Waste Issues Research Articles

Environmental release behavior, cell toxicity and intracellular distribution of novel biodegradable plastic materials.

In response to the increasingly severe issue of plastic waste, biodegradable plastics have garnered extensive attention as a potential alternative to traditional plastics. Among these materials, biodegradable plastics hold a dominant position. The objective of this study was to assess the environmental risks of five commercially available biodegradable plastics: polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene carbonate) (PBC), and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). The evaluation included their physical properties, microplastic release behavior, and cytotoxicity. In addition, the effect of age process on the environmental behavior of biodegradable plastic materials was further investigated. The results revealed that PGA and PBS exhibited lower risks in terms of microplastic release, whereas PLA demonstrated higher environmental mobility. Further cytotoxicity experiments indicated that PLA and PBS exerted significant toxic effects on human cell lines, including human normal liver cells (LO2), human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and human colon carcinoma cells (Caco-2). Additionally, this study utilized Nile Red labeling to observe the co-culture system of PGA with THP-1cells, uncovering that THP-1cells gradually engulfed and internalized PGA microplastics over time. This finding provides new insights into the potential mechanism by which microplastics promote cell proliferation. Moreover, we also found that the aging process partially reduced the cytotoxicity of PGA, but had little effect on environmental mobility. Considering the comprehensive research findings, PGA is considered an ideal material for large-scale applications due to its low cytotoxicity and environmental risks. In contrast, the environmental safety of other types of plastics requires more comprehensive risk assessment to determine their suitability. This study provides significant scientific evidence for the environmental impact assessment of biodegradable plastics and plays a crucial role in promoting the development of sustainable plastic alternatives.

APAGE Position Statements on Green and Sustainability in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

The APAGE Position Statements aimed to provide guidance to healthcare practitioners on clinical practices aligned with climate sustainability. A taskforce convened by APAGE proposed provisional statements. Twenty-two gastroenterologists from the Asian Pacific region participated in online voting and consensus was assessed through an anonymized and iterative Delphi process. There were five sections that addressed the rationale for climate action, the importance of adopting principles of waste management, clinical practice, gastrointestinal endoscopy, and issues related to advocacy and research. Sixteen statements achieved consensus and included the following: 1. APAGE recommends adopting prompt measures to reduce the carbon footprint of clinical practice due to the importance of climate action and its health cobenefits. 5. APAGE recommends adherence to professional clinical guidelines to optimize clinical care delivery in gastroenterology and hepatology to avoid the environmental impact of unnecessary procedures and tests. 8. APAGE recommends an emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, and appropriate screening and surveillance, when resources are available, to reduce the environmental impact of managing more advanced diseases that require more intensive resources. 12. APAGE recommends that technological advances in endoscopic imaging and artificial intelligence, when available, be used to improve the precision of endoscopic diagnosis to reduce the risk of missed lesions and need for unnecessary biopsies. 13. APAGE recommends against the routine use of single-use endoscopes. The position statements provide guidance to healthcare practitioners on clinical practices in gastroenterology, hepatology, and endoscopy that promote climate sustainability.

From Waste to Worth: Innovative Pyrolysis of Textile Waste into Microporous Carbons for Enhanced Environmental Sustainability

The generation of synthetic textile waste is a growing global concern, with an unsustainable rate of expansion. This study addresses the growing issue of synthetic textile waste by converting polyester–polyurethane (PET-PU) post-industrial scraps into microporous carbon materials, which can be utilized for wastewater treatment. Using a straightforward pyrolysis process, we achieved a high specific surface area (632 m2/g) and narrow porosity range (2–10 Å) without requiring chemical activation. The produced carbon materials effectively adsorbed methylene blue and orange II dyes, with maximum adsorption capacities of 169.49 mg/g and 147.56 mg/g, respectively. Kinetic studies demonstrated that adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating strong interactions between the adsorbent and dyes. Regeneration tests showed that the C-PET-PU could be reused for multiple cycles with over 85% retention of its original adsorption capacity. Preliminary life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC) analysis highlighted the environmental and economic advantages of this upcycling approach, showing a reduced global warming potential and a production cost of approximately 1.65 EUR/kg. These findings suggest that transforming PET-PU waste into valuable adsorbents provides a sustainable solution for the circular economy and highlights the potential for broader applications in environmental remediation.

