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This research explores the challenges and limitations faced at the basic level for the recycling of paper in an academic institute. It focuses on encouraging recycled paper use rather than bringing traditional virgin paper to prevent the rate of deforestation for reducing global warming. Data was collected from the academic institute via questionnaire and on-site observation and found that the institute was producing approximately 16 tons of wastepaper in a year. Besides that, another purpose of this research is to estimate the energy and assess the environmental effect by using the life cycle assessment as a tool. The results of this study revealed that traditional virgin paper derived from wood proves to be costly and less environmentally friendly than recycled paper. It also revealed that Traditional virgin paper has greater global warming, human toxicity, smog, acidification, and eutrophication potential than recycled paper. This study concludes that recycled paper does not only prove economically beneficent for any institution, but also beneficial for environment as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of paper is widespread. It could be used in many purposes, starting from printing industry, over different type of packaging etc. At the same time significant amount of waste paper is generated. As material, paper has excellent recycling properties. Paper could be recycled several times, retaining its original quality. The main goal of this research is to present the current situation in the management of waste paper in the Republic of Serbia. It is evident that awareness of citizens is not satisfying in terms of paper disposal. This is also shown by surveys carried out in the cities Zrenjanin and Novi Sad, which can present the general situation in our country. The research presents the public opinion focused on potential causes of low recycling rate. Using STAN software and Material Flow Analysis (MFA), based on the available amount of waste paper, it is estimated which amount of paper is used as a secondary raw material, and which part of the waste paper ends on sanitary and unsanitary landfills. The results of the assessment may be the starting point for some further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of paper on a commercial scale is increasing day by day throughout the world that produces million of tons of paper waste yearly and burdened for landfills. The present study focuses on the exploitation of waste papers (office paper, newspaper and tissue paper) as a cheapest alternative source of energy to extract fermentable sugar by applying chemical and enzymatic pretreatments. The quantification of released sugar was analyzed by spectrophotometer and high performance liquid chromatography refractive index (HPLC-RI) detector. Cellulose (12 FPU/g) and β-glucosidase (12 FPU/g) was found to be effective for the extraction of fermentable sugar from paper waste. The contents of cellulose (C6H10O5)n, hemicellulose (C5H10O5)n and lignin (C9H10O2,C10H12O3,C11H14O4) found in office paper were 40%, 32.5%, 22.5%, in newspaper 46.5%, 30.5% 22.5%, and in tissue paper 62%, 22%, 15.5%, respectively. The percentages of sugar contents assessed in this study were 62% in tissue paper and 46.5% in newspaper and 40% in office papers. Among the three substrates, tissue paper (23.4 mg/mL) released a significant amount of glucose (C6H6O12), whereas newspaper (20.8 mg/mL) and office paper (19.6 mg/mL) released less amount of sugar. This research of acid pre-treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis was an efficient method to improve glucose conversion from lignocellulosic waste. Furthermore, this approach can be proved the first step towards the sustainable production of bioethanol from wastepaper-extracted sugar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste paper disposed in landfills notably contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and impedes more sustainable, circular alternatives, such as recycling. In Hong Kong, this unsustainable approach is currently dominant as 68% of waste paper products are treated in landfills in 2020. To contextualize the impact of local waste paper management and explore mitigation potentials of circular alternatives, this paper develops a quantitative assessment framework around GHG emissions development trajectories. Combining guidelines of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), national GHG inventories, and local parameters from life cycle analysis, five GHG emissions projections were simulated along the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) until 2060. Most recent baselines indicate that Hong Kong's current waste paper treatment generated 638,360 tons CO 2 -eq in 2020, comprising 1,821,040 tons CO 2 -eq from landfill and 671,320 tons CO 2 -eq from recycling, and −1,854,000 tons CO 2 -eq from primary material replacement. Proceeding along a Business-as-Usual scenario under SSP5, GHG emissions will dramatically increase to a net 1,072,270 tons CO 2 -eq by 2060, whereas a recycling-intensive scenario will lead to a net saving of −4,323,190 tons CO 2 -eq. To complement the quantitative evidence on the benefits of waste paper recycling, field research was conducted to explore the feasibility of circular policy innovation from the perspective of recycling stakeholders. These empirical qualitative and quantitative findings from stakeholders' business routines and material transactions provide crucial indications for policy and institutional innovation: Essentially, for Hong Kong to improve waste paper recycling capacities and facilitate a circular economy (CE), local stakeholders require support via fiscal policy measures (financial subsidies or tax reductions) and infrastructure improvements (delivery access and material storage). In sum, this study employs a novel analytical framework combining original qualitative and quantitative evidence to provide policy innovation towards circular, GHG emission-saving waste paper management. [Display omitted] • A new framework assessing greenhouse gas emissions from waste paper treatment. • Exploring long-term carbon neutrality pathways for managing waste paper. • Using empirical evidence from recycling stakeholders for circular policy innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp-paper industry is one of the main industrial sectors that produce massive amounts of residual sludge, constituting an enormous environmental burden for the industries. Traditional sludge management practices, such as landfilling and incineration, are restricted due to mounting environmental pressures, complex regulatory frameworks, land availability, high costs, and public opinion. Valorization of pulp-paper industry sludge (PPS) to produce high-value products is a promising substitute for traditional sludge management practices, promoting their reuse and recycling. Valorization of PPIS for biorefinery beneficiation includes biomethane, biohydrogen, bioethanol, biobutanol, and biodiesel production for renewable energy generation. Additionally, the various thermo-chemical technologies can be utilized to synthesize bio-oil, hydrochar, biochar, adsorbent, and activated carbon, signifying potential for value-added generation. Moreover, PPIS can be recycled as a byproduct by incorporating it into nanocomposites, cardboard, and construction materials development. This paper aims to deliver a comprehensive overview of PPIS management approaches and thermo-chemical technologies utilized for the development of platform chemicals in industry. Substitute uses of PPIS, such as making building materials, developing supercapacitors, and making cardboard, are also discussed. In addition, this article deeply discusses recent developments in biotechnologies for valorizing PPIS to yield an array of valuable products, such as biofuels, lactic acids, cellulose, nanocellulose, and so on. This review serves as a roadmap for future research endeavors in the effective handling of PPIS. [Display omitted] • Valorization of pulp-paper industry sludge is a sustainable option for getting waste to wealth. • Pre-treatment of pulp-paper industry sludge helps in yielding platform chemicals in the biorefinery scenario. • Pulp-paper industry sludge is a sustainable feedstock for renewable energy production. • Biochars derived from pulp-paper industry sludge exhibited excellent adsorption performance for metals removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Many paper products are coated with plastic to improve their quality and stability. However, this limits recycling and recovery options and the plastic-coated waste paper is mostly disposed in landfills. Such practices are uneconomical and contrary to sustainable waste management. In this work enzymes of the white rot fungus Dichomitus squalens were investigated for possible delamination of plastic-coated waste paper. Enzymes were found capable to release the polyethylene foil from plastic-coated paper which resulted in 88.6–91.5% mass loss. The delamination rate, however, was depended on the ratio between plastic-coated paper and volume of enzyme filtrate. Results of a consequent experiment showed that enzymes are also efficient when plastic-coated paper is treated in a sequencing batch reactor resulting in 88.2–90.6% mass loss. The system was fully functional up to the 5th cycle; afterwards, the delamination rate reduced due to high thickness of the waste paper sludge. The enzyme activity, however, was still very high; with the laccase activity at the end of the experiment above 900 U/L and manganese peroxidase above 250 U/L. Our results demonstrated, that plastic-coated waste paper has the potential to be efficiently recovered instead of being disposed in landfills. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Enzymatic delamination of waste paper was investigated. • Enzymes were capable to release the polyethylene foil from the plastic-coated paper. • Treatment in a sequencing batch reactor is also possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponential growth of China's economy, coupled with the surge in online commerce, has led to a significant expansion of the logistics industry. In 2022, China's express delivery industry generated approximately 9 million tons of waste paper and 1.8 million tons of plastic. This study analyzed the current composition and utilization of logistics waste in China, with suggestions for recycling. Logistics waste can be defined as the packaging waste generated in the logistics industry. Corrugated paper and plastic waste were chosen as the objects for utilization. Due to its high cellulose content, corrugated paper can be utilized along with other paper waste for biomass resourcing. Biodegradable plastics can also be converted into biomass resources through the action of specific microorganisms. These polymers can be enzymatically depolymerized by certain bacteria and fungi, yielding valuable organic products. In general, logistics wastes all have potential for biomass resource recovery. By adopting appropriate recovery and conversion technologies, these waste streams can be transformed into high-value bio-based products, such as biofuels, biochemicals, and biopolymers, thus contributing to the development of a circular and sustainable economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste incineration is an effective solid waste disposal method; however, its by-product pollutants hinder its widespread adoption. This research aims to develop novel unglazed ceramic tiles by recycling industrial solid waste incineration fly ash (IWA) from recycled paper mills. Experimental investigations were conducted on ceramic tiles with IWA additions (0–30 wt%) and firing temperatures (1100 °C, 1200 °C, and 1300 °C). Various scientific tests, including XRF, XRD, strength, water absorption, thermal properties, heavy metal leaching, SEM analysis, and micro-CT analysis, were performed. The results suggest that the addition of IWA may deteriorate the technical performance of ceramic tiles; however, satisfactory performance can still be achieved by tailoring the firing temperature due to the existence of iron and calcium in the IWA, which narrows and displaces the densification temperature range. Remarkably, tiles with 30 wt% IWA, which completely replaced the flux materials and fired at 1300 °C, achieved the highest flexural strength (exceeding 30 MPa). These tiles exhibited promising attributes such as water absorption of 5.9%, an estimated energy saving of 33.86%, and compliance with heavy metal leaching limits. This study proposes a sustainable solution for IWA disposal by utilising recycled paper mill fly ash as a substitute for flux material in ceramic tile manufacturing. The findings contribute to minimising environmental impact and conserving non-renewable natural resources, supporting sustainable development. • Industrial waste incineration fly ash (IWA) recycling in unglazed ceramic tiles was investigated. • The effect of substituting potassium feldspar with IWA at different temperatures was assessed. • 30% IWA tiles, with the highest strength of all samples, fully replaced potassium feldspar, achieving 31.85 MPa at 1300 °C. • Predicted energy savings for 30% IWA tiles are up to 33.8% during manufacturing. • Most batches' metal leaching complies with EPA guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the problem caused by waste disposable paper cups (WDPCs) has became a topic of great concern to scientists, and commercial companies have also begun to take an interest in developing processes for tackling the issue. In this review, the inherent problems and social barriers during the recycling of WDPCs are described. This review presents the major conclusions of previously published works focused on the utilisation of WDPCs for material and energy purposes. The commercial utilisation of WDPCs is also described. Some suggestions for better recycling of WDPCs are given in the final part of this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is the largest waste paper importing market in the world. Due to more and more demands and awareness of environment/ safety issues, in recent years the Chinese government has implemented a number of new regulations on waste paper importing, for example, prohibiting importing of unsorted waste paper and lowering the foreign (non-paper) content in the imported waste paper from 1.5% to 0.5%. Small-scale (less than 50,000 tons per year capacity) paper mills are not eligible for importing waste paper. These new regulations have had profound impacts on the global waste paper recycling practice and the papermaking industry in China. At the same time, these new regulations bring up new challenges to the global waste paper recycling practices, such as increased labor costs and decreased recycling efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic waste or e-waste is a serious and concerning issue globally. Exponential increase in the production of these instrument have created a man-made problem of e-waste; United Nations has called it as "tsunami of e-waste." Informal management and unsafe disposals have compounded the problem further. The hazardous chemicals, metals, and organic pollutants released from e-waste can lead to serious health consequences such as organ damage, genetic defects, neuropsychiatric illness, and cancer. Problem of e-waste is colossal and should be seen as major public health emergency. In India, use of electronic instrument has increased considerably with less focus on formal waste management and safe disposal. This has created a major health hazard. International health agencies, Indian Council of Medical Research, e-waste regulating bodies, academic institutes, and various government and non-government organizations should join hands together to effectively manage the problems of e-waste. Swacch Bharat Abhiyan started by the honorable Prime Minster should consider e-waste as the top most priority in terms of its safe management and disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to accelerated modernization, urban environmental waste is being generated at an exponential rate, and paper is one of the largest solid wastes. Among them, digital printing waste paper has remarkable fiber quality and purity, making it a superior renewable fiber resource. However, the printing method and ink/toner used in the digital printing process are different from traditional printing methods, and the waste paper is relatively difficult to deink, resulting in the traditional waste paper utilization industry (recycled paper) is not given much attention and becomes low-value waste paper. How to realize the resourcefulness and high-value and efficient utilization of digital printing waste paper fiber (DPWF) is a real problem that needs attention in the field of renewable resources. In this paper, DPWF was used in the field of melt blending filled thermoplastic resin composites to avoid the waste paper deinking process while improving various properties of the material. It is shown that the best mechanical properties of the composites are achieved at 35% DPWF content. At the same time, coupling agent was used to further improve the properties of the composites in response to the interfacial incompatibility between fiber and resin. The best modification effect was achieved when the coupling agent was added at 3%, at which time the interfacial, water absorption, crystallization and thermal properties of the composites were improved, among which vinyltrimethoxysilane (A171) and γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH570) had significant effects. • DPWF is an excellent quality recyclable fiber resource, with 35% being its optimal content when used as a reinforcement. • Three structurally similar modifiers were used for the improvement of interfacial boundaries and 3% was the optimum content. • The kinetics of water absorption and thermal decomposition of the composites were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the topic of waste management from an artistic perspective. The authors, Diaa Ahmed Mohamed Ahmedien, Rachel Singel, and María Lorena Pradal, propose three different approaches to reprocessing waste: the natural approach, the biological approach, and the digital approach. These approaches involve using invasive plant species to make recycled paper, exploring the use of bioplastics made from organic polymers, and creating a digital artwork that addresses the issue of digital data waste. The authors aim to redefine the environmental role of artistic practices and promote environment-friendly artistic practices. [Extracted from the article]

