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When municipal solid waste (MSW) is placed in a landfill, it undergoes anaerobic decomposition, leading to the production of landfill gas, which primarily consists of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Reducing methane emissions is essential in the fight against climate change. It must be implemented at global and European levels, as set out in 2030 in the impact assessment of the climate goal plan. This assessment states that to achieve the goal by 2030 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%, the methane emissions must be reduced, considering the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Glasgow Climate Pact includes a global mitigation target of the year 2030: to reduce CO2 emissions by 45%, and the emissions of methane and other greenhouse gasses. For that purpose, looking for new, more advanced ways of managing such waste is necessary. The main objective of this experimental study was to evaluate the influence of aeration, probiotic introduction, and water supply on the production of landfill gasses (CO2, CH4, N2, H2, etc.) in five different landfill models during the management of MSW and to propose the best solutions for reducing environmental pollution. The results of the research showed that the first and second models of landfills, using only anaerobic conditions, can be used for the treatment of MSW for the production of biogas (CH4, CO2), as up to 40–60% of it was released during the 120-experiment period. The third landfill model can be applied in old, already closed landfills, where the rapid stabilization and aeration of MSW are required to minimize pollutant emissions (N2, etc.) and unwanted odors and shorten biodegradation processes. The results of the fourth and fifth landfill models, in which aerobic–anaerobic conditions were applied, showed that the developing nitrification–denitrification processes resulted in complete nitrogen removal (from 20% to 0%), and overall waste stabilization improved the biodegradation of the MSW. Later, relatively good (on average, 30%) results of biogas (CH4, CO2) emissions are achieved during anaerobic condition formation results. Summarizing all experiment results of all landfill models for the further evaluation of the processes, all models can be applied in real practice depending on where they will be used and what result they want to achieve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium contamination in water bodies poses severe risks to both the environment and human health. This research introduces an innovative solution to this challenge by creating a vapor-activated carbosorbent from biodegradable household waste. The efficacy of this adsorbent in removing total chromium through batch methods from aqueous solutions was investigated. Surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) exhibited a porous structure, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified distinct functional groups on the surface. The point of zero charge (PZC), determined at 6.95, revealed the adsorbent's surface chemistry. Impressively, the synthesized carbosorbent exhibited significant adsorption capacities of 23.08 mg.g-1 for Cr(III) and 24.84 mg.g-1 for Cr(VI) under optimal conditions. The Langmuir isotherm model illustrated a monolayer adsorption mechanism aligned with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, confirming chemisorption. Thermodynamic analysis disclosed favorable and spontaneous chromium adsorption. Negative ΔG° values affirmed the spontaneity, while the exothermic nature of the process was signified by the positive ΔH° value, indicating heat release. Increased randomness at the solid-liquid interface, indicated by the positive ΔS° value, underscored the enhanced affinity between the adsorbent and adsorbate. This study exemplifies the potential of the vaporactivated carbosorbent as an efficient and sustainable remedy for chromium-contaminated water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance and interest in the efficient use and valorization of agro-industrial residues and by-products have grown due to environmental problems associated with improper disposal. Biotechnological production processes, including microbial biosurfactant production, represent a sustainable way to utilize agro-industrial residues and by-products, which are applied as substrates in these processes. Biosurfactants produced by microorganisms using renewable resources are a viable alternative to traditional petrochemical surfactants and have several potential uses in a wide range of industrial sectors due to their minimal ecotoxicity, easy biodegradability, and moderate production conditions. The common applications of biosurfactants, besides in food industry as food additives and preservatives, are in agriculture, environmental protection, the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry, wastewater treatment, the petroleum industry, etc. This review aims to summarize the comprehensive scientific research related to the use of various agro-industrial residues and by-products in the microbial production of biosurfactants, as well as to emphasize the present state and the importance of their sustainable production. Additionally, based on the available biosurfactant market analysis datasets and research studies, the current situation in science and industry and the future perspectives of microbial biosurfactant production have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Georgia, as a developing country, faces challenges of biodegradable waste management. The promotion of the modern composting systems is the major problem for the country, given that the generation of municipal waste is characterized by increasing dynamics and, therefore, the amount of biodegradable waste is also increasing every year. By 2030, waste generation is expected to increase maximum to 1.2 % annually, which should be the cause of significant challenges for local municipalities whose duties include municipal waste management, including recycling/composting activities. According to the experience of the EU states and other developed countries, composting as one of the best approaches to recycling biodegradable waste, is still not properly developed in Georgia. The article provides an analysis of the current state of waste management, the main approaches of the existing national policy in this field, and the successful experience of centralized composting given on the example of the Kutaisi composting centre, the replication of which will significantly improve the state of biodegradable waste management in Georgia. In view of the critical analysis of existing approaches to composting and local characteristics, it is proposed to introduce models such as centralized composting and community and home composting.

