This study proposes a novel, unified framework integrating scientometric analysis, machine learning (ML), explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), and cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate and predict the performance of slag-fly ash-based geopolymer concrete (SFGPC). A scientometric review of 441 publications (2009–2025) guided the systematic assembly of a dataset comprising 363 SFGPC mixes. Five ML models were trained to predict compressive strength (fc), with Gradient Boosting (GB) achieving the highest accuracy, yielding R2 = 0.954, RMSE = 3.15 MPa, MAE = 1.81 MPa during training, and R2 = 0.95, RMSE = 3.128 MPa, MAE = 2.41 MPa during testing. Multi-layered XAI analysis identified age, slag content, and alkaline-to-binder ratio as the most influential parameters and revealed governing nonlinear interactions. Sustainability assessment showed that the fly ash-dominant mix exhibited the lowest global warming potential (156 kg CO2-eq/m3), the most favourable sustainability index, and the smallest residual emissions after a 25% carbon offset. A user-oriented graphical user interface (GUI) was developed for real-time strength prediction. The novelty of this work lies in introducing an explainable, data-driven, and sustainability-integrated decision-support system for designing transparent and low-carbon geopolymer concretes.

The threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the need for sustainable disinfectants have spurred interest in natural antimicrobials such as essential oils (EOs). However, their application is limited by volatility, poor water solubility, and cytotoxicity. Herein, we present the development of bio-based core–shell sub-micro-/nanocapsules (NCs) with encapsulated oregano (OO), thyme (TO), eucalyptus (EuO), and tea tree (TTO) oils to enhance antimicrobial (AM) performance and reduce cytotoxicity. NCs were synthesized via a nanoencapsulation method using chemically modified zein or poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride) (GZA) as shell polymers, with selected EOs encapsulated in their core (encapsulation efficacy > 98%). Chemical modification of zein with vanillin (VA) and GZA with either dodecyl amine (DDA) or 3-(glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (EPTMS) resulted in improvement in particle size distributions, polydispersity indices (PDIs) of synthesized NCs, and in the stability of the NC-dispersions in water. Antibacterial testing against Staphylococcus aureus and cytotoxicity assays showed that encapsulation significantly reduced toxicity while preserving their antibacterial activity. Among the formulations, GZA-based NCs modified with EPTMS provided the best balance between safety and efficacy. Despite this, life cycle assessment revealed that zein-based NCs were more environmentally sustainable due to lower energy use and material impact. Overall, the approach offers a promising strategy for developing sustainable, effective, and safe EO-based antibacterial agents for AM applications.

The present study investigates the suitability of the invasive herbaceous species Sosnowsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi) and giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis), together with reed (Phragmites australis), as feedstock for pressed biofuel pellets used alone and as additives to pinewood. Biomass of the three herbaceous species and pinewood was harvested, dried, chopped, milled, and pelletized through a 6 mm die to obtain pure pellets and binary mixtures of each herbaceous biomass with pinewood (25, 50, and 75% by weight of herbaceous share). The pellets were characterized for physical and mechanical properties, elemental composition, calorific value, combustion emissions, and life cycle impacts per 1 GJ of heat. Pellet density ranged from 1145.60 to 1227.47 kg m−3, comparable to or higher than pinewood, while compressive resistance satisfied solid biofuel quality requirements. The lower calorific values of all herbaceous and mixed pellets varied between 16.29 and 17.78 MJ kg−1, with increased ash and nitrogen contents at higher herbaceous shares. Combustion tests showed substantially higher CO and NOx emissions for pure invasive and reed pellets than for pinewood, but all values remained within national regulatory limits. Life cycle assessment indicated the highest global warming and fossil fuel depletion potentials for reed systems, followed by Sosnowsky’s hogweed and giant knotweed, with pinewood consistently exhibiting the lowest impacts. Overall, invasive plants and reed are technically suitable as partial pinewood substitutes in pellet production, supporting simultaneous invasive biomass management and renewable heat generation.

