Disposal Stage Research Articles

Methodologies of e-waste recycling and its major impacts on human health and the environment

Each year, hundreds of thousands of consumer electronics, computers, monitors, phones, printers, televisions and other portable devices become outdated and were mainly dumped to the landfills or poorly recycled. Recent technological development and growing demands for new and better functioning electronics accelerate the amount of electronic waste (e-waste) worldwide, making it to be one of the fastest growing streams in many countries. The estimated lifespan of electronics is about three to five years because of the increasing rates of consumption, new developments and urbanisation. E-waste contains many hazardous substances, such as halogenated compounds, heavy metals, radioactive substances and micro and nano-size dusts all of which require proper handling during the storage, collection, recycling and disposal stages. This paper highlights the latest developments on e-waste generation and streams, current recycling technologies, as well as human health and environmental impacts of recycling materials and processes.

Real-time monitoring of energy consumption of high-rise residential construction based on BIM building model

In order to overcome the low accuracy of high-rise residential construction energy consumption monitoring, this paper proposes a new BIM building model-based real-time monitoring method of high-rise residential construction energy consumption. This method first analyses the BIM building model; then uses BIM related application software to build a three-dimensional building information model; and then calculates the energy consumption of the construction life cycle, including the preparation stage, the construction maintenance stage, the operation stage and the demolition disposal stage. Finally, the monitoring performance is compared and analysed through an example. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional high-rise residential construction energy consumption monitoring method, the error between the monitoring results of high-rise residential construction energy consumption and the actual energy consumption value is less, 377.94 (kW · h), which proves that the monitoring results based on BIM are more accurate.

Municipal solid waste and risk from 1970 to 2020

In the field of solid waste management, key concepts such as risk, impact and hazards have been used interchangeably and have had imprecise meanings and scopes; this can lead to a partial or biased vision, for example in relation to municipal solid waste management policies. This paper presents a review of the literature on the theme of municipal solid waste and risk. Analysis of scientific publications from the years 1970 to 2020 shows that the concept of risk in the field of solid waste has been approached from various perspectives and different interpretations. Of all risk components, vulnerability has been the least addressed in the literature, because technical aspects such as hazard modeling predominate in this field. Most of the publications have studied the final disposal stage, since open dumpsites and landfills are still the most common methods for disposing of solid waste. Finally, a reference framework is proposed.

Real-Time Monitoring Of Energy Consumption Of High-Rise Residential Construction Based On Bim Building Model

In order to overcome the low accuracy of high-rise residential construction energy consumption monitoring, this paper proposes a new BIM building model-based real-time monitoring method of high-rise residential construction energy consumption. This method first analyses the BIM building model; then uses BIM related application software to build a three-dimensional building information model; and then calculates the energy consumption of the construction life cycle, including the preparation stage, the construction maintenance stage, the operation stage and the demolition disposal stage. Finally, the monitoring performance is compared and analysed through an example. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional high-rise residential construction energy consumption monitoring method, the error between the monitoring results of high-rise residential construction energy consumption and the actual energy consumption value is less, 377.94 (kW · h), which proves that the monitoring results based on BIM are more accurate.

Influence of the source of starch and plasticizers on the environmental burden of starch-Brazil nut fiber biocomposite production: A life cycle assessment approach

Amidst the global plastic pollution crisis, bio-based polymers have been proposed as a potential substitute to tackle this issue. Owed to their biodegradability, biopolymers are generally regarded as eco-friendly during the post-consumer (disposal) stage. However, the environmental burden of the many production processes biopolymers and their components undergo better reflect the sustainable nature of these materials. Previous studies evaluating the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of starch-based composites have focused on commercially available starches, although other non-conventional starches can also be used to produce biopolymers. To address this knowledge gap, in the present study we evaluated the LCA of starch-Brazil nut fiber biocomposites prepared with starch from three different sources, Andean potato, corn, and sweet potato, and applying two different plasticizers, glycerol and sorbitol. Results indicated that the starch-based biocomposites were less impacting than conventional PLA-Brazil nut fiber and PP-glass fiber composites. The type of starch and plasticizer significantly influenced the environmental load of the production of the composites. The main drivers of these differences were the multiple agricultural practices, such as irrigation and fertilization, and the crop efficiency for starch extraction. Sorbitol was found to be many times more impacting than glycerol in most categories, which is due to the complex processing of sorbitol and high content in biocomposites with similar mechanical properties than glycerol. Additionally, Brazil nut fibers are presented as an eco-friendly and low-burden natural filler due to their easy processing and agricultural waste origin. The limitations, applications, and significance of the results were discussed.

