Consumption Waste Research Articles

Assessment of type and quantities of food and beverage plastic packaging: A case study.

Plastic pollution has been identified as one of the most pressing environmental issues of the 21st century, driven by excessive consumption and inadequate plastic waste management. This issue is particularly reflected in short lifespan of plastic products, particularly plastic packaging within the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Urgent and relevant policy actions are needed to promote plastic circularity and improve waste management practices. Developing countries such as Montenegro face significant challenges in managing plastic waste flows due to legal, institutional and infrastructural gaps. This research addresses these challenges by employing material flow analysis (MFA) and advanced techniques like artificial neural networks to estimate the quantities and types of plastic packaging used in the F&B sector in Montenegro. The findings reveal that over 21,300 tonnes of F&B plastic packaging were placed on the market in Montenegro in 2018. Approximately 11% of this amount ends up directly littered in the environment or dumpsites, whereas the remaining 89% is predominantly collected and deposited in controlled landfills. Detailed MFA models were developed separately for the eight most common polymer types used in the F&B sector, along with specific models for plastic bags and polyethene terephthalate bottles to explore closed-loop recycling systems. It was found that only a small fraction of all analysed types of plastic packaging placed on the market can be effectively treated and recycled. This research contributes to the understanding of plastic waste management in Montenegro and facilitates the formulation of effective strategies to mitigate plastic pollution in the F&B industry.

Efficient Light-Driven Ion Pumping for Deep Desalination via the Vertical Gradient Protonation of Covalent Organic Framework Membranes.

Traditional desalination methods face criticism due to high energy requirements and inadequate trace ion removal, whereas natural light-driven ion pumps offer superior efficiency. Current synthetic systems are constrained by short exciton lifetimes, which limit their ability to generate sufficient electric fields for effective ion pumping. We introduce an innovative approach utilizing covalent-organic framework membranes that enhance light absorption and reduce charge recombination through vertical gradient protonation of imine linkages during acid-catalyzed liquid-liquid interfacial polymerization. This technique creates intralayer and interlayer heterojunctions, facilitating interlayer hybridization and establishing a robust built-in electric field under illumination. These improvements enable the membranes to achieve remarkable ion transport across extreme concentration gradients (2000:1), with a transport rate of approximately 3.2 × 1012 ions per second per square centimeter and reduce ion concentrations to parts per billion. This performance significantly surpasses that of conventional reverse osmosis systems, representing a major advancement in solar-powered desalination technology by substantially reducing energy consumption and secondary waste.

Waste management system: sanitary-epidemiological and environmental aspects

Introduction. Despite the positive trends in the field of industrial and consumer waste management, issues related to the legal regulation of activities to eliminate objects of accumulated damage to the environment and its relationship with activities to eliminate unauthorized landfills remain unresolved. A separate and important problematic aspect is the assignment of waste to a certain hazard class and their subsequent accounting and neutralization. The study aims to consider the established practice of using sanitary-epidemiological and environmental legislation in the management of industrial and consumer waste, including in assessing their toxicity. Materials and methods. The authors conducted the study using an information and analytical method for analyzing regulatory documentation and scientific publications from the databases Elibrary, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Techexpert, Consultant, etc. They also compared the topical issues of assessing the toxicity of production and consumption waste and identified the specifics of the methodology for calculating the amount of damage as a result of unauthorized waste disposal. Results. It has been established that one of the optimal solutions in the issue of assessing the hazard class of waste may be to bring the criteria for their classification according to the degree of toxicity to uniformity, as well as the development of a single document carried out by institutions regardless of departmental subordination. Studies conducted to determine the amount of damage as a result of unauthorized disposal of production and consumption waste and to establish the hazard class of waste must comply with the requirements of uniformity of measurements and accreditation in the national system, respectively. To correctly calculate the amount of harm, you need to use the value of the mass of waste with the same hazard class. The availability of separate documents in sanitary-epidemiological and environmental legislation can significantly affect the calculation of the amount of harm due to various methods of determining the hazard class of waste, as well as the timeliness of identifying the long-term impact of waste on the environment and public health. Limitations. The study is limited to the analysis of law enforcement practice in the field of waste management, as well as the results of research in domestic and international literature. The analysis will allow researchers to consider non-obvious and controversial issues in the planning of activities. Conclusion. Updating documents on the establishment of the hazard class of waste should be carried out considering law enforcement practice. The absence of duality in compliance with the established requirements in both the field of environmental and sanitary-epidemiological legislation can be a guarantee of the reliability and truthfulness of research. This will allow you to make the right management decisions. Ethics. The study does not require the submission of the conclusion of the biomedical ethics committee.

