Industrial Waste Research Articles

Land disposal of dredged sediments from an urbanized tropical lagoon: toxicity to soil fauna.

Urban tropical lagoons are commonly impacted by silting, domestic sewage and industrial wastes and the dredging of their sediments is often required to minimize environmental impacts. However, the ecological implications of land disposal of dredged sediments are still poorly investigated in the tropics. Aiming to contribute to filling this gap, an ecotoxicological evaluation was conducted with dredged sediments from Tijuca Lagoon (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) using different lines of evidence, including soil and sediment characterization, metal determination, and acute and avoidance bioassays with Eisenia andrei. Two different dredged sediment samples, a sandy sediment and another muddy one, were obtained in two distinct and spatially representative sectors of the Tijuca Lagoon. The sediments were mixed with an artificial soil, Ferralsol and Spodosol to obtain doses between 0 (pure soil) and 12%. The sediment dose that caused mortality (LC50) or avoidance responses (EC50) to 50% of the organisms was estimated through PriProbit analysis. Metal concentrations and toxicity levels were higher in the muddy sediment (artificial soil LC50 = 3.84%; Ferralsol LC50 = 4.58%; Spodosol LC50 = 2.85%) compared to the sandy one (artificial soil LC50 = 10.94%; Ferralsol LC50 = 14.36%; Spodosol LC50 = 10.38%), since fine grains tend to adsorb more organic matter and contaminants. Mortality and avoidance responses were the highest in Spodosol due to its extremely sandy texture (98% of sand). Metal concentrations in surviving earthworms were generally low, except sodium whose bioaccumulation was high. Finally, the toxicity is probably linked to marine salts, and the earthworms seem to accumulate water in excess to maintain osmotic equilibrium, increasing their biomass.

Thermal behavior of Sicilian clay-based geopolymers

AbstractGeopolymers have been recently proposed for restoration of built heritage to substitute traditional mortars. Local materials and industrial wastes from the Italian region Sicily showed their potential as low-cost aluminosilicate sources for the preparation of geopolymers. Here, a set of Sicilian clays was studied by Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and its mineralogical composition was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The raw materials were used to prepare geopolymers by alkaline activation with or without the addition of silicate. The thermal degradation profile of the final materials was studied by TGA and compared with that of the precursors, and the energetics of dehydration were investigated by DSC. Two statistical analyses (made by Principal Component Analysis) were performed on the TG data of raw materials and geopolymers and on the TG data of geopolymers and their mineralogical composition, respectively. The last analysis in particular showed a correlation between the mineralogical composition of the materials and the samples' thermal properties. Additional studies of samples subject to accelerated aging by UV irradiation and exposure to acetic acid vapors highlighted the different effects of these two agents on the samples’ stability. Graphical abstract

Leaching of NMC industrial black mass in the presence of LFP

This study focuses on the effect of an emerging source of waste, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials, on the hydrometallurgical recycling of the currently dominant industrial battery waste that is rich in transition metals (Ni, Co, Mn, and Li). The effects of the dosage of LFP, initial acidity, and timing of LFP reductant addition were investigated in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) leaching (t = 3 h, T = 60 °C, ω = 300 rpm). The results showed that addition of LFP increased both transition metal extraction and acid consumption. Further, the redox potential was lowered due to the increased presence of Fe2+. An initial acidity of 2.0 mol/L H2SO4 with acid consumption of 1.3 kg H2SO4/kg black mass provided optimal conditions for achieving a high leaching yield (Co = 100%, Ni = 87.6%, Mn = 91.1%, Li = 100%) and creating process solutions (Co 8.8 g/L, Ni 13.8 g/L, Li 6.7 g/L, Mn 7.6 g/L, P 12.1 g/L) favorable for subsequent hydrometallurgical processing. Additionally, the overall efficiency of H2O2 decreased due to its decomposition by high concentrations of Fe2+ and Mn2+ when H2O2 was added after t = 2 h, leading to only a minor increase in final battery metals extraction levels.

