8,272 results
Search Results
2. Quantifying GHG emissions savings potential in magazine paper production: a case study on supercalendered and light-weight coated papers.
- Author
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Leon, Jorge, Aliaga, Cesar, Boulougouris, George, Hortal, Mercedes, and Marti, Juan Luis
- Subjects
- *
GREENHOUSE gas mitigation , *PAPER coatings , *PAPER industry , *EMISSIONS (Air pollution) , *PERIODICAL publishing , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis - Abstract
Purpose The aim of this work is to quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings potential in magazine paper production through the application of the innovative manufacturing strategies using advanced sheet structure design and fibre modifications. Methods The study applies Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to two different magazine paper products: supercalendered (SC) paper and light-weight coated (LWC) paper. A cradle-to-gate approach is used aiming to assess the environmental benefits gained through the implementation of new manufacturing strategies in both products. The functional unit of the system was defined as the production of one square meter of finished paper for printing magazines. Conventional and new production processes have been compared. Results and discussion The strategies applied to SC paper resulted in reduction of GHG emissions by 22.9%, with a total of 10.7 gCO 2 eq emissions saved per square meter of SC paper. In the case of LWC paper, GHG emissions are reduced by 20.3%, which are equal to a total of 19.7 gCO 2 eq saved per square meter of LWC paper. The influence of certain methodological approaches -functional unit, electricity mix and avoided impacts- in the final results is also discussed in the paper. Conclusions The manufacturing strategies implemented show a remarkable potential for reducing GHG emissions. Taking into account that the pulp and paper industry is a very energy-intensive sector and one of the main GHG emitters, the potential of the strategies for the improvement of the environmental performance of the papermaking processes is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. The eco-efficiency of pulp and paper industry in China: an assessment based on slacks-based measure and Malmquist–Luenberger index.
- Author
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Yu, Chang, Shi, Lei, Wang, Yutao, Chang, Yuan, and Cheng, Baodong
- Subjects
- *
PAPER industry , *PAPERBOARD industry , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *WATER pollution , *ENERGY consumption - Abstract
China has become the world largest paper and paperboard producer. However, pulp and paper industry has involved high resource consumption and severe pollution especially for water. This research has assessed the eco-efficiency of China's pulp and paper industry at the national level and provincial level. An overview regarding the cleaner production of China's pulp and paper industry was presented to reveal the measures for reducing environmental impact in the last two decades. Slacks-based measure was used to analyze the efficiency levels of 16 provinces' pulp and paper industries. To uncover the underlying causes of eco-efficiency performance, Malmquist–Luenberger index was calculated to discover the drivers of productivity growth of pulp and paper industries. Our results showed that the pollution treatment of China's pulp and paper industry has made progress in terms of water consumption and water pollution, although the absolute amount of pollution discharge is still large. Chemical oxygen demand emissions are still the first critical influencing factor of pulp and paper industry's inefficiency. Furthermore, efficiency progress was the dominating contribution of the industry's productivity growth between 2010 and 2013. The policies for adjusting the industrial structure of pulp and paper industry have resulted in the scale effects through eliminating backward production capacity and accelerating merger and acquisitions. Moreover, the productivity of pulp and paper industry was underestimated when the undesirable outputs were ignored. It indicates that the stricter environmental regulations have positive effects on paper companies to internalize environmental pressures in the production activities through environmental management. In the future, pulp and paper companies should further internalize the cost of pollution treatment through scale effects and technology improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Ecological Sustainability and Waste Paper Recycling.
- Author
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Mirkovic, Ivana Bolanca, Majnaric, Igor, and Bolanca, Zdenka
- Subjects
PAPER recycling ,SUSTAINABLE development ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,ELECTRIC potential ,CLEAN energy - Abstract
In accordance with environmental sustainability and in order to optimize the recycling process of prints from indirect electrophotography with liquid toner the results of investigating the effects of changes in printing conditions on the characteristics of recycled fibres is presented. Changing of printing machine conditions, respecting of voltage variations, comprises of the reverse rollers and intermediate cylinder. Based on the results it can be concluded that the change in the voltage of the reverse rollers more affect the recycling efficiency with respect to the voltage change of the intermediate cylinder. Brightness gain is higher when the print for recycling is made on uncoated paper compared to coated, and dependent on the voltage changes. Effective residual ink concentration decreases far more on handsheets obtained from recycled samples on uncoated paper in relation to both sides coated paper. Increasing the positive voltage of intermediate cylinder and increasing the negative charge of reverse rollers increases the 3 D gamut CIE L*a*b* color cubic units. Guidelines for the size of the voltage in order to obtain optimal print reproduction are provided. The further research will include the development in area of clean technologies, advanced materials, closed loop systems; therefore the significant terms in the area of environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Comparative life cycle assessments: The case of paper and digital media.
- Author
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Bull, Justin G. and Kozak, Robert A.
- Subjects
PAPER products ,DIGITAL media ,WRITTEN communication ,INFORMATION & communication technologies ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,PRINT materials - Abstract
Abstract: The consumption of the written word is changing, as media transitions from paper products to digital alternatives. We reviewed the life cycle assessment (LCA) research literature that compared the environmental footprint of digital and paper media. To validate the role of context in influencing LCA results, we assessed LCAs that did not compare paper and print, but focused on a product or component that is part of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Using a framework that identifies problems in LCA conduct, we assessed whether the comparative LCAs were accurate expressions of the environmental footprints of paper and print. We hypothesized that the differences between the product systems that produce paper and digital media weaken LCA's ability to compare environmental footprints. We also hypothesized that the characteristics of ICT as an industrial sector weaken LCA as an environmental assessment methodology. We found that existing comparative LCAs offered problematic comparisons of paper and digital media for two reasons — the stark material differences between ICT products and paper products, and the unique characteristics of the ICT sector. We suggested that the context of the ICT sector, best captured by the concept of “Moore's Law”, will continuously impede the ability of the LCA methodology to measure ICT products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2014
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- View/download PDF
6. Wastewater treatment in the pulp-and-paper industry: A review of treatment processes and the associated greenhouse gas emission.
- Author
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Ashrafi, Omid, Yerushalmi, Laleh, and Haghighat, Fariborz
- Subjects
- *
WASTEWATER treatment , *PAPER industry , *GREENHOUSE gas mitigation , *MATHEMATICAL models , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *BIOLOGICAL nutrient removal - Abstract
Pulp-and-paper mills produce various types of contaminants and a significant amount of wastewater depending on the type of processes used in the plant. Since the generated wastewaters can be potentially polluting and very dangerous, they should be treated in wastewater treatment plants before being released to the environment. This paper reviews different wastewater treatment processes used in the pulp-and-paper industry and compares them with respect to their contaminant removal efficiencies and the extent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. It also evaluates the impact of operating parameters on the performance of different treatment processes. Two mathematical models were used to estimate GHG emission in common biological treatment processes used in the pulp-and-paper industry. Nutrient removal processes and sludge treatment are discussed and their associated GHG emissions are calculated. Although both aerobic and anaerobic biological processes are appropriate for wastewater treatment, their combination known as hybrid processes showed a better contaminant removal capacity at higher efficiencies under optimized operating conditions with reduced GHG emission and energy costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Paper Need Not Be Flat: Paper and Biomaterials Industries Need to Converge to Bring about True Innovation.