Municipal waste management is an important aspect in the context of the environmental protection of any country. Biowaste is the dominant stream among all municipal waste in Poland (32.4% in 2020). It can be processed through recycling and recovery processes. It is also possible to dispose of it, although according to the waste hierarchy, such action should be the last option. For biowaste to be recycled, e.g., through anaerobic digestion or composting, it must have suitable properties to be processed through the processes mentioned above. This study aims to discuss the selective collection and management of biowaste from Poland's municipal sector and identify limiting factors. The paper also indicates selected aspects of possible changes in the waste management sector, considering the role of society and waste management companies. The factors limiting the collection and further use of biowaste from the municipal sector in Poland can be divided into economic, social, technical, and technological. This article refers to the situation in Poland, but some problems occur analogously in other countries. This is because the barriers limiting the selective collection and management of biowaste in many countries are similar and differ mainly in the degree of intensity and the scope they cover. Given the increasingly stringent requirements for waste management, measures must be taken to achieve the legally required levels of recycling of biowaste and to recycle it as well as possible. The development of installations for biological waste management will be crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovery and recycling of municipal solid waste biodegradable fraction (50–55%) are essential for attaining sustainability and a circular economy. Among organic waste treatment methods, composting is used to recycle organic fractions of waste. However, only 10–12% of municipal solid waste is utilized for composting treatment due to a lack of segregation practices and process challenges, including long process periods, odorous and greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen loss, and low compost quality, which hinders large-scale practice. The current review paper discusses the challenges of composting treatment and its possible solutions. Various strategies were explored to address these challenges, such as utilizing microbial inoculum, additives, and optimization of physicochemical parameters. It also emphasizes the application of metagenomics for exploring key species. The knowledge about the microbial community and biochemical pathways (genome mining) can be exploited for the improvement of treatment efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid population growth, the amount of waste generated is also increasing. Today, conventional methods used for waste disposal are not suitable for reusing these wastes in a way that will not harm the environment or obtain energy. In recent years, the energy values of wastes that may cause harmful effects on the environment have started to be taken into account and the tendency towards disposal methods that can generate energy are increasing. The Thrace Region is located in an important geographical region for Turkey, where the population is dense, industry, agriculture, and livestock activities are carried out together, and solid waste production with high energy potential is also high. In this study, the biogas potential in the Thrace Region was determined by considering animal wastes, vegetable wastes, sewage sludge, and kitchen wastes. While determining the biogas potential of the Thrace Region, the data of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) on a yearly basis were used. In this study, it was determined that the total biogas potential of 2010, 2015, and 2020 were 281.452 m3 /day, 341.228 m3/day, and 358.153 m3 /day, respectively. As a result, it was recommended for both the Thrace Region and our country to use biogas energy obtained by disposing of wastes both economically and ecologically, instead of depleting fossil fuels.

