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Sustainable Environmental Management of Hazardous Wastes
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Sustainable Environmental Management of Hazardous Wastes

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Waste and Recycling".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 26428

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ana M. Andrés

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry and Process and Resource Engineering, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
Interests: environmental assessment of industrial processes; industrial hazardous waste valorisation; environmental assessment of mobility of pollutants using leaching and ecotoxicological tests; environmental decision support tools
Dr. Eva Cifrián

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry and Process and Resource Engineering, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
Interests: environmental analysis of processes related to circular economy characterization, environmental evaluation and sustainable management of industrial waste, through leaching test and eco-toxicological studies; design of recovery processes for different types of waste; application of decision-making tools, such as LCA, MCA, CF, to select the best alternatives from the environmental point of view for waste recovery processes; development of monitoring indicators for the waste area

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The recovery of the world’s society from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may be an incentive to advance sustainable development strategies that respond to the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. One of the most important tasks to achieve them is the mobilization of industry to promote a clean and circular economy, as proposed in the European Strategy of the Green Deal 2019.

Hazardous waste (HW) means waste which exhibits one or more of the hazardous properties (explosive, flammable, irritant, harmful, toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, infectious, ecotoxic, etc.) listed in different regulations around the world. Hazardous waste is of high concern due to the potential risk it poses to humans and the environment if its management is not properly carried out. The main sectors that generate the largest volumes of hazardous waste are as follows: first, the waste sector (during collection, treatment, and disposal of waste); second, the construction sector; third, the mining and quarrying sector; fourth, the household sector is an important source, whereby waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest growing waste streams; and, finally, chemical and medical wastes.

Sustainable hazardous waste management, considered from collection to final treatment, including recycling and recovery, aims to limit the dispersion of pollutants and substances of concern into the environment and material cycles. In this sense, the environmentally sustainable management of hazardous waste should be approached from the perspective of waste prevention to reduce the content of hazardous substances in materials and products and, therefore, the amount of hazardous waste generated in working toward a model of circular economy. The role of HW management in the transition from a traditional linear model to a circular model, which replaces the “end-of-life” concept by reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering materials in the entire cycle, implies opportunities. On the other hand, the presence of hazardous substances in waste streams generates a key environmental question—are there adequate tools to assess the risk that may arise from the reuse and recycling of materials?

This Special Issue “Sustainable Environmental Management of Hazardous Wastes” will include, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • Processes for removal or transformation of toxic pollutants of HW.
  • Cleaner processes or technologies that minimize the environmental impact of HW.
  • Waste, energy, and resource (WER) management in the HW sector.
  • HW management efficiency in relation to sustainable environmental criteria.
  • Innovation processes, methods, and tools to guarantee clean material cycles of substances of concern.
  • Sustainable management of hazardous industrial waste through closed loop systems/reuse of waste.

Dr. Ana M. Andrés
Dr. Eva Cifrián
Guest Editors

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Sustainability 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

  • hazardous waste
  • industrial waste
  • sustainable management
  • circular economy
  • recycling
  • materials recovery
  • cleaner processes
  • resources
  • life cycle assessment
  • environmental impact
  • risk assessment
  • ecotoxicity
  • heavy metals
  • persistent organic pollutants

