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Kaushik A, Singh A, Kumar Gupta V, Mishra YK. Nano/micro-plastic, an invisible threat getting into the brain. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142380. [PMID: 38763401 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142380] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Due to weather and working/operational conditions, plastic degradation produces toxic and non-biodegradable nano and microplastics (N/M-Ps, ranging from 10 nm to 5 mm), and over time these N/M-Ps have integrated with the human cycle through ingestion and inhalation. These N/M-Ps, as serious emerging pollutants, are causing considerable adverse health issues due to up-taken by the cells, tissue, and organs, including the brain. It has been proven that N/M-Ps can cross the blood-brain barrier (via olfactory and blood vessels) and affect the secretion of neuroinflammatory (cytokine and chemokine), transporters, and receptor markers. Neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and brain injury, which may result in such scenarios are a serious concern and may cause brain disorders. However, the related pathways and pathogenesis are not well-explored but are the focus of upcoming emerging research. Therefore, as a focus of this editorial, well-organized multidisciplinary research is required to explore associated pathways and pathogenesis, leading to brain mapping and nano-enabled therapeutics in acute and chronic N/M - Ps exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Department of Environmental Engineering, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL, USA.
| | - Avtar Singh
- Research and Development, Molekule Inc., 3802 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| | - V Kumar Gupta
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Yogendra Kumar Mishra
- Mads Clausen Institute, NanoSYD, University of Southern Denmark, Alsion 2, 6400, Sønderborg, Denmark.
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2
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Bassey U, Tom AO, Okono U, John M, Sinn M, Bassey A, Luke U, Narra S. Characteristics and management of municipal solid waste in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10971. [PMID: 38744927 PMCID: PMC11094142 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61108-0] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased urbanization and population lead to increased consumption of manufactured goods. This ultimately results in increased production of waste. Identifying its composition is crucial for planning an effective solid waste management strategy. This study assesses the characteristics and composition of the waste generated within the Uyo Capital City Development Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This is to aid in developing a scientifically supported waste management pilot system for the state. Direct waste sorting and characterization were conducted on the municipal solid waste arriving at the landfill during the study period. Over 50% of the generated wastes are recyclables and composed of plastics, metals, and paper, while the fraction of organic waste is over 30%. Similarly, the waste generation per capita is 1.34 kg/person/day, while the generation forecast over the next ten years is estimated to increase by approximately 40%. Furthermore, over 9,000 surveys were completed by residents to establish a problem statement about the existing waste collection and disposal system, and possible solutions. Importantly, a majority of survey respondents were willing to source-separate their wastes and supported paying a fee for adequate waste collection. This strongly indicates that an integrated waste management system could be established to generate value from the collected waste. Supplementary revenue can be generated through composting, recycling, and land reclamation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uduak Bassey
- Department of Waste and Resource Management, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18051, Rostock, Germany.
- Berlin School of Technology, SRH Berlin University of Applied Science, 10587, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Abasi-Ofon Tom
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, G128QQ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Maja Sinn
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Systemic Cell Biology, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | | | - Uduak Luke
- University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | - Satyanarayana Narra
- Department of Waste and Resource Management, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18051, Rostock, Germany
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3
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Kumar M, Bhujbal SK, Kohli K, Prajapati R, Sharma BK, Sawarkar AD, Abhishek K, Bolan S, Ghosh P, Kirkham MB, Padhye LP, Pandey A, Vithanage M, Bolan N. A review on value-addition to plastic waste towards achieving a circular economy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171106. [PMID: 38387564 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Plastic and mixed plastic waste (PW) has received increased worldwide attention owing to its huge rate of production, high persistency in the environment, and unsustainable waste management practices. Therefore, sustainable PW management and upcycling approaches are imperative to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Numerous recent studies have shown the application and feasibility of various PW conversion techniques to produce materials with better economic value. Within this framework, the current review provides an in-depth analysis of cutting-edge thermochemical technologies such as pyrolysis, gasification, carbonization, and photocatalysis that can be used to value plastic and mixed PW in order to produce energy and industrial chemicals. Additionally, a thorough examination of the environmental impacts of contemporary PW upcycling techniques and their commercial feasibility through life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economical assessment are provided in this review. Finally, this review emphasizes the opportunities and challenges accompanying with existing PW upcycling techniques and deliver recommendations for future research works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India.
| | - Sachin Krushna Bhujbal
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Kirtika Kohli
- Distillate and Heavy Oil Processing Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun 248005, India
| | - Ravindra Prajapati
- Prairie Research Institute-Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Brajendra K Sharma
- Prairie Research Institute-Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA; United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Eastern Regional Research Center Sustainable Biofuels and Co-Products Research Unit, 600 E. Mermaid Ln., Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Ankush D Sawarkar
- Department of Information Technology, Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering and Technology (SGGSIET), Nanded, Maharashtra 431 606, India
| | - Kumar Abhishek
- Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Bihar, Patna, India
| | - Shiv Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
| | - Pooja Ghosh
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India; Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow 226 001, India; Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee Dae Ro 26, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248 007, Uttarakhand, India; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow 226029, India
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia.
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4
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Clark R, Shaver MP. Depolymerization within a Circular Plastics System. Chem Rev 2024; 124:2617-2650. [PMID: 38386877 PMCID: PMC10941197 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The societal importance of plastics contrasts with the carelessness with which they are disposed. Their superlative properties lead to economic and environmental efficiency, but the linearity of plastics puts the climate, human health, and global ecosystems at risk. Recycling is fundamental to transitioning this linear model into a more sustainable, circular economy. Among recycling technologies, chemical depolymerization offers a route to virgin quality recycled plastics, especially when valorizing complex waste streams poorly served by mechanical methods. However, chemical depolymerization exists in a complex and interlinked system of end-of-life fates, with the complementarity of each approach key to environmental, economic, and societal sustainability. This review explores the recent progress made into the depolymerization of five commercial polymers: poly(ethylene terephthalate), polycarbonates, polyamides, aliphatic polyesters, and polyurethanes. Attention is paid not only to the catalytic technologies used to enhance depolymerization efficiencies but also to the interrelationship with other recycling technologies and to the systemic constraints imposed by a global economy. Novel polymers, designed for chemical depolymerization, are also concisely reviewed in terms of their underlying chemistry and potential for integration with current plastic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robbie
A. Clark
- Department
of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United
Kingdom
- Sustainable
Materials Innovation Hub, Henry Royce Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United
Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Shaver
- Department
of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United
Kingdom
- Sustainable
Materials Innovation Hub, Henry Royce Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United
Kingdom
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5
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De Tommaso J, Galli F, Weber R, Dubois JL, Patience GS. Total Capital Investment of plastic recycling plants correlates with energy losses and capacity. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202301172. [PMID: 38216531 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a generational problem, and stakeholders are turning to chemical recycling as a potential solution. However, decision-makers necessitate quick and reliable capital investment estimations to evaluate innovative technologies, especially in the early project stage, when limited historical data are available. To address this need, we built a database of 160+ chemical recycling plants, querying for nominal capacity, year and place of construction, total capital investment (TCI), number of long-term jobs and opportunity of subsidies. Then, we compared conventional association of the advancement of cost engineering AACE class 5 estimation methods, with literature estimates, and commercial capital expenditure confidence intervals for pyrolysis, gasification, solvolysis, and selective dissolution. We demonstrate the unreliability of classic methods, and we propose ballpark correlations based on the plant capacity, or the energy loss. Chemical recycling plants suffer from poor economy of scale (with current technologies), and capacity is not always the best indicator for TCI estimation. Pyrolysis and gasification are energy-driven technologies, and their TCI correlates very well (R2 =0.91-0.92) with the total energy losses. Solvolysis and selective dissolution, instead, are at an earlier development stage, so cost engineers or researchers will have to accept less certain TCI vs capacity (R2 =0.60).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo De Tommaso
- Polytechnique Montrèal, 2500 ch. de polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Federico Galli
- Genie Chimique et biotechnologique, University of Sherbrooke, 2500 Bd. De l'Université, J1K 2R1, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert Weber
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Jean-Luc Dubois
- Altuglas International/Trinseo, Innovatieweg 14, 4542 NH, Hoek, The Netherland
| | - Gregory S Patience
- Polytechnique Montrèal, 2500 ch. de polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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6
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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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7
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Thacharodi A, Hassan S, Meenatchi R, Bhat MA, Hussain N, Arockiaraj J, Ngo HH, Sharma A, Nguyen HT, Pugazhendhi A. Mitigating microplastic pollution: A critical review on the effects, remediation, and utilization strategies of microplastics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119988. [PMID: 38181686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119988] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are found ubiquitous in the natural environment and are an increasing source of worry for global health. Rapid industrialization and inappropriate plastic waste management in our daily lives have resulted in an increase in the amount of microplastics in the ecosystem. Microplastics that are <150 μm in size could be easily ingested by living beings and cause considerable toxicity. Microplastics can aggregate in living organisms and cause acute, chronic, carcinogenic, developmental, and genotoxic damage. As a result, a sustainable approach to reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste is required to manage microplastic pollution in the environment. However, there is still a significant lack of effective methods for managing these pollutants. As a result, the purpose of this review is to convey information on microplastic toxicity and management practices that may aid in the reduction of microplastic pollution. This review further insights on how plastic trash could be converted as value-added products, reducing the load of accumulating plastic wastes in the environment, and leading to a beneficial endeavor for humanity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Thacharodi