How do trade-offs between ecological construction and urbanization affect regional carbon balance? A case study from China’s Yellow River Basin

Anthropogenic activities, including trade-offs between ecological construction and urbanization, alter land use by either adding or subtracting from the carbon balance. Therefore, it is unknown how the trade-offs between ecological construction and urbanization impact the regional carbon balance. We selected the Yellow River Basin for this study to shed light on how human activity affects the carbon balance and promote the advancement of the objective of becoming carbon–neutral. Using panel data, soil respiration data, and GEM-CO2 models, carbon emissions and sinks in multiple fields were quantified on a raster scale based on multi-source remote sensing data. The trade-offs between urbanization and ecological construction were then spatially illustrated through changes in ground cover. Finally, a raster-scale study was conducted to investigate the ways in which trade-offs between urbanization and ecological construction impact the regional carbon balance. The basin was able to maintain a carbon balance in 2001; however, by 2019, it experienced a severe carbon imbalance. The primary causes of this were rapid growth in energy consumption and direct household waste incineration. By 2019, 84.79% of rasters had a trade-off connection, indicating an increasing trend in the degree of trade-off between ecological construction and urbanization. This affected the pattern of land use in the basin, which in turn affected the carbon balance. Rapid urbanization has exacerbated the carbon imbalance, but ecological construction can reverse this trend. The carbon balance was negatively correlated with the trade-off between ecological construction and urbanization, and the conversion of natural resources by human activity hastened the spread of regional carbon imbalances.

Converting lignocellulosic biomass into valuable end products for decentralized energy solutions: A comprehensive overview

This review manuscript delves into lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) as a sustainable energy source, addressing the global demand for renewable alternatives amidst increasing oil and gas consumption and solid waste production. LCB, consisting of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, is versatile for biochemical and thermochemical conversions like anaerobic digestion, fermentation, gasification, and pyrolysis. Recent advancements have led to a 25 % increase in bioethanol yields through alkali pre-treatment and optimized fermentation, a 20 % enhancement in microbial delignification efficiency, and a 35 % improvement in enzyme efficiency via nanobiotechnology. These innovations enhance biofuel production sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Decentralized energy systems utilizing locally produced biomass can reduce transmission losses and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 %, fostering community energy independence. These developments significantly contribute to global sustainability and socio-economic development by converting waste into valuable energy, promoting environmental stewardship, and supporting economic resilience. Furthermore, this review also discusses innovative strategies to address technological, economic, and environmental challenges and highlights the role of decentralized solutions in promoting sustainable energy production.

Chemical and Rheological Evaluation of the Ageing Behaviour of High-Content Crumb Rubber Asphalt Binder.