An Indigenous learning approach to managing solid waste in First Nations in Canada

The literature on municipal solid waste management on First Nations emphasizes the need to improve existing systems and attitudes and behaviours. Learning about programmes and systems can bring about these changes. This research examined how two First Nations in Canada learned about municipal solid waste management in an Indigenous context and the consequent impacts of their learning. The data show that participants mostly learned from close family relations and conversations with community members, while learning directly from Elders, ceremonies, and storytelling was limited. Intergenerational learning occurred, where the younger generation learned from the older generation and vice-versa. The impacts of learning included reducing municipal solid waste generation, avoiding packaging, and reusing items. This research concludes that Indigenous learning should be incorporated into municipal solid waste programmes because it is culturally relevant and helps create awareness. In addition, Elders should be deliberately involved in planning programmes, and municipal solid waste issues should be incorporated into ceremonies about land protection.

Unraveling Redox Mediator-Assisted Chemical Relithiation Mechanism for Direct Recycling of Spent Ni-Rich Layered Cathode Materials.

The increasing demand for Li-ion batteries across various energy storage applications underscores the urgent need for environmentally friendly and efficient direct recycling strategies to address the issue of substantial cathode waste. Diverse reducing agents for Li supplements, such as quinone molecules, have been considered to homogenize the Li distribution in the cathode materials obtained after cycling; however, the detailed reaction mechanism is still unknown. Herein, the ideal electrochemical potential factor and reaction mechanism of the redox mediator 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone (DTBQ) for the chemical relithiation of high-Ni-layered cathodes are elucidated. Here, 100% efficiency of DTBQ-assisted chemical relithiation is achieved by adjusting the direct immersion time of Li-deficient cathode electrodes. The reversible reaction features of the physical and chemical structures of both the regenerated cathodes and the DTBQ molecules are investigated using advanced characterization and density functional theory calculations. These findings emphasize the potential of redox-mediator-assisted chemical relithiation for realizing direct recycling processes and offer a facile and sustainable solution for battery recycling.

Environmental Friendly Polymer Based Recycled Nitrile Gloves Incorporated With Poly(Lactic Acid)/Graphene Nanoplatelets Binary Blends

ABSTRACTThe waste issue from the widespread use of nitrile gloves emphasize the environmental and health risks associated with improper disposal. This study introduces an innovative approach by incorporating recycled nitrile gloves made from acrylonitrile butadiene (rNBR) into a composite with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) (1, 2, and 3 phr). The results showed a maximum improvement in mechanical properties at a PLA/rNBR blend ratio of 60:40 wt%, demonstrating a balance between stiffness and toughness compared to other binary blend ratios. The incorporation of GNP enhanced the values of Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) recorded that the thermal stability of PLA/rNBR tends to increase with the loaded GNP. The morphological properties observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the PLA/rNBR surface exhibited a nonhomogeneous distribution, leading to the formation of numerous voids and low adhesion. However, the good distribution of GNP within the matrix contributed to greater homogeneity, thereby reducing defects caused by rubber crumbs and voids in the PLA/rNBR fracture. Based on this research, this strategy offers a promising solution to address the environmental challenges posed by personal protective equipment waste.

Sustainable Extraction Technology of Fruit and Vegetable Residues as Novel Food Ingredients.

Fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) is a global waste issue with environmental impacts. It contains valuable compounds such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, proteins, vitamins, pigments, and fatty acids, which can be extracted for food applications. This study aims to review sustainable extraction methods for FVW and its potential in the food industry. This paper provides an overview of the sources and sustainable methods of high value-added compounds extracted from FVW. Sustainable techniques, including supercritical fluid extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction, are compared with traditional methods, for their efficiency in extracting high-value compounds from FVW while minimizing environmental impact. Sustainable extraction of FVW compounds is sustainable and beneficial for novel food ingredients. However, challenges in scalability and cost need to be addressed for wider adoption in the food sector. Sustainable extraction techniques effectively extract phytochemicals from FVW, preserving bioactivity and reducing environmental load. These methods show promise for sustainable food ingredient development.

Hydrogen Generation from the Hydrolysis of Diamond-Wire Sawing Silicon Waste Powder Vibration-Ground with KCl.

Diamond-wire sawing silicon waste (DSSW) derived from the silicon wafer sawing process may lead to resource waste and environmental issues if not properly utilized. This paper propounds a simple technique aimed at enhancing the efficiency of hydrogen production from DSSW. The hydrolysis reaction is found to become faster when DSSW is ground. Among the studied grinding agents, KCl has the best performance. The grinding duration and addition amount remarkably affect the final hydrogen yield and initial hydrogen generation rate (IHGR). Among all studied samples, DSSW-KCl 25 wt% ground for 3 min shows the best performance with a hydrogen yield of 86.1% and an IHGR of 399.37 mL min-1 (g DSSW)-1 within 650 s. The initial temperature is also found to have a significant influence on the hydrolysis of the DSSW-KCl mixture, and the reaction can proceed to 85% conversion in 100 s with an IHGR of 1383.6 mL min-1 (g DSSW)-1 at 338 K. The apparent activation energy for the hydrolysis reaction of the DSSW-KCl composite powder was found to be 45.62 kJ mol-1 by means of an Arrhenius plot. The rate-determining step for the rapid reaction of DSSW to produce hydrogen is chemical reaction control, while the slow reaction is controlled by diffusion.