- Dr. Thacharodi's Laboratories, Department of Research and Development, Puducherry, 605005, India
| | - Saqib Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Ramu Meenatchi
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Mansoor Ahmad Bhat
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Naseer Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600048, India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Ashutosh Sharma
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centre of Bioengineering, NatProLab, Plant Innovation Lab, School of Engineering and Sciences, Queretaro, 76130, Mexico
| | - H T Nguyen
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
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8
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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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Ma C, Kumagai S, Saito Y, Yoshioka T, Huang X, Shao Y, Ran J, Sun L. Recent Advancements in Pyrolysis of Halogen-Containing Plastics for Resource Recovery and Halogen Upcycling: A State-of-the-Art Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1423-1440. [PMID: 38197317 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste has emerged as a serious issue due to its impact on environmental degradation and resource scarcity. Plastic recycling, especially of halogen-containing plastics, presents challenges due to potential secondary pollution and lower-value implementations. Chemical recycling via pyrolysis is the most versatile and robust approach for combating plastic waste. In this Review, we present recent advancements in halogen-plastic pyrolysis for resource utilization and the potential pathways from "reducing to recycling to upcycling" halogens. We emphasize the advanced management of halogen-plastics through copyrolysis with solid wastes (waste polymers, biomass, coal, etc.), which is an efficient method for dealing with mixed wastes to obtain high-value products while reducing undesirable substances. Innovations in catalyst design and reaction configurations for catalytic pyrolysis are comprehensively evaluated. In particular, a tandem catalysis system is a promising route for halogen removal and selective conversion of targeted products. Furthermore, we propose novel insights regarding the utilization and upcycling of halogens from halogen-plastics. This includes the preparation of halogen-based sorbents for elemental mercury removal, the halogenation-vaporization process for metal recovery, and the development of halogen-doped functional materials for new materials and energy applications. The reutilization of halogens facilitates the upcycling of halogen-plastics, but many efforts are needed for mutually beneficial outcomes. Overall, future investigations in the development of copyrolysis and catalyst-driven technologies for upcycling halogen-plastics are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Shogo Kumagai
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, 6-6-07 Aoba, Aramaki-aza, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Yuko Saito
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, 6-6-07 Aoba, Aramaki-aza, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Yoshioka
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, 6-6-07 Aoba, Aramaki-aza, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Xin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yunlin Shao
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jingyu Ran
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Lushi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Combustion, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
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10
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Amundarain I, López-Montenegro S, Fulgencio-Medrano L, Leivar J, Iruskieta A, Asueta A, Miguel-Fernández R, Arnaiz S, Pereda-Ayo B. Improving the Sustainability of Catalytic Glycolysis of Complex PET Waste through Bio-Solvolysis. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:142. [PMID: 38201807 PMCID: PMC10780431 DOI: 10.3390/polym16010142] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This work addresses a novel bio-solvolysis process for the treatment of complex poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste using a biobased monoethylene glycol (BioMEG) as a depolymerization agent in order to achieve a more sustainable chemical recycling process. Five difficult-to-recycle PET waste streams, including multilayer trays, coloured bottles and postconsumer textiles, were selected for the study. After characterization and conditioning of the samples, an evaluation of the proposed bio-solvolysis process was carried out by monitoring the reaction over time to determine the degree of PET conversion (91.3-97.1%) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) monomer yield (71.5-76.3%). A monomer purification process, using activated carbon (AC), was also developed to remove the colour and to reduce the metal content of the solid. By applying this purification strategy, the whiteness (L*) of the BHET greatly increased from around 60 to over 95 (L* = 100 for pure white) and the Zn content was significantly reduced from around 200 to 2 mg/kg. The chemical structure of the purified monomers was analyzed via infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the composition of the samples was measured by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), proving a high purity of the monomers with a BHET content up to 99.5% in mol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izotz Amundarain
- GAIKER Technology Centre, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edificio 202, 48170 Zamudio, Spain (A.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Sheila López-Montenegro
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain (B.P.-A.)
| | - Laura Fulgencio-Medrano
- GAIKER Technology Centre, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edificio 202, 48170 Zamudio, Spain (A.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Jon Leivar
- GAIKER Technology Centre, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edificio 202, 48170 Zamudio, Spain (A.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Ana Iruskieta
- GAIKER Technology Centre, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edificio 202, 48170 Zamudio, Spain (A.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Asier Asueta
- GAIKER Technology Centre, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edificio 202, 48170 Zamudio, Spain (A.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Rafael Miguel-Fernández
- GAIKER Technology Centre, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edificio 202, 48170 Zamudio, Spain (A.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Sixto Arnaiz
- GAIKER Technology Centre, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edificio 202, 48170 Zamudio, Spain (A.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Beñat Pereda-Ayo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain (B.P.-A.)
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11
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Klotz M, Oberschelp C, Salah C, Subal L, Hellweg S. The role of chemical and solvent-based recycling within a sustainable circular economy for plastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167586. [PMID: 37804985 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Chemical and solvent-based recycling of plastic waste may help overcome some of the challenges faced by predominantly applied mechanical recycling techniques. This study quantifies the environmental impacts of chemical and solvent-based recycling as a function of varying process parameters and product composition using life cycle assessment. Furthermore, potential benefits and impacts on a system level are determined. To that end, a high-resolution material flow analysis is conducted for the reference system of Switzerland, covering all main plastic types and applications. In a scenario for the year 2040, we employ environmentally beneficial mechanical recycling where possible and convey suitable remaining waste streams to chemical or solvent-based recycling processes. Applying chemical or solvent-based recycling as a complement to maximum mechanical recycling, instead of thermal treatment with energy recovery, may achieve a reduction in the climate change impact of the system ranging from less than 10 % to almost 40 %. For achieving high environmental benefits, proper process choice and configuration are crucial. Dissolution or depolymerization provide higher benefits relative to other chemical recycling processes, but can only treat certain waste streams and require prior sorting into plastic types. Pyrolysis and gasification appeared to only have the ability to achieve substantial benefits over incineration if their output products can substitute high-impact chemicals and provided that efficient heat transfer and recovery is warranted when implemented on a large scale. As industrial-scale plants for chemical or solvent-based plastic recycling are still lacking, the upscaling potential and the environmental benefits achievable in practice are highly uncertain today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Klotz
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Christopher Oberschelp
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland; National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Catalysis, ETH Zurich, Leopold-Ružička-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cecilia Salah
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland; National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Catalysis, ETH Zurich, Leopold-Ružička-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luc Subal
- Realcycle GmbH, Hagenholzstrasse 85A, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Hellweg
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Le VG, Nguyen MK, Nguyen HL, Lin C, Hadi M, Hung NTQ, Hoang HG, Nguyen KN, Tran HT, Hou D, Zhang T, Bolan NS. A comprehensive review of micro- and nano-plastics in the atmosphere: Occurrence, fate, toxicity, and strategies for risk reduction. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166649. [PMID: 37660815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) have received considerable attention over the past 10 years due to their environmental prevalence and potential toxic effects. With the increase in global plastic production and disposal, MNP pollution has become a topic of emerging concern. In this review, we describe MNPs in the atmospheric environment, and potential toxicological effects of exposure to MNPs. Studies have reported the occurrence of MNPs in outdoor and indoor air at concentrations ranging from 0.0065 items m-3 to 1583 items m-3. Findings have identified plastic fragments, fibers, and films in sizes predominantly <1000 μm with polyamide (PA), polyester (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), rayon, polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) as the major compounds. Exposure through indoor air and dust is an important pathway for humans. Airborne MNPs pose health risks to plants, animals, and humans. Atmospheric MNPs can enter organism bodies via inhalation and subsequent deposition in the lungs, which triggers inflammation and other adverse health effects. MNPs could be eliminated through source reduction, policy/regulation, environmental awareness and education, biodegradable materials, bioremediation, and efficient air-filtration systems. To achieve a sustainable society, it is crucial to implement effective strategies for reducing the usage of single-use plastics (SUPs). Further, governments play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing issue of MNPs pollution and must establish viable solutions to tackle this significant challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van-Giang Le
- Central Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Vietnam National University (CRES-VNU), Hanoi, 111000, Viet Nam
| | - Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
| | - Hoang-Lam Nguyen
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Ph.D. Program in Maritime Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Mohammed Hadi
- Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Nguyen Tri Quang Hung
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Hong-Giang Hoang
- Faculty of Medicine, Dong Nai Technology University, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai 810000, Viet Nam
| | - Khoi Nghia Nguyen
- Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho City 270000, Viet Nam
| | - Huu-Tuan Tran
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Management, Science and Technology Advanced Institute, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam; Faculty of Applied Technology, School of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam.