The accumulation of sewage sludge is a severe problem in many countries. Its utilization through composting has the potential to become a widely applied technology. From this perspective, our study investigated the diversity of fungi in mesophilic and thermophilic habitats when composting biosolids, cow manure and wheat straw. It was conducted using a metagenomic approach and next-generation Illumina HiSeq2000 sequencing to reveal the fungal diversity. We found significantly enhanced microbial activity in the thermophilic phase. In contrast, the activity of enzyme β-glucosidase was 29% higher in the mesophilic zone. The range of α-diversity values was more pronounced in the mesophilic habitats than in the thermophilic habitats based on diversity indices. At the class level, the mesophilic fungi were represented by Sordariomycetes—58.7%, Pezizomycetes—15.1% and Agaricomycetes—12.3%, while the most abundant thermophilic fungi found were Sordariomycetes—39.5% and Pezizomycetes—9.8%. In the further clarification of genera diversity, it is striking that at 37.2 °C, Psathyrella was the most abundant with 35.91%, followed by Chaetomidium with 20.11%. Among the thermophiles, Thielavia and Mortierella were the most common. Further research on microbial diversity changes over time is needed to manage the metabolic processes in obtaining quality soil amendment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance and interest in the efficient use and valorization of agro-industrial residues and by-products have grown due to environmental problems associated with improper disposal. Biotechnological production processes, including microbial biosurfactant production, represent a sustainable way to utilize agro-industrial residues and by-products, which are applied as substrates in these processes. Biosurfactants produced by microorganisms using renewable resources are a viable alternative to traditional petrochemical surfactants and have several potential uses in a wide range of industrial sectors due to their minimal ecotoxicity, easy biodegradability, and moderate production conditions. The common applications of biosurfactants, besides in food industry as food additives and preservatives, are in agriculture, environmental protection, the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry, wastewater treatment, the petroleum industry, etc. This review aims to summarize the comprehensive scientific research related to the use of various agro-industrial residues and by-products in the microbial production of biosurfactants, as well as to emphasize the present state and the importance of their sustainable production. Additionally, based on the available biosurfactant market analysis datasets and research studies, the current situation in science and industry and the future perspectives of microbial biosurfactant production have been discussed.

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study aimed to develop some methods for the compositional characterization of biodegradable waste with relevance to the composting process at the laboratory level. For testing, four waste fractions were selected, such as waste based on dehydrated sludge, waste from parks (leaves, branches), market waste (mixture of vegetable and fruit) and cardboard waste. For metals and phosphorus, several microwave digestion methods were applied. The ammonium nitrogen content (NH4-N) was determined using a number of extraction procedures (water, CaCl2, and KCl). Three certified reference materials were used for testing the validity of the results. Recovery percentages higher than 90% were obtained. The developed and validated methods are suitable for biodegradable waste characterization used in composting processes.

Municipal waste management is an important aspect in the context of the environmental protection of any country. Biowaste is the dominant stream among all municipal waste in Poland (32.4% in 2020). It can be processed through recycling and recovery processes. It is also possible to dispose of it, although according to the waste hierarchy, such action should be the last option. For biowaste to be recycled, e.g., through anaerobic digestion or composting, it must have suitable properties to be processed through the processes mentioned above. This study aims to discuss the selective collection and management of biowaste from Poland’s municipal sector and identify limiting factors. The paper also indicates selected aspects of possible changes in the waste management sector, considering the role of society and waste management companies. The factors limiting the collection and further use of biowaste from the municipal sector in Poland can be divided into economic, social, technical, and technological. This article refers to the situation in Poland, but some problems occur analogously in other countries. This is because the barriers limiting the selective collection and management of biowaste in many countries are similar and differ mainly in the degree of intensity and the scope they cover. Given the increasingly stringent requirements for waste management, measures must be taken to achieve the legally required levels of recycling of biowaste and to recycle it as well as possible. The development of installations for biological waste management will be crucial.