- Author
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Pal, Lokendra and Joyce, Margaret
- Subjects
- *
PAPER industry , *INNOVATIONS in business , *THREE-dimensional printing , *HOUSING development , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *HOUSING & the environment - Abstract
Biomaterials and new processes (3D printing and flexible hybrid electronics) offer opportunities to break free from a 2D paper world by allowing for the development of smart multi-dimensional structures. While there has been recent progress reported in each of these areas of technology, to date, the merger of these technologies has been very limited. We believe that their merger offers boundless opportunities and an opportunity for the paper industry to innovate a low cost, sustainable housing solution capable of promoting the well-being of its occupants while minimizing the environmental impact of its daily use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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8. New Environmental Impact Study Findings Recently Were Reported by a Researcher at Dunarea de Jos University of Galati (Food packaging performance and environmental impact of polysaccharide-coated papers).
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,FOOD packaging ,POLYSACCHARIDES ,SOIL degradation ,REPORTERS & reporting - Abstract
A recent study conducted at Dunarea de Jos University of Galati analyzed the characteristics and environmental impact of paper coated with polysaccharide dispersions for food packaging. The researchers found that the polysaccharide coatings improved the barrier and antimicrobial properties of the coated papers compared to uncoated paper. The study also indicated that the tested polysaccharide combinations are suitable for use in food packaging, particularly for fatty products. The research concluded that the coated papers reached similar degradation levels after soil degradation, suggesting their potential environmental sustainability. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
9. Measuring the sustainability of policy scenarios: Emergy-based strategic environmental assessment of the Chinese paper industry.
- Author
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Ren, Jing-Ming, Zhang, Lei, and Wang, Ru-song
- Subjects
SUSTAINABLE development ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,CHINESE paper ,PAPER industry ,INDUSTRIALIZATION ,URBANIZATION ,URBAN ecology ,ENVIRONMENTAL indicators - Abstract
Abstract: Recent years have seen increasing demand for wider application of strategic environmental assessment (SEA), especially SEA of major policies, as a powerful instrument to safeguard the environment during the rapid industrialization and urbanization in China. Debates on SEA are concentrated on its feasibility and effective implementation in practice. This study applies Emergy analysis within the framework of social–economic–natural complex eco-system theory to overcome the limitations of methods used for assessing regional sustainability so far. This established model is tested in the case of Chinese paper industry to assess the sustainability of 5 policy scenarios. The results show that Emergy-based Indices (EbI) are more effective to measure the sustainability of industry complex ecosystem, thus EbI approach is very useful in SEAs on policy scenarios of a given complex ecosystem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
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10. A Shortened Adult Fathead Minnow Reproduction Test Developed for Investigation of Cause and Investigation of Solution Work Involving Pulp and Paper Mill Effluents.
- Author
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Kovacs, Tibor, Martel, Pierre, and Ricci, Maria
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL engineering ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,PAPER mills ,PULP mills - Abstract
The regulatory Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) program in Canada has found that pulp and paper mill effluents reduce the gonad size of wild fish. In such cases, there is a need for Investigation of Cause (IOC) and Investigation of Solution (IOS) studies to find the cause(s) for these responses as well as cost-effective mitigation strategies. IOC and IOS work requires the availability of practical (in terms of time and effluent volume needs) and biologically meaningful tests for assessing fish reproduction in the laboratory. One available fish reproduction test uses adult fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) and involves a two- to three-week pre-exposure period and a three-week exposure to a test substance. Work was undertaken to determine if both the pre-exposure and effluent-exposure phases could be reduced, leading to a shorter test with a lower effluent volume requirement. For this purpose, effluent samples were taken from two thermomechanical (newsprint) pulp mills and used in tests with ..7 days of pre-exposure and 5 to 6 days of effluent exposure. Egg production was monitored in each test, and in tests with effluents from one mill, other endpoints such as gonad somatic indices and whole-body sex steroid levels, as well as vitellogenin activity in males - were measured. The shortened fish reproduction test in this study provided results similar to tests of longer duration, specifically in terms of egg production, and was able to distinguish between pulp and paper mill effluents of different potencies. The test was also found to be directly applicable for toxicity identification evaluation work as it was clearly able to distinguish between the solids and soluble fractions of a biotreated newsprint mill effluent. As such, the test is a promising tool for EEM-related IOC and IOS work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Evaluation of the treatment efficiencies of paper mill whitewaters in terms of organic composition and toxicity
- Author
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Latorre, Anna, Malmqvist, Asa, Lacorte, Sílvia, Welander, Thomas, and Barceló, Damià
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WATER pollution ,POLLUTION management ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,CHROMATOGRAPHIC analysis ,PAPER mills & the environment ,SURFACE active agents - Abstract
Abstract: The efficiency of several lab scale treatments (aerobic, anaerobic and ozone or combination of these) was evaluated using two packaging board mill whitewaters. The effect of the different treatments on the elimination of the organic load, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the toxicity was tested as well as the relationship between these parameters. Biocides, phenolic compounds, surfactants, plasticiziers and wood extractives were identified in untreated and treated whitewaters by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC–MS) or gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A strong dependency on the water type and treatment efficiency was observed, being the combination of anaerobic and aerobic treatments the best option to reduce the organic contaminants in these waters, although in some cases, the toxicity did not decrease. However, ozone as post-treatment permitted a further reduction of organic compounds, toxicity and COD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. The Carbon Footprint of Conference Papers.
- Author
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Spinellis, Diomidis and Louridas, Panos
- Subjects
- *
ECOLOGICAL impact , *CONFERENCE papers , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *SOCIAL impact , *CLIMATE change , *ENVIRONMENTAL economics , *ECONOMIC policy - Abstract
The action required to stem the environmental and social implications of climate change depends crucially on how humankind shapes technology, economy, lifestyle and policy. With transport CO2 emissions accounting for about a quarter of the total, we examine the contribution of CO2 output by scientific travel. Thankfully for the reputation of the scientific community, CO2 emissions associated with the trips required to present a paper at a scientific conference account for just 0.003% of the yearly total. However, with CO2 emissions for a single conference trip amounting to 7% of an average individual’s total CO2 emissions, scientists should lead by example by demonstrating leadership in addressing the issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. A Two-stage Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Paper-based and Software-based Business Cards.
- Author
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Karapetyan, Areg, Yaqub, Waheeb, Kirakosyan, Aram, and Sgouridis, Sgouris
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BUSINESS card design ,COMPUTER software ,COMPARATIVE studies ,SMARTPHONES ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis - Abstract
We conduct a comparative life cycle assessment of two business card options: a smartphone software and the common paper- based alternative. Life cycle impacts of production, distribution and use of business cards were compared and contrasted for both systems. Given the prevalence and multifunctionality of digital devices and services, we analyze the environmental impacts of the two systems and evaluate their total energy consumption, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and toxic releases by conducting a two-stage life cycle assessment with alternating functional units. The results indicate that, for a small-scale functional unit, the paper-based business card system causes slightly less environmental impact and has lower energy demand than the software-based (digital) business card system. Whereas when considering the more likely, large scale (real world scenario) functional unit, the digital business card system is more environmentally friendly and economical in terms of energy consumption. By comparing these two systems, this paper serves businesses and consumers when considering environmental consequences and energy depletion of their business networking options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
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14. Methodology of supporting decision-making of waste management with material flow analysis (MFA) and consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA): case study of waste paper recycling.
