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Kumar A, Thakur AK, Gaurav GK, Klemeš JJ, Sandhwar VK, Pant KK, Kumar R. A critical review on sustainable hazardous waste management strategies: a step towards a circular economy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:105030-105055. [PMID: 37725301 PMCID: PMC10579135 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29511-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Globally, industrialisation and urbanisation have led to the generation of hazardous waste (HW). Sustainable hazardous waste management (HWM) is the need of the hour for a safe, clean, and eco-friendly environment and public health. The prominent waste management strategies should be aligned with circular economic models considering the economy, environment, and efficiency. This review critically discusses HW generation and sustainable management with the strategies of prevention, reduction, recycling, waste-to-energy, advanced treatment technology, and proper disposal. In this regard, the major HW policies, legislations, and international conventions related to HWM are summarised. The global generation and composition of hazardous industrial, household, and e-waste are analysed, along with their environmental and health impacts. The paper critically discusses recently adapted management strategies, waste-to-energy conversion techniques, treatment technologies, and their suitability, advantages, and limitations. A roadmap for future research focused on the components of the circular economy model is proposed, and the waste management challenges are discussed. This review stems to give a holistic and broader picture of global waste generation (from many sources), its effects on public health and the environment, and the need for a sustainable HWM approach towards the circular economy. The in-depth analysis presented in this work will help build cost-effective and eco-sustainable HWM projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi 110016 India
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to Be University, Tirmalaisamudram, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613401 India
| | - Amit K. Thakur
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Energy Cluster, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248007 Uttarakhand India
| | - Gajendra Kumar Gaurav
- Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, SPIL, NETME Centre, Brno University of Technology, VUT Brno, Technická 2896/2, 616 69 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Jaromír Klemeš
- Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, SPIL, NETME Centre, Brno University of Technology, VUT Brno, Technická 2896/2, 616 69 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vishal Kumar Sandhwar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Parul Institute of Technology, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760 India
| | - Kamal Kishore Pant
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi 110016 India
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Energy Cluster, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248007 Uttarakhand India
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2
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Farooq A, Ko CH, Park YK. Sewage sludge steam gasification over bimetallic mesoporous Al-MCM48 catalysts for efficient hydrogen generation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 224:115553. [PMID: 36822530 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the potential of steam gasification of sewage sludge over different temperatures (non-catalytic) and bimetallic (Ni-Fe and Ni-Co) mesoporous Al-MCM48 (3-5% Al basis). The higher temperature (800 °C) resulted in higher gas yield (36.74 wt%) and syngas (H2 and CO) selectivity (35.30 vol% and 11.66 vol%). Moreover, catalytic approach displayed that the Al-MCM48 was effective support because the incorporation of nickel increased the efficiency of gasification reactions compared to HZSM-5 (30). It mainly comes from the presence of mesopores and higher surface area (710.05 m2/g) providing more reaction sites and higher stability (less coke formation). Furthermore, the addition of promoters such as Co and Fe allowed the formation of Ni-Fe and Ni-Co alloys, resulting in even higher gas yield and overall H2 and CO selectivity due to the promotion of related reactions such as tar cracking, Boudouard, water gas shift and reforming and so on. Ni-Co alloy catalyst (10% Ni-5% Co/Al-MCM48) resulted in the highest H2 (∼52 vol%) selectivity due to the enhanced Ni dispersion and synergy effect between Ni and Co. Moreover, the application of bi-metal alloy on Al-MCM48 showed no coke formation and significantly reduced CO2 and hydrocarbon selectivity in the product gas. Overall, this study presented a promising solution for sewage sludge disposal in terms of clean H2 generation, reduction in CO2 and higher stability of metal based catalysts at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Farooq
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, South Korea
| | - Chang Hyun Ko
- School of Chemical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Y-K Park
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, South Korea.
