Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100102
Nivaldo G. Pereira Filho, Victoria A. Maia, Rodrigo F.B. de Souza, Almir O. Neto
Cyclic voltammetry and in-situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy experiments revealed that urea oxidation occurs through both faradaic direct and indirect mechanisms. The Pd/C electrocatalyst facilitated the formation of formate and NOx species, while Fe/C predominantly promoted formate formation via an indirect pathway, attributed to the high activity of iron in water activation. Polarization and power density curves indicated that both electrocatalysts degraded urea with simultaneous energy co-generation, showing comparable activity. Pd/C achieved a power density of 1.3 mW cm⁻², while Fe/C reached 1.1 mW cm⁻². Although Pd/C demonstrated advantages in reaction kinetics, the significantly lower cost of iron positions Fe/C as a promising alternative for practical applications, particularly in direct urea-fed fuel cell reactors. Additionally, Fe/C exhibited 50 % higher urea consumption near the open circuit potential compared to Pd/C, highlighting its potential for the development of more cost-effective and efficient fuel cell designs.
{"title":"Electrochemical urea degradation and energy co-generation using palladium and iron-based catalysts","authors":"Nivaldo G. Pereira Filho, Victoria A. Maia, Rodrigo F.B. de Souza, Almir O. Neto","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100102","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100102","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cyclic voltammetry and in-situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy experiments revealed that urea oxidation occurs through both faradaic direct and indirect mechanisms. The Pd/C electrocatalyst facilitated the formation of formate and NO<sub>x</sub> species, while Fe/C predominantly promoted formate formation via an indirect pathway, attributed to the high activity of iron in water activation. Polarization and power density curves indicated that both electrocatalysts degraded urea with simultaneous energy co-generation, showing comparable activity. Pd/C achieved a power density of 1.3 mW cm⁻², while Fe/C reached 1.1 mW cm⁻². Although Pd/C demonstrated advantages in reaction kinetics, the significantly lower cost of iron positions Fe/C as a promising alternative for practical applications, particularly in direct urea-fed fuel cell reactors. Additionally, Fe/C exhibited 50 % higher urea consumption near the open circuit potential compared to Pd/C, highlighting its potential for the development of more cost-effective and efficient fuel cell designs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143162225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100100
Luxon Nhamo , James Magidi , Sylvester Mpandeli , Onisimo Mutanga , Stanley Liphadzi , Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Droughts and floods are climate extremes of the same hydrological cycle that need to be studied concurrently. In this age of increasing climate risks and uncertainty, droughts and floods have become the most impactful extreme climate events accounting for about 80 % of loss of human life and 70 % of economic losses in sub-Saharan Africa alone. However, research has tended to study the two climate extremes in isolation. In this study, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a Multi-criteria Decision Method (MCDM), together with Geographic Information System (GIS) and geostatistical techniques were used to simultaneously detect and assess drought and flood risks in the Olifants River Basin in South Africa. The drought and flood risk maps were delineated and overlaid on the smallest water management units to identify sub-basins at risk of either drought or flooding. Results indicate that low-lying areas are at risk of floods but can resist drought conditions for long periods as water accumulation allows the soils to retain water for prolonged periods. Whereas high-altitude areas quickly show drought stress as the shallow soils on steep slopes are incapable of retaining water for longer periods but are generally at low risk of floods. The mapped drought and flood risk areas agree with historical and topographic data, and satellite-derived indices related to drought and floods. Understanding the close interactions between drought and floods informs inclusive and holistic strategic policy decisions on disaster risk reduction by enhancing preparedness and proactive interventions to these weather extremes.