A Conceptual Analysis on the Innovative Utilization of Edible Leftovers: Bridging Food Waste Reduction and Food Security.

This conceptual paper explores the innovative utilization of edible leftovers as a solution to the global issue of food waste and its intersection with food security. Food waste, particularly edible leftovers, presents a paradox where nutritious food is discarded while millions face food insecurity. Edible leftovers are an underutilized resource that can bridge the gap between excess food and hunger, benefiting both the environment and economy. The paper examines global food waste statistics, highlighting Malaysia as a case study. It emphasizes the environmental impact of decomposing food in landfills, which releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The paper reviews various strategies for repurposing edible leftovers, such as converting them into value-added products and redistributing them through food sharing platforms. Furthermore, the study discusses the economic benefits of reducing food waste for individuals, businesses, and society. The analysis also explores policy and regulatory challenges, noting the importance of clear guidelines to promote the redistribution of edible leftovers safely. Despite the potential benefits, barriers such as societal attitudes and logistical issues hinder widespread adoption. The paper underscores the need for innovative solutions and policy interventions to fully leverage edible leftovers in addressing food insecurity and reducing waste. By tapping into this underutilized resource, the paper advocates for a more sustainable and equitable food system.

A sustainable route for producing reduced graphene oxide nanosheets from recycled plastic waste for high-performance supercapacitor applications

Among the environmental issues, plastic waste is one of the most significant problems, and thus, searching for ways to solve it is critical. In the present work, a green process is proposed for synthesizing RGO nanosheets from recycled plastic waste for efficient supercapacitor applications. The suggested approach consists of the transformation of plastic waste into GO using a direct and reproducible strategy and then the transformation of GO to RGO via an eco-friendly reducing agent. The synthesized RGO nanosheets possessed desirable electrochemical characteristics such as a specific capacitance of 104[Formula: see text]F/g at 0.5[Formula: see text]A/g, 90% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles, and good rate capability. The RGO nanosheets were further employed as electrode materials for the supercapacitor devices which has been evidenced with high energy density and power density. Physical properties have been characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope have clearly observed the structure and the morphology of Graphene nanosheets has been established. The electrochemical properties of RGO have been examined and demonstrated to be regular. The proposed structure exhibits a nearly rectangular shape within the range of the potential window, conforming to the standard characteristics of an ideal capacitor. The findings of this study represent a viable and techno-economically feasible strategy to address the global issue of plastic waste and generate high-value graphene materials for energy storage technologies.

Application of Nano-Titanium Dioxide in Food Antibacterial Packaging Materials.

Food waste and food safety issues caused by food spoilage have been brought into focus. The inhibition of food spoilage bacteria growth is the key to maintaining food quality and extending the shelf life of food. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is an efficient antibacterial strategy which provides a new idea for the antibacterial preservation of food. Nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) with PDI characteristics has attracted the interest of many researchers with its elevated efficiency, broad-spectrum antibacterial resistance, low cost, safety, and non-toxicity. Nano-TiO2 photodynamic antibacterial properties have been studied extensively and has a great application value in the field of food packaging. The antibacterial properties of nano-TiO2 are linked to its photocatalytic activity and are influenced by factors such as reactive oxygen species production, bacterial types, etc. Polymer-based nano-TiO2 packaging has been prepared using various methods and applied in various foods successfully. In this review, the latest research on photocatalytic and antibacterial mechanisms and factors of nano-TiO2 is discussed, and its applications in food antibacterial packaging are also explored comprehensively. Challenges and future perspectives for nano-TiO2-based food packaging applications have been proposed. This review aims to provide a whole comprehensive understanding of novel antibacterial packaging systems based on nano-TiO2.