Major greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) that cause diseases and global warming evaporate from waste disposal in landfills. For this reason waste management skills in landfills have to be revised, otherwise the magnitude of ozone layer will decrease even more and the global warming consequences will get more obviously on the environmental scale. The resent situation on waste disposal and GHGs from European Union landfills were analyzed in this article. According to survey made in one Lithuanian landfill, the average amount of municipal biodegradable waste is 58%. The research study describes current GHGs emissions quantitative analysis from five laboratory scale municipal solid waste landfill models with different conditions. Conditions in all columns were differed by changing the inlet and outlet flows of air, water/leachate, and probiotics. The object of research is the accumulation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and oxygen (O2) from municipal solid waste landfill models. After analysis and assessment of emitted GHG’s from the municipal solid waste landfill models, the landfill model with the lowest emissions was identified. Suitable landfill model’s condition parameters helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shorten landfill aftercare period. Article in English. Kai kurių šiltnamio efektą sukeliančių teršalų emisijų, naudojant komunalinių atliekų sąvartynų modelius, vertinimas Santrauka Nemažai šiltnamio efektą sukeliančių dujų (ŠESD), sukeliančių ligas ir visuotinį klimato atšilimą, išsiskiria į aplinką netinkamai šalinant komunalines atliekas sąvartynuose. Dėl šios priežasties reikia peržiūrėti atliekų tvarkymą sąvartynuose, nes priešingu atveju ozono sluoksnis dar labiau suplonės bei globalinio klimato atšilimo pasekmės bus dar ryškesnės aplinkos mastu. Šiame straipsnyje analizuojama dabartiniu metu susiklosčiusi situacija dėl netinkamo komunalinių atliekų šalinimo ir ŠESD emisijų iš Europos Sąjungos sąvartynų. Viename Lietuvos sąvartyne, atlikto tyrimo duomenimis, vidutinis komunalinių biologiškai skaidžių atliekų kiekis yra 58 %. Tyrime aprašoma dabartinė ŠESD emisijų kiekybinė analizė iš penkių komunalinių kietųjų atliekų sąvartynų prototipų modelių, juose sudarant skirtingas sąlygas. Tai yra visuose prototipų modeliuose buvo keičiami oro, vandens / filtrato ir probiotikų įleidimo bei išleidimo srautai. Tyrimo objektas buvo vandenilio sulfido (H2S) ir deguonies (O2) surinkimas iš skirtingų komunalinių atliekų sąvartynų modelių. Atlikus komunalinių atliekų sąvartynų modelių tyrimus pagal iš jų išmetamų ŠESD sudėtį, buvo nustatytas mažiausią emisiją turintis sąvartyno modelis. Tinkamai parinkti sąvartyno modelio parametrai padeda sumažinti ŠESD emisijas ir sutrumpinti sąvartyno eksploatavimo laikotarpį. Reikšminiai žodžiai: vandenilio sulfidas, šiltnamio efektą sukeliančių dujų emisijos, komunalinės atliekos, biologiškai skaidžios atliekos, skirtingi sąvartynų modeliai.

This study investigates how the environmental performances of biodegradable waste (e.g., organic fraction of municipal solid waste, green waste, agro-industrial waste) treatment plants are reported and how their improvement is planned by the managing companies, and assesses current key quantitative data versus the Best Available Techniques associated emission levels (BAT-AELs). Based on their Environmental Statements (ESs), 16 installations registered to EMAS in Italy in 2021 were analyzed. A set of 15 technical-environmental-social key aspects was described through 131 different indicators. Emissions to air, odor emissions, energy consumption/production, waste production and water consumption were the only key aspects considered significant and quantified by at least 50% of the ESs. Improvement targets were set by 38% of the companies for process management, and by 25% for emissions to air, for a total allocated budget of 25.2 M€. Odor emissions were mostly below the lower BAT-AELs, while NH3 concentration values were slightly above the lower BAT-AELs, demonstrating good performance levels and an overall improvement trend in the period 2018–2020 (−6% and −33.6%, respectively). This study provides interesting hints on the environmental performances of biodegradable waste treatment plants, also contributing to raise the trust of the wide public towards this waste treatment sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the problem of biodegradable waste in municipal solid waste in Ukraine. More then 60% of the total municipal solid waste mass in Ukraine is biodegradable waste. At present, this waste group is almost completely dumped on waste disposal sites and landfills that lead to "resource value" loss and to environmental problems. The