- Author
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Sevigné-Itoiz, Eva, Gasol, Carles M., Rieradevall, Joan, and Gabarrell, Xavier
- Subjects
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WASTE management , *DECISION making , *PAPER recycling , *GLOBALIZATION , *GREENHOUSE gases & the environment , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *ENVIRONMENTAL indicators - Abstract
LCA studies on waste management have been promoted as they can help policy makers choose the best environmental options. However, the increasing globalization of raw materials and waste makes the optimization of waste management strategies and policies quite challenging. Therefore, new approaches are needed in order to identify the consequences of markets on the waste management systems. This paper concentrates on the quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of recycling processes. The aim is to generate a comprehensive assessment of GHG emissions as a consequence of increasing the amount of material collected for recycling. Consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA) is an effective methodological framework for addressing GHG quantifications within market, but to properly perform and assess all of the market links between raw materials and waste, it is necessary to determine the cause-effect chains made up of physical flows. Thus, we propose integrating the methodologies of material flow analysis (MFA) and CLCA. We applied these methodologies to the paper and cardboard recycling system in Spain. The GHG results varied between −36 kg CO 2 eq. and −317 kg CO 2 eq. per ton of waste paper collected, depending on the quantity of waste paper exported and the source of marginal pulp considered. The cumulative energy demand (CED) was also calculated as complementary indicator. Similar trends as for GHG emissions were obtained. The future GHG quantifications should be based on the flows described by MFA analysis and should be quantified using CLCA because methodologies that accurately account for GHG are necessary for decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. Reengineering the paper mill waste management.
- Author
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Vochozka, Marek, Maroušková, Anna, Váchal, Jan, and Straková, Jarmila
- Subjects
PAPER mill waste ,WASTE management ,COST analysis ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,PAPER industry - Abstract
There are thousands of pulp and paper mills worldwide. The utilization of the waste they produce is a problem of particular importance. Many methods have already been put forward for the management of the mixture of lime mud and cellulose fibre residues. The chemical nature of its management presents a challenge because it requires costly catalysts and long retention times or raises criticisms about its environmental impacts. Several techno-economic analyses (including various modifications to anaerobic fermentation; combustion; pyrolysis and composting) have been carried out on an almost commercial scale to holistically assess the wide portfolio of management issues. The data obtained indicate that it cannot be clearly concluded that one particular method is the best for dealing with all management issues. However, the conclusions do provide an insight into how processing technologies can be adapted in specific cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. Compliance of paper-making plants with regulations on wastewater management in Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam.
- Author
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Mau Dung Nguyen
- Subjects
PAPER industry ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,WATER quality management ,WASTEWATER treatment - Abstract
This study investigated the compliance of paper-making plants in Phong Khe Commune of Bac Ninh Province with regulations on wastewater management. According to existing regulations for wastewater management, all paper plants in Bac Ninh province are required to submit an environmental impact assessment report, pay the wastewater charges, and establish a wastewater treatment system. Many paper-making plants in the commune did not, however, comply with these regulations. Although fines were imposed for non-compliance, only a few plants paid the fines due to weak enforcement. As a result, the current costs of compliance of paper-making plants were very small compared with the full costs of compliance. Type of plant, location of the plant, and number of schooling years of the plant owners were found to be significant factors affecting compliance. The main reasons why the plants did not comply with the regulations were the plant owners' inadequate understanding of environmental regulations, their lack of financial resources, limited space for treatment system installation, small fines, and the limited capacity of the local environment authorities in enforcing the regulations . The option of wastewater treatment for a group of paper-making plants located close to one another was widely accepted. The study proposes collective action for the adoption of this treatment option and policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. What's Greenest and Cleanest When Nature Calls?
- Author
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Brown, Elizabeth Anne
- Subjects
Hygiene -- Methods ,Toilet paper -- Usage -- Environmental aspects ,Bidets -- Usage ,Trees -- Usage ,Environmental impact analysis ,General interest ,News, opinion and commentary - Abstract
These days, the toilet paper aisle is crowded with products that claim to be more sustainable, from bamboo and recycled material to products with ''forest-safe'' labels. But are they really [...]
- Published
- 2024
18. Printed and tablet e-paper newspaper from an environmental perspective — A screening life cycle assessment.
- Author
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Moberg, Åsa, Johansson, Martin, Finnveden, Göran, and Jonsson, Alex
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,LIFE cycle costing ,ELECTRONIC newspapers ,WASTE salvage ,ELECTRONIC equipment ,ENERGY consumption - Abstract
Abstract: Viable alternatives to conventional newspapers, such as electronic papers, e-papers or e-readers, are intended to have many of the qualities of paper, such as reading using reflective light, high resolution, 180° viewing angle. It has been suggested that the environmental impact of e-paper can be lower than for printed and internet-based newspapers. However, in order to find the facts of the matter, a thorough life cycle perspective covering raw material acquisition, production, use and disposal should preferably be used to study the environmental performance of the different products. A screening life cycle assessment was performed to describe the potential environmental impacts of two product systems; printed on paper and tablet e-paper newspapers. Results show that the most significant phase of the life cycle for both product systems was the production of substrate or platform. Accordingly, key aspects that may affect the resulting environmental performance of newspaper product systems were for the printed newspaper number of readers per copy and number of pages per issue and for the tablet e-paper newspaper lifetime and multi-use of the device. The printed newspaper in general had a higher energy use, higher emissions of gases contributing to climate change and several other impact categories than the tablet e-paper newspaper. It was concluded that tablet e-paper has the potential to decrease the environmental impact of newspaper consumption. However, further studies regarding the environmental impact of production and waste management of electronic devices and internet use, as well as more comprehensive assessment of toxicological impacts are needed. As the data on the electronic devices becomes more comprehensive this may prove to be a major limitation of electronic newspaper systems. Developers are suggested to strive towards minimisation of toxic and rare substances in production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Altered physiology of rainbow trout in response to modified energy intake combined with pulp and paper effluent exposure
- Author
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van den Heuvel, Michael R., Landman, Michael J., Finley, Megan A., and West, David W.
- Subjects
RAINBOW trout ,PULP mill waste disposal ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,FISH reproduction ,EFFECT of pollution on fishes ,PHYSIOLOGY - Abstract
Abstract: Two experiments using rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were conducted to examine the combined effects of energy intake as manipulated by ration and pulp and paper mill effluent exposure over either one, or two consecutive reproductive cycles. This study demonstrated that the level of energy intake affected the full range of measured parameters from energy allocation to somatic growth and the gonadal development, steroid production and hematology. Increasing ration level expectedly increased growth, condition, liver and gonad size. Female trout in the higher ration treatments produced more follicles and had larger eggs, investing the same relative proportion of total energy into ovarian development. Sex steroid levels and hematological parameters were also positively influenced by increasing ration level in males and females. By far, the most dramatic impact of reduced ration on reproduction was to substantially reduce the frequency of sexually maturing fish. The effects of effluent exposure were not as marked as those linked to ration level and typically did not manifest unless fish were exposed through two consecutive reproductive cycles. The physiological effects of pulp and paper effluent exposure observed in these experiments were not consistent between the two experiments conducted herein, nor were they consistent with previously observed impacts in similar experiments with this effluent. Effluent exposure over one reproductive cycle did not impact physiological parameters in trout. However, when effluent exposure was maintained over two reproductive cycles, a new pattern of effluent response emerged including increased condition factor in both sexes, a decrease in the potential ability of the blood of females to transport oxygen, and increased sex steroids and reproductive investment in males. Effluent was also observed to cause reduced growth in male trout over two years. The effects of ration on gonad and liver size were far more obvious and consistent when a longer exposure was employed, thus, it appears to take more than one full year for energy intake changes to be reflected in those particular physiological endpoints. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Life cycle assessment of combination of anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis: focusing on different options for biogas use.