Optimization of gluten-free cake formulation by replacement of rice flour and baking powder with different levels of eggshell powder using response surface methodology

AbstractThe shell and membrane of the egg constitute approximately 11% of the whole egg and is an important food industry waste. Eggshells can be used as an additional source of calcium to the diet because of their low cost and high bioavailability. This study aimed to design and produce the optimum formulation for the gluten-free cake using eggshell powder as rice flour and baking powder replacer by Face-Centered Composite Design. According to the results, it was determined that the optimized formulation should contain 9.85% eggshell powder as a rice flour replacer and 32.78% eggshell powder as a baking powder replacer to obtain a gluten-free cake with a desirable profile in terms of hardness, specific volume, color ($${\text{L}}_{{{\text{crust}}}}^{*}$$ L crust ∗ and $${\text{L}}_{{{\text{crumb}}}}^{*}$$ L crumb ∗ values), ash content, calcium content, and overall acceptability. The gluten-free cake with eggshell powder obtained was characterized as a product rich in calcium, high in ash content, high in specific volume, with a brighter colour and good sensory acceptability. Also, the proximate properties of the gluten-free cake produced with the optimum formulation were also reported. These findings show for the first time that eggshell powder can be used as a rice flour and a baking powder replacer for the formulation of gluten-free cake.

Micronutrient Deficiency in Indian Diet

Micronutrient deficiency in the Indian diet poses a significant health challenge, impacting millions across the nation. The inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and iodine, can lead to severe health issues, including anaemia, impaired cognitive development, and compromised immune function. One crucial factor contributing to micronutrient deficiency is soil pollution, which directly affects the nutritional content of vegetables and fruits. Soil pollution results from the presence of contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial waste, negatively impacting soil health and composition. As plants absorb nutrients from the soil, polluted soil leads to diminished nutrient uptake by crops, exacerbating the micronutrient deficiency in the food chain. The contamination of soil with heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, can inhibit the absorption of essential minerals by plant roots. Consequently, vegetables and fruits grown in polluted soil may exhibit lower concentrations of vital micronutrients, even if individuals consume the same quantity of produce. This compromised nutritional quality directly contributes to the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in the Indian population. Addressing this issue necessitates a multi-faceted approach. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and soil remediation techniques, can help reduce soil pollution and enhance soil fertility. Additionally, promoting awareness about the importance of diversified diets and dietary supplements can empower communities to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Government initiatives, research collaborations, and public-private partnerships are essential to developing and implementing strategies that tackle both soil pollution and micronutrient deficiency in the Indian context, fostering a healthier and more resilient population. Keywords: Nutrients, Micronutrients, Indian diet, Vitamins, Supplements.

Polyvinyl Alcohol/Zr-based Metal Organic Framework Mixed-matrix Membranes Synthesis and Application for Hydrogen Separation

AbstractMembrane gas separation is an environmentally friendly and economical method used to separate valuable gases, industrial process gas wastes, and carbon dioxide from mixed gases. The most important part of this method is the membranes. Gas separation membranes are expected to have high separation and permeability performance, high mechanical strength, easy and fast production capability, and low prices. Polymer-based membranes are mostly preferred depending on the ease of modification capability. In this study, a zirconium-based metal organic framework (Zr-MOF, MIL-140 A) was synthesized and used as a filler within polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix for the selective separation of hydrogen (H2) from carbon dioxide (CO2). The effect of MIL-140 A addition on the mechanical, structural, and morphological properties of PVA was evaluated. The MIL-140 A significantly improved the mechanical strength of the membrane. According to the gas separation results, the increasing concentration of MIL-140 A increased the selective separation performance of the nanocomposite membrane. The highest mechanical strength (43.1 MPa) and best film-forming ability were obtained with 3 wt% MIL-140 A loaded membrane. The ideal H2/CO2 selectivity and hydrogen permeability were obtained as 5.6 and 944 Barrer, respectively at 2 bar feed pressure and room temperature. The highest ideal H2/CO2 selectivity was obtained as 6.3 with the H2 permeability of 959 Barrer when the MIL-140 A ratio was 4 wt%.