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
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13
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Lai Q, Mason AH, Agarwal A, Edenfield WC, Zhang X, Kobayashi T, Kratish Y, Marks TJ. Rapid Polyolefin Hydrogenolysis by a Single-Site Organo-Tantalum Catalyst on a Super-Acidic Support: Structure and Mechanism. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202312546. [PMID: 37948306 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202312546] [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: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The novel electrophilic organo-tantalum catalyst AlS/TaNpx (1) (Np=neopentyl) is prepared by chemisorption of the alkylidene Np3 Ta=CHt Bu onto highly Brønsted acidic sulfated alumina (AlS). The proposed catalyst structure is supported by EXAFS, XANES, ICP, DRIFTS, elemental analysis, and SSNMR measurements and is in good agreement with DFT analysis. Catalyst 1 is highly effective for the hydrogenolysis of diverse linear and branched hydrocarbons, ranging from C2 to polyolefins. To the best of our knowledge, 1 exhibits one of the highest polyolefin hydrogenolysis activities (9,800 (CH2 units) ⋅ mol(Ta)-1 ⋅ h-1 at 200 °C/17 atm H2 ) reported to date in the peer-reviewed literature. Unlike the AlS/ZrNp2 analog, the Ta catalyst is more thermally stable and offers multiple potential C-C bond activation pathways. For hydrogenolysis, AlS/TaNpx is effective for a wide variety of pre- and post-consumer polyolefin plastics and is not significantly deactivated by standard polyolefin additives at typical industrial concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingheng Lai
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
| | - Alexander H Mason
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
| | - Amol Agarwal
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
| | - Wilson C Edenfield
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
| | - Xinrui Zhang
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
| | - Takeshi Kobayashi
- U.S. DOE Ames National Laboratory, IOWA State University, Ames, IA50011-3020, USA
| | - Yosi Kratish
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
| | - Tobin J Marks
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
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14
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Supraja KV, Kachroo H, Viswanathan G, Verma VK, Behera B, Doddapaneni TRKC, Kaushal P, Ahammad SZ, Singh V, Awasthi MK, Jain R. Biochar production and its environmental applications: Recent developments and machine learning insights. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 387:129634. [PMID: 37573981 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129634] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Biochar production through thermochemical processing is a sustainable biomass conversion and waste management approach. However, commercializing biochar faces challenges requiring further research and development to maximize its potential for addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainable resource management. This comprehensive review presents the state-of-the-art in biochar production, emphasizing quantitative yield and qualitative properties with varying feedstocks. It discusses the technology readiness level and commercialization status of different production strategies, highlighting their environmental and economic impacts. The review focuses on integrating machine learning algorithms for process control and optimization in biochar production, improving efficiency. Additionally, it explores biochar's environmental applications, including soil amendment, carbon sequestration, and wastewater treatment, showcasing recent advancements and case studies. Advances in biochar technologies and their environmental benefits in various sectors are discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolli Venkata Supraja
- Waste Treatment Laboratory, Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Himanshu Kachroo
- School of Interdisciplinary Research, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Gayatri Viswanathan
- School of Interdisciplinary Research, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Vishal Kumar Verma
- Waste Treatment Laboratory, Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Bunushree Behera
- Bioprocess Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab 147004, India
| | - Tharaka Rama Krishna C Doddapaneni
- Chair of Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Forestry and Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 56, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Priyanka Kaushal
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Sk Ziauddin Ahammad
- Waste Treatment Laboratory, Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Rohan Jain
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Bautzner landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
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15
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Lahtela V, Mielonen K, Parkar P, Kärki T. The Effects of Bromine Additives on the Recyclability of Injection Molded Electronic Waste Polymers. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2023; 7:2300157. [PMID: 37970537 PMCID: PMC10632664 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202300157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Excessive waste amounts, such as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and plastic waste, have increased simultaneously with the development of society. Despite the increased material amounts, the recycling rates are too low and those have a great potential to contribute actions toward a circular economy. A certain restricted factor for recycling is the heterogenous nature of materials, such as WEEE-included additives. This study investigates the effects of a WEEE polymer including bromine on recycling ability, analyzing its physical and mechanical features. The study demonstrates that polymer sorting is profitable for WEEE polymers from the material qualitative perspective, because various processability and material features are achieved in the study between material categories, and especially unidentified polymers have the weakest features in the studied tests. The separation of bromine concentration is also recommended because bromine-free materials have more advanced features that can be confirmed by statistical analyses. The achieved results support the idea that novel circular economy actions have the potential for effective, efficient WEEE polymer recycling processes with technological innovations, especially when all variables (e.g., recycling cycles and process parameters) are observed and it enables an option to reduce the need for virgin plastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Lahtela
- SCI‐MAT Research Platform & Fiber Composite LaboratorySchool of Energy SystemsLappeenranta‐Lahti University of TechnologyYliopistonkatu 34LappeenrantaFI‐53851Finland
- Fiber Composite LaboratorySchool of Energy SystemsLappeenranta‐Lahti University of TechnologyYliopistonkatu 34LappeenrantaFI‐53851Finland
| | - Katriina Mielonen
- Fiber Composite LaboratorySchool of Energy SystemsLappeenranta‐Lahti University of TechnologyYliopistonkatu 34LappeenrantaFI‐53851Finland
| | - Prashant Parkar
- Fiber Composite LaboratorySchool of Energy SystemsLappeenranta‐Lahti University of TechnologyYliopistonkatu 34LappeenrantaFI‐53851Finland
| | - Timo Kärki
- Fiber Composite LaboratorySchool of Energy SystemsLappeenranta‐Lahti University of TechnologyYliopistonkatu 34LappeenrantaFI‐53851Finland
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16
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Arena U, Parrillo F, Ardolino F. An LCA answer to the mixed plastics waste dilemma: Energy recovery or chemical recycling? WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 171:662-675. [PMID: 37865064 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
The study focuses on mixed plastics waste (MPW), whose complex and unpredictable composition (due to high polymer heterogeneity, additives, and contaminants) makes its valorisation a true technical, environmental, economic, and regulatory challenge. Chemical recycling by means of advanced thermochemical treatments (ATT) could be a successful strategy, able to support the transition from a carbon intensive to a carbon negative sector, and alternative to the current treatments of energy recovery or mechanical downcycling. Some of these ATTs provide an efficient recovery of valuable resources, such as fuels and chemicals, but their role is mainly limited by time necessary to complete the process optimization and implement the required infrastructures. A reliable identification of the best alternatives is thus crucial. A specific LCA approach quantifies the environmental performances of a selected set of ATT technologies for resource recovery from MPW. It includes plastics-to-energy, by combustion or gasification; plastics-to-methane and plastics-to-hydrogen, by gasification; and plastics-to-oil, by thermal pyrolysis. The results highlight the crucial role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) units, which partially reduces that of the specific thermochemical treatment. The best performances, particularly for Climate Change category, are those of the MPW-to-hydrogen by gasification, followed by those of MPW-to-energy by combustion or gasification, all equipped with CCS. The sensitivity analysis considers the evolution of the European energy mix, characterised by a larger utilisation of renewable energy sources, and highlights the corresponding increased sustainability of chemical recycling by ATTs. This suggests that the MPW dilemma should be definitively solved in a close future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Arena
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies - University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi, 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Parrillo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies - University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi, 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Filomena Ardolino
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies - University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi, 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
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17
