Resource Recovery Research Articles

High-efficient synthesis of straw-derived carbon quantum dots for facilitating methanogenic performance in high-load co-digestion of food waste and excess sludge

Anaerobic digestion (AD), as a crucial technology for organic waste resource recovery, faces the challenge of low efficiency in converting high-load organic substance into biogas. In this study, high-load AD system with food waste and excess sludge as co-substrates was constructed. The effect and mechanism of carbon quantum dots (CQD) derived from straw in promoting the performance of AD systems have been studied. The oxidation pretreatment of straw with H2O2 and acetic acid increased the yield of hydrothermal synthesis CQD to approximately 40%. The effect of different CQD on CH4 yield performance was further explored. The cumulative CH4 yield performance of the fermenter was improved after adding CQD. The CQD synthesized from pretreated straw and the nitrogen-doped CQD synthesized using Chlorella as the nitrogen source showed competitive promotion performance, increasing cumulative CH4 yield by 17.71% and 8.87%, respectively. These CQD can effectively accelerate the degradation of dissolved organic matter and thus improve the CH4 yield performance, with the most significant effect of CQD synthesized from pretreated straw. Electrochemical analysis and the correlation analysis between microorganisms and performance parameters showed that these CQD established an electron conductive network to enhance the electron transfer of the system. This well conductive conditions enriched hydrogenotrophic methanogenic (Methanosarcina), electroactive bacteria (Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1), and hydrolytic-acidifying bacteria (norank_f__Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17). This study significantly enhanced the yield of straw-derived CQD through green methods, and deeply revealed the potential promoting mechanisms of biomass-derived CQD by investigating the correlation between system performance and microorganisms in high-load AD systems

Carboxyl carbon nanotubes strengthened tailorable chitosan imprinted polymers for selective adsorption of dibenzothiophene in hydrogenated diesel

Selectively capturing and adsorbing high-valued dibenzothiophene (DBT) from hydrogenated diesel is a meaningful and economic tactic for sulfide resource recovery. The design of efficient adsorbents with desirable adsorption capacity, high selectivity and simple retrieval is still challenging. In this work, an imprinting polymerization coupling freeze-drying approach was adopted to elaborately prepare carboxyl carbon nanotubes (CCNT) strengthened chitosan (CS) molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs-CCNT/CS) for non-destructive adsorption of DBT. The introduction of CCNT into CS-based imprinted matrix improved thermal and mechanical stability and enriched adsorption sites of MIPs-CCNT/CS, thus enhancing DBT adsorption ability with the maximum adsorption capacity of 30.58 ± 1.24 mg/g under the optimized adsorption conditions. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics models were verified to fit satisfactorily with the adsorption procedures of MIPs-CCNT/CS towards DBT. Benefiting from the presence of plentiful DBT imprinted cavities, MIPs-CCNT/CS maintained a superior recognition for DBT in the quaternary stimulated diesel, and the relative selectivity coefficients of DBT for benzothiophene (BT), indole, and fluorene with respect to the control non-imprinted adsorbent (NIPs-CCNT/CS) were 2.19, 2.34, and 2.10, respectively. After six adsorption–desorption experiments, the adsorption capacity of MIPs-CCNT/CS toward DBT remained stable (20.67 ± 0.53 mg/g). The preliminary exploration for actual hydrogenated diesel demonstrated that MIPs-CCNT/CS has benign industrial application prospect in the separation and recycling of high value-added DBT.

Cooperation of rhamnolipid and thermophilic bacteria modifies proteinic structure, microbial community, and metabolic traits for efficient solubilization and acidogenesis of mariculture solid wastes

