Pulp And Paper Industry Research Articles

Unraveling latent affinity of strategically designed histidine-rich biosurfactant via tannery waste bio-upcycling in environmentally-relevant lignin removal from pulp and paper industry effluent

Bioremediation of pulp and paper industry (PPI) effluent is hindered due to biorefractory lignin. Herein, we demonstrate a lignin-specific designer biosurfactant with synergistic binding sites for enhanced lignin removal from PPI effluent. The histidine rich-cationic lipoprotein biosurfactant (HR-CLB) was synthesized by Bacillus tropicus using tanning industry solid waste, animal fleshing by de novo substrate-dependent synthesis pathway. Interestingly, the HR-CLB anchored functionalized carbon (HR-CLBAFC) demonstrated a high lignin sequestration capacity of 93.2 mg/g HR-CLBAFC at optimized time, 60 min; pH, 5; temperature, 45 °C; and mass of HR-CLBAFC, 1.0 g. The sequestration was confirmed by HR-SEM, UV–Vis., FT-IR, and WCA analyses. The isotherm studies revealed the involvement of Freundlich isotherm (regression coefficient, R2: 0.988) in regulating lignin sequestration onto HR-CLBAFC with a Freundlich constant (Kf) of 16.46 ((mg/g)(L/mg)1/n). Moreover, the kinetics studies divulged the contribution of the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2: 0.992) in regulating the dynamic mechanism of lignin sequestration onto HR-CLBAFC with a rate constant (k2) of 0.00022 g/mg min. Additionally, the thermodynamics studies discovered a positive Gibbs free energy (ΔG: +170 kJ/mol) and entropy (ΔS°: +130 kJ/mol), indicating the involvement of chemical interaction during the sequestration. Furthermore, the mechanistic study confirmed the role of an incomplete valence shell of nitrogen in histidine centers of HR-CLB in regulating electrostatic interaction with lignin molecules during the sequestration process. Subsequently, the HR-CLBAFC applied for lignin sequestration from the real-time PPI effluent demonstrated an outstanding sequestration efficiency (>99.4%), confirming the unequivocal potential of the HR-CLBAFC matrix in lignin sequestration from real-time PPI effluent.

Current expansions in the Brazilian timber market

The attractive financial returns from timberland investments in Brazil, particularly fast-growth tree plantations like pine and eucalyptus, have attracted multiple investors over the last decade. Among the countries with a competitive Pulp and Paper Industry (PPI), pulp and paper investors have expanded substantially in Brazil with new mills and planted areas. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the dynamics of the Brazilian pulp and paper industry forest sector in the past decade. We described the current macroeconomic and political environment in Brazil and the expansion of mills and timberland in Brazil. Brazil is, clearly, among the selective countries where a substantial expansion of the forest sector is possible. The regions like Mato Grosso do Sul have impressive scales of productivity and expansion. Other areas, like the states of Maranhão, Piaui, Tocantins and Bahia present potential to expand forest plantation, however, they are limited by weather constraints (extensive drought and fire seasons). Even well-known markets, like the South region of Brazil, have has opportunities to expansion subject to higher land prices. Brazil’s attractiveness for timberland investments is underscored by robust economic indicators and extensive natural resources. Yet, navigating the complexities of its political landscape remains a critical consideration for potential investors looking to capitalize on the country’s promising forestry sector.

Sustainability Evaluation of a Paper and Pulp Industrial Waste Incorporation in Bituminous Pavements

The valorization of wastes as an alternative or secondary raw material in various products and processes has been a solution for the implementation of sustainability, a safer environment, and the concept of circular economy in the efficient use and management of natural resources. To promote sustainability through a circular economy approach, this work tries to demonstrate the environmental gains that are obtained by bringing together, in an industrial symbiosis action, two large industrial sectors (the pulp and paper and the road pavement sectors) responsible for generating large amounts of wastes. A sustainability assessment, based on a life cycle and circular economy approach, is presented here, and discussed using a simple case study carried out on a real scale. Two wastes (dregs and grits) from the pulp and paper industry (PPI) were used to partially replace natural fine aggregates in the production of bituminous mixtures used on the top surface of road pavements. The impacts at a technical, environmental, economic, and social level were assessed and it was shown that this simple waste valorization action is not only positive for the final product from a technical point of view, but also for the environment, causing positive impacts on the different sustainability dimensions that were evaluated.

