The high consumption of electricity and issues related to fossil energy have triggered an increase in energy prices and the scarcity of fossil resources.Consequently,many researchers are seeking alternative energy sou...The high consumption of electricity and issues related to fossil energy have triggered an increase in energy prices and the scarcity of fossil resources.Consequently,many researchers are seeking alternative energy sources.One potential technology,the Microbial Fuel Cell(MFC)based on rice,vegetable,and fruit wastes,can convert chemical energy into electrical energy.This study aims to determine the potency of rice,vegetable,and fruit waste assisted by Cu/Mg electrodes as a generator of electricity.The method used was a laboratory experiment,including the following steps:electrode preparation,waste sample preparation,incubation of the waste samples,construction of a reactor using rice,vegetable,and fruit waste as a source of electricity,and testing.The tests included measuring electrical conductivity,electric current,voltage,current density,and power density.Based on the test results,the maximum current and voltage values for the fruit waste samples were 5.53 V and 11.5 mA,respectively,with a current density of 2.300 mA/cm^(2) and a power density of 12.719 mW/cm^(2).The results indicate the potential for a future development.The next step in development involves determining the optimum conditions for utilizing of rice,vegetable,and fruit waste.The results of the electrical conductivity test on rice,vegetable,and fruit waste samples were 1.51,2.88,and 3.98 mS,respectively,with the highest electrical conductivity value found in the fruit waste sample.展开更多
The presence of waste tires poses an environmental challenge as they occupy a significant amount of land and are expensive to dispose in landfills.However,reusing waste tires can address this issue when waste tires ar...The presence of waste tires poses an environmental challenge as they occupy a significant amount of land and are expensive to dispose in landfills.However,reusing waste tires can address this issue when waste tires are used in geotechnical applications.To determine the viability of this approach,laboratoryscale tests were conducted to investigate load-bearing capacity of circular footings on sand-tire shred(STS)mixtures with shredded waste tire contents of 5%e15%by weight and three different widths of shreds.The investigation focused on analyzing the thickness of layers composed of STS mixtures,the soil cap,and the impact of geogrids on bearing capacity.The results indicate that a specific mixture of sand and tire shreds provides the highest footing-bearing capacity.In addition,the optimal shred content and size were found to be 10%by weight and 2 cm×10 cm,respectively.Furthermore,for a given tire shred width,a particular length provides the largest bearing capacity.The results agree well with that of previous research conducted by the first author and his colleagues in direct shear and California bearing ratio(CBR)tests.The primary finding of this research is that the use of two-layered STS mixtures reinforced by geogrids significantly enhances the bearing capacity.展开更多
Background: Plastic pollution is the accumulation of waste composed of plastic and its derivatives all over the environment. Whether in the form of visible garbage or microparticles, as it slowly degrades, plastic pol...Background: Plastic pollution is the accumulation of waste composed of plastic and its derivatives all over the environment. Whether in the form of visible garbage or microparticles, as it slowly degrades, plastic pollution poses significant threats to terrestrial and aquatic habitats and the wildlife that call them home, whether through ingestion, entanglement or exposure to the chemicals contained in the material. Unfortunately, there is a lack of documentation on the impact of plastic waste on human health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: We searched five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL and Web of Science) and gray literature, following the preferred reporting elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), for the impact of plastic waste on human health in developing countries. We included quantitative and qualitative studies written in English and French. We assessed the quality of the included articles using the Mixed Methods Appraisal tool (MMAT). Results: A total of 3779 articles were initially identified by searching electronic databases. After eliminating duplicates, 3167 articles were reviewed based on title and abstract, and 26 were selected for full-text review. Only three articles were retained. The three articles dealt with practices likely to lead to oral exposure to plastic chemicals in human health, as well as the level of awareness of participants concerning the possible impact of plastic on human health, namely, the use of plastic baby bottles, the use of microwaves to cook food and reheat precooked food, the use of plastic bottles to store water in the refrigerator, water purifier containers with plastic bodies and plastic lunch boxes, the reuse of plastic bags and the inadequacy of treatment facilities. Conclusion: Plastic waste poses different risks to human health at every stage of its life cycle. Hence, strategies must be adopted to raise public awareness of the dangers of plastic waste to their health. Trial registration: The review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (ID = CRD42023409087).展开更多
This study explores household solid waste management (HSWM) practices and awareness among residents of Windhoek West, a rapidly urbanizing constituency in the Khomas Region of Namibia. Employing a descriptive methodol...This study explores household solid waste management (HSWM) practices and awareness among residents of Windhoek West, a rapidly urbanizing constituency in the Khomas Region of Namibia. Employing a descriptive methodology, the research investigates the interplay between public awareness, regulatory frameworks, and the availability of waste management facilities to assess their impact on waste management behaviors. Our findings indicate significant gaps in both knowledge and infrastructure that hinder effective waste management. The study reveals that while there is a high willingness among residents to engage in recycling and waste reduction, actual practices are limited due to inadequate facilities and lack of stringent enforcement of waste policies. This research identifies key factors that influence waste management practices, including demographic characteristics and access to waste management facilities. It also proposes actionable strategies such as expanding recycling and sorting facilities, enhancing educational campaigns tailored to local needs, and implementing regular enforcement mechanisms. These strategies are aimed at improving compliance with waste management protocols and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. The results of this investigation show the critical role of ongoing education and infrastructural improvement in bridging existing knowledge gaps and facilitating effective waste management practices. This research lays a foundational step toward enhancing sustainable urban development and effective waste management in Windhoek, providing valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders engaged in urban environmental management.展开更多
To achieve the resource utilization of solid waste phosphogypsum(PG)and tackle the problem of utilizing potassium feldspar(PF),a coupled synergistic process between PG and PF is proposed in this paper.The study invest...To achieve the resource utilization of solid waste phosphogypsum(PG)and tackle the problem of utilizing potassium feldspar(PF),a coupled synergistic process between PG and PF is proposed in this paper.The study investigates the features of P and F in PG,and explores the decomposition of PF using hydrofluoric acid(HF)in the sulfuric acid system for K leaching and leaching of P and F in PG.The impact factors such as sulfuric acid concentration,reaction temperature,reaction time,material ratio(PG/PF),liquid–solid ratio,PF particle size,and PF calcination temperature on the leaching of P and K is systematically investigated in this paper.The results show that under optimal conditions,the leaching rate of K and P reach more than 93%and 96%,respectively.Kinetics study using shrinking core model(SCM)indicates two significant stages with internal diffusion predominantly controlling the leaching of K.The apparent activation energies of these two stages are 11.92 kJ·mol^(-1)and 11.55 kJ·mol^(-1),respectively.展开更多
This study investigates the use of waste fat biodiesel(WFB)from the leather industry as a substitute for diesel fuel.Specifically,it examines the diesel engine performance of WFB,a blend of WFB and diesel(B50),and dif...This study investigates the use of waste fat biodiesel(WFB)from the leather industry as a substitute for diesel fuel.Specifically,it examines the diesel engine performance of WFB,a blend of WFB and diesel(B50),and different blends of WFB and silicon dioxide(SiO_(2))nanoparticles(B50SiO_(2)40,B50SiO_(2)80,and B50SiO_(2)120μg/g).The results indicate that the B50SiO_(2)120 blend increases brake thermal efficiency by 10.03%compared to pure biodiesel but falls 1.93%short of neat diesel.Furthermore,the B50SiO_(2)120 mixture reduces smoke,hydrocarbon,and carbon monoxide emissions by 31.87%,34.14%,and 43.97%respectively,compared to diesel.However,the B50SiO_(2)120 blend shows a 4.91%increase in nitrogen oxide emissions compared to diesel.展开更多