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Williams GB, Ma H, Khusnutdinova AN, Yakunin AF, Golyshin PN. Harnessing extremophilic carboxylesterases for applications in polyester depolymerisation and plastic waste recycling. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:715-729. [PMID: 37334661 PMCID: PMC10423841 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The steady growth in industrial production of synthetic plastics and their limited recycling have resulted in severe environmental pollution and contribute to global warming and oil depletion. Currently, there is an urgent need to develop efficient plastic recycling technologies to prevent further environmental pollution and recover chemical feedstocks for polymer re-synthesis and upcycling in a circular economy. Enzymatic depolymerization of synthetic polyesters by microbial carboxylesterases provides an attractive addition to existing mechanical and chemical recycling technologies due to enzyme specificity, low energy consumption, and mild reaction conditions. Carboxylesterases constitute a diverse group of serine-dependent hydrolases catalysing the cleavage and formation of ester bonds. However, the stability and hydrolytic activity of identified natural esterases towards synthetic polyesters are usually insufficient for applications in industrial polyester recycling. This necessitates further efforts on the discovery of robust enzymes, as well as protein engineering of natural enzymes for enhanced activity and stability. In this essay, we discuss the current knowledge of microbial carboxylesterases that degrade polyesters (polyesterases) with focus on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is one of the five major synthetic polymers. Then, we briefly review the recent progress in the discovery and protein engineering of microbial polyesterases, as well as developing enzyme cocktails and secreted protein expression for applications in the depolymerisation of polyester blends and mixed plastics. Future research aimed at the discovery of novel polyesterases from extreme environments and protein engineering for improved performance will aid developing efficient polyester recycling technologies for the circular plastics economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwion B Williams
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, U.K
| | - Hairong Ma
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, U.K
| | - Anna N Khusnutdinova
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, U.K
| | - Alexander F Yakunin
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, U.K
| | - Peter N Golyshin
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, U.K
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18
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El-Saadony MT, Saad AM, El-Wafai NA, Abou-Aly HE, Salem HM, Soliman SM, Abd El-Mageed TA, Elrys AS, Selim S, Abd El-Hack ME, Kappachery S, El-Tarabily KA, AbuQamar SF. Hazardous wastes and management strategies of landfill leachates: A comprehensive review. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION 2023; 31:103150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2023.103150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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19
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Pérez-Huertas S, Calero M, Ligero A, Pérez A, Terpiłowski K, Martín-Lara MA. On the use of plastic precursors for preparation of activated carbons and their evaluation in CO 2 capture for biogas upgrading: a review. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 161:116-141. [PMID: 36878040 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.02.022] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In circular economy, useful plastic materials are kept in circulation as opposed to being landfilled, incinerated, or leaked into the natural environment. Pyrolysis is a chemical recycling technique useful for unrecyclable plastic wastes that produce gas, liquid (oil), and solid (char) products. Although the pyrolysis technique has been extensively studied and there are several installations applying it on the industrial scale, no commercial applications for the solid product have been found yet. In this scenario, the use of plastic-based char for the biogas upgrading may be a sustainable way to transform the solid product of pyrolysis into a particularly beneficial material. This paper reviews the preparation and main parameters of the processes affecting the final textural properties of the plastic-based activated carbons. Moreover, the application of those materials for the CO2 capture in the processes of biogas upgrading is largely discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pérez-Huertas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - M Calero
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - A Ligero
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - A Pérez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - K Terpiłowski
- Department of Interfacial Phenomena, Maria Curie Skłodowska University, M. Curie Skłodowska Sq. 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland.
| | - M A Martín-Lara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
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20
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Albor G, Mirkouei A, McDonald AG, Struhs E, Sotoudehnia F. Fixed Bed Batch Slow Pyrolysis Process for Polystyrene Waste Recycling. Processes (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11041126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the potential of recycling polystyrene (PS) plastic wastes via a fixed bed (batch) slow pyrolysis reactor. The novelty lies in examining the reactor design, conversion parameters, and reaction kinetics to improve the process yield, activation energy, and chemical composition. PS samples were pyrolyzed at 475–575 °C for 30 min under 10–15 psi. Process yield and product attributes were evaluated using different methods to understand PS thermal degradation characteristics better. The results show that PS decomposition started within 2 min from all temperatures, and the total decomposition point of 97% at 475 °C at approximately 5 min. Additionally, analytical results indicate that the average necessary activation energy is 191 kJ/mol. Pyrolysis oil from PS was characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results show that styrene was produced 57–60% from all leading oil compounds (i.e., 2,4-diphenyl-1-butene, 2,4,6-triphenyl-1-hexene, and toluene), and 475 °C has the major average of conversion effectiveness of 91.3%. The results show that the reactor temperature remains the main conversion parameter to achieve the high process yield for oil production from PS. It is concluded that pyrolysis provides a sustainable pathway for PS waste recycling and conversion to value-added products, such as resins and polymers. The proposed method and analytical results are compared with earlier studies to identify directions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galo Albor
- Environmental Science Program, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA
| | - Amin Mirkouei
- Environmental Science Program, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA
| | - Armando G. McDonald
- Department of Forest, Rangeland and Fire Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Ethan Struhs
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA
| | - Farid Sotoudehnia
- Department of Forest, Rangeland and Fire Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
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21
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Hussain I, Aitani A, Malaibari Z, Alasiri H, Naseem Akhtar M, Fahad Aldosari O, Ahmed S. Chemical Upcycling of Waste Plastics to High Value-Added Products via Pyrolysis: Current Trends, Future Perspectives, and Techno-Feasibility Analysis. CHEM REC 2023; 23:e202200294. [PMID: 36850030 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200294] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Chemical upcycling of waste plastics into high-value-added products is one of the most effective, cost-efficient, and environmentally beneficial solutions. Many studies have been published over the past few years on the topic of recycling plastics into usable materials through a process called catalytic pyrolysis. There is a significant research gap that must be bridged in order to use catalytic pyrolysis of waste plastics to produce high-value products. This review focuses on the enhanced catalytic pyrolysis of waste plastics to produce jet fuel, diesel oil, lubricants, aromatic compounds, syngas, and other gases. Moreover, the reaction mechanism, a brief and critical comparison of different catalytic pyrolysis studies, as well as the techno-feasibility analysis of waste plastic pyrolysis and the proposed catalytic plastic pyrolysis setup for commercialization is also covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ijaz Hussain
- Center for Refining & Advanced Chemicals, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Aitani
- Center for Refining & Advanced Chemicals, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zuhair Malaibari
- Center for Refining & Advanced Chemicals, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Chemical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Alasiri
- Center for Refining & Advanced Chemicals, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Chemical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Naseem Akhtar
- Center for Refining & Advanced Chemicals, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Obaid Fahad Aldosari
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Majmaah University, P.O. Box 66, Majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakeel Ahmed
- Center for Refining & Advanced Chemicals, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Eissenberger K, Ballesteros A, De Bisschop R, Bugnicourt E, Cinelli P, Defoin M, Demeyer E, Fürtauer S, Gioia C, Gómez L, Hornberger R, Ißbrücker C, Mennella M, von Pogrell H, Rodriguez-Turienzo L, Romano A, Rosato A, Saile N, Schulz C, Schwede K, Sisti L, Spinelli D, Sturm M, Uyttendaele W, Verstichel S, Schmid M. Approaches in Sustainable, Biobased Multilayer Packaging Solutions. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15051184. [PMID: 36904425 PMCID: PMC10007551 DOI: 10.3390/polym15051184] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The depletion of fossil resources and the growing demand for plastic waste reduction has put industries and academic researchers under pressure to develop increasingly sustainable packaging solutions that are both functional and circularly designed. In this review, we provide an overview of the fundamentals and recent advances in biobased packaging materials, including new materials and techniques for their modification as well as their end-of-life scenarios. We also discuss the composition and modification of biobased films and multilayer structures, with particular attention to readily available drop-in solutions, as well as coating techniques. Moreover, we discuss end-of-life factors, including sorting systems, detection methods, composting options, and recycling and upcycling possibilities. Finally, regulatory aspects are pointed out for each application scenario and end-of-life option. Moreover, we discuss the human factor in terms of consumer perception and acceptance of upcycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Eissenberger
- Sustainable Packaging Institute SPI, Faculty of Life Sciences, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, Anton-Günther-Str. 51, 72488 Sigmaringen, Germany
- Correspondence: (K.E.); (M.S.)