Anaerobic fermentation combined with thermophilic bacteria (TB) pretreatment is a promising method to realize effective waste management and carbon resource recovery. However, undesirable properties of high-strength mariculture solid wastes (MSW) such as high solids concentration, excessive salinity and poor bioavailability limited the overall solubilization and acidogenic efficiency. This study innovatively introduced rhamnolipid (RL) to alleviate this adverse effect, and unveiled its cooperation with TB on enhancing organic matter dissolution and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production. The results showed that VFAs yield from pretreated MSW was improved by 9.4-15.1 folds with enriched acetate (81.4%-94.4%) in the TB+RL groups. The co-pretreatment of RL and TB disintegrated substrate structure for efficient release of electron shuttles and biodegradable organics. This was because introducing RL reconstructed solid-liquid interfacial charge and molecular arrangement, improved thermophilic enzyme activity, and reduced apoptosis and necrosis cells of TB. Substrate bioavailability was further improved with proteinic structure shifted from α-helix and β-sheet to random coil and aggregated strands, and amide II and carboxyl groups interacted with RL molecules. These changes induced the selective enrichment of hydrolytic and acidogenic bacteria, and the upregulated expression of encoding genes responsible for transmembrane transport, protein hydrolysis, carbohydrate metabolism and acetate biosynthesis. This study provides a new strategy to overcome the bottlenecks of acidogenesis from high-strengthen organic wastes and deciphers the underlying mechanism.

Optimization of Tantalite Ore Dissolution Using Hydrofluoric-sulphuric Acid and Shrinking Core Model

Aim: This study investigates the dissolution of tantalite mineral from granitic pegmatite in Okpella, Northern Edo State, Nigeria. Study Design: Elemental and mineral composition analysis of tantalite ore sample from Okpella was carried out using X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and the shrinking core model were used in designing the study while the effects of temperature, stirring speed, particle diameter, and mixed acids concentrations were investigated in the dissolution rates of the mineral. Duration of Study: 50 experimental runs were designed using RSM Central Composite Design (CCD) to optimize variables including HF concentration (1-8 M), H2SO4 concentration (0.5-3 M), temperature (32-82°C), stirring speed (0-500 rpm), and particle size (0.1-0.3 mm), with a constant contact time of 240 minutes. Methodology: Pulverized tantalite samples (0.1-0.3 mm) were reacted with varying concentrations of hydrofluoric and sulphuric acids (1-8 M and 0.5-3.0 M, respectively) for 240 minutes, with stirring speeds between 0-500 rpm and temperatures from 32 to 82°C. The mixture was stirred in a water bath with 50 ml of mixed acids solution and 2 g of ore. After the reaction, the solution was decanted, and the residual ore was washed, dried at 60 °C, and weighed. The difference between the initial and final weights indicated the amount of undissolved tantalite ore. Results: Ore characterization results revealed high concentration of tantalum (34.17%), iron (12.55%), niobium (8.38%), and titanium (6.01%), with other elements present in smaller amounts. Optimal conditions were found to be 8 M HF, 0.5 M H2SO4, 82°C, 500 rpm stirring speed, and 0.1 mm particle size, resulting in 97.28% dissolution of tantalite ore. Regression analysis demonstrated model robustness with an F-value of 16.70 and a P-value of 0.0001, indicating HF concentration and stirring speed as the most impactful factors. The model’s R² value of 0.9201 and adjusted R² of 0.8650 confirm its predictive accuracy. Analysis using the shrinking sphere model showed that film diffusion control is the primary limiting step with t/τ=0.999, while reaction control resulted in slightly lower conversion with t/τ=0.973, highlighting film diffusion as the main constraint but with high conversion efficiency. Conclusion: The findings from this investigation not only reveal the dissolution of tantalite ore through a detailed experimental approach, identifying optimal conditions -8 M HF, 0.5 M H2SO4, 82 oC, 500 rpm stirring speed and 0.1 mm particle size- that achieve a 97.28% dissolution, but they also enhance our understanding of mineral processing. These understanding are crucial for mineral dissolution up scaling technologies in industrial applications, which will potentially leads to a more efficient extraction method that could significantly reduce costs and environmental impacts in the mining sector. This research could drive advancements in sustainable resource recovery and contribute to sourcing of critical minerals.

