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Epoxy resin, characterized by prominent mechanical and electric‐insulation properties, is the preferred material for packaging power electronic devices. Unfortunately, the efficient recycling and reuse of epoxy materials with thermally cross‐linked molecular structures has become a daunting challenge. Here, we propose an economical and operable recycling strategy to regenerate waste epoxy resin into a high‐performance material. Different particle size of waste epoxy micro‐spheres (100–600 μm) with core‐shell structure is obtained through simple mechanical crushing and boron nitride surface treatment. By using smattering epoxy monomer as an adhesive, an eco‐friendly composite material with a "brick‐wall structure" can be formed. The continuous boron nitride pathway with efficient thermal conductivity endows eco‐friendly composite materials with a preeminent thermal conductivity of 3.71 W m−1 K−1 at a low content of 8.5 vol% h‐BN, superior to pure epoxy resin (0.21 W m−1 K−1). The composite, after secondary recycling and reuse, still maintains a thermal conductivity of 2.12 W m−1 K−1 and has mechanical and insulation properties comparable to the new epoxy resin (energy storage modulus of 2326.3 MPa and breakdown strength of 40.18 kV mm−1). This strategy expands the sustainable application prospects of thermosetting polymers, offering extremely high economic and environmental value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) show promising abilities for the delamination of multilayer packaging films that are used in food packaging and in pharmaceutical blister packs. Due to the complexity of their structure, the recycling of such materials is a challenging task, leading to the easiest or cheapest disposal option of either landfill or incineration. Towards the development of 'green' solvents for efficient waste management and recycling, this research focuses on the preparation of a range of hydrophobic and hydrophilic DESs based on carboxylic acids in combination with various naturally derived aliphatic and aromatic organic compounds as well as amino acids. Chemical and physical characterization of the solvents was undertaken using differential scanning calorimetry, rheometry, and density measurements for the determination of their properties. Subsequently, batches of solvent were tested against different types of consumer packaging to evaluate the ability of the DES to delaminate these structures into their component materials. The laminate packaging waste products tested were Al/PE, PE/Al/PET, Al/PE/paper, and PVC/PE/Al. Separated films were collected and studied to further examine the effect of solvent delamination on the materials. Depending on the DES formulation, the results showed either partial or full delamination of one or more of the packaging materials, albeit there were challenges for certain solvent systems in the context of delivering a broad delamination efficiency. Variables including temperature, agitation rate, mixing time, and solvent ratios were investigated via a Design of Experiments process to assess the effects of these parameters on the delamination outcome. The results showed that the DESs presented in this research can offer an efficient, low-energy, affordable, and green option for the delamination of laminate packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus in wastewater from pressed vegetables is a significant contributor to water pollution, emphasizing the importance of its removal and recycling for ecological management. In this study, an improved method of coprecipitation pyrolysis of Mg(OH)2 and FeCl3•6H2O was used to successfully synthesize iron-magnesium biochar composite (FeMg@BC2) from corn cob. Compared with iron-modified biochar (Fe@BC), magnesium-modified biochar (Mg@BC), and iron–magnesium-modified biochar (FeMg@BC1) prepared by traditional coprecipitation methods, the improved iron–magnesium biochar had higher yield, specific surface area, and crystallinity. The study investigated the impact of modified biochar dosage, initial solution pH, and coexisting ions on the adsorption capabilities of modified biochar for phosphate removal. The results demonstrated that the addition of 1.0 g/L FeMg@BC2 was highly effective in removing phosphate from simulated wastewater when the phosphate concentration was 80 mg/L, achieving a removal rate exceeding 95%. Using an adsorption isotherm model, the maximum phosphate adsorption capacities of Fe@BC, Mg@BC, FeMg@BC1, and FeMg@BC2 were estimated to be 40.76, 46.97, 96.78, and 107.97 mg/g, respectively. Particularly, FeMg@BC2 exhibited superior phosphate adsorption capacity, and its adsorption mechanism mainly included electrostatic attraction, surface precipitation, and ligand exchange. The desorption test of phosphorus-loaded modified biochar revealed that the desorption rates of FeMg@BC2 from simulated wastewater and pressed vegetable wastewater using a 0.5M NaOH solution were 92.2% and 84.8%, respectively. After three cycles of adsorption in pressed vegetable wastewater, the phosphorus removal efficiency of FeMg@BC2 at 1.0 g/L remained about 50%. Therefore, the utilization of FeMg@BC2 for phosphorus recovery from pressed vegetable wastewater showed promising potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the case of building demolition, the construction industry increasingly prioritizes sustainable waste management and environmental protection. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to assess two scenarios to evaluate the environmental impacts of four methods (demolition, transport, recycling, and landfills). To conduct an Attributional LCA, the SimaPro software suite and Ecoinvent v.3 Life Cycle Inventory database were applied. LCA showed that construction and demolition (CDW) management has major environmental effects on global warming, fine particulate matter formation, human carcinogenic toxicity, and human non-carcinogenic toxicity. The results indicate the beneficial environmental impact of two waste management scenarios. The extent to which recycling waste from building demolition can benefit the environment is dependent on the type of material being recycled. Copper recycling can reduce the building industry's environmental impact. Human non-carcinogenic toxicity is the most important and beneficial factor. Previous research has largely neglected this stage. The findings indicated that environmental conditions have a significance impact and, accordingly, the optimal scenario. This study provides stakeholders with a road map for making informed decisions regarding the application of CDW management. It suggests that LCA studies should take multiple indicators into account, and sensitivity and uncertainty analyses were performed to evaluate the accuracy of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem addressed in this article focuses on the management of plastic waste, which has experienced a significant increase in recent years, posing challenges in its management and recycling. In addition, the concentration of microplastics in water and their impact on health and the food chain is highlighted. The proposed solution consists of developing a mechatronic system for sorting plastic and metal bottles using capacitive and inductive sensors, respectively. The system demonstrated efficiency in tests, achieving 100% sorting for plastic and metal bottles. The need for bottles to be properly positioned for optimal performance was identified. This work highlights the importance of automation in mechatronic systems and the effectiveness of capacitive and inductive sensors in sorting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is commonly known that the beer industry, like many other companies in the food sector, has been encouraged to improve their sustainability and waste management requirements. This study intends to fill the gap referring to the Brewery Industry's impact on academics from 1972 to 2022 related to recycling and waste management issues. The above research utilizes bibliometric analysis via Biblioshiny and the Scopus publications database, as well as an online interface for Bibliometrix analysis. For studying the Global Brewery Industry literature, this method offers a viable alternative to traditional bibliometric analysis. Among the findings we can mention are that most Brewery Industry inquiries were distributed by the "Bioresource Technology" and the most globally cited document is the book titled "Brewing: Science and Practice" written by De Briggs in 2004. European countries such as Italy, Spain and Portugal hold a strong academic collaboration with the Americas (mainly Canada, United States and Brazil). Another interesting finding indicates that the circular economy and recycling are not very present topics in the scientific literature, maybe because sustainability is a subject of recent discussion and study in the brewing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face profound challenges from pollution, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and resource limitations. This paper examines the longstanding pollution issues plaguing SIDS, highlighting their