Sustainable Application of Pyrolytic Oxygen Furnace Slag in Cement-Stabilized Macadam: Volume Stability, Mechanical Properties, and Environmental Impact

As an industrial waste, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag is an ideal substitute for natural rubble and sand. However, its potential instability of volume restricts the application of the BOF slag in engineering. This study aims at investigating the volume stability and mechanical properties of BOF slag and its application as an aggregate in cement-stabilized macadam. As part of this research, the physicochemical properties, especially the volume stability, of two types of BOF slags and andesite were first studied. Then, mechanical properties, volume stability, and an environment analysis are used to evaluate the application of pyrolytic BOF slag in cement-stabilized macadam. The experimental results show that different types of BOF slags have similar thermal expansion coefficients, which are higher than andesite. The free CaO content of pyrolytic BOF slag is much lower than that of ordinary BOF slag and the volume expansion of pyrolytic BOF slag is less than 0.5%. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of cement-stabilized macadam using pyrolytic BOF slag is about 30% higher than that of andesite. Although the water loss rate is higher than a natural aggregate, dry shrinkage of pyrolytic BOF slag cement-stabilized macadam is about 30–50% less than that of a natural aggregate. Meanwhile, its shrinking speed is also slower than that of a natural aggregate. The micro-expansion properties of pyrolytic BOF slag could effectively partially offset the shrinkage characteristics of cement-stabilized macadam. Finally, the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test results indicated that the metal leaching concentration meets the Chinese environmental standards. This study provides a direction for the large-scale and effective sustainable application of pyrolytic BOF slag.

Some Recent Advances in Germanium Recovery from Various Resources

Though nowadays germanium does not reach the range of popularity of other metals, i.e., rare earth elements, its utility in target industries makes it a strategic metal. Though germanium can be found in a series of raw materials, the principal source for its recovery is from secondary wastes of the zinc industry; also, the recyclability of germanium-bearing waste materials is becoming of interest. In this recovery and due to the size of the target materials, because the diffusion and reaction are to be considered, hydrometallurgy performs a key role in achieving this goal. The present work reviews the most recent applications (2023 and 2024 years) of hydrometallurgical operations on the recovery of germanium from different solid and liquid sources.

Ultra-high performance concrete with metal mine tailings and its properties: a review

Abstract Metal mine tailings (MMT) are a kind of industrial solid waste, with an increasing accumulation year by year, which has seriously damaged the ecological environment. Incorporating MMT in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is an effective means to achieve green sustainable development, which can not only make wastes be resources and prevent pollution but also save raw material costs and reduce energy consumption. However, metal mine tailings contain complex and diverse metal oxides and other chemical substance and even contain certain radioactive elements and heavy metal ions. These factors can affect the corrosion resistance of UHPC, accelerate its aging and damage, and in addition may have serious impacts on the environment and human health. This paper summarizes the material properties of MMT and its application in UHPC; analyzes the effects of MMT as powder or fine aggregate on the workability, mechanical properties, durability, and leaching toxicity of UHPC; and elaborates the hydration products, interfacial transition zone, and pore structure of UHPC incorporating MMT (MMT-UHPC). Based on previous research results, the relationship between flowability, flexural strength, porosity, and compressive strength of MMT-UHPC is established.

Synergistic CO2 mineralization using coal fly ash and red mud as a composite system

CO2 mineralization plays a critical role in the storage and utilization of CO2. Coal fly ash (CFA) and red mud (RM) are widely utilized as CO2 mineralizers. However, the inert calcium species in CFA limit its carbonation capacity, meanwhile the substantial Ca2+ releasing of RM is hindered by a covering layer of calcium carbonate. In this study, CO2 mineralization in a composite system of CFA and RM was investigated to enhance the carbonation capacity. Multiple analyzers were employed to characterize the raw materials and resulting mineralization products. The results demonstrated that a synergistic effect existed in the composite system of CFA and RM, resulting in improving CO2 mineralization rate and efficiency. The produced calcium carbonate was ectopically attached the surface of CFA in the composite system, thus slowing down its coverage on the surface of RM. This phenomenon facilitated further releasing Ca2+ from the internal RM, thereby enhancing CO2 mineralization efficiency. Meanwhile, the inclusion of RM significantly improved the alkalinity of the composite system, which not only promoted the dissolution of Ca2+ of the inert CaSO4(H2O)2 in CFA, but also accelerated CO2 mineralization rate. The investigation would be beneficial to CO2 mineralization using industrial solid wastes.