Integrating electrochemical pretreatment with microalgae treatment for nitrogen and phosphorus removal and resource recovery from swine wastewater

This study integrates electrochemical pretreatment with microalgae (Scenedesmus obliquus) treatment to enhance nitrogen and phosphorus removal and resource recovery from swine wastewater. By optimizing electrochemical and microalgae treatment conditions, the dilution factor and the hydraulic retention time for microalgae treatment were reduced to 5 times and 7 days, respectively. Under the optimized operational conditions, removal efficiencies of total nitrogen and ammonia could reach over 89 %and 96 %,respectively, and the removal efficiency of total phosphorus was over 99 %. The study also found that aluminum was more suitable than iron for anode as it produced fewer residues. Additionally, the electrochemical pretreatment reduced Cu2+ and Zn2+ concentrations, mitigating negative impacts on microalgal growth. The microalgae biomass harvested from developed processes was rich in saturated fatty acids, which was desirable for biodiesel production. This approach addresses the challenges of nutrient removal for swine wastewater treatment with high quality biomass recovery.

Transferring red mud to efficient adsorbent for the adsorption and immobilization of Ni(Ⅱ) from aqueous solution

Red mud, a solid waste produced in large quantities, possesses a high specific surface area and is rich in metal oxides, making it a promising material for adsorbent preparation. However, its practical application is constrained by its relatively low adsorption capacity and the potential environmental risks it poses. This study focused on the preparation of modified red mud (MRM) with enhanced adsorption performance for Ni2+ using a hydrothermal method involving sodium hydroxide and colloidal silica. The maximum adsorption capacity of MRM for Ni2+ reached 8.22 mmol·g–1, a substantial improvement compared to raw red mud (0.28 mmol·g–1) and sulfuric acid-activated red mud (0.46 mmol·g–1). The pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models accurately described the monolayer chemical adsorption process of Ni2+ on MRM. Additionally, leaching tests with simulated rainwater demonstrated that Ni-loaded MRM exhibited high stability, suggesting its potential for safe stockpiling or repurposing, such as in construction materials. Sequential extraction, XRD, FT-IR, and XPS results revealed that cation exchange was the primary mechanism in the adsorption process, with Ni2+ being immobilized within the zeolite framework structure of MRM, contributing to its strong adsorption stability. Inner-sphere complex formation also played a role in Ni2+ adsorption. In conclusion, this method offers an effective approach to both red mud utilization and heavy metal removal from wastewater, presenting a practical solution for waste management through resource recovery and environmental remediation.

Disaster Preparedness among Households in the Municipality of Pura, Tarlac: An Analysis

This research endeavors to evaluate the level of disaster preparedness among households in the Municipality of Pura, Tarlac, employing a quantitative descriptive research approach. A survey questionnaire was utilized to gather data from 112 household respondents, selected through random sampling across barangays most vulnerable to disasters. Data analysis, facilitated by SPSS analytical statistics software, focused on identifying trends and correlations between disaster preparedness levels and encountered challenges. The findings reveal both strengths and challenges in disaster preparedness. While emergency plans, risk awareness, and response capacity demonstrate commendable efficacy, deficiencies in emergency supplies, community engagement, and infrastructure persist. Correlation analysis underscores the positive relationship between proactive measures and mitigation of challenges, emphasizing the importance of investing in comprehensive disaster management strategies. Recommendations are proposed based on the research findings. Strengthening emergency supplies and resources through equitable distribution mechanisms and community collaboration is advised. Fostering greater community engagement and collaboration, enhancing emergency plans, and improving response and recovery capacity are also recommended. These measures, encompassing workshops, collaboration initiatives, and resource provisions, aim to empower households with the necessary knowledge and resources for effective disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Implementation of these recommendations is crucial for enhancing disaster resilience and readiness in the Municipality of Pura, Tarlac. By addressing identified challenges and bolstering proactive measures, the community can better safeguard its residents and infrastructure against future disasters, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Comparison of environmental impacts from pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion of oily sludge

