Pub Date : 2023-09-26DOI: 10.3390/resources12100115
Danuta Szpilko, Antonio de la Torre Gallegos, Felix Jimenez Naharro, Agnieszka Rzepka, Angelika Remiszewska
The discourse surrounding sustainability, particularly in the urban environment, has gained considerable momentum in recent years. The concept of a smart city epitomises the integration of innovative technological solutions with community-centred approaches, thereby laying the groundwork for a sustainable lifestyle. One of the crucial components of this integration is the effective and innovative management of waste. The aim of this article was to classify scientific research pertaining to waste management within the context of smart city issues, and to identify emerging directions for future research. A systematic literature review, based on a bibliometric analysis of articles included in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, was conducted for this study. The purpose of such a systematic review is to identify, integrate, and evaluate research on a selected topic, using clearly defined criteria. The research query included: TITLE-ABS-KEY (“smart city” AND (waste OR garbage OR trash OR rubbish)) in the case of Scopus, and TS = (“smart city” AND (waste OR garbage OR trash OR rubbish)) in the case of the Web of Science database. A total of 1768 publication records qualified for the analysis. This study presents an investigation into the current and forthcoming directions of waste management in smart cities, synthesising the latest advancements and methods. The findings outline specific future research directions encompassing technological advancement, special waste challenges, digitisation, energy recovery, transportation, community engagement, policy development, security, novel frameworks, economic and environmental impact assessment, and global implications. These insights reflect a multifaceted approach, advocating a technology-driven perspective that is integral to urban sustainability and quality of life. The study’s findings provide practical avenues for cities to enhance waste management through modern technologies, promoting efficient systems and contributing to sustainable urban living and the circular economy. The insights are vital for policymakers and industry leaders globally, supporting the creation of universal standards and policies, thereby fostering comprehensive waste management systems aligned with global sustainability objectives.
近年来,围绕可持续性的讨论,特别是在城市环境中,获得了相当大的势头。智慧城市的概念集中体现了创新技术解决方案与以社区为中心的方法的结合,从而为可持续的生活方式奠定了基础。这一整合的关键组成部分之一是有效和创新地管理废物。本文的目的是对智慧城市问题背景下与废物管理有关的科学研究进行分类,并确定未来研究的新兴方向。基于对Scopus和Web of Science数据库中文章的文献计量学分析,对本研究进行了系统的文献综述。这种系统综述的目的是使用明确定义的标准,识别、整合和评估选定主题的研究。研究查询在Scopus中为TITLE-ABS-KEY(“智慧城市”AND (waste OR garbage OR trash OR rubbish)),在Web of Science数据库中为TS =(“智慧城市”AND (waste OR garbage OR trash OR rubbish))。共有1768份出版记录符合分析条件。本研究综合了最新的进展和方法,对智慧城市中当前和即将到来的废物管理方向进行了调查。研究结果概述了具体的未来研究方向,包括技术进步、特殊废物挑战、数字化、能源回收、交通、社区参与、政策制定、安全、新框架、经济和环境影响评估以及全球影响。这些见解反映了一种多方面的方法,倡导技术驱动的视角,这是城市可持续性和生活质量不可或缺的一部分。研究结果为城市通过现代技术加强废物管理、促进高效系统和促进可持续城市生活和循环经济提供了切实可行的途径。这些见解对全球决策者和行业领导者至关重要,有助于制定通用标准和政策,从而促进符合全球可持续发展目标的综合废物管理系统。
{"title":"Waste Management in the Smart City: Current Practices and Future Directions","authors":"Danuta Szpilko, Antonio de la Torre Gallegos, Felix Jimenez Naharro, Agnieszka Rzepka, Angelika Remiszewska","doi":"10.3390/resources12100115","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12100115","url":null,"abstract":"The discourse surrounding sustainability, particularly in the urban environment, has gained considerable momentum in recent years. The concept of a smart city epitomises the integration of innovative technological solutions with community-centred approaches, thereby laying the groundwork for a sustainable lifestyle. One of the crucial components of this integration is the effective and innovative management of waste. The aim of this article was to classify scientific research pertaining to waste management within the context of smart city issues, and to identify emerging directions for future research. A systematic literature review, based on a bibliometric analysis of articles included in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, was conducted for this study. The purpose of such a systematic review is to identify, integrate, and evaluate research on a selected topic, using clearly defined criteria. The research query included: TITLE-ABS-KEY (“smart city” AND (waste OR garbage OR trash OR rubbish)) in the case of Scopus, and TS = (“smart city” AND (waste OR garbage OR trash OR rubbish)) in the case of the Web of Science database. A total of 1768 publication records qualified for the analysis. This study presents an investigation into the current and forthcoming directions of waste