Pub Date : 2026-03-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148074
Feilong Zhang, Ying Liu, Li Dong, Xinqi Du, Hongchao Ma, Yinghuan Fu, Linhua Jiang, Yong Liu, Jingyang Liu
The presence of bismuth (Bi) in copper-containing acidic electrolyte significantly hinders the selective separation of Cu and arsenic (As), posing a challenge to the sustainability of Cu refining. Here, the study uncovers a unique synergistic mechanism by which Bi3+ interferes, moving beyond simple competitive precipitation. We demonstrated that Bi3+ promotes the decomposition of H2S, reducing the energy barrier for the key step of H2S splitting into HS− by 0.12 eV, which triggers a localized surge of S2−. However, the rapid nucleation of Bi2S3 hijacks this process. The process has a significant effect on the separation and recovery of Cu2+ and the mass transfer efficiency of H2S. Furthermore, Bi3+ exhibits a stronger adsorption affinity for CuS surfaces (−0.74 eV) than for Bi2S3 (−0.57 eV), leading to lattice distortion and enhanced As coprecipitation. By integrating macroscopic experiments, spectroscopic characterization, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we elucidate this “mass transfer-reaction-adsorption" chain mechanism. A multivariate regression model was adopted to optimize H2S dosing, simultaneous prediction of Cu precipitation, As removal, and H2S utilization (R2 > 0.88), providing a predictive tool for Cu-As separation. The results provide a reference for the efficient recovery of heavy metals in complex industrial acidic electrolyte.
{"title":"Challenges of bismuth interference to copper-arsenic separation during electrolytic purification","authors":"Feilong Zhang, Ying Liu, Li Dong, Xinqi Du, Hongchao Ma, Yinghuan Fu, Linhua Jiang, Yong Liu, Jingyang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148074","url":null,"abstract":"The presence of bismuth (Bi) in copper-containing acidic electrolyte significantly hinders the selective separation of Cu and arsenic (As), posing a challenge to the sustainability of Cu refining. Here, the study uncovers a unique synergistic mechanism by which Bi<sup>3+</sup> interferes, moving beyond simple competitive precipitation. We demonstrated that Bi<sup>3+</sup> promotes the decomposition of H<sub>2</sub>S, reducing the energy barrier for the key step of H<sub>2</sub>S splitting into HS<sup>−</sup> by 0.12 eV, which triggers a localized surge of S<sup>2−</sup>. However, the rapid nucleation of Bi<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> hijacks this process. The process has a significant effect on the separation and recovery of Cu<sup>2+</sup> and the mass transfer efficiency of H<sub>2</sub>S. Furthermore, Bi<sup>3+</sup> exhibits a stronger adsorption affinity for CuS surfaces (−0.74 eV) than for Bi<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> (−0.57 eV), leading to lattice distortion and enhanced As coprecipitation. By integrating macroscopic experiments, spectroscopic characterization, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we elucidate this “mass transfer-reaction-adsorption\" chain mechanism. A multivariate regression model was adopted to optimize H<sub>2</sub>S dosing, simultaneous prediction of Cu precipitation, As removal, and H<sub>2</sub>S utilization (R<sup>2</sup> > 0.88), providing a predictive tool for Cu-As separation. The results provide a reference for the efficient recovery of heavy metals in complex industrial acidic electrolyte.","PeriodicalId":349,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cleaner Production","volume":"115 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147492488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148046
Marta do Céu Morais Cláudio, Radu Godina, João C.O. Matias
Early-stage product design decisions play a decisive role in determining environmental performance across product life cycles and are therefore central to cleaner production strategies. Despite extensive research on sustainable product design and ecodesign in high-impact industrial sectors, their application to the luxury sector, particularly to metallic accessories, remains largely unexplored. This study addresses this gap through a systematic literature review of 108 peer-reviewed publications published between 2010 and 2025, conducted using the PSALSAR methodology. The review identifies and classifies the dominant sustainability-oriented design frameworks, assessment tools, and implementation practices applied across industrial contexts. Results show a strong predominance of life cycle–based approaches, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), life cycle sustainability assessment, and multi-criteria decision-making methods, frequently integrated with ecodesign, circular design, and digital optimization tools. While these approaches are widely implemented in sectors such as automotive, electronics, and consumer goods, their transfer to luxury product development is constrained by material criticality, low production volumes, and stringent aesthetic and performance requirements. Based on cross-sectoral synthesis, this study derives a set of design-oriented guidelines for luxury metallic accessories, emphasizing early integration of life cycle thinking, material and process efficiency, durability-oriented design, modularity, and traceable sourcing. The findings contribute to cleaner production research by extending life cycle–based design principles to low-volume, high-value manufacturing contexts and by providing a structured foundation for environmentally informed decision-making in luxury metal product development.
