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Advances in Solid Waste Treatment and Design (2nd Edition)

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A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental and Green Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 February 2026) | Viewed by 15828

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Yi-Kuo Chang

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Department of Safety Health and Environmental Engineering, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung City 40604, Taiwan
Interests: physical separation; inorganic waste recycling; resource recycling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the rapid economic growth and the progress of industrialization and urbanization, the amount of waste is increasing, and its nature is becoming more complex. Traditional waste treatment and disposal methods, such as incineration and landfilling, are still widely used today. With the improvement of the concept of sustainable development, the waste management strategy has gradually moved from end-of-life treatment and discharge reduction to diversified sustainable resource management, a more sustainable, more efficient, and environmentally friendly system. Innovations in this field include the integration of circular economy principles, enhanced waste sorting and recycling technologies, and the development of waste-to-energy (WTE) solutions. Additionally, advancements in materials science have enabled the design of biodegradable and recyclable products that reduce waste generation at the source. Combining engineering innovations, policy frameworks, and community engagement, these advancements have the potential to address global waste management challenges while promoting sustainability, resource conservation, and a circular economy.

This Special Issue "Advances in Solid Waste Treatment and Design (2nd Edition)" aims to provide comprehensive coverage of all aspects related to solid waste treatment and design. A wide range of research into separation, physical/chemical treatment, thermal treatment, bio-treatment, resource recycling, and landfill operations of waste materials will be covered. High-quality research articles on the various aspects of waste treatment technology and management will be brought together, covering both the current status and the remaining challenges. Suitable topics for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

Zero waste and resource recycling;
Solid waste minimization, separation, treatment, and disposal;
Waste management markets and policies.

Dr. Yi-Kuo Chang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

zero waste
resource recycling
circular economy
treatment
waste management
waste-to-energy

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 5209 KB

Open AccessArticle

Indium Recovery from ITO in LCD Glass Using Magnetic Separation and Sulfuric Acid: Influence of Fractions and Process Conditions

by Joanna Willner, Iva Janakova, Magdalena Jablonska-Czapla, George Yandem, David Hrecin and Jana Sedlakova-Kadukova

Processes 2025, 13(12), 3917; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13123917 - 4 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 611

Abstract

This study emphasizes the role of magnetic separation as a novel pretreatment strategy for the recovery of indium from ITO coatings in LCD screen glass. Previous studies have primarily focused on the magnetic separation of leaching residues. In this work, a reverse approach is proposed, and for the first time, magnetic separation was systematically applied prior to leaching. Our results demonstrate that indium accumulates in the ferromagnetic fraction, indicating its association with Fe-rich phases. In addition to Fe, the behavior of Sr and Si was also evaluated, providing a broader understanding of elemental distribution within LCD glass. This finding offers new insights into the distribution and mobility of indium during hydrometallurgical processing and highlights magnetic separation as a valuable step for improving recovery efficiency. To establish optimal leaching conditions, preliminary experiments were performed on ground LCD glass using sulfuric acid at three concentrations (0.1, 1, and 5 M) and two temperatures (21 °C and 65 °C) for both coarse (>1 mm) and fine (<1 mm) particle fractions. All residues and solid-state analyses were performed using the XRF method. Acid molarity was found to be the dominant factor controlling indium dissolution, with 5 M H₂SO₄ selected as the most effective leaching medium. Statistical evaluation further clarified the dissolution trends of these elements and confirmed the significance of magnetic separation in enhancing the efficiency of indium recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solid Waste Treatment and Design (2nd Edition))

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20 pages, 1913 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Radical Pathways in a 425 kHz Sonoreactor: Coupled Calorimetric–Multidosimetric Assessment and Process Variable Impacts in Sunset Yellow FCF Degradation

by Abdulmajeed Baker, Oualid Hamdaoui, Lahssen El Blidi, Mohamed K. Hadj-Kali and Abdulaziz Alghyamah

Processes 2025, 13(12), 3827; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13123827 - 26 Nov 2025

