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Approximately 99% of plastics produced worldwide were produced by the petrochemical industry in 2019 and it is predicted that plastic consumption may double between 2023 and 2050. The use of biodegradable bioplastics represents an alternative solution to petroleum-based plastics. However, the production cost of biopolymers hinders their real-world use. The use of waste biomass as a primary carbon source for biopolymers may enable a cost-effective production of bioplastics whilst providing a solution to waste management towards a carbon–neutral and circular plastics economy. Here, we report for the first time the production of poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with a controlled molar ratio of 2:1 3-hydroxybutyrate:3-hydroxvalerate (3HB:3HV) through an integrated pre-treatment and fermentation process followed by alkaline digestion of cassava peel waste, a renewable low-cost substrate, through Cupriavidus necator biotransformation. PHBV was subsequently melt blended with a biodegradable polymer, polycaprolactone (PCL), whereby the 30:70 (mol%) PHBV:PCL blend exhibited an excellent balance of mechanical properties and higher degradation temperatures than PHBV alone, thus providing enhanced stability and controllable properties. This work represents a potential environmental solution to waste management that can benefit cassava processing industries (or other crop processing industries) whilst developing new bioplastic materials that can be applied, for example, to packaging and biomedical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Waste management and production of value-added chemicals were carried out by pyrolysis of chromium leather waste using CaO obtained from marble waste. The CaO was characterized by XRD, SEM, TGA, and BET techniques, and the analysis of pyrolysis experiment products in the presence/absence of CaO were characterized/detected by FT-IR, elemental, GC–MS, and micro-GC–MS, and calorific value analysis. The effects of pyrolysis temperature, N2 flow rate, heating rate, retention time and CaO amount on the yield of the obtained liquid product (bio-oil) were investigated. In addition, the effect of the catalyst on the gas product composition was also determined. The highest liquid product yield were obtained without CaO 35.5% and with CaO 49% in the pyrolysis temperature 500 ºC, nitrogen gas flow rate 0.50 L·min−1, heating rate 50° L·min−1, and retention time 20 min. Moreover, the deoxygenation during pyrolysis increased the C/O ratio in the liquid product composition and, consequently, the calorific value (up to 13%). In addition, while the amount of CO2 among the gaseous products formed during pyrolysis decreased from 38 to 1% due to capture by the CaO, the increase in the amounts of H2 and acetylene was approximately two-fold and 30-fold, respectively. So, the pyrolysis of leather/marble waste is a viable process that can enhance the quality of pyrolysis products, and prevent possible environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores a novel approach to produce silica-cellulose aerogel from geothermal solid waste and newspaper trash for enhanced sound insulation applications. The silica-cellulose aerogel composite was synthesized by using cellulose as the matrix and impregnating it with silica particles through a sol–gel process involving sodium silicate and hydrochloric acid (HCl), followed by solidification using freeze drying. Through central composite experimental design (CCD) with 13 runs, the study optimized the formulation, examining the effects of HCl, silica, and cellulose content on the resulting cellulose aerogel and silica-cellulose aerogel. The developed empirical model signifies that it can be seen that the single component factors and their linear interaction significantly influence the sound absorption coefficient (SAC) positively, while higher-order interaction terms of quadratic and cubic interactions contribute negatively on SAC values. Response surface plots revealed that optimized HCl, silica, and cellulose content significantly influenced SAC. The embedded silica in the aerogel improved physical, chemical, mechanical, and thermal stability, enhancing its functionality for the acoustic insulation material. The optimized formulation was found by applying 34.35%w cellulose, 2 M HCl, and 5.26% silica, achieved the highest SAC of 0.9837 with a desirability score of one. Validation experiment confirmed a SAC of 0.9785, suggesting the model accurately predicts actual SAC values (error = 0.53%), affirming the potential of the silica-cellulose aerogel as an effective acoustic insulation material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectual prevention and control of microplastics (MPs) in an environment is of great significance and a challenging task. The extensive usage and improper disposal of plastic materials increased the quantity of MPs in the surroundings, which poses potential issues for both flora and fauna. A recent survey reported that MPs can easily accumulate in human and animal bodies, which causes several adverse health problems such as inflammation, chronic disease, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, etc. MPs can also disturb the growth, reproduction, and survival of aquatic organisms, leading to a disruption of the food chain and ecosystem. Moreover, it acts as a toxin carrier and transports them into the biological system, leading to the accumulation of toxic compounds in the food chain that cause biomagnification. Therefore, effective MPs management is crucial to prevent and control the release of MPs into the environment. Strategies such as the 3R principle, public awareness, employing suitable solid waste management, and developing biodegradable alternatives to plastics can partially alleviate the hostile effect of MPs on the environment. However, this kind of strategy has not met the present-day demand to reduce waste MPs completely. In the future, available techniques like membrane filters, ultrasound, electrocoagulation, magnetic separation etc. must be combined with advanced technology like machine learning and artificial intelligence (MLAI) for the best performance to remove MPs. This review provides a source for further improvement for the effective prevention and control of waste MPs generation in an environment for sustainability, which can likely be achieved using appropriate technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The reliance on fossil inputs of agricultural practices has led to maximizing yields and profitability, even at the expense of environmental sustainability. Implementing circular waste management solutions could help align the economic and environmental goals of farmers while reducing their reliance on fossil inputs. The co-application of anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis has been recognized as a potential solution to assist in the transition towards sustainable agriculture. Objectives: This research assesses different waste management strategies of the major sidestreams generated in agroecosystems in Finland from a climate impact and financial perspective, particularly focusing on the integration of anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis as an emerging solution. Methods: Six waste management options representing manure application, composting, incineration, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, and a co-application process of anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis, are simultaneously assessed with cash flow analysis and life cycle assessment. Results: The results indicate that co-applying anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis strengthens the performance of a farm through reduced impact on climate, diversified revenue streams, and increased security of supply, even though the direct, short-term financial benefits remain marginal. The capability of coapplication of anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis to reduce the climate impacts within the studied system supports the consensus that sustainable and selfsufficient agroecosystems could be supported by this solution in the future. Conclusion: The adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices requires further expansion of technologies and additional value creation mechanisms, such as stronger employment of carbon markets, to even the economic competition and favor low-carbon operations for practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent need for sustainable waste management strategies has led to the exploration of innovative approaches for the valorization of waste. In this study, a method is proposed for carbonizing waste biomass materials, particularly paper mill waste sludges (primary and biological) and knots, to produce porous carbonaceous supports. Through an initial hydrothermal carbonization followed by carbonization with nitrogen flow, porous carbon materials are successfully generated. The findings of this investigation validate the successful generation of effective carbonaceous supports utilizing waste biomass materials. These materials are then evaluated for their effectiveness as porous supports in the ionic liquid‐catalyzed cycloaddition reaction of CO2 to styrene oxide, achieving a remarkable conversion rate of up to 98% and an impressive selectivity exceeding 99%. Additionally, the results underscore the significant impact of the selected IL on the overall conversion process. Overall, this study presents a promising pathway for the valorization of paper mill waste