Search

The total amount of global municipal solid waste (MSW) will reach 3.5 billion tons by 2050, thereby bringing tremendous environmental pressure, especially global warming. Large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) have been released during MSW management (MSWM). Accounting for GHG emissions is a prerequisite for providing recommendations on appropriate treatment options to mitigate emissions from MSWM systems. There are many methods involved in estimating emissions. This paper summarizes the computing models commonly used in each process of the integrated MSWM system and emphasizes the influence of parameters and other factors. Compared with other disposal methods, landfilling has the highest emissions, commonly estimated using first-order decay (FOD) methods. Emission reduction can be realized through waste to energy (WtE) and resource recovery measures. IPCC is commonly used for calculating direct emissions, while LCA-based models can calculate emissions including upstream and downstream processes, whose results depend on assumptions and system boundaries. The estimation results of models vary greatly and are difficult to compare with each other. Besides, large gaps exist between the default emission factors (EFs) provided by models and those F measured in specific facilities. These findings provide a systematic view for a bettering understanding of MSW emissions as well as the estimating methods and also reveal the key points that need be developed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to demonstrate the utilization of animal wastes and by‐products in the production of low‐energy and low‐CO2 clinkers and cements in order to preserve natural resources, such as limestone, while reducing CO2 emissions released from the cement manufacturing process and reducing potential health risk to the world population (such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy or other health issues...). Pure calcium sulfoaluminate clinker was produced with calcium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and calcium sulfate hemihydrate; followed by additional clinkers produced from substituting calcium hydroxide with bone ash (from 0 to 100% of the calcium hydroxide replaced). The final clinkers contained various amounts of ye'elimite, calcium aluminate phases, as well as tricalcium phosphate, depending on the firing temperature. Finally, some preliminary results on the hydration process and compressive strength are provided for the production of these binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, in geotechnical engineering, waste utilization and management have become immensely important in terms of reducing the ratios of environmentally harmful and relatively expensive chemical soil strengthening additives. Glass manufacturing waste (GMW), among the above-stated waste materials, comes to existence as the mineralogical part required to produce glass is separated from the mined material. GMW leads to serious environmental pollution incessantly. This study aims to investigate the effects of GMW to the bearing capacity and time-dependent consolidation settlements of clayey soils (CS) in an environmentally friendly approach. In this regard, GMW, which has not yet been considered in the relevant literature, was activated with KOH, NaOH and CaO alkali activators to form geopolymer mortars. Large-scale model experiments were performed on geopolymer-CS mixtures and up to 7.35 times bearing capacity increments along with 6.90 times settlement reductions were reached compared to unimproved CS. Optimum GMW ratio was found as 25% and CaO was determined to be the most ideal alkali activator. Curing temperature and durations were examined and it was deduced that both affected the results significantly. Results were compared to those of cement and remarkably close bearing capacity and settlement improvements were achieved in an environmentally friendly approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the question of justifying the feasibility of acquiring competences in the field of waste management at the national, industrial, regional and individual levels. The purpose of the article is to characterize the state of waste management in Ukraine in the pre-war period, to summarize the experience of waste management in European countries, and to highlight the peculiarities of the formation of waste management skills in Ukraine in the post-war recovery period. Considering the dynamic of capital investments on environmental protection in Ukraine, it’s sustained the necessity of addition measurements in the area of waste management in order to increase the results of this activity, namely by determining the basic skills waste management. The article examines the share of utilized waste in the total amount of waste generated by the regions of Ukraine. The analysis is complemented by an analysis of the dynamics of industrial production and it is concluded that in the conditions of a low share of waste utilization and the growth of the index of industrial production, it is necessary to develop waste management skills in industry. A study of the public's perception of the situation with waste management was conducted. Based on the generalization of domestic and foreign experience in waste management, the skills that are necessary for realization of all levels of the waste management hierarchy were considered, namely: skills for prevention of waste generation and its reduction, preparation for waste reuse, waste recycling and another types of waste disposal were highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using biomass waste as supplementary cementing material (SCM) in concrete has attracted researchers' attention for efficient waste utilization and reducing cement demand. Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) is one such example of biomass waste. It is an agricultural waste obtained when sugarcane bagasse from the sugar industry is used for power generation and disposed of in open-air dumping sites. Its waste disposal causes the generation of particulate matter, degrading air quality. In this study, the effect of processed SCBA as SCM in concrete has been investigated. The processing of the SCBA involved the removal of fibrous and carbon-containing particles by sieving followed by grinding. The SCBA was ground for 45 min until the surface area was comparable to that of cement and was then used for further characterization and incorporation into concrete. The 45 min grinding time resulted in 2.92 times higher pozzolanic reactivity of the SCBA. The SCBA was incorporated by replacing cement in different weight fractions (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%) in concrete. Test results showed that the concrete workability increased with SCBA incorporation, whereas the resulting concrete density was reduced. The results of the mechanical properties, including compressive sstrength and hardened density, were enhanced upon the cement replacement by SCBA. Concrete containing 30% SCBA can be used for structural applications as its 28 days compressive strength was 21 MPa, which complies with ACI 318-16 specifications. Concrete resistance against scaling and leaching due to adverse effects of sulfuric and hydrochloric acid considerably increased with SCBA addition and was due to microstructure densification by secondary hydrates formation as lower portlandite content was detected by thermogravimetric analysis. Hence, SCBA processing increases its reactivity, as reflected by the improved mechanical properties and greater durability of SCBA-incorporated concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injection of fluid into subsurface geologic strata for geothermal energy, oil production, and waste disposal has been linked to induced seismic activity in the United States as well as in several other countries. According to the report of the National Research Council of United States of America thousands of induced earthquakes were reported at the numerous sites, where oil and gas recovery and waste disposal activities took place. Most of these induced earthquakes were small magnitude events (Moment Magnitude [Mw] < 4), although earthquakes of magnitude (Mw) 6.5 to 7 were also reported near the oil and gas production sites. This paper presents the results of a review of case histories on increased seismic events due to deep well injection (DWI) and oil extraction. Key factors that may lead or contribute to increased seismicity will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among other African cities, in terms of solid waste management (SWM), Harare has been ranked as one of the poorest. The municipality struggles to efficiently provide SWM services to its residents. Considering that SWM systems are complex, the individual behaviour of its components (waste generation, collection, and disposal) determines the overall performance of the system. This mini-review thus aims to understand the management system of the urban city's biggest source of solid waste which is household solid waste (HSW). The systematic literature review methodology using NVIVO was used to analyse the literature. Out of a selected sample size of 500 journal articles, 26 were selected based on their relevance to the study. The uncertainty of the data provided by the Harare City Council (HCC) and of HSW generation data harvested in the literature was calculated. According to the HCC data records, Harare has an average daily waste generation per capita of on average 0.38±0.1 kg producing about 207, 635, 294±56, 027, 040 kg of HSW generated annually. With the waste collection efficiency in Harare at about 72.4%±7.5%, the city collects approximately 170, 385, 600±33 384 209 kg of HSW annually. All the collected HSW is disposed of in the city's major MSW dumpsite called Pomona and only about 23, 498, 400±3, 988, 817 kg MSW is recovered annually with the average recovery efficiency at around 9.5%±2.8%, where most of the waste recovery is done by the waste pickers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Characterization of MIBA from 3 MSWI plants in Delhi to assess disposal or reuse. • Compilation of 50 studies on MIBA leaching to identify CoCs critical to fate of MIBA. • Comparative assessment of CoCs to evaluate variability across countries. • Emphasis on mandatory inclusion of the identified CoCs in future studies. Present study characterizes municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MIBA) from three incineration plants in Delhi with an intent to serve the dual objectives: a) assessing the disposal/reuse options for Delhi MIBA, b) evaluating variability in results across the countries (including India) and assessing if is significant enough to influence the fate of MIBA of varied origin. A review on leaching studies of MIBA (50 research papers) was conducted which aided in achieving both the objectives. Delhi MIBA samples were analysed for chemical composition. The two commonly adopted leaching tests i.e., TCLP and EN 12457–2, were conducted and the results were checked against regulatory threshold levels (RTLs) to achieve the first objective. Leaching concentration of the contaminants was compared with the compiled literature and RTLs to accomplish the second objective. The compendium of literature most importantly revealed the physicochemical parameters which are pivotal in determining the fate of MIBA but have been missing from many studies. Ten such parameters were identified: Cr, Cu, Mo, Sb, Cl - , SO 4 2- , Cd, Pb, Ni and Zn and are referred as contaminants of concern (CoCs). Delhi MIBA was found suitable for disposal to non-hazardous waste landfills and unsuitable for unrestricted reuse. CoCs identified in Delhi MIBA were identical to those observed in literature (except Cd, Pb and Zn). The variability in leaching concentration of CoCs, observed from comparative assessment of results, spanned nearly 2 to 3 log 10 magnitudes for Cu, Cr, Pb, Sb and Zn while 1 to 2 log 10 magnitudes for Mo, Cl - and SO 4 2-. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-production is a paradigm shift from the traditional model of public policymaking and service delivery that advocates for the involvement and participation of end-users of services as co-partaker in the process. In this paper, we examined the emerging models of co-production in solid waste management in Nigeria using a case study methodology. Four cases were purposefully selected for detailed exploration. The results of the analysis show that the involvement of the plurality of the non-state actors in waste management co-production brought in innovation through ICT, financial resources through grants, and increased public awareness. And have also given the service receivers a change of orientation that makes them perceive waste as a source of income rather than all rubbish needed to be discarded. However, possible exploitation of informal waste pickers, unclear business models, and absence of prior arrangement for coming together of both state and non-state actors in designing the service production are challenges to the emerging co-production cases. The current study further shows that the emerging co-production efforts have huge potential in promoting circular economy as it creates a better avenue for the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR), the establishment of eco-industrial parks, and safe integration of informal waste recyclers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusion has the prospect of producing only low-level radioactive waste, but the volume of this waste is potentially very large. A possible means of reducing the volume of this waste is to recycle the activated materials, e.g. within the fusion industry. In the process of steelmaking, certain impurities are removed via accumulation in slag or fumes produced during the process, and this has been successfully employed as a means of clearing surface-contaminated LWR steels (e.g. steam generators). In this work, we simulate the process applied to neutron-activated fusion reactor components including the blanket, divertors, and shielding. The process is based on a well known partitioning between melt, slag, dust, and gas that is based on the oxidation potential of the elements and their volatility. We model this partitioning of activated materials and use FISPACT-II to simulate their activation during operation; the processes are repeated cyclically to simulate the long-term accumulation of activation products in the steel and waste products. The principal findings are that most of the induced activity remains in the metal rather than accumulating in the slag, and that while the slag remains a low-level waste under the assumptions employed, its volume actually exceeds that of the recycled material, and it therefore did not constitute a successful waste volume reduction technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes a solution in green manufacturing of foamed or cellular ceramics. The objective of this study was to determine the technical solution for rice husk ash and "tales" of mixed glass cullet reusing based on the specific properties of these materials for creation of spherical holes inside ceramic using the process of coalescence of cellular glass. The paper reports on experimental results obtained from the production of lightweight cellular glass granules produced using glass cullet and rice husk ash. Lightweight cellular glass granules were mixed with clay, pressed and fired in air at 920°C. Clay sintering and the formation of ceramic were followed with the coalescence of cellular structure of glass granules and with the formation of spherical hollows inside the matrix. Density and strength of the fired ceramic bodies were determined. It is observed that the lightweight ceramics with density 900 ÷ 920 kg/m3 possess a compressive strength of about 5 MPa that is acceptable for bricks or tiles manufacture. The utilization of amorphous silica waste for lightweight ceramics manufacture helps in reducing waste disposal concerns and costs associated, and also transforms the waste into an alternative raw material with added value, moreover making the final product cheap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recycle rate of waste flat glass is quite low in spite of higher SiO2 content and its pre‐melted characteristic. This study searched a novel approach for the fabrication of Si3N4 powder by carbo‐thermal reduction and nitridation from waste glass. For comparison, starting powder mixtures were prepared from silica and waste SLS (soda‐lime‐silica) glass. Carbo‐thermal reduction and nitridation process was conducted using two temperatures and different atmospheres. The results showed that equiaxed, micron size β‐Si3N4 particle could be synthesized from waste glass. The use of waste glass reduced the amount of fiber‐like Si3N4 particles and SiC phase by increasing the amount of the liquid phase formed. This study proved the utilization of waste flat glass as a low cost and environment friendly SiO2 source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The sidewall and tread of spent tires were separated to produce pyrolysis chars. • The influence of pyrolysis temperature on spent tire char properties was compared. • Sidewall char seems to be a high-quality fuel according to the better combustion properties. • This research provides new ideas for spent tires disposal and resource recovery. Waste tires are one of the most abundant waste streams. Recycling processes that adapt to the complexity of waste tires, such as pyrolysis, need to be improved. In this study, the tread (TT) and sidewall (SW) of the tires were pyrolyzed separately and the resulting chars were systematically investigated for their physicochemical and combustion properties. The results showed that the fixed carbon content of the SW was higher than that of the TT, and that there was an enrichment of harmful elements (Zn) during the pyrolysis process. The main temperature range for pyrolysis was 350–500 °C. Only natural rubber was present in TT, while synthetic rubber was also present in SW. The char produced by TT consisted of a large amount of amorphous carbon with a higher specific surface area and more