Residual Waste Research Articles

Evaluating emissions and air quality implications of residential waste incineration

In Europe mainly at winter season the PM levels exceed air quality limits, which correlated with the operation of solid-fired boilers. More and more people are returning to using these devices due to energy shortage caused by the pandemic and regional conflicts. In addition, the phenomena of co-burning fuels and municipal waste in residential boilers in primarily fuel poverty households increases further the amount of pollutants in the atmosphere. This study aims to correlate the quantity and quality of air pollutants with the type of fuel (wood and wastes) burned. Combustion experiments were conducted using oak fuel mixed with three waste groups: (1) plastics (PP, HDPE, PET); (2) textiles (polyester—PES, cotton—COT); and (3) papers (cardboard—CARD, glossy coated paper—GCP, 84C/PAP). The addition of waste to wood fuel altered the morphology of emitted particles. While waste burning doesn't always increase particle quantity, it significantly raises PAH concentrations. A strong relationship exists between waste type, particle morphology, and PAH quality, where with lower molecular weight PAHs linked to tar agglomerates and higher ones to soot agglomerates with inorganic crystals.

Estimating CO2 emission from fly ash and bottom ash collection and transport from thermal waste processing in Jakarta

Abstract Municipal solid waste poses a significant challenge in DKI Jakarta Province. This study assumes that DKI Jakarta has distributed waste treatment facilities (ITFs) covering western, eastern, and southern service areas, employing thermal waste systems due to their efficiency in handling large waste volumes. However, its residual waste, Fly Ash and Bottom Ash (FABA), presents its own concerns. FABA accounts for 1.5% and 18.5% of the total waste volume in all ITFs, equivalent to 88.47 tons of fly ash and 1,091.07 tons of bottom ash daily. The study analyses total distance travelled and fuel consumption for FABA transportation from each ITF to designated disposal sites. The planned fleet is 12-ton capacity truck or equivalent. Arc-GIS is employed for trip assignment and generate daily trip requirements. Three FABA disposal scenarios are considered: TPST Bantargebang, certified third-party sites in Gunung Putri, and a combination of both. The daily total distance ranges from 8,247.96 to 10,026.48 km and consume 5,071.16 to 6,164.66 Liters of biosolar. The trip assignment reveals that the distance to Gunung Putri exceeds the other alternatives, while transporting FABA to TPST Bantargebang yields the lowest total distance travelled. Estimated CO2 emissions range from 11.22 to 13.64 tons per day.

Beneficial synergetic effect of feedstock characteristics and reaction conditions on bio crude production from hydrothermal liquefaction of mixed residential waste

Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) is a promising method for sustainable waste management and renewable energy production, converting mixed feedstocks into bio-crude, a precursor to various biofuels. A study focused on Mixed Residential Waste (MRW) as an HTL feedstock investigated temperature ranges (280 °C-360 °C) and residence times (30 min–90 min), achieving a maximum bio-crude yield of 39.16% at 340 °C and 75 min. Also, a thorough investigation of the synergistic relationships between all subcomponents of the MRW feedstock was conducted and concluded that the mixed waste (MW) feedstock samples containing a higher proportion of food and plastic wastes and MRW sample presented with a co-liquefaction percentage (CE%) of around 60% and 107% respectively for production of bio crude. Also, solvents such as ethanol, glycerol and aqueous phase (AQ) were tested for their potential as hydrothermal mediums and found that bio crude yield of 46.19% was obtained in case of AQ phase recirculation. Further, the quantitative and qualitative effect of usage of four different catalysts were tested individually and in combination with AQ phase recirculation and found that, although individually Nanoporous ZnO and Diatomaceous Earth (DE) yielded bio crude in the range of 46.86% and 42.68% respectively, when used in combination, DE cat–HTL with AQ resulted in maximum bio crude yield of 54.35%. Furthermore, qualitatively, the bio crude from DE cat–HTL with AQ presented with a high carbon and energy recovery percentage of 62.20% and 72.95% respectively and a high hydrocarbon content of 58.98%.

Turning Solid Waste into Catalysts: A Path for Environmental Solutions.