- Author
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Mohammadi, Ali, G. Venkatesh, Sandberg, Maria, Eskandari, Samieh, and Granström, Karin
- Subjects
BIOGAS ,PAPER pulp ,PULP mills ,ANAEROBIC digestion ,PAPER mills ,SLUDGE management ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,GLOBAL warming - Abstract
The combination of anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis technologies could be a novel energy-biochar production system to maximize energy and nutrient recovery from pulp and paper mill sludge. Herein, the life-cycle energy production and emissions reduction of sludge treatment from a typical pulp and paper mill were investigated, in which alternative uses of biogas for industrial or household application, in different regions of the world, were assessed. The three scenarios considered for different end-uses of biogas are: (A) biogas for vehicle fuel in the transportation sector in Sweden, (B) biogas for heat and electricity in the power sector in Brazil, and (C) biogas for cooking in households in China. The results of Environmental Life-Cycle Assessment (E-LCA) show that for all these three scenarios, the use of biogas and pyrolysis gas contributes most to emissions mitigation, while the dewatering and drying processes carried out on the sludge, contribute the most to the environmental emissions. Addition of biochar to the soil, contributes significantly to a reduction in global warming by sequestering carbon in the soil. Compared to scenarios B and C, Scenario A, in which biogas substitutes gasoline in transportation, and heat from combusted pyrolysis gases is used for district heating in Sweden, demonstrates the highest environmental performance for all the evaluated impact categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. Pencil Drawn Strain Gauges and Chemiresistors on Paper.
- Author
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Cheng-Wei Lin, Zhibo Zhao, Jaemyung Kim, and Jiaxing Huang
- Subjects
- *
ORGANIC compounds , *GRAPHITE , *THIN films , *PENCILS , *POLYMERS , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *FABRICATION (Manufacturing) - Abstract
Pencil traces drawn on print papers are shown to function as strain gauges and chemiresistors. Regular graphite/clay pencils can leave traces composed of percolated networks of fine graphite powders, which exhibit reversible resistance changes upon compressive or tensile deflections. Flexible toy pencils can leave traces that are essentially thin films of graphite/polymer composites, which show reversible changes in resistance upon exposure to volatile organic compounds due to absorption/desorption induced swelling/ recovery of the polymer binders. Pencil-on-paper devices are low-cost, extremely simple and rapid to fabricate. They are light, flexible, portable, disposable, and do not generate potentially negative environmental impact during processing and device fabrication. One can envision many other types of pencil drawn paper electronic devices that can take on a great variety of form factors. Hand drawn devices could be useful in resource-limited or emergency situations. They could also lead to new applications integrating art and electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Inconspicuous consumption.
- Author
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Reay, Dave S.
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,ECOLOGICAL impact ,COFFEE ,TISSUE paper ,LAUNDRY -- Environmental aspects ,SUSTAINABLE fashion - Abstract
The article explains the environmental impact of some of the products consumed and utilized by people in their everyday lives. It reveals the carbon footprint of producing and consuming coffee, tissue paper, plug-in fresheners and car gizmos. It also describes how laundry, fashion and food wastage negatively affect the environment.
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Artificial intelligence in tunnel construction: A comprehensive review of hotspots and frontier topics.
- Author
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Lianbaichao Liu, Zhanping Song, and Xu Li
- Subjects
TUNNEL design & construction ,ARTIFICIAL intelligence ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,DECISION making ,SOIL mechanics - Abstract
Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tunnel construction has the potential to transform the industry by improving efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review and analysis of hotspots and frontier topics in artificial intelligence-related research in tunnel construction. A total of 554 articles published between 2011 and 2023 were collected from the Web of Science (WOS) core collection database and analyzed using CiteSpace software. The analysis identified three main study areas: Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) performance, construction optimization, and rock and soil mechanics. The review highlights the advancements made in each area, focusing on design and operation, performance prediction models, and fault detection in TBM performance; computer vision and image processing, neural network algorithms, and optimization and decision-making in construction optimization; and geo-properties and behaviours, tunnel stability and excavation, and risk assessment and safety management in rock and soil mechanics. The paper concludes by discussing future research directions, emphasizing the integration of AI with other advanced technologies, realtime decision-making systems, and the management of environmental impacts in tunnel construction. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the current state of AI research in tunnel engineering and serves as a reference for future studies in this rapidly evolving field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Implications of choices and interpretation in LCA for multi-criteria process design: de-inked pulp capacity and cogeneration at a paper mill case study
- Author
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Gaudreault, Caroline, Samson, Réjean, and Stuart, Paul
- Subjects
- *
LIFE cycle costing , *CHEMICAL processes , *RETROFITTING , *MULTIPLE criteria decision making , *PULPING , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *PAPER mills , *INDUSTRIAL design , *CASE studies - Abstract
Abstract: Retrofit process design can be seen as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem aiming at selecting the best alternative for improving the performance of a chemical process. There is a growing consensus that environmental considerations, including the environmental impact associated with all life cycle stages of materials, should be integrated in chemical process design. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a technique that allows quantification of those impacts. However, implementing this technique would increase the decision-making complexity and thus would necessitate systematic tools and methods. The analogy between LCA and MCDM has been recognized, but the systematic evaluation of LCA methodological choices and interpretation in this context is rarely discussed. The importance of those is demonstrated in this paper using a case study involving the implementation of de-inked pulp capacity and cogeneration and an integrated newsprint mill. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc.; Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment
- Subjects
Monadnock Paper Mills Inc. ,Paper industry ,Paper mills ,Environmental impact analysis ,Government - Abstract
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samantha Davidson at (202) 502-6839 or [...]
- Published
- 2013
26. Life cycle assessment applied to egg packaging made from polystyrene and recycled paper
- Author
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Zabaniotou, A. and Kassidi, E.
- Subjects
- *
POLYSTYRENE , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis - Abstract
In the present study, the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) for the comparison of two egg packages, from polystyrene and recycled paper, is presented. The input and output streams of mass and energy are examined and the environmental impacts associated with the two systems are analyzed. The application of LCA by using EcoIndicator 95 has made possible the comparison of the environmental impacts of two egg packages. The results of this LCA study are discussed and reveal that the PS packages contribute more to acidification potential, winter and summer smog, while recycled paper egg packages contribute more to heavy metal and carcinogenic substances impact. Nevertheless, it seems that paper eggcups have less environmental impact than the polystyrene ones with the assumption that the accuracy of the results is confined by the credibility of European databases used for primary data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Application of life cycle assessment to the Portuguese pulp and paper industry
- Author
-
Lopes, E., Dias, A., Arroja, L., Capela, I., and Pereira, F.