{"title":"Sustainable product design in luxury: A systematic review of frameworks and tools across industrial sectors","authors":"Marta do Céu Morais Cláudio, Radu Godina, João C.O. Matias","doi":"10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148046","url":null,"abstract":"Early-stage product design decisions play a decisive role in determining environmental performance across product life cycles and are therefore central to cleaner production strategies. Despite extensive research on sustainable product design and ecodesign in high-impact industrial sectors, their application to the luxury sector, particularly to metallic accessories, remains largely unexplored. This study addresses this gap through a systematic literature review of 108 peer-reviewed publications published between 2010 and 2025, conducted using the PSALSAR methodology. The review identifies and classifies the dominant sustainability-oriented design frameworks, assessment tools, and implementation practices applied across industrial contexts. Results show a strong predominance of life cycle–based approaches, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), life cycle sustainability assessment, and multi-criteria decision-making methods, frequently integrated with ecodesign, circular design, and digital optimization tools. While these approaches are widely implemented in sectors such as automotive, electronics, and consumer goods, their transfer to luxury product development is constrained by material criticality, low production volumes, and stringent aesthetic and performance requirements. Based on cross-sectoral synthesis, this study derives a set of design-oriented guidelines for luxury metallic accessories, emphasizing early integration of life cycle thinking, material and process efficiency, durability-oriented design, modularity, and traceable sourcing. The findings contribute to cleaner production research by extending life cycle–based design principles to low-volume, high-value manufacturing contexts and by providing a structured foundation for environmentally informed decision-making in luxury metal product development.","PeriodicalId":349,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cleaner Production","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147489522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148069
Hang He, Huanghuang Huang, Zhichao Liu, Ji Tang, Zhenyu Huang, Fazhou Wang
This paper investigated the carbon mineralization behavior of phosphorus slag (PS) to optimize the mechanical and microstructural performance of carbonated PS. The effect of water-to-PS ratio, compaction pressure, CO2 partial pressure, and carbonation age was studied. Experimental results indicated that the compressive strength of carbonated PS exceeded 120 MPa under the optimal carbonation condition having 0.15 water-to-PS ratio, 75-MPa compaction pressure, 0.3-MPa CO2 partial pressure, and 24-h carbonation age. The use of appropriate water-to-PS ratio, compaction pressure, CO2 partial pressure, and carbonation age can favor the dissolution of Ca2+, the diffusion of CO2, and the generation of more carbonation products. This led to 35% increase of the total proportion of major carbonation products, including monohydro-calcite, dolomite, and aragonite, and 30% reduction of the porosity in carbonated PS with the changes of carbonation conditions, contributing to the greater mechanical performance and denser microstructure. Moreover, the carbon mineralization of PS showed great carbon sequestration potential, which can absorb 72 kg CO2 for each ton of PS after carbonation treatment at the optimal regime. The results of this study can provide technical guidance for the green and high-value disposal of PS in industry, showing important environmental and social significance.