sludge through the production of porous carbon materials with potential applications in catalysis and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfills are widely employed as the primary means of solid waste disposal. However, this practice generates landfill gas (LFG) which contains methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, as well as various volatile organic compounds and volatile inorganic compounds. These emissions from landfills contribute to approximately 25% of the total atmospheric CH4, indicating the imperative need to valorize or treat LFG prior to its release into the atmosphere. This review first aims to outline landfills, waste disposal and valorization, conventional gas treatment techniques commonly employed for LFG treatment, such as flares and thermal oxidation. Furthermore, it explores biotechnological approaches as more technically and economically feasible alternatives for mitigating LFG emissions, especially in the case of small and aged landfills where CH4 concentrations are often below 3% v/v. Finally, this review highlights biofilters as the most suitable biotechnological solution for LFG treatment and discusses several advantages and challenges associated with their implementation in the landfill environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution has become a global problem since the extensive use of plastic in industries such as packaging, electronics, manufacturing and construction, healthcare, transportation, and others. This has resulted in an environmental burden that is continually growing, which has inspired many scientists as well as environmentalists to come up with creative solutions to deal with this problem. Numerous studies have been reviewed to determine practical, affordable, and environmentally friendly solutions to regulate plastic waste by leveraging microbes' innate abilities to naturally decompose polymers. Enzymatic breakdown of plastics has been proposed to serve this goal since the discovery of enzymes from microbial sources that truly interact with plastic in its naturalistic environment and because it is a much faster and more effective method than others. The scope of diverse microbes and associated enzymes in polymer breakdown is highlighted in the current review. The use of co-cultures or microbial consortium-based techniques for the improved breakdown of plastic products and the generation of high-value end products that may be utilized as prototypes of bioenergy sources is highlighted. The review also offers a thorough overview of the developments in the microbiological and enzymatic biological degradation of plastics, as well as several elements that impact this process for the survival of our planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How is the circular economy policy utilised to transform mining facilities? This paper analyses projects undertaken under increasing pressure for economic and energy transformation (transitioning away from coal), using the example of the municipality of Brzeszcze in Poland. These projects highlight the planned key spatial initiatives deemed feasible for implementation in the area, emphasising mining facilities and waste management (including waste from outgoing industries) that can break or speed transformation. The article aims to analyse solutions considered viable for implementation in mining towns, which can contribute to a better understanding of transformations in other monofunctional industrial centres in Europe. Data were collected using the research by design method. It is concluded that stakeholders perceive the development of peripheral mining areas as an action that can significantly impact the conduct and perception of activities related to the circular economy while also promoting a gradual transition away from coal mining. The article highlights the role of initiatives enabling the combination of transformations with a slowdown in the pace of mining activity cessation, considering the need for waste management, energy transformation, and the financial and energy stability of urban centres that have long relied on coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazon region contains numerous areas dedicated to sustainable timber extraction. This operation has low yields and generates a large amount of waste. However, this waste can be repurposed for energy generation, providing income for locals and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources prevalent in the region. This study aimed to assess the impact of torrefaction on various wood residues for briquette production. Wood residues from Mimosa scabrella Benth (Bracatinga), Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.) Willd. (Cumaru), and Aspidosperma populifolium A.DC. (Peroba mica) were torrefied at temperatures ranging from 180 to 220 °C for sixty minutes under a nitrogen atmosphere. Briquettes were produced using laboratory equipment with loading pressures between 7 and 14 MPa. Torrefied particle properties were evaluated based on proximate composition and calorific value tests, while briquette quality was assessed for physical and mechanical properties. The results demonstrated the briquetting potential of different wood species before and after torrefaction, with optimal outcomes achieved by torrefaction at 220 °C due to its enhancement of energy density. Briquettes showed optimal characteristics at compression pressures of 14 MPa, resulting in increased density (between 1.10 and 1.24 g·cm−3) and compression strength (between 7.20 and 21.02 MPa). The ash values were low and met the requirements. The utilization of waste for briquette production offers a significant alternative for energy generation in economically disadvantaged communities, while also enabling the replacement of non-renewable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the growing population and advancing economy, medical waste accumulation has come to the attention of all facets of society. Although the issue of medical waste management planning has been addressed in developed nations, it still exists in several developing nations. This paper examines the effects of barriers under the Organization action, work handling, and Human Resource Practices section on the healthcare waste management (HCWM) sector in a developing country India. In this study, three hypotheses were constructed and tested using Structural equation modeling. The questionnaire was distributed among 200 health professionals to collect their responses. Ninety-seven responses were received, and 15 barriers were identified affecting the healthcare waste management sector. The results show that all three barriers (i.e., Organizational, Waste handling, and Human resources) hinder the Healthcare waste management sector. Organizational Barriers are the most significant among other barriers. So, the hospitals have to take appropriate actions to overcome these barriers. This paper helps to complete the research gap by providing the different characteristics of barriers. The development of a model for the analysis of barriers influencing HCWM is the Author's original contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry in Australia generates a significant amount of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, necessitating better waste management (WM) practices. This research addresses this issue by investigating CE strategies aimed at minimising C&D waste in Australian construction projects (CPs). Utilising a qualitative approach, the study is based on 20 interviews and four case studies of commercial CPs, analysed through NVivo content analysis. The findings emphasise the need to integrate CE strategies at every CP stage. In the pre-design phase, setting sustainable objectives and engaging stakeholders early is crucial for aligning goals to reduce C&D waste. The tendering process benefits from incorporating WM into contracts, demonstrating early commitment to sustainability. The design phase, through Building Information Modelling and designing for disassembly, offers substantial waste-reduction opportunities. Modular and prefabricated components during the construction phase enhance material reuse and recycling. Operational strategies like regular maintenance and retrofitting extend material lifespan, while selective demolition and digital cataloguing at the end-of-life phase enable efficient material recovery. This highlights the essential roles of policy, technology, and stakeholder collaboration in advancing CE practices, providing practical insights for construction professionals and policymakers to implement CE-related strategies in CPs. The research concludes that adopting CE strategies can lead to significant reductions in C&D waste and improved sustainability in the construction sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive growth or improper disposal of construction waste can lead to negative consequences such as environmental destruction and waste of resources. The policy practice of construction waste reduction and resource utilization is facing challenging issues. Construction enterprises (also constructors of construction waste) and building material manufacturers (also recyclers of construction waste) play significant roles in the system of construction waste recycling and resource utilization. However, they are often absent or out of position in most cases. Therefore, this study constructs an evolutionary game model and conducts numerical simulation analysis, aiming to clarify the interactive relationship between their interests and government policy implementation, promote