During the highway construction,a large number of spoil areas will be generated while a large amount of waste slag and soil could not be rationally utilized.Besides,the vegetation recovery is slow in the spoil areas d...During the highway construction,a large number of spoil areas will be generated while a large amount of waste slag and soil could not be rationally utilized.Besides,the vegetation recovery is slow in the spoil areas due to the soil depletion.Aiming at recycling the solid waste,the sieved engineering waste slag with local red clay and corn straw biochar was supplied to solve the problem of insufficient nutrients in engineering waste slag and soil.In addition,planting experiments of alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.)and Amorpha fruticosa L.combined with physical and chemical experiments were carried out to prove the feasibility of the novel improved substrate for the reclamation of spoil areas.The results show that the substrate's improvement effect is mainly affected by the soil to slag ratio and the biochar content.The improvement effect of soil matrix in highway spoil area decreases with the increase of the waste slag content,especially when the soil-slag ratio is less than 3,and the promotion of plants is limited.On the contrary,the improvement effect is proportional to the biochar content(3%-8%).But it is noted that the Cu and Pb in the soil will exceed the clean limit corresponding to the Nemero soil pollution index level when the biochar content is 8%.Therefore,it is recommended that the soil-slag ratio should be≥3,and the biochar content should reach 3%-5%.This research provides experimental basis and technical support for utilizing solid waste resources in the reclamation of highway spoil areas.展开更多
It is quite important to ensure the safety and sustainable development of nuclear energy for the treatment of radioactive wastewater. To treat radioactive wastewater efficiently and rapidly, two multi-amine β-cyclode...It is quite important to ensure the safety and sustainable development of nuclear energy for the treatment of radioactive wastewater. To treat radioactive wastewater efficiently and rapidly, two multi-amine β-cyclodextrin polymers(diethylenetriamine β-cyclodextrin polymer(DETA-TFCDP) and triethylenetetramine β-cyclodextrin polymer(TETA-TFCDP)) were prepared and applied to capture uranium. Results exhibited that DETA-TFCDP and TETA-TFCDP displayed the advantages of high adsorption amounts(612.2and 628.2 mg·g-1, respectively) and rapid adsorption rates, which can reach(88 ± 1)% of their equilibrium adsorption amounts in 10 min. Moreover, the adsorbent processes of DETA-TFCDP and TETATFCDP on uranium(Ⅵ) followed the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order model, stating they were mainly chemisorption and self-endothermic. Besides, TETA-TFCDP also showed excellent selectivity in the presence of seven competing cations and could be effectively reused five times via Na2CO3as the desorption reagent. Meanwhile, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy illustrated that the enriched multi-amine groups and oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of TETA-TFCDP were the main active sites for capturing uranium(Ⅵ). Hence, multi-amine β-cyclodextrin polymers are a highly efficient, rapid, and promising adsorbent for capturing uranium(Ⅵ)from radioactive wastewater.展开更多
The synergetic effect and underlying mechanism of potassium ferrate(PF)with tea saponin(TS,a biosurfactant)in producing short chain fatty acids(SCFAs)from anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge(WAS)were expl...The synergetic effect and underlying mechanism of potassium ferrate(PF)with tea saponin(TS,a biosurfactant)in producing short chain fatty acids(SCFAs)from anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge(WAS)were explored in this work.Experimental results showed that 0.2 g PF(g TSS)^(-1)(total suspended solid)combined with 0.02 g TS(g TSS)^(-1) could further improve SCFAs’production,and the maximum SCFAs content reached 2008.7 mg COD L^(-1),which is 1.2 and 4.5 times higher than those with PF and TS individually added,respectively,and 5.3 times higher than that of blank WAS on Day 12.In the model substrates experiments,the degradation rates of bovine serum albumin and dextran with combination of PF and TS were 41.3%±0.1% and 48.5%±0.06%,respectively,on Day 3,which are lower than those in blank WAS(with degradation rates of 72.3%±0.5%and 90.3%±0.3%).It was revealed that the oxidative effect of PF and the solubilization of TS caused more organic matters to be dissolved out from WAS,providing a large number of biodegradable substances for subsequent SCFAs production.While WAS pretreated with the combination of PF and TS,the relative abundances of Firmicutes increased from 6.4%(blank)to 38.6%,and that of Proteobacteria decreased from 41.8%(blank)to 21.8%.The combination of PF and TS promoted the hydrolysis process of WAS by enriching Firmicutes,and then increased acetic acid production by inhibiting Proteobacteria that consumed SCFAs.Meanwhile,at the genus level,acidogenesis bacteria(e.g.,Proteiniclasticum and Petrimonas)were enriched whereas SCFAs consuming bacteria(e.g.,Dokdonella)were inhibited.展开更多
This work investigated the pyrolysis reaction of waste resin in a fluidized bed reactor.It was found that the pyrolysis-generated ash would adhere to the surface of ceramic particles,causing particle agglomeration and...This work investigated the pyrolysis reaction of waste resin in a fluidized bed reactor.It was found that the pyrolysis-generated ash would adhere to the surface of ceramic particles,causing particle agglomeration and defluidization.Adding kaolin could effectively inhibit the particle agglomeration during the fluidized pyrolysis reaction through physical isolation and chemical reaction.On the one hand,kaolin could form a coating layer on the surface of ceramic particles to prevent the adhesion of organic ash generated by the pyrolysis of resin.On the other hand,when a sufficient amount of kaolin(-0.2%(mass))was added,the activated kaolin could fully contact with the Na+ ions generated by the pyrolysis of resin and react to form a high-melting aluminosilicate mineral(nepheline),which could reduce the formation of low-melting-point sodium sulfate and thereby avoid the agglomeration of ceramic particles.展开更多
MXene,a transition metal carbide/nitride,has been prominent as an ideal electrochemical active material for supercapacitors.However,the low MXene load limits its practical applications.As environmental concerns and su...MXene,a transition metal carbide/nitride,has been prominent as an ideal electrochemical active material for supercapacitors.However,the low MXene load limits its practical applications.As environmental concerns and sustainable development become more widely recognized,it is necessary to explore a greener and cleaner technology to recycle textile by-products such as cotton.The present study proposes an effective 3D fabrication method that uses MXene to fabricate waste denim felt into ultralight and flexible supercapacitors through needling and carbonization.The 3D structure provided more sites for loading MXene onto Z-directional fiber bundles,resulting in more efficient ion exchange between the electrolyte and electrodes.Furthermore,the carbonization process removed the specific adverse groups in MXenes,further improving the specific capacitance,energy density,power density and electrical conductivity of supercapacitors.The electrodes achieve a maximum specific capacitance of 1748.5 mF cm-2 and demonstrate remarkable cycling stability maintaining more than 94%after 15,000 galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles.Besides,the obtained supercapacitors present a maximum specific capacitance of 577.5 mF cm^(-2),energy density of 80.2μWh cm^(-2)and power density of 3 mW cm^(-2),respectively.The resulting supercapacitors can be used to develop smart wearable power devices such as smartwatches,laying the foundation for a novel strategy of utilizing waste cotton in a high-quality manner.展开更多
As socioeconomic development continues,the issue of building energy consumption has attracted significant attention,and improving the thermal insulation performance of buildings has become a crucial strategic measure....As socioeconomic development continues,the issue of building energy consumption has attracted significant attention,and improving the thermal insulation performance of buildings has become a crucial strategic measure.Simultaneously,the application of solid waste in insulation materials has also become a hot topic.This paper reviews the sources and classifications of solid waste,focusing on research progress in its application as insulation materials in the domains of daily life,agriculture,and industry.The research shows that incorporating household solid waste materials,such as waste glass,paper,and clothing scraps into cementitious thermal insulation can significantly reduce the thermal conductivity of the materials,leading to excellent thermal insulation properties.Insulation materials prepared from agricultural solid waste,such as barley straw,corn stalk,chicken feather,and date palm fibers,possess characteristics of lightweight and strong thermal insulation.Industrial solid waste,including waste tires,iron tailings,and coal bottom ash,can also be utilized in the preparation of insulation materials.These innovative applications not only have positive environmental significance by reducing waste emissions and resource consumption,but also provide efficient and sustainable insulation solutions for the construction industry.However,to further optimize the mix design and enhance the durability of insulation materials,continuous research is required to investigate the mechanisms through which solid waste impacts the performance of insulation materials.展开更多