vulnerability to environmental degradation due to underdeveloped waste management systems and unique oceanographic conditions. The case study of Eleuthera Island in The Bahamas illustrates these challenges vividly, showcasing the island’s struggle with e-waste management. This example reinforces the urgency of integrated strategies to enhance environmental resilience and sustainable development in SIDS. Emerging concerns include the proliferation of technology-critical elements (TCEs) in e-waste, driven by rapid urbanization and tourism growth. Despite their crucial role in technological advancement, TCEs pose significant recycling and management difficulties, particularly in the context of limited waste infrastructure. The paper also highlights the imperative for comprehensive regulatory frameworks and sustainable practices to mitigate pollution impacts and safeguard ocean and human health, particularly by shedding light on legislative gaps and opportunities for enhancing pollution control measures in The Bahamas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the problem of optimal planning for collection, sorting, and recycling operations. The problem arises in industrial waste management, where distinct actors manage the collection and the sorting operations. In a weekly or monthly plan horizon, they usually interact to find a suitable schedule for servicing customers but with a not well-defined scheme. We proposal an improved negotiation-based approach using an auction mechanism for optimizing these operations. Two interdependent models are presented: one for waste collection by a logistics operator and the other for sorting operations at a recycling plant. These models are formulated as mixed-integer linear programs where costs associated with sorting and collection are to be minimized, respectively. We describe the negotiation-based approach involving an auction where the logistics operator bids for collection time slots, and the recycling plant selects the optimal bid based on the integration of sorting and collection costs. This approach aims to achieve an optimization of the entire waste management process. Computational experiments are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable machining is an approach that aims to minimize environmental impacts and optimize resource use in industrial production processes. The basis of this approach lies in reducing the environmental and economic impacts associated with the use of machining methods. Machining is a widely used method for shaping metal parts, and this process is often energy-intensive and wasteful. Sustainable machining involves various strategies. These include methods such as the use of renewable energy resources, increasing energy and material efficiency, improving recycling and waste management, and selecting materials to reduce cutting fluids and environmental impacts in production processes. In this study, the machinability properties of Nimonic-60 superalloy, which is an important material in the field of industry, were examined. In order to conduct machinability trials, three different cutting speeds (Vc, 40-50-60 m/min), three different feed rates per tooth (fn, 0.050-0.075-0.100 mm/rev), and three different cooling/lubrication conditions (dry-air-MQL) were used. The trials were conducted using a computer-controlled three-axis milling machine. Additionally, Taguchi analysis was performed to reduce the number of experiments and costs. Consequently, it was concluded that the most optimal choice for surface roughness, flank wear, and cutting temperature was the Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) environment. Minimum surface roughness, tool wear and cutting temperature in the MQL environment were measured as 0.499µm, 0.201mm and 66.4 C˚ respectively. The Taguchi study findings revealed that cooling/lubrication had the most impact on surface roughness (56.66%), flank wear (87.96%), and cutting temperature (78.68%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Countries are facing interconnected and cascading crises, including COVID-19, climate change, wars and military conflicts, and disruptions in geopolitics. To address these global challenges, it is necessary to introduce eco-innovations, and implement renewable energy. The purpose of the article is to analyze the countries' eco-innovative development, determine the impact of factors on alternative energy sources consumption, and consider models for eco-innovation network management. The dynamics of the Global Innovation Index, the European Innovation Scoreboard, and the Eco-Innovation Index were analyzed. The research implements the analysis of 27 EU countries for the period 2013-2020 by indicators that influence the eco-innovations development. The model of the impact of countries' investment development and economic growth indicators (such as foreign direct investment; GDP per capita), management level and the willingness of the government to invest in eco-innovation (total tax and contribution rate; government effectiveness; control of corruption; rule of law; research and development expenditure), and the level of income inequality (income share held by highest 10%; Gini index) on the consumption of alternative energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, and waste management and recycling implementation was built. The linear and cybernetic models for eco-innovation network management were considered. The pace of eco-innovation is strongly influenced by the effectiveness of state eco-innovation policies, the availability of a comprehensive information base, and the mechanisms of interaction between the science and production sectors. Effective eco-innovation networking implies that between the participants there are different types of relationships, the main of which are economic; legal; administrative; technological; social; and informational. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of INES Journal: The Journal of International Education Science / Uluslararası Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of INES Journal: The Journal of International Education Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The expansion of cities and land use changes have led to the emergence of peri-urban areas representing a transition between fully urbanized and agricultural regions in Southeast Asia. Peri-urban communities provide essential ecosystem services but are vulnerable to climate-related disruptions and socioeconomic challenges. Utilizing their unique characteristics, peri-urban communities can contribute to sustainable development and resilience. This study assesses the potential of peri-urban areas to meet future challenges for sustainable development in a changing world, focusing on the local pandan farming community of Pathum Thani, approximately 53 km north of Bangkok, using the Community-Based Resilience Analysis (CoBRA) approach. A formally established group of peri-urban farming households identified COVID-19, water quality, and solid waste as their primary disruptive challenges. The community identified economic stability and resources (land ownership, financial security, and government support), community and social support (collaborative community, and healthcare facilities), an environmental dimension (sufficient food and clean water), and an information dimension (news and knowledge update) as key community resilience characteristics, which highlight their comprehensive approach to hazard resilience. The study concludes that the community was moderately resilient to hazards and COVID-19 was the primary disrupting event over the past 10 years. To address future challenges in peri-urban agriculture, it is suggested to focus on enhancing economic diversification, strengthening social networks and support systems, implementing sustainable land management practices, and promoting access to timely and accurate information. Additionally, investing in infrastructure for water management and waste recycling, supporting small-scale farming initiatives, and fostering collaboration between farmers and local authorities can contribute to building resilience in peri-urban agricultural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work explores the possibility of using the empirical characteristics of electronic waste (e-waste) materials and translating them into microwave absorbing materials. E-waste management and recycling in India is a great challenge and is becoming a huge public health issue and environmental hazard. In this regard, repurposing of discarded electronic components and circuits can be efficiently utilized by researchers for the development of materials that can effectively absorb microwave radiation. This study provides a critical understanding regarding e-waste and its preparation to utilize waste materials for microwave absorption. To this end, the synthesis and characterization of e-waste mixed with different wt.