High-Content Crumb Rubber Asphalt (HCRA) binder improves road performance and address waste tyre pollution, yet its ageing behaviour is not fully understood. In this study, 70# neat asphalt binder and HCRA with rubber contents of 35% and 50% were selected and aged through the Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT) and Pressure Ageing Vessel (PAV) tests. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and DSR (Dynamic Shear Rheometer) were employed to investigate their chemical composition and rheological properties. The FTIR results show that HCRA's chemical test results are similar to those of 70#, but HCRA is more susceptible to ageing. I(C=C) strength decreases with age. The DSR results show that HCRA outperforms 70# neat asphalt binder in terms of viscoelasticity, high temperature performance and fatigue resistance, and exhibits greater resistance to ageing. The ageing index (AI) was obtained through a calculation using the formula, and overall, 70# neat asphalt binder is more sensitive to ageing behaviour and less resistant to ageing, and HCRA is particularly outstanding for fatigue resistance. A strong correlation is observed between chemical composition and some rheological property indicators. Therefore, we are able to predict the rheological properties using chemical composition indicators. This study provides insight into the ageing behaviour of a neat asphalt binder and an HCRA binder and demonstrates that the HCRA binder outperforms conventional asphalt in several performance areas. It also provides theoretical support for the consumption of waste tyres to prepare high content crumb rubber asphalt.

Sustainability-driven electrical engineering optimizing energy efficiency through ai and developing eco-friendly electronics

This paper explores the transformative potential of AI-driven solutions in optimizing energy efficiency and the development of eco-friendly materials for electronics. As global energy consumption and electronic waste continue to rise, innovative technologies are essential to mitigate their environmental impact. AI models have shown significant promise in enhancing the performance of smart grids and residential and industrial energy systems by predicting and adjusting energy usage in real time. Additionally, the research and development of sustainable materials for semiconductors and electronic components offer an important pathway to reducing the environmental footprint of electronics manufacturing. By aligning these advancements with national sustainability and climate goals, this paper highlights the critical role of AI and sustainable materials in creating a more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible future. The paper concludes by suggesting areas for future research, emphasizing the long-term impact of these technologies on the electrical engineering field and their contribution to sustainability.

Green IT and BYOD: driving sustainability, job performance, and well-being in remote work

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of bring your own device (BYOD) practices on teleworkers’ job performance, work–life conflict and their implications for environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on Green IT in the post-pandemic remote work context. Drawing on the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, it examines the relationships between private technology adoption, job demands, job resources, job performance and work–life conflict, while also assessing how BYOD impacts environmental outcomes such as electronic waste reduction and carbon emissions. Design/methodology/approach The study used confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS version 22 to evaluate seven hypotheses among 424 full-time teleworkers from various occupational sectors in Mauritius, a developing country. Findings SEM results confirm that BYOD enhances job performance and work–life conflict through increased job autonomy, workload and work pressure. BYOD and teleworking also contribute to Green IT and environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption and electronic waste, indirectly supporting broader sustainability goals through reduced corporate device demand and lower commuting-related emissions. Practical implications Organisations should leverage BYOD policies to advance Green IT practices and improve work performance in remote settings, focusing on balancing job demands with resources like work autonomy to enhance productivity and well-being. Originality/value The findings strongly support the JD-R model in the context of remote work and BYOD, particularly in developing economies with limited infrastructure, offering insights for policies that enhance both employee well-being, Green IT and environmental sustainability.

Leveraging Machine Learning for Advancing Circular Supply Chains: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Circular supply chains (CSCs) aim to minimize waste, extend product lifecycles, and optimize resource efficiency, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable practices. Machine learning (ML) can potentially enhance CSCs by improving resource management, optimizing processes, and addressing complexities inherent in CSCs. ML can be a powerful tool to support CSC operations by offering data-driven insights and enhancing decision-making capabilities. Methods: This paper conducts a systematic literature review, analyzing 66 relevant studies to examine the role of ML across various stages of CSCs, from supply and manufacturing to waste management. Results: The findings reveal that ML contributes significantly to CSC performance, improving supplier selection, operational optimization, and waste reduction. ML-driven approaches in manufacturing, consumer behavior forecasting, logistics, and waste management enable companies to optimize resources and minimize waste. Integrating ML with emerging technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and computer vision further enhances CSC operations, fostering transparency and automation. Conclusions: ML applications in CSCs align with broader sustainability goals, contributing to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The review identifies opportunities for future research, such as the development of real-world case studies further to enhance the effects of ML on CSC efficiency.

