Humans have relied on biomass for survival and development since the Stone Age. All aspects of human needs for materials are covered by tools, fuel, and buildings. Nowadays, metals and petroleum-based materials are wi...Humans have relied on biomass for survival and development since the Stone Age. All aspects of human needs for materials are covered by tools, fuel, and buildings. Nowadays, metals and petroleum-based materials are widely used in highly developed industries. Unfortunately, environmental contamination and the loss of natural resources have led to the reemergence of biomass resources as efficient and sustainable energy sources. Notably, simple and direct applications can no longer meet the demand for functionalization, high performance of materials and construction materials. Therefore, it is imperative to modify biomass and combine its utilisation to produce functionalization and high performance materials. For example, construction materials with superior mechanical properties and water resistance can be produced by reinforcing fibres to facilitate crosslinking. Water-oil separation or adsorption effects of hydrogels and aerogels are determined by the porosity and lightness of biomass, biocomposite conductor is prepared by chimaeric conductive material. Here, we review the approaches that have been taken to devise an environmentally friendly yet fully recyclable and sustainable functionalised biocomposites from biomass and its potential directions for future research.展开更多
The current global plastic crisis is triggered by several factors including increased costs of petrochemical feedstock and Covid-19 disruption of the transport sector(Yuan et al.,2021).This disruption of world-wide su...The current global plastic crisis is triggered by several factors including increased costs of petrochemical feedstock and Covid-19 disruption of the transport sector(Yuan et al.,2021).This disruption of world-wide supply chains of polyethylene,polypropylene and other petroleum-based hydrocarbon chemicals has significantly increased shortage and prices of plastics in for example Europe over the last year,hence calling for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics(WMW,2021,European Plastic Manufacturers sound the Alarm Bell on Supply Chain Disruption,Waste Management World.).This is critical due to extensive use of the non-biodegradable personal protective equipment(PPE)masks in the current pandemic,which might be even worse than the shortage of polyolefins at the moment(Deng et al.,2022).展开更多
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS)do not readily biodegrade and are therefore routinely found in the environment as ubiquitous contaminants in wildlife and humans worldwide[1,2].These“forever chemicals”are amo...Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS)do not readily biodegrade and are therefore routinely found in the environment as ubiquitous contaminants in wildlife and humans worldwide[1,2].These“forever chemicals”are among the major chemical threats to wildlife and human health nowadays and are used in consumer products,including waterproof rain wear,pizza boxes,Teflon,and firefighting foam[3,4].Due to their resistance to metabolism and excretion biomagnifying in food webs to high concentrations[5,6],PFAS can bind to proteins and affect the immune system that increase the risk of clinical and infectious diseases and autoimmunity[7–9].展开更多
A railroad accident on February 3,2023,led to the release and combustion of 115,580 gallons,equivalent to over 437,000 L,of vinyl chloride monomer(VCM)in East Palestine,Ohio[1].This monomer is used in polyvinyl chlori...A railroad accident on February 3,2023,led to the release and combustion of 115,580 gallons,equivalent to over 437,000 L,of vinyl chloride monomer(VCM)in East Palestine,Ohio[1].This monomer is used in polyvinyl chloride(PVC)production,and its burning produces additional toxins such as hydrochloric acid and lethal phosgene,known as a notorious chemical weapon during World War I[2].Acute exposure to these chemicals causes immediate adverse effects on local ecosystems,including the deaths of wild and farmed animals and pets.展开更多
The ongoing pandemics boost the demand for chemical disinfectants,including surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers[1].This is largely driven by increasing public health awareness and hygiene standards in public and...The ongoing pandemics boost the demand for chemical disinfectants,including surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers[1].This is largely driven by increasing public health awareness and hygiene standards in public and private settings[2].The global surface disinfectant market size in 2019 was valued at US$3.4 billion and estimated to experience a 6.0%compound annual growth rate,reaching US$5.42 billion in 2027[3].展开更多
