. CONCLUSION Full-time DD wear generates 27% more waste annually than full-time reusable lens wear. Reusable CL wearers can recycle 78% of waste at home. DD lens wearers have access to recycling options that allow them to recycle 100% of CL related waste. Full-time CL lens wear represents just 0.20-0.26% of the 412 kg of household waste generated per person, per year in the United Kingdom. Worn CLs should never be disposed of down the sink or lavatory. CL wearers should be aware of responsible end-of-life recycling and disposal options for all CL waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Smith
- Eurolens Research, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, UK.
| | | | | | - Neil B Chatterjee
- Eurolens Research, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Philip B Morgan
- Eurolens Research, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, UK
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Liu C, Zhang X, Medda F. Plastic credit: A consortium blockchain-based plastic recyclability system. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 121:42-51. [PMID: 33348229 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
By the end of 2015, approximately 6300 million tons (Mt) of plastic waste had been generated globally, but less than 10% of plastics was recycled. Since different types of plastics have various degrees of recyclability, consumer information about plastic product recyclability is paramount in order to increase the levels of plastic recycled. Against this context, the objective of this work is to define a plastic credit system to increase the amount of recyclable plastics. The plastic credit system assigns credit information to each plastic product and its corresponding company based on the percentage recyclability value of the plastic type and its composition. The methodology proposed is based on a unified and transparent credit system established by a double-chain system, which comprises a public blockchain CreditChain and a consortium blockchain M-InfoChain. The results show through the overall system performance analysis that the designed plastic credit system is capable of promoting a demand shift towards plastic products with higher plastic recyclability and achieving a lightweight operation for resource requirements and system maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- Institute of Finance and Technology, University College of London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
| | - Xiaoshuai Zhang
- Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom.
| | - Francesca Medda
- Institute of Finance and Technology, University College of London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
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Kane AQ, Esper AM, Searles K, Ehm C, Veige AS. Probing β-alkyl elimination and selectivity in polyolefin hydrogenolysis through DFT. Catal Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1cy01088c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A long chain substrate with [(SiO)3ZrH] has been investigated to elucidate selectivity rules in β-alkyl elimination. DFT studies indicate that polypropylene preferentially undergoes β-Me elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Q. Kane
- University of Florida, Department of Chemistry, Center for Catalysis, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Alec M. Esper
- University of Florida, Department of Chemistry, Center for Catalysis, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Keith Searles
- University of Florida, Department of Chemistry, Center for Catalysis, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Christian Ehm
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Cintia, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Adam S. Veige
- University of Florida, Department of Chemistry, Center for Catalysis, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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Billiet S, Trenor SR. 100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Needs for Plastics Packaging Circularity. ACS Macro Lett 2020; 9:1376-1390. [PMID: 35638627 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Plastic packaging has gained an increasing amount of attention in all aspects of society. Over the past several decades, plastics became the material of choice due to their excellent properties, performance, and economics, but the end of life of plastics is not well managed. This has led to plastic waste in our environment, especially the oceans, rivers, and estuaries, driving legislative, industrial, and voluntary initiatives to make the necessary pivot to circularity. While the plastics recycling industry has made many advances in its relatively short life, there are still many technical and societal hurdles to be overcome. The goal of this work is not to provide a complete review of recycling as it pertains to circularity, but rather to highlight the technical gaps that need to be collaboratively addressed by the entire plastics community to achieve circularity. Each stage along the path, from design of packaging and materials of construction to sortation, recycling, and reprocessing are ripe for innovation. The most relevant issues are introduced to provide a starting point for research across all fields of polymer science to aid in reducing the environmental impact of plastic packaging waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Billiet
- Plastics Additives, Milliken Chemical, Milliken Europe B.V.B.A., 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Scott R. Trenor
- Plastics Additives, Milliken Chemical, Milliken and Company, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303, United States
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