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 631 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Classification of a Mirror Entry in the European List of Waste: Incineration Bottom Ash from Municipal Solid Waste
by Beatriz S. Bandarra, Sónia Silva, Joana L. Pereira, Rui C. Martins and Margarida J. Quina
Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10352; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610352 - 19 Aug 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2322 | Correction
Abstract
In the European Union (EU), waste is classified according to the List of Waste (LoW) and relying on the assessment of 15 hazardous properties (HPs). Incineration bottom ash (IBA) from municipal solid waste is a mirror entry in the LoW, which leads to [...] Read more.
In the European Union (EU), waste is classified according to the List of Waste (LoW) and relying on the assessment of 15 hazardous properties (HPs). Incineration bottom ash (IBA) from municipal solid waste is a mirror entry in the LoW, which leads to extremely different management options within the EU. IBA has shown potential for different applications under a circular economy perspective, contributing both to avoiding waste landfilling and the consumption of natural resources, such as sand and gravel. In this context, IBA evaluation and classification play a significant role in understanding which protection measures should be taken. This work aims to present an assessment of the 15 HPs and the consequent classification of IBA using data from the industry. Each HP is assessed based on knowledge of waste, chemical composition considering concentration limits for hazardous substances, and/or through tests (chemical, physical, or biological). According to the criteria followed, 5 out of 6 samples from a Portuguese Waste-to-Energy plant were considered non-hazardous. Only one sample was classified as hazardous due to the assignment of HP 10, which resulted from Pb content (0.36%) above the concentration limit established for this property (0.3%). Nonetheless, although most hazardous entries in the LoW have this classification based on HP 14, the results obtained for the samples of this work seem to indicate IBA from this study is non-ecotoxic. Moreover, it has been suggested that IBA could possibly achieve the End-of-Waste status according to the Waste Framework Directive. For such purpose, clear criteria should be laid down to safely use the material, and testing is a crucial step. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Environmental Management of Hazardous Wastes)
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13 pages, 4523 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Management of Salt Slag
by Isabel Padilla, Maximina Romero, Sol López-Andrés and Aurora López-Delgado
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 4887; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14094887 - 19 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4028
Abstract
The management of salt slag, a waste from the secondary aluminum industry, is associated with huge environmental concerns due to the risk of atmospheric pollution (emission of toxic gases), groundwater contamination (high salt content that can percolate and cause an increase in salinity) [...] Read more.
The management of salt slag, a waste from the secondary aluminum industry, is associated with huge environmental concerns due to the risk of atmospheric pollution (emission of toxic gases), groundwater contamination (high salt content that can percolate and cause an increase in salinity) and soil unavailability (large extensions required for disposal). Therefore, the development of a sustainable process for its treatment and recovery is of the utmost importance. In this work, a two-step process for the valorization of salt slag was developed that rendered zeolite as the main added-value product and NaCl and NH3 as byproducts. First, salt slag was hydrolyzed at 90 °C and at a solid/water ratio of 1/3. More than 90% of salt and ~90% of ammonia were recovered. In a second step, the hydrolyzed slag was completely transformed into a NaP zeolite under mild hydrothermal conditions. The zeolite exhibited specific surface area (17 m2 g−1), cation exchange capacity (2.12 meq g−1) and zeta potential (−52 mV) values that represent good characteristics for use in the removal of metal ions from aqueous effluents. The transformation of salt slag into zeolite can be considered a sustainable process with a high contribution to the circular economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Environmental Management of Hazardous Wastes)
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21 pages, 3060 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Management Strategy for Solidification/Stabilization of Zinc Plant Residues (ZPR) by Fly Ash/Clay-Based Geopolymers
by Juan Dacuba, Tamara Llano, Eva Cifrian and Ana Andrés
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4438; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084438 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3401
Abstract
Solidification/stabilization (S/S) of acid waste using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is widely implemented, but, due to the impact on climate change, alternative methods are being investigated. In this work, first, the feasibility of using coal fly-ash/clay-based geopolymers for the S/S of Zn plant [...] Read more.