the formation of a cooperative system for construction waste management, and facilitate the achievement of ultimate governance objectives. The research results show that: (1) Current collaboration in construction waste management has fallen into a dilemma of relying solely on government efforts, resulting in inefficient or ineffective policy implementation. (2) The government can change the current situation and achieve better policy outcomes by taking measures such as increasing the income of recycled construction waste products, increasing fines for violations, and lowering industry entry barriers. (3) Different optimization measures vary in the speed at which they promote the evolutionary game system to evolve into a stable and ideal strategic combination. In comparison, increasing the market price of recycled products and increasing their sales volume are more effective optimization strategies. The process and conclusions of this study provide valuable reference and inspiration for the government to formulate construction waste management policies and optimize their policy implementation plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composting of sewage sludge (SS) with structure-forming additives is a popular and inexpensive method for the management of biodegradable waste. During this process, a number of transformations of organic matter and nutrients occur. This study presents the rates and directions of quantitative changes in Cu, Zn, and Ni during the composting of various mixtures. The following substances were used for preparing compost mixtures: SS, sawdust, straw, and bark. These substances were mixed together in appropriate proportions as follows: C1: 45% SS + 50% sawdust + 5% straw; C2: 45% SS + 50% bark+ 5% straw; and C3: 45% SS + 35% bark + 15% sawdust + 5% straw. Single (DTPA solution) and sequential extraction methods (BCR protocol) were used for microelement mobility assessment. Compost valorization was performed in each individual composting phase. The chain relative increment analysis was used for such assessment. Additionally, the potential metal pollution in the composts was evaluated by applying the following indices: the pollutant accumulation index (PAI), heavy metal enrichment index (HMEI), and heavy metal pollution load index (HMPLI). During composting, generally, the amounts of Ni, Cu, and Zn increased in the various extracted combinations, which was independent of their susceptibility to decomposition. Despite of this, the tested composts should be considered as a source of slowly available microelements for plants. The most intense quantitative changes in metals occurred in the thermophilic phase, and the weakest changes occurred in the cooling phase. At the same time, the calculated indices indicated a lack of contamination of the composts with the analyzed metals, emphasizing their environmental safety and lack of negative impact. The bulking agents used for composting with SS did not significantly influence the intensity of the quantitative changes in the tested metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the environmental impact of using recycled polyethylene film for shrink-wrapping bottles. For this aim, film properties were tested and the harmfulness of the packaging process was simulated for film made from virgin and recycled material. For the recycled film, the results showed an increase of 14.7% in impact resistance, a change from −21.6 to +94.3% in tear resistance, and a decrease of up to 45.4% in tensile strength in dependence on the test direction. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the changes in the properties of the two types of film with temperature changes were evaluated. DSC analysis showed that recycled film has a 1.94 °C lower glass transition temperature and a 1.85 °C lower melting point in comparison to polyethylene film. This can reduce the temperature of the packaging process and lead to energy savings. A study conducted with SimaPro 9.3 software showed that a change in films made of virgin raw material to recycled films reduces the negative impact on the environment from 68.5 to 11.5%. The change also reduces resource consumption by about 80 percent. The results of conducted tests and simulations showed that using recycled film for bottle packaging allows reducing the negative environmental impact of examined process, especially in terms of resource consumption and energy savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the potential of digital twin (DT) technology for reformation within China's traditional solid-wood-panel processing industry, which currently suffers from production inefficiencies and the slow adoption of digital technology. The research centers around developing a digital twin system, elucidating improvements in manufacturing efficiency, waste management, process simulation, and real-time monitoring. These capabilities facilitate immediate problem solving and offer transparency in the process. The digital twin system is comprised of physical, transport, virtual, and application layers, employing a MySQL database and using the Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) protocol for communication. The application of this system has led to heightened production efficiency and better material use in the solid-wood-panel manufacturing line. Integrating the dynamic selection adaptive genetic algorithm (DSAGA) into the virtual layer drives the system's efficiency forward. This evolved approach has allowed for an enhancement of 8.93% in the scheduling efficiency of DSAGA compared to traditional genetic algorithms (GAs), thereby contributing to increased system productivity. Real-time mapping and an advanced simulation interface have strengthened the system's monitoring aspect. These additions enrich data visualization, leading to better comprehension and a holistic process view. This research has ignited improvements in solid-wood-panel production, illustrating the tangible benefits and representing progress in incorporating digital technology into traditional industries. This research sets a path for transforming these industries into smart manufacturing by effectively bridging the gap between physical production and digital monitoring. Furthermore, the adjustability of this approach extends beyond solid-wood-panel production, indicating the capability to expedite movement towards intelligent production in various other manufacturing sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare waste management has been an extensively attractive topic recently since it is one of the key concerns regarding both environment and public health, predominantly in developing nations. The optimization of the treatment procedure for healthcare waste is indeed a complex "multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM)" problem that involves contradictory and interweaved critical criteria. To successfully handle this issue, this study extends the original method, named the "double normalization-based multi-aggregation (DNMA)" approach, with "interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVIFSs)" for decision-making problems taking criteria in terms of benefit or cost types. This method involves two target-based normalizations and three subordinate utility models. To estimate the criteria weights, we propose a new parametric divergence measure and discuss the feasibility of the developed divergence measure based on existing divergence measures for IVIFSs. Further, the developed framework is implemented to elucidate the "healthcare waste treatment (HCWT)" problem. The comparative and sensitivity analyses of the outcomes indicate that the proposed approach efficiently tackles the problem of HCWT selection. The outcomes show that steam sterilization (0.462) is the optimal one for HCWT. The prioritization options, obtained by presented approach, are dependable and suitable, which are steam sterilization ≻ microwave ≻ incineration ≻ landfilling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct disposal concepts of mixed oxide spent fuel (MOXSF) consumed in light water reactors were investigated via heat transfer calculation. The temperature of the buffer material surrounding the waste is the most stringent limitation on the direct disposal of MOXSF. Therefore, the effects on the maximum temperature of the buffer material were examined by changing the occupied area, cooling term of MOXSF, disposal depth, and buffer material thickness referring to the direct disposal concepts of uranium spent fuel. Moreover, some possible disposal concepts for MOXSF were obtained based on the examination. The examination results showed that it is necessary to change the cooling term and disposal depth in addition to the change of the occupied area. The obtained disposal concepts with a combination of these changes needed the occupied area per unit waste of the MOXSF was three to five times that of uranium spent fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a sample of companies from G7 countries, we investigate the effect of eco-innovation on waste management as well as the moderating role of firms' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) on this relationship. Our findings indicate that a higher level of eco-innovation might lead to a decline in firms' total waste produced and an increase in firms' magnitude of reusing and recycling waste. Likewise, our findings are associative with a moderating effect of ESG on the eco-innovation-waste management nexus. We argue that eco-innovation, along with better ESG performance, leads to a reduction in waste produced