Waste, often overlooked, stands out as a prime source of valuable products, meeting the demand for natural resources. In the face of environmental challenges, this study explores the crucial role of waste-derived catalysts in sustainable practices, emphasizing the transformative potential of solid waste materials. Carbon-based catalysts sourced from agricultural, municipal, and industrial waste streams can be transformed into activated carbon, biochar, and hydrochar which are extensively used adsorbents. Furthermore, the paper also highlights the potential of transition metal-based catalysts derived from spent batteries, electronic waste, and industrial byproducts, showcasing their efficacy in environmental remediation processes. Calcium-based catalysts originating from food waste, including seashells, eggshells, bones, as well as industrial and construction waste also find an extensive application in biodiesel production, providing a comprehensive overview of their promising role in sustainable and eco-friendly practices. From mitigating pollutants to recovering valuable resources, waste-derived catalysts exhibit a versatile role in addressing waste management challenges and promoting resource sustainability. By transforming waste into valuable catalysts, this study champions a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.

Approach towards the Purification Process of FePO4 Recovered from Waste Lithium-Ion Batteries

The rapid development of new energy vehicles and Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) has significantly mitigated urban air pollution. However, the disposal of spent LIBs presents a considerable threat to the environment. Recycling these waste LIBs not only addresses the environmental issues but also compensates for resource shortages and generates substantial economic benefits. Current recycling processes primarily focus on the extraction of valuable metals, often overlooking the treatment of residual waste post-extraction. This project targets the iron phosphate (FePO4) derived from waste lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery materials, proposing a direct acid leaching purification process to obtain high-purity iron phosphate. This purified iron phosphate can then be used for the preparation of new LFP battery materials, aiming to establish a complete regeneration cycle that recovers lithium carbonate and iron phosphate from waste LFP materials for the production of LFP. The study investigates process parameters such as acid types and concentrations, leaching time, and the number of leaching cycles. The results demonstrate that, after purification, the levels of impurity metals decrease while the iron content increases correspondingly. Under optimized experimental conditions, the dilute sulfuric acid leaching rates of Al, Cu, Ca, and Ni reached 36.0%, 51.4%, 89.5%, and 90.9%, respectively. Furthermore, hydrothermal treatment in dilute phosphoric acid achieved leaching rates of 87.9%, 85.8%, 98.4%, and 99.1% for Al, Ca, Cu, and Ni, respectively. The microstructure characterization revealed significant changes in phase and grain morphology during the leaching process in dilute phosphoric acid, which are likely associated with the liberation of impurity atoms from the lattice. These findings indicate that acid leaching is highly effective in removing impurities from the iron phosphate recycled from waste LIBs.

Extraction of pesticides from soil using direct-immersion SPME LC-Tips followed by GC–MS/MS: Evaluation and proof-of-concept

A new method was evaluated and developed for the analysis of pesticides in sandy-loam soil by direct-immersion solid phase microextraction (DI-SPME) followed by gas chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) determination. Ten pesticides were selected based on a literature survey of the compounds reported to be present in EU soils. The extraction was performed using SPME LC-Tips, a new SPME configuration with the coated fibers attached to a disposable and easy-to-handle micropipette tip, which was immersed into a soil slurry made by the addition of an aqueous solution to the soil sample. Ten experimental parameters were evaluated with a Plackett-Burman design, after which the extraction time and percentage of organic solvent in the aqueous extraction were optimized separately. The two fiber chemistries available (PDMS/DVB and C18) were evaluated in parallel for the entire work. In the final method, slurry samples were made by adding an aqueous solution (6 % methanol v/v) to 2 g of soil. The fiber was conditioned and then inserted, for extraction, into the samples, stirred by a magnetic bar. Afterwards, the analytes were desorbed onto 100 µL of methanol. After the addition of analyte protectants (ethylglycerol, gulonolactone, and sorbitol) the extract was injected into the GC–MS/MS system. Isotopically labelled penconazole was used as internal standard. A calibration was performed by extracting spiked soil with analyte concentrations of 0.1–50 µg/kg. Coefficients of determination of the linear calibration were between 0.94–0.98 for the PDMS/DVB and 0.92–0.99 for the C18. Limits of detection range between 0.01–10 µg/kg for the PDMS/DVB and 0.1–10 µg/kg for the C18. Overall, the C18 analytically outperformed the PDMS/DVB but required a longer extraction time (120 min vs 75 min for the PDMS/DVB). This method allows automation and generates low residual toxic waste, having the potential to be introduced as a greener and simpler alternative to currently used sample preparation methodologies.