Viewed by 411

Abstract

This study quantifies radical pathways and the influence of process variables in a 425 kHz sonoreactor through a coupled calorimetric and multidosimetric approach during Sunset Yellow FCF degradation. Reactive oxygen species were mapped with four complementary dosimeters. Potassium iodide (KI) tracked interfacial hydroxyl radicals (^•OH). KI with ammonium heptamolybdate (AHM) captured ^•OH radicals together with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Bulk H₂O₂ accumulation integrated the recombination branch. Hydroxylation of 4-nitrophenol to 4-nitrocatechol acted as a selective near-interface ^•OH probe. Calorimetry showed that acoustic power density increased with set power and decreased with liquid height. All four dosimeters rose coherently with this variable, indicating that stronger driving elevated ^•OH generation while channeling a larger fraction into H₂O₂ through recombination. Process studies linked energy delivery to performance across operating conditions. Higher power accelerated pseudo-first order dye decay. Increasing initial dye concentration reduced fractional removal at fixed power, consistent with a radical-limited regime. Acidic media enhanced degradation by maintaining a stronger hydroxyl radical to water redox couple and by improving H₂O₂ persistence. Near neutral and alkaline media exhibited carbonate and bicarbonate scavenging of hydroxyl radicals and faster peroxide loss. Dissolved gas identity strongly modulated activity. Oxygen and argon outperformed air and carbon dioxide due to the combined thermophysical and chemical roles of the bubble gas. The calorimetry anchored and multidosimetric protocol provides a general route to compare reactors, optimize conditions, and support scale-up based on delivered energy density. Ultrasonication-driven degradation is a robust, practical technology for advanced treatment of dye-laden waters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solid Waste Treatment and Design (2nd Edition))

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16 pages, 3187 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Influence of Temperature and Exothermic Effects During Torrefaction on the Properties of Agricultural Waste

by Rafail Isemin, Fouzi Tabet, Aleksandr Shevchenko, Alexander Mikhalev, Sergey Kuzmin, Mulissa Jida Midekssa, Oleg Milovanov, Dmitry Klimov, Kirill Milovanov, Yuliya Faleeva and Vladimir Lavrenov

Processes 2025, 13(10), 3294; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103294 - 15 Oct 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 587

Abstract

Raw biomass presents challenges for energy use due to its high moisture content, low bulk density, and susceptibility to biological degradation, which hinder storage, transport, and utilization. An experimental setup was developed to investigate exothermic behavior during torrefaction of agricultural and food industry wastes. Exothermic reactions were observed between 190 °C and 450 °C, with more prominent effects in corn waste, sugarcane bagasse, and straw compared to sunflower husks, palm residues, and coffee skin. A series of tests performed on a torrefaction reactor with a core-type wall heating system showed that the heat generated by exothermic reactions makes it possible to reduce the torrefaction time by a factor of 1.5 (from 120 to 80 min) to obtain biochar of the required quality, with only a slight process temperature increase (15%, from 200 to 230 °C). These findings offer practical pathways for transforming waste into valuable biochar, fostering environmental resilience and socio-economic benefits in communities reliant on biomass resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solid Waste Treatment and Design (2nd Edition))

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18 pages, 4806 KB

Open AccessArticle

Solarized Auger Reactor for Organic Waste Upgrading Through Pyrolysis

by Ernesto Anguera Romero, Nidia Aracely Cisneros-Cárdenas, Arturo Aspiazu-Méndez, Heidi Isabel Villafán Vidales, Pablo Pizarro Medina and Claudio A. Estrada

Processes 2025, 13(10), 3216; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103216 - 9 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1197

Abstract

This study reports the initial thermal and thermochemical performance of a novel solarized Auger-type reactor for Pyrolysis (SARP), specifically developed for the valorization of organic solid waste into solar-derived fuels. A key innovation of this system lies in its integration with a high-flux, point-focus solar concentrator that enables controlled delivery of concentrated solar radiation to drive endothermic processes. At the front of the reactor, the thermal evaluation under solar irradiation shows that surface temperatures reached up to approximately 750 °C on the exterior, while the hottest section of the interior briefly reached approximately 700 °C, in the pyrolysis zone. In contrast, the preheating zone inside the reactor exhibits temperatures ranging from 160 °C to 306 °C, indicating a non-uniform thermal profile for the incoming feedstock. The campaign focused on thermochemical pyrolysis, in which pecan walnut tree pruning residue biomass was processed under controlled semicontinuous operation. Batches of 600 g were pyrolyzed, yielding approximately 390 g of biochar and achieving a peak hydrogen concentration of 14.5% vol in the product gases. These findings demonstrate the reactor’s potential for solar-driven waste-to-fuel conversion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solid Waste Treatment and Design (2nd Edition))