{"title":"Drought and flood risk mapping using a GIS-based multi-criteria decision method: A case of the Olifants Basin, South Africa","authors":"Luxon Nhamo , James Magidi , Sylvester Mpandeli , Onisimo Mutanga , Stanley Liphadzi , Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100100","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100100","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Droughts and floods are climate extremes of the same hydrological cycle that need to be studied concurrently. In this age of increasing climate risks and uncertainty, droughts and floods have become the most impactful extreme climate events accounting for about 80 % of loss of human life and 70 % of economic losses in sub-Saharan Africa alone. However, research has tended to study the two climate extremes in isolation. In this study, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a Multi-criteria Decision Method (MCDM), together with Geographic Information System (GIS) and geostatistical techniques were used to simultaneously detect and assess drought and flood risks in the Olifants River Basin in South Africa. The drought and flood risk maps were delineated and overlaid on the smallest water management units to identify sub-basins at risk of either drought or flooding. Results indicate that low-lying areas are at risk of floods but can resist drought conditions for long periods as water accumulation allows the soils to retain water for prolonged periods. Whereas high-altitude areas quickly show drought stress as the shallow soils on steep slopes are incapable of retaining water for longer periods but are generally at low risk of floods. The mapped drought and flood risk areas agree with historical and topographic data, and satellite-derived indices related to drought and floods. Understanding the close interactions between drought and floods informs inclusive and holistic strategic policy decisions on disaster risk reduction by enhancing preparedness and proactive interventions to these weather extremes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100100"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143162671","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2024.100091
Renan S. Nunes , Gabriela T.M. Xavier , Alessandro L. Urzedo , Pedro S. Fadini , Marcio Romeiro , Wagner A. Carvalho
Phosphorus uptake and recovery from sanitary wastewater have been considered a promising approach to producing more sustainable fertilizers, in addition to reducing environmental damage caused by the discharge of this nutrient into water streams. In this study, the Phosphorus adsorption/desorption dynamics exhibited by a tailored SiO2@FeOOH adsorbent, produced using quartz sand waste and Fe derived from the acid dissolution of scrap iron, were examined. The adsorbent’s behavior, robustness, and interaction with Ca2+ ions in simulated treated sanitary wastewater were systematically investigated. As a result, the behavior of the adsorbent under controlled conditions was successfully modeled, and relevant interactions between the material and Ca2+ ions were identified under simulated conditions. The performance of the adsorbent was not affected by the presence of nitrate, carbonate, sulfate, ammonium, fluoride, and humic substances in the simulated media. Additionally, the composite can adsorb humic substances and Phosphorus simultaneously, without interfering with its Phosphorus adsorption capacity. In simulated treated wastewater, the adsorption of the nutrient was enhanced in the presence of Ca2+; however, the formation of insoluble Ca/P deposits on the adsorbent surface significantly changed the adsorption dynamics and disturbed the recovery of Phosphorus using the usual alkaline desorption method. The adsorbent exhibited a robust Phosphorus adsorption capacity as high as 40 mg P/g in simulated treated wastewater, showing clear potential for Phosphorus uptake in Wastewater Treatment Plants. Based on the experimental evidence, future perspectives on the final disposal of the spent adsorbent were also discussed within a circular economy framework.
{"title":"Efficient Phosphorus capture from treated sanitary wastewater using a waste-derived SiO2@FeOOH composite: Robustness, Ca2+ interactions, and recovery perspectives","authors":"Renan S. Nunes , Gabriela T.M. Xavier , Alessandro L. Urzedo , Pedro S. Fadini , Marcio Romeiro , Wagner A. Carvalho","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2024.100091","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2024.100091","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phosphorus uptake and recovery from sanitary wastewater have been considered a promising approach to producing more sustainable fertilizers, in addition to reducing environmental damage caused by the discharge of this nutrient into water streams. In this study, the Phosphorus adsorption/desorption dynamics exhibited by a tailored SiO<sub>2</sub>@FeOOH adsorbent, produced using quartz sand waste and Fe derived from the acid dissolution of scrap iron, were examined. The adsorbent’s behavior, robustness, and interaction with Ca<sup>2+</sup> ions in simulated treated sanitary wastewater were systematically investigated. As a result, the behavior of the adsorbent under controlled conditions was successfully modeled, and relevant interactions between the material and Ca<sup>2+</sup> ions were identified under simulated conditions. The performance of the adsorbent was not affected by the presence of nitrate, carbonate, sulfate, ammonium, fluoride, and humic substances in the simulated media. Additionally, the composite can adsorb humic substances and Phosphorus simultaneously, without interfering with its Phosphorus adsorption capacity. In simulated treated wastewater, the adsorption of the nutrient was enhanced in the presence of Ca<sup>2+</sup>; however, the formation of insoluble Ca/P deposits on the adsorbent surface significantly changed the adsorption dynamics and disturbed the recovery of Phosphorus using the usual alkaline desorption method. The adsorbent exhibited a robust Phosphorus adsorption capacity as high as 40 mg P/g in simulated treated wastewater, showing clear potential for Phosphorus uptake in Wastewater Treatment Plants. Based on the experimental evidence, future perspectives on the final disposal of the spent adsorbent were also discussed within a circular economy framework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100091"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100126