Evironmentally friendly comprehensive utilization of retired waste electrolytes of aluminum electrolysis by calcification leaching

Low energy consumption and environmentally friendly recycling methods can extract high-added value and high-demand elements from retired waste fluorinated aluminum electrolytes (RWE-Al), which is crucial for alleviating resource shortages and environmental hazards. This study aims to develop a method for recovering fluorine and aluminum from RWE-Al through calcium leaching transformation combined with acid leaching. Compared to the traditional high-temperature roasting transformation and high-concentration alkali-metal-salt leaching process, this new process only involves one step of low-temperature leaching, purification of fluorine, carbonization of excess calcium, and evaporation extraction of aluminum, avoiding the generation of high energy consumption and secondary hazardous waste (F-containing liquid/ residue). Fluorine and aluminum are effectively separated and purified with extraction rates exceeding 96%. The effects of leaching temperature, CaO addition coefficient, liquid–solid ratio, and leaching time on the leaching process were systematically studied. The effects of acid concentration, liquid–solid ratio, time, and temperature on the acid-leaching process were also investigated. In summary, the comprehensive utilization of RWE-Al by this new process has proved to be feasible.

Trace analysis of taste and odour compounds in drinking water by stir bar sorptive extraction followed by thermal desorption - gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (SBSE-TD-GC-MS)

Because of negative tap water quality perception, people often prefer bottled water over tap water despite the higher energy consumption and production of plastic waste. Taste and odour (T&O) deviations in tap water are an important aspect of this issue and should be avoided. However, T&O compounds typically occur at low concentrations (≤ ng.L−1) and are numerous, originating from various sources, ranging from source water to kitchen taps. Consequently, unravelling T&O events is challenging and causing compounds may remain unknown. Therefore, a multi-compound method (SBSE-TD-GC–MS) was developed, optimised and validated for the simultaneous trace analysis of 45 T&O compounds in drinking water. It covers key compounds of different odour categories with a wide range of physical-chemical properties and originating from the different steps of production and distribution. The intra- and interday precision of the method was shown by relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 15 % and 23 %, respectively, for 75 % of the measured concentrations. For most of the compounds (>75 %), the detection capability (CCβ) was below 1/3rd of their lowest reported odour threshold concentration (OTC), while for the other 6 compounds, the CCβ was within the reported OTC range. Additionally, the CCβs were comparable to or lower than those in literature. As a proof of concept, the method was used to investigate the occurrence and concentrations of T&O compounds before (surface water) and after drinking water production. The results show a clear removal of compounds related to microbial activity (e.g. geosmin, 2-methylisoborneol, 2,4,6-tribromoanisole) after treatment and an increase of compounds related to disinfection. Although rarely investigated, 3-methylbutanal showed concentrations similar to its OTC in treated drinking water, emphasizing the necessity of a broad ultra-trace analysis to ultimately prevent the occurrence of T&O compounds and guarantee tap water quality.

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH THROUGH GREEN ECONOMY: AN ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Objective: In recent years, the growing interest and awareness of environmental issues have once again brought the issue of population growth to the forefront, exerting significant pressure on production. The increased pressure on production and the resultant rise in production have led to a faster trend in consumption. As a natural consequence of both trends, detrimental effects on ecological balance and the environment have begun to emerge. The concept of "green economy" has emerged as an approach to restore the disrupted ecological balance and operationalize this order. This widely spreading concept has begun to generate significant policies at both national and international levels. Method: This study aims to examine the relationship between renewable energy production, consumption, wastewater, and solid waste data, covering the years 1980-2022, using econometric methods to explore the relationship between green economy and economic growth in the context of Turkey. The objective is to analyze the impact of the recent and rapidly increasing transformation towards "green economy" on the long-term trajectory of economic growth in Turkey. Result and Discussion: Based on the findings of the study, it has been determined that, at the 0.05 level of statistical significance, there is no long-term relationship between the variables and economic growth, as well as no long-term significant relationship between any of the variables. When the statistical significance is accepted at the 0.10 level, a significant long-term relationship is identified between the amount of wastewater and renewable energy, with a 1% increase in wastewater leading to a 0.82% increase in renewable energy. Implications: The findings of this study and the transformation towards a green economy, widely covered in the literature, have been recognized in Turkey and an unnamed green transformation movement has begun. As the results of the analysis of the study indicate, the policies introduced for the transition to a green economy and transformation efforts have a positive and significant impact on economic growth in the long term, but the same cannot be claimed for the short term, but in the future, advances in scientific and technological progress and over-specialization will inevitably have positive consequences on global and domestic sustainable development in the short term. Originality/Value: The distinctive feature of this study from similar studies in the literature is that the relationship between the green economy and sustainable growth was analyzed empirically and with five separate econometric models. Recommendations: Turkey needs serious reforms in education in its transition to a green economy. In addition, there is a need for political determination to use environmentally friendly sectors that are more open to innovation and competition, such as renewable energy and green building sectors.