and thus better business waste management. Our study has several implications on micro- and macroeconomic levels. Countries should revisit their national strategies and domestic policies about circular economies to form international alliances and embrace more technological development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) are state-of-the-art methods used to holistically measure the environmental and economic performance of industrial symbiosis networks (ISNs). Existing methodologies face a challenge in unifying LCA and LCC of an ISN in a single model that can disaggregate the network-level results to the entity and resource flow levels. This study introduces UM3-LCE3-ISN, a methodology for multi-level matrix-based modeling for life cycle environmental and economic evaluation of ISNs. Methods: The UM3-LCE3-ISN methodology is designed to conduct a process-based LCA and LCC of any ISN scenario. The methodology constructs a single matrix-based model that represents the physical and monetary flows of an ISN across the entire life cycle. The demand and price vectors in the model can be manipulated to produce LCA and LCC results of an ISN at the levels of the entire network, individual companies, and specific resource flows. A formalism is provided that outlines the steps for model construction and multi-level analysis. Verification of the model constructed can be done by producing scaled technology and monetary matrices of an ISN. UM3-LCE3-ISN is tested through a case study of an urban agri-food ISN comprising five entities engaged in open and closed-loop recycling. Results and discussion: The case study results demonstrated that UM3-LCE3-ISN can be used to compute the life cycle environmental impacts and net present value of ISNs at the three different stakeholder levels. Only one matrix model was required for each scenario to compute the LCA and LCC results for multiple stakeholders through one computation as opposed to several computations in multiple separate models. UM3-LCE3-ISN can produce granular LCA and LCC results regarding specific waste-to-resource conversion processes within an ISN and their contribution to the environmental and economic performance of specific entities. Overall, UM3-LCE3-ISN is able to unify potential conflicting assumptions and data used by different models and obtain more holistic LCA and LCC results that are harmonized for stakeholders across different levels. Conclusion: The UM3-LCE3-ISN methodology can be applied in industrial symbiosis facilitation tools that allow diverse stakeholders such as policy-makers, urban planners, businesses, and product designers to operate on a common platform to determine the life cycle environmental and economic performance of an ISN from multiple perspectives of interest. This would allow diverse stakeholders to make holistic evidence-based decisions and strategies for developing ISNs in different sectors that enable a large-scale transition to a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing efforts have been devoted to promoting sustainable demolition waste management (DWM) from a life cycle thinking perspective. To this end, facilitating sustainability-oriented decision-making for DWM planning requires a sustainability assessment framework for assessing the trade-offs among multifaceted criteria. This study develops a BIM-based DWM sustainability assessment approach to facilitate the life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) and decision-making by integrating LCSA-related properties and hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Aiding (MCDA) methods into a BIM environment using Dynamo visual scripting. A dynamic linkage is developed in the streamlined BIM-based LCSA process, where the enriched Industry Foundation Class (IFC) models are coupled with custom LCSA data templates to achieve seamless data exchange between the BIM platform and external LCA tools. Subsequently, hybrid MCDA methods convert the assessment results into DWM scenario ranking. A pilot study verifies the applicability of the BIM-based framework. The results unveil that the sustainability score ascended with the recycling rate. The optimal DWM alternative with the highest recycling rate yields the highest sustainability score at 91.63. Conversely, a DWM alternative reflecting the 'status quo' in China's recycling industry has the lowest score at 8.37, significantly lower than the baseline scenario with a 50% recycling rate. It is worth noting that the 'growth curve' of the sustainability score continuously flattens as the target recycling rate escalates. The increment in recycling rate from the "Australian standard" scenario to the optimal scenario is 18.4%, whereas the sustainability score merely increases by 2.3%, implying that the former scenario arrived at an optimum point for maximising the cost-efficiency of DWM under the predefined settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive regulations, the systemic under-reporting of construction and demolition waste generation rates pervades the South African waste sector due to the extensive and active informal waste management practices that are typical of developing countries. This study merges the rapid development of high-technology 3D-printed concrete (3DPC) with the increasing pressure that the built environment is placing on both natural resource consumption and landfill space due to construction and demolition waste (CDW) by establishing an inventory of CDW that is suitable for use in 3DPC in South Africa. This is an essential step in ensuring the technical, economic, and logistical viability of using CDW as aggregate or supplementary cementitious materials in 3DPC. Of the methods considered, the lifetime material analysis and per capita multiplier methods are the most appropriate for the context and available seed data; this results in CDW estimates of 24.3 Mt and 12.2 Mt per annum in South Africa, respectively. This range is due to the different points of estimation for the two methods considered, and the per capita multiplier method provides an inevitable underestimation. In order to contextualise the estimated availability of CDW material for use in concrete in general, the demand for coarse and fine aggregate and supplementary cementitious material in South Africa is quantified as 77.9 Mt. This overall annual demand far exceeds the estimated CDW material (12.2–24.3 Mt) available as an alternative material source for concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics recycling is an important component of the circular economy. In mechanical recycling, the recovery of high-quality plastics for subsequent reprocessing requires plastic waste to be first sorted by type, color, and size. In chemical recycling, certain types of plastics should be removed first as they negatively affect the process. Such sortation of plastic objects at Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) relies increasingly on automated technology. Critical for any sorting is the proper identification of the plastic type. Spectroscopy is used to this end, increasingly augmented by machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). Recent developments in the application of ML/AI in plastics recycling are highlighted here, and the state of the art in the identification and sortation of plastic is presented. Commercial equipment for sorting plastic recyclables is identified from a survey of publicly available information. Automated sorting equipment, ML/AI-based sorters, and robotic sorters currently available on the market are evaluated regarding their sensors, capability to sort certain types of plastics, primary application, throughput, and accuracy. This information reflects the rapid progress achieved in sorting plastics. However, the sortation of film, dark plastics, and plastics comprising multiple types of polymers remains challenging. Improvements and/or new solutions in the automated sorting of plastics are forthcoming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical waste management represents a global issue. There is a significant gap in consumers' education regarding the proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste. A significant amount of pharmaceutical waste is generated in health care facilities, including expired medicines, unused doses, and contaminated materials. Inadequate disposal of pharmaceutical waste can have effects on human health and on the environment. Managing pharmaceutical waste requires coordinated efforts from policymakers, health care providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, waste management companies, and consumers. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current state of activities that may impact the efficiency of Romanian pharmacists in collecting and disposing of pharmaceutical waste, as well as the intentions of pharmacists/technicians to recycle this type of waste. Furthermore, this paper aims to identify institutional and behavioral barriers that affect effective waste management. This research was conducted using quantitative and qualitative research methods. An exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the elements of satisfaction and their attribution levels in the pharmaceutical industry. The statistical significance of the differences across different occupations regarding satisfaction with pharmacists' activities to reduce waste at each stage was tested using an analysis of variance. Cross-tabulation and a Pearson's chi-square test were used to analyze the relationship between occupational segments and intention regarding recycling and reusing pharma waste. This research was augmented using qualitative analysis based on the Delphi technique, focused on the barriers to waste management in the pharmaceutical sector. This study presents a general perspective on the current situation of pharmaceutical waste in Romania. The results indicate that the selection of appropriate pharmaceutical waste practices is primarily determined by the attitude of individuals and organizations, followed by regulatory, economic, and technical criteria. In developing sustainable pharmaceutical waste policies, this research provides practical implications for governments, organizations, and citizens. A comprehensive approach to overcoming barriers in pharmaceutical waste management was developed by combining institutional strategies that focus on organizational policies and infrastructure with behavioral strategies that target individuals and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this paper is the research and analysis of municipal waste stream management in rural areas, potentially designed for energy purposes in thermal treatment systems. The research section includes granulometric, morphological, and physicochemical analyses to determine waste parameters. Studies have indicated that the calorific value for mixed municipal waste ranged between 6.5 and 9.5 MJ∙kg, while following mechanical treatment for the oversize fraction over 80 mm ranged between 11.6 and 12.7 MJ∙kg. The biodegradable fraction content analysis of waste—granulation 10 to 20 mm—demonstrated its presence at the level of 80%, which may be used to produce biogas. Studies have shown that the humidity level of waste generated in rural areas is in the range of 32.9 to 40.9%, which does not disqualify it from energy use in the production of refuse-derived fuel. Implementing a circular economy in the municipal waste sector aims at minimizing the use of raw materials, limiting municipal waste generation and greenhouse gases emissions, and increasing the level of energy use. Implementing new municipal waste management models is crucial to achieve a balanced, low-emission, waste-free, and competitive economy. The results are a significant research input for a group of municipal wastes generated in rural areas, such as refuse-derived fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste car tires are a significant burden on the environment. One way to manage them is through energy recovery by burning them in the furnaces of combined heat and power plants or cement plants, which from an environmental point of view is not a favorable solution. Another way to use waste tires is to produce liquid fuels, which can be used as pure fuels or components added to conventional fuels. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research aimed at evaluating the physical and chemical properties of tire-derived fuels relative to conventional fuels. It is also important to determine the impact of feeding engines with synthetic fuels, regarding their operational and environmental performance. In this article, the physicochemical properties of typical diesel fuel, synthetic fuel derived from waste tires (WT) and its blends with diesel fuel (DF) in shares of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% v/v were studied. Tests were also conducted on an internal combustion engine with a common rail injection system (CR IC) engine to determine operational and emission parameters. The results showed, among other things, a deterioration relative to diesel fuel of such parameters as cold filter plugin point (CFPP) and flash point (FP). At the same time, a favorable effect of synthetic fuel addition was noted on hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tourism and hospitality sector is known for its excessive consumption of natural resources, waste generation, and negative environmental impacts. The concept of circular economy (CE) has gained increasing attention in recent years as a strategy to promote sustainability and resource efficiency in various industries, including tourism and hospitality. This bibliometric analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current research trends regarding the adoption of CE principles in the tourism and hospitality sector. Unlike conventional methods, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis combined studies from Web of Science and Scopus databases between 2013 and 2024 using the keywords circular economy, tourism, and hospitality. In this research, which includes 314 articles selected in accordance with the PRISMA protocol, it is seen that CE applications are becoming increasingly important. The research results show that there has been a significant increase in the number of publications since 2015; the most productive countries are Italy, Spain, and China, and topics such as waste management and recycling stand out as motor themes. It is thought that the number of studies on practical applications and niche themes should increase and future research suggestions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myco degradation is an effective technique for breaking down waste plant substances made of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which are collectively known as lignocellulose. This abundant organic material is found throughout the world. Due to its recalcitrant nature, lignocellulose poses a challenge for efficient conversion into biofuels, biochemicals, and other valuable products. Myco degradation, which involves the use of fungi to degrade lignocellulosic materials, offers a sustainable and cost‐efficient resolution to this challenge. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms and applications of myco degradation for lignocellulosic biomass degradation. The review discusses the various types of fungi involved in lignocellulose degradation, their enzymatic systems, and the factors that influences their performance. Furthermore, the potential applications of myco degradation products, such as biofuels, enzymes, and bioplastics, are reviewed. It also highlights the implications of myco degradation for waste management and sustainable development. Overall, myco degradation represents a promising technology for the efficient deprivation of lignocellulosic waste biomass, and further research in this field holds great potential for the sustainable creation of bio‐based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kintamani Arabica coffee is already very well known to the public. Several types of processed derivative products from cherry coffee can be made to increase its added value. This study aims to determine the type of down streaming of Kintamani Arabica coffee products using the observation and in-depth interview methods, and to calculate the added value of its downstream products using the Hayami method. The location of the study was determined purposively in Kintamani District, Bangli Regency. Based on the results of the study, it was identified that the dominant downstream products of Kintamani Arabica coffee are green bean coffee, hard skin coffee, roasted coffee, and ground coffee. The most common types of production are green bean and hard skin coffee products, because the demand for these two types of products is higher. Based on the added value analysis, it was obtained that the added value of Arabica coffee products increases from upstream to downstream, namely: hard skin coffee IDR 2,510/kg, green bean coffee IDR 4,617/kg, roasted coffee IDR 6,447/kg, and ground coffee IDR 7,873/kg. High added value is not a benchmark for producers to choose production priorities but is more dominantly determined based on the amount of product demand and the availability of market access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article draws on fieldwork in the West Bank (2007–2017) to understand how dispossession and ruination are not only spatialized, but engaged and remade. It examines experiences of a settler frontier in Faqu'a, a Palestinian village. People there have a visual vantage point onto the majority of the village lands, which have been expropriated by Israel. Following a demolition by Israel, Faqu'ans have transformed this frontier site from a place for home-building, first into a garbage dump and then, most recently, into a garden. Faqu'ans' shifting engagements with this site reveal that edgeness, which seems to characterize this location, is not a naturally occurring status. Edges are made. Faqu'ans periodically adjust their proximity to Faqu'a's eastern edge. By examining different people's engagements with one site over a long duration, what the article calls "absenting" comes into view as a primary means by which people adjust proximity to an edge. Proximity can be temporal, spatial, and affective. Absenting is a particularly useful technique under conditions of extreme duress, such as those arising out of life on a frontier that seeks one's disappearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although waste‐to‐energy (WtE) incineration projects have boosted the economic effectiveness of the waste management system, locals frequently view them with suspicion, opposition, or even outright rejection because of potential environmental and health risks. In this study, by incorporating two additional variables, namely, objective knowledge and benefit perceptions, the planned risk information seeking model (PRISM) was extended in the context of the WtE incineration project. A total of 1726 respondents were interviewed in person. Results from the structural equation modeling indicated that the extended PRISM