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3
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Wang X, Lu W, Wang H, Zhang J, Qu Z, Chen F. Role of solvent in plasma-assisted peroxymonosulfate-hydrothermal process for plastic conversion. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130968. [PMID: 36860079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Hydrothermal processes are considered a promising strategy for the conversion of ever-growing plastic wastes. Plasma-assisted peroxymonosulfate-hydrothermal process has attracted increasing attention in enhancing the efficiency of hydrothermal conversion. However, the role of solvent in this process is unclear and rarely researched. Herein, the conversion process with different water-based solvents was investigated based on a plasma-assisted peroxymonosulfate-hydrothermal reaction. As the ratio of the solvent effective volume in the reactor increased from 20% to 53.3%, the conversion efficiency displayed an obvious decrease from 7.1% to 4.2%. The results indicated that the increased pressure caused by the solvent greatly reduced the surface reaction and forced the hydrophilic groups to shift back to the carbon chain, thereby reducing the reaction kinetics. A further increase in the solvent effective volume ratio could promote the conversion in the inner layer of the plastics to achieve an increase of the conversion efficiency. These findings can provide valuable guidance for the design of hydrothermal conversion for plastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Research Institute of Frontier Science, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, School of Electronics and Information Engineering, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, China.
| | - Wenjing Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, School of Electronics and Information Engineering, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Aeronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China.
| | - Jingzhe Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, School of Electronics and Information Engineering, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Zhiguo Qu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Thermo-Fluid Science and Engineering, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Fuming Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, School of Electronics and Information Engineering, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, China.
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4
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Ivanoska-Dacikj A, Oguz-Gouillart Y, Hossain G, Kaplan M, Sivri Ç, Ros-Lis JV, Mikucioniene D, Munir MU, Kizildag N, Unal S, Safarik I, Akgül E, Yıldırım N, Bedeloğlu AÇ, Ünsal ÖF, Herwig G, Rossi RM, Wick P, Clement P, Sarac AS. Advanced and Smart Textiles during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: Issues, Challenges, and Innovations. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081115. [PMID: 37107948 PMCID: PMC10137734 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has hugely affected the textile and apparel industry. Besides the negative impact due to supply chain disruptions, drop in demand, liquidity problems, and overstocking, this pandemic was found to be a window of opportunity since it accelerated the ongoing digitalization trends and the use of functional materials in the textile industry. This review paper covers the development of smart and advanced textiles that emerged as a response to the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. We extensively cover the advancements in developing smart textiles that enable monitoring and sensing through electrospun nanofibers and nanogenerators. Additionally, we focus on improving medical textiles mainly through enhanced antiviral capabilities, which play a crucial role in pandemic prevention, protection, and control. We summarize the challenges that arise from personal protective equipment (PPE) disposal and finally give an overview of new smart textile-based products that emerged in the markets related to the control and spread reduction of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Ivanoska-Dacikj
- Research Centre for Environment and Materials, Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Krste Misirkov 2, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Yesim Oguz-Gouillart
- Department of Building and Urban Environment, Innovative Textile Material, JUNIA, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Gaffar Hossain
- V-Trion GmbH Textile Research, Millennium Park 15, 6890 Lustenau, Austria
| | - Müslüm Kaplan
- Department of Textile Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Design, Bartin University, Bartin 74110, Turkey
| | - Çağlar Sivri
- Management Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bahcesehir University, İstanbul 34349, Turkey
| | - José Vicente Ros-Lis
- Centro de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnologico (IDM), Unidad Mixta Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Universitat de Valencia, Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universitat de València, Doctor Moliner 56, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Daiva Mikucioniene
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentu Str. 56, 50404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Muhammad Usman Munir
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentu Str. 56, 50404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Nuray Kizildag
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli 41400, Turkey
- Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Pendik, Istanbul 34906, Turkey
| | - Serkan Unal
- Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Pendik, Istanbul 34906, Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Material Science and Nanoengineering, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Ivo Safarik
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Biology Centre, ISBB, CAS, Na Sadkach 7, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Esra Akgül
- Department of Industrial Design Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Nida Yıldırım