Increasing studies of plastisphere have raised public concern about microplastics(MPs)as vectors for pathogens,especially in aquatic environments.However,the extent to which pathogens affect human health through MPs r...Increasing studies of plastisphere have raised public concern about microplastics(MPs)as vectors for pathogens,especially in aquatic environments.However,the extent to which pathogens affect human health through MPs remains unclear,as controversies persist regarding the distinct pathogen colonization on MPs as well as the transmission routes and infection probability of MP-associated pathogens from water to humans.In this review,we critically discuss whether and how pathogens approach humans via MPs,shedding light on the potential health risks involved.Drawing on cutting-edge multidisciplinary research,we show that some MPs may facilitate the growth and long-range transmission of specific pathogens in aquatic environments,ultimately increasing the risk of infection in humans.We identify MP-and pathogen-rich settings,such as wastewater treatment plants,aquaculture farms,and swimming pools,as possible sites for human exposure to MP-associated pathogens.This review emphasizes the need for further research and targeted interventions to better understand and mitigate the potential health risks associated with MP-mediated pathogen transmission.展开更多
Microplastics originate from plastic bottles of water and soft drink,plastic bags,tire wear,plastic agricultural mulches and 3D printing[1,2].These small fragments of wastes being 1μm to 5 mm pollute the environment ...Microplastics originate from plastic bottles of water and soft drink,plastic bags,tire wear,plastic agricultural mulches and 3D printing[1,2].These small fragments of wastes being 1μm to 5 mm pollute the environment and threaten human health and ecosystem services including crops and others,leading to economic losses[1–3].It is predicted that by 2030,plastic productions will be leading environmental pollution in terms of carbon footprint and toxic chemicals[4],making U.S.the world’s largest plastic waste generator[5].Based on reports from the United Nations Environment Assembly(UNEA)and the United Nations Environmental Program(UNEP),plastics in the environment annually burden the global economy by$19 billion,causing concerns for long-term ecological sustainability and the Global Goals[6].It is reported that about 8.3 billion tons of plastic waste have been created,leading to 4.9 billion tons discarded through landfilling globally[7],causing a yearly financial loss of more than$13 billion[8].展开更多
Lead(Pb)is an extremely toxic persistent element,considered a factor in the fall of the Roman Empire 2000 years ago due to its use in plumbing and as a wine sweetener[1].The effects of lead include adverse neurologica...Lead(Pb)is an extremely toxic persistent element,considered a factor in the fall of the Roman Empire 2000 years ago due to its use in plumbing and as a wine sweetener[1].The effects of lead include adverse neurological effects,reproductive impairment,and anaemia[2].One continuing source of lead in the environment is lead ammunition,which presents health risks to consumers of game meat,including humans,predatory and scavenging birds,and other animals.展开更多
China emits more than 25%of the world’s carbon dioxide(https://ourworldindata.org/co2-emissions),and in December 2021 the country’s daily carbon trading volume hits a new highest record.Together with the EU and USA,...China emits more than 25%of the world’s carbon dioxide(https://ourworldindata.org/co2-emissions),and in December 2021 the country’s daily carbon trading volume hits a new highest record.Together with the EU and USA,China bears a great responsibility to limit global warming to 2℃,and therefore recently launches a plan to be carbon-neutral be-fore 2060(https://ourworldindata.org/co2-emissions).However,its rapid urbanization challenges this initiative as the boom-ing building and construction industry constitute more than 1/3 of the total energy consumption,which undesirably in-creases carbon emissions(IEA,2019;Duan et al.,2021).Although China has built five new nuclear power stations and closed down more than 1000 coal-fired power plants,it is still highly insufficient to meet the country’s goal to be carbon-neutral(https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/china/).展开更多
Microwave steam pyrolysis(MSP)is an innovative thermochemical approach to converting biomass into high-quality biochar using steam to improve the dielectric heating of microwave radiation.Biochar shows high fixed carb...Microwave steam pyrolysis(MSP)is an innovative thermochemical approach to converting biomass into high-quality biochar using steam to improve the dielectric heating of microwave radiation.Biochar shows high fixed carbon and carbon contents at a maximum temperature of 550℃in 10 min.The MSP achieved a heating rate of 112℃/min from 200℃to 400℃to produce biochar effectively.Furthermore,the thermal properties of biochar in microwave heating were investigated in this study to explore its potential as a microwave heat-absorbent material.Microwave is able to perform volumetric and controllable heating to the biochar.Moreover,biochar shows good microwave heat absorbency,storing and transferring heat effectively.The temperature profile of three different sizes of biochar was investigated to examine the efficiency of biochar in heat absorption from microwave radiation.It was found that the powder form of biochar showed a higher heat transfer rate of 40℃/min and a low cooling rate of 7.5℃/min.The presented results are useful for evaluating the application of biochar as a promising medium for heat storage systems.展开更多