Reducing Food Waste in Restaurants Using Machine Learning

By using machine learning to manage materials based on their expiration dates and recommend new recipes, this initiative seeks to reduce food waste in restaurants. In order to anticipate any waste, the system analyse data on inventory levels and expiration dates in real time. It then makes innovative new dish recommendations using components that are almost out of date based on this information. This method not only minimizes food waste and maximizes inventory, but it also lowers expenses and improves menu diversity. The idea encourages economic efficiency and sustainability in restaurant operations by converting excess ingredients into culinary potential. Keywords Food waste · Wasteful behavior · Restaurant waste · Consumer waste ·Restaurant management Out-of- home waste.

Effect of toughening agent and flame‐retardant additives on the recycled polypropylene/oil palm empty fruit bunch laminated composites

AbstractThe increasing awareness of the environmental problems caused by the use of plastics has led to a demand for sustainable materials. The concept of turning waste into wealth has been considered in the study where the waste materials are value‐added into new composite materials that are recyclable, durable, and fire‐resistant. This effort aims to meet global environmental goals and the demand for high‐performance and sustainable building materials. The purpose of this current study is to develop laminated composites based on the combination of recycled plastic and oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). The addition of various loading of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and 6 wt% of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) in the formulation was considered to enhance the performance of the composite laminates. The rPP and additives were compounded using a two‐roll mill. Then the rPP sheet and OPEFB were laminated using compression molding techniques. Results showed that rPP with addition of 30 wt% APP and 6 wt% EVA exhibited the highest thermal stability and the lowest melt flow index (MFI) value compared to other samples. Composites with 20 wt% APP and 6 wt% EVA showed 56% increase in flexural properties and 33% increase in impact strength compared to that of rPP/OPEFB composite sample without EVA. Addition of 30 wt% in recycled PP and OPEFB demonstrated self‐extinguished properties when exposed to fire compared to other samples. These findings indicated that rPP/OPEFB laminated composites with the addition of APP and EVA have a potential to be used in applications that require good strength and fire performance. The use of rPP/OPEFB composites with addition of APP and EVA has a potential to reduce virgin plastic consumption and agriculture material waste and establishing an environmentally friendly material for construction sector.Highlights Additives included in recycled PP enhance its thermal stability and reduce MFI. Recycled PP with OPEFB composite self‐extinguished at 30 wt% APP. The highest flexural strength is shown by composite laminates with 20 wt% APP and 6 wt% EVA. rPP/OPEFB laminates are ideal for building materials.

Recycling Production and Consumption Waste for Bioenergy Purposes: Status and Prospects

An analysis of the structure of forest and agro-industrial waste, solid municipal waste in the federal districts and Russia as a whole is presented. The volume and composition of waste is determined by the economic activity and specific characteristics of federal districts. It was noted that pelletizing is an effective technology for the disposal of many types of waste, but the great heterogeneity of feedstock and granulation methods prevent the production of high-quality pellets. The fuel component of pellet in the cost of thermal energy was evaluated, whichshowed that the most efficient in use – wood pellets, least efficient – pellets from solid municipal waste.