Scientific and theoretical justification of solid household waste accumulation in Zhytomyr Region

Practical experience of solid domestic waste (MSW) management in Ukraine and developed countries is analyzed. Theoretical volumes of MSW accumulation taking into account statistical factors are studied. The generalized method of MSW accumulation volumes allows forecasting their formation from the factors and evaluating the morphological composition of MSW in the region. The system for optimizing community waste management at the collection and disposal stage with the quality of the optimality criterion has been proposed. The degree of recycling and the costs of collecting and transporting waste should be taken as a criterion for optimising the urban waste management system at the collection and disposal stage. The quality analysis of the waste management system in the Zhytomyr region made it possible to identify the main problems in municipal waste management and the main reasons for their occurrence. The survey shows that the main problem in the area of waste management is the low efficiency of the existing management system, accompanied by the introduction of outdated and inefficient management methods with the lack of effective interaction of all participants in the waste management process and, above all, the lack of public involvement in solving the problem. The authors concluded that at the present time Zhytomyr city and Zhytomyr Region faced the following problems in the area of solid waste management: the number of spontaneous landfills has increased; the number of modern waste collection bins is insufficient and there are no bins for separate waste collection; the quality of solid waste collection services is inadequate; there is no recycling plant in Zhytomyr; large amount of household waste in the city landfill and absence of monitoring of its impact on the environment.

Methodologies of e-waste recycling and its major impacts on human health and the environment

Each year, hundreds of thousands of consumer electronics, computers, monitors, phones, printers, televisions and other portable devices become outdated and were mainly dumped to the landfills or poorly recycled. Recent technological development and growing demands for new and better functioning electronics accelerate the amount of electronic waste (e-waste) worldwide, making it to be one of the fastest growing streams in many countries. The estimated lifespan of electronics is about three to five years because of the increasing rates of consumption, new developments and urbanisation. E-waste contains many hazardous substances, such as halogenated compounds, heavy metals, radioactive substances and micro and nano-size dusts all of which require proper handling during the storage, collection, recycling and disposal stages. This paper highlights the latest developments on e-waste generation and streams, current recycling technologies, as well as human health and environmental impacts of recycling materials and processes.

Triple-hurdle model analysis of the factors influencing biogas digester building, use and processing by Chinese pig farmers

Because of the pollution associated with pig manure, pig farmers are being encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly manure management solutions such as biogas digesters. However, as the correlations and influencing factors associated with the different manure disposal stages remain unclear, these solutions have failed to positively change farmer disposal behaviors. Therefore, this paper constructed a triple-hurdle model to empirically analyze the pig farmer manure disposal behaviors and the associated relationships under the belief that the three stage biogas digester decisions were driven by structurally different processes. This paper adds to the literature in three ways: (1) it provides a dynamic framework that identifies pig farmer manure disposal behaviors; (2) it applies a recently developed econometric method that corrects for conditional correlations between error terms; and (3) proves that certain factors might have opposite impacts in different behavior stages. It was found that cultivated land area and farm income ratio had statistically significant positive impacts on biogas digesters construction behavior but a negative influence on the farmers' use of the biogas digesters. Farmers who joined a cooperative were found to be statistically more likely to be biogas digester users, and the unconditional expected share of the actual treated manure was significantly higher. This study can assist policymakers in formulating and implementing strategies to encourage greater biogas digestor use by pig farmers.