% of copper is proposed to achieve enhanced microwave absorption. The morphological, elemental, dielectric, and magnetic properties of the e-waste-based mixtures are subjected to rigorous investigation. The results show that the increase in heterogeneity and complex morphology leads to enhanced absorption performance. Further, the outcomes obtained from e-waste and e-waste mixture-based absorbers are studied in detail to analyze their microwave absorption properties and the possible underlying mechanisms. Thus, this study contributes significantly to technological advancements in the field and offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution for managing e-waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Produced Water (PW) represents the largest waste stream in the oil and gas industry. As a water resource and as a source of valuable minerals such as alkali salts, it is has been highly under-valued, especially in hyper-arid regions. The beneficial use of PW ranges from water reinjection to elevated oil recovery from reservoirs with almost instantaneous returns, to the extraction of minerals from PW, which involves a number of different processes and setups. The economic value of PW-derived end products offers alternative revenue sources, with market fluctuations and conditions different from those of the hydrocarbon market. The end products of water and industrial salt support local industries such as agriculture, reflecting positively on the gross domestic product (GDP). Furthermore, resource extraction from PW of the oil and gas industry helps countries augment their circular economy. In this regard, the economic feasibility of three scenarios—the use of PW for oil recovery, the use of PW as an alternate source of water and industrial salt, and a hybrid process of both—is explored. The results show that there is great potential for water reuse in Enhanced Oil Recovery operations, as well as in the reduction in freshwater consumption for oil- and gas-extraction operations in the state of Kuwait by up to 4.8 percent when PW generated by SK oilfields is considered, and by 42 percent if PW from all oilfields in Kuwait is reused in the same manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with rapid economic development, Vietnam is facing serious environmental problems, including plastic waste pollution in urban areas. This study applied the Press-State - Response (PSR) analysis framework and logistic regression model to evaluate Hanoi residents' awareness of plastic waste as well as factors affecting households' behavior related to participating in plastic waste management. We collected primary information from a survey of 450 households in 3 urban districts of Hanoi. Research results showed that people were well aware of plastic waste and plastic pollution, but it was difficult for them to change their habits because of the popularity and convenience of plastic products. People also initially classified and recognized some types of plastic at a simple level and reused plastic products in daily life. Regression analysis indicated 8 factors affecting people's plastic waste management behavior, of which attitudes and awareness about plastic waste had the strongest impact. The study also discussed and proposed some management implications including raising people's awareness through social media, establishing grassroots environmental funds to attract community financial resources and initiating waste classification programs at community level with state supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics are ubiquitous in modern society due to their cost‐effectiveness, lightweight nature, and versatility. However, their extensive use and inadequate recycling have led to a significant environmental challenge, with plastic waste accumulating rapidly and causing ecological and health problems, especially in aquatic environments. Nanoplastics, particles ranging from 1 to 100 nm, have emerged as a particularly concerning subset due to their ability to easily penetrate biological barriers and accumulate in tissues. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of carboxylate‐modified polystyrene nanoplastics (PS‐NPs) on common carp (Cyprinus carpio), a species often used in ecotoxicology research due to its ability to accumulate pollutants. The PS‐NPs were characterized, and their effects on DNA damage gene expression related to oxidative stress and immunity were examined. PS‐NPs with a diameter of 20–30 nm were found to possess a spherical shape and negatively charged surfaces. Exposure to PS‐NPs led to significant DNA damage in the blood and brain cells of common carp, with higher concentrations resulting in more severe damage. Additionally, PS‐NP exposure influenced the expression of genes related to antioxidative defense and stress response in the liver. Specifically, genes encoding superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) showed upregulation, while glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) exhibited downregulation at higher PS‐NP concentrations. Furthermore, the immune‐related genes interleukin‐1ß (IL‐1ß), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) displayed dose‐dependent downregulation in the liver tissue. These findings suggest that exposure to PS‐NPs induces oxidative stress, disrupts immune responses, and causes DNA damage in common carp. The results highlight the need for further research on the environmental impacts of PS‐NPs and underscore the importance of proper waste management and recycling practices to mitigate plastic pollution. Plastics are widely used because of their affordability, versatility, and lightness. However, their inadequate recycling has led to environmental challenges, notably in aquatic ecosystems. Nanoplastics pose significant concerns due to their ability to accumulate in tissues. In this study on common carp, exposure to PS‐NPs resulted in DNA damage, altered gene expression related to oxidative stress and immunity, and disrupted immune responses. These findings emphasize the urgent need for better waste management and recycling practices to combat plastic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's findings serve as a crucial foundation for policymakers, environmentalists, and stakeholders to take necessary actions and develop sustainable waste management strategies tailored to the specific challenges faced in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, contributing to broader global efforts to mitigate the growing waste crisis. It's a significant concern that the volume of waste is expected to triple by 2050, and the current waste management practices seem insufficient to handle this growth sustainably. The study indicates a per capita waste generation of 0.43 kg in Sri Lanka, with the Western Province at a higher rate of 0.53 kg. This data points to the urgency of addressing waste management practices in this region, especially considering its significance in the country's GDP. The results also show that the total municipal waste generation in the Western Province is 3248 kg per day whereas the recovery is only 25% (803 kg) in terms of recycling and composting. Burning, burying, and open dumping are highlighted as other prevailing practices for managing waste, which have adverse impacts on the environment and public health. Further research is recommended to identify and address these unaccounted waste streams, especially those at the household level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the drivers and barriers of the Circular Economy (CE) in Tunis Village, a rural tourism destination, as a case study of emerging economics. We adopted an exploratory case study methodology. Telephone interviews (n = 10) with stakeholders were conducted, and a survey of employees (n = 123) was distributed. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed, and quantitative data were descriptively presented. The results show that improving relationships with the local community, gaining financial benefits, and improving relationships with suppliers were the top perceived drivers. The top perceived barriers are poor economic development, which makes the implementation of large-scale sustainability difficult; a lack of technology and advanced technologies; and the absence of effective and integrated waste management and recycling systems. Considering the exploratory nature and design of this study, the results cannot be generalized. However, the results can help plan future research on a larger scale in developing economies. Furthermore, the findings can inform policymakers on how to better apply CE practices in rural tourism destinations. The topic of CE has been under-researched in connection with developed countries, and this study is the first to examine CE in rural tourism destinations in emerging countries. This underlines the specific drivers and barriers related to CE as a sustainable development practice. Additionally, it contributes to the academic debate on this notion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Controlled irrigation reduced net global warming potential (net GWP) by 16–220%. • Hydrochar addition decreased greenhouse gas emission by 10–41% compared to straw addition. • Hydrochar and straw addition increased net ecosystem carbon budget (NECB) by 21–34%. • Hydrochar + controlled irrigation reduced greenhouse gas emission while increased NECB. Hydrochar is