Co-valorization of discarded wood pinchips and sludge from the pulp and paper industry for production of advanced biofuels

Several lignocellulosic wastes are generated in the pulp and paper industry (PPI), such as small wood chips (pinchips) and paper sludge, presenting a high cellulose content suitable to be converted into biofuels or bio-products in a forest biorefinery scheme. In this work, two schemes of biorefinery were proposed for their valorization, processing small eucalyptus wood pinchips in two different strategies: (i) autohydrolysis at 230ºC, and (ii) autohydrolysis at 195ºC followed by organosolv process (47.7% ethanol-water, 198ºC for 60 min). More than 95% of cellulose was recovered in both schemes. In the combined process, 76% of delignification was achieved and 78% of xylan was solubilized as xylooligosaccharides. To reduce operational cost of lignocellulosic biomass-to-ethanol fermentation, the mixture of the treated eucalyptus pinchips from two processes with sludge was also proposed to increase the initial glucan content and to supply a rich source of nitrogen (present in the sludge). For that, two experimental designs were carried out for ethanol production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process. Ethanol from SSF assays using sludge as co-substrate at 0.6 g of sludge/g of treated wood pinchips and 16 FPU/g of pretreated solids allowed to obtain 59 g/L (90% of conversion) and 46 g/L (96% of conversion) when blended with the wood from autohydrolysis and with the wood from autohydrolysis followed by organosolv, respectively. Overall, this study shows an alternative process valorization of biomasses derived from PPI for production of advanced biofuels and bio-products (such as xylooligosaccharides and lignin) contributing to achieving a circular economy.

Biotechnological Basis of the Pulp and Paper Industry Circular Economic System

To ensure development sustainability, the linear economic approach is being transformed into a cyclical model. For the pulp and paper industry (PPI), which occupies a significant place in the Russian economy, the shift of circular principles to the field of bioeconomics is becoming more important. This requires the development of basic biotechnological approaches implemented in closed cycles (biorefining). The aim of this study was to develop the biotechnological foundations of the circular economic system of the pulp and paper industry. To achieve the goal, the factors for the implementation of the circular mechanism in the pulp and paper industry were established. The composition of pulp and paper waste was systematized, taking into account the places of their occurrence; the directions and forms of the biorefining of pulp and paper secondary renewable resources were determined; and the principal possibility of obtaining bioethanol, based on the whole complex of sugars from cellulose production wastes, is shown. A wide range of general scientific methods was involved (analysis, synthesis, classification, modeling, etc.). Statistical methods were used to process experimental results in the field of pulp and paper waste bioconversion. The biotechnologies involved included methods of destruction, detoxification, and conversion of useful resources into secondary raw materials and final products. From the standpoint of the environmental approach, there are serious efficiency imbalances in the pulp and paper industry, which justify the implementation of circular mechanisms for organizing economic systems. The overall efficiency is ensured by the use of renewable resources and obtaining environmental effects. Algorithms and parameters of green biotechnological regulations for pulp and paper industry waste recycling provide the possibility of microbiological production of a complex of products: biocomposites, bioplastics, medical products, fertilizers, feed additives, vitamin supplements, and bioenergy resources. A strategy for the efficient biochemical processing of pulp and paper waste into green ethanol was determined. The possibility of increasing the efficiency of alcoholic fermentation using various biocatalysts was experimentally confirmed. The technological features of this method, associated with the need for microaerobic fermentation modes, were determined.