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11 pages, 852 KB

Open AccessArticle

Furthering the Application of a Low-Moisture Anhydrous Ammonia Pretreatment of Corn Stover

by Ming-Hsun Cheng and Kurt A. Rosentrater

Processes 2025, 13(8), 2643; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082643 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 777

Abstract

The use of an ammonia fiber expansion pretreatment using low-moisture anhydrous ammonia (LMAA) is a promising strategy for biomass deconstruction, with significant effects on depolymerizing lignin and hemicellulose. An LMAA pretreatment provides several advantages, including compatibility with the high-biomass loading of solids, efficient ammonia recovery, and scalability for industrial operations. In this study, the reactor was revisited and optimized to improve glucan digestibility from corn stover through enzymatic hydrolysis, building on our previous findings that identified limitations in ammonia distribution. The effects of the biomass particle size, the reaction time, and their interaction on glucose yields were investigated to determine their influence on the subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis kinetics. The best glucose yield of 83% was achieved using an LMAA pretreatment of biomass with a 0.5 mm particle size, representing an improvement of approximately 5% compared to biomass with a 1 mm particle size. Additionally, reactor optimization led to a 22% improvement in the glucose yield compared to the previous reactor configuration. According to the results of the reaction kinetics fitting, the enzymatic hydrolysis data indicated that the reaction followed a pseudo-first-order model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solid Waste Treatment and Design (2nd Edition))

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57 pages, 3664 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Advancing Municipal Solid Waste Management Through Gasification Technology

by Uzeru Haruna Kun and Ewelina Ksepko

Processes 2025, 13(7), 2000; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072000 - 24 Jun 2025

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5784

Abstract

This review thoroughly evaluates gasification as a transformative alternative to conventional methods for managing municipal solid waste (MSW), highlighting its potential to convert carbonaceous materials into syngas for energy and chemical synthesis. A comparative evaluation of more than 350 papers and documents demonstrated that gasification is superior to incineration and pyrolysis, resulting in lower harmful emissions and improved energy efficiency, which aligns with sustainability goals. Key operational findings indicate that adjusting the temperature to 800–900 °C leads to the consumption of CO₂ and the production of CO via the Boudouard reaction. Air gasification produces syngas yields of up to 76.99 wt% at 703 °C, while oxygen gasification demonstrates a carbon conversion efficiency of 80.2%. Steam and CO₂ gasification prove to be effective for producing H₂ and CO, respectively. Catalysts, especially nickel-based ones, are effective in reducing tar and enhancing syngas quality. Innovative approaches, such as co-gasification, plasma and solar-assisted gasification, chemical looping, and integration with carbon capture, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), show promise in improving process performance and reducing technical and economic hurdles. The review identifies research gaps in catalyst development, feedstock variability, and system integration, emphasizing the need for integrated research, policy, and investment to fully realize the potential of gasification in the clean energy transition and sustainable MSW management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solid Waste Treatment and Design (2nd Edition))

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28 pages, 1824 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Phytoremediaton Strategies for Co-Contaminated Soils: Overcoming Challenges, Enhancing Efficiency, and Exploring Future Advancements and Innovations

by Yun-Yeong Lee, Kyung-Suk Cho and Jeonghee Yun

Processes 2025, 13(1), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010132 - 6 Jan 2025

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5813

Abstract

Soils co-contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) and heavy metals pose significant challenges, such as reduced bioavailability of pollutants, toxic effects on soil microorganisms, and unpredictable chemical interactions. These complex interactions hinder effective remediation. Phytoremediation, which utilizes plant and microbial processes, offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. However, its effectiveness is often constrained by the intricate interplay among PHs, heavy metals, and soil components, which complicates pollutant degradation and microbial activity. This review explores the interactions between enhancement strategies, including soil amendments, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), and genetic engineering, which can synergistically enhance pollutant degradation and remediation efficiency. Key challenges include competition for soil adsorption sites among contaminants, microbial community disruptions, and environmental variability. Moreover, the limitations of these strategies, including their reliance on specific plant species, sensitivity to environmental variability, and the necessity for long-term monitoring, are discussed. The proposed solutions focus on integrating emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches to overcome these challenges and improve pollutant removal efficiency. Future advancements in interdisciplinary approaches, integrating biological techniques with technological innovations, are highlighted as key to addressing the complexities of co-contaminated environments and improving pollutant removal efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solid Waste Treatment and Design (2nd Edition))

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