Inventory of Electronic Waste (E-Waste) and Residues in Junkshops: A Step Towards Residual Waste Management

The improper management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) constitutes a critical global environmental challenge, with a significant proportion of e-waste ending up in landfills, posing substantial ecological and health risks. In the Philippines, particularly in areas like Marilao and Bulacan, many individuals rely on the recycling of e-waste for their livelihoods, primarily through junkshops and informal recycling networks. Despite providing economic benefits, these practices often result in substantial residual waste, exacerbating landfill overflow and environmental degradation. This study aims to establish a detailed e-waste inventory and propose practical strategies for improving residual waste management. This research used a mixed-method approach to collect data via surveys, interviews, and direct observations at selected junkshops in Marilao. The findings enabled a comprehensive categorization of e-waste based on economic value, highlighting "temperature exchange equipment" as the most economically valuable category while identifying "small IT and telecommunication equipment" as the least. Among the significant residual wastes identified were base/black plastics, styrofoam, and glass, which are commonly mishandled. The study proposes several management strategies, including partnerships with local governmental bodies and recycling companies to enhance recycling processes, improving dismantling techniques to reduce waste, and implementing rigorous waste segregation practices to prevent contamination and improve recycling rates. This expansion is critical for a more comprehensive understanding and monitoring of e-waste management practices, facilitating the development of more effective and sustainable waste management solutions. By adopting these strategies, junkshops and informal recyclers can optimize e-waste management, reducing environmental impact while maintaining economic viability.

Mini-Reactor Proliferation-Resistant Fuel with Burnable Gadolinia in Once-Through Operation Cycle Performance Verification

A miniature nuclear reactor is desirable for deployment as a localized nuclear power station in support of a carbon-free power supply. Coupling aspects of proliferation-resistant fuel with natural burnable absorber loading are evaluated for once-through operation cycle performance to minimize the need for refueling and fuel shuffling operations. The incorporation of 0.075 wt.% 237Np provides favorable plutonium isotopic vectors throughout an operational lifetime of 5.5 years. providing 35 MWe. Core performance was assessed using a verification-by-comparison approach for core designs with or without 237Np and/or gadolinia burnable absorber. Burnup Monte Carlo calculations were performed via MCOS coupling of MCNP and ORIGEN to an achievable burnup of ~62.5 GWd/t. The results demonstrate a minimal penalty to reactor performance due to the addition of these materials as compared against the reference design. Coupling of a proliferation-resistant fuel concept with a uniform loading of natural gadolinia burnable absorber for LEU+ fuel (7.5 wt.% 235U/U UO2) provides favorable excess reactivity considerations with minimized concerns for additional residual waste and more uniform distribution of un-depleted 235U in discharged fuel assemblies.

Bulk scale synthesis of high-performance carbon nanomaterial from biogas plant residual waste: Tuned porosity and composition for advanced supercapacitor applications

Carbon based nanomaterials with tuned porosity and compositions are of great interest in terms of energy storing materials. Nevertheless, it is still a challenge to produce such nanostructures on a large scale in cost-effective manner. In this work, we demonstrate that carbon nanomaterial (CNM) can be prepared using biogas plant residual waste (BPRW) as the precursor on a bulk scale under the specific two step pyrolysis technique. The optimized process along with the catalyst used is crucial as the simple pyrolysis of precursor can only produce traditional activated carbon with significantly lower specific capacitance values. The spherical structure of silica nanoclusters and graphitic skeleton of synthesized CNM confirmed with the help of FE-SEM, AFM and HR-TEM along with Raman and XRD while EDX, XPS, and FT-IR studies confirm the presence of various functional groups along with their respective percentage composition. These CNMs show mesoporous structure of the nanomaterial. Among three different aqueous electrolytes, the maximum specific capacitance of 371.88 Fg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1 current density in 1 M H2SO4 indicates its suitability for the practical supercapacitor applications. The fabricated symmetric supercapacitor device using CNMs as the electrode material and 1 M H2SO4 as the electrolyte shows very good specific capacitance value with the high energy density of 34.4 Whkg−1 corresponding to 360 Wkg−1 power density along with the good cyclic stability over 10,000 cycles of charge–discharge. This innovative technique paves the way towards upcycling any lignin containing waste material into carbon-based nanomaterial on a bulk scale by an effective method, which can be further used as high-performance electrode material for energy storage applications like in supercapacitors and batteries.