Formation of an electronic waste management system based on the use of key principles of the best available technologies

Abstract The article substantiates the expediency of the transition of modern industry from a development model based on economic growth to a model built on the principles of the best available technologies (BAT), including the industries responsible for waste management. This is especially true for e-waste management, which is one of the fastest growing categories of waste. Today in Russia, as a transitional stage to the principles of BAT, integrated environmental permits (IEP) issued to enterprises by Russian Environment Ministry are used, which are a document that, in accordance with Art. 31.1 of Federal Law No. 7-FL of January 10, 2002, “is issued for a separate facility that has a negative impact on the environment” and contains a number of requirements and standards enshrined in clause 10 of Article 31.1. Nevertheless, this process is tepid, which is associated both with the lack of development of the issuance procedure itself, and with the non-compliance of the companies’ technological processes with the standards for permissible emissions and discharges. The article formulates the principles that must be observed while issuing an IEP. The procedure for issuing IEPs is considered, its main stages are analyzed. Differences from the similar order in European countries are revealed. The dynamics of issuing IEP for the period from 2019 to 2022, including in the field of waste management, is analyzed. The existing problems in the implementation of waste management activities by regional operators are identified. The analysis and grouping of data on the generation, processing, disposal, neutralization, disposal of production and consumption waste, submitted by Russian companies in the report on the 2-TP form by federal districts, as well as by the category “electronic waste”, was carried out. The structure of these wastes was also analyzed according to hazard class. The increase of the highly hazardous waste mass was found although their share decreased over the specified period. The results obtained made it possible to formulate the most important directions for reforming the system for issuing environmental permits, considering the principles of BAT. Further research will be directed to the formation of a waste management system for the electronics industry at the regional level.

ON SOME ISSUES OF IMPROVING LEGISLATION IN THE FIELD OF WASTE MANAGEMENT OF PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION

Environmental pollution caused by waste-related activities remains one of the main problems of modern society. Improper waste management has serious consequences for the environment, human health and the economy. It is necessary to strictly comply with legislation, develop effective waste management strategies and raise awareness of environmental responsibility to solve these problems. Legislation on the management of production and consumption waste is regulated by regulatory legal acts, primarily the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, etc. The article suggests some ways to improve the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of waste management, developed scientifically sound recommendations and proposals for their implementation. In this regard, the authors identified gaps, as well as duplicate, outdated norms, conducted an audit of the conceptual apparatus and assessed the effectiveness of the implementation of the Law. In particular, it is recommended to adopt a special law regulating public relations related to the management of production and consumption waste. A review and analysis of scientific and legal approaches to the management of production and consumption waste has been carried out, on the basis of which it is proposed to update the terminology used within the framework of waste management legislation: «waste», «waste of production», «waste of consumption», «waste of consumption and production». Thus, the relevance of this study is enhanced due to the objective needs of further improving the effectiveness of legislation in the field of waste management, its consistency and consistency.

Assessing the impact of environmental component on the development of Russian banks applying ESG policy

Subject. The article discusses operations of steadily developing Russian banks in the context of environmental component. Objectives. The aim is to identify patterns in functioning of Russian banks, applying ESG policy in their activities, under the influence of environmental factors, to improve the management of their development. Methods. The study employs regression analysis. We selected 26 Russian banks based on ESG ratings, formed an empirical base for 2011–2020 from open sources (financial and economic indicators and macro-level indicators characterizing the environmental impact by the activities of economic entities), built a linear regression model in MS Excel. Results. The constructed regression model helped reveal that the indicator “Recycling and disposal of production and consumption waste in the Russian Federation” has a significant positive impact on the pretax profit of banks applying ESG policy. However, a negative trend in the impact of banks on the environment was identified in terms of connection between the resulting indicator and the indicator “Primary energy intensity level”. This suggests that the internal capacity of banks to implement the environmental component is not sufficiently developed and used. Conclusions. The findings can be used both at the macro and micro level when generating the strategy and tactics for ESG banking development. The offered regression modeling technique can be used to analyze the role of environmental component in the activities of banks in other countries, which implement ESG policy.