Health-care waste contains potentially harmful microorganisms and compounds which can infect and affect hospital patients, healthcare workers, the general public and environment. Therefore, management of health care w...Health-care waste contains potentially harmful microorganisms and compounds which can infect and affect hospital patients, healthcare workers, the general public and environment. Therefore, management of health care waste requires safe handling, treatment and disposal procedures. While incineration reduces the volume and quantity of waste for final disposal, it leads to the production of fly and bottom ashes laden with toxic incomplete combustion products such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, furans and heavy metals. This exposes workers who handle and dispose the bottom ashes, hospital patients, the general public and environment. The goal of this study was to determine the total and individual levels of 16 most prevalent and toxic PAHs. Bottom ash samples were collected from incinerators in five county hospitals in Kenya, namely;Moi-Voi, Narok, Kitale, Makindu and Isiolo. Bottom ash samples were collected over a period of six months from the five hospitals. The samples were then sieved, homogenised and stored at 4°C in amber coloured glass containers. The PAHs were extracted using 30 ml of a hexane-acetone solvent (1:1) mixture by ultrasonication at room temperature (23°C) for 45 minutes. The PAHs were then analyzed with a GC-MS spectrophotometer model (Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010 SE) connected to a computer work station was used for the PAHs analysis. The GC-MS was equipped with an SGE BPX5 GC capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm) for the separation of compounds. Helium was used as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 15.5 ml/minute and 14.5 psi. 1 μl of the sample was injected at 280°C, split mode (10:1). The oven programming was set for a total runtime of 40 minutes, which included: 100°C (2-minute hold);10°C /min rise to 200°C;7°C /min rise to 249°C;3°C /min rise to 300°C (2-minute hold). The interface temperature was set at 290°C. Analysis was done in Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode and the peak areas of each of the PAHs were collected from the chromatograph and used for quantification of the 16 PAHs listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which included, BaA (benz[a]anthracene: 4 rings), BaP (benzo[a]pyrene: 5 rings), BbF (benzo [b]fluoranthene: 5 rings), BkF (benzo[k]fluoranthene: 5 rings), Chr (chrysene: 4 rings), DbA (dibenz[a,h]anthracene: 5 rings), InP (indeno[1,2,3 - cd] pyrene: 6 rings) and Acp (acenaphthene: 3 rings), Acpy (acenaphthylene: 3 rings), Ant (anthracene: 3 rings), BghiP (benzo[g,h,i]perylene: 6 rings), Flu (fluorene: 3 rings), FluA (fluoranthene: 4 rings), Nap (naphthalene: 2 rings), PhA (phenanthrene: 3 rings) and Pyr (pyrene: 4 rings). Ion source-interface temperature was set at 200°C - 250°C. Internal standards from Sigma Aldrich were used in the analysis and the acquired mass spectra data were then matched against the NIST 2014 library [1] [2]. The mean PAHs concentration in the bottom ashes of each hospital varied broadly from 0.001 mg/kg to 0.4845 mg/kg, and the mean total concentration levels of individual PAHs ranged from 0.0072 mg/kg to 1.171 mg/kg. Low molecular weight PAHs (Phenanthrene, Naphthalene and Fluorene) were predominant in all the hospital wastes whereas Kitale and Narok presented the lowest PAHs concentrations and the lowest number of individual PAHs. Moi/Voi recorded the highest total PAHs concentration at 1.3129 ± 0.0023 mg/kg from a total of 11 PAHs being detected from the bottom ash samples. Narok had only three PAHs being detected at very low concentrations of 0.0041 ± 0.00 mg/kg, 0.0076 ± 0.00 mg/kg and 0.012 ± 0.00 mg/kg for phenanthrene, anthracene and chrysene respectively. This study presents hospital incinerator bottom ash as containing detectable levels of both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic PAHs. Continued unprotected exposure of hospital workers (waste handlers) to the bottom ash PAHs could be hazardous to their health because of their cumulative effect. Preventive measures e.g. the use of Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be prioritised to minimise direct contact with the bottom ash. The study recommends an upgrade on incinerator technology for efficient combustion processes thus for better pollution control.展开更多
While hydropower is generally considered a clean energy source, it is important to recognize that their waste can still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The purpose of this study is to assess the carbon f...While hydropower is generally considered a clean energy source, it is important to recognize that their waste can still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The purpose of this study is to assess the carbon footprint associated with the waste sector throughout the operational phase of the Nam Theun 2 hydropower plant in Laos. Understanding the environmental impact of the waste sector is crucial for ensuring the plant’s sustainability. This study utilizes the theoretical estimation method recommended in the 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, as well as the Requirements for Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of GHG emissions and removals. We emphasize the significance of implementing sustainable waste management practices to reduce GHG emissions and minimize the environmental impact of hydropower operations. By conducting a comprehensive analysis, this paper also provides insights into the environmental implications of waste management in hydropower plants and identifies strategies to mitigate the carbon footprint in the waste sector. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the environmental sustainability of hydropower plants and provide valuable guidance for policymakers, energy producers, and environmental practitioners involved in hydropower plant design and operation.展开更多
This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using decoration waste powder(DWP)as a partial replacement for fly ash(FA)in the preparation of geopolymer masonry mortar,and to examine the effect of different DWP re...This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using decoration waste powder(DWP)as a partial replacement for fly ash(FA)in the preparation of geopolymer masonry mortar,and to examine the effect of different DWP replacement rates(0%-40%)on the fresh and mechanical properties of the mortar.The results showed that each group of geopolymer masonry mortar exhibited excellent water retention performance,with a water retention rate of 100%,which was due to the unique geopolymer mortar system and high viscosity of the alkaline activator solution.Compared to the control group,the flowability of the mortar containing lower contents of DWP(10%and 20%)was higher.However,as the DWP replacement rate further increased,the flowability gradually decreased.The DWP could absorb the free water in the reaction system of geopolymer mortar,thereby limiting the occurrence of geopolymerization reaction.The incorporation of DWP in the mortar resulted in a decrease in compressive strength compared to the mortar without DWP.However,even at a replacement rate of 40%,the compressive strength of the mortar still exceeded 15 MPa,which met the requirements of the masonry mortar.It was feasible to use DWP in the geopolymer masonry mortar.Although the addition of DWP caused some performance loss,it did not affect its usability.展开更多
Landslide is the second largest natural disaster after earthquake. It is of significance to study the evolution laws and failure mechanism of landslides based on its surface 3D deformation information. Based on the ra...Landslide is the second largest natural disaster after earthquake. It is of significance to study the evolution laws and failure mechanism of landslides based on its surface 3D deformation information. Based on the rainfall-triggered waste dump instability model test, we studied the failure mechanisms of the waste dump by integrating surface deformation and internal slope stress and proposed novel parameters for identifying landslide stability. We developed a noncontact measurement device, which can obtain millimeter-level 3D deformation data for surface scene in physical model test;Then we developed the similar materials and established a test model for a waste dump. Based on the failure characteristics of slope surface, internal stress of slope body and displacement contours during the whole process, we divided the slope instability process in model test into four stages: rainfall infiltration and surface erosion, shallow sliding, deep sliding, and overall instability. Based on the obtained surface deformation data, we calculated the volume change during slope instability process and compared it with the point displacement on slope surface. The results showed that the volume change can not only reflect the slow-ultra acceleration process of slope failure, but also fully reflect the above four stages and reduce the fluctuations caused by random factors. Finally, this paper proposed two stability identification parameters: the volume change rate above the slip surface and the relative velocity of volume change rate. According to the calculation of these two parameters in model test, they can be used for study the deformation and failure mechanism of slope stability.展开更多