Jayant I. Gowda , Rohini M. Hanabaratti , Yuvarajgouda N. Patil , Pandurang D. Pol , Manjunath B. Megalamani , Sharanappa T. Nandibewoor , Adiveppa B. Vantamuri
This research aims to develop a sensitive electrochemical technique for detecting and quantifying Tryptophan (TRP), an amino acid, using a carbon paste electrode modified with halonanoclay. The morphology of the prepared electrode was characterized using XRD and SEM techniques. Tryptophan electro-oxidation was investigated primarily using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Systematic studies were conducted to explore the influence of various parameters, such as scan rate, pH, pre-concentration time, modifier quantity, and analyte concentration, on the peak current response of TRP. Tryptophan exhibited an irreversible, well-defined oxidation peak at 0.820 V. Cyclic voltammetry was used to evaluate the effect of scan rate, allowing for the determination of physicochemical parameters, including the heterogeneous rate constant (k⁰) and the number of electrons (n) involved in the electrochemical reaction. Additionally, differential pulse voltammetry was employed to quantitatively analyze pharmaceuticals and human biological fluids. Linearity in detection was observed between 2.0 × 10-6 M and 50.0 × 10⁻⁶ M, with a limit of detection of 7.77 × 10–9 M. As a result, the current electrocatalytic method provides a quick, accurate, and simple method to detect TRP in biological medium and pharmaceutical formulations. A sensor with excellent reproducibility, short response times, and outstanding stability has been described as the modified electrode.
{"title":"Halonanoclay-carbon paste composite sustainable electrode for electrochemical oxidation and determination of tryptophan","authors":"Jayant I. Gowda , Rohini M. Hanabaratti , Yuvarajgouda N. Patil , Pandurang D. Pol , Manjunath B. Megalamani , Sharanappa T. Nandibewoor , Adiveppa B. Vantamuri","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100126","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research aims to develop a sensitive electrochemical technique for detecting and quantifying Tryptophan (TRP), an amino acid, using a carbon paste electrode modified with halonanoclay. The morphology of the prepared electrode was characterized using XRD and SEM techniques. Tryptophan electro-oxidation was investigated primarily using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Systematic studies were conducted to explore the influence of various parameters, such as scan rate, pH, pre-concentration time, modifier quantity, and analyte concentration, on the peak current response of TRP. Tryptophan exhibited an irreversible, well-defined oxidation peak at 0.820 V. Cyclic voltammetry was used to evaluate the effect of scan rate, allowing for the determination of physicochemical parameters, including the heterogeneous rate constant (k⁰) and the number of electrons (n) involved in the electrochemical reaction. Additionally, differential pulse voltammetry was employed to quantitatively analyze pharmaceuticals and human biological fluids. Linearity in detection was observed between 2.0 × 10<sup>-6</sup> M and 50.0 × 10⁻⁶ M, with a limit of detection of 7.77 × 10<sup>–9</sup> M. As a result, the current electrocatalytic method provides a quick, accurate, and simple method to detect TRP in biological medium and pharmaceutical formulations. A sensor with excellent reproducibility, short response times, and outstanding stability has been described as the modified electrode.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100126"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143704191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In this paper, the performance of producing foamed concrete by sludge incineration ash(SIA), blast furnace slag(BS) and Portland cement(PO) was investigated. The mixture design in Minitab software was employed to conduct three-component experimental design for SIA, BS and PO and to optimize and determine the optimal component ratio. The influence of two admixtures on the compressive strength and dry density of foamed concrete at different ages was explored. The hardening mechanism of foamed concrete was analyzed by XRD and SEM. With the amount of reactant as the variable, the compressive strength of foam concrete was the expected response. The results of Minitab software showed that the regression coefficient between the variable and the response was very high. The R-sq value of the 7-day compressive strength was 95.03 %, and the 28-day compressive strength was 96.34 % (where R-sq represents the accuracy of the model data fitting; the closer to 100 %, the higher the fitting accuracy). The difference between the measured values and the fitting value was small, indicating that the fitting model performed well. The optimal mix ratio was 30.87 % SIA, 28.65 % BS and 40.48 % PO. Under this condition, the maximum compressive strength of foam concrete were 3.60 MPa (7d) and 9.53 MPa (28d), with corresponding dry densities of 1235 kg/m³ and 1252 kg/m³ . Sludge incineration ash exhibits pozzolanic activity. The reactive SiO2 and active Fe2O3 contained in it can undergo hydration reactions with cement at room temperature, generating C-S-H gel and insoluble AFt phases. These substances interlocked with each other, forming a dense microstructure that provided early strength to the foam concrete. Considering the effect of admixtures on the performance of foamed concrete, the experimental data demonstrated that the addition of polycarboxylic superplasticizer and sodium sulfate-based early strength agent significantly improved the mechanical properties of foamed concrete.
