Articles tagged with Waste Management
Researchers are investigating methods to extract critical materials, including lithium for electric vehicle batteries and magnets for electric motors, from diverse water streams. By accelerating evaporation through porous photothermal materials, they aim to reduce energy intensity and improve supply chain security.
A new camera technology developed by Aarhus University and Newtec Engineering A/S aims to make it easier to recycle plastic materials. The technology uses hyperspectral imaging to analyze the chemical composition of plastic waste, allowing for the removal of unwanted additives that may be banned or harmful.
A new review of research suggests that applying biochar to agricultural fields can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide and methane. The study found that biochar can store carbon in stable forms for thousands of years, making it a promising technology for achieving negative emissions.
Researchers found that disposable diaper waste can replace up to 8% of sand in concrete and mortar used to build a single-story house, reducing construction costs. The study suggests using this unconventional material for low-cost housing in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers highlight gaps in tritium studies, focusing on species uptake and human health risks through the food chain. A global assessment is needed to minimize tritium's impact on individual species and the environment.
The latest issue of PLOS Biology features a special collection on biology-based solutions to reduce plastic pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and produce food or energy more sustainably. Insect enzymes may degrade plastic waste, while photosynthetic algae can capture CO2 produced by industrial applications.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have made a breakthrough in understanding how macrophages recognize microplastics, discovering an interaction between aromatic rings that drives this process. The study suggests that while microplastics may not induce acute inflammation, chronic exposure could lead to autoimmune diseases.
A new protein-based coating developed by Rice University researchers has the potential to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, reducing food waste and spoilage. The coating, made from surplus eggs, was shown to double the shelf life of avocados and bananas in earlier research.
A new method developed by scientists at Argonne National Laboratory and Cornell University converts used HDPE into a fully recyclable and potentially biodegradable material. The approach uses catalysts to break polymer chains, making the material easier to decompose.
A study reveals a rapid increase in ocean plastics since 2005, with an estimated 170 trillion plastic particles in the world's oceans by 2019. The researchers predict that without policy changes, plastic pollution will accelerate sixfold by 2040.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and University of Georgia is leading a $749,997 NSF Convergence project to collect and analyze data in Pittsburgh and Georgia to build a more circular economy. They will use the Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP) to examine material usage and management at community levels.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a new technique using the 'flash Joule' method to transform plastic waste into high-value carbon nanotubes and hybrid nanomaterials. This process is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for recycling plastic waste.
A team of A*STAR scientists has successfully upcycled waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic into polymer electrolytes, key components for safer lithium-ion batteries. The study achieved room temperature conductivity comparable to existing commercial systems and showed promising performance in repeatedly charged and discharged ...
Two research projects aim to convert rejected plastic wastes into materials for construction industries. The first project uses anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis to produce biogas and bio-oils, while the second project employs plasma technology to break down single-use plastics and create biodegradable polymers.
Two UMass Lowell researchers, Meg Sobkowicz-Kline and Akshay Kokil, have received $1 million in grants to redirect plastic waste and develop a sustainable circular economy. Their projects focus on improving plastic film packaging recycling and creating a future workforce for plastics, aiming to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.
Researchers analyzed 46 waste samples and proposed production opportunities for sustainable fuels, biogas, electricity, chemicals, and organic fertilizer. The study aims to reduce food waste and its environmental impact by finding alternative uses for industrial waste products.
Researchers have identified the need for standardization of performance indices and a single frame for normalization methods to address concerns with bioelectrochemical systems. The study proposes strategies for up-scaling BES technologies, enabling resource recovery through on-site treatment of wastewater at an efficiency comparable t...
A new framework identifies barriers and context-specific measures for plastic use and disposal, guiding policymakers in selecting effective intervention measures. The framework has been tested in Kyoto City, revealing potential desirable behavioral changes, critical barriers, and corresponding intervention measures.
A new study from Pusan National University explores the use of collaborative artificial intelligence models in fashion design, finding that human designs offer unique originality and creativity. The researchers propose a human-AI collaborative network to produce novel designs, which can also be used as a learning tool for non-experts.
The study found that perceived behavior control, gender, monthly living expenses, BMI, mealtime, meal expectations, and food portion significantly correlate with food waste behavior among university students. Prioritizing school cafeteria management on food portions and mealtimes is crucial for reducing food waste.