Food Waste(FW)is a pressing environmental concern that affects every country globally.About one-third of the food that is produced ends up as waste,contributing to the carbon footprint.Hence,the FW must be properly tr...Food Waste(FW)is a pressing environmental concern that affects every country globally.About one-third of the food that is produced ends up as waste,contributing to the carbon footprint.Hence,the FW must be properly treated to reduce environmental pollution.This study evaluates a few available Food Waste Treatment(FWT)technologies,such as anaerobic digestion,composting,landfill,and incineration,which are widely used.A Bipolar Picture Fuzzy Set(BPFS)is proposed to deal with the ambiguity and uncertainty that arise when converting a real-world problem to a mathematical model.A novel Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation-Stable Preference Ordering Towards Ideal Solution(CRITIC-SPOTIS)approach is developed to objectively analyze FWT selection based on thirteen criteria covering the industry’s technical,environmental,and entrepreneurial aspects.The CRITIC method is used for the objective analysis of the importance of each criterion in FWT selection.The SPOTIS method is adopted to rank the alternative hassle-free,following the criteria.The proposed model offers a rank reversal-free model,i.e.,the rank of the alternatives remains unaffected even after the addition or removal of an alternative.In addition,comparative and sensitivity analyses are performed to ensure the reliability and robustness of the proposed model and to validate the proposed result.展开更多
Agricultural plastics play a pivotal role in agricultural production.However,due to expensive costs,agricultural plastic waste management(APWM)encounters a vast funding gap.As one of the crucial stakeholders,the publi...Agricultural plastics play a pivotal role in agricultural production.However,due to expensive costs,agricultural plastic waste management(APWM)encounters a vast funding gap.As one of the crucial stakeholders,the public deserves to make appropriate efforts for APWM.Accordingly,identifying whether the public is willing to pay for APWM and clarifying the decisions’driving pathways to explore initiatives for promoting their payment intentions are essential to address the dilemma confronting APWM.To this end,by applying the extended theory of planned behavior(TPB),the study conducted an empirical analysis based on 1,288 residents from four provinces(autonomous regions)of northern China.Results illustrate that:1)respondents hold generally positive and relatively strong payment willingness towards APWM;2)respondents’attitude(AT),subjective norm(SN),and perceived behavioral control(PBC)are positively correlated with their payment intentions(INT);3)environmental cognition(EC)and environmental emotion(EE)positively moderate the relationships between AT and INT,and between SN and INT,posing significant indirect impacts on INT.The study’s implications extend to informing government policies,suggesting that multi-entity cooperation,specifically public payment for APWM,can enhance agricultural non-point waste management.展开更多
"Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality"is an essential national strategy,and the geological storage and utilization of CO_(2)is a hot issue today.However,due to the scarcity of pure CO_(2)gas sources in China..."Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality"is an essential national strategy,and the geological storage and utilization of CO_(2)is a hot issue today.However,due to the scarcity of pure CO_(2)gas sources in China and the high cost of CO_(2)capture,CO_(2)-rich industrial waste gas(CO_(2)-rich IWG)is gradually emerging into the public's gaze.CO_(2)has good adsorption properties on shale surfaces,but acidic gases can react with shale,so the mechanism of the CO_(2)-rich IWG-water-shale reaction and the change in reservoir properties will determine the stability of geological storage.Therefore,based on the mineral composition of the Longmaxi Formation shale,this study constructs a thermodynamic equilibrium model of water-rock reactions and simulates the regularity of reactions between CO_(2)-rich IWG and shale minerals.The results indicate that CO_(2)consumed 12%after reaction,and impurity gases in the CO_(2)-rich IWG can be dissolved entirely,thus demonstrating the feasibility of treating IWG through water-rock reactions.Since IWG inhibits the dissolution of CO_(2),the optimal composition of CO_(2)-rich IWG is 95%CO_(2)and 5%IWG when CO_(2)geological storage is the main goal.In contrast,when the main goal is the geological storage of total CO_(2)-rich IWG or impurity gas,the optimal CO_(2)-rich IWG composition is 50%CO_(2)and 50%IWG.In the CO_(2)-rich IWG-water-shale reaction,temperature has less influence on the water-rock reaction,while pressure is the most important parameter.SO2 has the greatest impact on water-rock reaction in gas.For minerals,clay minerals such as illite and montmorillonite had a significant effect on water-rock reaction.The overall reaction is dominated by precipitation and the volume of the rock skeleton has increased by 0.74 cm3,resulting in a decrease in shale porosity,which enhances the stability of CO_(2)geological storage to some extent.During the reaction between CO_(2)-rich IWG-water-shale at simulated temperatures and pressures,precipitation is the main reaction,and shale porosity decreases.However,as the reservoir water content increases,the reaction will first dissolve and then precipitate before dissolving again.When the water content is less than 0.0005 kg or greater than 0.4 kg,it will lead to an increase in reservoir porosity,which ultimately reduces the long-term geological storage stability of CO_(2)-rich IWG.展开更多
Freetown which is the capital city of Sierra Leone is facing challenges with population growth, urbanization, and industrialization, leading to an increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. The study aims to ...Freetown which is the capital city of Sierra Leone is facing challenges with population growth, urbanization, and industrialization, leading to an increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. The study aims to evaluate MSW generation, composition, and disposal methods, as well as the impact of collection fees, policy implementation, and women’s participation in municipal solid waste management (MSWM). The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis. The study administered 393 structured questionnaires in three selected sections to collect data on variables such as family size, education, level of knowledge, etc. The study used door-to-door data collection to determine the rate of solid waste generation, composition, and disposal in 66 households from two of the selected sections and 34 households from the other section to evaluate the current situation of MSWM practices among households in Freetown. The study used a descriptive statistic to analyze the data collected using Origin-Pro9 and MS Excel software. The findings showed that with a 4.2% urban growth rate, Freetown had a population of 1,467,543 in 2023, generating 851 tons of MSW per day, with organic waste accounting for 78% of the total MSW generated. Plastic waste generation also increased from 7.6% in 2020 to 13% in 2023. The study emphasizes the need to sustain the MSWM system by prioritizing solid waste collection fees, policy enforcement, and women’s participation in the MSWM sector. It further suggests and provides recommendations for developing an efficient and sustainable MSWM system in Sierra Leone, including knowledge transfer from countries like China and the US.展开更多
文摘The high consumption of electricity and issues related to fossil energy have triggered an increase in energy prices and the scarcity of fossil resources.Consequently,many researchers are seeking alternative energy sources.One potential technology,the Microbial Fuel Cell(MFC)based on rice,vegetable,and fruit wastes,can convert chemical energy into electrical energy.This study aims to determine the potency of rice,vegetable,and fruit waste assisted by Cu/Mg electrodes as a generator of electricity.The method used was a laboratory experiment,including the following steps:electrode preparation,waste sample preparation,incubation of the waste samples,construction of a reactor using rice,vegetable,and fruit waste as a source of electricity,and testing.The tests included measuring electrical conductivity,electric current,voltage,current density,and power density.Based on the test results,the maximum current and voltage values for the fruit waste samples were 5.53 V and 11.5 mA,respectively,with a current density of 2.300 mA/cm^(2) and a power density of 12.719 mW/cm^(2).The results indicate the potential for a future development.The next step in development involves determining the optimum conditions for utilizing of rice,vegetable,and fruit waste.The results of the electrical conductivity test on rice,vegetable,and fruit waste samples were 1.51,2.88,and 3.98 mS,respectively,with the highest electrical conductivity value found in the fruit waste sample.