It is estimated that >400 Mt of board and paper are produced globally per year, and that 4.3–40 kg (dw) of sludge like material, pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS), is generated for every tonne of product. PPMS are now more widely reused in agriculture as a soil amendment due to their high organic content of 40–50% by weight, perceived low toxicity and possible liming capabilities. Within this review article historic and recent literature on PPMS land spreading are combined with knowledge of European and UK regulation to explore the benefits, potential impacts and viability of land spreading PPMS. The review reveals that risks relating to potential N immobilisation in soils post-application can be readily mitigated, if desired, by coapplication of an N source, or even pre-treatment of sludge via composting. The benefits to crops have been demonstrated emphatically, while negative ecological impacts under typical field application rates have not been observed to date. The case is therefore strong for continued land application of the material as an environmentally responsible and sustainable use option. However, there are currently gaps in the literature regarding longer-term implications of PPMS applications in agriculture and in regards to the possible presence of emerging contaminants in some PPMS materials, both of which have been identified as areas that merit further research. • Land spreading paper pulp mill sludge (PPMS) offers economic and environmental benefit. • Characteristics and utility of PPMS vary with treatment level (primary vs secondary). • Co-application of N sources can prove beneficial in some cases. • Routine analysis and robust regulation prevent adverse outcomes from PPMS use. • Longer term studies on soil chemistry and ecology effects are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, there is no reliable method in use that unequivocally describes paper industry material flows and makes it possible to compare geographical regions with each other. A functioning paper industry Material Flow Account (MFA) that uses uniform terminology and standard definitions for terms and structures is necessary. Many of the presently used general level MFAs, which are called frameworks in this article, stress the importance of input and output flows but do not provide a uniform picture of material recycling. Paper industry is an example of a field in which recycling plays a key role. Additionally, terms related to paper industry recycling, such as collection rate, recycling rate, and utilization rate, are not defined uniformly across regions and time. Thus, reliably comparing material recycling activity between geographical regions or calculating any regional summaries is difficult or even impossible. The objective of this study is to give a partial solution to the problem of not having a reliable method in use that unequivocally describes paper industry material flows. This is done by introducing a new material flow framework for paper industry in which the flow and stage structure supports the use of uniform definitions for terms related to paper recycling. This new framework is termed the Detailed Wheel of Fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulp and paper industry produces massive amounts of sludge from wastewater treatment, which constitute an enormous environmental challenge. A possible management option is the conversion of sludge into carbon-based adsorbents to be applied in water remediation. For such utilization it is important to investigate if sludge is a consistent raw material originating reproducible final materials (either over time or from different manufacturing processes), which is the main goal of this work. For that purpose, different primary (PS) and biological sludge (BS) batches from two factories with different operation modes were sampled and subjected to pyrolysis (P materials) and to pyrolysis followed by acid washing (PW materials). All the materials were characterized by proximate analysis, total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic carbon (IC), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and N 2 adsorption isotherms (specific surface area ( S BET )and porosity determination). Sludge from the two factories proved to have distinct physicochemical properties, mainly in what concerns IC. After pyrolysis, the washing step was essential to reduce IC and to considerably increase S BET , yet with high impact in the final production yield. Among the materials here produced, PW materials from PS were those having the highest S BET values (387–488 m 2 g −1 ). Overall, it was found that precursors from different factories might originate final materials with distinct characteristics, being essential to take into account this source of variability when considering paper mill sludge as a raw material. Nevertheless, for PS, low variability was found between batches, which points out to the reliability of such residues to be used as precursors of carbon adsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thailand has an increasing demand for housing and infrastructure. This leads to increased amounts of construction and demolition (C&D) wastes. Most of the C&D wastes are reusable and recyclable. However, without proper waste management these wastes are mostly dumped into landfills without being sorted. This study utilizes a system dynamics (SD) approach to examine the feasibility of the reverse logistics implementation in C&D waste management in the long term. The focus material is paper waste, as it is one of the major wastes that can be recycled and remanufactured. The dynamic model consists of three reverse logistics options, including landfill, recycled, and remanufactured options. Costs involved in the implementation are labor, transportation, landfilling, recycling, and remanufacturing costs. Benefits, on the other hand, include sales of recycled and remanufactured products, energy savings, and green image savings. The simulation results reveal that the reverse logistics program should be implemented for at least three years to achieve positive net profit. The implementation should also be continued until the end of year 9 to be worth the investment, with the internal rate of return exceeding 12%.It is also suggested that the recycling and remanufacturing options should be promoted in long term in order to save landfill space and promote green image of the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling and recovery of materials from used products is one of the major avenues to reduce material throughput. Ideally, all materials are anticipated for being reused by the economy an infinite number of times. In reality, recovery of secondary materials may be difficult because of high costs, or because of degraded quality compared with virgin materials. The search for potential reduction of throughput in material cycles should be based on a knowledge of the limits to repeated cycles. To gain understanding of recycling limits, we developed a method to estimate the actual reduction potential for each throughput in a material's multi-cycle life. First, we investigated the material flow system of paper in Taiwan, and developed a supply chain network of paper flows. Systematic elaboration of the flows revealed where paper can be recycled and where paper can be lost. Second, we estimated the reduction potential with a material