New study reveals plastic additives selectively harm corals' reproductive processes, development, and settlement, affecting ecosystem balance. Researchers found alarming effects of environmental concentrations on various organisms, highlighting the urgent need for better risk assessments.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that changing the wording on expiration dates could help reduce food waste. The study suggests that certain labels, such as "use by" or "best if used by," may lead to more food being discarded than others.
Researchers analyzed three intervention strategies to mitigate mercury use and emissions in artisanal gold mining, finding that while some methods reduce emissions, others create new environmental problems. The study suggests a need for more comprehensive approaches to address the complex issues surrounding mercury use.
A new database quantifying cropland phosphorus budgets around the world helps identify nutrient management gaps in different regions. The study provides valuable insights into phosphorus management challenges and opportunities in various countries, shedding light on how to improve global phosphorus use efficiency.
The global survey highlights intense exposure to extreme heat, water scarcity, and flooding due to climate change, with cities in developing countries facing significant infrastructure gaps. City leaders also report challenges related to private automobiles, biking, and walking, as well as budgetary concerns and mental health issues.
Researchers found that the Southern cattail plant can scavenge up to 34 times more manganese from contaminated soil than other plants. The study suggests its potential for sustainable rehabilitation of areas affected by iron mine tailings, demonstrating its high efficiency in phytoremediation.
A circular economy model offers a new chance for innovation, integrating natural ecosystems, businesses, and public-private-partnership to reduce environmental pressure. The transition to circular economy utilizes the potential of waste by increasing recycling and reuse.
The research team aims to develop a new approach to managing spent nuclear fuel by engaging community members in the design and construction process. This 'community-first approach' involves simulating the engagement of local stakeholders before designing a facility, taking into account their wishes and needs for future storage sites.
A team of scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has designed a new material system to overcome the challenges of mixed-plastic recycling. They created customized polydiketoenamine (PDK) plastics that can be recycled efficiently and indefinitely, providing a low-carbon manufacturing solution for plastic products.
A team of scientists from A*STAR and NTU Singapore have developed technology to transform expired solar cells into enhanced thermoelectric material, which harvests heat and converts it into electricity. The technology achieved a record-high thermoelectric figure of merit of 0.45 at 873 K.
A Quebec research team has successfully synthesized carbon quantum dots from brewery waste, offering a biocompatible alternative to traditional materials. The eco-responsible approach uses microbrewery waste as a source material, reducing the need for pure chemicals and toxins.
Healthcare accounts for nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with inhaled anaesthetics contributing significantly. Doctors advocate for a regulatory framework for mandatory reporting and accountability to reduce healthcare's substantial greenhouse gas emissions.
A study in Macao explores the potential for urban mining, analyzing building material stock-flow process and future trends. The research establishes a dynamic MFA model to clarify driving forces of urban building resources, providing data support for recycling and waste management.
The circular economy faces challenges in implementing international policies due to spatiotemporal dimensions of environmental risk and variability of global policies. The article proposes ways forward for anthropogenic circularity, including controlling toxic releases, international flow of materials, and harmonization of internationa...
Researchers found that maintaining hard water reduces zinc accumulation and oxidative stress in goldfish, mitigating toxic effects. This study provides an eco-friendly approach to address aquatic ecosystem pollution caused by heavy metal contamination.
Brazilian researchers have discovered two novel enzyme families in the capybara's gut, which can accelerate the utilization of agroindustrial waste. The enzymes have biotechnological potential and can be used to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials.
The University of the Basque Country is taking steps to cut its environmental and social footprint by analyzing its impact through life-cycle assessment and modeling. By identifying areas for improvement, such as reducing transportation emissions and extending computer lifespan, the university aims to reduce its impact by up to 30%.
Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.
Floating microplastics from European rivers are found to accumulate in parts of the Arctic Ocean, Nordic Seas, and Baffin Bay. The study's model predicts that these particles have been circulating throughout the Arctic for at least ten years, highlighting concerns for Arctic ecosystems' health.