- Trabzon Vocational School, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon 61080, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Çelik Bedeloğlu
- Department of Polymer Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bursa Technical University, Bursa 16310, Turkey
| | - Ömer Faruk Ünsal
- Department of Polymer Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bursa Technical University, Bursa 16310, Turkey
| | - Gordon Herwig
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - René M Rossi
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Peter Wick
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particle-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Clement
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particle-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - A Sezai Sarac
- Department of Chemistry, Polymer Science and Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Letters, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
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Sahu P, Vairakannu P. CO
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pyrolysis and gasification of COVID‐19 based wastes (overall gown) with Indian high ash coal. ASIA-PAC J CHEM ENG 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/apj.2905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
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6
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Panchal N, Vinu R. Resource recovery from discarded COVID-19 PPE kit through catalytic fast pyrolysis. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS 2023; 170:105870. [PMID: 36686287 PMCID: PMC9846882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaap.2023.105870] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world saw an exponential surge in the production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, which eventually got discarded in the biomedical waste stream. In this study, thirteen different polymer samples from the PPE kit were collected and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, thermogravimetric analysis, and analytical pyrolysis-gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry. The characterization data showed that about 94 % by mass of components were made of only three polymers, viz. polypropylene (PP, 75.6 wt %), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 12.5 wt %), and polycarbonate (PC, 6 wt %). The analytical pyrolysis of the PPE coverall suit (PP) yielded mainly alkenes containing 2,4-dimethyl-1-heptene as the major compound with 17 wt % yield at 600 °C. The pyrolysates from face shield (PET) were rich in benzoic acid (5.8 wt %) and acetophenone (4.8 wt %), while those from safety goggles (PC) were rich in phenol (17.6 wt %) and p-cresol (12.4 wt %) at 600 °C. HZSM-5 and HY zeolites were used for the catalytic upgradation of pyrolysates especially from PP, PET and PC. The temperature and feed-to-catalyst ratio were optimized by performing catalytic fast pyrolysis experiments at 500 °C, 600 °C and 700 °C with different feed-to-catalyst ratios 1:2, 1:4, and 1:6 (w/w). The yield of aromatic hydrocarbons, viz., BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes) and naphthalene, was maximum (∼25.7 wt %) from PP coverall when HY catalyst was used at 600 °C and 1:6 (w/w) loading. In the case of PET face shield, the total yield of BTEX, naphthalene and biphenyl was maximum (27.9 wt %) at 600 °C and 1:4 (w/w) of HZSM-5, while in the case of PC goggles, it was maximum (18.6 wt %) at 700 °C and 1:4 (w/w) of HY. This study shows that the entire PPE kit can be valorized via catalytic fast pyrolysis to generate petrochemical products and platform molecules like monoaromatic hydrocarbons at high selectivities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhilkumar Panchal
- Department of Chemical Engineering and National Centre for Combustion Research and Development, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - R Vinu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and National Centre for Combustion Research and Development, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
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7
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Cui J, Qi M, Zhang Z, Gao S, Xu N, Wang X, Li N, Chen G. Disposal and resource utilization of waste masks: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:19683-19704. [PMID: 36653687 PMCID: PMC9848032 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25353-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Waste masks pose a serious threat to the environment, including marine plastic pollution and soil pollution risks caused by landfills since the outbreak of COVID-19. Currently, numerous effective methods regarding disposal and resource utilization of waste masks have been reported, containing physical, thermochemical, and solvent-based technologies. As for physical technologies, the mechanical properties of the mask-based materials could be enhanced and the conductivity or antibacterial activity was endowed by adding natural fibers or inorganic nanoparticles. Regarding thermochemical technologies, catalytic pyrolysis could yield considerable hydrogen, which is an eco-friendly resource, and would mitigate the energy crisis. Noticeably, the solvent-based technology, as a more convenient and efficient method, was also considered in this paper. In this way, soaking the mask directly in a specific chemical reagent changes the original structure of polypropylene and obtains multi-functional materials. The solvent-based technology is promising in the future with the researches of sustainable and universally applicable reagents. This review could provide guidance for utilizing resources of waste masks and address the issues of plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Cui
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Mo Qi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Shibo Gao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Nuo Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - Ning Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Guanyi Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin, 300134, China
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8