- Subjects
- *
PRINTING , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis - Abstract
In this paper, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is applied to Portuguese printing and writing paper in order to compare the environmental impact of the use of two kinds of fuels (heavy fuel oil and natural gas) in the pulp and paper production processes. The results of inventory analysis and impact assessment show that the pulp and paper production processes play an important role in almost all of the analysed parameters, which do not always result in an important contribution to the corresponding impact categories. The substitution of heavy fuel oil by natural gas in the pulp and paper production processes seems to be environmentally positive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Impacts of paper sludge and manure on soil and biomass production of willow
- Author
-
Quaye, Amos K., Volk, Timothy A., Hafner, Sasha, Leopold, Donald J., and Schirmer, Charles
- Subjects
- *
BIOMASS production , *WILLOWS , *ORGANIC wastes , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *PLANT products , *INDUSTRIAL wastes , *SOILS , *FERTILIZERS - Abstract
Abstract: Land application of organic wastes to short rotation woody crops (SRWC) can reduce the environmental impacts associated with waste disposal and enhance the productivity of biomass production systems. Understanding the potential impacts of organic amendments however, requires the examination of changes in soil characteristics and plant productivity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of paper sludge and dairy manure on biomass production of shrub willow (Salix dasyclados SV1) and to determine the impacts of these amendments on soil chemical properties. Treatments included urea, dairy manure and paper sludge separately and in combination, and a control. These materials were applied in the summer of 2005 to two fields of SV1 at different stages of growth: An old field with one year old shoots on a 10 year old root system and a young field which was beginning regrowth after being coppiced at the end of its first growing season. Foliar nutrient concentrations and soil chemical properties were analyzed at the end of the second growing season after treatment application to determine plant response to the fertilization regimes and to determine the effects of fertilization on soil characteristics. Fertilization did not increase biomass production in either field. However, application of the N-poor paper sludge did not reduce yield either. In general, fertilization did not influence soil or foliar chemistry, although there were some exceptions. The lack of response observed in this study is probably related to the nutrient status of the site or losses of applied nutrients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Modeling and computation of effective emissions: a position paper.
- Author
-
Paoli, R., Cariolle, D., and Sausen, R.
- Subjects
EMISSIONS (Air pollution) ,PLUMES (Fluid dynamics) ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,DIESEL motor exhaust gas ,CHEMICAL processes -- Environmental aspects - Abstract
The article presents a position paper which analyzes the parameterization of chemical transformations of emissions at regional and global scales. The analysis is based on a two-step procedure which have different parameterizations. A review of the techniques proposed to account for local conversion of emissions in the plume and the implementation of the techniques into atmospheric codes is provided.
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. The greening of poverty reduction strategy papers: a process approach to sustainability assessment.
- Author
-
Hugé, Jean and Hens, Luc
- Subjects
- *
DECISION making , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *MANAGEMENT science , *SOCIAL learning , *SOCIAL problems , *GREEN movement , *SOCIAL impact assessment - Abstract
Despite their alleged comprehensiveness and the many linkages between poverty and environment, most poverty reduction strategy papers have until now insufficiently acknowledged the importance of environmental sustainability. To tackle this shortcoming, participative processes were initiated to 'green' PRSPs (meaning the integration of environmental sustainability as a cross-cutting issue). This supposes a process approach to decision-making and implies opening up the policy process to a wide range of societal actors. This approach is conceptualised as a sustainability assessment. A descriptive analysis of the Benin PRSP-greening initiative is presented, based on interviews and on literature research. Subsequently, issues of importance in appreciating the wider impact of PRSP-greening are suggested. Besides the quality improvements of the PRSP, greening contributes to a gradual change in the way decision-making is perceived and contributes to social learning. Furthermore, it is a promising approach that contributes to the institutionalisation of environmental sustainability in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Resilience thinking improves SEA: a discussion paper.
- Author
-
Slootweg, Roel, Jones, Mike, Bond, Alan, Brownlie, Susie, Fessey, Mark, Hanusch, Marie, Hoole, Art, Marotta, Leonardo, Partidário, Maria, Pröbstl, Ulrike, and Therivel, Riki
- Subjects
- *
ECOLOGICAL resilience , *ENVIRONMENTAL management , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis - Abstract
Strategic environmental assessment is often referred to as a tool for predicting the consequences of planned development. The assumption of predictability of outcomes is inconsistent with reality which is characterised by uncertainty and complexity. Furthermore, the capacity of our life support systems to absorb disturbance and re-organise without changing into undesirable states appears to be of critical importance. Resilience thinking provides a structured way of looking at complexity, uncertainty and interrelatedness of systems and processes, and above all, provides us with new ways of dealing with planning and more effective use of SEA. Resilience thinking provides inspiration for those who want to extend their thinking about sustainability, but it also challenges some ideas underpinning the impact assessment profession (the future is unpredictable; change is inevitable; increasing stability leads to vulnerability). This paper is the result of a lively and well-visited workshop on resilience thinking and SEA at the 2010 IAIA conference in Geneva. It introduces the basic concepts of resilience thinking, and develops ideas for its integration within SEA practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Impact mitigation in environmental impact assessment: paper promises or the basis of consent conditions.
- Author
-
Tinker, Lauren, Cobb, Dick, Bond, Alan, and Cashmore, Mat
- Subjects
- *
ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *ENVIRONMENTAL protection , *ENVIRONMENTAL management , *ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy - Abstract
This study analysed 40 planning applications in the East of England to investigate the practice of translating paper recommendations in the environmental statement (ES) into legal conditions and obligations. A high proportion (50%) of suggested mitigation measures were not translated into planning conditions or obligations. However, a significant number of additional conditions or obligations, not directly based on the ES, were imposed on developers. The research suggests a mismatch between the practice of those producing ESs and the expectations of planning authorities, leading to inefficiency and, possibly, emasculation of environmental impact assessment through a failure to implement mitigation. Several recommendations are made to increase the effectiveness of the implementation and integration of mitigation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Environmental Assessment of Hydrothermal Treatment of Wet Bio-Residues from Forest-Based and Agro-Industries into Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers.
- Author
-
Ugolini, Marco, Recchia, Lucia, Wray, Heather E., Dijkstra, Jan Wilco, and Nanou, Pavlina
- Subjects
PRODUCT life cycle assessment ,ORANGE peel ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,HYDROTHERMAL carbonization ,MANUFACTURING processes ,SEWAGE sludge digestion - Abstract
Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of low quality, wet biogenic residues into intermediate bioenergy carriers can potentially contribute to a more flexible and stable renewable energy system and reduce environmental impacts compared to current residue disposal practices. This study quantifies the environmental impacts via life cycle assessment (LCA) of a novel hydrothermal process for the treatment on an industrial scale of application of three wet biogenic residues (paper bio-sludge, olive pomace, and orange peel) into bioenergy carriers, i.e., solid pellets and biogas. A comprehensive attributional cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted; the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) utilised the ReCiPe impact assessment method. A selection of 10 significant impact categories was prioritised. Reliability of this categorization was also ensured through a sensitivity analysis carried out using Monte Carlo simulation. Climate change, particulate matter formation and terrestrial acidification impact categories showed the highest reliability, while for freshwater ecotoxicity and freshwater eutrophication impact categories in the study suggest the need for more robust data and further investigation. The climate change impact category presents the following values, as kg CO
2eq /tresidue : pulp and paper bio-sludge (PPB), 17.9; olive pomace (OP), −1290; orange peel (ORP), −1301. The LCA study compared electricity yields of the hydrothermal treatment process with conventional treatment processes for each of the target residue streams. The environmental performance of the proposed hydrothermal treatment benefits significantly from the combination of intermediate bioenergy carriers (pellets) from the solid fraction with biogas production from the liquid fraction. Avoided emissions due to the heat recovery provide further environmental benefits. The LCIA results show that the carbon footprint of the F-CUBED production system, as kgCO2eq /kWhe , accounts for –4.56, −0.63, and −0.25 for paper bio-sludge, olive pomace and orange peel, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. DLUHC proposals aim to speed up environmental assessments: Experts broadly welcome consultation paper but doubt that councils have resources to make proposals work.