input–output Markov chain model, which maps the distribution and loss of materials on the supply chain processes. The model estimated the quantities and the life pathways of recycled materials across continuous life-cycles. An indicator was used to quantify the total performance of the material across repeated life-cycles. This method offers an opportunity to examine practices that approach the limit of reduction. This case study shows that the use and separation of paper waste after discarding may need to be reformed to extend the life-cycles of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sludge is a hazardous waste and their disposal is an issue of concern that needs a suitable solution. Enzyme extraction from industrial sludge, particularly paper and pulp industry, is important in terms of waste management as well as the recovery of valuable product for the multifarious application. Present research work is focused on the extraction of some hydrolytic enzymes (protease, lipase, and amylase) from the sludge of paper industry using ultrasonication, an addition of cation exchange resin (CER) and Triton X-100. We have found that maximum protease was recovered from sludge using 2% Triton X-100 and maximum lipase at 0.1% Triton X-100. Both enzymes have shown contrasting behaviour. Lipase recovery was decreased with increased Triton X-100 concentration in contrast to protease recovery which showed a significant increase. However, maximum amylase was recovered using CER at 2000 U/g of VSS (volatile suspended solid) with Triton X-100 and maximum recovery was observed at 1.0%. Results suggest that this method to be most appropriate for extraction of hydrolytic enzymes from the activated sludge and suitable to be scaled up for effective recovery of hydrolytic enzymes from the industrial sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioplastics are contemplated as remarkable substitutes for conventional plastics to accommodate green technological advancements. However, their industrial production has not been fully implemented owing to the cost of carbon resources. From another perspective, valorizing different paper mill wastes has become a prominent research topic. These materials may serve as an affording sustainable feedstock for bioplastic production. Adjustment of cardboard waste hydrolysate as suitable fermentation media for production of bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) has been investigated. Cardboard samples were defibered and dried before enzymatic hydrolysis. The enzymatic degradation of commercial cellulase was monitored over 15 days. Interestingly, 18.2 ± 0.2 g/L glucose yield was obtained from 50 g cardboard samples using a 1.5% (v/v) enzyme concentration. The samples exhibited maximum weight loss values of 69–73%. Meanwhile, five soil samples were collected from local sites in Lodz, Poland. A total of 31 bacterial isolates were screened and cultured on Nile blue plates. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the most potent producer revealed 100% similarity to Bacillus mycoides. Cardboard hydrolysates whole medium, modified MSM with cardboard hydrolysate and nitrogen depleted MSM with cardboard hydrolysate were utilized for PHA production, followed by PHA productivity and cell dry weight (CDW) estimation compared to glucose as a standard carbon source. An impressive PHA accumulation of 56% CDW was attained when the waste hydrolysate was used as a carbon source. FTIR and NMR analysis of the isolated PHA indicated that functional groups of the polymer were related to PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate). Thermal analysis demonstrates that PHB and PHB-CB (PHB produced from cardboard hydrolysate) have degradation temperatures of 380 and 369 °C, respectively, which reflect the high thermal stability and heat resistance compared to the same properties for a standard polymer. This is the first demonstration of full saccharification of corrugated cardboard paper waste for high-level production of PHA. In addition, the attained PHB productivity is one of the highest levels achieved from a real lignocellulosic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper and cellulose manufacturing industry generates significant quantities of waste, including an extremely humid sludge, which is considered to be an effluent with high environmental liability for the manufacturer. Studies have shown that this waste sludge may be utilized in construction material, such as mortar for fixing blocks, as well as for ceiling and wall coatings that use ceramic masonry as a sealant. The recycling of pulp and paper industry waste sludge has important environmental benefits, by preventing soil and water pollution caused by inadequate disposal and by reducing the depletion of natural resources, such as lime, used in cementitious materials. This study analyzed the sustainability of incorporating such waste into cement-based mortars. Tests were conducted replacing lime, one of the most expensive mortar components with high environmental impact, with waste sludge in contents of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Analysis was then performed on the samples to assess the primary technical characteristics of these incorporated mortars, such as the consistency index, heat of hydration, content of incorporated air, water retention, mechanical strength and the capillarity coefficient. The results were compared with the results of the characterization tests that were performed on the waste material. The results showed that for use in wall and ceiling mortar coatings, the level of incorporation should not exceed 10%, because higher levels yield lower values of mechanical strength resistance, incompatible with market requirements. This result is probably due to the low heat of hydration of the waste material which generates slower reactions. On the other hand, higher levels of waste material content, above 10%, are appropriate convenient for mortar used to fill small repairs in masonry that do not require control of properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation (EC) is one of the most efficient methods to remove pollutants. Paper-recycling wastewater is a complex mixture containing toxic and recalcitrant substances, indicating complexity and difficulty of its treatment. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of paper-recycling wastewater treatment by EC process using aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) plate electrodes. Removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), color and ammonia from paper-recycling mill effluent was evaluated at various electrolysis times (10–60 min), voltage (4–13 V) and pH (3.5–11). The optimum process conditions for the maximum removal of COD, TSS, color and ammonia from paper-recycling industry wastewater have been found to be pH value of 7, treatment time of 60 min and voltage of 10 V. Under optimum operating conditions, the removal capacities of COD, TSS, color and ammonia were 79.5%, 83.4%, 98.5% and 85.3%, respectively. It can be concluded that EC could be considered as an effective alternative for treatment of paper-recycling wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review addresses the critical issue of a rapidly increasing worldwide waste stream and the need for sustainable management. The paper proposes an integrated transformation toward a next-generation methanization process, which leads not only to treating waste but also to converting it into higher value compounds and greener energy. Although the current and commonly used anaerobic digestion process is useful for biogas production, it presents limitations of resource exploitation and some negative environmental impacts. Focusing on the acidogenic stage in waste stream processing, the paper discusses the recent strategies to enhance the recovery of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). These acids serve as precursors for synthesizing a variety of biochemicals and biofuels, offering higher value products than solely energy recovery and soil fertilizers. Additionally, the importance of recycling the fermentation residues back into the biorefinery process is highlighted. This recycling not only generates additional VFAs but also contributes to generating clean energy, thereby enhancing the overall sustainability and efficiency of the waste management system. Moreover, the review discusses the necessity to integrate life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) to evaluate the environmental impacts, sustainability, and processing costs of the proposed biorefinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Due to environmental concerns, efforts are made to