{"title":"Recycle sludge incineration ash for efficient preparation of foam concrete: Performance, microstructure, and mechanisms","authors":"Huang Xuquan , Yuhao , Wang Haojie , Xie Xiuqing , Qi Chunbiao , Xue Fei , Zhao Xiaorong","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100125","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100125","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this paper, the performance of producing foamed concrete by sludge incineration ash(SIA), blast furnace slag(BS) and Portland cement(PO) was investigated. The mixture design in Minitab software was employed to conduct three-component experimental design for SIA, BS and PO and to optimize and determine the optimal component ratio. The influence of two admixtures on the compressive strength and dry density of foamed concrete at different ages was explored. The hardening mechanism of foamed concrete was analyzed by XRD and SEM. With the amount of reactant as the variable, the compressive strength of foam concrete was the expected response. The results of Minitab software showed that the regression coefficient between the variable and the response was very high. The R-sq value of the 7-day compressive strength was 95.03 %, and the 28-day compressive strength was 96.34 % (where R-sq represents the accuracy of the model data fitting; the closer to 100 %, the higher the fitting accuracy). The difference between the measured values and the fitting value was small, indicating that the fitting model performed well. The optimal mix ratio was 30.87 % SIA, 28.65 % BS and 40.48 % PO. Under this condition, the maximum compressive strength of foam concrete were 3.60 MPa (7d) and 9.53 MPa (28d), with corresponding dry densities of 1235 kg/m³ and 1252 kg/m³ . Sludge incineration ash exhibits pozzolanic activity. The reactive SiO<sub>2</sub> and active Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> contained in it can undergo hydration reactions with cement at room temperature, generating C-S-H gel and insoluble AFt phases. These substances interlocked with each other, forming a dense microstructure that provided early strength to the foam concrete. Considering the effect of admixtures on the performance of foamed concrete, the experimental data demonstrated that the addition of polycarboxylic superplasticizer and sodium sulfate-based early strength agent significantly improved the mechanical properties of foamed concrete.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100125"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100189
Yao Cui , Ligang Wang , Dan Liu , Qiaoyang Liu , De Yu , Yanfang Liu
Food security is a cornerstone of national security, with cultivated land serving as the fundamental resource for food production. In China, where cultivated land protection and food security are prioritized, land-use changes have attracted widespread attention. However, rapid urbanization and population growth have led to significant conversion of cultivated land to non-agricultural uses, exacerbating the land-population imbalance. Although numerous studies have explored the impact of cultivated land changes on food security, quantitative analyses specifically targeting the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Ningxia) remain limited. This study, therefore, focuses on Ningxia, systematically investigating changes in cultivated land from 2009 to 2019 in terms of quantity, structure, and spatial distribution, using land-use dynamic degree and relative change rate, and further exploring driving forces and protection strategies. Results reveal three key findings: (1) The total cultivated land area in Ningxia showed an overall declining trend by 2019, with paddy fields and drylands decreasing significantly while irrigated land increased annually—this structural shift reflects both adaptation to water resource constraints and potential risks to traditional grain production. (2) Spatially, changes were more pronounced in southern Ningxia than the regional average, indicating uneven pressure on cultivated land across regions. (3) Key drivers include agricultural restructuring, construction land occupation, ecological migration, and farmers’ spontaneous reclamation, with the first two factors posing notable threats to cultivated land stability. To address these challenges, targeted protection measures are proposed: strengthening region-specific policies (e.g., water-saving irrigation promotion in northern irrigation districts, and ecological restoration-linked farmland consolidation in southern mountainous areas) to curb non-agricultural conversion, improving irrigation efficiency to compensate for dryland loss, and integrating ecological protection with farmland preservation. This study clarifies the urgency of balancing economic development and cultivated land security in Ningxia, providing actionable insights for policymakers.