Decarbonization Prospects for the European Pulp and Paper Industry: Different Development Pathways and Needed Actions

The pulp and paper industry (PPI) has several opportunities to contribute to meeting prevailing climate targets. It can cut its own CO2 emissions, which currently account for 2% of global industrial fossil CO2 emissions, and it has an opportunity to produce renewable energy, fuels, and materials for other sectors. The purpose of this study is to improve understanding of the decarbonization prospects of the PPI. The study provides insights on the magnitude of needed annual renewal rates for several possible net-zero target years of industrial fossil CO2 emissions in the PPI and discusses decarbonization opportunities, namely, energy and material efficiency improvement, fuel switching, electrification, renewable energy production, carbon capture, and new products. The effects of climate policies on the decarbonization opportunities are critically evaluated to provide an overview of the current and future business environment of the European PPI. The focus is on Europe, but other regions are analyzed briefly to widen the view. The analysis shows that there are no major technical barriers to the fossil-free operation of the PPI, but the sector renovates slowly, and many new opportunities are not implemented on a large scale due to immature technology, poor economic feasibility, or unclear political environment.

Challenges in developing strategies for the valorization of lignin-a major pollutant of the paper mill industry.

Apart from protecting the environment from undesired waste impacts, wastewater treatment is a crucial platform for recovery. The exploitation of suitable technology to transform the wastes from pulp and paper industries (PPI) to value-added products is vital from an environmental and socio-economic point of view that will impact everyday life. As the volume and complexity of wastewater increase in a rapidly urbanizing world, the challenge of maintaining efficient wastewater treatment in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner must be met. In addition to producing treated water, the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) has a large amount of paper mill sludge (PMS) daily. Sludge management and disposal are significant problems associated with wastewater treatment plants. Applying the biorefinery concept is necessary for PPI from an environmental point of view and because of the piles of valuables contained therein in the form of waste. This will provide a renewable source for producing valuables and bio-energy and aid in making the overall process more economical and environmentally sustainable. Therefore, it is compulsory to continue inquiry on different applications of wastes, with proper justification of the environmental and economic factors. This review discusses current trends and challenges in wastewater management and the bio-valorization of paper mills. Lignin has been highlighted as a critical component for generating valuables, and its recovery prospects from solid and liquid PPI waste have been suggested.

A viable bioremediation strategy for treating paper and pulp industry effluents and assessing the prospect of resulted bacterial biomass as single cell protein (SCP) using indigenous bacterial species.

Aim of this research was to treat the organics enriched Paper and Pulp Industry (PPI) effluents using multi-metal tolerant predominant indigenous bacterial species. In addition, assessing the potential of treated bacterial biomass as a single cell protein (SCP). The multi-metal tolerant Streptomyces tuirus OS1 was enumerated from the Paper and Pulp Industry (PPI) effluents was identified through standard molecular characterization. S. tuirus OS1 proficiently ameliorated organic contaminants in PPI effluent in the in study at 35°C, 45°C, and 25°C. Fortunately, the S. tuirus OS1 considerably increased the dissolved oxygen level in treated PPI effluent in 30 days of bioremediation process. Interestingly, at 35°C of bioremediation process the S. tuirus OS1 demonstrated increased dried biomass (7.1gL-1) with the total crude protein (SCP) as 5.3gL-1 (78.79%) in 30 days of bioremediation process. These findings suggest that S. tuirus OS1 is capable of reducing organic pollutants in PPI effluents and producing biomass with enriched protein content.