proposed as a climate-friendly organic fertilizer, but its potential impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in paddy cultivation is not fully understood. This two-year study compared the impact of exogenous organic carbon (EOC) application (rice straw and hydrochar) on GHG emissions, the net ecosystem carbon budget (NECB), net global warming potential (net GWP), and GHG emission intensity (GHGI) in a rice pot experiment using either flooding irrigation (FI) or controlled irrigation (CI). Compared with FI, CI increased ecosystem respiration by 23 – 44 % and N 2 O emissions by 85 – 137 % but decreased CH 4 emissions by 30 – 58 % (p < 0.05). Since CH 4 contributed more to net GWP than N 2 O, CI reduced net GWP by 16 – 220 %. EOC amendment increased crop yield by 5 – 9 % (p < 0.05). Compared with CK, hydrochar application increased initial GHG emission, net GWP and GHGI in the first year, while in the second year, there was no significant difference in net GWP and GHGI between CI–hydrochar and CK. Compared with straw addition, hydrochar amendment reduced net GWP and GHGI by 20 – 66 % and 21 – 66 %; and exhibited a lower net CO 2 emission when considering the energy input during the hydrochar production. These findings suggest that integrated CI-hydrochar practices would be a sustainable and eco-friendly way for organic waste management in rice production as it holds potential to enhance the NECB and SOC sequestration of rice production, while also offsetting the extra carbon emissions from organic inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Recycling is associated with positive social and environmental impact, but previous studies have overlooked the cost of recycling operations. Based on the dynamic capability view, the purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate risk factors and resilience strategies within the recycling industry, prioritize these factors and identify the optimal combination of resilience strategies and risk factors to improve market performance. Design/methodology/approach: The research questions were addressed in three subsequent studies. In Study 1, qualitative interviews were conducted to identify risk factors and strategies to mitigate those risks. In Study 2, quality function deployment methodologies were implemented via case studies derived from three different companies. Based on the results of Studies 1 and 2, in addition to the use of fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, Study 3 aimed to determine the optimal combination of risk factors and strategies impacting market performance. Findings: The results across the three studies revealed a number of risk factors as well as which risk factors and resilience strategies have the greatest impact on market performance. Specifically, it was found that higher levels of readiness, response and recovery strategies lead to greater market performance, whereas weak readiness, response and recovery strategies, along with low societal, environmental and health and safety risk factors, significantly inhibit performance. Originality/value: This research extends current understandings of market performance in relation to recycling industry management and offers insight for decision-makers toward combating significant risk factors in business-to-business settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of geopolymers has recently been given significant attention to address climate change and the growing scarcity of construction materials in the 21st century. Researchers have utilized industrial waste or supplementary cementitious materials containing high levels of silica and alumina as precursors along with different alkaline activators. Furthermore, the technical challenges associated with waste brick management or recycling include both land use changes and financial implications. The existence of amorphous aluminosilicates in waste clay bricks, which can be used as geopolymer binders, has drawn attention recently. This paper reviews the recent advancements of the integration of clay brick wastes in geopolymer applications, individually as well as its use with other alternative materials. Prior studies suggest that waste clay bricks can effectively serve as the primary source material in geopolymer applications. This review covers various aspects, including the assessment of fresh, mechanical, microstructure, and durability-related properties. It specifically focused on enhancing these properties of waste clay bricks through mechanical and thermal treatments, through varying curing conditions, utilizing different types of alkaline activators, and considering their properties and corresponding ratios in the development of geopolymer products using waste brick powder. Furthermore, this paper portrays a critical review of the sustainability implications of the utilization of clay brick waste in geopolymer applications. Conclusively, this review provided the lessons learnt, research gaps, and the future direction for investigation into the feasibility of geopolymers derived from waste clay brick powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineralization of inorganic components in paper sludge offers potential for their re-use in various fields. This study synthesized carbonates based on the minerals present in paper sludge and aimed to investigate the control of particle size distribution and particle shape of the synthesized carbonates. First, the physicochemical and thermal properties of paper mill sludge and ash were evaluated using a spectrophotometer, XRF, and TGA. Paper sludge ash was obtained by incinerating the paper sludge, followed by a carbonation reaction using CO2 gas injection and pH neutralization to produce recycled fillers. The average particle size, crystal lattice structure, and morphology of the recycled fillers were analyzed using a particle size analyzer, XRD, and FE-SEM. The results indicate that the recycled filler produced from coating paper sludge exhibited similar brightness and morphology to conventional paper-based fillers, suggesting its potential to replace commercial PCC (Precipitated Calcium Carbonate). In contrast, the recycled filler manufactured using old corrugated container mill sludge was deemed unsuitable due to its low hydration activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the efficacy of a protein-based biopolymer called casein for the modification of the primary and secondary compressibility characteristics and ability to resist sustained moisture attack in organic soils. The dry mixing method was adopted for the tests with dosages of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4% added as a percentage of the dry weight of the soil. Incremental consolidation tests indicated that the compressibility reduced with the inclusion of casein, leading to lower void ratios with an increase in consolidation pressure and casein concentration. The primary compression index (Cc) and secondary compression index (Cα) were reduced by 85% and 67%, respectively, for a 2% casein-soil mix at a consolidation pressure of 100 kPa. The compression ratio (Cα/Cc) for the 2% treated soil fell outside the range of 0.01, similar to organic soils with fibrous materials. The permeability was reduced with an increase in casein concentration up to 2% (10−10 m/s) but exhibited a rise at 4% due to the formation of effective flow paths by the formation of inter-aggregate voids. At extended curing periods, the fiber formations contributed to the strength gain in amended soils. However, the successive wetting and drying (w-d) cycles led to fiber detachment and reduced the resistance to moisture attack leading to collapse. The 2%-amended casein-soil mix proved to be most suitable in terms of reduced compressibility and sustained the highest number of w-d cycles. The findings from the current study support the inclusion of casein for short-term applications. The use of this novel material in the ground improvement industry will aid in waste management and recycling, and it can act as a replacement for unsustainable chemical stabilizers such as cement and lime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article agrees with the need for a makeover of the U.S. recycling model given its lack of federal guidance and inconsistent policies. Topics discussed include history of federal laws aimed at reforming municipal waste management practices, deficiencies in U.S. reliance in foreign countries for recyclable waste management, failed recycling strategies, model recycling and composting programs in cities and towns, and proposals from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to improve recycling.