achieved excellent fits, suggesting the generalizability of the model in these contexts. Objective knowledge and subjective knowledge have a positive and direct impact on perceived knowledge insufficiency. The impact of benefit and risk perceptions on worry is the opposite, with risk perceptions having a greater direct effect on worry. However, compared with risk perceptions, the direct effect that benefit perceptions have on perceived knowledge insufficiency is stronger. Additionally, perceived knowledge insufficiency partially or completely mediates the relationships between all antecedents, except perceived seeking control, and information‐seeking intention. This study suggests that risk managers carefully consider how to establish powerful communication tactics to shape these antecedents when introducing a "not in my backyard" project to the local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of waste in landfill is currently a challenge globally and in South Africa. The primary motivation of this research was to contribute to identifying and evaluating pathways for diverting plastic waste from landfill and advancing the plastics circular economy. This study assessed, for South Africa, key measures implemented by selected countries to promote recycling in order to divert waste from the landfill. The National Waste Management Strategy of 2020 for South Africa mandates successive waste reduction targets toward zero waste landfill by 2050. Material flow analysis (MFA) was extended from previous studies and used to map plastic flows over three successive intervals to assess progress made toward diversion of plastic waste from landfill. The percentage of plastic materials sent to landfill for South Africa were 74%, 78%, and 39% in 2017, 2019, and 2021, respectively. Potential pathways were identified as strategies for the South African to accelerate the reduction of plastic waste to landfill. These were modeled as single and as combined actions, through sensitivity analysis on the MFA‐derived Sankey diagram and used to assess their impact on waste to landfill reduction. The scenario analysis highlighted improved waste collection and waste sorting as key measures and enablers that should be developed and a priority for reduction of plastic waste to landfill before the 2050 target year. The paper presents a new generic approach that combines MFA, Sankey diagrams, and scenario analysis to explore and evaluate solution spaces for transition to a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management poses a major challenge for cities worldwide, with significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. This paper proposes a novel waste management system leveraging recent advances in the Internet of Things (IoT), algorithms, and cloud analytics to enable more efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly waste collection and processing in smart cities. An ultrasonic sensor prototype is tailored for reliable fill-level monitoring. A LoRaWAN and cellular network architecture provides city-wide connectivity. A cloud platform handles sensor data storage, processing, and analytics. Dynamic route optimization algorithms minimize time, distance, and fuel use based on real-time bin data. Extensive pilot studies in 10 different locations across Lahore, Pakistan, validated the system, processing over 200 million data points. The results showed a 32% improvement in route efficiency, a 29% decrease in fuel consumption and emissions, a 33% increase in waste processing throughput, and 18% vehicle maintenance savings versus conventional practices. This demonstrates quantifiable benefits across operational, economic, and sustainability dimensions. The proposed IoT-enabled waste management system represents a significant advancement towards sustainable and ecologically responsible waste practices in smart cities worldwide. This research provides a replicable model for holistic smart city solutions integrating sensing, algorithms, and analytics to transition civic operations towards data-driven, efficient paradigms. It represents a significant advancement in sustainable waste practices for smart cities worldwide. Further work could apply emerging technologies like automation and artificial intelligence to create waste management 3.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Large datasets of U and UP are constructed with 1526 and 743 fuel samples. • The effect of C, H, and O atomic ratios on HHV is investigated by ternary plots. • HHV of any type of waste and fuel is estimated by artificial neural networks. • Hyperparameter optimization is carried out to obtain best performing ANN models. • Ultimate analysis data is observed to be sufficient for HHV estimation of fuels. Higher heating value (HHV) is one of the most important parameters in determining the quality of the fuels. In this study, comparatively large datasets of ultimate and proximate analysis are constructed to be used in HHV estimation of several classes of fuels, including char & fossil fuels, agricultural wastes, manure (chicken, cow, horse, sheep, llama, and pig), sludge (like paper, paper-mil, sewage, and pulp), micro/macro-algae's, wastes (RDF and MSW), treated woods, untreated woods, and others (non-fossil pyrolysis oils) between the HHV range of 4.22–55.55 MJ/kg. The relationships of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atomic ratios for fuel classes are illustrated by using ternary plots, and the effects of elemental composition on HHV was analyzed with the extensive dataset. Then, the ultimate (U) and ultimate & proximate (UP) datasets were utilized separately to estimate the HHV by using artificial neural networks (ANN). Hyperparameter optimization was carried out and the best performing ANNs were determined for each dataset, which yielded R2 values of 0.9719 and 0.9715, respectively. The results indicated that while ANNs trained by both datasets perform remarkably well, utilization of U dataset is sufficient for HHV estimation. Finally, the best performing ANN models for both U and UP datasets are given in a directly utilizable format enabling the accurate estimation of HHV of any fuel for optimization of fuel processing and waste management operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism in Vietnam has become an important sector of the economy. Its environmental impacts include the quantity of waste generated. This study aims to assess the compositions of solid waste generated within diverse accommodation service establishments (ASEs) in Hoi An City to understand the differences across accommodation types and generating areas. The analysis indicated that most of the ASEs provided multiple services and waste components differed among generating areas. Initiatives for optimising the recovered material flows from waste at the ASEs were proposed. A decentralised-centralised hybrid model was suggested as a suitable approach for waste circulation in the accommodation service sector. The training of staff in the ASEs and tourists, as well, is crucial. So is the participation of social entities in the city’s waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, food waste is a significant environmental, economic and social issue. Food waste in landfill creates the potent greenhouse gas, methane, contributing to climate change, with its management predominantly falling to local governments. Despite efforts by many countries, and extensive infrastructure and market development funding, food waste continues to be landfilled, with apparently similar councils taking diverse approaches. Using a mixed methods study design, data was firstly collected from a National online survey of Australian council-based waste management staff (n = 183), with descriptive and factor analysis of the survey data revealing a strong sense of structural empowerment (PCA.75 to.90) and a preference for sourcing information from networks (48%). These results informed a series of semi-structured interviews (n = 43) which, after thematic analysis, provided rich insights into the attitudinal and situational interpretations council-based waste managers bring to decisions around household food waste management. Framed by four pillars of Structural Empowerment, the findings suggest that waste manager's attitude is equally as important as support, resources, and knowledge and that, despite mandates and targets, individual motivational factors and organisational paradigms determined decision-making. Identified barriers included perceived capacity constraints, inadequate focus on actionable interventions, and fragmented, uninspiring, planning. This article provides important insights around 1) leveraging networks for knowledge dissemination, 2) fostering capacity-building initiatives, and 3) advocating for sustained engagement with food waste diversion within councils. This underscores the need for additional research into evolving council typologies and effectively engaging key stakeholders to achieve food waste diversion targets and address climate change impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, European Union member states have hastened energy policy deliberations to address supply and sustainability concerns, placing a significant emphasis on nuclear energy as a means to achieve decarbonization goals. However, despite its significant role in power generation, nuclear energy faces significant challenges linked to fuel reprocessing and waste disposal, that hinder its broader expansion. In this context, the separation of technetium represents a concerning issue. Indeed, technetium's catalytic