Thermochemical treatment of oily sludge (OS) has been demonstrated to be an effective approach for resource and energy recovery. However, the migration and emission of potential pollutants have limited its further development. In this study, the environmental impacts, including aromatic compounds in liquid products, N-, S-, and Cl-containing pollutants in gaseous products, and residual organic matter and heavy metals in solid residues, during the pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion processes of OS are comparatively investigated. The results indicate that the aromatics in the liquid products obtained from pyrolysis and gasification are primarily hydrocarbons with 10, 14, and 16 carbon atoms, and the corresponding degree of unsaturation is between 7 and 16. By contrast, the aromatics produced during combustion are mainly hydrocarbons with 10–12 carbon atoms and an unsaturation degree of 7. The liquid products from gasification of OS contain aromatics with more carbon atoms and a higher degree of unsaturation, suggesting potential issues of recalcitrant aromatics and tar by-products during the gasification process. The release behaviors of N-, S-, and Cl-containing pollutants during the thermochemical treatment of OS are closely related to the specific thermochemical technology and treatment temperature. At 550 °C, these pollutants are gradually released from the OS. By contrast, at 950 °C, they are released over a narrow temperature range with significantly higher concentrations. Furthermore, compared with the peak concentrations of SO2 and HCl during thermochemical processing at 550 °C, these values increase by 1–2 orders of magnitude at 950 °C. With the increase in treatment temperature, the loss on ignition (LOI) of residues from pyrolysis or gasification of OS gradually decreases and stabilizes around 0.5 %. On the other hand, the LOI from combustion fluctuates around 1.0 %. In addition, the removal rates of total organic carbon in the residues from all three thermochemical processes exceed 98.89 %. However, the potential ecological risks associated with heavy metals in the residues from thermochemical treatment of OS also increase to some extent. Cr, Cu, and Zn are found to evaporate and escape into liquid and gaseous products, while Pb is retained in the residues. Notably, the residue from combustion poses the highest environmental risks among the three processes.

Fiscal Tools for Promoting Efficient Economic Growth

Contemporary crisis phenomena, including financial, structural, political, and social aspects, underscore the need for effective fiscal policy to ensure the resilience and development of the country. Additionally, there are currently complex challenges related to the war, such as infrastructure destruction, business shutdowns, and mass migration, which have significantly impacted the country’s economy and require additional financial resources for recovery. This situation necessitates the search for new sources of income and the optimisation of existing resources, highlighting the importance of effective tax regulation to overcome economic challenges during conflict. This scientific article aims to determine the role of fiscal policy in ensuring effective economic development, as well as the importance of tax instruments and their efficiency in promoting economic growth and optimising financial resources. In the research process, literary sources were analysed, and statistical data was scrutinised to evaluate the dynamics of state revenues and expenditures and the impact of tax receipts on the state budget. The study emphasises the importance of tax instruments for economic development and meeting the country’s financial needs. The efficient use of tax instruments facilitates the collection of sufficient revenues to fund social and economic needs. The study highlights the importance of employing the necessary tax instruments to ensure the country’s effective economic development. In martial law conditions, mobilising fiscal reserves and activating tax instruments become critical strategies for ensuring financial stability and supporting the economy. However, the successful implementation of these measures requires the improvement of the organisational structure and administration. A balanced approach to tax burden, a conducive environment for business, and the development of new revenue sources are critical in ensuring financial stability and supporting economic growth during conflict.

Tracking Chlamydia and Syphilis in the Detroit Metro Area by Molecular Analysis of Environmental Samples.

This paper describes one of the first studies applying wastewater surveillance to monitor Chlamydia and Syphilis and back-estimate infections in the community, based on bacterial shedding and wastewater surveillance data. Molecular biology laboratory methods were optimized, and a workflow was designed to implement wastewater surveillance tracking Chlamydia and Syphilis in the Detroit metro area (DMA), one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the U.S. Untreated composite wastewater samples were collected weekly from the three main interceptors that service DMA, which collect wastewater and discharge it to the Great Lakes Water Authority Water Resource Recovery Facility. Additionally, untreated wastewater was also collected from street manholes in three neighborhood sewersheds in Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties. Centrifugation, DNA extraction, and ddPCR methods were optimized and performed, targeting Chlamydia trachomatis and Treponema pallidum, the causative agents of Chlamydia and Syphilis, respectively. The limit of blank and limit of detection methods were determined experimentally for both targets. Both targets were detected and monitored in wastewater between December 25th, 2023, and April 22nd, 2024. The magnitudes of C. trachomatis and T. pallidum concentrations observed in neighborhood sewersheds were higher as compared to the concentrations observed in the interceptors. Infections of Chlamydia and Syphilis were back-estimated through an optimized formula based on shedding dynamics and wastewater surveillance data, which indicated potentially underreported conditions relative to publicly available clinical data.

