Articles tagged with Waste Management
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.
Cities are crucial actors in tackling food waste, launching effective policies and initiatives to address it. A new framework for assessing urban food waste policies and initiatives has been presented, highlighting the importance of integrated management and multi-actorial collaboration.
The National Emergency Stockpile System (NESS) in Canada struggles with expired supplies and ineffective inventory management, hindering timely procurement of PPE during the pandemic. Integrating NESS with commercial supply as a prime vendor is proposed as a potential solution to address these challenges.
Increasing grocery store density in certain areas can drastically decrease food waste, with optimal balance found at moderate store numbers. Studies show that modest increases in store density lead to substantial reductions in waste and lower grocery expenses for households.
According to new research from Cornell University, opening more grocery stores can significantly reduce global warming by lowering food waste. The study found that even small increases in store density can have a high impact on reducing waste, with benefits comparable to converting thousands of cars to electric power.
Researchers develop a model to control empty car flow in geographic locations to optimize system-wide functionality, directing cars to different locations instead of waiting at the same spot. The algorithm calculates availability of empty cars when requested and finds new passengers quickly at destinations.
The study estimates that by 2030, global fecal biomass could contain significant amounts of recoverable materials such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Animal waste from livestock outweighs human waste in many countries, posing a threat to public health.
A study found that young adults, particularly college students, are high food wasters due to a lack of learned food management behaviors. The study's findings suggest that environmental factors, such as access to refrigerators and cooking facilities, also play a role in their behavior.
Researchers propose a two-stage system converting urban waste into gas under reducing conditions, then burning the gas efficiently in optimized equipment. This method minimizes toxic substance generation and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 300 kg per ton of treated waste.
Research highlights the need to understand long-term health effects of extreme weather, including chronic psychological impacts and vulnerability in local infrastructure. Coordinated programs are essential for recovery and rebuilding, with healthcare facilities needing to ensure they can withstand disruptions.
The United Nations report emphasizes the need for mining companies to prioritize safety over economic considerations in managing mine waste. The report's recommendations include improving tailings dam government regulation and exploring alternative solutions to building massive dams that can cause devastating environmental damage.
A new statistical model uses hospital patient data to predict platelet transfusion needs, enabling optimal inventory management and reducing waste. The approach could save healthcare systems up to $80 million annually if adopted nationwide.
A new study by the British Psychological Society finds that people with different personality preferences experience varying degrees of stress when using email. Those with a big picture focus tend to check emails outside work hours, leading to increased stress levels.
Researchers have developed a simple process to create reactive actinide oxide nanocrystals, enabling the production of dense nuclear fuels and potential applications in waste management. This new approach could lead to more efficient and sustainable solutions for nuclear energy.
Researchers from University of Granada utilize alperujo and used cooking oil to produce surface active agents. They use biotechnological methods to ferment alperujo and convert used cooking oil into monoglycerides and diglycerides, reducing environmental impact and increasing the value of waste streams.
A new study reveals that economic concerns are a significant factor in the adoption of sustainability plans by local governments. Fiscal savings and attracting development projects were key motivators, along with environmental concerns.
Researchers estimate that around 8 million tons of plastic waste entered the world's oceans in 2010, with coastal countries generating close to 275 million tons. To prevent this number from increasing by a full order of magnitude over the next decade, nations need to improve their waste management practices and adopt better strategies.
A new study by Duncan Simester and Juanjuan Zhang suggests that firms should allow their sales people to 'waste' energy on internal negotiations, making the process wasteful on purpose. This approach can increase trust in sales force and is profitable for firms.
Researchers have confirmed that Chlamydomonas acidophila microalgae can grow in agri-food waste effluent and assimilate ammonium, preventing air pollution. The resulting biomass can be used as animal feed, compost or fertilizer, and is a rich source of lutein, a powerful antioxidant.
The Lancet research series aims to increase value and reduce waste in biomedical research by setting clear priorities, improving research design and conduct, and enhancing regulation and management. The series proposes metrics for stakeholders to monitor the implementation of recommendations.
Researchers at Columbia University have launched a pilot facility in Ghana to convert fecal sludge into biodiesel fuel, producing renewable, cost-effective sustainable energy. The project aims to create an economically sustainable approach to waste management, eliminating the sanitation crisis in developing cities.
A recent study by Dr. Andrea Ballabio and colleagues discovered a key role for transcription factor EB (TFEB) in regulating lysosomal exocytosis, which can rescue cells from toxic waste buildup. The findings suggest an innovative approach to treating metabolic disorders associated with lysosomal storage diseases.
A recent study by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that vermicompost derived from pig manure can produce healthy hibiscus plants. The treatment resulted in improved plant growth and flower production, with an average increase of 58% in plant dry weight and 93% more flowers compared to conventional nursery crop inputs.
A new study suggests that charging consumers a fee at the time of sale can significantly reduce electronic waste (e-waste) in the US. The approach is found to be more effective than fees upon disposal, increasing manufacturer profits while decreasing e-waste quantities.
Researchers found that high-intensity manure management practices can increase the rate of antibiotic dissipation, but were not effective at reducing antibiotic resistance genes. Longer treatment times may be necessary to achieve significant reductions in both antibiotics and ARG.
The Land Regeneration Network has achieved rapid membership growth, now standing at 1250 individuals from 890 companies and organisations across Wales. The network provides a high-quality information resource and business networking events, contributing to the growing demand for clear technical information in the environmental sector.
The Idaho National Laboratory has identified a promising alternative to waste incineration, known as the "Silver II" method. This process chemically oxidizes molecules at low temperatures and produces no dioxins or low-emission polyaromatic hydrocarbons.
A new technology, InStreem™, has been successfully demonstrated at the George DeRuyter Dairy in Washington state, reducing odors and solids in waste lagoons. The system converts existing lagoons into extended aeration systems, establishing conditions favorable for both aerobic and anaerobic degradation of wastes.
Leaders from national parks, forests, and local communities visited the Idaho National Laboratory to share resources and expertise. The visit aimed to coordinate decisions and manage data between agencies, with a focus on regional transportation, infrastructure, and natural resource management.
The special issue of Interdisciplinary Science Reviews explores various aspects of radioactive waste disposal, including geological disposal, natural analogues, and engineered barriers. Leading experts from different fields share their knowledge to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex problem.