Trilemma or Trinity? The nexus of economic growth, circular economy and net zero

How can economies achieve economic growth without causing negative environmental externalities? There are two aspects to the long-standing debate on ‘sustainable growth’. A first-best solution is for economies to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, mitigating carbon emissions. A second-best solution is to also adopt efficient waste management, recycling residual waste and pollutants (including hard-to-abate carbon) from production (circular economy). We establish a simple growth model that integrates three fundamental pillars of economics: (i) the net zero carbon target in environmental economics (ii) the circular economy, dealing with waste management in resource economics, and (iii) sustainable growth, in growth economics. We argue that growth, circularity and net zero emissions present a trinity of solutions to the sustainable growth problem, showing that the circular economy is a necessary condition for achieving net zero. We show that an economy with ‘active’ environmental policy achieves net zero faster than one with ‘passive’ policy, and also eliminates carbon emissions.

Effect of Surface Contamination on Near-Infrared Spectra of Biodegradable Plastics.

Proper waste sorting is crucial for biodegradable plastics (BDPs) recycling, whose global production is increasing dynamically. BDPs can be sorted using near-infrared (NIR) sorting, but little research is available about the effect of surface contamination on their NIR spectrum, which affects their sortability. As BDPs are often heavily contaminated with food waste, understanding the effect of surface contamination is necessary. This paper reports on a study on the influence of artificially induced surface contamination using food waste and contamination from packaging waste, biowaste, and residual waste on the BDP spectra. In artificially contaminated samples, the absorption bands (ADs) changed due to the presence of moisture (1352-1424 nm) and fatty acids (1223 nm). In real-world contaminated samples, biowaste samples were most affected by contamination followed by residual waste, both having altered ADs at 1352-1424 nm (moisture). The packaging waste-contaminated sample spectra closely followed those of clean and washed samples, with a change in the intensity of ADs. Accordingly, two approaches could be followed in sorting: (i) affected wavelength ranges could be omitted, or (ii) contaminated samples could be used for optimizing the NIR database. Thus, surface contamination affected the spectra, and knowing the wavelength ranges containing this effect could be used to optimize the NIR database and improve BDP sorting.

AFT Pattimura CSR Pentahelix Collaboration in the Implementation of Waste Management Center Social Innovation Program: NEKAT SA (Negeri Katong Tanpa Sampah)

The Waste Management Center: NEKAT SA (Negeri Katong Tanpa Sampah) program, initiated by PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Aviation Fuel Terminal Pattimura, represents a social innovation aimed at addressing waste management issues in Negeri Laha through a pentahelix collaboration approach. This approach entails the cooperation of five key elements: businesses, government, academia, media, and the community. The program integrates four community empowerment initiatives through CSR AFT Pattimura partners, functioning as community groups that implement waste management programs across three primary stages: upstream (education and waste collection), process (converting waste into valuable products), and downstream (establishing a circular economy). The program emphasizes zero waste and circular economy principles by managing organic, inorganic, and residual waste into valuable products that can enhance the income of beneficiary communities. This study employs a descriptive analytical method to delineate the roles of each stakeholder in the implementation of the NEKAT SA program. Primary data were gathered from field implementation processes, while secondary data were sourced from literature reviews and documentation. The findings indicate that the pentahelix collaboration approach in the NEKAT SA program is effective in mitigating waste issues, increasing community income, and fostering a culture of cleanliness and health. The success of this program underscores the importance of sustained commitment from all involved stakeholders to ensure the ongoing positive environmental and economic impacts in Negeri Laha.