Empty fruit bunch(EFB)is an industrial waste that is abundantly available in Malaysia.Traditionally,EFBs were burned and dumped on the plantation site,resulting in global warming pollution from methane and carbon diox...Empty fruit bunch(EFB)is an industrial waste that is abundantly available in Malaysia.Traditionally,EFBs were burned and dumped on the plantation site,resulting in global warming pollution from methane and carbon dioxide.In this study,the EFB was transformed into a high-surface area of activated biochar through a microwave physicochemical approach involving the combination of steam followed by a hydroxide mixture for palm oil mill effluent(POME)treatment.It was found that BET(Brunauer-Emmett-Teller)surface area and total pore volume of activated biochar were 365.60 m^(2)/g and 0.16 cm^(3)/g,respectively.The surface morphology of activated biochar revealed the formation of well-developed pores that can potentially be used as adsorbents to treat POME.The removal efficiency of biochemical oxygen demand(BOD)and chemical oxygen demand(COD)of POME achieved 75%-55%,respectively.This study offers insight into the transformation of industrial waste into value-added products for sustainable environmental remediation.展开更多
Microwave simulation is significant in identifying a reactor design allowing the biomass to be heated and processed evenly.This study integrated the radio frequency and transient heat transfer modules to simulate the ...Microwave simulation is significant in identifying a reactor design allowing the biomass to be heated and processed evenly.This study integrated the radio frequency and transient heat transfer modules to simulate the microwave distribution and investigated the performance of microwave heating in the cavity.The simulation results were compared with the experimental findings us-ing the finite element analysis software of COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS to predict the temperature profile and electric field of microwave in the biomass(empty fruit bunch pellets).The higher temperature distribution was observed at the bottom and centre section of the empty fruit bunch pellet bed in the reactor,showing the uniqueness of microwave heating.According to the simula-tion results,the temperature profile obtained through the specific cavity geometry and dielectric properties agreed with the experimental temperature profile.The simulated temperature profile demonstrated a logarithmic increase of 120°C/min at the first 50 s followed by 50°C/min until 350 s.The experimental temperature profile showed three different heating rates before reaching 300°C,including 78.3°C/min(50-120°C),30.6°C/min(121-250°C),and 105°C/min(250-300°C).The results of this study might contribute to the improvement of microwave heating in biomass torrefaction.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.32201491)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (No.2021M690847)+5 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (No.BK20200775)Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China (No.21KJB220011)Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province (No.2021RC2106)Deputy General Project of Science and Technology of Jiangsu Province (No.FZ20211507)Hunan Province Biomass-based Materials Green and Low-carbon Intelligent Manufacturing Engineering Technology Research centre (No.2022TP2033)Technology centre of Hunan Hongsen Novel Material Technology Co., Ltd. (No.HNJSZX2022290)。
文摘Humans have relied on biomass for survival and development since the Stone Age. All aspects of human needs for materials are covered by tools, fuel, and buildings. Nowadays, metals and petroleum-based materials are widely used in highly developed industries. Unfortunately, environmental contamination and the loss of natural resources have led to the reemergence of biomass resources as efficient and sustainable energy sources. Notably, simple and direct applications can no longer meet the demand for functionalization, high performance of materials and construction materials. Therefore, it is imperative to modify biomass and combine its utilisation to produce functionalization and high performance materials. For example, construction materials with superior mechanical properties and water resistance can be produced by reinforcing fibres to facilitate crosslinking. Water-oil separation or adsorption effects of hydrogels and aerogels are determined by the porosity and lightness of biomass, biocomposite conductor is prepared by chimaeric conductive material. Here, we review the approaches that have been taken to devise an environmentally friendly yet fully recyclable and sustainable functionalised biocomposites from biomass and its potential directions for future research.