Drying is an essential stage at the industrial level in the strategy of transforming agro-industrial by-products into functional ingredients. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of convective drying at three different temperatures (50, 60, and 70 °C) with an air flow rate of 1.0 m/s and freeze-drying (− 50 °C/72 h) on the drying characteristics, the content of bioactive compounds, and the physical properties of Maranhão mango peels. In addition, empirical and diffusive models were used to describe the behavior of the convective drying kinetics of the peels. Both strategies employed resulted in a reduction in water content (p < 0.05). Among the mathematical models tested, the Diffusion Approximation and Midilli models provided better fits (R2 ≥ 0.9996). Increasing the drying temperature up to 70 °C increased the effective diffusivity (1.48 × 10–10 m2/s) and reduced the thermodynamic properties of the process. However, freeze-drying preserved the levels of total phenolic compounds (2654.56 mg GAE/100 g), total tannins (2815.68 mg TAE/100 g), flavonoids (130.79 mg/100 g), and carotenoids (244.92 mg/100 g). The resulting powders for all conditions were extremely hygroscopic and exhibited intermediate cohesiveness but with free flowability. Finally, the results presented open new perspectives for the application of convective drying (70 °C) and freeze-drying for Maranhão mango peel drying, paving the way for the development of creative, innovative, and simple routes for the management and recycling of agri-food waste, which could expand this knowledge to new food matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In diabetic patients, optimised plantar health necessitates meticulously designed hosiery. These specialised socks facilitate a healthy microclimate at the skin–textile interface. This requires that stable conditions of temperature and humidity are maintained during wear. This study investigated the thermal resistance and moisture management properties of socks for diabetics. Fabrics and socks were evaluated on the Alambeta and thermal foot manikin instruments and in wear trials. A novel in vitro method, mimicking in-use conditions, was employed to validate findings and assess sock performance during wear. Fabric structure, especially thickness, had a greater impact on thermal resistance than fibre composition, suggesting that socks with different levels of thermal resistance can be customised according to individual preferences. In terms of moisture management, mohair–wool socks outperformed polyester socks, maintaining significantly lower humidity between the skin and the sock, and meeting the requirement to prevent the drying out of the microclimate significantly better. The enhanced moisture vapour sorption exhibited by the mohair–wool fabric contributes to this effect. Overall, the findings suggest that mohair–wool is an excellent fibre choice for diabetic socks, due to its unique moisture management properties and the possibility to tailor thermal properties through fabric structural design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: Life cycle assessment (LCA) has found wide applicability as a tool for assessing the environmental impacts of human activities in different fields such as manufacturing, mining, transportation, oil and gas, construction, and medicine. Despite the wide applicability of LCA globally, the uptake and use of the tool in Africa remains limited. This research is motivated by the need to explore the continental structure of life cycle assessment to ascertain the level of knowledge and research; collaboration amongst institutions, countries, and authors; keyword co-occurrence; thematic evolution; and bibliographic coupling. Methods: Publications related to life cycle assessment were retrieved and cleaned from the Scopus database with the language restricted to English and only countries recognised by the African Union. VOSviewer (version 1.6.19) visualisation tool was used to construct and visualise the network maps of researchers, co-occurrence, co-authorships, and keywords. On the other hand, Bibliometrix was employed to carryout descriptive analysis and thematic evolution and to extract bibliographic information. Results and discussion: In total, 616 research publications between 1992 and 2022 were retrieved. The results show that research on the subject matter picked up from 2004 and has been on the upward trend. South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria are the top countries carrying out LCA research on the continent. In addition, the top authors, affiliations, and funders also come from these countries. It was also noted that there were low levels of cooperation between authors on the African continent; rather, they collaborate more with researchers in Europe, America, and other parts of the world. The built environment, construction industry, alternative energy, agriculture, and waste management and recycling are the major themes of research on the continent. Conclusion: Life cycle assessment is gaining traction amongst researchers in Africa, albeit slowly. Considering the continents' role in the future especially in providing critical raw materials needed for the transition to a carbon-neutral society in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), rapid uptake and embedding life cycle thinking in every sector of the African economy are needed. However, there is an urgent need to equip researchers with the skills to facilitate the development of a life cycle inventory (LCI) database at countries or continental level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution has escalated into a critical global issue, with production soaring from 2 million metric tons in 1950 to 400.3 million metric tons in 2022. The packaging industry alone accounts for nearly 44% of this production, predominantly utilizing polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alarmingly, over 90% of the approximately 1 million PET bottles sold every minute end up in landfills or oceans, where they can persist for centuries. This highlights the urgent need for sustainable management and recycling solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of PET waste. To better understand PET's behavior and promote its management within a circular economy, we examined its chemical and physical properties, current strategies in the circular economy, and the most effective recycling methods available today. Advancing PET management within a circular economy framework by closing industrial loops has demonstrated benefits such as reduced landfill waste, minimized energy consumption, and conserved raw resources. To this end, we identified and examined various strategies based on R-imperatives (ranging from 3R to 10R), focusing on the latest approaches aimed at significantly reducing PET waste by 2040. Additionally, a comparison of PET recycling methods (including primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary recycling, along with the concepts of "zero-order" and biological recycling techniques) was envisaged. Particular attention was paid to the heterogeneous catalytic glycolysis, which stands out for its rapid reaction time (20–60 min), high monomer yields (>90%), ease of catalyst recovery and reuse, lower costs, and enhanced durability. Accordingly, the use of highly efficient oxide-based catalysts for PET glycolytic degradation is underscored as a promising solution for large-scale industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices by reducing the usage of virgin materials and minimizing the environmental impact associated with textile production has increased. However, due to the subjectivity of reuse and recycling for waste management, developing textiles with sustainable and quality yarn characteristics remains a challenge. The main goal of this experiment is to produce a new sustainable blended open end (OE)‐rotor yarn by using pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and recycled waste fiber (RWF). OE‐rotor yarns are made in various proportions from RWFs generated from clothing wastes and bleached PALF at 20%, 50%, and 80%, respectively. To provide a more accurate evaluation, the properties of 100% PALF OE‐rotor yarns versus PALF‐RWF blended OE‐rotor yarns are compared. The evaluation of various physical properties led to the discovery that rotor yarns with up to 80% RWF‐PALF blended yarns had an acceptable number of physical attributes. The findings were encouraging given that the created yarns from RWF with PALF blended are less expensive than the yarns produced from standard raw materials. It also has a dual‐benefit for the manufacturers that it allows them to make money from the waste while also addressing zero waste management and disposal challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates and discusses the proposed design for a low carbon environmental village in Al-Baha region. It considers its viability in view of local renewable energy sources, climatic conditions and local vernacular architectural identity. Five areas were targeted when designing the village: (a) low carbon architectural design strategies; (b) on-site renewable energy strategies; (c) selection of local construction materials; (d) exploitation of rain water harvesting and greywater recycling; and (e) waste disposal recycling and management. The used approach is to design a sustainable village with its facilities in prospective of environmental requirements social needs. The design follow application five roles' strategies from the literature and depending on local site challenges, available of natural in a location of Al-Baha gate from the airport. The site selected is located along