developed pores. A large number of Si-O bonds were present on the surface of TT, while more Zn-S bonds were present in SW. The char produced by TT was less graphitized and the spacing between the aromatic lamellae was greater. The functional groups of TT and SW pyrolysis char are relatively single, mainly C-H/C-O. The volatile content of SW pyrolysis carbon is only 3.72%, and the ignition temperature and activation energy are lower than those of TT pyrolysis carbon, which can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels as a higher quality fuel. The ash of TT and SW pyrolysis chars can be used as Si and Zn raw materials respectively, thus realizing a deeper resource utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presently, the society is facing a serious challenge for the effective management of the increasing amount of produced municipal solid wastes. The accumulated waste has caused a series of environmental problems such as uncontrolled release of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the increasing amount of wastes has resulted in a shortage of areas available for waste disposal, resulting in a nonsustainable waste management. These problems led to serious public concerns, which in turn resulted in political actions aiming to reduce the amount of wastes reaching the environment. These actions aim to promote sustainable waste management solutions. The main objective of these policies is to promote the recycling of municipal solid waste and the conversion of waste to energy and valuable chemicals. These conversions can be performed using either biological (e.g., anaerobic digestion) or thermochemical processes (e.g., pyrolysis). Research efforts during the last years have been fruitful, and many publications demonstrated the effective conversation of municipal solid waste to energy and chemicals. These processes are discussed in the current review article together with the change of the waste policy that was implemented in the EU during the last years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly crosslinked thermoset plastic waste is generally regarded as unrecycled materials and dumped into landfills. To divert the waste from landfills, recycling thermoset waste as fine particles in cementitious composites is a potential approach. However, weak interface bonding between thermosets and cement hydrates causes significant strength degradation in cementitious composites, which has constituted a long-term stumbling block. Herein, we innovate a green recycling solution for recycling thermoset waste as fillers in order to engineer sustainable cement mortar with the help of a green surface adhesion promoter – a silane coupling agent. The feasibility of the proposed approach was experimentally validated in terms of workability performance and compressive strength in order to meet requirements in practice. The results show that thermoset waste can substitute for at least 15% of sand in cement mortar, following workability requirements. In addition, the optimal replacement level of thermoset waste for sand in cement mortars with the highest compressive strength is 5%, beyond which the compressive strength exhibits a continuing drop. The strength alteration mechanisms are elucidated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses. We demonstrate that the developed thermoset cement mortars with 5% thermoset waste have the great potential to achieve a highly dense microstructure, robust interfacial transition zone, and better hydrate crystal growth, which are the microscopic origins determining the inherent strength enhancement. The findings of this study enable the design of eco-friendly cement mortar formulations, which can both benefit the construction industry and relieve the severe environmental burden caused by landfilling thermoset waste after its end-of-life use. • A novel strategy for recycling thermoset waste into cement mortars is devised. • The interfacial bonding between thermosets and hydrates is enhanced by silanization. • The workability and compressive strength of the cement mortars are evaluated. • The mortars with 10% thermoset show performances on par with control groups. • Microstructural origins behind variations in the compressive strength are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Epidemiological data and the WHO guidelines are used to define pandemic periods • Waste recycling and disposal trends are examined using regression and MK tests • COVID-19 virulence negatively correlated with residential waste generation • Compared to collection rate, disposal rate is more sensitive to COVID-19 virulence • The decreasing CWDV trend could indicate an increasing amount of waste diversion This study aims to identify the effects of continued COVID-19 transmission on waste management trends in a Canadian capital city, using pandemic periods defined from epidemiology and the WHO guidelines. Trends are detected using both regression and Mann-Kendall tests. The proposed analytical method is jurisdictionally comparable and does not rely on administrative measures. A reduction of 190.30 tonnes/week in average residential waste collection is observed in the Group II period. COVID-19 virulence negatively correlated with residential waste generation. Data variability in average collection rates during the Group II period increased (SD=228.73 tonnes/week). A slightly lower COVID-19 induced Waste Disposal Variability (CWDW) of 0.63 was observed in the Group II period. Increasing residential waste collection trends during Group II are observed from both regression (b = +1.6) and the MK test (z = +5.0). Both trend analyses reveal a decreasing CWDV trend during the Group I period, indicating higher diversion activities. Decreasing CWDV trends are also observed during the Group II period, probably due to the implementation of new waste programs. The use of pandemic periods derived from epidemiology helps us to better understand the effect of COVID-19 on waste generation and disposal behaviors, allowing us to better compare results in regions with different