A team of researchers has found that plastic waste-derived porous materials can adsorb CO2 from flue gas, reducing plastic pollution and emissions. The study suggests that these materials could be used in industrial-scale applications, making them a promising alternative to conventional CO2 capture technologies.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provide valuable insights on managing C&D waste and reducing carbon emissions in building refurbishment projects. By upcycling generated waste, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced, with a potential reduction of around 40% compared to traditional practices.
A new study from Chalmers University of Technology outlines an optimized recycling process for electric vehicle batteries, reducing thermal treatment times to just 30 minutes and operating at room temperature. This process can increase the efficiency of metal recovery, lower environmental impacts, and reduce costs.
Swine waste lagoon construction dates have been established for the first time using satellite imagery, providing insights into their environmental impact. The study focused on North Carolina and found that approximately 16% of lagoons were already in place before 1987.
Researchers in California discovered that most trash items come from local sources, with nearly 60% of collected materials being plastic. The study suggests that cities can address the issue through bans on frequent litterers and increased street sweeping to prevent reoccurring litter.
Researchers have developed a method to detect tiny plastic scraps on remote beaches using satellite technology. This innovation enables the tracking of plastics within satellite images, allowing for more frequent and reliable observations.
A new open-source tool called SwolfPy helps solid waste systems achieve environmental goals by assessing various options in one place. The tool identifies the range of best possible options for users, depending on their priorities.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new camera technology that can separate plastics based on their chemical composition. The technology uses hyperspectral cameras and machine learning to identify 12 types of plastics, including PE, PP, PET, and others, making it possible for more accurate recycling.
Researchers are working on developing low-cost, environmentally benign materials that can selectively remove nutrients from municipal and agricultural wastewaters. The goal is to create novel materials for the recovery of phosphates and nitrates, which could become valuable, environmentally friendly fertilizers for agricultural fields.
Researchers detected emerging synthetic antioxidants in e-waste recycling dust, including hindered phenol and sulfur antioxidants. The study highlights the need for further research on their environmental behaviors and toxicities.
A study found a strong correlation between the number of microbial enzymes that can degrade plastic and local levels of plastic pollution. Researchers analyzed environmental DNA samples from around the world and discovered over 30,000 enzyme homologues with potential to break down various types of plastics.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a new use for e-waste plastics by repurposing them as an alternative to laboratory cell culture containers. The team found that over 95% of human stem cells seeded on e-waste plastics remained healthy after a week, comparable to cells grown on conventional plates.
Researchers used NMR analysis to determine lipid content in organic waste, achieving higher accuracy and speed than Soxhlet method. The new technique is faster, more accurate, and environmentally friendly, paving the way for improved anaerobic digestion processes.
A new study by Lancaster University identifies four major concerns that hinder the adoption of reusable packaging: affordability, digitalization challenges, regulatory hurdles, and data collection limitations. To address these concerns, researchers propose implementing a track and trace system using unique barcodes to enable businesses...
A new process for decentralized hydrogen production has been developed, using chemical-looping to produce high-purity hydrogen directly from biogas. The technology is now ready for commercial use and could make hydrogen production more competitive with other methods.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated plastic pollution, with global waste generation increasing by twice the amount in 2020 compared to 2019. To address this issue, researchers advocate for a transition to novel sustainable practices and technologies, including biodegradable plastics and efficient recycling processes.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a clean and cost-effective way to upcycle used plastic into high-value products such as carbon nanotubes and clean liquid fuel. The two-step process converts organic waste into charcoal, which is then used as a catalyst to upcycle the plastic.
A recent study employs machine learning to guide the design of novel materials for CO2 capture, identifying elemental composition and textural properties as key factors. The research team's findings suggest prioritizing adsorption parameters and surface area optimization for high CO2 adsorption efficiency.
Research from Lancaster University Management School found that potentially polluting firms choose locations based on local income demographics, leading to higher toxic releases in poorer areas. Firms reduce pollutant releases and increase waste management spending in higher-income areas.
Scientists have invented a way to break down compostable plastics into small molecules within weeks using just heat and water. The new process involves embedding polyester-eating enzymes in the plastic, which then degrade it into lactic acid that can feed soil microbes.
A study examining nuclear waste reporting in Finland's Helsingin Sanomat and France's Le Monde found distinct cultural, political, and media traditions influencing their approaches. Helsingin Sanomat tends to reproduce government framings, while Le Monde prioritizes independent criticism.