management in smart cities, synthesising the latest advancements and methods. The findings outline specific future research directions encompassing technological advancement, special waste challenges, digitisation, energy recovery, transportation, community engagement, policy development, security, novel frameworks, economic and environmental impact assessment, and global implications. These insights reflect a multifaceted approach, advocating a technology-driven perspective that is integral to urban sustainability and quality of life. The study’s findings provide practical avenues for cities to enhance waste management through modern technologies, promoting efficient systems and contributing to sustainable urban living and the circular economy. The insights are vital for policymakers and industry leaders globally, supporting the creation of universal standards and policies, thereby fostering comprehensive waste management systems aligned with global sustainability objectives.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":"35 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134958471","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 : 2023-09-25DOI: 10.3390/resources12100114
Liana Kemmou, Elisavet Amanatidou
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas contributing to ozone layer depletion and climate change. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) contribute significantly to the global anthropogenic N2O emissions. The main factors affecting N2O emissions are the dissolved oxygen concentration (DO), the nitrite accumulation, the rapidly changing process conditions, the substrate composition and COD/N ratio, the pH, and the temperature. Low DO in the nitrification process results in higher N2O emissions, whereas high aeration rate in the nitration/anammox process results in higher N2O production. High DO in the denitrification inhibits the N2O reductase synthesis/activity, leading to N2O accumulation. High nitrite accumulation in both the nitrification and denitrification processes leads to high N2O emissions. Transient DO changes and rapid shifts in pH result in high N2O production. Ammonia shock loads leads to incomplete nitrification, resulting in NO2− accumulation and N2O formation. Limiting the biodegradable substrate hinders complete denitrification, leading to high N2O production. A COD/N ratio above 4 results in 20–30% of the nitrogen load being N2O emissions. Maximum N2O production at low pH (pH = 6) was observed during nitrification/denitrification and at high pH (pH = 8) during partial nitrification. High temperature enhances the denitrification kinetics but produces more Ν2O emissions.
{"title":"Factors Affecting Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plants—A Review","authors":"Liana Kemmou, Elisavet Amanatidou","doi":"10.3390/resources12100114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12100114","url":null,"abstract":"Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas contributing to ozone layer depletion and climate change. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) contribute significantly to the global anthropogenic N2O emissions. The main factors affecting N2O emissions are the dissolved oxygen concentration (DO), the nitrite accumulation, the rapidly changing process conditions, the substrate composition and COD/N ratio, the pH, and the temperature. Low DO in the nitrification process results in higher N2O emissions, whereas high aeration rate in the nitration/anammox process results in higher N2O production. High DO in the denitrification inhibits the N2O reductase synthesis/activity, leading to N2O accumulation. High nitrite accumulation in both the nitrification and denitrification processes leads to high N2O emissions. Transient DO changes and rapid shifts in pH result in high N2O production. Ammonia shock loads leads to incomplete nitrification, resulting in NO2− accumulation and N2O formation. Limiting the biodegradable substrate hinders complete denitrification, leading to high N2O production. A COD/N ratio above 4 results in 20–30% of the nitrogen load being N2O emissions. Maximum N2O production at low pH (pH = 6) was observed during nitrification/denitrification and at high pH (pH = 8) during partial nitrification. High temperature enhances the denitrification kinetics but produces more Ν2O emissions.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":"71 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135863731","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}