为了优化磷渣碳化后的力学性能和微观结构性能，研究了水渣比、压实压力、CO2分压和碳化年龄等因素对磷渣碳化后的碳矿化行为的影响。实验结果表明，在最佳碳化条件下，水料比为0.15，压实压力为75 MPa， CO2分压为0.3 MPa，碳化龄期为24 h，碳化后的PS抗压强度超过120 MPa。适当的水磷比、压实压力、CO2分压和碳酸化年龄有利于Ca2+的溶解和CO2的扩散，有利于碳酸化产物的生成。这使得单水方解石、白云石、文石等主要碳酸化产物的总比例增加了35%，随着碳酸化条件的变化，碳化PS的孔隙度降低了30%，力学性能更强，微观结构更致密。此外，PS的碳矿化表现出较大的固碳潜力，在最佳处理条件下，每吨PS经碳化处理后可吸收72 kg CO2。研究结果可为PS的绿色高价值工业处理提供技术指导，具有重要的环境和社会意义。
{"title":"Resource utilization of phosphorus slag through carbon mineralization: Mechanical, microstructural, and carbon sequestration performance","authors":"Hang He, Huanghuang Huang, Zhichao Liu, Ji Tang, Zhenyu Huang, Fazhou Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148069","url":null,"abstract":"This paper investigated the carbon mineralization behavior of phosphorus slag (PS) to optimize the mechanical and microstructural performance of carbonated PS. The effect of water-to-PS ratio, compaction pressure, CO<sub>2</sub> partial pressure, and carbonation age was studied. Experimental results indicated that the compressive strength of carbonated PS exceeded 120 MPa under the optimal carbonation condition having 0.15 water-to-PS ratio, 75-MPa compaction pressure, 0.3-MPa CO<sub>2</sub> partial pressure, and 24-h carbonation age. The use of appropriate water-to-PS ratio, compaction pressure, CO<sub>2</sub> partial pressure, and carbonation age can favor the dissolution of Ca<sup>2+</sup>, the diffusion of CO<sub>2</sub>, and the generation of more carbonation products. This led to 35% increase of the total proportion of major carbonation products, including monohydro-calcite, dolomite, and aragonite, and 30% reduction of the porosity in carbonated PS with the changes of carbonation conditions, contributing to the greater mechanical performance and denser microstructure. Moreover, the carbon mineralization of PS showed great carbon sequestration potential, which can absorb 72 kg CO<sub>2</sub> for each ton of PS after carbonation treatment at the optimal regime. The results of this study can provide technical guidance for the green and high-value disposal of PS in industry, showing important environmental and social significance.","PeriodicalId":349,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cleaner Production","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147489523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148043
Subeen Wi, Eunhye Song, Seoyul Yang, Soo Young Kang, Hyungwoon Song, Jonghun Lim
Biogas-derived hydrogen (H2) is a sustainable and regionally available energy source. To enhance its energy and economic efficiency, improving the conversion rate during anaerobic digestion is crucial. Therefore, this work designed an organic waste-to-hydrogen process incorporating heat pump-assisted thermophilic anaerobic digestion to enhance economic performance. To design the proposed process, a process model was developed and it mainly composed of following five steps: (1) heat pump-assisted anerobic digestion, (2) biogas upgrading, (3) H2 production, (4) CO2 utilization and (5) H2 compression and supply. Then to demonstrate the economic feasibility of the proposed heat pump assisted clean H2 production process, a detailed techno-economic analysis (TEA) was conducted based on the simulation results. Also, the economic feasibility of proposed process by various country is addressed by case study. The results show that the produced biogas is increased by 81% by installing the heat pump in anerobic digestion and also the H2 production rate can increase by 41%. Furthermore, the TEA results indicate that the total annualized cost (TAC) can be reduced by 8% due to increased revenues from H2 and liquefied CO2 production.