Paper mill wastes and biochar improve physiochemical properties and reduce heavy metals leaching risks in podzolic soils

Abstract Background: The incorporation of industrial wastes, such as wood ash and paper sludge, as soil amendments is vital for both environmental sustainability and agroecosystem productivity. Herein, we evaluated the effects of wood ash and paper sludge alone and in combination with biochar on the physicochemical properties and heavy metal leaching risks in podzolic soils.
Methods: The treatments included limestone (control), wood ash, paper sludge, wood ash+paper sludge, limestone+biochar, wood ash+biochar, paper sludge+biochar and wood ash+paper sludge+biochar, arranged in a 4x2 factorial design with three replicates. The Hydrus-1D model was employed to simulate the water movement under these soil amendments using leaching colums. 
Results: Overall, wood ash, paper sludge and biochar application significantly increased the pH of amended soil compared to control. Paper sludge amended treatments alone or in combination with biochar significantly decreased bulk density (8-17%) and increased the total porosity (14-25%). While biochar addition to wood ash and paper sludge significantly reduced the concentrations of Cd (by 6.42%), Co (by 10.95%), Cu (by 11.76%), Pb (by 30%) and Ni (by 3.75%) in the collected leachates. The treatment paper sludge + biochar was found to be the most effective treatment to retain the heavy metals, with maximum plant available water (0.28 cm3 cm-3) and field capacity (0.36 cm3 cm-3) compared to control treatment. The predictions from Hydrus-1D showed that paper mill wastes with biochar has a significant potential to increase the volumetric moisture contents of amended podzolic soil, with the simulated leaching times and saturation levels closely aligning with the measured values. 
Conclusion: Paper sludge + biochar treatment showed improved soil physicochemical properties and displayed lower heavy metals than allowed limits to be used in soil. Further, experiments are needed to assess the effects of papermill waste products on podzolic soil properties under variable field conditions.

Repurposing Industrial By-Products for Environmental Beneficial Applications : An Approach for Renewable Energy Production

Environmental pollution stemming from fossil fuel usage and industrial waste production poses significant challenges to global sustainability efforts. This research paper introduces a pioneering platform designed to facilitate collaboration between two key stakeholders: polluters generating waste and innovators seeking sustainable solutions. The platform aims to streamline the process of repurposing industrial by-products for environmentally beneficial applications, particularly in the realm of waste treatment and renewable energy production. Beginning with an overview of the pressing environmental issues caused by traditional energy production and waste generation processes, this paper underscores the urgent need for innovative approaches to mitigate pollution and promote sustainability. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature, the research identifies opportunities to bridge the gap between polluters and innovators, laying the groundwork for the development of the sustainable resource management platform. Methodologically, the paper outlines the conceptualization and implementation of the platform, detailing its key features and functionalities. Central to its operation is the integration of user-friendly interfaces and robust data analytics capabilities, enabling efficient matchmaking between waste producers and potential users of by-products. Results from the platform's pilot implementation demonstrate its efficacy in fostering collaborative partnerships and promoting resource circularity. By connecting polluters with innovators capable of transforming waste into valuable resources such as biofuels and renewable energy, the platform facilitates a paradigm shift towards sustainable resource management practices. Discussion of the results addresses the broader implications of the platform for environmental conservation and sustainable development. Emphasizing its potential to drive positive environmental outcomes while fostering economic opportunities, the paper concludes by highlighting avenues for further research and expansion of the platform's functionalities. In summary, this research paper presents a novel approach to addressing environmental pollution and promoting resource efficiency through collaborative innovation, underscoring the importance of collective action in building a more sustainable future. Key Words: Enviroment pollution mitigation, climate safety, climate alert.