the main highway that connects Al-Baha city to its nearest airport. The chosen area is 4,945,000 m2 and has a flat topography with mountains located relatively close by. The findings present in the study plans for comprehensive sustainable low carbon energy village, which meet the climatic requirements and exploiting natural resources operated by natural renewable energy. This village is designed for typical Saudi families, and will be built from local construction materials. The design includes more than 6150 residential units powered by photovoltaic (PV) panels, and local services using wind energy. The energy requirements for the whole village were calculated based on macro and micro energy generation. Local regulatory standards and sustainability criteria have also been met for the proposed village. Five experts also evaluated the five-purpose design proposition. The impact of designing sustainable villages will lead in protection of environment improved the life and health quality as well as economic benefits. The benefits of addressing five aims are highlighted and the study concluded with some recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to calculate the carbon footprint of the 2023 EuroLeague Men's Final Four competition and identify the sources of the carbon footprint in sports. This study also aims to predict possible solutions to reduce this footprint. Mixed research methods were used in this study. Firstly, carbon footprint calculations related to the teams and fan travel were carried out. In the second step, interviews were conducted with the managers of the teams that won the basketball Final Four. The interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview. The total carbon footprint of the four teams participating in the competitions was calculated as 4560.25 kg, and the average of the total carbon footprint of the teams per person was calculated as 189.74 kg. The total carbon footprint of the fans of the four teams was calculated as 4065.686 kg, and the average of the total carbon footprint per capita of the fans was calculated as 3.003 kg. According to the interview findings, the carbon footprint sources in sports were identified as traveling, energy consumption, and waste generation. Turning to renewable energy sources, waste management and sustainable transport alternatives were identified as effective solutions for reducing the carbon footprint. Analysis of the research results showed that the interest and participation in the Final Four and other international organizations are increasing. Due to increasing carbon footprint, these events and competitions should be planned and conducted in accordance with the goals of environmental sustainability. For this purpose, managers and policy makers should turn to clean energy sources, including waste management and recycling strategies, the preparation of sustainable transportation projects, and integrating all these processes into organization activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First study regarding MP pollution in plastic recycling facilities in Türkiye. • Plastic recycling facilities are discharging reaches up to 58,468 MP/L. • Low density and lower sized MPs can sink with the adsorbed pollution in washing unit. • OpenSpecy increased the hit qualities of polymers in identification of MPs. There is little knowledge about microplastic (MP) pollution in plastic recycling facility (PRF) wastewater. In this study, MPs in the wastewaters of four PRFs located in Türkiye were characterized for size, shape, color, and polymer types after sieving from 5,000 µm to the lowest 75 µm with seven sieves. The wet peroxide oxidation procedure was applied before attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis for polymer identification. Polyethylene, and polypropylene were the dominant (75 % of total count) MP types within 22 polymer types. Average hit qualities of polymers increased from 69 % to above 84 % for the device software (OPUS) and open software (OpenSpecy). The abundance of MPs was determined as 53,987 MPs/L and 0.8 g MP/L for mixed PRFs 7,582 MPs/L and 4.6 g/L for the LDPE recycling facility, and 2,196 MPs/L and 0.06 g MPs/L for the granulation cooling water by count and weight, respectively. Small-sized MPs are found in the bottom sample much more than the surface and effluent samples in the washing tank. This indicated that MPs adsorbed the pollutants settled in the washing tank due to adsorbed pollution/biofilm. A maximum of 4.6 kg MP/ton of plastic recycled can be discharged as MPs that can be recovered. Considering the plastics recycling capacity, discharged MPs in these PRFs are possibly above 30,000 tons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vermifiltration is a promising technique that can help recover nutrients from wastewater for further use in agriculture. We conducted a field experiment to assess the effectiveness of vermicompost produced from the vermifiltration of liquid waste (manure and food production waste) and how it can affect the soil health and yield of a squash crop. We tested the effect of three rates of vermicompost (low, medium, and high) applied over two consecutive years and measured physical, chemical, and biological soil health indicators, squash yield, and nutritional status. The results showed that the use of vermicompost, especially at a high rate, increased total soil carbon, total nitrogen, potentially mineralizable nitrogen, and particulate organic matter, as well as the activity of C-N-P cycling enzymes, as compared to a control with only inorganic fertilization. The yield of the squash crop remained stable, while the crop nutritional value improved as the levels of boron and copper in the treated squash increased. These findings indicate an improvement in soil health after the use of vermicompost. Overall, results strongly support using this type of vermicompost as a sustainable management approach to recycle nutrients and enhance soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the challenges and inconsistencies in waste disposal practices in the United States, as well as the global implications of waste management. It highlights the disproportionate burden of environmental issues on communities of color and low-income communities, who often suffer from pollution-related health issues and lack access to clean environments. The article emphasizes the need for environmental justice and sustainable waste management practices, and suggests that faith-based communities can play a crucial role in advocating for these principles. It also addresses the concept of waste imperialism, where affluent countries export their waste to developing nations, and calls for global cooperation and collaboration to address waste management issues. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of collective action and collaboration to achieve a cleaner and healthier planet for all. [Extracted from the article]

Nuclear energy production generates nuclear waste. Nuclear and radioactive waste, especially high level waste (HLW) and intermediate level waste (ILW), require special long-term safe management solutions. One part of the solution involves recycling through reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Recycling reduces the volume of nuclear waste and allows for the reuse of some of its components. This can be achieved through methods such as adsorption, ion exchange, coagulation, flotation, filtration, chemical precipitation, reverse osmosis, and solvent extraction, like the PUREX process. Another possible future solution involves partitioning and transmutation technology, which can reduce the production of nuclear waste. The best long-term solution is the immobilisation of HLW and ILW in a solid matrix. Materials used for this purpose include glasses, cements, bitumen, geopolymers, concrete, and ceramics as a promising material. While cementation is still the most commonly used immobilisation method due to its low cost and simplicity, vitrification is a more permanent long-term solution. Deep geological disposal in combination with vitrification and a robust multi-barrier system is considered the most acceptable solution for safe nuclear waste isolation. This review provides insight into the mostly commonly used and promising immobilisation materials, as well as the most effective methods and technologies currently in use and under development for the management of HLW and ILW in nuclear waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarizes a case study on improving recycling behavior among college students. The study was conducted at the State University of New York at Fredonia and used Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology. The study found that adding and relocating recycling bins, creating engaging signage, and establishing a recycling competition among dormitories were effective solutions. The study also identified barriers to recycling on college campuses, such as lack of motivation and recycling knowledge, recycle bin contamination, and bin location and accessibility. The article acknowledges the limitations of the study and highlights the value of experiential learning for college undergraduates. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the implemented improvements have led to an increase in recycling, and formal measurement is scheduled to begin in the future. [Extracted from the article]