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Rai PK, Sonne C, Song H, Kim KH. Plastic wastes in the time of COVID-19: Their environmental hazards and implications for sustainable energy resilience and circular bio-economies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159880. [PMID: 36328266 PMCID: PMC9618453 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The global scope of pollution from plastic waste is a well-known phenomenon associated with trade, mass consumption, and disposal of plastic products (e.g., personal protective equipment (PPE), viral test kits, and vacuum-packaged food). Recently, the scale of the problem has been exacerbated by increases in indoor livelihood activities during lockdowns imposed in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present study describes the effects of increased plastic waste on environmental footprint and human health. Further, the technological/regulatory options and life cycle assessment (LCA) approach for sustainable plastic waste management are critically dealt in terms of their implications on energy resilience and circular economy. The abrupt increase in health-care waste during pandemic has been worsening environmental quality to undermine the sustainability in general. In addition, weathered plastic particles from PPE along with microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) can all adsorb chemical and microbial contaminants to pose a risk to ecosystems, biota, occupational safety, and human health. PPE-derived plastic pollution during the pandemic also jeopardizes sustainable development goals, energy resilience, and climate control measures. However, it is revealed that the pandemic can be regarded as an opportunity for explicit LCA to better address the problems associated with environmental footprints of plastic waste and to focus on sustainable management technologies such as circular bio-economies, biorefineries, and thermal gasification. Future researches in the energy-efficient clean technologies and circular bio-economies (or biorefineries) in concert with a "nexus" framework are expected to help reduce plastic waste into desirable directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Kumar Rai
- Phyto-Technologies and Plant Invasion Lab, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - C Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - H Song
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Idowu GA, Olalemi AO, Aiyesanmi AF. Environmental impacts of covid-19 pandemic: Release of microplastics, organic contaminants and trace metals from face masks under ambient environmental conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 217:114956. [PMID: 36442523 PMCID: PMC9699709 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The covid-19 pandemic era was characterized by heavy usage and disposal of medical face masks, now estimated at over 1.24 trillion. Few studies had attempted to demonstrate the release of microplastics from face masks using simulated conditions and application of mechanical forces, far different from the effects experienced by face masks dumped in the open environment, in landfills and dumpsites. In the current study, we monitored the release of microplastics, organic contaminants and toxic metals from medical face masks degraded under normal outdoor environmental conditions, over a period of 60 weeks. We showed that face mask's decomposition proceeded via sunlight (UV) - initiated oxidative degradation, leading to the replacement of methylene (CH2-) and alkyl (CH3-) groups in face mask's polypropylene backbone with hydroxyl and ketonic functional groups. Organic compounds released from decaying face masks into the surrounding soil included alkanes, alkenes, carboxylic acids/diesters and phthalate esters. Mean maximum concentration of phthalates in the soil ranged from 3.14 mg/kg (diethyl phthalate) to 11.68 mg/kg di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Heavy metals, including Cu, Pb, Cd, As, Sn and Fe, were released into the soil, leading to contamination factors of 3.11, 2.84, 2.42, 2.26, 1.80 and 0.99, respectively. Together, the metals gave a pollution load index (PLI) of 2.102, indicating that they constitute moderate pollution of the soil surrounding the heap of face masks. This study provides a realistic insight into the fate and impacts of the enormous amounts of face masks, disposed or abandoned in soil environments during the covid-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Aina Idowu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Technology Akure, P. M. B. 704 Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.
| | - Adewale Oluwasogo Olalemi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology Akure, P. M. B. 704 Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Ademola Festus Aiyesanmi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Technology Akure, P. M. B. 704 Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
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10
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Jiang H, Luo D, Wang L, Zhang Y, Wang H, Wang C. A review of disposable facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic: A focus on microplastics release. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137178. [PMID: 36368541 PMCID: PMC9640709 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic seriously threats the human society and provokes the panic of the public. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are widely utilized for frontline health workers to face the ongoing epidemic, especially disposable face masks (DFMs) to prevent airborne transmission of coronavirus. The overproduction and massive utilization of DFMs seriously challenge the management of plastic wastes. A huge amount of DFMs are discharged into environment, potentially induced the generation of microplastics (MPs) owing to physicochemical destruction. The MPs release will pose severe contamination burden on environment and human. In this review, environmental threats of DFMs regarding to DFMs fate in environment and DFMs threats to aquatic and terrestrial species were surveyed. A full summary of recent studies on MPs release from DFMs was provided. The knowledge of extraction and characterizations of MPs, the release behavior, and potential threats of MPs derived from DFMs was discussed. To confront the problem, feasible strategies for control DFMs pollution were analyzed from the perspective of source control and waste management. This review provides a better understanding the threats, fate, and management of DFMs linked to COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Jiang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yingshuang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Chongqing Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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11