Review on the Preparation of Cryolite from Industry Waste Containing Fluorine

Review on the Preparation of Cryolite from Industry Waste Containing Fluorine

Applying Red Mud in Cadmium Contamination Remediation: A Scoping Review

Red mud is an industrial solid waste rarely utilized and often disposed of in landfills, resulting in resource waste and environmental pollution. However, due to its high pH and abundance of iron and aluminum oxides and hydroxides, red mud has excellent adsorption properties which can effectively remove heavy metals through ion exchange, adsorption, and precipitation. Therefore, red mud is a valuable resource rather than a waste byproduct. In recent years, red mud has been increasingly studied for its potential in wastewater treatment and soil improvement. Red mud can effectively reduce the migration and impact of heavy metals in soils and water bodies. This paper reviews the research results from using red mud to mitigate cadmium pollution in water bodies and soils, discusses the environmental risks of red mud, and proposes key research directions for the future management of red mud in cadmium-contaminated environments.

Microbial and insect oils: A sustainable approach to functional lipid

AbstractThe increasing global population, coupled with the effects of climate change on agricultural activities has spurred a demand for sustainable food production to meet human needs. In response to this, there has been a growing interest in sustainable food production initiatives. One of such initiatives is harnessing microbial and insect lipids as valuable ingredients to address increase in demand for lipids across various sectors, including functional food, nutritional supplements, and biodiesel production. Over the last decades, there has been increasing scientific investigations exploring lipid from algae, microbes, and insects as alternatives to traditional agro‐ and marine‐based sources. This review, therefore, presents progress made in microbial and insect oils production, with emphasis on sustainability. Emerging extraction techniques, regulatory and safety requirements, and challenges that exist in the production and utilization of these new lipids are also discussed. The review shows that lipids from a wide range of oleaginous microorganisms and insect species have the potential to serve as a valuable ingredient for healthful food preparation. However, challenges such as cultural acceptance, lack of standardized regulations, high cost, and low yield associated with most emerging environmentally friendly extraction technologies continue to hinder widespread use or adoption of microbial and insect lipids on a global scale. These challenges call for innovations to reduce cost of production and improve lipids yield. So far, a substantial progress has been made in the utilization of readily available feedstocks such as industrial food wastes and sugar‐rich industrial wastewater to grow insects and microorganisms which will significantly reduce the processing costs.

Ecological and Geochemical Characteristics of Potassium Industry Waste

The analysis of the ecological and geochemical characteristics of waste from the extraction and processing of potash salts, which determine the ecological state of the areas of development of these deposits, is carried out. Objects are salt dumps, sludge storages, drainage waters formed on the territory of the Verkhnekamskoye potassium-magnesium salt deposit. Under research of chemical composition of waste and the drainage waters of the sludge storage it was determine that high concentrations of mobile forms of chemical elements in drainage sodium chloride waters of waste storage facilities, an increase in the concentration of nitrogen compounds in filtration waters have been established. The active role of salt solutions in the leaching of clay minerals of salt dumps and sludge dumps, clay protective screens is determined, which leads to active filtration of salt solutions through the bed of the sludge dump, salt dump, migration of microelements in a readily soluble form into the environment.

Modification of steel slag to prepare chlorides based composite phase change materials with shape stability for high-temperature thermal energy storage

Using steel slag to prepare high-temperature (>500 °C) PCMs was an effective way to achieve its high value-added utilization as a potential heat storage medium in a variety of applications, such as solar energy storage, power peak shaving, and industrial waste heat recovery. However, the complex solid waste of steel slag might be corrosive to salt-based PCMs at high temperature. To address this issue, steel slag was firstly modified with another solid waste (i.e., CFA), which was then used to microencapsulate NaCl-KCl to prepare shape-stabilized C-PCMs in this work. Thermophysical and mechanical properties of C-PCMs were analyzed. Results showed that CFA modification greatly improved chemical compatibility between steel slag and eutectic salt through phase reconstruction. Steel slag modified with 30 wt% CFA at 1100 °C was identified as the optimum skeleton. The prepared C-PCMs containing 50 wt% salt showed a phase transition temperature of 653 °C with a high latent heat of 139 J/g and an excellent cycling stability. Additionally, its thermal conductivity reached 1.46 W/(m·K), 180 % higher than of pure salt. Compressive strength of the composite could be as high as 119 MPa, superior to other salt-based C-PCMs. A heat storage device was further designed to allow the numerical investigation of thermal performance of the prepared C-PCMs in practical conditions. Attributed by reasonable arrangement of bricks, the heat storage device possessed a uniform temperature distribution over the vertical cross-section of HTF, which contributed to a quick completion of charging and discharging process. This work could potentially lay a foundation for application of steel slag in the field of high-temperature thermal energy storage.