replace the use of peat in horticultural growth media by organic wastes. Four growth media were prepared with the purpose of achieving adequate physical and chemical properties for plant production. Materials and methods: Growth media prepared from mixtures of coir (C) and paper sludge (P), respectively, with two biogas digestates from food waste (D1 and D2), were tested. These mixtures, 20% D1 or D2 + 80% C or P (v/v), were evaluated as growth media for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Results and conclusion: The growth media were all physically stable during the growing period, provided all the macronutrients and most of the micronutrients necessary for plant growth, adequate pH conditions, as well as an adequate electrical conductivity. The mixture of D2 and P produced the highest biomass compared to a mineral fertilised peat (control), with a biomass production of 76% of the control for lettuce and 54% for tomato. Causes for the biomass reduction relative to the control may be related to ammonium toxicity effects, and/or limited plant-available water. The digestates, particularly D1, seemed also to have a phytotoxic effect on the germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a sustainable solution to repurpose paper/wood industry waste as a geotechnical construction material. A novel lignosulphonate (LS)-based composite admixture (CA) was used in this study to cope with construction problems pertaining to expansive soils. Surface water infiltration in terms of rainfall and surface water irrigation are the prime factors that cause volumetric change behavior and a drastic reduction in shear strength due to loss in suction that eventually causes failure in expansive soils. Such failures are comprised of complex hydromechanical phenomena and their remediation requires special attention. In this context, this study for the first time deals with the use of LS-based CA as a remedy to such failures in expansive soils considering the hydromechanical properties. To better understand the hydraulic response, the specially designed soil-column model tests (SCMTs) were conducted. Besides, different geotechnical experiments and microstructural analyses were carried out to analyze the hydromechanical behavior of CA treatment against the varying degree of saturation (S r). The results showed that LS-based CA treatment increases the water holding capacity over a suction range of 78.4 kPa and air entry value (AEV) by 33%. Also, the SCMT showed that the wetting-front depth (WFD) at full saturation in CA treated expansive soil was 4–10% quicker than untreated expansive soil. In addition, for the increase in S r from optimum to 100%, the decrease in cohesion (c) value for untreated and treated soil was found to be 88% and 39.8%, and the increase in compressibility was 37% and 17%, respectively, highlighting better resistance against S r. Whereas, the swelling potential was completely eradicated with a significant reduction in volumetric shrinkage by 43% compared to untreated soil. The microstructural analyses showed the development of apparent aggregation with the S r in untreated expansive soil, whereas the CA treatment-induced better structure with bigger size particles with disrupted inter and intra assemblage pore spaces. The results showed that LS-based CA manifests substantial hydromechanical stability against variation in S r. Overall, this study provides the scientific basis to the practitioners for the pragmatic use of LS-based CA in treating expansive soil problems. • Paper/wood industry waste is reused for hydromechanical stability of expansive soil • Physical soil column model tests are designed and conducted to determine suction • Suction, strength, compressibility and volume change behavior performance w.r.t. S r • Lignosulphonate based-CA gives water holding capacity and hydromechanical stability • Lignosulphonate based-CA is found to be a comprehensive expansive soil stabilizer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LCA studies on waste management have been promoted as they can help policy makers choose the best environmental options. However, the increasing globalization of raw materials and waste makes the optimization of waste management strategies and policies quite challenging. Therefore, new approaches are needed in order to identify the consequences of markets on the waste management systems. This paper concentrates on the quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of recycling processes. The aim is to generate a comprehensive assessment of GHG emissions as a consequence of increasing the amount of material collected for recycling. Consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA) is an effective methodological framework for addressing GHG quantifications within market, but to properly perform and assess all of the market links between raw materials and waste, it is necessary to determine the cause-effect chains made up of physical flows. Thus, we propose integrating the methodologies of material flow analysis (MFA) and CLCA. We applied these methodologies to the paper and cardboard recycling system in Spain. The GHG results varied between −36 kg CO 2 eq. and −317 kg CO 2 eq. per ton of waste paper collected, depending on the quantity of waste paper exported and the source of marginal pulp considered. The cumulative energy demand (CED) was also calculated as complementary indicator. Similar trends as for GHG emissions were obtained. The future GHG quantifications should be based on the flows described by MFA analysis and should be quantified using CLCA because methodologies that accurately account for GHG are necessary for decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study employs a parametric deterministic input distance function for computing the relative shadow prices of social capital with respect to physical capital and labor for household-level paper-recycling units in Vietnam. The results indicate that social capital has positive effects on the production efficiency of paper-recycling units. More specifically, the contribution of a 1% increase in social capital to production efficiency improvements is much greater than that of one million Vietnamese dong of physical capital, but less than that of 100 worker-hours of labor. Furthermore, associational activity and trust are the most valuable out of the four components of social capital and an increase of 1% in the measures of associational activity and trust is equal to an increase of US$364.936 and US$337.103 in the value of physical capital, respectively. The results also indicate that the relative shadow prices of the reciprocity and associational activity measures are highest for the lowest income group; whereas those of trust and information sharing are highest among the higher income groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Enzymatic and chemical deinking not only significantly influence the optical and mechanical properties of deinked paper, but also influence the pulp properties and wastewater effluent generated. Both enzymatic and chemical deinking of mixed office wastepaper (MOW) and old newspaper (ONP) showed improvement in brightness (1.4-4.7 units), tensile index (1-14%), burst index (1.2-3.8%), freeness (1.9-2.9%), and residual ink removal (31.1-51.2%) but caused loss in opacity (0.1-2.6%) and tear index (0.1-9.6%). Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analysis indicated that effluent produced from enzymatic deinking were about 33.9% and 33.8% lower compared to chemical deinking of ONP and MOW, respectively. Meanwhile, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) obtained from enzymatic deinking of MOW and ONP were 47.1% and 39.3% lower compared to the chemical deinking process, respectively. The results obtained in this work demonstrated that the quality of the pulp and paper obtained from enzymatic deinking process was better than that from the chemical deinking process. This suggests that enzymatic deinking has high potential as an alternative to the chemical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that examined the role of papermill sludge in the organic forest carbon cycle of paper products. Prediction on the global production of papermill sludge; Impact of paper production and wastepaper recycling trends on the woody carbon components of sludge; Implications of the organic content and carbon content of sludge for dealing with disposal policy and problems.

