Articles tagged with Waste Management
Researchers highlight the potential of solvent-based recycling and AI-assisted sorting to recycle complex plastics. However, the study emphasizes that replacing fossil-based plastics with biobased alternatives poses significant challenges, requiring comprehensive approaches and life cycle assessments.
A team at Binghamton University has developed a process to convert food waste into biodegradable plastic, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and offering a sustainable alternative. The process utilizes bacteria to synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) plastic, which can be harvested and shaped into various products.
A new study estimates US vacation renters waste $2.3 billion worth of food each year due to grocery and leftovers going uneaten. The average nightly rental fee comes with a 5.1% surcharge for wasted food, equivalent to an additional lodging tax.
Health experts urge the UN to strengthen the treaty's focus on ending plastic production and reducing toxic chemicals. The World Health Organization estimates that one-quarter of global deaths are linked to environmental harm, including chemicals, pollution, and waste.
Researchers detected nanoplastic particles smaller than 1 µm in all depths analysed across the 12 measurement sites, with PET, PS, and PVC being the most common types. The study estimates around 27 million tonnes of nanoplastic are stored in the uppermost water layer of the North Atlantic.
A University of Houston engineer has developed a method to create strong and eco-friendly materials from bacterial cellulose, which could replace plastic in various industries. The new material has high tensile strength flexibility, foldability, optical transparency, and long-term mechanical stability.
A new study by Colorado State University outlines a path to creating advanced, recyclable plastics using natural poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB). The breakthrough method involves stereodivergent catalysis, which enables the production of enantiopure PHAs with improved properties for various applications.
A new study found that recycled polyethylene plastic can leach chemicals into water, causing impacts on zebrafish larvae's hormone systems and lipid metabolism. The researchers highlight the need to address toxic chemicals in plastics across their life cycle.
A new study found that people recycle 47% more bottles when offered a lottery-style refund, rather than the traditional 10-cent deposit return. This approach increases the thrill of possibly winning a big prize, making recycling more enjoyable and motivating.
Researchers at University of South Australia develop a new material using water treatment sludge and blast-furnace slag, showing over 50% stronger compressive strength and resistance to acid degradation. The discovery has the potential to extend service life of sewage pipes, reduce maintenance costs, and promote circular economy.
A new material has been developed by Virginia Tech researchers that can be recycled, reconfigured, and self-healed after damage. The material, called vitrimer circuit boards, offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional electronic composites.
Researchers developed VR Co-Lab to ease confusion while training employees digitally for disassembling recyclables without damaging materials. The program provides feedback on task completion time and mistake rates.
Researchers highlight biodegradable plastics as a promising solution to single-use plastic waste, with the packaging segment accounting for half of single-use plastic production. The market is expected to reach $105 billion by 2024, driven by consumer awareness and corporate response.
Researchers develop sustainable passive cooling solution using mycelium-bound composites, outperforming conventional insulation materials in tropical climates. The 'fungi tiles' mimic an elephant's ability to regulate heat from its skin, improving cooling rates and thermal conductivity.
The study finds hydrothermal liquefaction effective in breaking down complex organic compounds, producing high-energy density bio-oil and reducing pollutants like microplastics and pharmaceutical residues. Further research is needed to optimize HTL processes and explore alternative catalysts and solvents to enhance efficiency and reduc...
A study of over 97 citizen scientists found that coastal areas have significantly more litter than inland locations, with urban areas consistently exhibiting more litter than rural areas. The research highlights the need for tailored waste management strategies to address regional differences in litter patterns.
A new University of Texas at Arlington study reveals high concentrations of microplastics in bird lungs, with average particles per species and gram of lung tissue measured. The study highlights the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health and human health.
Research by University of Missouri researchers uncovers microplastic pollution generated by polymer-coated fertilizers, threatening human and animal health. The study suggests biodegradable alternatives and effective stormwater management to mitigate the risks associated with PC-CRFs.
A new study from NUS Medicine has found that the protein Spns1 plays a key role in recycling fats out of cell compartments called lysosomes, preventing diseases like lysosomal storage disorders. The research uses cryoelectron microscopy to understand how Spns1 transports fats and highlights its importance for cellular health.
A new optimization model improves microgrid operation by reducing computational burden and introducing replanning, ensuring stable power supply under uncertain conditions. This approach boosts energy efficiency, minimizes waste, and supports the transition to sustainable energy.