Solidification/stabilization (S/S) of acid waste using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is widely implemented, but, due to the impact on climate change, alternative methods are being investigated. In this work, first, the feasibility of using coal fly-ash/clay-based geopolymers for the S/S of Zn plant residues (ZPR), Cadmium Sponge (CS), and Anode Mud (AM) is proposed as a treatment prior to disposal in landfills. Different variables, such as the type of processing, molding (as-received waste), and pressing (dried waste), and activators, a commercial and an alternative residual sodium carbonate, have been studied. The technical and environmental assessments of the S/S process by means of compressive strength and the leaching of critical pollutants have been monitored. Immobilization efficiencies of Cd and Zn higher than 99% have been obtained by dosing 50% of the acid waste, 6 M NaOH solution (20 min contact time), cured at 75 °C (48 h) and at room temperature (28 days), achieving in the leachates pH values of 7 to 10 and [Cd] and [Zn] < 1 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively. However, alkaline activation increases As leaching, mainly associated with the clay. Secondly, removing clay from the geopolymer formulation, the optimization of geopolymer parameters, acid waste/geopolymer ratio, liquid/solid ratio, and NaOH molar concentration enables obtaining a significant reduction in the release of As and Cd, and Zn is kept at acceptable values that meet the non-hazardous waste landfill disposal limits for the S/S of both acid wastes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Environmental Management of Hazardous Wastes)
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18 pages, 4387 KiB  
Article
Effect of Temperature and Humidity on the Synthesis of Alkali-Activated Binders Based on Bottom Ash from Municipal Waste Incineration
by Pietro C. D. Tortora, Alex Maldonado-Alameda, Jofre Mañosa, Alex C. Quintero-Payan, Cristina Leonelli, Isabella Lancellotti and Josep M. Chimenos
Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1848; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031848 - 6 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2174
Abstract
Weathered bottom ash (WBA) from municipal solid waste incineration is a calcium aluminosilicate-rich material mainly used in construction and civil engineering as a secondary aggregate. However, its use is also being considered as a precursor in the manufacture of alkali-activated binders (AA-WBA). This [...] Read more.
Weathered bottom ash (WBA) from municipal solid waste incineration is a calcium aluminosilicate-rich material mainly used in construction and civil engineering as a secondary aggregate. However, its use is also being considered as a precursor in the manufacture of alkali-activated binders (AA-WBA). This preliminary research aimed to deepen understanding of the potential use of WBA (>8 mm fraction) as the sole precursor of alkali-activated binders. To gain better knowledge of this material, the physicochemical, mechanical, and environmental properties of AA-WBA binders were evaluated. In addition, the effect of curing temperature (25 °C, 45 °C, 65 °C, and 85 °C) and humidity conditions (oven and climate chamber) were assessed. The results of this study revealed that temperature and humidity conditions play a fundamental role during the early formation stages of AA-WBA binders. Maximum compactness and compressive strength (29.8 MPa) were obtained in the sample cured at 65 °C in the oven and room humidity. At higher temperatures (85 °C), a substantial decrease in mechanical strength (21.2 MPa) was observed due to a lower cohesion of the binder phases. Curing in the climate chamber led to an increase in humidity, and therefore a decrease in compressive strength. Finally, lower porosity and longer curing time substantially decreased the heavy metals and metalloid leaching concentration of AA-WBA binders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Environmental Management of Hazardous Wastes)
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34 pages, 5372 KiB  
Article
The Role of a Hazardous Waste Intermediate Management Plant in the Circularity of Products
by David Viruega Sevilla, Ahinara Francisco López and Pastora M. Bello Bugallo
Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031241 - 22 Jan 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3474
Abstract
Zero-pollution goals and the reduction in environmental pressures related to production and consumption have become a priority in recent environmental policies such as the 8th European Environment Action Program proposal. Adapting current industrial processes is essential to this transition towards a regenerative economy. [...] Read more.
Zero-pollution goals and the reduction in environmental pressures related to production and consumption have become a priority in recent environmental policies such as the 8th European Environment Action Program proposal. Adapting current industrial processes is essential to this transition towards a regenerative economy. This work presents a redesign plan for an industrial system that includes mechanical workshops and a hazardous waste intermediate management plant, covering all management activities (both off-site and on-site), such as collection, transport, and treatment. The waste management hierarchy is modified/amplified considering the original definition and the circular economy focus. This includes the improvement of existing processes and/or the design of new sustainable processes from waste to energy and useful materials, with different foci (integrated pollution prevention and control, industrial ecology, the circular economy, system dynamics, and life-cycle thinking (LCT)) and different tools employed (Best Available Techniques inventory (BAT), process simulation, BAT analysis, industrial symbiosis, dynamic material and energy flow analysis, and LCT tools). These tools help us to improve the sustainability of waste to energy and useful materials processes and improve symbiotic behaviour in the industrial system. This study shows the real possibility of achieving the circularity of products, transforming the waste sector into a productive one. Meanwhile, it contributes to the extinction of the traditional concept of waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Environmental Management of Hazardous Wastes)