Energy management practices, barriers, and drivers in Bangladesh: An exploratory insight from pulp and paper industry

Industrial energy management is critical to ensuring efficient energy usage, market viability, and greenhouse gas emission reductions. In this study, the aim is to investigate energy management practices in paper and pulp industries (PPI) of Bangladesh. The study identifies several barriers to adopt energy management practices; “Lack of governmental attention”, “Inadequate staff awareness” and “limited access to capital” are identified as the major constraints. In addition, HVAC systems and compressed air systems present higher barriers compared to electrical motor and pump systems while looking at the barriers by technology areas. On the other hand, “Owner's demand”, “Commitment from the top management” and “Pressure from the customers and different non-Governmental organization” are found to be the dominant drivers of energy management in the studied PPI. Energy management practices can enhance the energy efficiency approximately by 4–5 % according to the study. Furthermore, this study reveals that the majority of PPIs are unaware of the energy service companies (ESCO) with the lack of a standardized system for energy audit, as well as a lack of trust and information, appearing to be the obstacles behind this.

Glycome Profiling and Bioprospecting Potential of the Himalayan Buddhist Handmade Paper of Tawang Region of Arunachal Pradesh.

The paper and pulp industry (PPI) is one of the largest industries that contribute to the growing economy of the world. While wood remains the primary raw material of the PPIs, the demand for paper has also grown alongside the expanding global population, leading to deforestation and ecological imbalance. Wood-based paper production is associated with enormous utilization of water resources and the release of different wastes and untreated sludge that degrades the quality of the environment and makes it unsafe for living creatures. In line with this, the indigenous handmade paper making from the bark of Daphne papyracea, Wall. ex G. Don by the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India is considered as a potential alternative to non-wood fiber. This study discusses the species distribution modeling of D. papyracea, community-based production of the paper, and glycome profiling of the paper by plant cell wall glycan-directed monoclonal antibodies. The algorithms used for ecological and geographical modeling indicated the maximum predictive distribution of the plant toward the western parts of Arunachal Pradesh. It was also found that the suitable distribution of D. papyracea was largely affected by the precipitation and temperature variables. Plant cell walls are primarily made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, and glycoproteins. Non-cellulosic cell wall glycans contribute significantly to various physical properties such as density, crystallinity, and tensile strength of plant cell walls. Therefore, a detailed analysis of non-cellulosic cell wall glycan through glycome profiling and glycosyl residue composition analysis is important for the polymeric composition and commercial processing of D. papyracea paper. ELISA-based glycome profiling results demonstrated that major classes of cell wall glycans such as xylan, arabinogalactans, and rhamnogalacturonan-I were present on D. papyracea paper. The presence of these polymers in the Himalayan Buddhist handmade paper of Arunachal Pradesh is correlated with its high tensile strength. The results of this study imply that non-cellulosic cell wall glycans are required for the production of high-quality paper. To summarize, immediate action is required to strengthen the centuries-old practice of handmade paper, which can be achieved through education, workshops, technical know-how, and effective marketing aid to entrepreneurs.

Reduction of chlorophenol compounds from pulp and paper industry wastewater using different metal electrodes: a comparative study

In this study, the electrocoagulation (EC) process has been used for the eliminations of the chlorophenol compounds from the pulp and paper industry (PPI) wastewater. Two different metals electrodes (SS-304 and SS-316) have been used during the treatment process. All the experiments were carried out under ideal treatment conditions at pH=7, time =40 min and dose of electrolyte =1.0 gm/l and current density 24.8 mA/cm2 and 25.6 mA/cm2 in case of SS-304 and SS-316 electrodes respectively. The overall removal of chlorophenols is quite high in the case of SS-304 (79.5) electrodes in comparison to SS-316 (78.5). However, the reduction of total organic carbon (TOC) was also observed in the same manner with both metal electrodes. This study explores that the EC process is promising by the use of SS-304 and SS- 316 for the elimination of chlorophenols from PPI wastewater.