{"title":"Novel process design for organic waste-to-hydrogen production incorporating heat pump-assisted thermophilic anaerobic digestion to enhance economic performance","authors":"Subeen Wi, Eunhye Song, Seoyul Yang, Soo Young Kang, Hyungwoon Song, Jonghun Lim","doi":"10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148043","url":null,"abstract":"Biogas-derived hydrogen (H<sub>2</sub>) is a sustainable and regionally available energy source. To enhance its energy and economic efficiency, improving the conversion rate during anaerobic digestion is crucial. Therefore, this work designed an organic waste-to-hydrogen process incorporating heat pump-assisted thermophilic anaerobic digestion to enhance economic performance. To design the proposed process, a process model was developed and it mainly composed of following five steps: (1) heat pump-assisted anerobic digestion, (2) biogas upgrading, (3) H<sub>2</sub> production, (4) CO<sub>2</sub> utilization and (5) H<sub>2</sub> compression and supply. Then to demonstrate the economic feasibility of the proposed heat pump assisted clean H<sub>2</sub> production process, a detailed techno-economic analysis (TEA) was conducted based on the simulation results. Also, the economic feasibility of proposed process by various country is addressed by case study. The results show that the produced biogas is increased by 81% by installing the heat pump in anerobic digestion and also the H<sub>2</sub> production rate can increase by 41%. Furthermore, the TEA results indicate that the total annualized cost (TAC) can be reduced by 8% due to increased revenues from H<sub>2</sub> and liquefied CO<sub>2</sub> production.","PeriodicalId":349,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cleaner Production","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147492525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Recycling waste wool reduces environmental harm from disposal while conserving natural resources. However, it is challenging to achieve the high value-added recycling of waste wool fabrics through a sustainable technology. Herein, a regenerated antibacterial blended knitted fabric (RFT-40) from recycled wool fibers and bio-based antibacterial polylactide acid/poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PLA/PHBV) fibers was developed by a sustainable, high-yield mechanical recycling and blending technology to upcycle textile wastes into value-added products. The pretreatment conditions during mechanical opening of waste wool fabrics were explored and optimized by respond surface methodology. The recycled wool fiber quality was improved by using pretreatment conditions of oil ratio 20%, temperature 20 °C, and humidity 41%. Compared to regenerated wool blended yarns produced by ring spinning and rotor spinning methods, the regenerated wool blended yarn (RYT-40) created through low-twist spinning exhibits superior elongation and reduces hairiness. It achieves the fabrication of medium-high count recycled yarns. Moreover, the resultant RFT-40 shows an impressive tensile strength of 220 N and low thermal conductivity, which indicates excellent heat retention properties. Furthermore, RFT-40 demonstrates strong antibacterial efficacy, achieving 96% effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus. This upcycling not only significantly enhances the sustainability of wool but also creates economic value from discarded wool.
{"title":"Upcycling waste wool into high-value antibacterial blended knitted fabric through a sustainable and high-yield technology","authors":"Xinxin Huang, Guiwen Zhong, Tong Deng, Yuan He, Jiangtao Liu, Junxiong Yang, Xiao Tian, Peng Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148041","url":null,"abstract":"Recycling waste wool reduces environmental harm from disposal while conserving natural resources. However, it is challenging to achieve the high value-added recycling of waste wool fabrics through a sustainable technology. Herein, a regenerated antibacterial blended knitted fabric (RFT-40) from recycled wool fibers and bio-based antibacterial polylactide acid/poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PLA/PHBV) fibers was developed by a sustainable, high-yield mechanical recycling and blending technology to upcycle textile wastes into value-added products. The pretreatment conditions during mechanical opening of waste wool fabrics were explored and optimized by respond surface methodology. The recycled wool fiber quality was improved by using pretreatment conditions of oil ratio 20%, temperature 20 °C, and humidity 41%. Compared to regenerated wool blended yarns produced by ring spinning and rotor spinning methods, the regenerated wool blended yarn (RYT-40) created through low-twist spinning exhibits superior elongation and reduces hairiness. It achieves the fabrication of medium-high count recycled yarns. Moreover, the resultant RFT-40 shows an impressive tensile strength of 220 N and low thermal conductivity, which indicates excellent heat retention properties. Furthermore, RFT-40 demonstrates strong antibacterial efficacy, achieving 96% effectiveness against <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>. This upcycling not only significantly enhances the sustainability of wool but also creates economic value from discarded wool.","PeriodicalId":349,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cleaner Production","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147492829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148061
Lina Xin, Xuefeng Yuan, Beibei Ding, Peng Zhang