| | - Arantxa Ballesteros
- Centro Tecnológico ITENE, Parque Tecnológico, Carrer d’Albert Einstein 1, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Robbe De Bisschop
- Centexbel, Textile Competence Centre, Etienne Sabbelaan 49, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Elodie Bugnicourt
- Graphic Packaging International, Fountain Plaza, Belgicastraat 7, 1930 Zaventem, Belgium
| | - Patrizia Cinelli
- Planet Bioplastics S.r.l., Via San Giovanni Bosco 23, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marc Defoin
- Bostik SA, 420 rue d’Estienne d’Orves, 92700 Colombes, France
| | - Elke Demeyer
- Centexbel, Textile Competence Centre, Etienne Sabbelaan 49, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Siegfried Fürtauer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, Materials Development, Giggenhauser Str. 35, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Claudio Gioia
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lola Gómez
- AIMPLAS, Plastics Technology Center, Valencia Parc Tecnologic, Carrer de Gustave Eiffel 4, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Ramona Hornberger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, Materials Development, Giggenhauser Str. 35, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | | | - Mara Mennella
- KNEIA S.L., Carrer d’Aribau 168-170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hasso von Pogrell
- AIMPLAS, Plastics Technology Center, Valencia Parc Tecnologic, Carrer de Gustave Eiffel 4, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | | | - Angela Romano
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Rosato
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nadja Saile
- Sustainable Packaging Institute SPI, Faculty of Life Sciences, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, Anton-Günther-Str. 51, 72488 Sigmaringen, Germany
| | - Christian Schulz
- European Bioplastics e.V. (EUBP), Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Schwede
- European Bioplastics e.V. (EUBP), Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Sisti
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Spinelli
- Next Technology Tecnotessile, Chemical Division, Via del Gelso 13, 59100 Prato, Italy
| | - Max Sturm
- Sustainable Packaging Institute SPI, Faculty of Life Sciences, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, Anton-Günther-Str. 51, 72488 Sigmaringen, Germany
| | - Willem Uyttendaele
- Centexbel, Textile Competence Centre, Etienne Sabbelaan 49, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Markus Schmid
- Sustainable Packaging Institute SPI, Faculty of Life Sciences, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, Anton-Günther-Str. 51, 72488 Sigmaringen, Germany
- Correspondence: (K.E.); (M.S.)
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23
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Zare M, Kots PA, Caratzoulas S, Vlachos DG. Conformations of polyolefins on platinum catalysts control product distribution in plastics recycling. Chem Sci 2023; 14:1966-1977. [PMID: 36845916 PMCID: PMC9945165 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc04772a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The design of catalysts for the chemical recycling of plastic waste will benefit greatly from an intimate knowledge of the interfacial polymer-catalyst interactions that determine reactant and product distributions. Here, we investigate backbone chain length, side chain length, and concentration effects on the density and conformation of polyethylene surrogates at the interface with Pt(111) and relate them to experimental product distributions resulting from carbon-carbon bond cleavage. Using replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations, we characterize the polymer conformations at the interface by the distributions of trains, loops, and tails and their first moments. We find that the preponderance of short chains, in the range of 20 carbon atoms, lies entirely on the Pt surface, whereas longer chains exhibit much broader distributions of conformational features. Remarkably, the average length of trains is independent of the chain length but can be tuned via the polymer-surface interaction. Branching profoundly impacts the conformations of long chains at the interface as the distributions of trains become less dispersed and more structured, localized around short trains, with the immediate implication of a wider carbon product distribution upon C-C bond cleavage. The degree of localization increases with the number and size of the side chains. Long chains can adsorb from the melt onto the Pt surface even in melt mixtures containing shorter polymer chains at high concentrations. We confirm experimentally key computational findings and demonstrate that blends may provide a strategy to reduce the selectivity for undesired light gases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Zare
- Center for Plastics Innovation, University of Delaware 221 Academy Street Newark Delaware 19716 USA
| | - Pavel A. Kots
- Center for Plastics Innovation, University of Delaware221 Academy StreetNewarkDelaware 19716USA
| | - Stavros Caratzoulas
- Center for Plastics Innovation, University of Delaware 221 Academy Street Newark Delaware 19716 USA
| | - Dionisios G. Vlachos
- Center for Plastics Innovation, University of Delaware221 Academy StreetNewarkDelaware 19716USA,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware150 Academy StreetNewarkDelaware 19716USA
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24
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Aguado A, Becerra L, Martínez L. Glycolysis optimisation of different complex PET waste with recovery and reuse of ethylene glycol. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-023-02704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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25
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Locaspi A, Pelucchi M, Mehl M, Faravelli T. Towards a lumped approach for solid plastic waste gasification: Polyethylene and polypropylene pyrolysis. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 156:107-117. [PMID: 36462341 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.11.028] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In a circular economy perspective, solid plastic wastes (SPW) can become a valuable source of chemicals, energy vectors and fuels through pyrolysis, gasification, and partial oxidation technologies, but their modelling requires first the definition of suitable condensed phase pyrolysis mechanisms for each constituent. This work proposes a semi-detailed kinetic model for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) pyrolysis based on the functional group approach implemented for polyvinylchloride (PVC) and biomass pyrolysis to consistently address mixture modelling. This approach distinguishes polymeric chains in High Molecular Weight species, represented through their chemical functionalities, and Low Molecular Weight species, described with accuracy comparable to literature detailed models, employing the reaction classes proposed in the scientific literature. Several validated lumping techniques are introduced to reduce the model computational cost, and the resulting liquid-phase model accounts for 74 species for PE and 126 species for PP. Model validation is carried out by an extensive comparison with experimental data proving the soundness of the approach and the model capability of predicting mass-loss and product distribution profiles with similar accuracy to more expensive detailed models from the literature. The proposed condensed phase approach can be extended to other polymers and coupled with other existing subsets in the CRECK kinetic framework (e.g., biomass, PVC) paving the way for unravelling mixture interactions and secondary cracking and/or gasification reactions. The model here proposed is a powerful tool to support design and optimization of SPW thermochemical recycling technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Locaspi
- CRECK Modeling Lab, Department of Chemistry Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, P.zza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Pelucchi
- CRECK Modeling Lab, Department of Chemistry Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, P.zza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Mehl
- CRECK Modeling Lab, Department of Chemistry Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, P.zza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziano Faravelli
- CRECK Modeling Lab, Department of Chemistry Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, P.zza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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26
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Chen H, Chen F, Chen H, Liu H, Chen L, Yu L. Thermal degradation and combustion properties of most popular synthetic biodegradable polymers. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2023; 41:431-441. [PMID: 36250214 PMCID: PMC9925886 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x221129054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Various products made from biodegradable polymers have been increasing rapidly in the market since the use of non-biodegradable materials has been banned, particularly for the disabled packaging materials. Burning remains the most popular method that is increasingly used in treating city wastes. The impact of these polymers on environmental during thermal degradation and combustion is an important issue for city waste management. In this work, the thermal degradation and combustion behaviours of the most popular synthetic biodegradable polymers in the market, poly(lactide acid) (PLA), poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polyhydroxyalkenoates (PHA), are investigated. Both isothermal and non-isothermal thermal decomposition in oxygen and nitrogen environment were studied using thermogravimetric analysis combining with differential scanning calorimeter and coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatograph/mass spectroscopy. The combustion behaviour was investigated by a combustion colorimeter. The study results show that thermal degradation temperatures are PCL > PBS > PLA > PBAT > PHA. The thermal decomposition of all the polyesters started from scission reaction (cis-elimination), and then a stereoselective cis-elimination, which resulted in the formation of trans-crotonic acid and its oligomers. They all decomposed into CO2 and water in excess oxygen environment above 800°C. Various chemical products with smaller molecules were detected under oxygen-free conditions, including oligomers and unsaturated carboxylic acid. The order of the total heat release of the materials from high to low is as follows: PHA > PCL > PBAT > PBS > PLA. The combustion values of these polyesters are lower than those of polyolefins; thus, they will not damage furnace used currently. The results provide some important and useful data for managing these new city waste.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Long Yu
- Long Yu, Centre for Polymer from
Renewable Resources, School of Food Science and Engineering, South
China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
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27
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Catalytic Pyrolysis of Polystyrene Waste in Hydrocarbon Medium. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15020290. [PMID: 36679171 PMCID: PMC9864068 DOI: 10.3390/polym15020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The fast catalytic pyrolysis of polystyrene in the hydrocarbon medium (light and heavy cycle oil) over zeolite catalysts at 450-550 °C was investigated. The influence of reaction conditions (medium, temperature, vapor residence time, polystyrene concentration) on polymer conversion and product distribution was studied. It was found that the polymer conversion is close to 100%, while ethylbenzene, benzene, and toluene are the main products of its transformation. The maximum yield of ethylbenzene (80%) was achieved at 550 °C, vapor residence time 1-2 s, polystyrene concentration 10%, and heavy cycle oil as the medium. The influence of zeolite topology on product distribution was explored. The possible mechanism of polystyrene pyrolysis was proposed.