文摘The current global plastic crisis is triggered by several factors including increased costs of petrochemical feedstock and Covid-19 disruption of the transport sector(Yuan et al.,2021).This disruption of world-wide supply chains of polyethylene,polypropylene and other petroleum-based hydrocarbon chemicals has significantly increased shortage and prices of plastics in for example Europe over the last year,hence calling for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics(WMW,2021,European Plastic Manufacturers sound the Alarm Bell on Supply Chain Disruption,Waste Management World.).This is critical due to extensive use of the non-biodegradable personal protective equipment(PPE)masks in the current pandemic,which might be even worse than the shortage of polyolefins at the moment(Deng et al.,2022).
文摘Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS)do not readily biodegrade and are therefore routinely found in the environment as ubiquitous contaminants in wildlife and humans worldwide[1,2].These“forever chemicals”are among the major chemical threats to wildlife and human health nowadays and are used in consumer products,including waterproof rain wear,pizza boxes,Teflon,and firefighting foam[3,4].Due to their resistance to metabolism and excretion biomagnifying in food webs to high concentrations[5,6],PFAS can bind to proteins and affect the immune system that increase the risk of clinical and infectious diseases and autoimmunity[7–9].
文摘A railroad accident on February 3,2023,led to the release and combustion of 115,580 gallons,equivalent to over 437,000 L,of vinyl chloride monomer(VCM)in East Palestine,Ohio[1].This monomer is used in polyvinyl chloride(PVC)production,and its burning produces additional toxins such as hydrochloric acid and lethal phosgene,known as a notorious chemical weapon during World War I[2].Acute exposure to these chemicals causes immediate adverse effects on local ecosystems,including the deaths of wild and farmed animals and pets.
文摘The ongoing pandemics boost the demand for chemical disinfectants,including surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers[1].This is largely driven by increasing public health awareness and hygiene standards in public and private settings[2].The global surface disinfectant market size in 2019 was valued at US$3.4 billion and estimated to experience a 6.0%compound annual growth rate,reaching US$5.42 billion in 2027[3].
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U2032201,52025102).
文摘Increasing studies of plastisphere have raised public concern about microplastics(MPs)as vectors for pathogens,especially in aquatic environments.However,the extent to which pathogens affect human health through MPs remains unclear,as controversies persist regarding the distinct pathogen colonization on MPs as well as the transmission routes and infection probability of MP-associated pathogens from water to humans.In this review,we critically discuss whether and how pathogens approach humans via MPs,shedding light on the potential health risks involved.Drawing on cutting-edge multidisciplinary research,we show that some MPs may facilitate the growth and long-range transmission of specific pathogens in aquatic environments,ultimately increasing the risk of infection in humans.We identify MP-and pathogen-rich settings,such as wastewater treatment plants,aquaculture farms,and swimming pools,as possible sites for human exposure to MP-associated pathogens.This review emphasizes the need for further research and targeted interventions to better understand and mitigate the potential health risks associated with MP-mediated pathogen transmission.
文摘Microplastics originate from plastic bottles of water and soft drink,plastic bags,tire wear,plastic agricultural mulches and 3D printing[1,2].These small fragments of wastes being 1μm to 5 mm pollute the environment and threaten human health and ecosystem services including crops and others,leading to economic losses[1–3].It is predicted that by 2030,plastic productions will be leading environmental pollution in terms of carbon footprint and toxic chemicals[4],making U.S.the world’s largest plastic waste generator[5].Based on reports from the United Nations Environment Assembly(UNEA)and the United Nations Environmental Program(UNEP),plastics in the environment annually burden the global economy by$19 billion,causing concerns for long-term ecological sustainability and the Global Goals[6].It is reported that about 8.3 billion tons of plastic waste have been created,leading to 4.9 billion tons discarded through landfilling globally[7],causing a yearly financial loss of more than$13 billion[8].
文摘Lead(Pb)is an extremely toxic persistent element,considered a factor in the fall of the Roman Empire 2000 years ago due to its use in plumbing and as a wine sweetener[1].The effects of lead include adverse neurological effects,reproductive impairment,and anaemia[2].One continuing source of lead in the environment is lead ammunition,which presents health risks to consumers of game meat,including humans,predatory and scavenging birds,and other animals.