- Author
-
Branson, Adam
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,ENVIRONMENTAL reporting ,GOVERNMENT policy - Abstract
Since the UK voted to leave the EU, environmentalists have worried that the government will use its new-found freedoms to lower environmental standards. Philip Allin, director at Boyer, where he leads on the planning consultancy's environmental assessment work, says that the desire to streamline the process is laudable, but points out that the same ambition didn't quite work out when the government brought in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2023
35. Recent Developments in Research on Food Waste and the Circular Economy.
- Author
-
Ng, Sai-Leung and Wong, Fung-Mei
- Subjects
FOOD waste ,CIRCULAR economy ,SUSTAINABILITY ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,PUBLICATIONS - Abstract
Food waste is a global challenge, with profound implications for food security, resource utilization, and sustainability. A circular economy represents a promising solution in addressing food waste effectively by keeping food materials and products in use and circulating them within the economy. To provide an overview of the research on food waste and the circular economy model in the past decade, this study examines 1022 documents on food waste and circular the economy to ascertain the state, themes, and knowledge structure of the field. The results showed that the number of publications has increased greatly in the past decade. "Circular economy of food", "bioenergy", "waste valorization", "waste management", "resource recovery", and "environmental assessment" were the major research themes. Earlier studies focused on resource recovery from organic waste and the bioeconomy of bio-products; recent research interests shifted to sustainability and the valorization of agri-food waste. On the other hand, some highly cited documents and productive authors were important in the development of research on food waste and the circular economy. Furthermore, three groups of journals—"food and environmental sciences", "open access", and "environmental sustainability and resource management"—and five clusters of international collaboration—"European Union Group", "advanced economy group", "agricultural economies", "global influencers", and "isolated countries"—were identified. This study provides readers with an overview of the research field of food waste and the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Vehicle Platooning: A Detailed Literature Review on Environmental Impacts and Future Research Directions.
- Author
-
Rebelo, Micael, Rafael, Sandra, and Bandeira, Jorge M.
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,MICROSIMULATION modeling (Statistics) ,AIR quality monitoring ,ENERGY consumption ,FUTURES studies ,DRAG coefficient - Abstract
This paper provides a detailed literature review of the environmental implications of vehicle platooning, a topic gaining significant attention in transportation. While previous reviews have focused on the safety, planning, fuel economy, and microsimulation aspects of platooning, this paper delves into environmental aspects. It identifies a lack of research adopting a holistic approach to transport and environmental benefits and emphasizes the need for further research to enhance vehicle efficiency and improve air quality and health conditions. This study traces the historical evolution of platooning, highlighting the shift in research focus over the decades. It advocates for more research on platooning's environmental aspects, particularly pollutant emissions and air quality. The primary contributions of this work are threefold and include the following: firstly, it delineates simulation methodologies for platooning and the associated pollutant emissions; secondly, it offers a critical assessment of the existing literature on vehicle emissions, fuel consumption, and energy savings; and thirdly, it illuminates the prospective research challenges within the specialized domain of vehicle platooning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. ASSESSMENT OF RADIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT UNDER VARIOUS METEOROLOGICAL CONDITION.
- Author
-
Feifei WU, Binchi MENG, Bing LIAN, Yan WANG, and Jing KANG
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,WIND speed ,POLLUTION - Abstract
The meteorological parameters, e.g., wind direction, wind speed and atmospheric stability, affect greatly the diffusion of pollution and radiological environmental impact assessment. Based on the hourly meteorological data obtained from an automatic monitoring station, the radiological impact indicated by the air concentration, individual dose and maximal individual effective dose were analyzed and compared between 2020 and 2021. The paper concluded that children are the main group to be the most easily infected, and the critical exposure path is internal exposure from inhalation. This paper offers a new window for timely decision-making for radiological safety under different climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Comparative life cycle assessment of deinking sludge utilization alternatives.
- Author
-
Deviatkin, Ivan, Kapustina, Viktoriia, Vasilieva, Elena, Isyanov, Lev, and Horttanainen, Mika
- Subjects
- *
SLUDGE management , *DEINKING (Waste paper) , *COMPARATIVE studies , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *CEMENT industries , *GREENHOUSE gas mitigation - Abstract
The aim of this research was to quantify and compare the environmental impact of a number of different deinking sludge utilization approaches. A comparative life cycle assessment of deinking sludge material and energy recovery was performed for the baseline scenario—landfill disposal, and four alternative scenarios: two cement plants, a lightweight aggregate plant, and a stone wool plant. Sludge pretreatment and transportation processes were included in the scenario analyses. The results of the life cycle assessment showed that the use of dry deinking sludge in a cement plant in Finland, 45 km from the point of supply of the deinking sludge, to substitute 46% of the petcoke and 2.7% of the limestone showed the best performance. Therein, a global warming potential reduction of 13% and an eutrophication potential reduction of 12% – the highest reduction out of all impact categories studied – were achieved. A similar reduction in global warming potential of 12% was achieved when deinking sludge was incinerated and the ash utilized in cement production in a Russian plant located 350 km from the paper mill. However, abiotic depletion potential and acidification potential slightly increased by 2.6 and 1.5%, respectively. A maximum reduction of 2.1% out of al impact categories was achieved when dry sludge was used in a lightweight aggregate plant. That is considerably less compared to the reduction achieved at the cement plants. The use of deinking sludge ash in a stone wool plant to substitute 25% of cement resulted in a maximum reduction of 25% in the ozone layer depletion potential. Thus, the utilization of deinking sludge in construction materials production while preventing its landfilling has beneficial effects on the environment, in particular decreased greenhouse gas emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. White paper report from working groups attending the international conference on research and educational opportunities in bio-fuel crop production
- Author
-
Morgan, K.T., Gilbert, R.A., Helsel, Z.A., Buacum, L., Leon, R., and Perret, J.
- Subjects
- *
BIOMASS energy , *EDUCATIONAL programs , *SUGARCANE , *JATROPHA , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *OIL palm , *LAND use , *CARBON , *SEQUESTRATION (Chemistry) , *WATER quality - Abstract
Abstract: A conference on current research and educational programs in production of crops for bio-fuel was sponsored and organized by the EARTH University and the University of Florida in November, 2008. The meeting addressed current research on crops for bio-fuel production with discussions of research alternatives for future crop production systems, land use issues, ethics of food vs. fuel production, and carbon sequestration in environmentally sensitive tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Americas. The need and potential for development of graduate and undergraduate curricula and inter-institutional cooperation among educational institutions in the region were also discussed. Delegations from Belize, Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Honduras, Panama, The Dominican Republic, and the United States including ministers of Agriculture and Energy attended this meeting. Over a two-day period, four working groups provided a framework to facilitate networking, motivate task oriented creative thinking, and maintain a timely accomplishment of assigned duties in the context of the conference themes. Participants in the conference were assigned to one of four working groups, each following given topics: Agronomy, Environment, Socio-Economics and Education/Extension. It was the consensus of representatives of industry, academic and regulatory community assembled in Costa Rica that significant research, education and socio-economic information is needed to make production of bio-fuel crops sustainable. Agronomic research should include better crop selection based on local conditions, improved production techniques, pest and disease management, and mechanical cultivation and harvesting. Another conclusion was that tailoring of production systems to local soil characteristics and use of bio-fuel by-products to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduction of environmental impact on water quantity and quality is critical to sustainability of bio-fuel crop production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Cage enrichment with paper tissue, but not plastic tunnels, increases variability in mouse model of asthma.