文摘The presence of waste tires poses an environmental challenge as they occupy a significant amount of land and are expensive to dispose in landfills.However,reusing waste tires can address this issue when waste tires are used in geotechnical applications.To determine the viability of this approach,laboratoryscale tests were conducted to investigate load-bearing capacity of circular footings on sand-tire shred(STS)mixtures with shredded waste tire contents of 5%e15%by weight and three different widths of shreds.The investigation focused on analyzing the thickness of layers composed of STS mixtures,the soil cap,and the impact of geogrids on bearing capacity.The results indicate that a specific mixture of sand and tire shreds provides the highest footing-bearing capacity.In addition,the optimal shred content and size were found to be 10%by weight and 2 cm×10 cm,respectively.Furthermore,for a given tire shred width,a particular length provides the largest bearing capacity.The results agree well with that of previous research conducted by the first author and his colleagues in direct shear and California bearing ratio(CBR)tests.The primary finding of this research is that the use of two-layered STS mixtures reinforced by geogrids significantly enhances the bearing capacity.
文摘Background: Plastic pollution is the accumulation of waste composed of plastic and its derivatives all over the environment. Whether in the form of visible garbage or microparticles, as it slowly degrades, plastic pollution poses significant threats to terrestrial and aquatic habitats and the wildlife that call them home, whether through ingestion, entanglement or exposure to the chemicals contained in the material. Unfortunately, there is a lack of documentation on the impact of plastic waste on human health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: We searched five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL and Web of Science) and gray literature, following the preferred reporting elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), for the impact of plastic waste on human health in developing countries. We included quantitative and qualitative studies written in English and French. We assessed the quality of the included articles using the Mixed Methods Appraisal tool (MMAT). Results: A total of 3779 articles were initially identified by searching electronic databases. After eliminating duplicates, 3167 articles were reviewed based on title and abstract, and 26 were selected for full-text review. Only three articles were retained. The three articles dealt with practices likely to lead to oral exposure to plastic chemicals in human health, as well as the level of awareness of participants concerning the possible impact of plastic on human health, namely, the use of plastic baby bottles, the use of microwaves to cook food and reheat precooked food, the use of plastic bottles to store water in the refrigerator, water purifier containers with plastic bodies and plastic lunch boxes, the reuse of plastic bags and the inadequacy of treatment facilities. Conclusion: Plastic waste poses different risks to human health at every stage of its life cycle. Hence, strategies must be adopted to raise public awareness of the dangers of plastic waste to their health. Trial registration: The review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (ID = CRD42023409087).
文摘This study explores household solid waste management (HSWM) practices and awareness among residents of Windhoek West, a rapidly urbanizing constituency in the Khomas Region of Namibia. Employing a descriptive methodology, the research investigates the interplay between public awareness, regulatory frameworks, and the availability of waste management facilities to assess their impact on waste management behaviors. Our findings indicate significant gaps in both knowledge and infrastructure that hinder effective waste management. The study reveals that while there is a high willingness among residents to engage in recycling and waste reduction, actual practices are limited due to inadequate facilities and lack of stringent enforcement of waste policies. This research identifies key factors that influence waste management practices, including demographic characteristics and access to waste management facilities. It also proposes actionable strategies such as expanding recycling and sorting facilities, enhancing educational campaigns tailored to local needs, and implementing regular enforcement mechanisms. These strategies are aimed at improving compliance with waste management protocols and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. The results of this investigation show the critical role of ongoing education and infrastructural improvement in bridging existing knowledge gaps and facilitating effective waste management practices. This research lays a foundational step toward enhancing sustainable urban development and effective waste management in Windhoek, providing valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders engaged in urban environmental management.
基金jointly supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2019YFC1905800)the National Key Research & Development Program of China (2018YFC1903500)+4 种基金the commercial project by Beijing Zhong Dian Hua Yuan Environment Protection Technology Co., Ltd. (E01211200005)the Regional key projects of the science and technology service network program (STS program) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (KFJ-STS-QYZD-153)the Ningbo Science and Technology Innovation Key Projects (2020Z099, 2022Z028)the Ningbo Municipal Commonweal Key Program (2019C10033)the support of Mineral Resources Analytical and Testing Center, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Science
文摘To achieve the resource utilization of solid waste phosphogypsum(PG)and tackle the problem of utilizing potassium feldspar(PF),a coupled synergistic process between PG and PF is proposed in this paper.The study investigates the features of P and F in PG,and explores the decomposition of PF using hydrofluoric acid(HF)in the sulfuric acid system for K leaching and leaching of P and F in PG.The impact factors such as sulfuric acid concentration,reaction temperature,reaction time,material ratio(PG/PF),liquid–solid ratio,PF particle size,and PF calcination temperature on the leaching of P and K is systematically investigated in this paper.The results show that under optimal conditions,the leaching rate of K and P reach more than 93%and 96%,respectively.Kinetics study using shrinking core model(SCM)indicates two significant stages with internal diffusion predominantly controlling the leaching of K.The apparent activation energies of these two stages are 11.92 kJ·mol^(-1)and 11.55 kJ·mol^(-1),respectively.