socio-economic affluences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay assesses the Swachh Bharat! or Clean India! campaign of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. The essay identifies the immense scope of the task—to create a ‘clean India’ by 2019—the pressures that make improved public sanitation urgent and the prime minister's experience in the state of Gujarat that may encourage him to believe that achievements are possible. The essay gauges the political risks and benefits for a prime minister noted for his media proficiency and keen sense of symbolism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Proposed method of disposal of precipitation sewage treatment plants and increase soil fertility in Nizhnevartovsk. The properties of soils obtained using precipitation generated in the wastewater treatment process of the city. The effect of dose sediment germination, growth and yield of lawn grass. The optimum content of sewage sludge in the soil. Lawn grass crops in soils produced using sewage sludge showed the resistance of plants to adverse conditions of continental climate in West Siberia. Soils obtained recommended for creating urban lawns, which will reduce the cost of purchasing the traditional types of fertilizers, eliminate the need for storage of sewage sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing countries like India face a lot of problems in the disposal of waste every day, as a result of unregulated and increased disposal rates. This causes an increase in global warming and a severe threat to the environment. Recycling is one of the methods to reduce waste disposal and also produce energy and value added chemicals. Pyrolysis is one of the recycling methods encouraged in the waste recycling, and is in practice in many developed countries. India is still finding a way to effectively reduce the disposal problems. This paper discusses the research and development activities that have taken place in India towards the growth of pyrolysis technology in the last three decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper formulates a theoretical model which allows different waste management strategies in equilibrium, depending on the technology of waste recovery and the utility functional specification. In the model there are two waste treatment alternatives: ‘not-recovered waste’, composed of landfill and incineration without recovery and ‘recovered waste’, which is the aggregate of recycling, composting and incineration with recovery. We show that if recovery activities present constant or economies of scale then it is optimal to have zero not-recovered waste. The presence of diseconomies of scale in recovery of waste can either result in an equilibrium with zero or positive not-recovered waste, but recovery of waste is necessarily positive. We test for the presence of an EKC, and find that it is only compatible in our model when we assume decreasing marginal utility of consumption, and diseconomies of scale are limited. However, in the presence of (constant) economies of scale in recovery, we observe complete decoupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of the International Energy Agency Program on Environmental, Safety and Economic Aspects of Fusion Power, an international collaborative study on management of fusion radioactive materials has been carried out to examine the back-end of the materials cycle. The strategy for handling fusion activated materials calls for three potential schemes: clearance, recycling and disposal. There is a growing international effort to avoid the underground disposal, for fusion in particular. Plasma facing components (divertor and blanket) normally contain high radioactivity and are not clearable. As clearance of sizeable components (such as biological shield, cryostat, vacuum vessel, and some constituents of magnets) is highly desirable, we identified the source of radioisotopes that hinder the clearance of these components and investigated the impact of impurity control. Another study assessed radioactivity build-up under repeated use of the divertor made of W–La 2 O 3 alloy. Effect of impurities on activated materials management is illustrated by the examples of carbon-14 generation and impurities activation in concrete of biological shield. We think that consideration of activated materials management scenarios presented in this paper by example of blanket and divertor replacement is of interest as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an original model for the production-recycling-reuse of plastic beverage bottles. Design/methodology/approach – It is assumed that discarded two-liter plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles are collected from the market. The bottles are then sorted into non-contaminated and contaminated streams. The non-contaminated PET bottles are either remanufactured or used as regrind mixed with virgin PET to produce new bottles to satisfy varying demand. The contaminated bottles are either sold to industries using low-grade plastic or disposed of in a landfill. Numerical studies are used to illustrate the behaviour of the model, with an emphasis on exploring the reduction of total system cost and the amount of bottles going into a landfill. Findings – Numerical analyses conducted on the model found that the amount of bottles collected had the largest influence on the outcome of the total system unit time cost. Alternative materials to PET are surveyed and used to demonstrate a significant reduction in the cost of landfill disposal due to their more rapid degradation in the landfill. Research limitations/implications – Several areas for future work are highlighted. Potential modifications to the model could focus on accommodating bottles made of material other than plastic, incorporating the effects of learning on manual tasks, and on accommodating shortages or excess inventory. Originality/value – The model incorporates several unique aspects, including accounting for the cost of land use and associated environmental damage through the calculation of a