- Author
-
Pasalic, I., Bosnjak, B., Tkalcevic, V. Ivetic, Jaran, D. Seveljevic, Javorscak, Z., Markovic, D., and Hrvacic, B.
- Subjects
- *
ASTHMA , *ENVIRONMENTAL enrichment , *ANIMAL welfare , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *ALUMINUM sulfate , *PNEUMONIA , *EOSINOPHILS , *INTERLEUKIN-13 , *LABORATORY mice - Abstract
Environmental enrichment, besides having a great impact on animal welfare, can also be a potential variable in experimental research. Thus, we investigated whether enrichment of cages with paper tissues or plastic tunnels affects scientific outcome in the well-described mouse model of allergic asthma. BALB/cJ mice were introduced to paper tissues as nesting material, transparent plastic tunnels serving as shelters or kept in non-enriched cages. Afterwards, mice were sensitized to chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA) precipitated in aluminium sulphate and then intranasally challenged with OVA to induce allergic lung inflammation. Mice housed in cages enriched with paper tissues, but not with plastic tunnels, had increased total cell number, eosinophil number and IL-13 concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in comparison with the non-enriched control group. These results indicate that the effect of environmental enrichment on mice asthma models depends on the type of enrichment used. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential effects of any environmental enrichment on animal welfare and more importantly, on research results in order to standardize and obtain more accurate data from rodent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Billerud Optimizes Its Bleaching Process Using Online Optimization.
- Author
-
Flisberg, Patrik, Rönnqvist, Mikael, and Nilsson, Stefan
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,INTELLIGENT agents ,MANUFACTURING process automation ,COMPUTER integrated manufacturing systems ,PAPER mills ,PAPER industry ,MANAGEMENT ,COMPUTER network resources - Abstract
Billerud, a Swedish company with four integrated pulp and paper mills, serves specific packaging-market segments. In 2000, the process-engineering department at Billerud's mill in Skärblacka sought to improve the mills' bleaching process. It contacted Linköping University, which collaborated with Eurocon Automation AB to develop a decision-support system, OptCab. Eurocon Automation AB now offers OptCab as a general tool in the market. Its core is an online optimization system that dynamically updates a process description and optimizes the bleaching control process. The system, which has been fully operational since 2004, has provided numerous benefits to Billerud. Chemical use has decreased by approximately 10 percent, saving approximately two million euros since its installation; the environmental impact has also been reduced; and the brightness quality of paper that the mill produces is more uniform and stable. Moreover, OptCab requires less operator time, freeing the operators for development and analysis work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Implementing concepts from green logistics in the turkey production supply chain.
- Author
-
Wilson, Griffin, Horsey, Bazyl, and Stone, Richard
- Subjects
TURKEYS as food ,SUSTAINABILITY ,SUPPLY chain management ,VALUE chains ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis - Abstract
Introduction: The global turkey market represents a sector of increasing growth in the previous decade, and projections for the next decade reflect the probable continuation of this growth. Industry trends also indicate the globalization of turkey meat production, as the loci of production has continually shifted from one dominated by the United States to one with an increasing number of production units globally. In contrast with other popular meat products, comparatively fewer resources have been devoted to academic research concerning the growth, production, distribution, and sale of turkey and turkey products. This lack of research is particularly notable in the area of supply chain management and environmental sustainability. Given the increasing volume of turkey production and lower volume of academic interest, it stands to reason that there remain many opportunities for improvement across the value chain in this industry. Methods: In this paper, we take a "green logistics" approach and use data provided by one of the largest turkey producers in the United States to formulate a mixed-integer program aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of turkey products in a segment of the product supply chain. Results: Implementation of the resulting brooder-finisher farm assignments developed by the model would yield an average 50% decrease (184 metric ton) in greenhouse gas emissions at the operation under investigation while also addressing other areas of significant vulnerability for the industry (production costs, biosecurity risk, and animal wellbeing). Discussion: As consolidated turkey meat production systems continue to expand globally, we argue that a similar approach could readily be deployed by these growing and emerging production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Using biomass residues from oil palm industry as a raw material for pulp and paper industry: potential benefits and threat to the environment.
- Author
-
Singh, Pooja, Sulaiman, Othman, Hashim, Rokiah, Peng, Leh, and Singh, Rajeev
- Subjects
BIOMASS energy & the environment ,PALM oil industry & the environment ,LIGNOCELLULOSE ,AGRICULTURAL wastes ,OIL mills ,HAZARD mitigation ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,ENVIRONMENTAL risk assessment - Abstract
Oil palm industries produce an enormous quantity of lignocellulosic biomass; in the form of large leaves of palm tree, pruned fronds (OPF) and oil palm trunks (OPT) at the plantations site. Besides this, the processing of fresh fruit bunches in the oil mills generates empty fruit bunches (EFB), shells, kernel cake and mesocarp fibers. The proper management of this burgeoning waste and its disposal is an ardent task and creates environmental hazards. In order to deal with the biomass residues, the urgent need is that it should be transformed into resources with industrial utility. As the economic development has resulted in the significant increased demand for paper, the industry is looking for eccentric sources to fulfill the requirement. The pulp and paper industry preferred use of coniferous and deciduous trees for papermaking because their cellulose fibers in the pulp make durable paper. With improvements in pulp processing technology, fibers of almost any non-wood of plants species like bamboo, cereal straw, sugarcane, flax, hemp and jute can be used for paper pulp. Substituting this lignocellulosic material can reduce the burden on forest while supporting the natural biodiversity. The present review deals with the possibilities of using oil palm biomass as a raw material for pulp and papermaking, as this would ameliorate its waste management problem. The potential of oil palm biomass and the challenges regarding its use in papermaking are discussed. The use of oil palm biomass will apparently prove that the oil palm industry is ecofriendly in every aspect of its activities and aid in sustainability of forest ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Life cycle assessment of offset printed matter with EDIP97: how important are emissions of chemicals?
- Author
-
Larsen, Henrik Fred, Hansen, Morten Søes, and Hauschild, Michael
- Subjects
- *
PAPER chemicals , *OFFSET printing , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *ENERGY consumption , *GLOBAL warming , *PRINTING industry - Abstract
Abstract: Existing product life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on offset printed matter all point at paper as the overall dominating cause of environmental impacts. All studies focus on energy consumption and the dominating role of paper is primarily based on the energy-related impact categories: global warming, acidification and nutrient enrichment. Ecotoxicity and human toxicity, which are related to emissions of chemicals, etc., are only included to a limited degree or not at all. In this paper we include the impacts from chemicals emitted during the life cycle of sheet fed offset printed matter. This is done by making use of some of the newest knowledge about emissions from the production at the printing industry combined with knowledge about the composition of the printing materials used. In cases with available data also upstream emissions from the production of printing materials are included. The results show that inclusion of the chemical emission-related impacts makes the EDIP97 impact profile of sheet fed offset products much more varied, as well for the normalised profiles as for the profiles weighted by distance to political environmental targets. Especially the ecotoxicity impact potential related to the production stage may contribute significantly, and the use of paper no longer becomes the overall dominating factor driving the environmental impacts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Environmental assessment of different advanced oxidation processes applied to a bleaching Kraft mill effluent
- Author
-
Muñoz, Iván, Rieradevall, Joan, Torrades, Francesc, Peral, José, and Domènech, Xavier
- Subjects
- *
PAPER mills , *OZONIZATION , *WOOD pulp industry , *PHOTOCATALYSIS , *CATALYSIS , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis - Abstract
Abstract: Different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been applied to remove the organic carbon content of a paper mill effluent originating from the Kraft pulp bleaching process. The considered AOPs were: TiO2-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis, TiO2-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis assisted with H2O2, TiO2-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis coupled with Fenton, photo-Fenton, ozonation and ozonation with UV-A light irradiation. The application of the selected AOPs all resulted in a considerable decrease in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content with variable treatment efficiencies depending upon the nature/type of the applied AOP. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study was used as a tool to compare the different AOPs in terms of their environmental impact. Heterogeneous photocatalysis coupled with the Fenton’s reagent proved to have the lowest environmental impact accompanied with a moderate-to-high DOC removal rate. On the other hand, heterogeneous photocatalysis appeared to be the worst AOP both in terms of DOC abatement rate and environmental impact. For the studied AOPs, LCA has indicated that the environmental impact was attributable to the high electrical energy (power) consumption necessary to run a UV-A lamp or to produce ozone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. THE PAPER TRIAL.