文摘This study investigates the use of waste fat biodiesel(WFB)from the leather industry as a substitute for diesel fuel.Specifically,it examines the diesel engine performance of WFB,a blend of WFB and diesel(B50),and different blends of WFB and silicon dioxide(SiO_(2))nanoparticles(B50SiO_(2)40,B50SiO_(2)80,and B50SiO_(2)120μg/g).The results indicate that the B50SiO_(2)120 blend increases brake thermal efficiency by 10.03%compared to pure biodiesel but falls 1.93%short of neat diesel.Furthermore,the B50SiO_(2)120 mixture reduces smoke,hydrocarbon,and carbon monoxide emissions by 31.87%,34.14%,and 43.97%respectively,compared to diesel.However,the B50SiO_(2)120 blend shows a 4.91%increase in nitrogen oxide emissions compared to diesel.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52078034).
文摘During the highway construction,a large number of spoil areas will be generated while a large amount of waste slag and soil could not be rationally utilized.Besides,the vegetation recovery is slow in the spoil areas due to the soil depletion.Aiming at recycling the solid waste,the sieved engineering waste slag with local red clay and corn straw biochar was supplied to solve the problem of insufficient nutrients in engineering waste slag and soil.In addition,planting experiments of alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.)and Amorpha fruticosa L.combined with physical and chemical experiments were carried out to prove the feasibility of the novel improved substrate for the reclamation of spoil areas.The results show that the substrate's improvement effect is mainly affected by the soil to slag ratio and the biochar content.The improvement effect of soil matrix in highway spoil area decreases with the increase of the waste slag content,especially when the soil-slag ratio is less than 3,and the promotion of plants is limited.On the contrary,the improvement effect is proportional to the biochar content(3%-8%).But it is noted that the Cu and Pb in the soil will exceed the clean limit corresponding to the Nemero soil pollution index level when the biochar content is 8%.Therefore,it is recommended that the soil-slag ratio should be≥3,and the biochar content should reach 3%-5%.This research provides experimental basis and technical support for utilizing solid waste resources in the reclamation of highway spoil areas.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(21603064,52102214)Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province(20202BABL203026,20212BAB203001,20202BABL214016)College Student Innovation and Enterprise Programme of Jiangxi Province(S202310405010)provided funding for this study.
文摘It is quite important to ensure the safety and sustainable development of nuclear energy for the treatment of radioactive wastewater. To treat radioactive wastewater efficiently and rapidly, two multi-amine β-cyclodextrin polymers(diethylenetriamine β-cyclodextrin polymer(DETA-TFCDP) and triethylenetetramine β-cyclodextrin polymer(TETA-TFCDP)) were prepared and applied to capture uranium. Results exhibited that DETA-TFCDP and TETA-TFCDP displayed the advantages of high adsorption amounts(612.2and 628.2 mg·g-1, respectively) and rapid adsorption rates, which can reach(88 ± 1)% of their equilibrium adsorption amounts in 10 min. Moreover, the adsorbent processes of DETA-TFCDP and TETATFCDP on uranium(Ⅵ) followed the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order model, stating they were mainly chemisorption and self-endothermic. Besides, TETA-TFCDP also showed excellent selectivity in the presence of seven competing cations and could be effectively reused five times via Na2CO3as the desorption reagent. Meanwhile, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy illustrated that the enriched multi-amine groups and oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of TETA-TFCDP were the main active sites for capturing uranium(Ⅵ). Hence, multi-amine β-cyclodextrin polymers are a highly efficient, rapid, and promising adsorbent for capturing uranium(Ⅵ)from radioactive wastewater.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41276067)the Air Liquide(China)R&D Co.,Ltd.(No.20200216).
文摘The synergetic effect and underlying mechanism of potassium ferrate(PF)with tea saponin(TS,a biosurfactant)in producing short chain fatty acids(SCFAs)from anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge(WAS)were explored in this work.Experimental results showed that 0.2 g PF(g TSS)^(-1)(total suspended solid)combined with 0.02 g TS(g TSS)^(-1) could further improve SCFAs’production,and the maximum SCFAs content reached 2008.7 mg COD L^(-1),which is 1.2 and 4.5 times higher than those with PF and TS individually added,respectively,and 5.3 times higher than that of blank WAS on Day 12.In the model substrates experiments,the degradation rates of bovine serum albumin and dextran with combination of PF and TS were 41.3%±0.1% and 48.5%±0.06%,respectively,on Day 3,which are lower than those in blank WAS(with degradation rates of 72.3%±0.5%and 90.3%±0.3%).It was revealed that the oxidative effect of PF and the solubilization of TS caused more organic matters to be dissolved out from WAS,providing a large number of biodegradable substances for subsequent SCFAs production.While WAS pretreated with the combination of PF and TS,the relative abundances of Firmicutes increased from 6.4%(blank)to 38.6%,and that of Proteobacteria decreased from 41.8%(blank)to 21.8%.The combination of PF and TS promoted the hydrolysis process of WAS by enriching Firmicutes,and then increased acetic acid production by inhibiting Proteobacteria that consumed SCFAs.Meanwhile,at the genus level,acidogenesis bacteria(e.g.,Proteiniclasticum and Petrimonas)were enriched whereas SCFAs consuming bacteria(e.g.,Dokdonella)were inhibited.
基金support and encouragement of the Joint Funds of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U21B2095)the Major Research Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.91834303).
文摘This work investigated the pyrolysis reaction of waste resin in a fluidized bed reactor.It was found that the pyrolysis-generated ash would adhere to the surface of ceramic particles,causing particle agglomeration and defluidization.Adding kaolin could effectively inhibit the particle agglomeration during the fluidized pyrolysis reaction through physical isolation and chemical reaction.On the one hand,kaolin could form a coating layer on the surface of ceramic particles to prevent the adhesion of organic ash generated by the pyrolysis of resin.On the other hand,when a sufficient amount of kaolin(-0.2%(mass))was added,the activated kaolin could fully contact with the Na+ ions generated by the pyrolysis of resin and react to form a high-melting aluminosilicate mineral(nepheline),which could reduce the formation of low-melting-point sodium sulfate and thereby avoid the agglomeration of ceramic particles.
基金The authors acknowledge the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52073224,32201491)the Textile Vision Basic Research Program of China(No.J202110)+3 种基金the Scientific Research Project of Shaanxi Provincial Education Department,China(No.22JC035)the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program of Xi’an Science and Technology Bureau,China(No.21XJZZ0019)the Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Xi’an Polytechnic University(No.BS202053)the Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities and Institute of Flexible electronics and Intelligent Textile.
文摘MXene,a transition metal carbide/nitride,has been prominent as an ideal electrochemical active material for supercapacitors.However,the low MXene load limits its practical applications.As environmental concerns and sustainable development become more widely recognized,it is necessary to explore a greener and cleaner technology to recycle textile by-products such as cotton.The present study proposes an effective 3D fabrication method that uses MXene to fabricate waste denim felt into ultralight and flexible supercapacitors through needling and carbonization.The 3D structure provided more sites for loading MXene onto Z-directional fiber bundles,resulting in more efficient ion exchange between the electrolyte and electrodes.Furthermore,the carbonization process removed the specific adverse groups in MXenes,further improving the specific capacitance,energy density,power density and electrical conductivity of supercapacitors.The electrodes achieve a maximum specific capacitance of 1748.5 mF cm-2 and demonstrate remarkable cycling stability maintaining more than 94%after 15,000 galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles.Besides,the obtained supercapacitors present a maximum specific capacitance of 577.5 mF cm^(-2),energy density of 80.2μWh cm^(-2)and power density of 3 mW cm^(-2),respectively.The resulting supercapacitors can be used to develop smart wearable power devices such as smartwatches,laying the foundation for a novel strategy of utilizing waste cotton in a high-quality manner.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52078068)Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province (SJCX22_1391)+1 种基金the National Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20220626)Changzhou Leading Innovative Talent Introduction and Cultivation Project (CQ20210085).