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Iwuozor KO, Emenike EC, Stephen AA, Kevin OS, Adeleke J, Adeniyi AG. Thermochemical recycling of waste disposable facemasks in a non-electrically powered system. LOW-CARBON MATERIALS AND GREEN CONSTRUCTION 2023; 1:12. [PMCID: PMC10069943 DOI: 10.1007/s44242-023-00010-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic encouraged the use of plastic-based personal protective equipment (PPE), which aided greatly in its management. However, the increased production and usage of these PPEs put a strain on the environment, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. This has led various researchers to study low-cost and effective technologies for the recycling of these materials. One such material is disposable facemasks. However, previous studies have only been able to engage electrically powered reactors for their thermochemical conversion, which is a challenge as these reactors cannot be used in regions with an insufficient supply of electricity. In this study, the authors utilized a biomass-powered reactor for the conversion of waste disposable facemasks and almond leaves into hybrid biochar. The reactor, which is relatively cheap, simple to use, environmentally friendly, and modified for biochar production, is biomass-powered. The co-carbonization process, which lasted 100 min, produced a 46% biochar yield, which is higher than previously obtained biochar yields by other researchers. The biochar thus obtained was characterized to determine its properties. FTIR analysis showed that the biochar contained functional groups such as alkenes, alkynes, hydroxyls, amines, and carbonyls. The EDX analysis revealed that the biochar was primarily made of carbon, tellurium, oxygen, and calcium in the ratios of 57%, 19%, 9%, and 7%, respectively. The inclusion of the facemask decreased the surface area and porosity of the biochar material, as evidenced by its surface area and pore characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingsley O. Iwuozor
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Ebuka Chizitere Emenike
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Agbana Abiodun Stephen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | | | - Joy Adeleke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Adewale George Adeniyi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Chemical Engineering Department, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria
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12
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Moreira BRDA, Cruz VH, Barbosa Júnior MR, Meneses MD, Lopes PRM, da Silva RP. Agro-residual biomass and disposable protective face mask: a merger for converting waste to plastic-fiber fuel via an integrative carbonization-pelletization framework. BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY 2022:1-22. [PMID: 36124332 PMCID: PMC9476463 DOI: 10.1007/s13399-022-03285-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Incineration and landfilling offer possibilities for addressing high-rate management of COVID-waste streams. However, they can be costly and environmentally unsustainable. In addition, they do not allow to convert them to fuels and chemicals as waste-to-energy and waste-to-product technologies. Therefore, we analyzed whether integrating hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and pelletization can allow converting the surgical face mask (SFM) and biomass to composite plastic-fiber fuel (CPFF). We blended the plastic material and corncob, peanut shell, or sugarcane bagasse at the proportion of 50:50 (%, dry mass basis) for HTC. We performed the thermal pretreatment of blends in an autoclaving reactor at 180 °C and 1.5 MPa. Then we pelletized the hydrochars in a presser machine at 200 MPa and 125 °C. By analyzing the evidence from our study, we recognized the viability of combining the SFM and agricultural residues for CPFF from comparable technical features of our products to standards for premium-grade wood pellets. For instance, the elemental composition of their low-meltable ash was not stoichiometrically sufficient to severely produce slagging and fouling in the equipment for thermal conversion. Although they contained synthetic polymers in their structures, such as polyethylene from filter layers and nylon from the earloop, they emitted CO and NOx below the critical limits of 200 and 500 mg m-3, respectively, for occupational safety. Therefore, we extended the knowledge on waste-to-energy pathways to transform SFM into high-quality hybrid fuel by carbonization and pelletization. Our framework can provide stakeholders opportunities to address plastic and biogenic waste in the context of a circular economy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13399-022-03285-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Rafael de Almeida Moreira
- Department of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Cruz
- Department of Plant Production, School of Agricultural and Technological Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Dracena, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Marcelo Rodrigues Barbosa Júnior
- Department of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Mariana Dias Meneses
- Department of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Paulo Renato Matos Lopes
- Department of Plant Production, School of Agricultural and Technological Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Dracena, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Rouverson Pereira da Silva
- Department of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, São Paulo Brazil
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13