Evaluating sustainable product alternatives by combining life cycle assessment with full-cost accounting: A highway guardrail case study

Full-cost accounting techniques incorporate the environmental and societal burdens a product generates through its manufacture, use, and disposal into that product’s price. This research generates full-cost prices for functionally equivalent chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood and galvanized steel guardrail posts by combining previously conducted life cycle inventory analyses results with secondary emission valuation data. Based on the analysis, both CCA-treated posts and galvanized steel posts have environmental damage costs associated with emissions generated through the product’s manufacturing, use, and disposal stages. After developing full-cost prices for product alternatives, CCA-treated wood guardrail posts were found to be a more economical and environmentally responsible alternative to galvanized steel. In addition to generating full-cost prices, this research uses Monte Carlo simulation to provide estimates of variability around CCA-treated wood and galvanized steel damage costs.

Evaluation of a mitigation proposal on the final disposal of lead-based batteries and its environmental impact

Based on the design of a proposal to mitigate the environmental impact generated by lead-based batteries for automobiles, an environmental impact assessment was carried out using the Vicente Conesa method, where it was discovered that the most negative impacts on the environment are those produced by the treatment of the electrolyte and the lead and acid recovery. Subsequently, a comparison was made between the current process and the ideal one, obtaining a model developed in the FlexSim software. After executing the relevant simulations for the study, it was evident that performing the proposed model represents an increase in the duration of the final disposal stage of the batteries, the previous as a result of the implementation of stages associated with the treatment of recycled batteries remnants, such as plastic, acid, and lead. However, standardizing the proposed model would suppose significant mitigation in the different environmental impacts generated by said process, managing to avoid legal sanctions by environmental authorities.

Convenience versus sustainability

Convenience versus sustainability

Oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial pathway-dependent apoptosis is induced by silica nanoparticles in H9c2 cardiomyocytes

The use of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) is increasing in popularity; however, the emissions released during manufacturing, use and during the disposal stages potentially harm the environment. SiNPs can enter the body and cause cardiac toxicity indirectly or directly. However, toxicological data on SiNPs in cardiac cells in vitro, and the detailed molecular mechanisms by which damage is caused remain unclear. In the present study, oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis and cytotoxicity induced by SiNPs in H9c2 cells were examined. H9c2 cells were used to explore the mechanisms of toxicity by treating cells with 0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/ml SiNPs, with and without 3 mM of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), for 24 h. The results showed that SiNPs decreased cell viability and proliferation by increasing the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and inducing apoptosis in H9c2 cells. ROS levels were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and GSH-peroxidase (Px) were significantly decreased following exposure to SiNPs. Treatment with NAC attenuated LDH release; the levels of ROS, SOD, GSH, and GSH-Px production were increased, and SiNPs-induced mitochondrial pathway-dependent apoptosis was reduced. These results demonstrate that apoptosis and cytotoxicity induced by SiNPs in H9c2 cells are a result of ROS-mediated oxidative stress. These data suggest that exposure to SiNPs is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Assessment of some governance aspects in waste management systems: A case study in Mexican municipalities

Many municipalities, particularly in developing countries, have a lack of information to guide decision-making to improve municipal solid waste management (MSWM). They need tools that systematize the collection and analysis of data, and then assess all aspects of the system, including both technical and non-technical ones. This work presents a field study covering 66 Mexican municipalities. A new set of indicators was selected based on the analysis of the information available, which can serve as a tool for evaluating some aspects of the governance of the MSWM system in similar contexts with an incipient implementation of the system. The set encompasses thirteen basic indicators divided into three categories: legislation and policies, employee development, and economy. For each indicator, reference values were established that allow the performance to be classified by means of a traffic light system. As a complement, a protocol for evaluating the quality of information was applied to reveal the uncertainty of the results obtained. The lowest ratios of response were obtained for the economic aspects and the disposal stage, due to the lack of separation and control of the MSWM budget, and to the large proportion of open dumps in the studied zone.A strong correlation was detected between the development and implementation of legislation and policies on waste management and correct operation, as well as a widespread presence of the informal sector in the service. Moreover, the absence of official fees for the service makes it difficult to recover expenses directly.