Analysis of E-Waste Recycling Intention in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Due to the increased demand for electrical and electronic devices, Vietnam has emerged as one of the major importers of electronic goods in Southeast Asia. This corresponds to Vietnam facing an escalating issue of electronic waste. In light of this concern, the purpose of this study was to investigate the individual intention regarding the recycling of electronic waste. To achieve this objective, a survey was conducted among 1020 respondents with varying genders, and educational levels in Ho Chi Minh City. The collected data was analyzed sing SPSS and AMOS software, enabling the development of a structural model. The findings of the study found that social pressure was the most influential factor affecting the intention to recycle electronic waste. Following closely behind were inconveniences, economic factors, attitudes, and awareness. Based on the outcome, it is recommended that policymakers should focus on creating effective advocacy programs, enhancing convenience, and improving public understanding and awareness in order to help reduce electronic waste.

Comparative analysis of coconut husk and laminated plastic packaging co-pyrolysis: Response surface methodology and artificial neural network approach

The co-pyrolysis of plastic with biomass offers a promising solution to mitigate environmental health concerns associated with plastic waste. This technique has shown effectiveness in addressing waste issues by generating fuel oil from plastic and biomass waste. Many researchers have utilized pyrolysis technology, employing various optimization techniques to produce significant amounts of pyrolytic oil. This study aims to compare predictions of the percentage mass oil yield using an artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM). Before the pyrolysis process, a 3k factorial Box-Behnken Design was employed to determine the number of experiments required. In RSM, a 2D contour plot illustrated the correlation of each parameter with the percentage oil yield. ANOVA analysis revealed the significance of the produced quadratic mathematical model, with a p-value below 0.05. Through the ANN modeling, the temperature, particle size, and the percentage of LPP were employed as the input, while two neurons were employed in 1 hidden layer. The resulting percentage oil yields were calculated, indicating a significant influence from temperature and the percentage of laminated plastic packaging. Simulation results from the ANN demonstrated strong agreement with a correlation coefficient of 99.5%, surpassing the 90.71% correlation coefficient observed in RSM. This underscores the advantage of using ANN for predictive modeling.

Methodological bases for assessing geoenvironmental and socioeconomic conditions of optimal allocation of MSW landfills

The issues of solid municipal waste (MSW) management are very urgent now due to the increasing accumulation of MSW amount along with rapidly rising urban population. Despite all the efforts undertaken for developing a high-tech infrastructure for waste treatment and disposal, a significant part of it is still disposed to landfills. The index of favorability for the MSW landfill allocation is determined on the basis of a comprehensive account of geoecological constraints and socioeconomic conditions; it reflects the regional differentiation between the administrative subjects of the Russian Federation. The suggested approach to assessing the subjects’ territory for the scientifically grounded placement of MSW landfills contributes to solving the problem of effective waste management.

Analisis Usaha Totebag Custom Ramah Lingkungan sebagai Solusi Inovatif untuk Mengurangi Sampah Plastik

The issue of plastic waste has become a global environmental challenge, with Indonesia being one of the largest contributors. This study aims to analyze the business opportunity of eco-friendly custom tote bags as an innovative solution to reduce plastic waste in society. The research adopts the Business Model Canvas (BMC) framework to design strategies for a business that encompasses nine key elements. Findings reveal that custom tote bags made from eco-friendly materials such as muslin and canvas offer added value through personalized designs, effective digital marketing, and market segmentation targeting environmentally conscious youth. This study provides guidance for entrepreneurs to capitalize on the market potential of eco-friendly products and suggests optimizing social media for marketing efforts.

Implementation of AHP and Fuzzy Topsis Methods with Techno Economic Analysis Selection of Appropriate Technology for Waste Management Case Study University of Indonesia

The "Zero Waste City" program is a waste management policy initiative in Depok City that has been implemented from 2016 to 2024. The primary objective of this program is to make the entire Depok City area free from all types of waste. However, the program's implementation faces challenges, leading to some areas in Depok City still struggling with waste issues. Universitas Indonesia, as a higher education institution located in Depok City, acknowledges the waste-related challenges in its surrounding environment. Therefore, the university is committed to actively participating in solving waste issues originating from its campus environment. This research aims to address waste issues at the source, particularly by applying appropriate technology based on the criteria and sub-criteria at Universitas Indonesia. This step is expected to contribute to reducing waste-related problems in Depok City and serve as an example of effective waste management from its source. Notably, Universitas Indonesia contributes to the accumulation of residual waste at TPA Cipayugn Depok, which has become increasingly concerning over time. The analysis in this study employs the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods to evaluate suitable waste management technologies for addressing the issues of residual waste accumulation. Additionally, techno-economic analysis is conducted to assess the feasibility of the selected technology. The project's feasibility evaluation parameters include Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Payback Period (PBP), and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR).

Heterogeneity in Diameters of Protein Fibrils and Chitosan for a High CO2/O2 Selectivity and Desired Mechanical Properties of Edible Bioplastic Films.