Research progress on comprehensive utilization of fluorine-containing solid waste in the lithium battery industry

With the rapid development of the lithium-ion battery (LIB) industry, the inevitable generation of fluorine-containing solid waste (FCSW) during LIB production and recycling processes has drawn significant attention to the treatment and comprehensive utilization of such waste. This paper describes the sources of FCSW in the production of LIBs and the disposal of spent LIBs. Subsequently, the fundamental characteristics of FCSW were introduced, including resource properties and hazardous attributes. Furthermore, it comprehensively reviews recent technologies for treating FCSW. Finally, future research on FCSW was prospected. This paper aims to provide practical guidance for the treatment and application of FCSW in the LIB industry, help solve the problem of resource recovery in HCSW treatment, and promote the HCSW industry to achieve more efficient and sustainable development.

Selective electrosorption of silver ions from wastewater by biomass-derived N, S co-doped hierarchical porous carbon

The recovery of precious silver (Ag) from wastewater, a dual pursuit of environmental sustainability and economic benefits, faces a formidable challenge in the selective extraction of Ag+ ions amidst a matrix of other metal ions. To address this, we developed a novel N, S co-doped hierarchical porous carbon (NSPC) derived from a renewable precursor of Camellia oleifera shell. As the electrode material for capacitive deionization (CDI), the NSPC exhibited a high electrosorption capacity of 480.5 mg g−1 for Ag+ ions under an operating voltage of 1.2 V. Owing to the strong reaction between Ag+ and S functional groups and the synergistic effect from a hierarchical porous structure and N doping, the formation of Ag2S and elemental Ag is facilitated, and the NSPC cathode could selectively remove nearly 100 % of Ag+ ions from saline water and a solution containing Ni2+, Co2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, and Fe3+ ions. Furthermore, the NSPC cathode showed a high anti-interference ability in the presence of anions (C10H14N2O82−, C4H4O62−, C5H7O5COO− and HCO3−) and excellent reusability until 9 cycles. The impressive results show that the biomass-derived NSPC has the potential for rapid and selective recovery of silver from wastewater and offers a solution for environmental remediation and metal resource recovery.

Studies to assess natural resource recovery and evaluate monitoring methods for restored bottomland hardwood forests.

The Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration process assesses natural resource injury due to oil or chemical spills and calculates the damages to compensate the public for those injuries. Ecological restoration provides a means for recovering resources injured or lost due to contamination from oil or chemical spills by restoring the injured site after remediation, or acquiring or reconstructing equivalent resources off site to replace those lost due to the spill. In the case of restored forests, once restoration is implemented, monitoring of forest ecology helps keep recovery on track, with the maturation of forest vegetation, recovered soil conditions, and development of microbial, fungal, and faunal communities, necessary for ecologically functioning forests. This series of papers focuses on applying methods for monitoring restoration progress in forest vegetation and soils, and amphibian, avian, and mammalian communities, assessing strengths and weaknesses of different methods, and evaluating levels of effort needed to obtain accurate indications of forest ecological condition. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-5. © 2024 The Author(s). Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Leaching Thermodynamics of Low-Grade Copper Oxide Ore from [(NH4)2SO4]-NH3-H2O Solution.