文摘China emits more than 25%of the world’s carbon dioxide(https://ourworldindata.org/co2-emissions),and in December 2021 the country’s daily carbon trading volume hits a new highest record.Together with the EU and USA,China bears a great responsibility to limit global warming to 2℃,and therefore recently launches a plan to be carbon-neutral be-fore 2060(https://ourworldindata.org/co2-emissions).However,its rapid urbanization challenges this initiative as the boom-ing building and construction industry constitute more than 1/3 of the total energy consumption,which undesirably in-creases carbon emissions(IEA,2019;Duan et al.,2021).Although China has built five new nuclear power stations and closed down more than 1000 coal-fired power plants,it is still highly insufficient to meet the country’s goal to be carbon-neutral(https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/china/).
基金support provided by the University College of Technology Sarawak for conducting the research under the University Grant Scheme:(No.UCTS/RESEARCH/2/2020/07).
文摘Microwave steam pyrolysis(MSP)is an innovative thermochemical approach to converting biomass into high-quality biochar using steam to improve the dielectric heating of microwave radiation.Biochar shows high fixed carbon and carbon contents at a maximum temperature of 550℃in 10 min.The MSP achieved a heating rate of 112℃/min from 200℃to 400℃to produce biochar effectively.Furthermore,the thermal properties of biochar in microwave heating were investigated in this study to explore its potential as a microwave heat-absorbent material.Microwave is able to perform volumetric and controllable heating to the biochar.Moreover,biochar shows good microwave heat absorbency,storing and transferring heat effectively.The temperature profile of three different sizes of biochar was investigated to examine the efficiency of biochar in heat absorption from microwave radiation.It was found that the powder form of biochar showed a higher heat transfer rate of 40℃/min and a low cooling rate of 7.5℃/min.The presented results are useful for evaluating the application of biochar as a promising medium for heat storage systems.
基金support by University of College Technology Sarawak under University Grant Scheme (Project No.UCTS/RESEARCH/4/2018/17) to perform the research.
文摘Empty fruit bunch(EFB)is an industrial waste that is abundantly available in Malaysia.Traditionally,EFBs were burned and dumped on the plantation site,resulting in global warming pollution from methane and carbon dioxide.In this study,the EFB was transformed into a high-surface area of activated biochar through a microwave physicochemical approach involving the combination of steam followed by a hydroxide mixture for palm oil mill effluent(POME)treatment.It was found that BET(Brunauer-Emmett-Teller)surface area and total pore volume of activated biochar were 365.60 m^(2)/g and 0.16 cm^(3)/g,respectively.The surface morphology of activated biochar revealed the formation of well-developed pores that can potentially be used as adsorbents to treat POME.The removal efficiency of biochemical oxygen demand(BOD)and chemical oxygen demand(COD)of POME achieved 75%-55%,respectively.This study offers insight into the transformation of industrial waste into value-added products for sustainable environmental remediation.
基金Universiti Malaysia Terengganu,Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS,Universiti Malaysia Pahang and University of Technology Sarawak for financial support under Matching Grant(UMT/CRIM/2-2/25/Jld.8(58),Vot 53381)and(UCTS/RESEARCH/<2/2021/06>(01)),(UCTS/RESEARCH/<2/2020/06>(01))to perform this projectsupport by the Ministry of Higher Education,Malaysia under the Higher Institution Centre of Excellence(HICoE),Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries(AKUATROP)program(Vot.No.63933&Vot.No.56051,UMT/CRIM/2-2/5 Jilid 2(10)).
文摘Microwave simulation is significant in identifying a reactor design allowing the biomass to be heated and processed evenly.This study integrated the radio frequency and transient heat transfer modules to simulate the microwave distribution and investigated the performance of microwave heating in the cavity.The simulation results were compared with the experimental findings us-ing the finite element analysis software of COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS to predict the temperature profile and electric field of microwave in the biomass(empty fruit bunch pellets).The higher temperature distribution was observed at the bottom and centre section of the empty fruit bunch pellet bed in the reactor,showing the uniqueness of microwave heating.According to the simula-tion results,the temperature profile obtained through the specific cavity geometry and dielectric properties agreed with the experimental temperature profile.The simulated temperature profile demonstrated a logarithmic increase of 120°C/min at the first 50 s followed by 50°C/min until 350 s.The experimental temperature profile showed three different heating rates before reaching 300°C,including 78.3°C/min(50-120°C),30.6°C/min(121-250°C),and 105°C/min(250-300°C).The results of this study might contribute to the improvement of microwave heating in biomass torrefaction.