Understanding the relationship between communities and wetland ecosystems is imperative to facilitate the development of wetland management and conservation strategies that can effectively safeguard wetland health and sustain the flow of ecosystem services. To understand the knowledge, attitude, and perception of communities on wetland ecosystem services, a survey was conducted involving 133 households from 4 villages dependent on 5 wetlands within the Upper Chindwin Basin (UCB), northwestern Myanmar. Most of the respondents extracted wetland resources for subsistence and income. A total of 84% of the households depended on wetland fish for their primary protein consumption, while 70% (n = 94) collected fuelwood from wetlands for subsistence. The survey participants unanimously recognized the benefits of wetland ecosystem services (i.e., provisioning benefits), particularly for fish, food, fiber, fuel, natural medicines, ornamental resources, and minerals. A total of 97% of the participants lacked knowledge of any existing law or regulation that ensures wetland protection in Myanmar. Furthermore, 87% of the respondents concurred that the government has not adequately endeavored to promote awareness of wetland conservation in this remote area due to lack of capacity and resources. This study establishes a baseline for the region and recommends designing and implementing a community-centric wetland action plan. This action plan provides a self-sustaining and cost-effective approach to conserve wetlands and is crucial in enhancing the capacity of dependent communities to participate and eventually lead wetland management of UCB.
{"title":"Assessment of Community Dependence and Perceptions of Wetlands in the Upper Chindwin Basin, Myanmar","authors":"Ridhi Saluja, Satish Prasad, Than Htway Lwin, Hein Htet Soe, Chloe Pottinger-Glass, Thanapon Piman","doi":"10.3390/resources12100112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12100112","url":null,"abstract":"Understanding the relationship between communities and wetland ecosystems is imperative to facilitate the development of wetland management and conservation strategies that can effectively safeguard wetland health and sustain the flow of ecosystem services. To understand the knowledge, attitude, and perception of communities on wetland ecosystem services, a survey was conducted involving 133 households from 4 villages dependent on 5 wetlands within the Upper Chindwin Basin (UCB), northwestern Myanmar. Most of the respondents extracted wetland resources for subsistence and income. A total of 84% of the households depended on wetland fish for their primary protein consumption, while 70% (n = 94) collected fuelwood from wetlands for subsistence. The survey participants unanimously recognized the benefits of wetland ecosystem services (i.e., provisioning benefits), particularly for fish, food, fiber, fuel, natural medicines, ornamental resources, and minerals. A total of 97% of the participants lacked knowledge of any existing law or regulation that ensures wetland protection in Myanmar. Furthermore, 87% of the respondents concurred that the government has not adequately endeavored to promote awareness of wetland conservation in this remote area due to lack of capacity and resources. This study establishes a baseline for the region and recommends designing and implementing a community-centric wetland action plan. This action plan provides a self-sustaining and cost-effective approach to conserve wetlands and is crucial in enhancing the capacity of dependent communities to participate and eventually lead wetland management of UCB.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":"84 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136060162","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 : 2023-09-22DOI: 10.3390/resources12100113
Vladimir I. Golik, Mikhail F. Mitsik, Yulia V. Aleksakhina, Elena E. Alenina, Natalia V. Ruban-Lazareva, Galina V. Kruzhkova, Olga A. Kondratyeva, Ekaterina V. Trushina, Oleg O. Skryabin, Marat M. Khayrutdinov
The paper analyzes the results of metal extraction from tailings of ore processing based on traditional approaches. The history of methods of secondary processing of mineral raw materials is described. The technique and features of mechanochemical activation of the leaching process of metal ores and coals are described. The results of laboratory studies of a new mechanochemical technology for metal extraction are presented. A description of the compromise optimal criterion formulated in the model of extraction of metals from tailings with substandard mineral raw materials based on the mathematical planning of the experiment, regression analysis methods and consideration of sanitary standards for the disposal of processing tailings is proposed. Mechanochemical technology results in economic and environmental effects from the utilization of processing tailings and radical strengthening of the mineral resource base of the mining industry.
