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A comprehensive profile database of industrial wastewater in Taiwan has been developed. The dataset consists of 244 wastewater samples containing 52 metals and metalloid elements. A Naïve Bayes classifier was applied to establish robust composite profiles for each industrial category. Similarities in the composite profiles were examined using a hierarchical cluster analysis, and most composite profiles were distinct. Finally, 19 composite profiles of the industrial categories were subsequently retrieved and utilized to identify the marker species for each category. During the examination of marker species through statistical methods, three less noticeable characteristic species, Mo, Sb, and Co, were examined further: Molybdenum was confirmed as a marker species for the petrochemical industry, while antimony was identified as a marker for man-made fibers and finishing of textiles. Cobalt was also determined as a marker for nickel-based electroplating products. We compared the regulations of other countries with those of Taiwan in order to offer scientific advice regarding these three species. This study serves as an exemplary application of a profile database, showing how it can be used to analyze less noticeable marker species among the 52 elements for different industries. Moreover, the study results suggest that composite profiles generated from various industries hold potential as tools for future river pollution prevention. Overall, the continuous expansion of the database is highly recommended to increase its practicality and relevance for future research and regulatory efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rivers adjacent to industrial zones usually suffer from severe pollution issues. Industrial wastewater that has undergone sewage treatment processes may be legally discharged into rivers under water quality permits. Previous studies have frequently employed isotopic tracers to identify potential contaminants for pollution control. Conventional radiogenic isotopes utilized in tracing studies cannot discern whether the source is untreated (primary) industrial wastewater, which can have serious impact to the environment. By analyzing the iron (Fe) and molybdenum (Mo) isotopic compositions in original industrial wastewater and treated effluent, this study aims to investigate whether the heavily polluted Agongdian River is contaminated by the untreated wastewater. Based on the results from this study, the original industrial wastewater exhibits higher concentrations of metallic elements and heavier Fe and lighter Mo isotopic compositions, compared to the treated effluent. Consequently, it appears that Agongdian River water indeed exhibits evidence of untreated industrial wastewater. Furthermore, the volume of original industrial wastewater entering the river can be estimated from these results. This research offers a more precise and accurate approach to monitor potential industrial wastewater pollution in natural water bodies, contributing to the goal of environmental protection and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the science–policy interaction that happens in deliberative systems is limited. Drawing on concepts of democratisation of science and deliberation, this study used the case of dumping industrial waste on farmland in Taiwan to explore how local activists and non-governmental organisations contribute to knowledge production, democratising science and the epistemic–ethical–democratic functions for deliberative systems. The research methods used are documentary analysis and in-depth interviews. Local activists problematise official knowledge claims and its validation, deploy situated experiential expertise and engage directly in their own knowledge practices. Local activists and civic organisations play versatile roles in connecting the related networked institutions and intertwined spheres of deliberative systems. Civic activism engages in democratising science and participates in shaping policymaking, leading to the amendment of the Waste Disposal Act. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial sludge continues to increase in quantity with the development of industry. Therefore, how to effectively treat industrial sludge continues to be an environmental focus around the world. Due to the high calorie content of industrial sludge in Taiwan, most of the sludge is incinerated for simplicity and convenience. However, this incineration causes environmental pollution and cannot effectively reuse the industrial sludge. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of lightweight aggregates produced from water treatment sludge (WTS) mixed with industrial sludge. The industrial sludge was obtained from three industrial zones in Taiwan. The lightweight aggregate materials were prepared by mixing WTS with 7.5%, 15.0%, or 22.5% of industrial sludge as a secondary ingredient. The chemical composition analyses revealed that the ternary phase diagrams of the chemical components were within the range recommended by C.M. Moreover, Riley indicated that the ingredients could expand. The sintering experiments were conducted in two stages. Stage I served to determine the optimal sintering temperature, while Stage II produced lightweight aggregates at the optimal sintering temperatures after 5, 10, or 15 min of preheating. The results indicated that an increase in preheating time increased the particle density of the lightweight aggregates but decreased the water absorption ratio, because increasing preheating time causes more gases to escape, resulting in aggregates that could not produce sufficient gas to support expansion during the sintering stage. The sintering results of the lightweight aggregates showed that their particle density was between 0.5 and 1.4 g/cm3, which met the requirements of the specification. Their water absorption rate was below 21%, which was roughly in line with the recommendations of the specification. When the amount of industrial sludge added was less than 22.5%, the lightweight aggregate was sintered successfully, which is suitable for engineering applications. The industrial sludge experienced a loss of between 50% and 70% on ignition, resulting in pores and cracks that were observed on the surfaces of the lightweight aggregate. Based on the energy required to sinter lightweight aggregates, a greater loss on ignition indicates the conversion of more materials into heat energy. Therefore, the use of industrial sludge in lightweight aggregates not only provides ways to reuse industrial sewage waste but also reduces the consumption requirements for sintering lightweight aggregates, thereby achieving energy-saving and carbon-reduction goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With recent increases in environmental awareness, the circular economy concept, which involves turning waste into usable products, has gradually become widely accepted. Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is an agricultural waste that lacks recycling channels in Taiwan. This study explored the feasibility of simultaneously recycling two completely different types of waste: spent mushroom substrate (SMS), an agricultural waste, and electric-arc furnace dust (EAFD), an industrial waste. Specifically, SMS was used to replace metallurgical coke as a reducing agent for EAFD, which underwent carbothermic reduction to recycle valuable metallic Zn. The results showed that if SMS and EAFD were mixed at a C/O ratio of 0.8, the degree of Zn removal achieved 95% at 1100 °C, which is 150 °C lower than the reduction temperature of the EAFD-coke mixture (due to volatile matter (VM) in SMS). For the reduction of ZnO in EAFD, with the assistance of VM in SMS, the C/O ratio can be decreased from 0.8 to 0.16 at 1300 °C, achieving a high degree of Zn removal over 95%. In addition, the torrefaction of SMS increased the fixed carbon content and improved the Zn productivity at the same C/O ratio, reaching almost the same productivity as the coke sample (SMS torrefaction = 500 °C, C/O = 0.8, reduction = 1200 °C, Zn removal~99%). Finally, CO2 emission reductions from the use of SMS were also estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced weathering is a negative emissions technology based on the accelerated weathering of alkaline minerals. Such materials can be reduced to a fine powder and applied to land sinks to maximize the area exposed for reaction with rainwater and dissolved CO2. The carbon is captured in the form of bicarbonate ions in the runoff, which ultimately carries it to the ocean for virtually permanent sequestration. Enhanced weathering has been demonstrated in proof-of-concept laboratory and field tests, but scale-up to a level that delivers significant CO2 removal is still an engineering challenge that requires a system-level perspective. Future enhanced weathering networks should be planned like industrial supply chains, taking into account constraints in the supply of alkaline minerals and the availability of land sinks. Optimization of such networks should also take into account techno-economic uncertainties that are inherent in any emerging technology. To fill this research gap, this work develops a fuzzy mixed-integer linear programming model for optimal planning of enhanced weathering networks. The model is capable of handling multiple conflicting objectives and accounting for system uncertainties. The use of the model is illustrated with two case studies. First, a pedagogical example is solved; then, the model is demonstrated for a realistic scenario which shows that 0.69% of Taiwan's CO2 emissions can be offset by the use of blast furnace slag for enhanced weathering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are fat soluble synthetic chemicals, usually regarded as plasticizers for being added in numerous plastic products. Thus, environmental and health hazards of PAEs are associated with increasing plastic pollution. In this study, PAEs from sludge samples collected from water, sewage, and industrial treatment plants (N = 17) were analyzed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Microplastics (MPs) were also quantified and correlated with PAEs. Results showed the highest average PAE concentrations in sewage treatment plants. The greatest ΣPAEs concentration were found in sewage treatment plant (STP4) with 32,414 μg/kg dw, while the lowest found in water treatment plant (WTP3) with 2062 μg/kg dw. Among different PAEs, di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) contributes the highest. Similarly, DEHP, di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) significantly correlated with the total PAEs indicating their large contribution to sludge contamination. The abundance of microplastics in sludge ranged between 1 and 7 MP/g, highest at ITP6, but not detected in some stations. While microplastics may potentially increase PAEs, there was no significant relationship between ΣPAEs and MP abundance. The estimated human daily intake of DEHP and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) when contaminated sludge be used showed low toxicological risks to exposed adults. This research presents the sludge characteristics, PAEs, and microplastic concentrations in different wastewater treatment plants in Taiwan. PAE contamination was highly contributed by domestic and industrial wastes shown by their significant amounts in STP and ITP. Results further provide evidence for potential sludge recycling (WTP sludge) and application to soil. [Display omitted] • The ΣPAEs concentration ranged between 2062 and 32,414 μg/kg in sludge samples. • DiNP, DnOP, DEHP contributed >94% of PAEs in sludge samples, except ITP2 and ITP6. • Low toxicological risk of WTP sludge shows possible disposal and soil application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to industrialization and economic development, urban expansion in St. Petersburg (Russia) has swelled its solid waste generation. The current waste management system does not meet the city's needs. Fundamental changes are required to accelerate its sustainability transition to achieve the 2030 UN's Sustainable Development Goals. This article critically evaluates and analyzes the existing situation of waste management in St. Petersburg and its role in promoting digitalization-based circular economy. Challenges in waste recycling that prevent it from reforming its waste management are identified. Lessons drawn from Taiwan's prowess in resources recovery are presented to inspire a transformation of its waste sector towards a digitalization. The implications of digitalization on the city's waste recycling industry are elaborated. Before applying digitalization, St. Petersburg encountered challenges such as a lack of proper infrastructure in waste management, low public participation and environmental awareness, technological gaps, and insufficient coordination among its institutions. As one of the world's leaders in waste recycling (65%), Taiwan was selected as a role model for St. Petersburg in improving its waste management. The Island's daily per capita rate decreased by 96% to 0.4 kg in 2015. Taiwan also minimized the amount of waste disposal into landfills to less than 2%, while 80% of its industrial waste was recycled. About 33% of annual waste generation in Taiwan was reduced through "Pay-as-you-throw" policy. The average volume of municipal solid waste generation per capita decreased by 20% to 0.91 kg/day. This suggests that moving towards digitalization has minimized the extraction of raw materials through resource recovery. As implications of digitalization in waste management, the consumption of virgin materials could be lowered by 25% in 2030, while a half of greenhouse gas emissions could be avoided. The World Economic Forum estimated that the circular economy could potentially add USD 700 billion in material savings to global economy. [Display omitted] • Taiwan attained the second highest recycling target of 65% after Germany (67%). • Taiwan's 'Keep Trash off the Ground Policy' is transferable to St. Petersburg. • Pandemic hastens the transformation of recycling industry through digitalization. • Achieving carbon neutrality requires both economic and technological development. • Consumption of virgin materials could be lowered by 25% in 2030 by adopting CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]