Understanding how the digital economy reshapes spatial development processes is essential for improving urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE) and advancing sustainable land use transitions. However, existing studies on ULGUE have tended to rely on locality-based indicators of digitalization, paying limited attention to the cross-regional digital interactions that underpin spatial development in an increasingly networked economy. To address this gap, this study adopts a spatial network perspective to examine the nexus between digital economy spatial linkages and ULGUE in China. Using panel data for 30 provinces from 2012 to 2022, a digital economy network is constructed to capture interprovincial digital linkages, while ULGUE is measured to reflect the green performance of urban land use. A network–econometric analytical framework is employed to assess how network characteristics are associated with ULGUE and to explore the underlying mechanisms. The results show that stronger digital connectivity and more advantageous network positions, particularly higher outward linkages and intermediary roles, are associated with significantly higher levels of ULGUE. Further analysis indicates that these effects are transmitted through differentiated channels of industrial structure upgrading and technological innovation, with notable variation across network positions. Significant spatial heterogeneity is also observed, with more pronounced effects in network core provinces, coastal provinces and national digital economy pilot zones. These findings highlight the importance of digital spatial linkages in shaping sustainable land use outcomes and provide evidence-based insights for coordinating digital development with regional planning and sustainable land use governance.
{"title":"Unraveling the nexus between digital economy spatial linkages and urban land green use efficiency: Evidence from a network–econometric analysis","authors":"Lina Xin, Xuefeng Yuan, Beibei Ding, Peng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148061","url":null,"abstract":"Understanding how the digital economy reshapes spatial development processes is essential for improving urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE) and advancing sustainable land use transitions. However, existing studies on ULGUE have tended to rely on locality-based indicators of digitalization, paying limited attention to the cross-regional digital interactions that underpin spatial development in an increasingly networked economy. To address this gap, this study adopts a spatial network perspective to examine the nexus between digital economy spatial linkages and ULGUE in China. Using panel data for 30 provinces from 2012 to 2022, a digital economy network is constructed to capture interprovincial digital linkages, while ULGUE is measured to reflect the green performance of urban land use. A network–econometric analytical framework is employed to assess how network characteristics are associated with ULGUE and to explore the underlying mechanisms. The results show that stronger digital connectivity and more advantageous network positions, particularly higher outward linkages and intermediary roles, are associated with significantly higher levels of ULGUE. Further analysis indicates that these effects are transmitted through differentiated channels of industrial structure upgrading and technological innovation, with notable variation across network positions. Significant spatial heterogeneity is also observed, with more pronounced effects in network core provinces, coastal provinces and national digital economy pilot zones. These findings highlight the importance of digital spatial linkages in shaping sustainable land use outcomes and provide evidence-based insights for coordinating digital development with regional planning and sustainable land use governance.","PeriodicalId":349,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cleaner Production","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147489521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.147982
Niamh McMahon, Colin Fitzpatrick, Cornelis P. Baldé, Sara Bottausci, Eoin M. Grua
Accurate forecasting of Circular Economy (CE) indicators is essential for supporting evidence-based policy development and long-term strategic planning across the European Union (EU). Reliable projections enable policymakers to anticipate future resource needs, assess the impact of interventions and design measures that accelerate the transition towards a more circular economy. This study applies Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to predict official CE indicators published by Eurostat, covering four thematic areas: production and consumption, waste management, secondary raw materials and competitiveness. 25 member states of the EU are individually modelled, using country-specific time series data to train and evaluate five ML algorithms for regression: Ridge regression, Lasso regression, Random forest, XGBoost and support vector regression. A replicable framework for CE indicator forecasting is presented to support national and EU-level policy planning and early interventions. Best practice in ML-based forecasting is demonstrated, addressing challenges such as data sparsity, non-stationarity and model overfitting. No single model consistently outperforms others, though linear models tend to provide more reliable uncertainty estimates for structurally predictable indicators. Two features was determined optimal across models, as including additional features provided minimal improvement in MAE, reflecting the constraints imposed by the limited size of the training datasets. The results show the potential and limitations of current forecasting methodologies when applied to CE indicators, emphasising the importance of representative training data and careful uncertainty quantification in policy-relevant forecasts.