{"title":"Comprehensive Recovery of Metals in Tailings Utilization with Mechanochemical Activation","authors":"Vladimir I. Golik, Mikhail F. Mitsik, Yulia V. Aleksakhina, Elena E. Alenina, Natalia V. Ruban-Lazareva, Galina V. Kruzhkova, Olga A. Kondratyeva, Ekaterina V. Trushina, Oleg O. Skryabin, Marat M. Khayrutdinov","doi":"10.3390/resources12100113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12100113","url":null,"abstract":"The paper analyzes the results of metal extraction from tailings of ore processing based on traditional approaches. The history of methods of secondary processing of mineral raw materials is described. The technique and features of mechanochemical activation of the leaching process of metal ores and coals are described. The results of laboratory studies of a new mechanochemical technology for metal extraction are presented. A description of the compromise optimal criterion formulated in the model of extraction of metals from tailings with substandard mineral raw materials based on the mathematical planning of the experiment, regression analysis methods and consideration of sanitary standards for the disposal of processing tailings is proposed. Mechanochemical technology results in economic and environmental effects from the utilization of processing tailings and radical strengthening of the mineral resource base of the mining industry.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":"45 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136094253","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}
The paper outlines the methodology employed for desk-based research, which involved gathering and analyzing empirical data on energy and heating consumption in the Polish small consumer sector. Secondary sources, including reports, documents, scientific publications, and public statistics, were utilized to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The research methodology ensured the acquisition and examination of reliable and extensive data regarding energy and heat consumption among small consumers in Poland. The study investigated consumption trends of hard coal, electricity, and natural gas in Polish households from 2006 to 2021. The findings revealed an increasing pattern in electricity and natural gas consumption, alongside a simultaneous decline in the usage of hard coal. Future consumption was estimated using trend models, and factors contributing to changes in energy consumption patterns were examined, with forecasts to 2027. To achieve decarbonization and address climate objectives, the study underscores the need to increase the proportion of renewable energy sources and boost energy efficiency. The significance of reducing household energy consumption through enhanced insulation, smart energy management systems, and low-carbon alternatives is emphasized. Additionally, the study addresses Poland’s future energy plans as a proactive step toward decarbonizing the national economy. In summary, the study furnishes valuable insights into energy consumption trends and their determinants in the Polish small consumer sector.
{"title":"Assessment of Energy and Heat Consumption Trends and Forecasting in the Small Consumer Sector in Poland Based on Historical Data","authors":"Bożena Gajdzik, Magdalena Jaciow, Radosław Wolniak, Robert Wolny, Wieslaw Wes Grebski","doi":"10.3390/resources12090111","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12090111","url":null,"abstract":"The paper outlines the methodology employed for desk-based research, which involved gathering and analyzing empirical data on energy and heating consumption in the Polish small consumer sector. Secondary sources, including reports, documents, scientific publications, and public statistics, were utilized to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The research methodology ensured the acquisition and examination of reliable and extensive data regarding energy and heat consumption among small consumers in Poland. The study investigated consumption trends of hard coal, electricity, and natural gas in Polish households from 2006 to 2021. The findings revealed an increasing pattern in electricity and natural gas consumption, alongside a simultaneous decline in the usage of hard coal. Future consumption was estimated using trend models, and factors contributing to changes in energy consumption patterns were examined, with forecasts to 2027. To achieve decarbonization and address climate objectives, the study underscores the need to increase the proportion of renewable energy sources and boost energy efficiency. The significance of reducing household energy consumption through enhanced insulation, smart energy management systems, and low-carbon alternatives is emphasized. Additionally, the study addresses Poland’s future energy plans as a proactive step toward decarbonizing the national economy. In summary, the study furnishes valuable insights into energy consumption trends and their determinants in the Polish small consumer sector.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":"24 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136264191","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 : 2023-09-19DOI: 10.3390/resources12090110
Mariusz Ptak, Katarzyna Szyga-Pluta, Salim Heddam, Senlin Zhu, Mariusz Sojka