Identification of heavy metals tolerant Brevundimonas sp. from rhizospheric zone of Saccharum munja L. and their efficacy in in-situ phytoremediation

Heavy metals phytoremediation from pulp and paper industry (PPI) sludge was conducted by employing root-associated Brevundimonas sp (PS-4 MN238722.1) in rhizospheric zone of Saccharum munja L. for its detoxification. The study was aimed to investigate the efficiency of Saccharum munja L. for the removal of heavy metals along with physico-chemical parameters through bacterial interactions. Physico-chemical examination of PPI sludge showed biochemical oxygen demand (8357 ± 94 mg kg−1), electrical conductivity (2264 ± 49 μmhoscm−1), total phenol (521 ± 24 mg kg−1), total dissolve solid (1547 ± 23 mg kg−1), total nitrogen (264 ± 2.13 mg kg−1), pH (8.2 ± 0.11), chemical oxygen demand (34756 ± 214 mg kg−1), color (2434 ± 45 Co–Pt), total suspended solid (76 ± 0.67 mg kg−1), sulphate (2462 ± 13 mg kg−1), chlorolignin (597 ± 13.01 mg kg−1), K+ (21.04 ± 0.26 mg kg−1), total solid (1740 ± 54 mg kg−1), phosphorous, Cl−, and Na+. Heavy metals, such as Fe followed by Zn, Mn, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, As, Cr and Hg were above the permissible limit. Root and shoot of Saccharum munja L. revealed highest concentrations of Cd followed by Mn, Ni, Fe, Zn, Cu, As, Cr, Hg, and Pb. Tested metals (Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, As, and Hg) bioaccumulation and translocation factors were also revealed to be < 1 and >1, respectively, demonstrating that these plants have considerable absorption and translocation abilities. Plant growth-promoting activity, such as ligninolytic enzymes, hydrolytic enzymes, indole acetic acid, and siderophore production activity of Brevundimonas sp. (PS-4 MN238722.1) were also noted to be higher. These findings support the use of Brevundimonas sp (PS-4 MN238722.1) in combination with Saccharum munja L. plant as interdisciplinary management of industrial sludge at polluted areas for the prevention of soils near the industrial site.

Pulp and paper industry in energy transition: Towards energy-efficient and low carbon operation in Finland and Sweden

Mitigation of global warming, energy security and industrial competitiveness urge the energy-intensive pulp and paper industry (PPI) to transform energy use practices. This study investigates how the PPI has responded to the need for the energy transition in the 2000s. Finland and Sweden as forerunners of energy-efficient operation and decarbonization of the PPI are used as target countries. Understanding of changes in energy consumption is complemented using decomposition analysis (Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index Method) and the energy efficiency index approach. Analysis of companies’ investments in energy technologies is used for explaining changes in energy production. Evidence of significant development towards the more sustainable operation of the PPI was found. Energy consumption per produced unit has decreased, i.e., energy efficiency has improved. Fossil fuels have been partially replaced with bio-based alternatives. Thus, the CO2 intensity has decreased substantially. The generation of renewable electricity has increased in both countries. Examples of Finland and Sweden indicate that the PPI has great potential to contribute to CO2 emission reduction worldwide in the future as energy efficiency can be further improved, and the share of fossil fuels can be decreased increasing the use of biofuels and self-generated green electricity at least in kraft pulp mills.

The combined effect of bottom ashes and cellulose fibers on fired clay bricks

The paper and pulp industry (PPI) is permanently searching for new ways of managing its residues due to the increasing pressure of new environmental concerns and policies adopted worldwide. In addition, the manufacturing of construction materials such as fired clay bricks (FCBs) is also facing the transformation of its traditional market, which is asking for new materials with a lower environmental footprint but equal or even better technological properties. In considering the large mass flows related to both the PPI and FCB industries, several researchers have pointed out the feasibility of replacing clay by residues produced by PPI. However, these approaches have always considered the replacement of a single residue rather than the addition of several new ones. Conversely, by using both residues at once, the overall FCB performance is improved and the feasibility of this circular economy approach is eased. For instance, the addition of woody fibres increases thermal resistance but reduces mechanical strength. Conversely, the addition of ashes produced by PPI improved the mechanical strength by reducing the thermal resistance due to the increasing content of fluxing agents which improve the fired clay matrix structure. For this reason, this paper explores the technological properties achieved by replacing clay with both ashes and fibres provided by PPI in an integrated approach. By following industrial procedures, the so made fired clay bricks (with 20% of ash and 5% of fibres) meet the standard and show approx. 20% less thermal conductivity, with the same thermal capacity and a density reduction of more than 15%.