This paper describes a highly alkaline low-grade copper oxide ore. Copper can be selectively leached out while other metals are retained. A thermodynamic model of the CuO-(NH4)2SO4-NH3-H2O system was established for the leaching of tenorite (CuO) under conditions of mass and charge conservation. MATLAB's fitting functions, along with the diff and solve functions, were used to calculate the optimal ammonia concentration and total copper ion concentration of tenorite under different ammonium sulfate concentrations. The effects of various ammonia-ammonium salt solutions (ammonium sulfate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium chloride) on the copper leaching rate were investigated. Results show that under the conditions of an ammonia concentration of 1.2 mol/L, an ammonia-ammonium ratio of 2:1, a liquid-solid ratio of 3:1, a temperature of 25 °C, and a leaching time of 4 h, the copper leaching rate from the ammonium sulfate and ammonium chloride solutions reaches 70%, which is slightly higher than that of ammonium carbonate. Therefore, an ammonia-ammonium sulfate system is selected for leaching low-grade copper oxide due to its lower corrosion to equipment compared to the chlorination system. The impact of this study on industrial applications includes the potential to find more sustainable and cost-effective methods for resource recovery. The industry can reduce its dependence on resources and mitigate its environmental impact. Readers engaged in low-grade oxidized copper research will benefit from this study.

A Review of the Occurrence and Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Electronic Waste.

Electronic waste (e-waste) contains valuable rare earth elements (REEs) essential for various high-tech applications, making their recovery crucial for sustainable resource management. This review provides an overview of the occurrence of REEs in e-waste and discusses both conventional and emerging green technologies for their recovery. Conventional methods include physical separation, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy, while innovative approaches such as bioleaching, supercritical fluid extraction, ionic liquid extraction, and lanmodulin-derived peptides offer improved environmental sustainability and efficiency. The article presents case studies on the extraction of REEs from waste permanent magnets and fluorescent powders, highlighting the specific processes involved. Future research should focus on developing eco-friendly leaching agents, separation materials, and process optimization to enhance the overall sustainability and efficiency of REE recovery from e-waste, addressing both resource recovery and environmental concerns effectively.

Cation selectivity during flow electrode capacitive deionization

Efficient separation of specific ions from aqueous media is crucial for advanced water treatment and resource recovery. Flow electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) offers potential for selective ion removal through continuous operation. This study evaluates the performance of selective cation separation using a commercial activated carbon slurry in a multi-ion solution of monovalent (Li+, Na+, K+) and bivalent (Ca2+, Mg2+) cations. We assess ion removal and cation selectivity under different operational parameters, such as applied potential, slurry flow rate, and feed water flow rate. Our data show that bivalent cations, namely Ca2+ and Mg2+, are preferentially removal due to their higher charge-to-size ratio, aligning with hydrated ion sizes. The highest separation rate was observed for Ca2+ (5.7 μg cm−2 min−1), and the lowest for Li+ (0.2 μg cm−2 min−1). At the highest applied voltage (1.2 V), charge efficiencies reached 70 %, with an energy consumption of 41 Wh mol−1 for nearly complete cation removal. Optimal conditions were identified with a slurry flow rate of 6 mL min−1, feed water flow rate of 2 mL min−1, activated carbon content of 10 mass%, 1 mass% carbon black, and a cell voltage of 1.2 V. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing operational parameters to enhance ion removal.

The place of the social in psychiatry: from structural determinants to the ecology of mind.

Social psychiatry considers the ways in which mental disorders are shaped by particular social environments. This paper outlines a cultural-ecosocial approach that emphasizes the ways in which cultural meaning and practices mediate the effects of the social determinants of mental health on the mechanisms of illness, disorder, and disease. Selective review of literature and conceptual synthesis. "The social" in psychiatry stands for the structures and dynamics of groups of people interacting on multiple scales from the intimate sphere of couple and family to neighbourhoods, communities, societies, nations, and transnational or global networks. These interactions create social contexts, niches, forms of belonging, identities, institutions, and larger systems that influence the causes, expression, course, and outcome of mental disorders. Characterizing these systems requires theory that considers the ways in which social systems constitute dynamical systems that configure material, energetic, and informational flows that give rise to human experience. Unpacking the health consequences of these local and extended systems requires an interdisciplinary approach that considers: (1) the social psychological, psychophysiological, and sociophysiological processes that mediate the impact of the environment on body, mind, and person; (2) the interactional dynamics of social systems that give rise to structural adversity and inequity as well as resilience; and (3) the recursive effects of self-understanding, agency and subjectivity. In the cultural-ecosocial view, "the social" is shorthand for interactional processes that constitute material and symbolic structures that provide cultural affordances, constraints, and challenges as well as resources for healing, recovery, and adaptation.