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18 pages, 4814 KiB  
Article
Immobilization of Hazardous Wastes on One-Part Blast Furnace Slag-Based Geopolymers
by Daniela Carolina Paz-Gómez, Inês Silveirinha Vilarinho, Silvia M. Pérez-Moreno, João Carvalheiras, José Luis Guerrero, Rui Miguel Novais, Maria Paula Seabra, Guillermos Ríos, Juan Pedro Bolívar and João António Labrincha
Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13455; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313455 - 5 Dec 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2866
Abstract
The immobilization of hazardous wastes in ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based materials has been widely studied and implemented. OPC-based materials have a high carbon footprint associated with their production and geopolymer materials are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. Therefore, this work aimed to immobilize [...] Read more.
The immobilization of hazardous wastes in ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based materials has been widely studied and implemented. OPC-based materials have a high carbon footprint associated with their production and geopolymer materials are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. Therefore, this work aimed to immobilize two hazardous industrial wastes: copper wastewater sludge and phosphogypsum in one-part geopolymer materials. For that purpose, the precursor was partially substituted by these wastes (5, 10 and 20 wt.%) in the formulations. The geopolymer fresh and hardened state properties were evaluated, and the immobilisation of pollutants was determined through leaching tests. In phosphogypsum pastes (PG5, PG10 and PG20) it was observed that the compressive strength decreased with the increase in its amount, varying between 67 MPa and 19 MPa. In copper sludge pastes, the compressive strength of the specimens (CWS5 and CWS10) reached ~50 MPa. The mortars, MPG10 and MCWSs10, had compressive strengths of 13 MPa and 21 MPa, respectively. Leaching tests showed that pastes and mortars immobilise the hazardous species of the wastes, except for As from copper sludge, whose the best result was found in the compact paste (CWSs10) that leached 2 mg/kg of As. Results suggest that optimized compositions are suitable for the construction sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Environmental Management of Hazardous Wastes)
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11 pages, 1850 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Material Management of Industrial Hazardous Waste in Taiwan: Case Studies in Circular Economy
by Chi-Hung Tsai, Yun-Hwei Shen and Wen-Tien Tsai
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9410; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169410 - 22 Aug 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4430
Abstract
In recent years, the rapid economic development in Taiwan has resulted in greater complexity in handling industrial hazardous waste. The main aim of this paper was to present a trend analysis of the online reported amounts of industrial hazardous waste from the official [...] Read more.
In recent years, the rapid economic development in Taiwan has resulted in greater complexity in handling industrial hazardous waste. The main aim of this paper was to present a trend analysis of the online reported amounts of industrial hazardous waste from the official database over the past decade (2010–2020). In addition, this study focused on the environmental policies and regulatory measures for the mandatory material resources from industrial hazardous waste according to the promulgation of the revised Waste Management Act. It was found that the annual reported amounts of industrial hazardous waste ranged from 1200 thousand metric tons to 1600 thousand metric tons, reflecting a balanced relationship between the industrial production and waste management. Based on the principles of resource recycling and circular economy, some case studies for specific types of industrial hazardous waste (including spent acid etchant, spent pickling liquid, and spent dimethyl formamide-contained liquid) were compiled to echo the government efforts in sustainable material management. In Taiwan, recycling amounts in 2020 were recorded up to 92,800, 130,460, and 54,266 metric tons, respectively. It was suggested to be a successful circular economy model in the printed circuit boards, steel/iron processing, and synthetic leather industries. In order to effectively reduce the environmental loadings and conserve material resources from industrial hazardous waste, some recommendations were also addressed to provide for the policy makers, environmental engineers and process manager. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Environmental Management of Hazardous Wastes)
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