Implementation of Shokyakuro-FTU Incinerator to process residual waste towards Unisba's zero-waste campus

Implementation of Shokyakuro-FTU Incinerator to process residual waste towards Unisba's zero-waste campus

Bioaccumulation of metals in muscle tissues of economically important fish species from black sea Lagoon lakes in Türkiye: Consumer health risk and nutritional value assessment

This study is the first comprehensive investigation into the levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the muscle tissues of various fish species (Carassius gibelio, Squalis cephalus, Esox lucius, and Tinca tinca) in Lagoon Lakes Akgöl and Semenit (LLAS), Samsun, Türkiye. A multidisciplinary approach was employed, integrating elemental analysis, health risk assessment, and source identification techniques to evaluate the distribution, sources, and health risks of PTE contamination in fish. The mean concentrations of toxic and trace elements (µg/kg) were determined in ascending order: Cd (5) < Co (8) < Cr (18) = Pb (18) < Ni (66) < As (163) < Cu (290) < Mn (798) < Fe (6150) < Zn (6250). In contrast, the concentrations of macro elements are provided in units of mg/kg, as follows: Mg (391) < Na (677) < Ca (1698) < P (2314) < K (3837), with notable variations across species. Health risk assessment methodologies indicated that PTE levels in fish muscle tissues generally fell below regulatory limits, indicating their safety for consumption. Noncarcinogenic risk assessment further documented the safety of consuming these fish species, with elevated maximum safe consumption quantity (MSCQ) values observed for all metals. In addition, the estimated daily intake of PTEs was found to be below reference doses, confirming the safety of consumption. Esox lucius demonstrated a highest abundance of essential nutrients (e.g., Ca, K, Mg, and P). Source identification techniques indicated that residential waste, lithogenic materials, and agricultural practices are significant contributors to PTE contamination. Overall, this research stresses the importance of monitoring PTE levels in fish, ensuring food safety and protect human health.

Water Quality Identification and Analysis of Saguling Reservoir, West Bandung Regency

The Saguling Reservoir in West Bandung Regency is crucial for local water supply and biodiversity. However, water quality has significantly declined due to human activities, environmental changes, and poor waste management. This degradation jeopardizes the reservoir's clean water supply and the ecological health of surrounding communities. This research used the STORET (Storage and Retrieval) method to assess water quality through purposive sampling in the most affected zones, analyzing physical, chemical, and biological parameters at multiple depths. Key indicators, such as dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentrations, and heavy metal presence, were measured. Results show severe water quality deterioration, especially in deeper sections with less sunlight and aeration. Elevated nitrate and phosphate levels, mainly from agricultural runoff and residential waste, exceeded environmental safety standards. Toxic heavy metals like lead and mercury were also detected, posing serious risks to aquatic life and human health. The study highlights that deeper water zones are critically impacted by pollutants, stressing the need for better regulatory frameworks and waste management. Immediate strategic interventions are crucial to restore and protect the Saguling Reservoir's water quality for future generations.

Management of the Municipal Waste Stream: Waste into Energy in the Context of a Circular Economy—Economic and Technological Aspects for a Selected Region in Poland

Management of the Municipal Waste Stream: Waste into Energy in the Context of a Circular Economy—Economic and Technological Aspects for a Selected Region in Poland

Influence of mandatory waste classification on environmental and economic impacts of residual waste treatment in Xiamen, China.

Mandatory waste classification has been widely considered as an effective solution for reducing the production and treatment amount of municipal solid waste. However, there is limited evidence regarding whether and how waste classification can affect the composition of residual waste (RW) and its environmental economic impacts. Here, an accounting method recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, field surveys and cost-benefit analysis was utilized to investigate the changes in RW composition, environmental impacts and economic benefits under the waste classification policies implementation in Xiamen, China. This study found that: (1) The implementation of waste classification policies led to a significant increase in recyclable content from 17% to 51% and a decrease in organic content from 56% to 32%. (2) Waste classification effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfilling and incineration by an additional 0.34 tCO2-eq t-1 RW. (3) The introduction of mechanical recycling achieves a saving of 0.47 tCO2-eq t-1 RW at 40% recycling efficiency, a 4.5-fold increase compared to business as usual (BAU). (4) The operational benefits (900 yuan t-1 RW) from the recyclables sorting system offset the total expenses of investment, operation and waste disposal. The study successfully demonstrated that RW source-classified management can optimize the structure of waste composition, reduce environmental emissions and offer detailed guidance for the development of solid waste management systems in other cities in China.