Lakes are an important element of the hydrosphere that contribute to the stabilisation of water circulation by providing biodiversity conditions or supporting the development of different branches of the economy. All these properties depend on the longevity of lakes in the environment and the processes related to their evolution. Based on archival morphometric data from historical maps and modern cartographic studies, this paper presents an analysis of changes in their surface area over a period of 100 years. Among 169 lakes, a decrease in surface area was recorded in 156 cases (including the complete disappearance of two lakes); no change was observed in four lakes; and seven lakes increased their surface area. The total surface area of all the lakes has decreased by 11.4% in comparison with the initial state in the early 20th century. The highest rate of decline concerned the shallowest lakes with a maximum depth of up to 5.0 m and lakes with the smallest surface area of up to 20 ha, averaging 24.1% and 22.2%, respectively. The spatial distribution of changes in the surface area of lakes is variable, and at a larger scale it presents no similarities. This suggests that factors determining the rate and direction of changes in the surface area of lakes depend on their individual features and local conditions, which is in accordance with similar studies from the territory of Poland. The obtained results reveal the scale of the changes in the surface area of the lakes, potentially providing important information for authorities in charge of water management in the context of activities aimed at slowing down the disappearance of these valuable ecosystems.
{"title":"A Century of Changes in the Surface Area of Lakes in West Poland","authors":"Mariusz Ptak, Katarzyna Szyga-Pluta, Salim Heddam, Senlin Zhu, Mariusz Sojka","doi":"10.3390/resources12090110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12090110","url":null,"abstract":"Lakes are an important element of the hydrosphere that contribute to the stabilisation of water circulation by providing biodiversity conditions or supporting the development of different branches of the economy. All these properties depend on the longevity of lakes in the environment and the processes related to their evolution. Based on archival morphometric data from historical maps and modern cartographic studies, this paper presents an analysis of changes in their surface area over a period of 100 years. Among 169 lakes, a decrease in surface area was recorded in 156 cases (including the complete disappearance of two lakes); no change was observed in four lakes; and seven lakes increased their surface area. The total surface area of all the lakes has decreased by 11.4% in comparison with the initial state in the early 20th century. The highest rate of decline concerned the shallowest lakes with a maximum depth of up to 5.0 m and lakes with the smallest surface area of up to 20 ha, averaging 24.1% and 22.2%, respectively. The spatial distribution of changes in the surface area of lakes is variable, and at a larger scale it presents no similarities. This suggests that factors determining the rate and direction of changes in the surface area of lakes depend on their individual features and local conditions, which is in accordance with similar studies from the territory of Poland. The obtained results reveal the scale of the changes in the surface area of the lakes, potentially providing important information for authorities in charge of water management in the context of activities aimed at slowing down the disappearance of these valuable ecosystems.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":"23 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135064132","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 : 2023-05-29DOI: 10.3390/resources12060069
Giuseppe Toscano, Carmine De Francesco, Thomas Gasperini, Sara Fabrizi, Daniele Duca, Alessio Ilari
Biomass materials play a key role in the renewable energy market as they can serve as a suitable alternative to fossil fuels. However, the quality of the material entering bioenergy plants is often a cause of technical concern. Biomass quality assessment is crucial not only for energy characterization but also for environmental and operational aspects. The goal of this study is to characterize and classify the biomasses used by Italian power plants with reference to the quality classes stated by the ISO standard 17225:2021. A further objective is to verify the ability of the standard to classify heterogeneous and specific biomasses. In this study, more than 900 biomass samples were analyzed. The samples were collected from several Italian power plants with >5 MWe between 2010 and 2020, and the most important physical and chemical parameters were analyzed according to the international standards of reference. The results of the analyses were collected in a large dataset used for subsequent statistical analyses. Statistical analyses applied are Principal Component Analysis and Pearson correlation maps, which showed that the ash content is a fundamental and ideal parameter to assess the biomass quality. Results obtained demonstrate that herbaceous biomasses are of low quality mainly due to the high ash content; a relatively low ash content was found for woody biomasses.