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28
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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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29
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Xu Z, Xie Q, Chen C, Jiang X. Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Converting Waste Polyethylene (PE) to Chemicals and Fuels under Non-Isothermal and Isothermal Conditions. Polym Degrad Stab 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2023.110249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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30
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Beccaria M, Piparo M, Zou Y, Stefanuto PH, Purcaro G, Mendes Siqueira AL, Maniquet A, Giusti P, Focant JF. Analysis of mixed plastic pyrolysis oil by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with low- and high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry with the support of soft ionization. Talanta 2023; 252:123799. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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31
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MILICHOVSKÝ FRANTIŠEK, MAJEROVÁ ADÉLA. WILL WE BE ABLE TO USE RECYCLED PLASTICS OR SHALL WE DECIDE FOR PACKAGING FREE PRODUKCTION? 12 2022. [DOI: 10.33543/1202276283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Recycled plastic and its use are imperative for preserving the environment, including proper plastic wash-out. Will we ever be able to push the Czech population and firms to use recycled material? Or is it happening spontaneously? A questionnaire created on Google Forms involves ten legislative and motivational questions comprising relevant data on the amount of plastic in municipal waste between 2010 and 2020 from the Czech Statistical Office. We found that the population understands the importance of using recycled material and recycled plastic without the government's impulse. Despite the high capital intensity, the state should impose taxes to protect the sustainable environment. We suggest a comprehensive and in-depth survey to acquire more accurate data.
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32
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Jung E, Yim D, Kim H, Peterson GI, Choi T. Depolymerization of poly(α‐methyl styrene) with ball‐mill grinding. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20220578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eunsong Jung
- Department of Chemistry Seoul National University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel Yim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institutes of Basic Sciences Incheon National University Incheon Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungjun Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institutes of Basic Sciences Incheon National University Incheon Republic of Korea
| | - Gregory I. Peterson
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institutes of Basic Sciences Incheon National University Incheon Republic of Korea
| | - Tae‐Lim Choi
- Department of Chemistry Seoul National University Seoul Republic of Korea
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33
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Mederake L. Without a Debate on Sufficiency, a Circular Plastics Economy will Remain an Illusion. CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABILITY 2022; 3:1-15. [PMID: 36531658 PMCID: PMC9749638 DOI: 10.1007/s43615-022-00240-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
To tackle the "plastic crisis", the concept of circular economy has attracted considerable attention over the past years, both by practitioners and scholars alike. Against this background, this article reflects from a political scientist's point of view on key issues currently under discussion regarding the implementation of a circular plastics economy. To do so, the article covers issues raised at the 2021 edition of the Tutzing Symposion, an annual event organized by DECHEMA, the German Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. These issues include renewable feedstock, life cycle assessments, chemical recycling, appropriate regulatory frameworks, and the allocation of responsibilities to curb plastic pollution. In addition, the article draws on mainly social scientists' research to point out limitations of the most common understanding of the circular economy concept which describes the circular economy as a holistic approach that enables eco-economic decoupling and thus prevents ecological collapse while still allowing for economic growth. As a result, the article calls for a paradigm shift that challenges this popular, technocratic vision of the circular economy and puts forward sufficiency, i.e., an absolute reduction in production and consumption, as a prerequisite for the realization of a truly circular plastics economy.
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34
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Rux K, Kane S, Espinal M, Ryan C, Phillips A, Heveran C. The impacts of biomineralization and oil contamination on the compressive strength of waste plastic-filled mortar. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21547. [PMID: 36513740 PMCID: PMC9747956 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25951-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Researchers have made headway against challenges of increasing cement infrastructure and low plastic recycling rates by using waste plastic in cementitious materials. Past studies indicate that microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) to coat plastic in calcium carbonate may improve the strength. The objective of this study was to increase the amount of clean and contaminated waste plastic that can be added to mortar and to assess whether MICP treatment enhances the strength. The performance of plastic-filled mortar was investigated at 5%, 10%, and 20% volume replacement for cement. Untreated, clean plastics at a 20% cement replacement produced compressive strengths acceptable for several applications. However, a coating of MICP on clean waste plastic did not improve the strengths. At 10% replacement, both MICP treatment and washing of contaminated plastics recovered compressive strengths by approximately 28%, relative to mortar containing oil-coated plastics. By incorporating greater volumes of waste plastics into mortar, the sustainability of cementitious composites has the potential of being improved by the dual mechanisms of reduced cement production and repurposing plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylee Rux
- grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA ,grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Seth Kane
- grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA ,grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Michael Espinal
- grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA ,grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Cecily Ryan
- grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA ,grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Adrienne Phillips
- grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA ,grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Chelsea Heveran
- grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA ,grid.41891.350000 0001 2156 6108Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
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35
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Orozco S, Lopez G, Suarez MA, Artetxe M, Alvarez J, Bilbao J, Olazar M. Oxidative Fast Pyrolysis of High-Density Polyethylene on a Spent Fluid Catalytic Cracking Catalyst in a Fountain Confined Conical Spouted Bed Reactor. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2022; 10:15791-15801. [PMID: 36507096 PMCID: PMC9727778 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c04552] [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: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The oxidative fast pyrolysis of plastics was studied in a conical spouted bed reactor with a fountain confiner and draft tube. An inexpensive fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) spent catalyst was proposed for in situ catalytic cracking in order to narrow the product distribution obtained in thermal pyrolysis. Suitable equivalence ratio (ER) values required to attain autothermal operation were assessed in this study, i.e., 0.0, 0.1, and 0.2. The experiments were carried out in continuous regime at 550 °C and using a space-time of 15 gcatalyst min gHDPE -1. The influence of an oxygen presence in the pyrolysis reactor was analyzed in detail, with special focus on product yields and their compositions. Operation under oxidative pyrolysis conditions remarkably improved the FCC catalyst performance, as it enhanced the production of gaseous products, especially light olefins, whose yields increased from 18% under conventional pyrolysis (ER = 0) to 30% under oxidative conditions (ER = 0.1 and 0.2). Thus, conventional catalytic pyrolysis led mainly to the gasoline fraction, whereas light olefins were the prevailing products in oxidative pyrolysis. Moreover, the oxygen presence in the pyrolysis reactor contributed to reducing the heavy oil fraction yield by 46%. The proposed strategy is of great relevance for the development of this process, given that, on one hand, oxygen cofeeding allows solving the heat supply to the reactor, and on the other hand, product distribution and reactor throughput are improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Orozco
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of the
Basque Country UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 644, E48080Bilbao, Spain
| | - Gartzen Lopez
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of the
Basque Country UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 644, E48080Bilbao, Spain
- IKERBASQUE,
Basque Foundation for Science, 48009Bilbao, Spain
| | - Mayra Alejandra Suarez
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of the
Basque Country UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 644, E48080Bilbao, Spain
| | - Maite Artetxe
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of the
Basque Country UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 644, E48080Bilbao, Spain
| | - Jon Alvarez
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Nieves Cano 12, 01006Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Javier Bilbao
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of the
Basque Country UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 644, E48080Bilbao, Spain
| | - Martin Olazar
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of the
Basque Country UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 644, E48080Bilbao, Spain
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36
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Cook E, Velis CA, Cottom JW. Scaling up resource recovery of plastics in the emergent circular economy to prevent plastic pollution: Assessment of risks to health and safety in the Global South. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2022; 40:1680-1707. [PMID: 35875954 PMCID: PMC9606178 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x221105415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Over the coming decades, a large additional mass of plastic waste will become available for recycling, as efforts increase to reduce plastic pollution and facilitate a circular economy. New infrastructure will need to be developed, yet the processes and systems chosen should not result in adverse effects on human health and the environment. Here, we present a rapid review and critical semi-quantitative assessment of the potential risks posed by eight approaches to recovering value during the resource recovery phase from post-consumer plastic packaging waste collected and separated with the purported intention of recycling. The focus is on the Global South, where there are more chances that high risk processes could be run below standards of safe operation. Results indicate that under non-idealised operational conditions, mechanical reprocessing is the least impactful on the environment and therefore most appropriate for implementation in developing countries. Processes known as 'chemical recycling' are hard to assess due to lack of real-world process data. Given their lack of maturity and potential for risk to human health and the environment (handling of potentially hazardous substances under pressure and heat), it is unlikely they will make a useful addition to the circular economy in the Global South in the near future. Inevitably, increasing circular economy activity will require expansion towards targeting flexible, multi-material and multilayer products, for which mechanical recycling has well-established limitations. Our comparative risk overview indicates major barriers to changing resource recovery mode from the already dominant mechanical recycling mode towards other nascent or energetic recovery approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Costas A Velis
- Costas A Velis, Room 304, School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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37
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Golmohammadi M, Fatemeh Musavi S, Habibi M, Maleki R, Golgoli M, Zargar M, Dumée LF, Baroutian S, Razmjou A. Molecular mechanisms of microplastics degradation: A review. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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38