{"title":"Spatiotemporal dynamics of cultivated land in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (2009–2019): Characteristics, drivers, and policy implications","authors":"Yao Cui , Ligang Wang , Dan Liu , Qiaoyang Liu , De Yu , Yanfang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100189","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100189","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Food security is a cornerstone of national security, with cultivated land serving as the fundamental resource for food production. In China, where cultivated land protection and food security are prioritized, land-use changes have attracted widespread attention. However, rapid urbanization and population growth have led to significant conversion of cultivated land to non-agricultural uses, exacerbating the land-population imbalance. Although numerous studies have explored the impact of cultivated land changes on food security, quantitative analyses specifically targeting the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Ningxia) remain limited. This study, therefore, focuses on Ningxia, systematically investigating changes in cultivated land from 2009 to 2019 in terms of quantity, structure, and spatial distribution, using land-use dynamic degree and relative change rate, and further exploring driving forces and protection strategies. Results reveal three key findings: (1) The total cultivated land area in Ningxia showed an overall declining trend by 2019, with paddy fields and drylands decreasing significantly while irrigated land increased annually—this structural shift reflects both adaptation to water resource constraints and potential risks to traditional grain production. (2) Spatially, changes were more pronounced in southern Ningxia than the regional average, indicating uneven pressure on cultivated land across regions. (3) Key drivers include agricultural restructuring, construction land occupation, ecological migration, and farmers’ spontaneous reclamation, with the first two factors posing notable threats to cultivated land stability. To address these challenges, targeted protection measures are proposed: strengthening region-specific policies (e.g., water-saving irrigation promotion in northern irrigation districts, and ecological restoration-linked farmland consolidation in southern mountainous areas) to curb non-agricultural conversion, improving irrigation efficiency to compensate for dryland loss, and integrating ecological protection with farmland preservation. This study clarifies the urgency of balancing economic development and cultivated land security in Ningxia, providing actionable insights for policymakers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100189"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100177
Jerome Dela Lavie , Francis Kemausuor , Isaac Boye , Mathias Kwamena Anderson , Philip Yaro Laari , Ato Bart-Plange , Michael Kwesi Commeh
Catalytic pyrolysis offers prospects for converting plastic waste into sustainable fuels and chemicals. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of various catalysts on product yield and to characterize the products for various applications. The study investigated catalytic pyrolysis of RDF using eight (8) different catalysts, including agricultural residue chars and mineral clays at 400°C with a fixed residence time of 60 min and a 1:5 catalyst to feedstock ratio using a batch reactor. Bamboo leaves char produced the highest bio-oil yield of 38.47 wt % and showed the best catalyst effectiveness of 24.06 % for oil production. Rice husk char demonstrated superior performance in char production (66.67 wt %) with the highest effectiveness (133.33 %), while cocopeat char excelled in gas production (50 % effectiveness). The analysis of products revealed that mineral catalysts (kaolin and laterite) generally produced better quality bio-oil with lower viscosity (16–20 cP) and higher heating values (32–34 MJ/kg). FTIR analysis showed mineral catalysts achieved better deoxygenation compared to biomass chars. In gas composition, kaolin produced the highest quality gas (85 % CH4, 33 MJ/Nm³ calorific value), while the char analysis showed cocopeat char had the highest heating value (9.78 MJ/kg). The results demonstrate that catalyst selection significantly impacts product yield and quality, with different catalysts excelling in specific applications.