Researchers have created custom-made adsorbent materials that can pull harmful phosphorus out of water by transforming cyanobacterial biomass into chemically modified activated carbon. The lanthanum-modified materials showed promise in removing excess phosphorus, even at high concentrations.
A three-year project aims to proactively ensure circularity of solar panels by providing solutions to barriers throughout the supply chain. The team will develop reverse logistics models and next-generation data-driven supply chains for recycling solar panels and reusing critical materials like silicon and silver.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a stronger, biodegradable adhesive polymer that can replace common superglues. The new polymer, made from P3HB, offers tunable adhesion strength and is biodegradable under various conditions.
Researchers developed a novel bioconversion system using mealworm and black soldier fly larvae to transform plastic waste into valuable by-products, including biochar and compost. The system has potential for large-scale adoption in sustainable waste management industries.
A new study showcases a cutting-edge biorefinery that converts sewage sludge and food waste into valuable volatile fatty acids. The biorefinery's dual benefits include efficient waste management and reduced fossil fuel dependency, with potential environmental improvements through location optimization and alternative chemical use.
Experts propose an 18th SDG to protect Earth's orbit from accumulating debris, citing the need for global consensus and mechanisms for enforcement. The proposal builds on earlier calls for a legally-binding treaty to safeguard the planet's orbital environment.
A new method predicts the makeup of municipal solid waste with unprecedented detail, allowing waste managers to forecast specific materials and plan accordingly. This improvement enables more efficient recycling and landfill operations, making sustainable waste management a practical reality.
A scoping review of community health indices has identified a broad range of indicators covering health outcomes and vulnerabilities. These indices offer potential for multi-factorial assessments to inform regional and local policy strategies, aiming to reduce social inequities and improve community health.
Researchers developed a novel 3D-printed hierarchical micro/nano-structured surface to improve spray cooling's high heat transfer coefficient and critical heat flux. The new surface coordinates liquid film boiling and capillary evaporation, resulting in record-breaking heat transfer performance.
Researchers estimate that 1.72 billion people were within 50 km of shoreline in 2000, increasing to 2.2 billion by 2020, with the most significant increases occurring nearest the shoreline.
A team of researchers at USC will receive funding to test a novel approach to slowing age-related cognitive decline, targeting the brain's lymphatic system. The grant aims to delay the onset of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease by clearing waste buildup.
A nationwide analysis of Japan's plastic litter removal from rivers found that natural disasters and extreme weather events contribute to spikes in collected plastic waste. The study, led by Tokyo University of Science, also identified positive correlations between basin population, plastic litter recovery, and cleanup activities.
The university's refurbishment project uses waste heat to provide heating to the Joseph Priestly Building and district heating system, reducing fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The initiative is expected to yield substantial energy cost savings and enhance the data center's capacity for high-performance computing.
Researchers demonstrate transverse thermoelectric conversion in WSi2 for the first time, using mixed-dimensional Fermi surfaces to enable TTE effect. The study paves the way for developing new sensors and efficient thermoelectric materials.
A team of scientists has developed an aerogel made from chitosan and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose that addresses the dual challenge of tannery wastewater treatment and resource utilization. The aerogel demonstrates exceptional adsorption capacities for Cr(III), Al(III), and Zr(IV) ions, commonly found in tannery effluents.
Researchers found high levels of contamination on Perequê Beach in Guarujá, Brazil, with plastic and cigarette butts predominating. The study, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, highlights the need for public policies to mitigate litter and protect marine ecosystems.
Research reveals UK households are 'wishcycling' instead of recycling due to confusing product labels and differing recycling facilities. The study recommends standardization of bin collection services and uniform labelling to make recycling more effective for consumers.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to break down condensation polymers in plastics using solvents and liquid organic hydrogen carriers, producing aromatic compounds that can be used as fuels. This breakthrough has potential implications for the sustainability of the chemical industry and reducing global warming.
Researchers successfully designed and engineered novel enzyme systems that can degrade various types of plastics. By replacing the binding module with different modules, they created chimera LPMOs capable of recognizing and breaking down different types of plastics, including biosourced polyhydroxyalkanoate.
The LANDFEED project aims to develop advanced nutrient recovery technologies and innovative coatings for bio-based fertilisers to improve nutrient release and efficiency. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lessen environmental impact on water resources, and contribute to improved soil health and sustainable agriculture.