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Luo Z, Zhu X, Ma Y, Gong K, Zhu X. Alternating magnetic field initiated catalytic deconstruction of medical waste to produce hydrogen-rich gases and graphite. CELL REPORTS. PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2022; 3:100934. [PMID: 35698720 PMCID: PMC9175563 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2022.100934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of medical products and personal protective equipment, such as masks, gowns, and disposable syringes, to treat patients or administer vaccines. However, this may lead to generation of large quantities of biohazardous medical waste. Here, an alternating-magnetic-field-initiated catalytic strategy is proposed to convert disposable syringes into hydrogen-rich gases and high-value graphite. Specifically, in addition to selecting heavy fraction of bio-oil as initiator, disposable syringe needles are used as radio frequency electromagnetic wave receptors to initiate the deconstruction of disposable syringe plastic. The highest H2 yield of 39.9 mmol g-1 is achieved, and 30.1 mmol g-1 is maintained after 10 cycles. Moreover, a high carbon yield of 286 mg g-1 can be obtained. Beyond disposable syringes, this strategy could help to solve the emerging issue for other types of medical waste (e.g., mask and protective clothing) disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Luo
- School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P.R. China
| | - Xiefei Zhu
- School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P.R. China
| | - YaKai Ma
- School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P.R. China
| | - Ke Gong
- Instruments Center for Physical Science, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P.R. China
| | - Xifeng Zhu
- School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P.R. China
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14
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Wang C, Zou R, Lei H, Qian M, Lin X, Mateo W, Wang L, Zhang X, Ruan R. Biochar-advanced thermocatalytic salvaging of the waste disposable mask with the production of hydrogen and mono-aromatic hydrocarbons. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 426:128080. [PMID: 34929595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.128080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The salvaging of the waste disposable mask was conducted in this study through catalytic pyrolysis over corn stover derived biochar catalyst combined with the boosted generation of hydrogen and mono-aromatic hydrocarbons for the first time. In the absence of biochar, up to 53 wt% of wax was observed at 550 ºC, whereas at the biochar/mask ratio of 2, around 41 wt% of liquid oil was produced without the formation of wax. The hydrogen content in the gas stream was about 26 vol% at 600 ºC for non-catalytic pyrolysis, which increased to around 55 vol% at the expense of light hydrocarbons such as methane and C2-4 for the catalytic process with the biochar/mask ratio of 3. In resulting liquid oil, the content of mono-aromatics, especially toluene, xylenes, and ethylbenzene was about 55% for catalytic runs, which was far greater than that of 38% from the non-catalytic run. Interestingly, the dyes released from mask pyrolysis could be completely captured/adsorbed by biochar, leading to a much cleaner oil. After 10 cycles of reuse at 600 ºC without regeneration, the biochar still held a good selectivity toward hydrogen and mono-aromatic hydrocarbons. This study exemplified a readily accessible concept and pathway of 'waste against waste' targeted to upcycle waste disposable masks over biochar from biomass waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Wang
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Rongge Zou
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Hanwu Lei
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354, USA.
| | - Moriko Qian
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Xiaona Lin
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354, USA; School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Wendy Mateo
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Lu Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Xuesong Zhang
- Engineering Laboratory for AgroBiomass Recycling & Valorizing, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Roger Ruan
- Center for Biorefining and Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, 1390 Eckles Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Ardila-Suárez C, Pablo Villegas J, Lins de Barros Neto E, Ghislain T, Lavoie JM. Waste surgical masks to fuels via thermochemical co-processing with waste motor oil and biomass. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 348:126798. [PMID: 35122979 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the co-processing of waste surgical masks, waste motor oil, and biomass was investigated to reduce the environmental impacts of the increasing medical-derived plastic pollution as well as to elucidate its effect on the production of chemicals . The results showed high yields towards an oily product with an interesting hydrocarbon content in the diesel range. Furthermore, although the initial waste motor oil had a high sulfur content, the oily products showed a low sulfur content, that was logically distributed in the solid and gas phases. In addition, all oily products presented HHVs higher than 44 MJ/Kg, with cetane indices, densities, and viscosities lower than those of petroleum-derived diesel. This work could impact on the management of waste surgical masks and the joint recovery of everyday waste towards high value-added products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Ardila-Suárez
- Biomass Technology Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Juan Pablo Villegas
- Biomass Technology Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Eduardo Lins de Barros Neto
- Biomass Technology Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Thierry Ghislain
- Biomass Technology Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Lavoie
- Biomass Technology Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.
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