Abstract: Uptake properties of Ni2+ were examined for unmilled and milled paper sludge calcined at various temperatures to develop a new usage of waste paper sludge. Since paper sludge mainly consists of cellulose ([C6H10O5] n ) fibers, calcite (CaCO3), kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) and talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2), amorphous and crystalline CaO(MgO)-Al2O3-SiO2 compounds are formed by calcining paper sludge. Wet and dry milling treatments were performed to accelerate solid-state reaction to form the above mentioned target compounds. The crystalline phases originally present decompose at increasing calcining temperature (up to 800°C) in the order cellulose

This study is a comprehensive assessment of the waste management system in Besisahar municipality. Information and some data have been collected from the municipality of Besisahar, followed by interviews with municipal officials responsible for waste management, stakeholders, waste workers, and residents. A total of 230 households, 20 schools, 10 government and private offices, 10 financial institutions, 60 commercial hotels, restaurants, and shops, and 20 medical shops and healthcare institutions, were selected in this study by random sampling. An extensive field study was conducted within all municipal wards and at dump sites. The results indicated that 42.14% of solid waste was collected through door-to-door collection services, 5.87% was mismanaged in open public places, 11.21% was used as compost manure, and the rest was discarded on riverbanks, dug up, and burned. A large component of the characterization of household waste consisted of organic waste (68.03%), followed by paper/paper products (8.13%), agricultural waste (5.5%), plastic (5.21%), construction (3.81%), textile (2.72%), metals (0.54%), glass (1.01%), rubber (0.10%), electronic (0.05%), pharmaceutical (0.1%) and others (4.78%) in the Besishahar municipality. Solid waste generation was found to be at 197.604 g/capita/day, as revealed by cluster sampling in 230 households. Around 4.285 tons-solid waste/day were generated in urban areas, while 16.13 tons-solid waste/day was estimated for the whole municipality. An important correlation between the parameters of solid waste was found by statistical analysis. Currently, solid waste is dumped on riverbanks, open fields, and springs, creating environmental and health hazards. The findings of this study will be useful to Besisahar municipality and its stakeholders in forming policies that facilitate waste management practices in this region and promote sustainable waste management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the status of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technology and identifies barriers hindering its commercial viability. Conducting a global survey among HTC companies (with a total of 24 surveys sent), the research evaluates the current landscape, challenges, and future prospects of large-scale HTC operations. Furthermore, it presents a detailed global inventory of existing HTC facilities, illustrating geographical distribution and trends in application. Most of the companies are located in Europe, followed by Asia and North America. With substantial participation from HTC companies, exceeding 62% in the survey (15 companies), the study provides a comprehensive overview of diverse companies, their business models, regulatory challenges, and the overall state of HTC technology. The majority of companies in this study, approximately 80%, offer services in the field of waste management. This paper also explores the potential of HTC in transforming waste management practices, carbon sequestration methodologies, and the development of new materials. Employing a thorough SWOT analysis, the paper advocates for a broader adoption of HTC, emphasizing its transformative capacity in fostering sustainable management of urban, industrial, and agricultural residues, promoting circular economy principles, mitigating climate change, and offering a robust foundation for informed decision-making and sustainable development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste material classification is a challenging yet important task in waste management. The realization of low-cost waste classification systems and methods is critical to meet the ever-increasing demand for efficient waste management and recycling. In this paper, we demonstrate a simple, compact and low-cost classification system based on optical reflectance measurements in the short-wave infrared for the segregation of waste materials such as plastics, paper, glass, and aluminium. The system comprises a small set of LEDs and one single broadband photodetector. All devices are controlled through low-cost and low-power electronics, and data are gathered and managed via a computer interface. The proposed system reaches accuracy levels as high as 94.3% when considering seven distinct materials and 97.0% when excluding the most difficult to classify, thus representing a valuable proof-of-concept for future system developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few decades, biochar has been effectively used in water remediation and for improving soil fertility. Due to an aggravated desire for zero pollution and green technology, biochar application is gaining interest in wastewater treatment. Adsorption has been regarded as a clean and less costly technology to decontaminate water laden with harmful materials including heavy metals, dyes, pesticides, herbicides etc. Therefore, a review of the effectiveness of biochar derived from different feedstocks used as adsorbents is given in this paper. These include biochar from agricultural and forest residues, industrial by-products and waste, municipal solid waste materials, waste tyres and paper. In addition, this study reveals the effect of surface functional groups, surface charges, surface area, elemental composition and other parameters such as pyrolysis temperature, adsorbent and adsorbate concentrations, solution pH and others on the removal efficiencies. To achieve this, studies have been compiled using biochar derived from agricultural and forest residues. It was found that biochar feedstocks and pyrolysis temperature determine most of the biochar characteristics and their behaviour during removal of contaminants. Among these characteristics are the oxygenated surface functional groups which were found to aid in the removal of positively charged contaminant due to their negative charge hence electrostatic attraction. Furthermore, other reaction mechanisms involved during adsorption include surface complexation, ion exchange, chelation etc. Kinetic models were used to predict these mechanisms while kinetic isotherms predicted whether monolayer or multilayer adsorption occurred. This study has revealed that conversion of biomass to biochar offers an excellent alternative to waste management, wastewater treatment and green technology therefore intensive research on this topic should be of priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring and managing litter on the roadways is important not only for preserving the cleanliness and esthetic appeal of our cities but also for safeguarding the overall health and sanitary environment of citizens. With the development of artificial intelligence, it is now possible to design algorithms capable of autonomously assessing the sanitation status of roadways. In this paper, we propose a method for detecting garbage on roads as our solution to tackle the issue. The proposed model is a deep learning model with an attention mechanism introduced to detect garbage in real-time scenarios. Furthermore, the object recognition capability of the model is enhanced through transfer learning to mitigate the influence of irrelevant content during training. The refined network can detect rubbish on roads with higher efficiency than the existing models. Also, compared with other methods, it consumes less amount of data for training. The experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of our proposed model, with a performance boost of 7.62% over the state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper puts forward a generic methodological framework to holistically assess WtE technologies based on the PROMETHEE approach. In addition to environmental and economic aspects, the method focuses on large-scale applicability and social preference, thus adopting economic, environmental, social, and technological criteria. Three data sources are selected, namely the scientific literature, a public survey, and an experts' opinion survey, which is a novel combination with the aim to cover public consensus, technological applicability, and to provide alternative data sources for the economic and environmental criteria, thus enriching the methodology with the input of location specific data. The demonstration of the applicability of the proposed methodology is realized at a national level for the case of Greece. Anaerobic Digestion is shown to be the most preferable choice, recognized for its cost-effectiveness and lower environmental burden to other WtE technologies (i.e., gasification, pyrolysis, incineration). When all criteria are evaluated with equal weights, anaerobic digestion greatly outperforms incineration (net flow 0.833 versus 0.1667), while incineration only becomes the most preferred choice if the social criterion is in high focus (i.e., over 63% weight). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased urbanization and population lead to increased consumption of manufactured goods. This ultimately results in increased production of waste. Identifying its composition is crucial for planning an effective solid waste management strategy. This study assesses the characteristics and composition of the waste generated within the Uyo Capital City Development Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This is to aid in developing a scientifically supported waste management pilot system for the state. Direct waste sorting and characterization were conducted on the municipal solid waste arriving at the landfill during the study period. Over 50% of the generated wastes are recyclables and composed of plastics, metals, and paper, while the fraction of organic waste is over 30%. Similarly, the waste generation per capita is 1.34 kg/person/day, while the generation forecast over the next ten years is estimated to increase by approximately 40%. Furthermore, over 9,000 surveys were completed by residents to establish a problem statement about the existing waste collection and disposal system, and possible solutions. Importantly, a majority of survey respondents were willing to source-separate their wastes and supported paying a fee for adequate waste collection. This strongly indicates that an integrated waste management system could be established to generate value from the collected waste. Supplementary revenue can be generated through composting, recycling, and land reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management is one of the many major challenges faced by all urban cities around the world. With the increase in population, the current mechanisms for waste collection and disposal are under strain. The waste management problem is a global challenge that requires a collaborative effort from different stakeholders. Moreover, there is a need to develop technology-based solutions besides engaging the communities and establishing novel policies. While there are several challenges in waste management, the collection of waste using the current infrastructure is among the top challenges. Waste management suffers from issues such as a limited number of collection trucks, different types of household and industrial waste, and a low number of dumping points. The focus of this paper is on utilizing the available waste collection transportation capacity to efficiently dispose of the waste in a time-efficient manner while maximizing toxic waste disposal. A novel knapsack-based technique is proposed that fills the collection trucks with waste bins from different geographic locations by taking into account the amount of waste and toxicity in the bins using IoT sensors. Using the Knapsack technique, the collection trucks are loaded with waste bins up to their carrying capacity while maximizing their toxicity. The proposed model was implemented in MATLAB, and detailed simulation results show that the proposed technique outperforms other waste collection approaches. In particular, the amount of high-priority toxic waste collection was improved up to 47% using the proposed technique. Furthermore, the number of waste collection visits is reduced in the proposed scheme as compared to the conventional method, resulting in the recovery of the equipment cost in less than a year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction and demolition waste disposal charging is a critical component in construction waste (CW) management. Over the past few decades of implementation around the world, the effectiveness of waste disposal charging in decreasing negative environmental impact is gradually being questioned. This paper identifies two intertwined issues that have not attracted sufficient attention in actual practice. One is the consideration of contractors' behavior, which is economically driven. Another is the influence of waste transportation, which is also a major stream of environmental pollution. These two aspects significantly affect the effectiveness of the waste disposal charging scheme. Contractors may not transport their generated CW to appropriate disposal facilities. They make decisions based on the disposal and transportation cost. To address this problem, this paper proposes a general construction and demolition waste disposal charging design methodology in which contractors' behavior and the influence of waste transportation are taken into account. A mixed‐integer programming model is developed for the optimal design of the charging fees, which analytically formulates both of the abovementioned aspects. Furthermore, we developed a model that partially modifies the current charging scheme to better fulfill the environmental protection objective. Extensive numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed methodology can effectively change contractors' waste disposal decisions and significantly decrease the negative environmental impact of construction and demolition waste. This study contributes to a new perspective to better design the construction and demolition waste disposal charging scheme and has a wide range of applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with human rights considerations in plastic waste recycling, focusing on the context of Nigeria. Using an explanatory design and a basic review of the literature, it examines how AI can enhance human rights protection among workers in plastic waste recycling firms. The paper emphasizes the role of government policies and regulations in ensuring human rights protection, the need for ethical guidelines for AI use, and the potential of AI to improve worker safety and reduce environmental pollution in recycling facilities. Key recommendations for future research include enhancing AI capabilities for waste sorting, integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices for real-time monitoring, and prioritizing ethics in AI development. Collaboration between stakeholders is identified as crucial, with multi-stakeholder partnerships and policy coherence essential for the effective implementation of AI technologies in plastic waste recycling. In conclusion, integrating AI with human rights considerations in plastic waste recycling is pivotal for enhancing efficiency, reducing pollution, and ensuring sustainable waste management practices. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on AI and human rights in waste management, offering insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in Nigeria and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green liquor dregs and slaker grits are pulp and paper mill residues usually landfilled. Whit high calcium carbonate content, its use as alternative raw materials in traditional ceramic products becomes an interesting study field. In order to evaluate its incorporation potential, the residues characterization with diverse approaches was performed and for the first time reunited exploring this eco-friendly intent. Green liquor dregs and slaker grits were characterized by its chemical and mineralogical composition (XRF, XRD, FT-IR); physical and morphological characteristics (particle size, BET surface area, density, SEM) and thermal properties (TGA). Chemical and mineralogical analysis reveals the high calcium carbonate content in calcite form especially on slaker grits, that has less inorganic and organic contaminants than green liquor dregs. Smaller irregular-shaped particles and bigger surface area was found on this last residue, comparing with slaker grits. The thermal analysis indicated a lower calcite decomposition for green liquor dregs (720 °C), while this event on slaker grits occurred 40 °C above (760 °C). Thus, it was observed the residues behavior and characteristics are much alike calcium carbonate itself, especially slaker grits, considering its composition, morphology and thermal events. As conclusion, the potentiality uses of green liquor dregs and slaker grits as alternative raw materials on ceramic products was revealed. Being able to incorporate clay, concrete, glasses and great majority of other ceramic products, these residues use will generate excellent benefit-cost ratio to