Researchers introduce a novel, green approach to convert citrus waste into bioactive pectin and micronized cellulose using cavitation. The process, termed CytroCav, offers a circular economy practice requiring only water and electricity.
Researchers have devised a method to convert caragana waste into a potential ruminant feed by using a two-stage bioaugmentation process. The TBA process improves the nutritional value and safety of the waste, reducing lignin content and anti-nutritional factors.
A University of Illinois study found that climate conditions can mitigate the effects of grazing on water quality, suggesting a more flexible approach to stocking rates and grazing continuity. The research developed a modeling framework to simulate nitrogen transport from livestock grazing under different climate conditions.
A new study found that Australians are wasting a third of all food in the country every year due to confusion over use-by and best-before dates. The research suggests that clearer date labels and more practical storage advice could help reduce food waste.
Research by FAU Harbor Branch reveals that managing both phosphorus and nitrogen is crucial for tackling toxic cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Okeechobee. Human waste is identified as a major source of nutrients, with elevated nitrogen levels found in urbanized estuaries and the Kissimmee River.
A global therapeutics development coalition is proposed to invigorate the pipeline and drive advocacy for increased investment. The coalition aims to develop two Phase-2 ready therapeutics for virus families of pandemic potential, with a focus on equitable access.
Researchers found immersive VR training significantly improves life skills in adults with intellectual disability, outperforming non-immersive methods. The study showed that VR headsets enable participants to learn practical life skills faster and retain them longer.
A new substrate material developed at MIT, University of Utah, and Meta enables not only the recycling of materials and components but also scalable manufacture of complex multilayered circuits. The material's design allows for easy processing and dissolving, making it suitable for recycling precious metals and microchips.
Studies explore converting leftover wastewater from hydrothermal liquefaction into fertilizer for agricultural crops. Using a fungal treatment, researchers found significant increases in nitrate and ammonia concentrations, increasing nutrient availability. The method also removes toxic compounds, enabling circular economy applications.
A nationwide bottle deposit program could significantly increase the rate of plastics recycling in the US, from 24% to 82%, according to MIT researchers. With the right policies in place, including sufficient demand for recycled material, PET bottles can be safely made into new products with high quality and minimal processing.
Researchers found that adding nitrogen to concrete could significantly reduce global levels of potentially harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) created by the construction industry. This process could contribute to a reduction in NOx emissions by 3.4-6.9 megatonnes, representing 6-13% of industry-related emissions in 2021.
A UTA chemist has developed a new method to separate and recycle mixed plastics using supercritical fluid chromatography. The technique can differentiate oils created from various plastics, holding promise for improving recycling rates and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
RMIT's low-carbon concrete has been shown to recycle double the amount of coal ash compared to current standards, reducing cement requirements by half. The new mixture also performs exceptionally well over time, with large concrete beam prototypes meeting Australian Standards for engineering performance and environmental requirements.
Researchers developed a high-fidelity model to predict liquid film boiling heat transfer on various textured surfaces, agreeing well with experimental data. The model predicts both heat dissipation and surface temperature, guiding the design of new heat management surfaces for next-generation electronics.
Volunteers collected nearly nine tonnes of marine litter from beaches across the Seychelles between 2019 and 2023. The clean-ups, led by the University of Plymouth, demonstrate the potential of citizen science to address marine pollution challenges.
Researchers developed a framework to measure plastic pollution emissions, estimating Toronto emitted nearly 4,000 tonnes in one year. The approach will help identify major contributors and inform strategies to reduce emissions worldwide.
A recent study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers highlights the hidden threat of global underground infrastructure vulnerability to sea-level rise. Shallow and saltier groundwater exacerbates corrosion and failure of critical systems such as sewer lines, roadways, and building foundations in cities worldwide.
A new study finds landfill point source emissions have an outsized impact and opportunity to tackle US waste methane. Landfills are responsible for 14.3% of US methane emissions, emitting the equivalent of nearly 23 million gasoline-powered vehicles per year.
Researchers have developed protein-based components that can be used to create sustainable, biodegradable diapers and sanitary pads. These materials are made from porous biomass that is often discarded by the food and agricultural industries, reducing plastic waste and pollution.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a novel method to extract gold from electronic waste using a protein matrix sponge. This sustainable approach yields a high percentage of gold recovery with minimal energy consumption, making it commercially viable.