Fish is a high-protein food often included in healthy diets. Compared to other animal protein sources, fish generally have lower environmental impacts. However, Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) quantifying the impacts of wild caught fish most often exclude data inventory on vessel construction and maintenance, commonly without sufficient rationale. This research addressed this gap by first reviewing the 16 previous LCAs on wild caught fish that did consider (some level of) construction and/or maintenance. As a case-study, an LCA was performed for the fishing activities in Belgian fishing grounds by a large beam trawler, the fleet segment responsible for 70% of Belgium's 2020 catch. The system boundaries extended from vessel construction to fish auction, incorporating construction plans, maintenance records, and expert guidance. Results showed that construction and maintenance contributed minimally to climate change, particulate matter, and fossil resource use, justifying omission in LCA studies for long-operating vessels with considerable fuel use. However, this was not true for several impact categories, including water use, toxicity-related impact, eco-toxicity freshwater, eutrophication freshwater, and resource use minerals and metals. These impacts were primarily linked to the vessel's steel, the netting, and the copper cathode. Our findings suggest that while exclusion of construction and maintenance may be justified for certain impact categories, their inclusion is recommended when assessing toxicity and resource-related impacts. When full inventory data are unavailable, representative data on key materials can offer a reasonable approximation. Our study provides suggestions for LCA practitioners to make informed decisions about system boundaries, balancing methodological rigor with practical feasibility.

The depletion of natural resources has created an urgent need to identify alternative, sustainable materials for construction. Simultaneously, the rapid global accumulation and improper disposal of electronic waste (E-waste), particularly in developing countries, have raised significant environmental and public health concerns. This study investigates the use of electronic plastic waste (E-PW) as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete, with replacement levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% evaluated at different curing ages. While the inclusion of E-PW led to reductions in mechanical and durability performance compared to conventional concrete, these effects were mitigated by replacing 10% of the cement with silica fume (SF). The enhancement provided by SF demonstrated improved strength and performance in the E-PW concrete mixtures. According to SEM results, SF highlights the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) associated with E-PW in the OPC matrix. The best performing mix for blends containing E-PW and SF were M7 (5% E-PW + 10% SF), achieved a compressive strength of 37.69MPa, a flexural strength of 5.36MPa, and a splitting tensile strength of 3.91MPa at 56 days, surpassing those of the reference concrete. An environmental perspective, life cycle assessment demonstrated that a 20% replacement of fine aggregates with E-PW reduced the overall environmental burden by 5.3% and lowered the global warming potential by 1.43%, equivalent to saving approximately 4-5kg CO₂-eq per cubic meter of concrete. Hence, the findings support the potential for producing eco-efficient concrete by partially replacing natural sand with E-waste, contributing to resource conservation and environmental sustainability.

Plant factories enable stable crop production, but face sustainability challenges due to intensive resource consumption. In particular, studies that quantitatively analyze nutrient use in plant cultivation and assess the environmental burdens remain scarce. To address this, this study developed and evaluated a precision nutrient management system using ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) for closed hydroponic lettuce cultivation. The system’s performance was compared with a conventional EC-based approach in terms of resource use efficiency and environmental impact using life cycle assessment (LCA). The ISE-based system effectively maintained NO3, K, and Ca concentrations within target ranges (root mean square error (RMSE) < 52 mg·L−1), producing healthy crops without the physiological disorders (tip-burn) observed in the EC-based control, while the EC-based system showed higher total fresh weight, which implies that the increase in fresh weight may not necessarily correspond to marketable yield due to the nutrient imbalances. In terms of efficiency, the ISE-based system improved water-use efficiency (WUE) by 48.4% and fertilizer-use efficiency (FUE) by 24.5%. Furthermore, LCA revealed that the ISE-based system reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 8% and freshwater ecotoxicity by 64% per kg of lettuce, primarily by extending the nutrient solution reuse period threefold. The results suggest that ion-specific precision management has the potential to enhance the sustainability and resource efficiency of plant factories.