Caracterización estructural, física y química de la fibra de rastrojo de la cosecha de piña (ananas comosus) golden como alternativa para elaborar papel

El artículo presenta los resultados obtenidos en la caracterización estructural, física y química de la fibra de rastrojo de la cosecha de piña (Ananas Comosus) Golden como alternativa para elaborar papel, Se determinaron las propiedades biométricas de las fibras (longitud y diámetro, grosor de la pared y diámetro del lumen), para luego obtener los índices de calidad de pulpa para papel, como también se analizaron los porcentajes de celulosa, Holocelulosa y lignina, según las Normas TAPPI para cada componente y el método de Jayme-Wise. Este estudio se hizo con la finalidad de tener información para su posterior aprovechamiento en la industria de pulpa y papel. Las muestras de los rastrojos de piña fueron extraídas del centro poblado de Omaya, Pichari del Valle de los ríos Apurímac, Ene y Mantaro (VRAEM)- Perú. Los resultados indican que presentan medidas biométricas de: Longitud de la fibra: 1105 µm, Grosor de la pared: 2,75 µm, Ancho de la fibra: 20,0625 µm, Diámetro de Lumen: 5,35 µm, que esta materia prima es apta para producir papel de calidad regular presentando un coeficiente de Runkel de 1,028, un coeficiente de flexibilidad de 0,27 y un coeficiente de rigidez de 0,27; Según sus características químicas la fibra de hojas de piña Golden presenta un bajo contenido de lignina siendo el 12,335 %, Holocelulosa 41,72 % y un alto contenido de celulosa 44,04 % siendo un material potencial en la industria de pulpa y papel.

Evaluating energy efficiency improvement of pulp and paper production: Case study from factory level

To reduce energy use and achieve a low carbon production in pulp and paper industry (PPI), it is essential to improve energy efficiency in pulp and paper production. In this study, the energy savings from the PPI were estimated based on a techno-economic analysis by EAGER tool for PPI at the factory level. The structure and implement procedure were introduced initially. Two typical pulp and paper mills from China were determined to estimate the impact of selected energy efficiency technologies (EETs) on energy savings as the cases in the base year. One Factory (A) only produced paper products (i.e. corrugated paper and Kraft linerboard) while the other Factory (B) also produced market pulp besides sack paper. In totally 22 selected EETs were applied to assess their saving potential in Factory A, and 29 measures were applied in Factory B. The results show that 2290 TJ and 1179 TJ of final energy could be saved annually in Factory A and B, corresponding to reduction of 29.4% and 13.6% total energy consumption respectively for the case factories. The CO2 reduction potential was 32.3% for Factory A compared with that of 16.6% in Factory B. It suggests that the pulp and paper mills should encouraged to use this method estimating energy saving potential, and improve their energy efficiency with suggested measures in order to reduce energy consumption and related carbon emissions further in the coming years.

Measures to achieve technological indicators of wastewater quality in the pulp and paper industry

When switching to technological regulation in the Russian Federation, enterprises were divided into categories of negative impact on environmental objects. The most significant impact is exerted by enterprises of the 1st category of negative impact on the environment. Under the new requirements, such enterprises must receive a comprehensive environmental permit (CEP), in which one of the components is compliance with technological standards. If actual values do not match, enterprises should implement a program to improve environmental performance. The work examined technological solutions for use, which environmental impact will meet the requirements of the best available technologies (BAT). Measures are proposed to achieve the levels of technological standards for the existing pulp and paper industry (PPI), using the method of sulfate pulping. The values of indicators of identification of water management activities used in modern legislation are determined: anthropogenic load index (ALI), impact potential (IP), technological impact index (TII), coefficients of water resources involvement in the technological process before and after events.