present value that is charged to the manufacturer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to discuss the corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy of the waste collection firm, Waste King.Design/methodology/approach – The article is an interview with Glenn Currie and Andy Cattigan, founders of Waste King.Findings – There is a popular belief that following a CSR strategy is something that only benefits large companies – and that only large companies can afford to pursue such a strategy. Among the small businesses in the UK that are proving this belief to be a folk myth is Waste King, a specialist collections, clearance and recycling company serving both domestic and commercial markets. It focuses not only on providing a friendly, efficient, cost-effective service but also one that is environmentally friendly. In particular, Waste King's Environment Agency licensed staff take time to ensure that the maximum amount of waste can be recycled and that all the waste it collects is disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.Originality/value – The interview highlights Waste King's CSR strategy, and suggests how this may be emulated by SMEs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present globalized market is forcing many companies to invest in new strategies and tools for supporting knowledge management. This aspect is becoming a key factor in the industrial competitiveness for the presence of extended enterprises that normally deal with huge data exchange and share processes. This scenario is due to the presence of partners geographically distributed over the entire globe, that participate in different steps of the product lifecycle (product development, maintenance and recycling). At present, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) seems to be the appropriate solution to support enterprises in this complex scenario, even though a real standardized approach for the implementation of knowledge sharing and management tools does not exist today. For this reason, the aim of this paper is to develop a knowledge management operative methodology able to support the formalization and the reuse of the enterprise expertise acquired while working on previous products. By focusing on consumer packaged goods enterprises and on the concept development phase (which is one of the most knowledge intensive phases of the whole product lifecycle), this research work has developed a new systematic methodology to support knowledge codification and knowledge management operations. The new methodology integrates the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and the Teoriya Resheniya Izobreatatelskikh Zadatch (TRIZ). Also, a case study on the problem of waste disposal has been conducted to validate the proposed methodology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) are increasingly being used in construction due to their light weight, ease of installation, low maintenance, tailor made properties, and corrosion resistance. The UK FRP industry produces 240,000 tonnes of products a year with 11% of this being for the construction industry in a variety of structural and on-structural applications. Products made from FRP materials can offer significant environmental benefits, for example, FRPs used in bridges can reduce the overall weight of the structure and so offer reduced transport and installation impacts. However, although the in service environmental benefits of composites are known, there is far less understanding of the environmental and social implications associated with the manufacture of FRP materials and products. Current and impending waste management legislation will put more pressure on the industry to address the options available for dealing with FRP waste. Such waste legislation focuses on dealing with waste through the w aste hierarchy and will therefore put more pressure on solving FRP waste management through recycling and reuse. At present the most common disposal method for UK FRP waste is landfill. To assist in the transition from disposal in landfill to recycling, the FRP industry needs to consider designing materials and components for easier deconstruction, reuse and recycling at the end of the product life. This paper will highlight the key issues affecting the FRP industry, taking a cradle to grave approach and assessing the environmental impacts at each stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid waste management (SWM) is one of the most challenging issues faced by developing countries that suffer from serious pollution problems caused by the generation of large waste quantities. This paper presents the case study of SWM in the Nablus district – Palestine. Surveys for household residents' and SWM program operators, field investigations, on-site waste measurements and characterizations were conducted. Per capita waste generation rates varied between different localities although trends were similar. Overall, the majority of waste was organic (65.1% by weight), suggesting a strong resource recovery potential in terms of animal feed or compost. Recyclable waste (plastic, paper and card) made up 16.7% by weight the waste composition suggesting an incentive to introduce source separation. Household attitudes complemented the waste characterization study, revealing the main problems faced. SWM operators quoted on the current status, highlighting problems with disposing in unsanitary landfills, ineffective solid waste fees system, increasing solid waste quantities and lacking equipment and experienced personnel. To enhance sustainable SWM, public awareness, funding, expertise, equipment and facilities and other provisions currently lacking or inappropriate must be provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article introduces an approach to tailoring behavior-change campaigns to target populations using the example of solid waste reduction in Santiago de Cuba. Tailoring is performed in the following steps: (1) Psychological constructs are selected to detect problems in performing the target behavior, and data