文摘As socioeconomic development continues,the issue of building energy consumption has attracted significant attention,and improving the thermal insulation performance of buildings has become a crucial strategic measure.Simultaneously,the application of solid waste in insulation materials has also become a hot topic.This paper reviews the sources and classifications of solid waste,focusing on research progress in its application as insulation materials in the domains of daily life,agriculture,and industry.The research shows that incorporating household solid waste materials,such as waste glass,paper,and clothing scraps into cementitious thermal insulation can significantly reduce the thermal conductivity of the materials,leading to excellent thermal insulation properties.Insulation materials prepared from agricultural solid waste,such as barley straw,corn stalk,chicken feather,and date palm fibers,possess characteristics of lightweight and strong thermal insulation.Industrial solid waste,including waste tires,iron tailings,and coal bottom ash,can also be utilized in the preparation of insulation materials.These innovative applications not only have positive environmental significance by reducing waste emissions and resource consumption,but also provide efficient and sustainable insulation solutions for the construction industry.However,to further optimize the mix design and enhance the durability of insulation materials,continuous research is required to investigate the mechanisms through which solid waste impacts the performance of insulation materials.
文摘Health-care waste contains potentially harmful microorganisms and compounds which can infect and affect hospital patients, healthcare workers, the general public and environment. Therefore, management of health care waste requires safe handling, treatment and disposal procedures. While incineration reduces the volume and quantity of waste for final disposal, it leads to the production of fly and bottom ashes laden with toxic incomplete combustion products such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, furans and heavy metals. This exposes workers who handle and dispose the bottom ashes, hospital patients, the general public and environment. The goal of this study was to determine the total and individual levels of 16 most prevalent and toxic PAHs. Bottom ash samples were collected from incinerators in five county hospitals in Kenya, namely;Moi-Voi, Narok, Kitale, Makindu and Isiolo. Bottom ash samples were collected over a period of six months from the five hospitals. The samples were then sieved, homogenised and stored at 4°C in amber coloured glass containers. The PAHs were extracted using 30 ml of a hexane-acetone solvent (1:1) mixture by ultrasonication at room temperature (23°C) for 45 minutes. The PAHs were then analyzed with a GC-MS spectrophotometer model (Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010 SE) connected to a computer work station was used for the PAHs analysis. The GC-MS was equipped with an SGE BPX5 GC capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm) for the separation of compounds. Helium was used as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 15.5 ml/minute and 14.5 psi. 1 μl of the sample was injected at 280°C, split mode (10:1). The oven programming was set for a total runtime of 40 minutes, which included: 100°C (2-minute hold);10°C /min rise to 200°C;7°C /min rise to 249°C;3°C /min rise to 300°C (2-minute hold). The interface temperature was set at 290°C. Analysis was done in Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode and the peak areas of each of the PAHs were collected from the chromatograph and used for quantification of the 16 PAHs listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which included, BaA (benz[a]anthracene: 4 rings), BaP (benzo[a]pyrene: 5 rings), BbF (benzo [b]fluoranthene: 5 rings), BkF (benzo[k]fluoranthene: 5 rings), Chr (chrysene: 4 rings), DbA (dibenz[a,h]anthracene: 5 rings), InP (indeno[1,2,3 - cd] pyrene: 6 rings) and Acp (acenaphthene: 3 rings), Acpy (acenaphthylene: 3 rings), Ant (anthracene: 3 rings), BghiP (benzo[g,h,i]perylene: 6 rings), Flu (fluorene: 3 rings), FluA (fluoranthene: 4 rings), Nap (naphthalene: 2 rings), PhA (phenanthrene: 3 rings) and Pyr (pyrene: 4 rings). Ion source-interface temperature was set at 200°C - 250°C. Internal standards from Sigma Aldrich were used in the analysis and the acquired mass spectra data were then matched against the NIST 2014 library [1] [2]. The mean PAHs concentration in the bottom ashes of each hospital varied broadly from 0.001 mg/kg to 0.4845 mg/kg, and the mean total concentration levels of individual PAHs ranged from 0.0072 mg/kg to 1.171 mg/kg. Low molecular weight PAHs (Phenanthrene, Naphthalene and Fluorene) were predominant in all the hospital wastes whereas Kitale and Narok presented the lowest PAHs concentrations and the lowest number of individual PAHs. Moi/Voi recorded the highest total PAHs concentration at 1.3129 ± 0.0023 mg/kg from a total of 11 PAHs being detected from the bottom ash samples. Narok had only three PAHs being detected at very low concentrations of 0.0041 ± 0.00 mg/kg, 0.0076 ± 0.00 mg/kg and 0.012 ± 0.00 mg/kg for phenanthrene, anthracene and chrysene respectively. This study presents hospital incinerator bottom ash as containing detectable levels of both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic PAHs. Continued unprotected exposure of hospital workers (waste handlers) to the bottom ash PAHs could be hazardous to their health because of their cumulative effect. Preventive measures e.g. the use of Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be prioritised to minimise direct contact with the bottom ash. The study recommends an upgrade on incinerator technology for efficient combustion processes thus for better pollution control.
文摘While hydropower is generally considered a clean energy source, it is important to recognize that their waste can still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The purpose of this study is to assess the carbon footprint associated with the waste sector throughout the operational phase of the Nam Theun 2 hydropower plant in Laos. Understanding the environmental impact of the waste sector is crucial for ensuring the plant’s sustainability. This study utilizes the theoretical estimation method recommended in the 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, as well as the Requirements for Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of GHG emissions and removals. We emphasize the significance of implementing sustainable waste management practices to reduce GHG emissions and minimize the environmental impact of hydropower operations. By conducting a comprehensive analysis, this paper also provides insights into the environmental implications of waste management in hydropower plants and identifies strategies to mitigate the carbon footprint in the waste sector. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the environmental sustainability of hydropower plants and provide valuable guidance for policymakers, energy producers, and environmental practitioners involved in hydropower plant design and operation.
基金Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52008046)Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program from JSAST(No.TJ-2023-024)Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(No.KYCX21_2848)。
文摘This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using decoration waste powder(DWP)as a partial replacement for fly ash(FA)in the preparation of geopolymer masonry mortar,and to examine the effect of different DWP replacement rates(0%-40%)on the fresh and mechanical properties of the mortar.The results showed that each group of geopolymer masonry mortar exhibited excellent water retention performance,with a water retention rate of 100%,which was due to the unique geopolymer mortar system and high viscosity of the alkaline activator solution.Compared to the control group,the flowability of the mortar containing lower contents of DWP(10%and 20%)was higher.However,as the DWP replacement rate further increased,the flowability gradually decreased.The DWP could absorb the free water in the reaction system of geopolymer mortar,thereby limiting the occurrence of geopolymerization reaction.The incorporation of DWP in the mortar resulted in a decrease in compressive strength compared to the mortar without DWP.However,even at a replacement rate of 40%,the compressive strength of the mortar still exceeded 15 MPa,which met the requirements of the masonry mortar.It was feasible to use DWP in the geopolymer masonry mortar.Although the addition of DWP caused some performance loss,it did not affect its usability.