work presents a classification of the group of biodegradable waste in municipal solid waste as well as quantitative characteristics of the group and the results of data variability analysis. Methane emission and disruption of the natural cycles of nutrients, in particular carbon, are considered as the environmental problems, related to such waste disposal on the waste dumps. Based on the biodegradable waste classification, the main possible ways of the problem solution that will help to achieve a "zero waste" goal for this group are presented. Efficient use of such waste as recyclable material resources is possible in case of easily-decomposed organic waste separation at the waste generation moment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) that cause diseases and global warming evaporate from waste disposal in landfills. For this reason waste management skills in landfills have to be revised, otherwise the magnitude of ozone layer will decrease even more and the global warming consequences will get more obviously on the environmental scale. The resent situation on waste disposal and GHGs from European Union landfills were analyzed in this article. According to survey made in one Lithuanian landfill, the average amount of municipal biodegradable waste is 58%. The research study describes current GHGs emissions quantitative analysis from five laboratory scale municipal solid waste landfill models with different conditions. Conditions in all columns were differed by changing the inlet and outlet flows of air, water/ leachate, and probiotics. The object of research is the accumulation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and oxygen (O2) from municipal solid waste landfill models. After analysis and assessment of emitted GHG’s from the municipal solid waste landfill models, the landfill model with the lowest emissions was identified. Suitable landfill model’s condition parameters helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shorten landfill aftercare period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes are often used as a liner in different applications, such as hazardous waste landfills, mining, water conservation, and waste ponds. The service exposure of materials causes thermal and oxidative degradation, changing the morphological structure of the polymer. This paper analyzed the final condition of an exhumed HDPE geomembrane sample that was 0.8 mm thick. The sample was collected from a biodegradable waste pond in the pond's slope, which was in contact with the waste and environmental conditions during the 15.17 years of field exposure. Physical and thermoanalytical evaluations of the sample were carried out. The analyses demonstrated that the brittle tensile behavior was observed by the low tensile elongation (259.24%) and the low-stress crack resistance (SCR) value (8.89 h). The high-density value (0.965 g cm−3) corroborates with the high crystallinity of the sample (57%). The standard oxidative induction time (Std. OIT) test result (6.94 min) demonstrated the resin's unprotection against oxidative degradation. Besides, the DMA results demonstrated an interaction of the impregnated material with the polymer. The final condition of the exhumed HDPE geomembrane analyzed can cause a rupture, generating an environmental impact on the site.

Abstract Today, global focus of research is to explore the solution of energy crisis and environmental pollution. Like other agricultural countries, bulk quantities of watermelon peels (WMP) are disposed-off in environment as waste in Pakistan and appropriate management of this waste is the need of hour to save environment from pollution. The work emphasizes the role of ethanologenic yeasts to utilize significant sugars present in WMP for low-cost bioethanol fermentation. Dilute hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of WMP was carried out on optimized conditions employing RSM (response surface methodology) following central composite design (CCD). This experimental design is based on optimization of ethanologenesis involving some key independent parameters such as WMP hydrolysate and synthetic media ratio (X1), incubation temperature (X2) and incubation temperature (X3) for maximal ethanol yield exploiting standard (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) as well as experimental (Metchnikowia cibodasensisY34) yeasts. The results revealed that maximal ethanol yields obtained from S. cerevisiae K7 was 0.36±0.02 g/g of reducing sugars whereas M. cibodasensisY34, yielded 0.40±0.01 g ethanol/g of reducing sugars. The yeast isolate M. cibodasensisY34 appeared as promising ethanologen and embodies prospective potential for fermentative valorization of WMP-to-bioethanol.