- Author
-
Barone, Jennifer, Fields, Amber, Rowan, Karen, and Ruvinsky, Jessica
- Subjects
- *
ECOLOGICAL impact , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *PERIODICALS , *PERIODICAL publishing , *PAPERMAKING & the environment - Abstract
This article discusses the carbon footprint, or total carbon dioxide output, in the production of a single issue of "Discover Magazine." It includes measurements for the research and writing of the magazine, its printing and distribution, and the papermaking process that precedes printing. The carbon footprints of two "Discover" magazine employees are also discussed.
- Published
- 2008
47. Digital Ecosystem to Enable Circular Buildings -- the Circular Twin Framework Proposal.
- Author
-
Schützenhofer, S., Pibal, S., Wieser, A., Bosco, M., Fellner, M., Petrinas, V., and Kovacic, I.
- Subjects
DIGITAL technology ,CIRCULAR economy ,DIGITAL twins ,BUILDING information modeling ,BUILT environment ,ECOSYSTEMS ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis - Abstract
Implementing circular economy principles in the built environment significantly reduces raw material extraction and generated waste. A transition is essential, especially as it accounts for 40-60% of global raw material extraction and 33% of total waste in the European Union. This paper shows the methodological approach to generating a digital Building model to enable circular economy in the early design stage by coupling Generative Design methods, enabling automated variant generation of Digital building models, Building Information Modelling objects, and assessment algorithms to evaluate the environmental impact and circularity. By visualising the assessments of the generated variants of (so-called) Circular Twins in a Virtual Reality environment, including user interaction with a voice-controlled Virtual Agent, the digital Circular Twin ecosystem enables the early implementation of the goals of the circular economy and sustainability in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Air pollution modeling to support strategic environmental assessment: case study—National Emission Reduction Plan for coal-fired thermal power plants in Serbia.
- Author
-
Josimović, Boško, Todorović, Dušan, Jovović, Aleksandar, and Manić, Božidar
- Subjects
AIR pollution ,GREENHOUSE gas mitigation ,COAL-fired power plants ,RENEWABLE energy transition (Government policy) ,THERMAL coal ,POWER plants ,AIR quality ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,DECISION making - Abstract
The paper presents a specific method of environmental impact assessment applied in Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the National Emission Reduction Plan (NERP) in the Republic of Serbia, based on air quality. The specificity of the approach is in the application of a semiquantitative method of multicriteria evaluation based on air dispersion modeling and the integration of SEA goals, indicators and criteria for assessing the impact of the NERP on the quality of air and other environmental elements in this method. When predicting changes in air quality for the planning horizon to 2028, the physical, geographical and climatic characteristics of the area were taken into account, as well as technical measures to reduce SO
2 emissions, since this was the dominant pollutant from the Serbian coal-fired power plants studied by the NERP. Air pollution modeling was carried out using the AERMOD software package based on the data collected, and the quantitative results obtained were used in a multicriteria evaluation as part of the SEA. The results of the research indicated the importance of applying this approach in order to significantly increase objectivity in the SEA process, since it is an important element of decision making at the strategic level. In addition, a comparative presentation of the modeling results before and after application of the NERP was an important part of the SEA process, and it provided a clear insight into expected changes in the air quality. This is a key argument for making appropriate policy decisions on spatial, energy, environmental and socio-economic development in the Republic of Serbia, which, like other developing countries, is sluggishly following global trends in energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. A Formulation Model to Compute the Life Cycle Environmental Impact of NiZn Batteries from Cradle to Grave.
- Author
-
Malviya, Ashwani Kumar, Zarehparast Malekzadeh, Mehdi, Li, Jinping, Li, Boyang, Santarremigia, Francisco Enrique, Molero, Gemma Dolores, Villalba Sanchis, Ignacio, and Yepes, Víctor
- Subjects
LEAD-acid batteries ,LIFE cycles (Biology) ,LIFE cycle costing ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,LITERATURE reviews ,ALTERNATIVE fuels - Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the environmental impacts (EI) produced by novel nickel-zinc battery (RNZB) technology, which is a promising alternative for energy storage applications. The paper develops mathematical models for estimating the life cycle environmental impacts of RNZB from cradle to grave, based on an extensive literature review and the ISO standards for life cycle costing and life cycle analysis. The paper uses the ReCiPe 2016 method of life cycle analysis (LCA) to calculate the EI of RNZB in terms of eighteen Midpoint impact categories and three Endpoint impact categories: damage to human health, damage to ecosystem diversity, and damage to resource availability. The paper also compares the EI of RNZB with those of other battery technologies, such as lead-acid and lithium-ion LFP and NMC. The paper applies the models and compares results with those provided by the software openLCA (version 1.11.0), showing its reliability and concluding that NiZn batteries contribute approximately 14 MJ for CED and 0.82 kg CO
2 eq. for global warming per kWh of released energy, placing them between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. This study suggests that NiZn battery technology could benefit from using more renewable energy in end-use applications and adopting green recovery technology to reduce environmental impact. Further developments can use these models as objective functions for heuristic optimisation of the EI in the life cycle of RNZB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Transforming waste management methods: a Dutch Airport's journey toward a circular economy through baseline measurements and strategic priority setting.
- Author
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van der Tuin-Rademaker, Anne, Tschavgova, Elisabeth, van Maaren, Christian, Solis, Sara, Campisano, Saro, and van Dam, Sonja
- Subjects
AEROSPACE industries ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,WASTE management ,CIRCULAR economy ,ENVIRONMENTAL management - Abstract
Airports, the essential hubs of global travel, have to cater for the increasing demands for air travel, with growing passenger numbers and the associated growth in resource consumption. While the aviation sector prioritizes reducing environmental impact in the air, substantial waste is generated at airports. This necessitates a critical examination of waste management practices, especially since a Circular Economy (CE) approach is gaining momentum within the aviation sector. This article introduces the Baseline Circular Airports Method (BCAM), a methodology developed and rigorously tested at Schiphol Amsterdam airport. BCAM systematically analyzes resource streams, considering composition and relevant stakeholders, treatment processes, and environmental impact. By doing so, it establishes strategic prioritization of resource streams for airports to perform focused and effective interventions. BCAM analysis reveals that the highest impact of operational resource streams are Residual, Plastic, Swill, Paper, and International Catering Waste (CAT1), and that corresponding waste management efficiencies can be determined. These outcomes serve as a baseline for ongoing monitoring, offering airports a starting point for strategic planning and assessing progress towards sustainable waste management and CE transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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