{"title":"Forecasting circular economy indicators: A Machine Learning study of European Union member states","authors":"Niamh McMahon, Colin Fitzpatrick, Cornelis P. Baldé, Sara Bottausci, Eoin M. Grua","doi":"10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.147982","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.147982","url":null,"abstract":"Accurate forecasting of Circular Economy (CE) indicators is essential for supporting evidence-based policy development and long-term strategic planning across the European Union (EU). Reliable projections enable policymakers to anticipate future resource needs, assess the impact of interventions and design measures that accelerate the transition towards a more circular economy. This study applies Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to predict official CE indicators published by Eurostat, covering four thematic areas: production and consumption, waste management, secondary raw materials and competitiveness. 25 member states of the EU are individually modelled, using country-specific time series data to train and evaluate five ML algorithms for regression: Ridge regression, Lasso regression, Random forest, XGBoost and support vector regression. A replicable framework for CE indicator forecasting is presented to support national and EU-level policy planning and early interventions. Best practice in ML-based forecasting is demonstrated, addressing challenges such as data sparsity, non-stationarity and model overfitting. No single model consistently outperforms others, though linear models tend to provide more reliable uncertainty estimates for structurally predictable indicators. Two features was determined optimal across models, as including additional features provided minimal improvement in MAE, reflecting the constraints imposed by the limited size of the training datasets. The results show the potential and limitations of current forecasting methodologies when applied to CE indicators, emphasising the importance of representative training data and careful uncertainty quantification in policy-relevant forecasts.","PeriodicalId":349,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cleaner Production","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147489525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ensuring both worker safety and environmental sustainability remains a critical, often overlooked challenge within circular economy practices. While recycling reduces external environmental burdens, it frequently concentrates hazardous exposures within the workplace. This study developed a combined Occupational Health-Life Cycle Assessment (OH-LCA) framework to evaluate a formal steel coil recycling facility in Thailand. The methodology employed Industrial Hygiene (IH) Principles-specifically real-time Internet of Things (iOT) monitoring to independently validate the fine particulate matter formation impact modeled in the LCA. Importantly, Workplace Environment Characterization Factors (WE-CFs) were not applied; instead, the IoT exposure data served as empirical cross validation of the LCA's Human Health endpoint rather than direct inputs to the Life Cycle Inventory. Sequential operations were assessed using a semi-quantitative Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA), while the IH “Evaluation” phase utilized IoT sensors to validate theoretical impacts modeled in OpenLCA using the ReCiPe 2016 Endpoint method. The “Cutting” stage was identified as the critical hotspot. Real-time sensors detected acute PM2.5 concentrations peaking at approximately 1398 μg/m3, empirically corroborating the high Human Health damage modeled in the LCA, which totaled 4.69 DALYs/month. The LCA further revealed a significant resource depletion cost of 11,368 USD/month. Eco-efficiency analysis demonstrated a critical trade-off: while the process was highly efficient for ecosystem preservation (25,871 ton/species·yr), it showed comparatively lower efficiency for human health protection and resource conservation. A techno-economic analysis further indicated that implementing IoT-based engineering controls is economically viable, offsetting initial investments through reduced energy consumption and mitigated long-term health liabilities. These findings highlight that formal ISO certifications alone do not guarantee worker safety during high-energy unit operations. The study concludes that integrating real-time IH monitoring with LCA provides a proactive, scalable pathway for decarbonizing the waste sector while ensuring worker well-being in the “Next Normal” industrial landscape.