Space debris through the prism of the environmental performance of space systems: the case of Sentinel-3 redesigned mission

Like any industry, space activities generate pressures on the environment and strives towards more sustainable activities. A consensus among the European industrial stakeholders and national agencies in the Space sector is emerging on the need to address eco-design through the prism of the environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. While the use of LCA is being implemented within the sector, the current scope disregards the potential environmental impact in term of debris generated by space missions on the orbital environment. The paper highlights the relevance of applying LCA holistically during the design phase of space systems, considering potential impacts occurring in the orbital environment during the utilisation and disposal stages of a space mission. Based on the comparison of two mission designs, the aim is to consider potential emission of space debris into the LCA framework as a way of measuring the resource security for orbits and potential environmental impacts occurring in case of collision.

FRICTION COEFFICIENT OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE COMPONENTS

Engineering properties of materials includes coefficient of friction (COF) which are basic in design performance of engineering systems. The COF can be considered as very important in design of handling tools. Various types of handling tools and equipment are used at various stages of disposal and treatment of MSW and COF is one critical property. This paper presents estimate of COF of municipal solid waste components. The components of the municipal solid waste are paper, plastic, organic and others. The estimation of the COF was done using an inclino-tribometer. Waste from 16 sample locations were used with 6 surfaces which are considered to be of relevant. It was estimated that Formica surface has the least COF values and range from 0.269 and 0.312 with ‘others’ – formica surface tribosystem being the least. It was also found that paint application on wooden surface with oil paint would increase COF as compared to applying emulsion on same wooden surface. The study pointed out that polishing with vanish is the best way to reduce COF in wood surfaces. It was also observed that painting metal surfaces with oil paint will increase the COF than when the same metal was left unpolished or unpainted.

Aplicação da análise hierárquica na seleção de terrenos para a instalação de um centro de triagem de resíduos sólidos em São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo (Minas Gerais)

O gerenciamento dos resíduos sólidos compreende as etapas de coleta, armazenamento, tratamento, transporte e destinação final desses materiais, visando garantir a preservação do meio ambiente e a saúde pública. Neste sentido, este trabalho objetivou identificar áreas para a implantação de um centro de triagem de resíduos sólidos no município de São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo (MG), utilizando como apoio o método da Análise Hierárquica de Processo (AHP), além de caracterizar a geração e destinação dos resíduos sólidos na cidade. A metodologia utilizada foi quali-quantitativa, por meio de pesquisa documental e de campo, sendo analisadas imagens de satélite e documentos relacionados à legislação municipal, como o plano diretor. Notou-se que uma projeção envolvendo a geração de resíduos sólidos entre os anos de 2017 e 2028 indica um crescimento de aproximadamente 10% destes, assim, a vida útil do aterro em operação não será suficiente. Com relação a seleção da área para instalação de um centro de triagem verificou-se que a melhor alternativa é a área 3, situada na localidade de Perobas, que mesmo não sendo a maior e possuindo vegetação próxima, possui acesso ao sistema viário e não está próxima à um curso hídrico, critério considerado de maior importância nesta análise. Por fim salienta-se que a minimização envolvendo a geração dos resíduos e o tratamento adequado destes são itens que contribuem para a qualidade de vida da população e para redução de impactos ambientais negativos associados à destinação incorreta desses materiais.

A Step Towards Green Innovation

Today’s’ concern for Global warming is environment changes due to excess utilization of natural resources and leaving the wastages that unbalance the eco system. To recoup the eco system, environmental experts advise all the users of natural resources to take care of necessary action from the product design stage to disposal stage of its full Life-cycle. This will determine the environmental impact at each stage of a product's life from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair & maintenance, and disposal or recycling. The concept applies to the manufacturing process is avoid-reduce-reuse concepts to restrict the consumption of natural resources. Here we will see how the Green Innovation system is adopted in online Marketing process, to protect the nature from pollution and disaster. Handing over clean air, clean earth and clean water are the true natural gift that we can offer to our future generation. Once eco system is polluted, it will take its own time to rescue. To avoid such insistence to happen, we have to give first preference to product from pollution by implementing green innovation system. Green innovation system, along with Eco innovation system, Environment innovation system and Sustainable innovation system are the other notations repeatedly discussed in green innovation. Though all the four relate to one, little difference exits. Green innovation includes all the activities mentioned in these notations. Generally, our aim is to leave the non polluted nature to our future generation to enjoy. To ensure this, the steps that could be taken while performing online marketing are discussed here. We will also see what could be applicable for online marketing process to promote this green innovation system.