Reliable, up-to-date biomass data are needed for climate change mitigation and resource efficiency. Therefore, a calculation and reporting tool with thematic maps and data was developed. A free web-tool, Biomass Atlas, collects the spatial distribution of biomasses in Finland. Over 300 data layers present land use, cultivation, residual biomasses from forest, crop production, animal husbandry, municipalities, and industry at 1 km2 spatial resolution. The service enables calculations of biomass amount in a defined geographical area of interest and examining the opportunities and restrictions to utilise biomasses. The service was evaluated with six test-users in laboratory tests and 20 voluntary pilot test-users. Biomass Atlas shows the regional potential of biomaterials, fertilizer products, and renewable energy, as well as potential targets for utilized, recyclable biomass. Other possible uses include monitoring plant cover on fields and assessing land use diversity. Application enables users with no experience in GIS or biomass assessments to analyse biomass resources, produce maps and data summaries for decision making. [Display omitted] • Biomass Atlas is a spatially explicit web application to assess the biomass data. • Amounts and location of produced and recyclable biomass in Finland. • Forests, agricultural areas, crops and sidestreams on thematic maps. • Biomass modelling and calculation tools are given at 1 km2 spatial resolution. • Data for decision making on biomass utilisation for biomaterials, nutrients, and energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the surface soil samples (n=12) were randomly collected from both the waste dump and the non dumpsites (control). The characterization of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) at dumpsites indicated a significant higher proportion of biodegradable waste (71%). Hence, the analysis of soil samples showed a high pH, TDS, EC, volatile solids and organic carbon in comparison to control sites. Similarly, the increased concentration of heavy metals was observed. Overall, the mean metal concentrations at dumpsites soil were in the following descending order: Zn>Cr>Pb>Cu>Ni>Cd. Except for lead, the analyzed metals concentration was found below the permissible limits. However, on comparison with control sites, the trend indicated the likely increase in pollutant concentration. The study therefore concluded that MSW dumping has not only altered the soil color and texture, but also has changed the physico-chemical constituents. These findings might help in proper management of municipal solid waste in Karachi.

Solid waste management (SWM) is one of the most neglected aspects and becoming a challenge for India as well as other developing nations’ environment. India is one of the world’s large and fastestgrowing economy. Based on the trends in different nations like the US, China and European countries, it is clear that a developing economy of the nation and population of the country is also playing a vital role in the increasing rate of solid waste generation. Unsegregated waste is the root cause of the inefficient municipal solid waste management (MSWM) systems in India. The existing approach to managing the MSW such as collection, transportation and treatment results in poor utilization of resources. This review paper addresses the current status of MSWM in India. In this paper, various issues and challenges to obtain 100 % source segregated municipal solid waste are also discussed through different cases of urban areas. A way forward through an overview of the municipal waste management policies and practices adopted is being presented in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composting is an alternative for recycling biodegradable organic waste, transforming it into organic fertilizer that can be used as agricultural nutrients, avoiding its disposal in landfills. This study evaluated the composting of household organic waste as a substitution for cattle manure, with a view to its application in the fertilization of cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum Mill., Var. Cesariforme). Thus, compost piles were set up using 30% organic waste (carbon source) and 70% tree-pruning residues (filling material). Two sources of organic waste were tested: household food waste (FW) and cattle manure (CM), at five proportions (15% FW + 15% CM, 10% FW + 20% CM, 20% FW + 10% CM and the controls 30% CM and 30% FW). After 90 days, the mature compost from each pile was mixed with coconut fibre in a 1:1 ratio and used as substrate filled in 15 L plastic pots, where the cherry tomato plants were grown. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in a randomized block design, with five treatments and five replicates. Assessments of growth and leaf mineral composition were performed for the cherry tomato plants. The results indicate that cattle manure can be replaced by household food waste as the organic material used in compost piles. Fertilization with organic compost from household food waste positively influenced the growth and nutrient assimilation in the leaf tissue of cherry tomato.