{"title":"Catalytic pyrolysis of refuse derived fuels with biomass-based and mineral catalysts","authors":"Jerome Dela Lavie , Francis Kemausuor , Isaac Boye , Mathias Kwamena Anderson , Philip Yaro Laari , Ato Bart-Plange , Michael Kwesi Commeh","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Catalytic pyrolysis offers prospects for converting plastic waste into sustainable fuels and chemicals. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of various catalysts on product yield and to characterize the products for various applications. The study investigated catalytic pyrolysis of RDF using eight (8) different catalysts, including agricultural residue chars and mineral clays at 400°C with a fixed residence time of 60 min and a 1:5 catalyst to feedstock ratio using a batch reactor. Bamboo leaves char produced the highest bio-oil yield of 38.47 wt % and showed the best catalyst effectiveness of 24.06 % for oil production. Rice husk char demonstrated superior performance in char production (66.67 wt %) with the highest effectiveness (133.33 %), while cocopeat char excelled in gas production (50 % effectiveness). The analysis of products revealed that mineral catalysts (kaolin and laterite) generally produced better quality bio-oil with lower viscosity (16–20 cP) and higher heating values (32–34 MJ/kg). FTIR analysis showed mineral catalysts achieved better deoxygenation compared to biomass chars. In gas composition, kaolin produced the highest quality gas (85 % CH<sub>4</sub>, 33 MJ/Nm³ calorific value), while the char analysis showed cocopeat char had the highest heating value (9.78 MJ/kg). The results demonstrate that catalyst selection significantly impacts product yield and quality, with different catalysts excelling in specific applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100177"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145010306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100138
Praveen Kumar , Aman Kumar Pal
This paper presents the performance and emission analysis of a compression ignition dual-fuel engine using various fuel blends made from Karanja biodiesel (BD), biogas (BG), and producer gas (PG). The study evaluates engine performance and emissions in both single-fuel and dual-fuel modes. The engine was run on diesel and biodiesel at various loads in single-fuel operation. In dual-fuel mode, the fuels used were BD-BG, BD-PG, and BD-BG-PG. The brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC) at a 6.0 kW load was 164.8 % and 87.0 % higher for the BD-BG-PG blend than diesel operation. BG and PG were consistently supplied at flow rates of 2.3 kg/h and 32.0 kg/h, respectively, throughout the experiment. The engine was initially tested at a 1.0 kW load, gradually increasing to the maximum output. The results show that operating in dual-fuel mode with the tested blends (biodiesel combined with BG, PG, or both) leads to lower emissions compared to diesel in both single-fuel (biodiesel or diesel alone) . Specifically, dual-fuel operation yields lower smoke and NOx emissions under all load conditions, while other emission parameters, such as CO and HC, show higher values compared to single-fuel mode.
{"title":"Study on the performance and emissions characteristics of reformulated engine blended with producer gas, biogas, and pongamia pinnata biodiesel","authors":"Praveen Kumar , Aman Kumar Pal","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100138","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100138","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents the performance and emission analysis of a compression ignition dual-fuel engine using various fuel blends made from Karanja biodiesel (BD), biogas (BG), and producer gas (PG). The study evaluates engine performance and emissions in both single-fuel and dual-fuel modes. The engine was run on diesel and biodiesel at various loads in single-fuel operation. In dual-fuel mode, the fuels used were BD-BG, BD-PG, and BD-BG-PG. The brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC) at a 6.0 kW load was 164.8 % and 87.0 % higher for the BD-BG-PG blend than diesel operation. BG and PG were consistently supplied at flow rates of 2.3 kg/h and 32.0 kg/h, respectively, throughout the experiment. The engine was initially tested at a 1.0 kW load, gradually increasing to the maximum output. The results show that operating in dual-fuel mode with the tested blends (biodiesel combined with BG, PG, or both) leads to lower emissions compared to diesel in both single-fuel (biodiesel or diesel alone) . Specifically, dual-fuel operation yields lower smoke and NOx emissions under all load conditions, while other emission parameters, such as CO and HC, show higher values compared to single-fuel mode.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100138"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144168088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Many developing countries face severe environmental challenges due to improper waste disposal and reliance on fossil fuels for energy production. The global dependence on fossil fuels has exacerbated environmental degradation, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuels, particularly biodiesel, offer significant environmental advantages over diesel, including lower emissions and improved engine performance. This review explores the potential of waste hard nutshell oil as a sustainable biodiesel feedstock and evaluates the suitability of biowaste materials as heterogeneous catalysts. Key methods include advanced extraction techniques for hard nutshell oil, theoretical simulations to optimize production processes, and circular economy principles to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. The findings demonstrate that waste-to-fuel strategies, utilizing hard nutshell oil and biowaste catalysts, provide a viable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Theoretical simulations enhance production efficiency, while circular economy approaches ensure sustainability. This review highlights the transformative potential of waste hard nutshell oil and biowaste catalysts in biodiesel production, offering a sustainable solution to reduce fossil fuel dependency, address environmental challenges, and advance clean energy development.