Ion Exchange Processes for CO2 Mineralization Using Industrial Waste Streams: Pilot Plant Demonstration and Life Cycle Assessment

AbstractAn attractive technique for removing CO2 from the environment is sequestration within stable carbonate solids (e. g., calcite). However, continuous addition of alkalinity is required to achieve favorable conditions for carbonate precipitation (pH>8) from aqueous streams containing dissolved CO2 (pH<4.5) and Ca2+ ions. In this study, a pH‐swing process using ion exchange was demonstrated to process 300 L of produced water brine per day for CO2 mineralization. Proton titration capacities were quantified for aqueous streams in equilibrium with gas streams at various concentrations of CO2 (pCO2=0.03–0.20 atm) and at various flow rates (0.5–2.0 L min−1). Energy intensities for the process were determined to be between 30 and 65 kWh per tonne of CO2 sequestered depending on the composition of the brine stream. A life cycle assessment was performed to analyze the net carbon emissions of the technology which indicated a net CO2 reduction for pCO2≥0.12 atm (−0.06–−0.39 kg CO2e per kg precipitated CaCO3) utilizing calcium‐rich brines. The results from this study indicate the ion exchange process can be used as a scalable method to provide alkalinity necessary for the capture and storage of CO2 in Ca‐rich waste streams.

Improved comprehensive adhesion performance of aggregate- recycled asphalt interface via incorporating steel slag

Steel slag, a typical industrial waste, reveals high alkalinity and abundant texture, endowing its excellent adhesion performance with asphalt and facilitating its implementation in recycled asphalt mixture. While few studies focused on the interaction mechanism and comprehensive adhesion performance of steel slag- recycled asphalt interface. Hence, this topic merits further exploration. In this study, the interface models of steel slag-asphalt were established and their interface parameters also were surveyed. And the comprehensive evaluation index of adhesion performance was explored by the improved radar chart. The experimental results elaborate that steel slag exhibits the larger surface energy of 46.69 mJ/m2 and higher percentage of dispersion component of 76.6 %. Recycled asphalt-steel slag demonstrates the greater adhesion work, the smaller exfoliated work and the larger adhesive destructive force than recycled asphalt-basalt, indicating its superior adhesion ability. Steel slag-asphalt molecule behaves the lower radial distribution function and larger interfacial bonding energy due to the dual provision of van der Waals force and electrostatic adsorption force. The exfoliated work in experiment and adhesion work in simulation presents a Pearson correlation coefficient of −0.683, resulting in their strong negative correlation. Steel slag-recycled asphalt interface with the higher comprehensive evaluation index of 0.9155 reveals the superior comprehensive adhesion performance than basalt- recycled asphalt.

Preparation of high-performance bitumen carbon-based microwave absorbing materials from different coal bitumens toward efficient treatment of industrial waste bitumen

The increasing development of communication technology and electromagnetic pollution have accelerated the research and optimization of electromagnetic microwave absorbing materials. There are few studies and reports on the creation electromagnetic microwave absorbing materials from industrial waste, despite the abundance and promise of research preparing of microwave absorbing materials utilizing sustainable resources from biomass. Herein, we prepared carbon-based microwave absorbing materials GCB-800, HTCB-800, and CDLB-800 using three different industrial solid waste bitumens, namely, coal direct liquefaction bitumen, high-temperature coal bitumen, and globular coal bitumen, as raw materials by using the thermal activation method. Due to the excellent porous carbon skeleton structure and the Fe2O3 contained in its internal ash after the heat treatment, which enhances the internal dielectric properties, the CDLB-800 was found to perform very well at the filler amount of 10 wt% obtained minimum reflection loss (RLmin) is −52.41 dB at 10 wt% filler and matched thickness d = 2.1 mm, and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) is 4.88GHz, with 87.14% absorption for X-band in the 2-18GHz. This work not only promotes the development of the comprehensive utilization of solid waste in this field, effectively reduces the burden of solid waste on the environment, but also points out the direction for the development of microwave absorbing materials in the future.