activity can impede the extraction of uranium, neptunium, and plutonium, affecting waste reprocessing efficiency. Additionally, the stable form of technetium in aerobic conditions, pertechnetate (TcO4−), poses risks of groundwater contamination due to its mobility and solubility. Hence, sensing and separation of TcO4− is imperative for both nuclear fuel processing and minimising radioactive contamination in the environment. However, the binding of TcO4− and its separation from contaminated solutions present challenges due to the acidic (or basic) waste components and the high ionic strength in real matrices. Supramolecular chemists have addressed these issues by designing receptors inspired by molecular recognition principles. This article explores recent advancements and future directions in TcO4− sensing and separation (using extraction and sorption) with a focus on molecular hosts. Metal‐organic receptors will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, European Union member states have hastened energy policy deliberations to address supply and sustainability concerns, placing a significant emphasis on nuclear energy as a means to achieve decarbonization goals. However, despite its significant role in power generation, nuclear energy faces significant challenges linked to fuel reprocessing and waste disposal, that hinder its broader expansion. In this context, the separation of technetium represents a concerning issue. Indeed, technetium's catalytic activity can impede the extraction of uranium, neptunium, and plutonium, affecting waste reprocessing efficiency. Additionally, the stable form of technetium in aerobic conditions, pertechnetate (TcO4−), poses risks of groundwater contamination due to its mobility and solubility. Hence, sensing and separation of TcO4− is imperative for both nuclear fuel processing and minimising radioactive contamination in the environment. However, the binding of TcO4− and its separation from contaminated solutions present challenges due to the acidic (or basic) waste components and the high ionic strength in real matrices. Supramolecular chemists have addressed these issues by designing receptors inspired by molecular recognition principles. This article explores recent advancements and future directions in TcO4− sensing and separation (using extraction and sorption) with a focus on molecular hosts. Metal‐organic receptors will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study addresses the challenging task of estimating toxic concentration in soils, focusing on Tirupur District, Tamilnadu, India, utilizing Landsat 8 imagery. Acknowledging the potential environmental repercussions, the research emphasizes the increase in pollution—air, water, and soil—due to toxic concentrations, particularly heavy metals resulting from industrial activities. Soil pollution, a consequence of rapid industrial development near water sources, is a key concern, exacerbated by improper waste disposal. Utilizing Landsat 8 OLI images and relevant soil standards, the study employs Kriging and regression analysis for mapping heavy metal concentrations in the soil, both through remote sensing and field data. The correlation between remote sensing and in-situ data enhances result reliability. The findings categorize soil samples from 17 locations in Tirupur District based on pollution levels, distinguishing regions as highly polluted, not polluted, or moderately polluted. This research contributes valuable insights into the spatial distribution of heavy metal pollution, offering a foundation for targeted environmental management strategies in the identified regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current waste management system within the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) consists of a disposable diaper—the Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG)—that collects urine and feces during extravehicular activities (EVAs) that last up to 8 h. Such exposure to waste for prolonged periods of time contributes to hygiene-related medical events, including urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal distress. Historically, prior to using the MAG, astronauts have limited their food intake or eaten a low-residue diet before embarking on physically demanding spacewalks, reducing their work performance index (WPI) and posing a health risk. Furthermore, the current 0.95 L In-suit Drink Bag (IDB) does not provide sufficient water for more frequent, longer-range spacewalks, which carry greater potential for contingency scenarios requiring extended time away from a vehicle. High transport costs per pound to space and resource scarcity exacerbate these challenges, underscoring the need for water efficient waste management. This paper introduces a novel in-suit urine collection and filtration system developed in the Mason Lab at Weill Cornell Medical College that could address these hygiene and hydration concerns. The device would collect astronaut urine via an external catheter and filter it using forward and reverse osmosis (FO-RO) into potable water, creating a sustainable and hygienic circular water economy, enhancing astronaut wellbeing. This research aims to achieve an 85% urine collection rate using a modified MAG. The modified MAG will be made of a flexible compression material lined with antimicrobial fabric, and urine is collected through a silicone urine collection cup, which differs for male and female astronauts to conform to anatomy. Urine collection via a vacuum pump is triggered by a humidity sensor that detects the presence of urine in the cup. The FO-RO filtration system targets a minimum of 75% water recovery, while consuming less than 10% of EMU energy. To meet health standards, the filtrate maintains low salt levels (<250 ppm NaCl) and effectively removes major urine solutes (urea, uric acid, ammonia, calcium). However, further research and testing are warranted to refine and implement these innovations for future space missions, contributing to the advancement of deep space exploration technologies and astronaut health and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores human, soil, compost and food waste interactions in a community composting initiative in Australia. Drawing on an ethnographic study in 2 Australian cities – Sydney and Canberra, this paper identifies the emergence of a “composting ethic” among participants that is animated by three forms of learning and doing: (1) noticing and attending, (2) embodying and (3) experimentation. Fieldwork analysis is contextualised in relation to literature from the environmental humanities, discard studies and learnings from First Nations Australians and their ontologies. By bringing these empirics, key literature and ontologies together, this paper aims to deepen understanding of the opportunities and challenges of community composting to reduce negative environmental impacts and support anti-colonial practices of discard. It does this by identifying the characteristics of a composting ethic and the contexts and skills capable of nurturing its emergence. Attention is also paid to what may limit realisation of such an ethic. Overall, this paper aims to generate further applied academic understanding about the unique role – and possibilities – of efforts to revitalise and grow city soils and advance anti-colonial food waste management through community composting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization brings us challenges, but it is meant to bring us well‐being. The short lifetime of buildings and urban renewal policies have led to the demand for demolition. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the benefits of implementing an advanced demolition system and to fill the sustainability assessment gap in the demolition sector. This approach will help reduce obstacles to conducting sustainable demolition. To achieve this goal, an assessment system based on external costs was built, which mainly focused on the costs of damage due to global warming and environmental pollution. A case study employing two advanced demolition systems was used to show how the assessment works and the effects of demolition. According to the assessment results, the total external damage for the two advanced demolition systems is 37.6% and 19.6% of that of the conventional demolition method. Excellent waste management causes damage due to global warming in only 9.4% of conventional demolition projects, but noise impacts are still a crucial issue in the demolition field, as they contribute to 74.4% of the total damage. Based on the case study results, the benefits of sustainable demolition and the future of demolition are revealed. Further development should be sought for future demolition through new design theory or new technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past twenty years, besides the technological and innovative efforts for production processes, there have been activities for the recovery and quality improvement of waste based on the development of sustainable solutions. These activities bring us closer to zero waste by protecting natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of production facilities. One of the essential approaches in this process is the industrial symbiosis (IS) approach. Efforts to implement the industrial symbiosis approach in an industrial park constitute the motivation of the study. The study aims to identify alternative enterprises that can evaluate the wastes generated in the main production process of the foundry industry with industrial symbiosis and rank them to establish a symbiotic