are gathered on these constructs. (2) Cluster analyses are performed on these data to identify different psychological types and their distribution in the population. (3) Intervention techniques are assigned according to the spatial and quantitative distribution and the characteristics of these types. Results of the cluster analyses are presented for three different behaviors that can reduce the amount of deposited solid waste (recycling, composting, reuse) on the basis of the four psychological constructs of instrumental and affective attitude, difficulty, and social pressure. The tailoring of interventions could be used to design environmental campaigns more efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to assess the current practices and state of solid waste management systems (SWMS) in one medium-sized Indian town, identifying main issues and problems to its ineffectiveness, inefficiency and to gain some suggestions and recommendations to improve the SWM infrastructure and practices in such Indian towns. Design/methodology/approach - A medium size city, Aligarh, having a population of about 0.7 million and situated 130 km from the capital city of India, Delhi, was selected for this study. An extensive literature review was conducted to establish a theoretical framework. Field visits were conducted to collect the primary data and to understand the SWMS of the city, including interaction and interviews with the various officials and workers of the municipality responsible for SWM and residents of the city. A protocol was developed to analyze the sources, quantification, and to determine the composition of waste streams. Existing reports related to SWM and recommendations of planners/NGOs/consultants for improving the system were studied. Findings - Despite all efforts being made by the local municipality within their limited resources, the solid waste management situation in Aligarh is still not adequate. The waste is being dumped on low lying or open areas in the outskirts of the city without engineering and scientific methods. This situation of SWMS can be compared with other Indian towns of similar size. Originality/value - The paper discusses problems, opportunities and perspectives in the existing solid waste management system in Aligarh city and assesses the potential for its improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are forecasts for the exponential increase in the generation of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite wastes containing valuable carbon and glass fibres. The recent adoption of these composites in wind turbines and aeroplanes has increased the amount of end-of-life waste from these applications. By adequately closing the life cycle loop, these enormous volumes of waste can partly satisfy the global demand for their virgin counterparts. Therefore, there is a need to properly dispose these composite wastes, with material recovery being the final target, thanks to the strict EU regulations for promoting recycling and reusing as the highest priorities in waste disposal options. In addition, the hefty taxation has almost brought about an end to landfills. These government regulations towards properly recycling these composite wastes have changed the industries' attitudes toward sustainable disposal approaches, and life cycle assessment (LCA) plays a vital role in this transition phase. This LCA study uses climate change results and fossil fuel consumptions to study the environmental impacts of a thermal recycling route to recycle and remanufacture CFRP and GFRP wastes into recycled rCFRP and rGFRP composites. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis was performed comparing with the traditional waste management options such as landfill, incineration with energy recovery and feedstock for cement kiln. Overall, the LCA results were favourable for CFRP wastes to be recycled using the thermal recycling route with lower environmental impacts. However, this contradicts GFRP wastes in which using them as feedstock in cement kiln production displayed more reduced environmental impacts than those thermally recycled to substitute virgin composite production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a discussion of a collaboration of government and industry relative to the Spanish Protocol for radiological surveillance of metal recycling. When the presence of radioactive materials in scrap metal has been detected, the national authorities, involved private companies, and the main trade unions drafted a protocol for prevention of and responding to such situations. It explains that the Protocol is a voluntary agreement defining the radiological surveillance of scrap metal and its products and the duties and rights of the signatories. It mentions that 461 pieces of ferric scrap were detected including sources of radiation and contaminated metal.

Recycling of preservative-treated waste wood can be an environmental problem due to toxic elements being emitted into the environment. Pyrolyzing CCA-treated wood at low temperature without any oxidizing agent is applied to capture the arsenic fraction in the solid residue. The influence of well-defined process parameters such as pyrolysis temperature, time and heating rate are studied. Arsenic contents in the gas phase were measured by a wet chemical method while structural analysis of the arsenic reaction products was determined with Transmission Electron Microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glasses were made using fly ash from municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerators with the addition of SiO2, MgO and TiO2. The glasses were then converted to glass-ceramics for further recycling to construction materials. The optimum heat-treatment schedule for the ceramitization of glasses was 720 °C for 90 min for nucleation and 870 °C for 10 h for crystal growth. Diopside (CaMgSi2O6) was formed as a major crystalline phase. The glass-ceramics showed good mechanical properties with a hardness of 6,730 MPa, fracture toughness of 1.86 Mpa m1/2 and bending strength of 127 MPa. Glasses and glass-ceramics with a composition of 20SiO2–5MgO–75fly ash–2TiO2 (all given in wt.