Evaluating recycling potential of demolition waste considering building structure types: A study in South Korea

This study investigates the recycling potential of demolition waste (DW) according to building structure, while considering environmental and economic aspects For that, this study surveyed 1,034 residential buildings in Korea immediately before demolition to collect reliable information on demolition waste generation rates (DWGRs). This study classified the removal stages of buildings into the demolition, collection and sorting, transportation, and disposal stages. This study suggested a method for carbon emissions calculation for each stage and carried out an inventory analysis. The economic value of recycled DW materials was also calculated. Furthermore, the recycling potential was calculated based on the economic value and the environmental load for the current scenario, i.e., the current waste recycling rate in Korea, and the maximum scenario, i.e., the maximum theoretical recycling rate. Regarding building structures, the recycling potential of wooden structures was the highest in both the scenarios. However, masonry-block structures showed improved recycling potential in the maximum scenario. Regarding DW types, the recycling potential of plastics was the highest, with plastics from reinforced concrete (RC) structures showing 6.6 times higher recycling potential than those from wooden structures. And the possibility of improving the recycling potential was higher for glass and plastics than aggregates, timber, and metals. Through the above research, this paper devised an approach that can be used to plan a detailed construction and demolition waste management strategy, considering building structures and DW types, and this method can also be applied to other regions and countries.

A comparative life-cycle assessment of talc- and biochar-reinforced composites for lightweight automotive parts

The use of renewable materials and cleaner production is currently the target of the automotive industry to reduce the use-phase environmental impacts of vehicles. Renewable lightweight materials are used to replace conventional materials to produce lightweight automotive parts, leading to reduced fuel consumption, which contributes toward meeting the industry’s environmental impact target. In this study, we compared the life cycle of a conventional composite to that of a biocomposite for automotive applications using the standard set by the International Standards Organization (ISO 2006). The conventional one is talc-reinforced polypropylene composite (talc–PP) at a 70% PP to 30% talc weight ratio. The biocomposite is Miscanthus biochar-reinforced polypropylene composite (MB–PP) at a 70% PP to 30% MB. The functional unit is 982 cm3 of composite used for a certain vehicle part (i.e., an automotive component). The environmental impacts are determined using the Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI, v2.1). The system boundary includes material extraction to the disposal stage of the composites. The results revealed that MB–PP composite had the least impact for all categories than talc–PP composite and appeared to be a favorable option for automotive parts from an environmental perspective. This study indicates that MB-PP can reduce about 25% environmental impacts of the life of composite if it replaces the talc–PP composite. The MB–PP composite emerged as a promising option than talc–PP composite and has environmentally benign green credentials for automotive parts application.

A Device to Drive CFL Bulbs with Busted Electronic Ballast: A Prototype Development and Evaluation

CFLs are one of the most commonly used lighting fixtures in the modern era. Studies regarding its life cycle assessment (LCA) indicated that in the disposal stage CFLs have more hazardous potential to impact human health and ecosystem than the incandescent bulbs due to their higher metal-containing components. Thus, possible recycling of CFL bulbs with busted electronic ballast but still has its remaining life span should considered. By using experimental-developmental method, the study aimed to develop a prototype device to drive CFL bulbs with busted electronic ballast. The prototype was tested and evaluated regarding its efficiency as compared to original electronic ballast of CFLs. Results indicated that the developed prototype had efficiencies ranging from 75.6% to 90.8% respectively. Statistical tests also indicated that though found out to have numerical difference between the illuminations emitted by the lamp when driven by its original electronic ballast to the illumination it emits when driven by the prototype device, this numerical difference would not translate into a significant statistical difference.