Abstract Natural aggregate depletion and subsequent increase in construction and demolition waste C&D have enhanced the pressure on the construction industry to find solutions using more sustainable materials in concrete manufacturing. Recycled coarse aggregate RCA that has been derived using C&D wastes is an interesting and appealing option that has environmental and economic benefits. The current review takes a critical literature synthesis on the ability to incorporate RCA in concrete, with a specific keenness on mechanical outcomes, durability, structural performance, and environmental responsibilities. The issue of heterogeneity and inconsistency of quality that is often connected to RCA receives its share of attention, as well as the solution to overcoming this drawback. The focus is laid on life cycle assessment LCA research, which considers environmental trade-offs in terms of functional units, emissions cuts, and energy use. The review also considers the recent developments, like surface treatment, optimized mix, and supplementary matters, among others, to improve the performance of RCA. It finds weaknesses in the spheres of standardization, forecasting performance long-term, and sustainability evaluation procedures. All of this, when combined, provides a technically based, integrated approach to what role RCA plays in the sustainable development of civil infrastructure.

The national energy transition encourages the application of biomass co-firing technology in Steam Power Plants (PLTU) as an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the renewable energy mix. The success of the implementation of co-firing is greatly influenced by the selection of the right biomass raw materials, considering the trade-off between benefits, costs, and operational risks. This study aims to determine the most optimal co-firing biomass raw materials in coal-fired power plants using the Benefit-Cost–Risk Analysis approach combined with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The study was conducted on one of the coal-fired power plants in East Java by comparing three alternatives, namely sawdust, rice husks, and coal without co-firing. The weighting of criteria was carried out through expert assessment using AHP paired comparisons. The selected alternatives were then analyzed for their environmental impact using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach with the scope of cradle to gate. The results show that sawdust has the highest Benefit value, a Benefit–Cost (BCR) ratio above one, and a level of risk that can still be managed compared to other alternatives. The LCA analysis identified boiler units as the main hotspots of environmental impact, so operational improvements were recommended through water-steam system control. This research provides a basis for strategic decision-making in the selection of co-firing biomass that supports the energy transition and environmental sustainability.

The construction industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, with cement production being a major contributor. Exploring sustainable alternatives for concrete production is crucial to mitigating the environmental impact of the construction sector. To lessen the influence of the construction industry on the environment, it is imperative to investigate sustainable alternatives for concrete manufacturing. This study investigates the sustainability potential of carbonated water-containing concrete mix designs. Using life cycle assessment utilizing gate-to-gate system boundary, the researcher examined concrete samples' compressive, flexural, pH profiling, and thermogravimetric analysis. The researchers on one of the Brewery Inc. properties carried out the carbonation procedure. Using the data, they applied life cycle analysis to evaluate the concrete mix designs' potential for sustainability. The results indicate the possibility of improving concrete's sustainability and qualities by adding carbonated water, which offers important new information for creating greener building materials.

Life-cycle assessment is crucial for evaluating materials’ environmental impact and guiding the development of low-carbon and sustainable buildings. However, conventional LCA methods often overlook critical impacts during the operation and maintenance stage. To address this gap, this study proposes an improved framework using four composite indicators to enable systematic evaluation of six wall materials across China’s five climate zones. Using a university teaching building in the Hot Summer and Cold Winter Zone as a case study, this study quantitatively analyzed the economic viability and carbon reduction potential of each material. Results indicate that lower thermal conductivity does not necessarily imply superior economic and carbon reduction performance. Factors including the material carbon emission factor, cost, and thermal properties, must be comprehensively considered. Buffering materials also exhibit climate dependency—WPM and BWPM (moisture-buffering plastering mortars) perform better in hot–humid zones than temperate zones. All five buffer materials reduce operational energy consumption; WPM and BWPM stand out with 15.7% and 16.7% life-cycle cost savings and 17.3% and 18.0% carbon emission reductions, respectively. This study addresses the limitations of traditional LCC/LCA and provides theoretical and practical support for scientific material selection and low-carbon building design.