Plant and Soil Effects of Alternative Sources of Phosphorous over Three Years of Application

Plant growth and food security depend heavily on phosphorous (P). Recovering and recycling P from animal, municipal, and food waste streams can significantly reduce dependency on traditional mineral P. This is particularly pertinent in the EU regions with limited native P supplies. The agronomic performance of including P-based recycling-derived fertilisers (two struvite and two ashes) or cattle slurry was compared to a conventional mineral P fertilisation programme along with no P and no fertiliser controls over three years. A field-scale experiment was set up to evaluate the perennial ryegrass dry matter yield (DMY), P uptake, and soil test P effects. Struvite, ash, and cattle slurry proved effective in replacing P mineral fertiliser and produced yields similar to those of the mineral fertiliser programme. Differences were observed in plant P recovery, with struvite-based programmes achieving a significantly higher P recovery than ash-based programmes, which had the lowest plant P recovery. Differences in Morgan’s soil test P were also noted, with potato waste struvite (PWS) and poultry litter ash (PLA) showing significantly higher soil test P values. The findings strongly indicate that a range of recycled bio-based fertilisers from the bioeconomy can be used to reduce reliance on conventional imported mineral P fertiliser, with some programmes based on recycled fertilisers even surpassing the performance of conventional linear economy mineral fertilisers.

Groundwater contamination modelling in Ayad River Basin, Udaipur

Groundwater, a vital freshwater resource catering to agricultural, domestic, and industrial needs, faces a pressing challenge of contamination due to escalating human activities. This study focuses on the Ayad River Basin in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan, employing the FEFLOW simulation code for the first time. A steady-state numerical model and a groundwater contaminant prediction model for total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate, and fluoride were developed, simulating trends over the next five years with an accuracy exceeding 95%. The results reveal an eastward increase in TDS, nitrate, and fluoride concentrations, attributed to contamination from two waste disposal sites-Titadi and Baleecha. Titadi, operational for four decades until closure in 2010, retains residual waste over 32 thousand m2. The initiation of a new dumping ground at Baleecha by the Udaipur Municipal Corporation post-2010 exacerbates regional contamination. Nitrate contamination is particularly high in agricultural zones with excessive chemical fertilizer usage. Of the 27 scenarios tested, 23 support using the water for irrigation but would require treatment before using it for drinking. Recommendations include deploying a chemical sensor network for real-time data input into the web enabled FEFLOW model, real-time monitoring and alerts, and a mobile application providing personalized guidance on water usage and health risks in case of contamination. This study can be beneficial to decision-makers, who work on the policy and groundwater management strategies.

The Role of the Nawasena Kemala as an Added Economic Value for the Daleman Kidul Village

This service is an output of activities from the Ministry of Education and Culture, Research and Technology's Belmawa grant funding to PPK Ormawa HMJM Tidar University. This service activity aims to improve the quality of organic and non-organic waste processing in Daleman Kidul Village, Pakis District, Magelang Regency. The method for implementing PPK Ormawa HMJM UNTIDAR service activities is in the form of training and counseling, as well as the establishment of institutions at the village level to create sustainability of the waste processing program. The objects of this activity are residents' agricultural waste, residents' kitchen waste, and plastic waste which can still be used as handicrafts, while residual waste is collected for collective processing at the Magelang Regency Environmental Service. Internal partners involved in this activity include the Village Head, Village Secretary, Kadus, Babinsa, Bhabinkamtibnas, Tomas, religious figures. PKK mothers and Karangtaruna. Meanwhile, external partners in this activity include academics across universities in Magelang Regency, Bappeda Litbangda Magelang Regency,MySmash app, and various Department elements within the Magelang Regency Government. The tools and materials used are a set of tools for cultivating maggots, a shelter for making compost fertilizer, and supporting tools for making handicrafts. The result of this service activity is the organized handling of both organic and non-organic waste banks, as well as increasing public awareness in managing waste into economically valuable products.