Waste management and recycling have led to numerous studies on particleboard production. This study attempted to use milled corncob (MCC) and waste ceramic tiles (WCTs) to produce particleboard. The MCC (100−70 wt.%) and WCT (0–30 wt.%) were mixed at different ratios, mixed and compressed at a pressure of 0.25 MPa using urea formaldehyde (UF) resin as adhesive. The physicomechanical and thermal properties of the particleboards produced were investigated. The physical properties (bulk density, water absorption, and thickness swelling) improved with composite particleboard compared to the 100% MCC particleboard. The increase in WCT yielded improved density and lowered the particleboard's water absorption and thickness swelling. The mechanical tests showed that MOE values were below the recommended standard, which makes them unsuitable for structural use. However, MOR revealed values above the recommended standard. The thermal conductivity of the particleboards was reduced with increased WCT, and the required standard was found to be met. Hence, the particleboards produced are found helpful as thermal wall insulators. Based on the experiments done, sample R7 (70% MCC and 30% WCT) was considered the most preferable since it achieved the most preferable physicomechanical and thermal conductivity performance. The particleboards produced are recommended for wall partitioning and other internal and external purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textile industry is global, and most brands export their products to many different markets with different infrastructures, logistics, and regulations. A textile waste recovery system that works in one country may fail in another. European Union legislation (Directive (EU) 2018/851) mandates that post-consumer textile waste must be separately collected in all associated countries. This directive has also stated that, in January 2025, the rate of textile waste recycling in Europe should be increased. Local governments will be under pressure to improve the collection, sorting, and recycling of textiles. Supporting local governments could be part of a more long-term approach to managing high-value textile waste by implementing Extended Producer Responsibility, which would increase the recycling rate of textile companies. This would enable reuse of over 60% of recovered clothes, recycling into fibers of 35%, and only throwing away 5%. Today, most textile waste (85%) is disposed of as solid waste and must be disposed of through municipal or local waste management systems that either landfill or incinerate the waste. To increase reuse and recycling efficiency, textile waste should be collected and sorted according to the relevant input requirements. The dominant form of textile waste sorting is manual sorting. Sorting centers could be a future solution for intensifying the recycling of textile waste. Advances in textile waste management will require digitization processes, which will facilitate the collection, sorting, and recycling of textiles. It is very important that digitization will help to guide used products to recycling and encourage manufacturers to participate in the use and collection of product data. Currently, both the digitization of textile waste management and fiber recycling technologies are at the level of laboratory research and have not been implemented. The aim of this publication is to analyze the state of textile waste management, especially the various forms of recycling that involve a local governments and the textile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to establish a green, low-carbon circular development economic system, imperative goals include achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. This research delves into the resource utilization of city-scale demolition waste (C&DW), aligning with environmental protection needs and sustainable development principles. The paper introduces a unique closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) model tailored for C&DW and employs a distinctive mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model for optimization. Guangzhou serves as a case study for thorough analysis, verification, and practical application of the proposed model, especially under diverse scenarios of carbon price (CP) and carbon trading (CT) policies. The key conclusions drawn from this study include the following: (1) The cost of carbon emissions is intricately influenced by both carbon emissions and carbon price, with the latter effectively regulating the carbon emissions during C&DW recycling. (2) The implementation of a CT policy, with a fixed carbon price, contributes to a further reduction in the cost of C&DW recycling treatment. (3) Under equivalent conditions, the CT policy demonstrates the potential to decrease costs and enhance the economic benefits within the building environmental protection product market. The research outcomes not only contribute to the advancement of management theory in the C&DW recycling supply chain (SC) but also provide a robust theoretical foundation for governmental initiatives aimed at introducing effective C&DW recycling management policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of plastic waste accumulation in both terrestrial and aquatic environments in Can Tho city, Vietnam, a nation with high per capita plastic consumption and significant plastic waste discharge. Focusing on urban residential areas, riverside communities, suburbs, and rural regions, the research investigates the extent and impact of plastic waste in these diverse settings. Additionally, the study examines the accumulation of plastics at barriers, under bridges, and in the Hau River, identifying the predominance of single-use plastics and their environmental implications. The key findings indicate that the plastic waste leakage at land-based-source emission sites is substantial, with waste persisting for extended periods without effective clean-up. The study reveals a significant accumulation of plastics at barriers and bridge bases in aquatic environments, including along the river. The pollution level was observed to be more influenced by the quantity of waste rather than its mass per unit area, emphasizing the need for targeted waste reduction strategies. The study also identifies seven types of plastic, each associated with different sources of accumulation or settlement. This variety presents both challenges and opportunities for waste management and recycling. Significantly, the research underscores the potential of repurposing plastic waste into recycled products, aligning with the circular economy model. This approach not only extends the lifecycle of plastic products but also contributes to reducing plastic waste generation and minimizing the environmental impact. Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need for improved waste management practices in Vietnam, particularly in urban and riverside areas, and advocate for innovative recycling solutions to mitigate the environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine litter is a growing environmental problem for which fisheries-sourced waste remains poorly understood. In Peru, there is an ongoing challenge of waste management from the small-scale fisheries fleet given the lack of facilities to receive the variety of debris produced by fishers, which includes hazardous wastes such as batteries. In this study, onboard solid waste production was monitored daily by land-based observers upon landing at the port of Salaverry, Peru, from March to September 2017. The analysed small-scale gillnet and longline fishing fleets produced annually an estimated 11,260 kg of solid waste. Of particular concern is the production of single use plastics (3427 kg) and batteries (861 kg) due to their potential long-lasting impacts on the environment and challenges related to their proper disposal. A management plan for solid waste has been developed for Salaverry; therefore, a subsequent assessment was conducted in 2021–2022 of the behaviours and perceptions of fishers regarding the implementation of this plan. Most fishers (96%) reported disposing of their waste on land, except organic waste which is disposed of at sea. While fishers in Salaverry have become more conscious of the issues surrounding at-sea waste disposal and have an interest in better segregating and managing their waste, there remains a need for improved waste management and recycling protocols and procedures at the port to make this possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During firefighting, water will accumulate without evaporation and become heavily contaminated. Contaminated water after firefighting can harm water sources or seep into the soil, even contaminating groundwater sources. Therefore, contaminated water after firefighting should not be discharged into the environment without control of harmful components to the water source and natural environment. Scientific