In recent years, food waste has been a global concern that contributes to climate change. To deal with the rising impacts of climate change, in Hong Kong, food waste is converted into electricity in the framework of low-carbon approach. This work provides an overview of the conversion of food waste into electricity to achieve carbon neutrality. The production of methane and electricity from waste-to-energy (WTE) conversion are determined. Potential income from its sale and environmental benefits are also assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. It was found that the electricity generation from the food waste could reach 4.33 × 109 kWh annually, avoiding equivalent electricity charge worth USD 3.46 × 109 annually (based on US' 8/kWh). An equivalent CO 2 mitigation of 9.9 × 108 kg annually was attained. The revenue from its electricity sale in market was USD 1.44 × 10 9 in the 1st year and USD 4.24 × 10 9 in the 15th year, respectively, according to the projected CH 4 and electricity generation. The modelling study indicated that the electricity production is 0.8 kWh/kg of landfilled waste. The food waste could produce electricity as low as US' 8 per kW ∙ h. In spite of its promising results, there are techno-economic bottlenecks in commercial scale production and its application at comparable costs to conventional fossil fuels. Issues such as high GHG emissions and high production costs have been determined to be resolved later. Overall, this work not only leads to GHG avoidance, but also diversifies energy supply in providing power for homes in the future. [Display omitted] • About 3,600 ton of food waste is generated daily in Hong Kong. • The food waste could produce 2.2E+10 kg CH 4 through anaerobic digestion (AD). • About 9.1E+10 kWh of electricity could be suppliedby the CH 4 from AD. • This energy avoids 1.46E+10 kg coal consumption and reduces 2.08E+10 kg CO 2 emissions. • Food waste-to-energy conversion supplies a part of Hong Kong's energy demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The area of degraded sites in the world is constantly expanding and has been a serious environmental problem for years. Such terrains are not only polluted, but also due to erosion, devoid of plant cover and organic matter. The degradation trends can be reversed by supporting remediation/reclamation processes. One of the possibilities is the introduction of biodegradable waste/biowaste substrates into the soil. The additives can be the waste itself or preformed substrates, such composts, mineral-organic fertilizers or biochar. In EU countries average value of compost used for land restoration and landfill cover was equal 4.9%. The transformation of waste in valuable products require the fulfillment of a number of conditions (waste quality, process conditions, law, local circumstances). Application on degraded land surface bio-based waste substrates has several advantages: increase soil organic matter (SOM) and nutrient content, biodiversity and activity of microbial soil communities and change of several others physical and chemical factors including degradation/immobilization of contaminants. The additives improve the water ratio and availability to plants and restore aboveground ecosystem. Due to organic additives degraded terrains are able to sequestrate carbon and climate mitigate. However, we identified some challenges. The application of waste to soil must comply with the legal requirements and meet the end of use criteria. Moreover, shorter or long-term use of bio-waste based substrate lead to even greater soil chemical or microbial contamination. Among pollutants, “emerging contaminants” appear more frequently, such microplastics, nanoparticles or active compounds of pharmaceuticals. That is why a holistic approach is necessary for use the bio-waste based substrate for rehabilitation of soil degraded ecosystems.

Este estudio se presenta con el objetivo de analizar las potencialidades de los desechos biodegradables producidos en la industria agroalimentaria, como una alternativa viable para crear una economía circular que genere benefcios para toda la humanidad. el estudio se basa en un enfoque metodológico cualitativo, respaldado por la revisión de la literatura; por lo tanto, se considera a nivel epistemológico que se enmarca dentro del paradigma interpretativo. En términos del procedimiento utilizado, se investigó en diferentes bases de datos académicas sobre las publicaciones científcas más recientes que brindan orientación sobre las mejores prácticas que se están implementando en el sector del uso de desechos biodegradables. Los documentos de los últimos años se incluyen en inglés y español, con el fn de cubrir la mayor cantidad de reflexiones y hallazgos de los autores. El análisis de las publicaciones indica que existe un área importante de oportunidad para el desarrollo de iniciativas que consideren el uso de residuos biodegradables, generados a partir de las diferentes actividades del sector agroindustrial. Los principales desafíos para alcanzar este objetivo, sin duda, están relacionados con la inversión en tecnología, la evaluación de la viabilidad económica y fnanciera y la conciencia humana para promover un cambio de paradigma para mejorar la recolección en la fuente.