Understanding Firms' Perspectives Toward Environmental Regulation

Why do some firms embrace environmental sustainability and others do not? Within any given industry, there are leaders and laggards. While extensive research has examined firms’ perspectives regarding the motivations, strategies, and outcomes related to the voluntary realm, there is a dearth of research related to firms’ perspectives regarding the regulatory realm. To better understand firms’ attitudes toward environmental regulation, I examine compliance and noncompliance with environmental regulation in the context of the US pulp and paper industry (PPI). I employ an inductive, multiple case study methodology to study regulatory tensions associated with environmental sustainability, as well as examine differences between firms compliant and non-compliant toward environmental regulation.

EFFECTS OF GENOME INSTABILITY IN LYMPHOCYTES AND BUCCAL EPITHELIOCYTES OF CHILDREN FROM THE CITY WITH BIG PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY

Introduction. Analysis of literature has shown genotoxicants (mutagens and carcinogens) to be present in the atmospheric emissions of pulp and paper industry (PPI). Moreover, among PPI workers from different countries, there was identified an additional risk of cancer, which suggests its high probability among residents of the cities where the PPI is located. The recognized index of genotoxic effects is an increased level of genome instability, which is determined, in particular, in the micronucleus test. The scope of the study - the comparative analysis of the effects of genomic instability in the two tissues - blood lymphocytes cultured with Cytochalasin B, and buccal epithelial cells in the second grade school children (8-9 years old, boys and girls), whose schools were located at different distances from the pulp and paper mill. Material and methods. The study was carried out in the city of Koryazhma, the Arkhangelsk Region (42000 citizens), where the pulp and paper plant as the city-forming industry was located. For the analysis, we subdivided the territories on which the schools were located, into 3 groups according to their distance from the pulp and paper mill. The effects of genomic instability were determined by cytome analysis in the micronucleus test. Results. Cytome analysis of cultivated lymphocytes demonstrated that levels of genome instability indices (including cell frequencies with micronuclei and nucleoplasm bridges, apoptosis, as well as changes in the spectrum of cell populations) to decrease along with the rising the distance between the pulp and paper mill and schools where the children go. In buccal epithelial cells, the manifestations of genomic instability effects were less systematic, which did not allow making a definitive conclusion. At the same time, in both tests, gender differences in the results of cytome analysis were revealed (for example, the alteration of frequency of lymphocytes with genetic damage dependence on the distance between schools and the PPI was more pronounced among boys). Conclusion. According to the results of this study and taking into consideration the data of literature, we hypothesized that the discovering of gender dimorphism in the effects of genome instability may indicate the presence of toxic and/or genotoxic compounds in an environment.

The Potential Energy Efficiency Improvements for the Italian Pulp and Paper Industry

Pulp and paper production is an energy intensive process, that accounts for about 9 % of industrial final energy use in Italy in 2016. While the energy intensity of the total manufacturing sector has decreased by 51 % over the last twenty years, pulp and paper industry has shown a slower improvement, of only 4 %. The sector presents wide opportunities for improving energy efficiency and, for this purpose, adequate knowledge of the energy saving potentials and their costs are essential prerequisites to design effective policies. In this paper, after assessing the current technologies and energy performance of the Italian pulp and paper industry, we identify the technical and economic potentials for fuel and electricity savings in the sector. While many studies in this field use data on efficient technologies from available literature, surveys or even theoretical estimates, the added value of this paper is the use of real data coming from 110 energy efficiency measures implemented in the field by the pulp and paper companies under the Italian White Certificates Scheme.The analysis indicates that the energy saving potentials, under conservative technology penetration rates, amount to 0.88 TWh for electricity and 4.47 TWh for fossil fuels consumption: such savings equal 12.6 % and 18.6 % of the sector electricity and fuel demand, and can be translated into mitigated CO2 emissions of 353 kt.