{"title":"Occupational Health–Life Cycle Assessment (OH-LCA) of green waste management: A case study of Thailand's steel waste processing industry","authors":"Worrawit Nakpan, Bhuvaneswari Kandasamy, Pathanin Sangaroon, Chatchada Keaorueang, Rotruedee Chotigawin, Torpong Kreetachat, Teeranun Nakyai, Pitsanu Pannaracha, Surachai Wongcharee, Kowit Suwannahong","doi":"10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148070","url":null,"abstract":"Ensuring both worker safety and environmental sustainability remains a critical, often overlooked challenge within circular economy practices. While recycling reduces external environmental burdens, it frequently concentrates hazardous exposures within the workplace. This study developed a combined Occupational Health-Life Cycle Assessment (OH-LCA) framework to evaluate a formal steel coil recycling facility in Thailand. The methodology employed Industrial Hygiene (IH) Principles-specifically real-time Internet of Things (iOT) monitoring to independently validate the fine particulate matter formation impact modeled in the LCA. Importantly, Workplace Environment Characterization Factors (WE-CFs) were not applied; instead, the IoT exposure data served as empirical cross validation of the LCA's Human Health endpoint rather than direct inputs to the Life Cycle Inventory. Sequential operations were assessed using a semi-quantitative Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA), while the IH “Evaluation” phase utilized IoT sensors to validate theoretical impacts modeled in OpenLCA using the ReCiPe 2016 Endpoint method. The “Cutting” stage was identified as the critical hotspot. Real-time sensors detected acute PM2.5 concentrations peaking at approximately 1398 μg/m<sup>3</sup>, empirically corroborating the high Human Health damage modeled in the LCA, which totaled 4.69 DALYs/month. The LCA further revealed a significant resource depletion cost of 11,368 USD/month. Eco-efficiency analysis demonstrated a critical trade-off: while the process was highly efficient for ecosystem preservation (25,871 ton/species·yr), it showed comparatively lower efficiency for human health protection and resource conservation. A techno-economic analysis further indicated that implementing IoT-based engineering controls is economically viable, offsetting initial investments through reduced energy consumption and mitigated long-term health liabilities. These findings highlight that formal ISO certifications alone do not guarantee worker safety during high-energy unit operations. The study concludes that integrating real-time IH monitoring with LCA provides a proactive, scalable pathway for decarbonizing the waste sector while ensuring worker well-being in the “Next Normal” industrial landscape.","PeriodicalId":349,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cleaner Production","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147492489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148068
Mouxiao Song, Xiaohou Zhou, Jiapeng Wu, Jingxu Yang, Xinlong Wang
The treatment of biomass waste and remediation of environmental pollution caused by heavy metal ions have become critical concerns in environmental science. Herein, an innovative approach was developed to substitute conventional phosphoric acid modification of ready-made biochar. Waste bagasse was treated in situ with wet-process phosphoric acid(WPPA) to prepare a novel biochar material for Cr (VI) removal from industrial wastewater. The adsorption efficiency of Cr (VI) was systematically investigated using biochar pyrolyzed at various temperatures. Furthermore, comparative analyses were conducted to evaluate the structural properties of biochar before and after WPPA modification, along with their corresponding Cr (VI) adsorption performances. The GW400 biochar, modified with WPPA and pyrolyzed at 400 °C, demonstrated significantly enhanced characteristics, including abundant surface functional groups, larger specific surface area (SSA) and higher carbon yield. This in situ modification consequently achieved Cr (VI) adsorption rate of 96% with a maximum adsorption capacity of 97.38 mg/g. Kinetic studies revealed rapid adsorption characteristics, with the pseudo-second-order model indicating that 90% of the total adsorption capacity could be achieved within the initial 10 min. The results of adsorption experiments and DFT calculations jointly demonstrated that the main adsorption mechanisms involve electrostatic attraction, redox and surface complexation. This work presents an efficient, economical and green way of water treatment based on the principle of waste for waste.