{"title":"Waste-to-fuel: The potentials of waste hard nutshell oil and biowaste heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production","authors":"Abiodun Oladipo , Onome Ejeromedoghene , Oluwafemi Kehinde Olaseinde , Victor Enwemiwe , Kingsley Azubuike Samson","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Many developing countries face severe environmental challenges due to improper waste disposal and reliance on fossil fuels for energy production. The global dependence on fossil fuels has exacerbated environmental degradation, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuels, particularly biodiesel, offer significant environmental advantages over diesel, including lower emissions and improved engine performance. This review explores the potential of waste hard nutshell oil as a sustainable biodiesel feedstock and evaluates the suitability of biowaste materials as heterogeneous catalysts. Key methods include advanced extraction techniques for hard nutshell oil, theoretical simulations to optimize production processes, and circular economy principles to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. The findings demonstrate that waste-to-fuel strategies, utilizing hard nutshell oil and biowaste catalysts, provide a viable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Theoretical simulations enhance production efficiency, while circular economy approaches ensure sustainability. This review highlights the transformative potential of waste hard nutshell oil and biowaste catalysts in biodiesel production, offering a sustainable solution to reduce fossil fuel dependency, address environmental challenges, and advance clean energy development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144298996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In the present study Microbial approach is used to synthesis an environmentally friendly Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biopolymer by a utilizing brewery spent grain as an exclusive carbon source. The aim of the study was the production of Poly-hydroxy Butyrate (PHB), a bio-plastic using glucose recovered from spent grain with the aid of bacillus subtilis via bacterial fermentation. The Spent grain was utilized as a carbon source and it was hydrolyzed for PHB synthesis, also, its chemical composition and proximate analysis were determined. After the spent grain was hydrolyzed, the benedict test and UV-spectroscopy were used to determine glucose concentration. Then, the Box-Behnken designs was used to analyze the effects of fermentation duration, pH, and incubation temperature on PHB yield were assessed. According to the experimental findings, the optimum yield of PHB (5.03 ± 0.14 g/l of neat PHB) was attained at a temperature of 37 °C, pH of 7 and fermentation time of 48 hr. The Bacillus subtilis accumulated PHB was characterized by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to validate the polymer's structure as PHB. Likewise, biodegradability, water absorption and water solubility test were carried out. The study's findings demonstrated that it is possible to produce PHB using Bacillus subtilis, which is an environmentally friendly polymer using brewery’s residues (spent grain) as an appropriate carbon source to lower the cost of production and ease the material's disposal issue.
{"title":"Utilization of brewery spent grain as an exclusive carbon source for microbial synthesis and characterization of biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) polymer","authors":"Sidrak Tesfaye Feleke, Ketema Beyecha Hundie, Yigezu Mekonnen Bayisa","doi":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100168","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxsust.2025.100168","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the present study Microbial approach is used to synthesis an environmentally friendly <em>Polyhydroxybutyrate</em> (PHB) biopolymer by a utilizing brewery spent grain as an exclusive carbon source. The aim of the study was the production of <em>Poly-hydroxy Butyrate</em> (PHB), a bio-plastic using glucose recovered from spent grain with the aid of <em>bacillus subtilis</em> via bacterial fermentation. The Spent grain was utilized as a carbon source and it was hydrolyzed for PHB synthesis, also, its chemical composition and proximate analysis were determined. After the spent grain was hydrolyzed, the benedict test and UV-spectroscopy were used to determine glucose concentration. Then, the Box-Behnken designs was used to analyze the effects of fermentation duration, pH, and incubation temperature on PHB yield were assessed. According to the experimental findings, the optimum yield of PHB (5.03 ± 0.14 g/l of neat PHB) was attained at a temperature of 37 °C, pH of 7 and fermentation time of 48 hr. The <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> accumulated PHB was characterized by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to validate the polymer's structure as PHB. Likewise, biodegradability, water absorption and water solubility test were carried out. The study's findings demonstrated that it is possible to produce PHB using <em>Bacillus subtilis</em>, which is an environmentally friendly polymer using brewery’s residues (spent grain) as an appropriate carbon source to lower the cost of production and ease the material's disposal issue.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100960,"journal":{"name":"Next Sustainability","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100168"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144896624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号