relationship. First, the Pythagorean Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (PF-AHP) model has been developed to evaluate organizational factors, waste-specific factors, and economic and environmental sustainability criteria for establishing an IS network among alternative businesses. Then, alternative businesses were ranked to establish a symbiosis network with the PF-TOPSIS method. The proposed method contributes to the solution of a real-life problem that may arise when there are multiple alternatives to cooperate in the field of industrial symbiosis. By contributing this framework to the literature, the robustness of the results has been demonstrated through sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis. According to the results obtained, it was seen that the importance levels of economic factors came to the fore. Furthermore, among the alternatives, enterprises with high waste exchange potential, such as cement, took first place in the ranking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater remains the most dependable resource for various essential uses such as drinking, cleansing, agricultural irrigation, and industrial applications. In urban areas, the dependency on groundwater to meet water demands is significant. However, this resource faces threats from overuse and poor management, leading to a degradation in quality primarily due to the unchecked release of industrial and household wastes. The escalation of industrial activities and rapid urban growth have amplified the volume of wastewater, adversely affecting the purity of freshwater sources within aquifers. This investigation focuses on evaluating the impact of industrial and urban effluents on groundwater quality in the city of Faisalabad. The main contributors to groundwater pollution include the indiscriminate disposal of industrial and urban effluents through unlined drains and the extensive application of chemical agents in agriculture, such as fertilizers, and pesticides. To understand the physiochemical properties of both, drain and groundwater, samples were collected at various distances 50 m, 100 m, and 150 m from drain outlets. This study utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to accurately map and analyze the distribution and impact of contaminants. Parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, bicarbonates, calcium and magnesium hardness, and chloride levels were examined. The findings indicated that contaminant levels were highest in drain water and increased in concentration the closer they were to the drainage sources, with the exception of pH levels. All samples exceeded the World Health Organization's (WHO) safe limits, deeming them unfit for use. This finding indicates widespread contamination, posing significant public health risks and highlighting the urgent need for improved waste management and water treatment practices in Faisalabad. It underscores the critical importance of implementing effective pollution control measures to safeguard public health and ensure water security in the region. However, a notable correlation was observed between the concentration of pollutants in drain water and key indicators such as EC, TDS, total hardness, and magnesium hardness, highlighting their role in deteriorating aquifer water quality. Moreover, groundwater samples collected 50 m from drains exhibited the highest pollutant concentrations compared to those taken further away, at 100 m and 150 m distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union's (EU) regulation for the waste classification based on their ecotoxicological hazard (hazardous property HP14) came into force on 5 July 2018. The regulation advocates the utilisation of computational formulae for the hazard classification of waste associated with hazardous property HP14. Concurrently, ecotoxicological testing remains an alternative. To date, the absence of a consensus regarding test organisms and methodologies has vested EU member states with autonomy in determining the approach for conducting ecotoxicity assessments. The discussions on waste classification are also ongoing globally, namely the discussions under the Basel Convention. This paper endeavours to elucidate whether the widely employed test organisms, Daphnia magna and Aliivibrio fischeri, may serve as suitable indicators for the evaluation of the ecotoxicity of waste. The research is grounded in the examination of ashes derived from a combustion process of calcium-rich fuel. Ecotoxicity testing was conducted on 14 ash samples with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 10:1. The results of the Aliivibrio fischeri testing indicated that all 14 ash samples were non-hazardous in terms of their ecotoxicity. However, the results of the Daphnia magna testing showed the opposite, suggesting that the ash samples may have the potential to be ecotoxic. This study offers valuable insights into ecotoxicity assessment and waste classification, emphasising the need for scientific rigour and comprehensive understanding before making regulatory decisions. It also situates its findings within the broader global context of waste management discussions, particularly those related to international agreements like the Basel Convention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate matter concentrations (PM10, PM2.5, PM1) and microclimatic parameters (air temperature, CO2) were monitored in the Škocjan Caves (Slovenia). The effects of tourist visits on the PM concentrations and the cave's microclimate are immediate and direct, but these values normalise relatively quickly. The results showed seasonal, diurnal, and spatial differences in all parameters studied. Due to the higher number of visitors, their influence on the cave's microclimate and PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations is greater in summer than in winter. The measured PM1 levels depend on the ventilation in the cave, as air transport plays an important role in their introduction into the cave. PM consists of minerals of natural origin resulting from the re-suspension of cave sediments due to strong air currents generated by the opening of the doors to tourists and their walks. The second most common influence is the anthropogenic phases originating from maintenance work in the cave, electronic devices, cave lighting and emissions from outside the cave (aerosols from the polluted Reka River, industry, traffic, gypsum waste disposal). In order to upgrade the sustainable use of the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves for tourism, we propose regular monitoring of PM and a detailed characterization of individual PMs and their sources, in addition to monitoring of the cave's microclimate and biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of uranium in drinking water has ignited concerns among the public, regulators, and policymakers, particularly as around 1% of the 55,554 water samples in India have shown uranium levels surpassing the 60 µg/l guideline established by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) based on radiological toxicity. Further, the Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS), has given a limit of 30 µg/l, which is derived from World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Besides the chemical and radiological aspects associated with uranium, factors such as technological constraints in water purification, waste management, environmental factors, and socio-economic conditions significantly influence these guideline values, which are often overlooked. This manuscript explores the variations in approaches for establishing guideline values and highlights the uncertainties arising from dependence on various variables such as intake and usage patterns, inter- and intra-species distinctions, and epidemiological data. A critical analysis indicates that adherence to global guidelines may result in some undesirable environmental issues. By considering factors such as population dynamics, socio-economic conditions, and geological influences, we suggest that limit of 60 µg/l for uranium in drinking water is appropriate for India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass energy is a type of renewable energy and animal waste is one of the main resources for its production. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of raw material type (cow and chicken manure) and the type of reactor (digester) on the biogas produced by measuring the amount of methane in the product. Three types of digester (metal, simple PVC, and PVC with leachate rotation) with the same volume (10 L) were prepared. Equipment was installed on the digesters to measure the pH and volume of produced gas. The experiments were carried out in controlled temperature conditions (28–30 °C) and in two stages. The first experiment was to load the digesters with cow excrement, and the second experiment was to load the digesters with chicken excrement. In both experiments, the digesters were fed with 1.5 kg of animal manure and water with a ratio of 1:1. During a period of 60 days, the volume of biogas and methane produced was measured and recorded. The results showed that the amount of biogas produced from chicken waste is more than the amount obtained from cow waste. However, the amount of methane produced using cow excrement was more than that of chicken excrement. Also, the performance of PVC digester with leachate rotation was better than the other two digesters, which could be due to the mixing of raw materials in this type of digester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]