Copyright of Saber, Ciencia y Libertas is the property of Saber, Ciencia y Libertad and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Conventionally, catering waste is stored as per the requirements of Regulation (EU) No. 142/2011 before it is accepted for treatment by waste managers. Due to significant electricity and fuel consumption, the storage and waste management service not only cause substantial impacts on air quality and the climate, but also increase expenditure for catering companies. On-site intensive composting could considerably decrease these negative effects. Moreover, it would contribute to a circular economy by promoting nutrient recycling. In this study, the compost produced by an Oklin GG 10s on-site composter was characterised by high organic matter (>75% of dry matter), total nitrogen (1.85% of dry matter), and total potassium (1.85% of dry matter) contents. The total phosphorus content was relatively low (0.24% of dry matter), with most of it being in water-soluble form (444.60 mg L−1). The compost contained no heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens. The direct impact on air quality was positive (0.042 kg t−1 or 3.4 times lower than that from intensive/centralised food waste composting). This paper presents the results of the compost quality analysis and air emissions evaluation. Highlights • Payback period for the technology in a catering company is about 2 years. • Organic material in the compost is more than 77% of dry matter. • Total nitrogen content was relatively high 1.85% of dry matter. • The total amount of air emissions varied from 0.139 to 0.173 kg t−1 of BDW. • The primary compost was produced within 24 h with no microbiological contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban community composting is on the rise in large French cities. In Strasbourg (Alsace), neighborhood or private groups organize composting initiatives, encouraged by local policies and supervised by local authorities. The residents in charge decide and enforce the rules for composting locally. Increasingly, lists of banned inputs are posted, reflecting an effort to control processes in order to avoid inconveniences in shared spaces. While the local authority employees tasked with supervising simply mention ‘undesirable’ inputs as bio-waste material to be monitored, our ethnographic research shows that the risks associated with them are amplified by the residents in charge. The rules are generally easily accepted by accommodating and trusting practitioners, concerned with social cohesion. The prohibited items belong to several categories of biodegradable inputs, often meat products, non-crushed eggshells and citrus, as well as onion, garlic and rotten or moldy leftovers. The arguments put forward to justify these prohibitions draw on various registers ranging from pragmatism (space-time management) to subjective ideology, scientific facts or institutions. However, as the list of banned inputs gets longer, the amount of biomass than can escape incineration diminishes. Encouraging on-site experiments and facilitating access to scientific knowledge about biological processes and the associated organisms might therefore reassure the residents in charge of composting and relax the bans to better respond to the crucial need for reducing waste at the source.

Each year communities generate large quantities of municipal waste, including green waste such as grass and leaves. According to the waste catalogue, they may be treated as belonging to the group 20 02 (garden and park waste), and more specifically, to the group 20 02 01 – biodegradable waste. The aim of the study is to characterise the development directions of the green waste generated in the municipalities. Skilful management of this waste is extremely important. The following work focuses on three different technologies that enable efficient management of the green waste: methane fermentation, pelletising and composting. According to many authors, the most common technologies are pelletising and composting. In contrast, biogas fermentation of green waste in the municipalities is performed on a much smaller scale than other technologies. This may be due to the fact that this technology requires a significant expertise and is more complicated in terms of technology

Background: Waste composition and characteristics are determinative in selecting technological alternatives to develop waste management strategies that can meet legislative requirements. The aim of this study is to identify the major factors influencing the municipal solid waste (MSW) composition and the properties of its biodegradable fraction in İzmir city, Turkey. Methods: MSW composition was determined in samples collected from different income level areas of the city. Water and organic matter contents, calorific value, and the total chlorine levels in seven biodegradable waste (Bio-MSW) size fractions (between >120 mm and > 10 mm) and in the fine fraction (<10 mm) were analyzed. The data on waste components and Bio-MSW properties were statistically investigated. Results: The average shares of biodegradables and recyclables in MSW were found as 50.2 and 40.3%, respectively. The organic matter content of Bio-MSW increased with waste size (r = 0.313, p < 0.05) and its calorific value were in the range of 2310–3686 kcal/kg. A link between the plastics' share in MSW and the Bio-MSW chlorine levels was recognized (r: 0.666, p < 0.1). PCA analysis identified the main factors degrading the Bio-MSW quality as the cross contamination due to the mixed collection (30.8%), compaction applied in waste trucks (27.5%), and the inert broken materials trapped in larger fractions (21.3%). Conclusion: Strong negative impact of mixed collection on Bio-MSW quality indicated that implementation of source separated collection of MSW is crucial for Izmir city in order to develop an integrated waste management system that meets the legal requirements by means of end product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of VertigO is the property of La Revue Electronique en Sciences de l'Environnement VertigO and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Ambiente e Água is the property of Revista Ambiente e Agua and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)