%) showed an excellent resistance against leaching of heavy metal ions in water. The amount of heavy metal ions leached after 18 h at 23 °C was well below regulation with Cd2+ <0.04 ppm, Cr3+ <0.004 ppm, Cu2+ <0.03 ppm and Pb2+ <0.15 ppm, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The conventional methods of waste disposal, namely landfill and recycling, are associated with environmental and economic inefficiencies. The associated policies and regulations are also found to be inadequate in relation to the current situation. The situation of plastic handling-related policies in India was reviewed in this regard. Alternative techniques such as liquefaction, biological treatment, pyrolysis and incorporation of plastics in road laying have received increased attention in recent years. This paper reviews the fundamentals of each process and offers a clear picture of plastic generation and disposal. The present review also focuses on the benefits and drawbacks of different disposal methods by comparing the methods over several economic, environmental and energy parameters. A comprehensive Energy, Economy and Environmental index (EEE index) has been developed in this study to compare the different methods and reconcile the various parameters based on which the comparison was performed. Incorporation of plastic waste in concrete structures and road pavements were found to be the best methods of plastic waste disposal, with an EEE index score of 42.85%. These two methods were followed by pyrolysis and liquefaction of waste plastic with scores of 23.08% each. Landfill, with an EEE index of −7.14%, was found to be the least holistic method of waste disposal and needs to be minimized wherever possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste-to-Chemicals production represents a sustainable pathway considering the new Circular Economy approach and the environmental problems related to waste disposal management. This paper concerns about the LDPE production starting from a nonrecyclable plastic waste feedstock, providing a solution to both plastic demand and plastic waste disposal. The proposed process combines different technologies starting from a high temperature gasification of waste, which leads to a no tar syngas production. The present paper provides a feasibility analysis in order to reach an interesting product yield and an innovative process configuration, reporting the overall plant block scheme and the Process Flow Diagram. The heat and material balances of the entire production chain, including the steam production, the byproducts separations and the plant furnace units, were developed via the simulation software Aspen Plus V8.0. The paper shows each simulator flowsheet of some significant plant sections, reporting all the necessary equipment and thermal recoveries and the properties of each plant unit outlet stream. Last but not at least a feedstock analysis is developed by comparing the mixed plastic feedstock to the RDF one, showing the resulting data and considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the possibility of applying foundry dust (FD) derived filler for the preparation of natural rubber (NR) based composites by characterizing the mechanical properties. The as-received FD was processed via a simple and low-cost procedure, including sieving, deironing and milling using a variety of industrial equipment. FD powders before and after silane coupling agent (Si 69) modification were used as fillers for NR. NR composites inserted with different content of modified and unmodified FD up to 50 phr were prepared via dry-mixing method. Then, comprehensive mechanical performances were performed on the corresponding vulcanizates. It was demonstrated that NR composite filled with 50 phr of modified FD exhibited optimized comprehensive mechanical performance. Tear strength and hardness is increased by 21.3% and 12.8% than pure NR, respectively. Tensile strength is reduced by 21% and elongation at break remained nearly unchanged. Additionally, the composite showed a large increment of 50.9% for its wet grip property, while exhibited an increment of only 11.9% for its rolling resistance in comparison with the composite containing 10 phr of FD. The findings of this study may provide a new application area for the large amounts of utilization of foundry waste with a high level of value being added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aimed to elucidate the mechanism of energy metabolism for copper resistance in adapted Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Initially, during batch cultivation process, ferrous oxidation (Fe2+), bacteria growth, intracellular energy charge status, polyphosphate kinase (PPK) activiy, and inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) accumulation were compared between adapted and unadapted strains. Then, in the presence of copper stress, the dynamic changes of polyP levels and exopolyphosphatase (PPX) activity were investigated. Furthermore, accumulation of copper ions inside the cell was determined. Results showed that medium Fe2+ was exhausted at 72 h and 96 h in batch culture adapted and unadapted A. ferrooxidans and a relatively higher total protein level, energy charge, PPK activiy, and polyP content was observed in adapted strain. As subjected to 50 mmol/L copper ion stress, intracellular polyP decreased to the lowest level at 8 h and 14 h after shift‐time and corresponding PPK activiy increased to 443 and 276 U/mg protein, respectivly, in adapted and unadapted A. ferrooxidans, indicating much energy was released from polyP degradation. As a result, intracellular copper ion was kept at a very lowered level in adatped strain. It was suggested that an efficeint energy supply system existed that contributes to transporting intracelualr copper ion out of cell during active process in adapted A. ferrooxidans. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13054, 2019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]