基金funded by the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2021YFB3901402)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Project No. 2022CDJKYJH037)。
文摘Landslide is the second largest natural disaster after earthquake. It is of significance to study the evolution laws and failure mechanism of landslides based on its surface 3D deformation information. Based on the rainfall-triggered waste dump instability model test, we studied the failure mechanisms of the waste dump by integrating surface deformation and internal slope stress and proposed novel parameters for identifying landslide stability. We developed a noncontact measurement device, which can obtain millimeter-level 3D deformation data for surface scene in physical model test;Then we developed the similar materials and established a test model for a waste dump. Based on the failure characteristics of slope surface, internal stress of slope body and displacement contours during the whole process, we divided the slope instability process in model test into four stages: rainfall infiltration and surface erosion, shallow sliding, deep sliding, and overall instability. Based on the obtained surface deformation data, we calculated the volume change during slope instability process and compared it with the point displacement on slope surface. The results showed that the volume change can not only reflect the slow-ultra acceleration process of slope failure, but also fully reflect the above four stages and reduce the fluctuations caused by random factors. Finally, this paper proposed two stability identification parameters: the volume change rate above the slip surface and the relative velocity of volume change rate. According to the calculation of these two parameters in model test, they can be used for study the deformation and failure mechanism of slope stability.
文摘Food Waste(FW)is a pressing environmental concern that affects every country globally.About one-third of the food that is produced ends up as waste,contributing to the carbon footprint.Hence,the FW must be properly treated to reduce environmental pollution.This study evaluates a few available Food Waste Treatment(FWT)technologies,such as anaerobic digestion,composting,landfill,and incineration,which are widely used.A Bipolar Picture Fuzzy Set(BPFS)is proposed to deal with the ambiguity and uncertainty that arise when converting a real-world problem to a mathematical model.A novel Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation-Stable Preference Ordering Towards Ideal Solution(CRITIC-SPOTIS)approach is developed to objectively analyze FWT selection based on thirteen criteria covering the industry’s technical,environmental,and entrepreneurial aspects.The CRITIC method is used for the objective analysis of the importance of each criterion in FWT selection.The SPOTIS method is adopted to rank the alternative hassle-free,following the criteria.The proposed model offers a rank reversal-free model,i.e.,the rank of the alternatives remains unaffected even after the addition or removal of an alternative.In addition,comparative and sensitivity analyses are performed to ensure the reliability and robustness of the proposed model and to validate the proposed result.
基金supported by the Major Program of the National Social Science Foundation of China(18ZDA048).
文摘Agricultural plastics play a pivotal role in agricultural production.However,due to expensive costs,agricultural plastic waste management(APWM)encounters a vast funding gap.As one of the crucial stakeholders,the public deserves to make appropriate efforts for APWM.Accordingly,identifying whether the public is willing to pay for APWM and clarifying the decisions’driving pathways to explore initiatives for promoting their payment intentions are essential to address the dilemma confronting APWM.To this end,by applying the extended theory of planned behavior(TPB),the study conducted an empirical analysis based on 1,288 residents from four provinces(autonomous regions)of northern China.Results illustrate that:1)respondents hold generally positive and relatively strong payment willingness towards APWM;2)respondents’attitude(AT),subjective norm(SN),and perceived behavioral control(PBC)are positively correlated with their payment intentions(INT);3)environmental cognition(EC)and environmental emotion(EE)positively moderate the relationships between AT and INT,and between SN and INT,posing significant indirect impacts on INT.The study’s implications extend to informing government policies,suggesting that multi-entity cooperation,specifically public payment for APWM,can enhance agricultural non-point waste management.
基金The work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52074316)PetroChina Company Limited(No.2019E-2608).
文摘"Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality"is an essential national strategy,and the geological storage and utilization of CO_(2)is a hot issue today.However,due to the scarcity of pure CO_(2)gas sources in China and the high cost of CO_(2)capture,CO_(2)-rich industrial waste gas(CO_(2)-rich IWG)is gradually emerging into the public's gaze.CO_(2)has good adsorption properties on shale surfaces,but acidic gases can react with shale,so the mechanism of the CO_(2)-rich IWG-water-shale reaction and the change in reservoir properties will determine the stability of geological storage.Therefore,based on the mineral composition of the Longmaxi Formation shale,this study constructs a thermodynamic equilibrium model of water-rock reactions and simulates the regularity of reactions between CO_(2)-rich IWG and shale minerals.The results indicate that CO_(2)consumed 12%after reaction,and impurity gases in the CO_(2)-rich IWG can be dissolved entirely,thus demonstrating the feasibility of treating IWG through water-rock reactions.Since IWG inhibits the dissolution of CO_(2),the optimal composition of CO_(2)-rich IWG is 95%CO_(2)and 5%IWG when CO_(2)geological storage is the main goal.In contrast,when the main goal is the geological storage of total CO_(2)-rich IWG or impurity gas,the optimal CO_(2)-rich IWG composition is 50%CO_(2)and 50%IWG.In the CO_(2)-rich IWG-water-shale reaction,temperature has less influence on the water-rock reaction,while pressure is the most important parameter.SO2 has the greatest impact on water-rock reaction in gas.For minerals,clay minerals such as illite and montmorillonite had a significant effect on water-rock reaction.The overall reaction is dominated by precipitation and the volume of the rock skeleton has increased by 0.74 cm3,resulting in a decrease in shale porosity,which enhances the stability of CO_(2)geological storage to some extent.During the reaction between CO_(2)-rich IWG-water-shale at simulated temperatures and pressures,precipitation is the main reaction,and shale porosity decreases.However,as the reservoir water content increases,the reaction will first dissolve and then precipitate before dissolving again.When the water content is less than 0.0005 kg or greater than 0.4 kg,it will lead to an increase in reservoir porosity,which ultimately reduces the long-term geological storage stability of CO_(2)-rich IWG.
文摘Freetown which is the capital city of Sierra Leone is facing challenges with population growth, urbanization, and industrialization, leading to an increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. The study aims to evaluate MSW generation, composition, and disposal methods, as well as the impact of collection fees, policy implementation, and women’s participation in municipal solid waste management (MSWM). The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis. The study administered 393 structured questionnaires in three selected sections to collect data on variables such as family size, education, level of knowledge, etc. The study used door-to-door data collection to determine the rate of solid waste generation, composition, and disposal in 66 households from two of the selected sections and 34 households from the other section to evaluate the current situation of MSWM practices among households in Freetown. The study used a descriptive statistic to analyze the data collected using Origin-Pro9 and MS Excel software. The findings showed that with a 4.2% urban growth rate, Freetown had a population of 1,467,543 in 2023, generating 851 tons of MSW per day, with organic waste accounting for 78% of the total MSW generated. Plastic waste generation also increased from 7.6% in 2020 to 13% in 2023. The study emphasizes the need to sustain the MSWM system by prioritizing solid waste collection fees, policy enforcement, and women’s participation in the MSWM sector. It further suggests and provides recommendations for developing an efficient and sustainable MSWM system in Sierra Leone, including knowledge transfer from countries like China and the US.