Dynamic inner-outer dual-cycles drive selective periodate activation for nearly exclusive singlet oxygen production toward sustainable water purification.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the environmental viability of applying biosolids to soil as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers. Theoretical Framework: Agriculture is a sector with a continuous demand for nutrients. Food production requires appropriate soil conditions for crop growth. Brazilian soils have a high demand for fertilizers for correction, as they have low concentrations of phosphorus (P), an essential element for crop development. Sewage sludge is a continuously generated residue, rich in organic matter and nutrients that can be used in the form of biosolids for soil correction. However, the environmental performance of replacing synthetic fertilizers by biosolids must be evaluated. Method: A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted, as described in the NBR ISO 14040/44 standards, using the openLCA® software to evaluate the production and application of different P sources – biosolid and synthetic fertilizer – based on energy demand in megajoules (MJ) and carbon footprint in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO2eq). Data collection was carried out through consultation with experts, literature, estimates, and the ecoinvent® inventory database version 3.6. Results and Discussion: The results of the energy demand and carbon footprint for 57 kg of P applied to agricultural soil from biosolids (8 241 MJ and 1 547 kg CO2eq) were lower than those for synthetic fertilizer and sludge disposal in a sanitary landfill (16 489 MJ and 9 490 kg CO2eq), representing an advantage for this biofertilizer. Research Implications: This research supports resource recovery from waste sources to promote sustainability in the production and use of nutrients. In this regard, integrating the sanitation and agricultural sectors is strategic for promoting a higher nutrient use efficiency in human activities. Originality/Value: This study contributes to quantifying the environmental viability of replacing synthetic fertilizers by biosolids, as in addition to providing the necessary nutrients for agricultural cultivation, they promote the environmentally appropriate disposal of sludge, adding value to the waste and reducing energy demand and carbon footprint.

The construction sector generates a substantial proportion of Australia’s total solid waste, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable and circular resource management approaches to mitigate environmental impacts. This study evaluates the environmental performance and circularity potential of construction and demolition waste (C&DW) management across five Australian states. Three representative building cases were modelled using both national-average and state-specific recycling rates and electricity generation mixes. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to compare two end-of-life pathways: landfill and recycling. Key parameters, including transport distance and substitution ratio, were also examined to assess their influence on carbon outcomes. The results show that regional variations in electricity generation mix and recycling rate have a strong influence on the total Global Warming Potential of C&DW management. States with cleaner electricity grids and higher recycling rates, such as South Australia, exhibited notably lower recycling-related emissions than those relying on fossil-fuel-based power. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating regional characteristics into sustainability assessments of C&DW management and provide practical insights to support Australia’s transition toward a circular and low-carbon construction industry.

This study presents the development and evaluation of a 3D-printable alkali-activated mortar formulated with brick masonry waste, utilized as both binder and aggregate to mitigate the environmental burden of Portland cement and reduce reliance on scarce industrial by-products. Mixtures with 50–80% recycled brick content were tested for fresh rheology, mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and 3D-printability. Using the measured properties, finite-element thermal analyses were performed on five wall geometries with varying void configurations. The results indicate that increased void ratios substantially lower thermal transmittance, while the geometry and distribution of contact points critically influence heat transfer. The best-performing design achieved a U-value of ~4.1 W/m²K, corresponding to a 75% reduction compared to a solid wall of equal thickness. Complementary cradle-to-gate life-cycle assessment (LCA), confirmed reductions of 70–80% in embodied environmental impacts following geometric optimization. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of integrating waste-derived geopolymer binders with optimized 3D-printed wall patterns to produce thermally efficient building envelopes. The outcomes support sustainable construction pathways and underscore the relevance of extending future research to explore multi-functional optimization (e.g., acoustic and structural performance), and the integration of passive insulation strategies to further enhance these 3D-printed systems.

Abstract Waste gasification is an emerging technology that offers numerous advantages to conventional waste management options. Potential benefits could be amplified by the introduction of refuse‐derived fuel as a feedstock, carbon capture, co‐gasification, and products diversification. This study is focused on the economic and environmental evaluation of waste gasification for power, thermal energy, and hydrogen production, thus providing an extension to our previous work, where different process flowsheet configurations were analyzed. Simulation data, equipment specifications, and literature data were used for economic analysis, where co‐generation and hydrogen production scenarios proved to be profitable, with levelized cost of electricity and hydrogen reaching as low as 68 €/MWh and 0.98 €/kgH 2 , respectively. Captured carbon utilization can influence plant economic performance significantly. Environmental effects were investigated via Life cycle assessment methodology, with system expansion allocation and cradle‐to‐grave approach. Most of the investigated scenarios have a net‐negative impact on key environmental categories. For gasification scenarios, net impact of 2300 kgCO 2,eq per ton of treated fuel can be obtained. Complete analysis was performed in the form of a case study for Novi Sad, Serbia, thus providing indicators on potential benefits of incorporating proposed waste management technique on a local level.