{"title":"Quality Assessment and Classification of Feedstock for Bioenergy Applications Considering ISO 17225 Standard on Solid Biofuels","authors":"Giuseppe Toscano, Carmine De Francesco, Thomas Gasperini, Sara Fabrizi, Daniele Duca, Alessio Ilari","doi":"10.3390/resources12060069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060069","url":null,"abstract":"Biomass materials play a key role in the renewable energy market as they can serve as a suitable alternative to fossil fuels. However, the quality of the material entering bioenergy plants is often a cause of technical concern. Biomass quality assessment is crucial not only for energy characterization but also for environmental and operational aspects. The goal of this study is to characterize and classify the biomasses used by Italian power plants with reference to the quality classes stated by the ISO standard 17225:2021. A further objective is to verify the ability of the standard to classify heterogeneous and specific biomasses. In this study, more than 900 biomass samples were analyzed. The samples were collected from several Italian power plants with >5 MWe between 2010 and 2020, and the most important physical and chemical parameters were analyzed according to the international standards of reference. The results of the analyses were collected in a large dataset used for subsequent statistical analyses. Statistical analyses applied are Principal Component Analysis and Pearson correlation maps, which showed that the ash content is a fundamental and ideal parameter to assess the biomass quality. Results obtained demonstrate that herbaceous biomasses are of low quality mainly due to the high ash content; a relatively low ash content was found for woody biomasses.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":"27 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135741434","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 : 2023-03-22DOI: 10.3390/resources12030041
Isaac Akinwumi, Manuela Onyeiwu, Promise Epelle, Victor Ajayi
The management of waste and its environmental impact remains an issue. Thus, various strategies are being explored to mitigate this problem. For this research case, the ash of plantain peel and coal was harnessed to enhance soil for usage in designing road pavements. The form of the soil, as regards its plasticity and grain assortment, positions it as a sandy lean clay material. Geotechnical parameters of the natural soil were established before being treated with coal ash (CA) and plantain peel ash (PPA), and subjected to tests for the Atterberg limits, California bearing ratio (CBR) and compaction, as well as investigations pertaining to its crystallinity and morphology. These assessments showed that strength parameters of soil increased on adding CA and PPA. However, the inclusion of these admixtures should be conducted until optimal strength is achieved as seen in 9% CA + 6% PPA. The use of soil stabilised with CA and PPA is suitable for general fillings and embankments. These findings revealed that integrating CA and PPA together would have the potential of stabilising soil as pavement layer material while also eliminating the pollution that emerges from the improper disposal of coal and plantain peels from the environment.
废物的管理及其对环境的影响仍然是一个问题。因此,正在探索各种策略来缓解这一问题。在本研究案例中,利用车前草和煤的灰来增强土壤,用于道路路面设计。土壤的形式,就其可塑性和谷物分类而言,将其定位为砂质贫粘土材料。在用煤灰(CA)和车前草皮灰(PPA)处理之前,建立了天然土壤的岩土技术参数,并进行了阿特伯格极限、加州承载比(CBR)和压实测试,以及有关其结晶度和形态的研究。结果表明,CA和PPA的添加增加了土壤的强度参数。然而,这些外加剂的掺入应该进行,直到达到9% CA + 6% PPA的最佳强度。使用CA和PPA稳定的土壤适用于一般填充物和路堤。这些发现表明,将CA和PPA结合在一起将有可能稳定土壤作为路面材料,同时还可以消除因不当处理煤炭和车前草皮而产生的污染。
{"title":"Soil Improvement Using Blends of Coal Ash and Plantain Peel Ash as Road Pavement Layer Materials","authors":"Isaac Akinwumi, Manuela Onyeiwu, Promise Epelle, Victor Ajayi","doi":"10.3390/resources12030041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12030041","url":null,"abstract":"The management of waste and its environmental impact remains an issue. Thus, various strategies are being explored to mitigate this problem. For this research case, the ash of plantain peel and coal was harnessed to enhance soil for usage in designing road pavements. The form of the soil, as regards its plasticity and grain assortment, positions it as a sandy lean clay material. Geotechnical parameters of the natural soil were established before being treated with coal ash (CA) and plantain peel ash (PPA), and subjected to tests for the Atterberg limits, California bearing ratio (CBR) and compaction, as well as investigations pertaining to its crystallinity and morphology. These assessments showed that strength parameters of soil increased on adding CA and PPA. However, the inclusion of these admixtures should be conducted until optimal strength is achieved as seen in 9% CA + 6% PPA. The use of soil stabilised with CA and PPA is suitable for general fillings and embankments. These findings revealed that integrating CA and PPA together would have the potential of stabilising soil as pavement layer material while also eliminating the pollution that emerges from the improper disposal of coal and plantain peels from the environment.