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Tomić T, Kremer I, Vecchio Ciprioti S, Schneider DR. Efficiency of municipal packaging waste recovery chain and suitability of separated residual waste fractions for use in alternative fuels production. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 322:116056. [PMID: 36070647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to the sheer quantity and quality of material, packaging waste is separately collected by municipal waste management systems, with a primary goal of its use in material recovery. The residual waste, i.e. rejected waste in the separation process can be energy recovered. Both recovery options have specific input material quality requirements. Therefore, it is important to know the characteristics of individual waste streams. This research analysed the composition and morphological characteristics of separately collected packaging waste from municipal waste management system, residual (rejected) waste fractions after separation steps and produced refuse-derived fuel (RDF). The efficiency of primary and secondary (manual) waste separation, as well as of the RDF production step, are tracked. Results show that primary waste separation produces material with under 7% of contaminants and secondary manual waste separation efficiency ranges between 45% and 55%. Physico-chemical comparison of simulated RDF strongly coincides with analysed properties of RDF as a final product which indicates very high separation efficiency in the RDF production. From the energy recovery/conversion standpoint, this can be quantified through deviations in the lower heating value (LHV) and the effective H/C molar ratio between simulated and real RDF samples, which are on the level of 1.8% and 1.1% respectively. The following conclusion can be made from the estimated relation between changes in separation efficiency and RDF energy-related characteristics; the separation efficiency of individual components plays important role in alternative fuel production as chemical compositions directly influence suitability for high-quality liquid fuel production. Results of this analysis shed a light on the connection between aspirations to increase material recovery share and the suitability of produced residual waste for further recovery and valorisation. The material and energetic valorisation are competitors, and further evaluation should be done to understand the investments needed to increase valuable fractions of wastes separation that, in turn, could diminish the energetic value of residual fractions and, therefore, the economic viability of energy recovery facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tihomir Tomić
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Irma Kremer
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Daniel Rolph Schneider
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
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39
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Post-Consumer Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) Depolymerization by Yarrowia lipolytica: A Comparison between Hydrolysis Using Cell-Free Enzymatic Extracts and Microbial Submerged Cultivation. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217502. [DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Several microorganisms have been reported as capable of acting on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) to some extent, such as Yarrowia lipolytica, which is a yeast known to produce various hydrolases of industrial interest. The present work aims to evaluate PET depolymerization by Y. lipolytica using two different strategies. In the first one, biocatalysts were produced during solid-state fermentation (SSF-YL), extracted and subsequently used for the hydrolysis of PET and bis(2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate) (BHET), a key intermediate in PET hydrolysis. Biocatalysts were able to act on BHET, yielding terephthalic acid (TPA) (131.31 µmol L−1), and on PET, leading to a TPA concentration of 42.80 µmol L−1 after 168 h. In the second strategy, PET depolymerization was evaluated during submerged cultivations of Y. lipolytica using four different culture media, and the use of YT medium ((w/v) yeast extract 1%, tryptone 2%) yielded the highest TPA concentration after 96 h (65.40 µmol L−1). A final TPA concentration of 94.3 µmol L−1 was obtained on a scale-up in benchtop bioreactors using YT medium. The conversion obtained in bioreactors was 121% higher than in systems with SSF-YL. The results of the present work suggest a relevant role of Y. lipolytica cells in the depolymerization process.
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40
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Das S, Liang C, Dunn JB. Plastics to fuel or plastics: Life cycle assessment-based evaluation of different options for pyrolysis at end-of-life. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 153:81-88. [PMID: 36055178 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pyrolysis is a leading technology to convert non-recyclable plastic waste to fuels or chemicals. As interest in the circular economy grows, the latter option has seemingly become more attractive. Once waste plastic is pyrolyzed to, for example, naphtha, however, additional steps are required to produce a polymer product. These steps consume additional energy and water and emit greenhouse gases (GHG). It is unclear whether this more circular option of non-recyclable plastics to virgin plastics offers environmental benefits, compared to their conversion to fuels. We therefore examine whether it is possible to determine the best use of pyrolyzing non-recyclable plastic - fuels or chemicals (low-density polyethylene (LDPE) as product)- from a life cycle perspective. We use recently published life cycle assessments of non-recycled plastics pyrolysis and consider two functional units: per unit mass of non-recyclable plastics and per unit product - MJ of naphtha or kg of LDPE. In the U.S., on a cradle-to-gate, per unit mass waste basis, producing fuel is lower-emitting than producing LDPE from pyrolysis. The opposite is true in the EU. But expanding the system boundary to the grave results in LDPE as the lower-emitting product in both regions. Naphtha and LDPE produced from non-recyclable plastics are less GHG-intensive than conventional routes to these products. Fossil fuel and water consumption and waste generation are all lower in the P2F case. Our results highlight that prioritization of P2P and P2F may depend on regional characteristics such as conventional waste management techniques and water scarcity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Das
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Chao Liang
- Institute of Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer B Dunn
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern-Argonne Institute of Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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41
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Technology landscape and a short patentometric review for antibiofilm technologies. WORLD PATENT INFORMATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wpi.2022.102158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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42
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Quicker P, Seitz M, Vogel J. Chemical recycling: A critical assessment of potential process approaches. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2022; 40:1494-1504. [PMID: 35289686 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x221084044] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Increased media coverage of plastic pollution in the environment and import bans on plastic waste in several countries have resulted in plastic waste becoming one of the most discussed waste streams in recent years. In the European Union (EU), only about one-third of the post-consumer plastic waste is recycled; the rest goes to energy recovery and landfilling in equal parts. In connection to the necessary increase in efforts to achieve the ambitious EU recycling targets, chemical recycling is currently receiving more and more attention. The assumption is that chemical recycling processes could open up new waste streams for recycling and generate valuable raw materials for the chemical industry. Although there exists no legal definition for chemical recycling, there is more or less agreement that it covers the conversion of plastic polymers into their monomers or chemical building blocks. Techniques such as gasification, pyrolysis and liquefaction as well as solvolysis can be used for chemical recycling. So far, only few large-scale plants for chemical recycling exist worldwide. This article presents the different processes by means of examples from (formerly) running installations and their suitability for plastics recycling is assessed. However, to date, only few chemical recycling plants are in continuous operation, and further scientific evidence for the ecological and economic benefits is still necessary for final evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Quicker
- Unit of Technology of Fuels, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mathias Seitz
- Professor of Process and Chemical Reaction Engineering, Department of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Merseburg, Merseburg, Germany
| | - Julia Vogel
- Section III 2.4 Waste Technology, Waste Technology Transfer, German Environment Agency, Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
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43
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Maisels A, Hiller A, Simon F. Chemical Recycling for Plastic Waste: Status and Perspectives. CHEMBIOENG REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cben.202200024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arkadi Maisels
- Evonik Operations GmbH Research, Development & Innovation 63457 Hanau-Wolfgang Germany
| | - Andreas Hiller
- TU Dresden Institut für Verfahrenstechnik und Umwelttechnik 01069 Dresden Germany
| | - Franz‐Georg Simon
- BAM Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung 12200 Berlin Germany
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44
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Kusenberg M, Faussone GC, Thi HD, Roosen M, Grilc M, Eschenbacher A, De Meester S, Van Geem KM. Maximizing olefin production via steam cracking of distilled pyrolysis oils from difficult-to-recycle municipal plastic waste and marine litter. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156092. [PMID: 35605869 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156092] [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: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is steadily polluting oceans and environments. Even if collected, most waste is still predominantly incinerated for energy recovery at the cost of CO2. Chemical recycling can contribute to the transition towards a circular economy with pyrolysis combined with steam cracking being the favored recycling option for the time being. However, today, the high variety and contamination of real waste remains the biggest challenge. This is especially relevant for waste fractions which are difficult or even impossible to recycle mechanically such as highly mixed municipal plastic waste or marine litter. In this work, we studied the detailed composition and the steam cracking performance of distilled pyrolysis oil fractions in the naphtha-range of two highly relevant waste fractions: mixed municipal plastic waste (MPW) considered unsuitable for mechanical recycling and marine litter (ML) collected from the sea bottom. Advanced analytical techniques including comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) coupled with various detectors and inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were applied to characterize the feedstocks and to understand how their properties affect the steam cracking performance. Both waste-derived naphtha fractions were rich in olefins and aromatics (~70% in MPW naphtha and ~51% in ML naphtha) next to traces of nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine and metals. ICP-MS analyses showed that sodium, potassium, silicon and iron were the most crucial metals that should be removed in further upgrading steps. Steam cracking of the waste-derived naphtha fractions resulted in lower light olefin yields compared to fossil naphtha used as benchmark, due to secondary reactions of aromatics and olefins. Coke formation of ML naphtha was slightly increased compared to fossil naphtha (+ ~50%), while that of MPW naphtha was more than ~180% higher. It was concluded that mild upgrading of the waste-derived naphtha fractions or dilution with fossil feedstocks is sufficient to provide feedstocks suitable for industrial steam cracking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Kusenberg
- Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Architecture, Ghent University, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Gian Claudio Faussone
- University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska 13, SI-5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia; Sintol, Corso Matteotti 32A, Torino, Italy
| | - Hang Dao Thi
- Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Architecture, Ghent University, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Martijn Roosen
- Laboratory for Circular Process Engineering (LCPE), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Miha Grilc
- University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska 13, SI-5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia; Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andreas Eschenbacher
- Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Architecture, Ghent University, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Steven De Meester
- Laboratory for Circular Process Engineering (LCPE), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Kevin M Van Geem
- Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Architecture, Ghent University, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium.