In product-oriented Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies, obtaining reliable and accurate data during the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) analysis is challenging due to security concerns of industrial enterprises. In this study, a question catalogue inventory was intended to be developed to obtain accurate data in LCI processes and to overcome this challenge. The LCA process consists of four main stages: "Raw Material – Production – Use – Disposal." Within this process flow, the LCI inquiry focuses on system boundaries, energy, and transportation at each stage of the LCA process. While deriving the questions, the categories of "Definition – Raw Material – Production – Point of Sale and Distribution – Consumption – Recycling – Disposal" were taken as the basis. A total of 50 questions were developed in the study. This study aims to enhance the environmental sustainability of newly developed technological products by applying the LCI inquiry filter during the project phase, in the context of global industrial competition. Additionally, it will serve as a guiding light for those who are new to conducting LCA studies.

Enhanced CO2 capture by PEHA-functionalized sepiolite via in-situ Mg pillaring: A synergistic effect of structure and chemistry.

This paper presents an energy-focused analysis of structural materials used in passenger cars, with a particular emphasis on the impact of construction materials on total energy consumption throughout the vehicle’s life cycle. Three production periods (2000, 2010, and 2020) were analysed for B- and C-segment vehicles using inventory data from Life Cycle Assessment databases, the scientific literature, and certified dismantling stations. The embodied energy of key material groups—steel, aluminium, plastics, and other materials—was calculated based on representative mass shares and material-specific energy intensity indicators. The computational model was supplemented with statistical analyses (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Levene’s test, ANOVA, and Tukey’s post hoc tests) to verify whether observed temporal trends were statistically significant. The results indicate that total material-related energy inputs increased from approximately 57 GJ to 64 GJ per vehicle, while the specific energy intensity per kilogram decreased from 47.6 MJ/kg to 42.6 MJ/kg. Aluminium exhibited a pronounced reduction in unit energy intensity due to the rising share of secondary materials, whereas plastics and other materials showed substantial increases. Steel remained the largest contributor in absolute terms because of its dominant mass share. This study highlights the growing importance of the production phase in the environmental balance of modern vehicles, particularly in the context of the rising share of lightweight materials and recycling-based components. The results emphasise the importance of energy-efficient material use and underscore the significance of material selection and recycling strategies in reducing energy demand within the automotive sector.

We all know how bad plastic is for the environment. Plastics can be found almost everywhere, from the highest parts of the world, on Mount Everest, to the lowest, in the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. But what makes plastic so bad? Is it the fact that it takes hundreds of years to break down, or is it the pollution made when we manufacture plastic? We can answer this question using a special method called a life cycle assessment, which measures the total effect plastic has on the environment. As you read this article, you will find out what a life cycle assessment is and how we use it to measure the impacts of plastic on our planet.

The growing global environmental crisis calls for fundamental transformations in production and consumption systems, but the understanding of how circular economy strategies translate into quantifiable environmental benefits remains fragmented across sectors and geographies. The objective of this study is to synthesize current scientific knowledge on the circular economy as an environmental mitigation strategy, identifying conceptual convergences, methodological patterns, geographic distributions, and critical knowledge gaps. A systematic review combined with a bibliometric analysis of 62 peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2024, retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Springer Link and Wiley Online Library, was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The results reveal a marked methodological convergence around life cycle assessment, with Europe dominating the scientific output (58% of the corpus). Four complementary conceptual frameworks emerged, emphasizing closed-loop material flows, environmental performance, integration of economic sustainability and business model innovation. The thematic analysis identified bioenergy and waste valorization as the most mature implementation pathways, constituting 23% of the research emphasis. However, critical gaps remain: geographic concentration limits the transferability of knowledge to diverse socioeconomic contexts; social, cultural and behavioral dimensions remain underexplored (12% of publications); and environmental justice considerations receive negligible attention. Crucially, the evidence reveals nonlinear relationships between circularity metrics and environmental outcomes, calling into question automatic benefits assumptions. This review contributes to an integrative synthesis that advances theoretical understanding of circularity-environment relationships while providing evidence-based guidance for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers involved in transitions to the circular economy.