Role of big data analytics and hyperspectral imaging in waste management for circular economy

The accumulation of waste has a profound impact on the environment, prompting a crucial discussion about effective waste management strategies aligned with Oman Vision 2040’s sustainability goals. The consequences of municipal solid waste generation have multifaceted impacts on the environment, public health, and overall well-being of communities. Addressing these consequences requires a holistic approach that includes the integration of sustainable waste management technologies to foster a circular economy. This paper emphasizes the necessity for a paradigm shift in waste management methodologies, emphasizing the importance of Hyperspectral Imaging and Big Data Analytics into municipal solid waste management processes. This paper explores the synergistic relationship between hyperspectral imaging which is capable of precise material identification, and big data analytics to facilitate comprehensive data analysis. The integration aims to optimize waste segregation, resource recovery, and recycling processes. The utilization of data-driven insights enables predictive modeling and the identification of trends thereby facilitating more efficient and sustainable waste management practices. The harnessing of big data analytics empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions in waste management to achieve long-term environmental, and economic sustainability.

Hydrocarbon generation potential in Jurassic source rocks from hydrous pyrolysis experiments under ultradeep conditions

This study investigates the hydrocarbon generation potential of Jurassic source rocks under ultradeep conditions by utilizing semiclosed system hydrous pyrolysis experiments to simulate the geological processes at play. This study examines four distinct lithologies (shale, mudstone, carbonaceous mudstone, and coal) and three kerogen types (I, II, and III) across a temperature range of 250–650 °C and fluid pressures ranging from 34 to 100 MPa. The results indicate a bimodal distribution in total oil yields, with peak generation observed at approximately 350 °C and 600 °C. This pattern suggests a complex relationship between temperature, pressure, kerogen type, and hydrocarbon output. Notably, while I-Shale and II-Mudstone display higher hydrocarbon efficiency, III-type rocks exhibit superior oil and gas production rates because of their higher total organic carbon content. Research revealed that the oil expulsion rate exceeds 99% at temperatures above 500 °C, with the expelled oil predominantly comprising nonhydrocarbons and asphaltenes. Our findings suggest that Jurassic hydrocarbon source rocks maintain oil and gas potential under ultradeep conditions (high-over maturity stages at depths exceeding 6000 m). Under sustained fluid overpressure exceeding 70 MPa, the hydrocarbon generation peaks of various kerogen types in source rocks are markedly delayed. This phenomenon enables the source rocks to retain the potential for liquid hydrocarbon generation even during the stages of overmaturity. The results significantly enhance the theoretical framework of hydrocarbon generation under ultradeep conditions, thereby providing a crucial extension to the existing thermal boundary theory of hydrocarbon formation. These insights are crucial for the oil and gas industry, directing future exploration efforts towards ultradeep reservoirs and informing the development of new technologies to exploit these resources. This research not only enhances the understanding of subsurface hydrocarbon systems but also has implications for strategies aimed at maximizing resource recovery and managing the environmental impact of deep Earth exploration.

A Disposable Diaper Collection Project in Langa, Cape Town, South Africa: A Pilot Study.

In developing countries, there is currently no established waste management plan that includes resource recovery from used disposable diapers (DDs) apart from incineration and landfilling. In low-income areas with limited storage space, the complex composition and odour of used DDs make it impossible to manage properly if not supported by effective waste management systems. In the absence of effective waste management, DDs are dumped in open spaces, burned or buried. These actions pose threats to the safety and health of humans, animals and the environment. Separation and collection of DDs are critical preliminary steps to landfilling, recycling or beneficiation. In this article, we describe a case study of two pilot collection projects in Langa township in Cape Town, South Africa, to determine whether and how a source-separated collection system can work in low-income, resource-constrained areas. The lessons learned highlighted the following: The eagerness of parents to participate for the benefit of their own and their children's health; the complementarity of the two pilot collection models to serve the needs of the community; the important role non-government organisations play in the implementation of waste management projects; the significance of the possible job creation opportunities and the unintended benefits of enhancing social cohesion. The financial sustainability of these projects needs further exploration.