industries and environment. Image 1 • Green liquor dregs and slaker grits were characterized by diverse approaches. • High calcium carbonate content in calcite form on both wastes was confirmed. • Residues behavior and characteristics are much alike calcium carbonate itself. • Slaker grits is purer than green liquor dregs. • Wastes revealed great potentiality use as alternative calcium carbonate source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic waste management in environmentally sustainable way is important not only to reduce the negative impacts on ecosystems but also valorizing the waste resources. Herein we evaluated the potential of wood ash (WA) and paper sludge (PS) wastes from a pulp and paper mill as potting media and their effects on the physicochemical properties of podzolic soil. WA, PS and biochar (BC) was mixed in different combinations with a sandy loam podzolic soil. Potting media treatments included: T1–soil (negative control); T2–PromixTM (positive control); T3–50%soil+50%WA; T4–75%soil+25%WA; T5–50%soil+50%PS; T6–75%soil+25%PS; T7–75%soil+25%BC; T8–25%soil+50%WA+25%BC; T9–50%soil+25%WA+25%BC; T10–25%soil+50%PS+25%BC; T11–50%soil+25%PS+25%BC, T12– 25%soil+25%WA+25%PS+25%BC and replicated three times. Potting media treatments expressed significant (p < 0.00) effects on pH, bulk density, total porosity, field capacity, plant available water (PAW) and water retention curves. Potting media amended with WA showed high pH range (8–12) while PS amendments exhibited pH in range where most plant nutrients are available (6.5–7.5). Results depicted significantly lower bulk density, and increased total porosity and water holding capacity of potting media amended with WA and PS. BC addition further enhanced the water retention properties compared to combinations without BC. T6, T10 and T11 produced higher amounts of PAW with desired pH compared to T1 and T2. WA, PS and BC showed high potential for developing podzolic soil-based potting media, but their effects on plant growth and elemental uptake need to be investigated. • Valorization of organic waste is important to improve environmental sustainability through recycling of valuable waste. • Herein we investigated the potential applications of wood ash and paper sludge as a potting media for horticultural crops. • Wood ash and paper sludge improved the physicochemical properties of podzolic soil. • Paper sludge was more effective than wood ash in improving soil hydrological properties for better plant growth. • Furthermore, the incorporation of biochar in the potting media enhanced water holding capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study on the process of the pelletization of pine sawdust with the addition of herbaceous waste from elderberry, in the working system of a pellet press with a flat matrix, in the context of producing fuel pellets. Based on the research, the impact of the addition of herbal waste in the form of elderberry waste on the granulation process of pine sawdust and the assessment of the quality of the obtained pellets were determined. The addition of herbaceous waste from elderberry to pine sawdust had a beneficial effect on the kinetic durability of the obtained fuel pellets, with an increase of up to approximately 1.3% (from 98.03 to 99.31%). Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the mechanical strength of all the tested pellets is higher than 97.5%, which is consistent with the ISO 17225-1:2021-11 standard. The bulk density of pellets with the addition of herbaceous waste from elderberry increased (from 649.34 to 658.50 kg∙m−3) as did their density (from 1231.38 to 1263.90 kg∙m−3). The addition of herbaceous waste from elderberry in amounts ranging from 10% to 20% did not have a significant effect on the power requirements of the pelletizer, which decreased compared to the pelletization process of pure pine sawdust. The percentage of this decrease compared to the pelleting process with pure pine sawdust was approximately 10%. The addition of herbaceous waste from elderberry to pine sawdust slightly reduces the energy value (i.e., the heat of combustion and the calorific value) of the obtained pellets. The addition of 30% elderberry waste resulted in a decrease in the heat of combustion from 20.27 to 19.96 MJ·kgd.m.−1, while the calorific value of the pellets decreased from 19.98 to 18.69 MJ·kgd.m.−1 compared to pine sawdust pellets. Hence, adding herbaceous waste from elderberry seems to be a good way of managing large amounts of waste of this kind generated in herbal processing plants. This method of waste management opens new perspectives towards more sustainable and economically effective energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising global demand for sustainable and eco-friendly practices has led to a burgeoning interest in circular bioeconomy, wherein waste materials are repurposed into valuable resources. Lignocellulosic waste, abundant in agricultural residues and forestry by-products, represents a significant untapped resource. This article explores the potential of fungal-mediated processes for the valorisation of lignocellulosic waste, highlighting their role in transforming these recalcitrant materials into bio-based products. The articles delve into the diverse enzymatic and metabolic capabilities of fungi, which enable them to efficiently degrade and metabolise lignocellulosic materials. The paper further highlights key fungal species and their mechanisms involved in the breakdown of complex biomass, emphasising the importance of understanding their intricate biochemical pathways for optimising waste conversion processes. The key insights of the article will significantly contribute to advancing the understanding of fungal biotechnology for circular bioeconomy applications, fostering a paradigm shift towards a more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly approach to waste management and bio-based product manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali-activated materials (AAM) are crafted to address escalating environmental concerns by utilizing low-carbon industrial waste, thus satisfying the need for innovative alternatives to conventional Portland cement (PC). However, the sustainability profile and cost-effectiveness of AAM depends significantly on the choice of commercial activator, with the high carbon footprint and cost of the activator serving as significant obstacles that limit the utilization of the AAM large-scale construction projects. Some locally available agricultural or industrial alkaline wastes have been researched as activators to activate other materials for AAM preparation, fundamentally eliminating AAM's activator-related drawbacks. All-waste alkali-activated materials (AWAAM) not only solve the issue of alkaline waste disposal but also exhibit satisfactory mechanical properties, along with environmental and economic advantages. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current phase of cementitious materials that do not require additional commercial alkali sources and are prepared entirely from waste materials, which is AWAAM. It describes the sources of alkaline wastes, elucidates the principles of synergistic interactions between these materials, explores the enhancement of AWAAM, and evaluates the cost, environmental impacts, and ionic leaching behaviors of AWAAM. Nevertheless, numerous studies have not examined the durability, leaching of hazardous materials, and workability of AWAAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high amount of hazardous medical waste involves high risks, so optimising waste management processes is crucial. Some research proposes hybrid modelling that combines simulations and operation research approaches, and most hybrid modelling methods focus on optimising waste transport routes. This paper proposes hybrid modelling to optimise the number of workers with minimum asynchronous waiting time (AWT) and activity costs based on waste management collaboration processes. Hybrid modelling consists of an integrated discrete-event simulation, agent-based simulation and improved MCDM methods (MOORA and COPRAS). The cases of waste management processes under normal and overload conditions verify the performance of the proposed hybrid modelling. Improved MCDM methods save 27% of MCDM processing time. The AWT and activity cost under normal condition using the hybrid modelling decreased by 38 % and 22 %, respectively. Hybrid modelling can minimise 74 % AWT and 31 % activity cost compared to the actual model under an overload condition. MOORA is better when reducing activity cost, and COPRAS is better when minimising AWT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]