Determinants of environmental changes in human-modified ecosystems: Effects of plastics on moisture gradients, nutrients, and clay properties

Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystem health worldwide. This study examines the determinants of environmental changes in human-modified ecosystems through a quantitative-qualitative system dynamics modeling approach: field experiments conducted on a 310 m2 unsaturated clay-rich bed and a 2.5 m2 clay-rich shore of a plastic-impacted pond in Shenzhen, China, and a 1.17 ha plastic-impacted clay pit in Musanze, Rwanda; laboratory experiments involving Modified Proctor (MP) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests on natural clay reinforced with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics, with diameters ranging from 0.25 to 5 mm and at concentrations of 1.25 %, 2.5 %, 3.75 %, 5 %, and 10 % by weight of clay; and plastic dynamic flows analyzed by modeling the life cycle of PET. Field experiments showed that mulch type and thickness were critical factors influencing crack distribution in a plastic-impacted pond bed. Specifically, cracks were dominant in areas with pronounced desiccation and lacking filamentous green algae and PET-dominated plastic waste. Along the 2.5 m moisture gradient in a plastic-impacted pond bed, temperature and moisture significantly influenced nutrients, particularly in pronounced desiccation zones. Laboratory experiments showed that microplastics altered the structural properties of natural clay, decreasing moisture content while increasing dry density and load-bearing capacity. The plastic life cycle underscored the roles of industrial and consumer practices, environmental conditions, and waste management and recycling inefficiencies in driving environmental changes in human-modified ecosystems. The findings underscore the need for effective plastic waste management and recycling to mitigate the ecological impacts of plastic pollution in ecosystems.

From waste to wonder: Developing engineered nanomaterials for multifaceted applications

The escalating generation of industrial and consumer waste poses a significant environmental challenge, necessitating innovative approaches to waste management and resource utilization. One promising solution lies in the transformation of waste materials into engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), which hold immense potential for a diverse range of applications. This review explores the development of ENMs from waste, highlighting their multifaceted uses in environmental remediation, energy storage, medical applications, and advanced manufacturing. The process of converting waste into ENMs involves sophisticated techniques such as chemical vapour deposition, sol-gel synthesis, and hydrothermal methods, which enable the creation of materials with precise structural and functional properties at the nanoscale. By utilizing waste as a raw material, this approach not only addresses waste disposal issues but also provides a sustainable and cost-effective source of high-value nanomaterials. ENMs derived from waste exhibit unique properties, including high surface area, tunable porosity, and enhanced reactivity, making them suitable for environmental applications such as pollutant adsorption, water purification, and air filtration. In the energy sector, these nanomaterials contribute to the development of advanced batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells, enhancing energy storage and conversion efficiency. The biomedical field benefits from waste-derived ENMs through their application in drug delivery systems, diagnostic tools, and tissue engineering. The biocompatibility and functional versatility of these materials enable targeted therapeutic interventions and innovative medical solutions. Furthermore, in advanced manufacturing, ENMs improve the performance and durability of materials used in electronics, coatings, and composites, fostering the development of next-generation products with superior properties. The integration of waste-derived ENMs into various industries represents a paradigm shift towards a circular economy, where waste is not merely a byproduct but a valuable resource. This approach aligns with global sustainability goals, promoting resource efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and driving technological advancements. In conclusion, the development of engineered nanomaterials from waste exemplifies the transformative potential of nanotechnology in addressing critical environmental and industrial challenges. By harnessing waste as a resource, this innovative approach paves the way for multifaceted applications that contribute to environmental sustainability, technological progress, and economic growth. Further research and development in this field will continue to expand the possibilities and impact of waste-derived ENMs in various sectors.