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":"436 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136196396","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 : 2023-01-17DOI: 10.3390/resources12020017
Jannatul Rumky, Ekaterina Bandina, Eveliina Repo
Wastewater treatment plants are increasingly interested in adopting inorganic coagulants and organic flocculants in their sludge treatment process since sludge disposal costs more than half of the overall operational costs. This study synthesized poly titanium sulfate (PTS) by different molar ratios and used the best one with cellulose-based flocculants for sludge conditioning. PTS synthesized with a 1:2 molar ratio showed the lowest capillary suction time (CST) of sludge and was selected for further studies with cellulose-based flocculants. As bio-based flocculants have gained popularity due to current environmental problems, cationized cellulose-based flocculants (Ce-CTA) were used in this work with or without PTS for sludge treatment. After coagulation–flocculation, dewaterability of sludge enhanced, and the Lowry and Anthrone method was used to assess proteins and polysaccharides. Next, metal content and nutrients such as total phosphorus, phosphate, and nitrate were measured by ICP-OES and IC, and we found promising results of phosphate especially at pH 3. Higher total phosphorus content was found at pH 3 and 9, and even at pH 6 after PTS or PTS+Ce-CTA treatment. In addition, PTS-treated sludge materials also showed catalytic behavior, suggesting a new research avenue for future development. Based on this study, the PTS+Ce-CTA combination is promising for sludge treatment and nutrient recovery, along with the possibility for the further valorization of the sludge materials.
{"title":"Behavior of Sludge Dewaterability and Nutrient Contents after Treatment with Cellulose-Based Flocculants with Combined PTS and Catalytic Behavior of Sludge towards Tetracycline Degradation","authors":"Jannatul Rumky, Ekaterina Bandina, Eveliina Repo","doi":"10.3390/resources12020017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12020017","url":null,"abstract":"Wastewater treatment plants are increasingly interested in adopting inorganic coagulants and organic flocculants in their sludge treatment process since sludge disposal costs more than half of the overall operational costs. This study synthesized poly titanium sulfate (PTS) by different molar ratios and used the best one with cellulose-based flocculants for sludge conditioning. PTS synthesized with a 1:2 molar ratio showed the lowest capillary suction time (CST) of sludge and was selected for further studies with cellulose-based flocculants. As bio-based flocculants have gained popularity due to current environmental problems, cationized cellulose-based flocculants (Ce-CTA) were used in this work with or without PTS for sludge treatment. After coagulation–flocculation, dewaterability of sludge enhanced, and the Lowry and Anthrone method was used to assess proteins and polysaccharides. Next, metal content and nutrients such as total phosphorus, phosphate, and nitrate were measured by ICP-OES and IC, and we found promising results of phosphate especially at pH 3. Higher total phosphorus content was found at pH 3 and 9, and even at pH 6 after PTS or PTS+Ce-CTA treatment. In addition, PTS-treated sludge materials also showed catalytic behavior, suggesting a new research avenue for future development. Based on this study, the PTS+Ce-CTA combination is promising for sludge treatment and nutrient recovery, along with the possibility for the further valorization of the sludge materials.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":"42 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135545092","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}