{"title":"Biochar from wet-process phosphoric acid in-situ modified bagasse for Cr (VI) removal","authors":"Mouxiao Song, Xiaohou Zhou, Jiapeng Wu, Jingxu Yang, Xinlong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148068","url":null,"abstract":"The treatment of biomass waste and remediation of environmental pollution caused by heavy metal ions have become critical concerns in environmental science. Herein, an innovative approach was developed to substitute conventional phosphoric acid modification of ready-made biochar. Waste bagasse was treated in situ with wet-process phosphoric acid(WPPA) to prepare a novel biochar material for Cr (VI) removal from industrial wastewater. The adsorption efficiency of Cr (VI) was systematically investigated using biochar pyrolyzed at various temperatures. Furthermore, comparative analyses were conducted to evaluate the structural properties of biochar before and after WPPA modification, along with their corresponding Cr (VI) adsorption performances. The GW400 biochar, modified with WPPA and pyrolyzed at 400 °C, demonstrated significantly enhanced characteristics, including abundant surface functional groups, larger specific surface area (SSA) and higher carbon yield. This in situ modification consequently achieved Cr (VI) adsorption rate of 96% with a maximum adsorption capacity of 97.38 mg/g. Kinetic studies revealed rapid adsorption characteristics, with the pseudo-second-order model indicating that 90% of the total adsorption capacity could be achieved within the initial 10 min. The results of adsorption experiments and DFT calculations jointly demonstrated that the main adsorption mechanisms involve electrostatic attraction, redox and surface complexation. This work presents an efficient, economical and green way of water treatment based on the principle of waste for waste.","PeriodicalId":349,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cleaner Production","volume":"192 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147492526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Achieving simultaneous growth in grain yield growth and improvement in farmers’ income is of paramount importance. As a critical component in improving agricultural management systems, Agricultural production outsourcing services (APOS) play a significant role in boosting grain yield and income. To explore whether APOS can synergistically improve the dual goals of grain yield and income, this study constructs a supply-demand equilibrium model to theoretically analyze the impact of APOS on grain yield and grain planting income, along with its underlying mechanisms. Empirical tests are performed using survey data collected from grain-producing households. The findings reveal: (1) APOS significantly increases grain yield and improves grain planting income, achieving both objectives synergistically. (2) Heterogeneity analysis indicates that APOS have a stronger impact on the grain yield of older farmers and grain planting income of younger farmers, while generating higher economic benefits for large-scale operations. Notably, APOS fails to improve yield for wheat crops. (3) Mechanism analysis reveals that cultivated land protection practices (CLPPs) mediate the effects of APOS, with integrated adoption of multiple practices further enhancing outcomes. Based on these findings, policy recommendations are proposed to guide governments in refining agricultural socialized service systems and promoting high-quality development in grain yield, while providing “Chinese insights” for other developing nations.
{"title":"Synergy or trade-off? Agricultural production outsourcing services and the yield-income nexus through cultivated land protection practices in China","authors":"Changming Cheng, Guoying Han, Zhou Xue, Qiao Wang, Qiang Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148052","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148052","url":null,"abstract":"Achieving simultaneous growth in grain yield growth and improvement in farmers’ income is of paramount importance. As a critical component in improving agricultural management systems, Agricultural production outsourcing services (APOS) play a significant role in boosting grain yield and income. To explore whether APOS can synergistically improve the dual goals of grain yield and income, this study constructs a supply-demand equilibrium model to theoretically analyze the impact of APOS on grain yield and grain planting income, along with its underlying mechanisms. Empirical tests are performed using survey data collected from grain-producing households. The findings reveal: (1) APOS significantly increases grain yield and improves grain planting income, achieving both objectives synergistically. (2) Heterogeneity analysis indicates that APOS have a stronger impact on the grain yield of older farmers and grain planting income of younger farmers, while generating higher economic benefits for large-scale operations. Notably, APOS fails to improve yield for wheat crops. (3) Mechanism analysis reveals that cultivated land protection practices (CLPPs) mediate the effects of APOS, with integrated adoption of multiple practices further enhancing outcomes. Based on these findings, policy recommendations are proposed to guide governments in refining agricultural socialized service systems and promoting high-quality development in grain yield, while providing “Chinese insights” for other developing nations.","PeriodicalId":349,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cleaner Production","volume":"240 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147489520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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