management and recycling of firefighting water helps reduce the amount of water used during firefighting and protects the environment from pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Industrial solid waste management and recycling are important to environmental sustainability. In this study, cobalt (Co) nanoparticles encapsulated in paint sludge-derived activated carbon (AC) were fabricated. The Co-AC possessed high conductivity, magnetic properties and abundant metal oxide impurities (TiAlSiO x), which was applied as multifunctional catalyst for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. Compared to pure AC, the Co-AC exhibited significant enhanced performance for degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) via PMS activation. Mechanism studies by in situ Raman spectroscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, electrochemical analysis and electron paramagnetic resonance suggested that surface-bonded PMS (PMS*) and singlet oxygen (1O 2) are the dominant reactive species for TCH oxidation. The non-radical species can efficiently oxidize electron-rich pollutants with high efficiency, which minimized the consumption of PMS and the catalyst. The removal percentages of TCH reached 97 % within 5 min and ∼ 99 % within 15 min in the Co-AC/PMS system. The Co active sites facilitated PMS adsorption to form the PMS* and the TiAlSiO x impurities provided abundant oxygen vacancy for generation of the 1O 2. In addition, the Co-AC/PMS system achieved high efficiency and stability for oxidation of the target pollutants over a long-term continuous operation. This work not only offers a cost-effective approach for recycling industrial waste but also provides new insights into the application of waste-derived catalyst for environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy (CE) has attracted considerable attention from governments, policymakers, and societies due to its potential to promote sustainable development goals while shifting away from linear economy models. Despite a growing body of research conducted in the CE, the barriers to its successful implementation for solid waste management (SWM) remain less explored especially in context of municipal solid wastes, and commercial and industrial wastes. The purpose of this current study is to identify the critical barriers to circular economy implementation in SWM. The scientometric analysis of literature is the research methodology in this study. A total of 1709 journal articles were searched and retrieved from Scopus database for the data analysis. The results show that circular economy has not gained much root in solid waste management in the global south. Countries such as China, United States, Australia, Italy, and United Kingdom (UK) are the topmost countries to fund research in this research area. The commonly used keywords in scholarly literature on this topic include sustainability, reuse, waste management and recycle. Further, the major findings of the study were grouped into clusters relating to challenges on macroeconomic policies, recycling and reuse of waste, stakeholder management, operation, and legal regulations, generated solid wastewater treatment, and construction and demolition waste. The contributions of this research are twofold: a comprehensive list of relevant gaps for further studies are provided for the scientific community to delve into this matter and proffer solutions. The findings could serve as a guide to understand and develop best practice framework on circular economy and its implementation in the SWM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPFRs) are ubiquitous organic pollutants in the environment and present an important preoccupation due to their potential toxicity to humans and biota. They can be found in various sources, including consumer products, building materials, transportation industry, electronic devices, textiles and clothing, and recycling and waste management. This paper presents the first survey of its kind in Romania, investigating the composition, distribution, possible sources, and environmental risks of OPFRs in five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the rivers receiving their effluents. Samples from WWTPs and surface waters were collected and subjected to extraction processes to determine the OPFRs using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. All the target OPFRs were found in all the matrices, with the average concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 1422 ng/L in wastewater, 0.88 to 1851 ng/g dry weight (d.w.) in sewage sludge, and 0.73 to 1036 ng/L in surface waters. The dominant compound in all the cases was tri(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP). This study observed that the wastewater treatment process was inefficient, with removal efficiencies below 50% for all five WWTPs. The environmental risk assessment indicated that almost all the targeted OPFRs pose a low risk, while TDCPP, TCPP, and TMPP could pose a moderate risk to certain aquatic species. These findings provide valuable information for international pollution research and enable the development of pollution control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various waste streams including municipal solid waste (MSW), polymer waste from personal protective equipment (PPE) used in medical fields, and composite waste from wind turbine blades (WTBs) demand modern waste management and recycling approaches. Ultimate and proximate analysis of mentioned samples revealed a higher content of carbon—28.2 ± 8.0, 80.1 ± 2.3, and 50.3 ± 2.3, respectively—exhibiting sufficient potential to be converted into secondary carbon-based compounds. For this purpose, oxidative liquefaction of selected waste materials was carried out following a detailed experimental plan, a centred composite design for WTBs, and a central composite face-centred plan for MSW and PPEs. Temperature, pressure, oxidant concentration, reaction time, and waste-to-liquid ratio were the parameters of key interest, and their values were tested at a range of 200–350 °C, 20–40 bar, 15–60%, 30–90 min, and 3–25%, respectively, depending upon the type of waste. As a result, total polymer degradation (TPD) was recorded for three types of waste and the results were satisfactory, encouraging the decomposition of primary waste in liquid oxygenated chemical compounds (OCCs). Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionisation Detection (GC-FID) helped us quantify the number of OCCs for each waste sample. Energy consumption during the process was also recorded and optimisation of the experimental plan based on maximum TPD and OCCs yields against the minimum energy consumption was performed to make the process tech-economic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar panels are an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels; however, their useful life is limited to approximately 25 years, after which they become a waste management issue. Proper management and recycling of end-of-life (EOL) solar panels are paramount. It protects the environment because of the high energy consumption of silicon production. We can effectively decrease energy and cost requirements by recovering silicon from recycled solar panels. This is one-third of those needed for manufacturing silicon directly. Moreover, solar panels include heavy metals, such as lead, tin, and cadmium, which pose risks to human health and the environment. Empirical evidence suggests that the costs of mining materials can exceed those of recycled materials, thereby making recycling a more cost-effective means of resource harvesting. This review paper focuses on the techniques developed to delaminate solar panels, which are considered a crucial step in the recycling of EOL solar panels. Initially, various classifications of solar panels are given. Subsequently, an analysis of the diverse methods of solar panel delamination and their efficacy in the retrieval of valued materials is presented. This investigation has identified three primary modes of delamination, namely mechanical, thermal, and chemical. Among these, mechanical delamination is deemed to be a sustainable and cost-effective option when compared to thermal and chemical delamination. The current most popular method of thermal delamination is characterized by its high energy consumption and potential emission, and the chemical delamination generates hazardous liquids that pose their own threat to the environment. This study emphasizes the mechanical delamination techniques, characterized by their environmentally friendly nature, minimal ecological footprint, and capacity to retrieve entire glass panels intact. This paper also discusses the current gaps and potential enhancements for mechanical delamination techniques. For example, some delamination techniques result in crushed materials. Thus, the handling and recovery of materials such as glass and silicon cells require the implementation of an appropriate sorting technique. Also, the value obtained from recovering crushed materials is lower than that of intact glass and silicon cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]