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45
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Pernusch DC, Paulik C, Mastalir M, Hofer W. Assessing the Downstream Contamination of Chemically Recycled Ethylene Feed Streams on the Kinetic Behavior of Ziegler‐Natta Catalysts and Microstructural Properties of HDPE and LLDPE. MACROMOL REACT ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/mren.202200042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Christian Pernusch
- Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials Johannes Kepler University Linz Altenbergerstraße 69 Linz 4040 Austria
| | - Christian Paulik
- Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials Johannes Kepler University Linz Altenbergerstraße 69 Linz 4040 Austria
| | - Matthias Mastalir
- OMV Refining & Marketing GmbH Mannswörther Str. 28 Schwechat 2320 Austria
| | - Wolfgang Hofer
- OMV Refining & Marketing GmbH Mannswörther Str. 28 Schwechat 2320 Austria
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46
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Kumar S, Tewari C, Sahoo NG, Philip L. Mechanistic insights into carbo-catalyzed persulfate treatment for simultaneous degradation of cationic and anionic dye in multicomponent mixture using plastic waste-derived carbon. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 435:128956. [PMID: 35472549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Upcycling waste into value-added products for utilization in wastewater abatements has been explored in a number of treatment technologies. One such waste, single-use plastic, which poses significant adverse environmental and economic impact, has been chosen and converted into graphitic carbon to reduce the waste burden sustainably and economically. The sorptive and catalytic performance of synthesized plastic waste-derived carbon (PWC) was evaluated using brilliant green (BG) and eosin yellow (EY) as target pollutants. The adsorption capacity of PWC was very low for BG (7.41 mg/g) and EY (4.93 mg/g). The coupling of PWC with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) promoted dye degradation. Complete degradation of the dye, with ~61% reduction in TOC and ~95% reduction in toxicity, was achieved by oxidative treatment (initial concentration: 10 mg/L). The functionalities of PWC facilitated better electron transfer to PMS for its effective activation, which led to the production of SO4•- and OH•. The quenching study confirmed that the degradation of dyes was primarily due to SO4•-. Additionally, the pathways of dye degradation were proposed based on the intermediates identified. Thus, this study established the high potential of PWC as a metal-free catalyst in PMS activation for the abatement of organic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Kumar
- EWRE Division, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Chetna Tewari
- Prof. Rajendra Singh Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Centre, Department of Chemistry, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263001, India
| | - Nanda Gopal Sahoo
- Prof. Rajendra Singh Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Centre, Department of Chemistry, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263001, India
| | - Ligy Philip
- EWRE Division, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai 600036, India.
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47
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Closing of Carbon Cycle by Waste Gasification for Circular Economy Implementation in Poland. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15144983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Domestic coal and waste resources, which are valuable sources of carbon, can support efforts to transform a linear economy into a circular carbon economy. Their use, as an alternative to conventional, imported fossil resources (crude oil, natural gas) for chemical production, provides an opportunity for Poland to solve problems related to competitiveness, security of supply, and sustainable development in various industries. This is important for Poland because it can provide it with a long-term perspective of economic growth and development, taking into account global trends (e.g., the Paris Agreement) and EU legislation. The article presents a concept to support the transformation from linear toward a circular carbon economy under Polish conditions. The carried-out analyses showed that coal, RDF, and plastic waste fuels can be a valuable source of raw material for the development of the chemical industry in Poland. Due to the assumed availability of plastic waste and the loss of carbon in the production process, coal consumption is estimated at 10 million t/yr, both in the medium- and long-term. In case where coal consumption is reduced and an additional source of ‘green hydrogen’ is used, CO2 emissions could be reduced even by 98% by 2050. The presented results show the technical and economic feasibility of the proposed solution and could be the basis for development of the roadmap for transition of the linear to circular economy under Polish condition.
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48
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Schirmeister CG, Mülhaupt R. Closing the Carbon Loop in the Circular Plastics Economy. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2200247. [PMID: 35635841 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Today, plastics are ubiquitous in everyday life, problem solvers of modern technologies, and crucial for sustainable development. Yet the surge in global demand for plastics of the growing world population has triggered a tidal wave of plastic debris in the environment. Moving from a linear to a zero-waste and carbon-neutral circular plastic economy is vital for the future of the planet. Taming the plastic waste flood requires closing the carbon loop through plastic reuse, mechanical and molecular recycling, carbon capture, and use of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. In the quest for eco-friendly products, plastics do not need to be reinvented but tuned for reuse and recycling. Their full potential must be exploited regarding energy, resource, and eco efficiency, waste prevention, circular economy, climate change mitigation, and lowering environmental pollution. Biodegradation holds promise for composting and bio-feedstock recovery, but it is neither the Holy Grail of circular plastics economy nor a panacea for plastic littering. As an alternative to mechanical downcycling, molecular recycling enables both closed-loop recovery of virgin plastics and open-loop valorization, producing hydrogen, fuels, refinery feeds, lubricants, chemicals, and carbonaceous materials. Closing the carbon loop does not create a Perpetuum Mobile and requires renewable energy to achieve sustainability. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl G Schirmeister
- Freiburg Materials Research Center and Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 31, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Mülhaupt
- Sustainability Center, University of Freiburg, Ecker-Str. 4, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
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49
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From Waste to Potential Reuse: Mixtures of Polypropylene/Recycled Copolymer Polypropylene from Industrial Containers: Seeking Sustainable Materials. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14116509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This work investigated the effect of thermo-oxidation aging in blends of copolymer polypropylene (PPc)/recycled copolymer polypropylene (PPcr) from industrial container waste, coded as PPc/PPcr blends. All compounds were melt extruded, and the injection molded specimens were characterized by mechanical properties (tensile and impact), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), melt flow index (MFI), contact angle, heat deflection temperature (HDT), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR spectra presented bands related to the hydroperoxides and carbonyl groups, as resulted from thermo-oxidation aging. The contact angle decreased upon a thermo-oxidation aging influence, corroborating the FTIR spectra. PPcr presented higher MFI as a consequence of reprocessing. Impact strength and elongation at break were quite sensible to the thermo-oxidation aging influence and were progressively reduced upon increased time, whereas tensile strength, elastic modulus, and HDT only slightly changed. SEM images of PPc presented a higher quantity of pulled-out particles, resulted from a lower interaction between phases, i.e., polypropylene and ethylene/propylene. From the impact strength and toughness data, proper dissipation energy mechanisms were found in PPc/PPcr blends. Summing up, using PPcr contributed to minimize properties’ losses, which may be related to the stabilizer agents, whereas the described results presented great potential for the PP market, while contributing to the sustainable environment.
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50
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Lee H, Papari S, Bernardini G, Ciuffi B, Rosi L, Berruti F. Value‐added products from waste: Slow pyrolysis of used polyethylene‐lined paper coffee cup waste. CAN J CHEM ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cjce.24472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heejin Lee
- Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources, Faculty of Engineering Western University London Ontario Canada
| | - Sadegh Papari
- Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources, Faculty of Engineering Western University London Ontario Canada
| | - Giulio Bernardini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, Università di Firenze Firenze Italy
| | - Benedetta Ciuffi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, Università di Firenze Firenze Italy
| | - Luca Rosi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, Università di Firenze Firenze Italy
| | - Franco Berruti
- Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources, Faculty of Engineering Western University London Ontario Canada
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