Edible bioplastics offer a possible approach with great potential to address the challenges of plastic and microplastic crisis and the issue of food waste. In the present study, in situ, induction of fibrillation of legume proteins within chitosan matrix is found to form edible bioplastic films with a high CO2/O2 selectivity coefficient of ≈130. Desirable mechanical properties, including a high elongation at break of ≈230%, are realized to fabricate shopping bags, which can be filled with 5kg of fruits. An atmosphere with a high CO2 content and low O2 concentration is spontaneously achieved after strawberries are packaged with the films and ≈85% of the fruits are edible after 9 days. The contents of CO2 in the equilibrium state and the percent of edible fruits are positively correlated with the CO2/O2 selectivity of the films. By comparison of the edible bioplastic films made from mung bean protein (MP) and pea protein (PP), the fibrillation capability of legume proteins and the heterogeneity in polydisperse diameters of the protein fibrils and chitosan are demonstrated to make great contributions to the dense microstructure, leading to the strong mechanical properties and high gas selectivity of the films. The structure-property relationship is elucidated for high-performance bioplastics films.

Packaging waste in the operating room

Climate change is acentral issue for our future. The increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere promotes the so-called greenhouse effect, resulting in climate change. Worldwide, the amount of plastic waste amounts to approximately 8billion tons. The healthcare sector is responsible for around 4.4% of global net emissions contributing to the greenhouse effect. Measures to reduce CO2emissions within the healthcare sector should be implemented accordingly. To make the issue of plastic waste in the operational sector more visible, in the present study we examined and calculated the packaging waste generated in the treatment of distal radius fractures. The clinic stocks two different implants (sterile packaging = groupI vs. implant tray = groupII) for the treatment of distal radius fractures. Over aperiod of 12months (July 2022-July 2023), the packaging waste from all surgically treated distal radius fractures was collected and weighed. The time required to retrieve, unpack and provide the implants in both groups (referred to as preparation time) was measured. Patient data were recorded in adedicated register and statistical significances were calculated. Atotal of 124 distal radius fractures were treated. The average age of the cohort was 67.9 years with 74.2% being female. The system with sterile individual packaging (groupI) was used for fracture treatment 29times, while the system with the screw tray (groupII) was used 94times. For treatment with sterile packaging 104.5g of plastic waste and 67.4g of plastic-free packaging waste were generated per operation, while treatment with the implant tray resulted in 21.6g of plastic waste and 12.8g of plastic-free packaging waste (p = 0.0001). The average time for providing the screws in groupIwas significantly higher at 527.8 s compared to treatment with the implant tray in groupII at 138 s (p = 0.0001). In the present study we found asignificant increase in plastic waste when using individually packaged implants. To reduce the production of plastic waste, mandatory guidelines for waste separation in the operating room appear to be sensible. Measures such as the return and recycling of recyclable plastic waste as well as improvements in packaging design and the use of bio-based biodegradable and compostable plastics, represent further possibilities for waste reduction.

Methods of Reducing Burrs in the Process of Cutting and Blanking Metal Materials

In metal cutting and blanking processes, one of the primary technological challenges is the formation of burrs on the surfaces of cut parts, especially in thin materials. Many companies face the issue of excessive waste due to burr formation after cutting. Understanding the causes of this defect is complex. This paper presents the current state of knowledge and the authors' research on reducing burr occurrence on cut surfaces. The conditions for achieving a high-quality cut edge were determined through numerical and experimental studies. With the increase of the rake angle in shear-slitting, the burr height decreases. When cutting with trimming, the cutting clearance value should be within hc = 1-3% of the material thickness. When blanking, the cutting clearance should be less than 10% of the thickness of the material being cut. The findings support selecting optimal process conditions to minimise waste after cutting.

Upcycling: Cara Kreatif Remaja Menyelamatkan Lingkungan dan Meningkatkan Ekonomi

The issue of plastic waste in Indonesia has reached a critical level, with an annual production of 64 million tons. To address this challenge, an educational approach that integrates practical and meaningful aspects, especially for the younger generation, is necessary. This study implements Project-Based Learning (PjBL) with an upcycling approach to enhance students' environmental awareness, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. The methods used include socialization and hands-on practice, where students are encouraged to create economically valuable products from plastic and paper waste. This activity involved 36 teenagers divided into groups to produce upcycled products such as plant pots and pencil holders. The results of this project indicate an increase in students' awareness and skills in waste management, as well as the creation of upcycled products with market value. This study further confirms that project-based learning can positively impact environmental and entrepreneurial education in schools, aligning with the goal of nurturing a generation that is both environmentally conscious and economically self-sufficient.