Search Results (41)

Public transportation in cities is negatively affected by reliance on petroleum-based fuels, leading to emissions and poor air quality. Although the environmental evaluation of alternative buses in terms of sustainability has been extensively studied, the social dimensions have not received as much attention. In this regard, this research examines the social implications of alternative urban buses through life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods, including Eco-Indicator 99, Impact 2002+, and ReCiPe Endpoint. The results indicate that diesel buses significantly impact health, while hybrid, fuel cell, and electric buses can decrease emissions by 50%. These results underscore the necessity of zero-emission technologies to enhance urban air quality and promote better public health. Full article

Li-ion battery recycling is growing with better tech and eco-awareness. Explosions are possible during battery recycling due to their residual voltage. Proper battery discharge is vital to successful recycling. The goal of this study was to investigate a new method for discharging cylindrical batteries, utilizing a saltwater solution and copper conductors and analyzing the impact of both direct and indirect contact between the copper and the battery. A key variable impacting the discharge process was inconsistent spacing between the battery and the copper conductor. In the gap, the saltwater, functioning as an electrolyte solution, created an electrical short circuit, thus causing faster discharge. Because the battery was not in contact with the copper conductor during the discharge process, corrosion of the battery cap and valve occurred, leading to the battery’s anode and cathode elements dissolving into the solution. However, a near-total voltage drop of 99% was observed in the battery, indicating that it was almost completely discharged. Upon making contact with the copper strip during its discharge cycle, the battery exhibited no signs of corrosion. This report details the battery discharge process, encompassing an analysis of the electrochemical reaction, schematic diagrams, and a chemical analysis of the discharge precipitate. Full article

In this research, a nanoscale magnetic biosorbent was synthesized by incorporating magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) into a natural carbon framework derived from black cumin (BC) seeds. The prepared Fe₃O₄/BC was utilized as a low-cost, eco-friendly, and reusable nanobiosorbent for the removal of organic (e.g., methylene blue (MB) dye) pollutants from synthetic solutions. The results indicated that Fe₃O₄/BC had extensive surface oxygenous functional groups with a high affinity for MB dye capture at different concentrations such as 10–60 mg L⁻¹. The optimization results suggested the removal of ~99% of methylene blue from its initial concentration (i.e., 10 mg L⁻¹) using 2.0 g L⁻¹ of Fe₃O₄/BC at pH = 7, temperature = 27 °C, and contact time = 120 min, with equilibrium adsorption capacity = 5.0 mg g⁻¹ and partition coefficient = ~57.0 L g⁻¹. The equilibrium adsorption efficacy at the highest initial concentration (i.e., 60.0 mg L⁻¹) was found to be 29.0 mg g⁻¹. The adsorption isotherm was well explained by the Freundlich model for MB. The renderability of this magnetic bioadsorbent by acid treatments showed a ~66% decline in removal efficiency (%) (~99% to ~33%; ~5.0 to ~1.7 mg g⁻¹) for MB after six repetitive cycles of adsorption and desorption. The current Fe₃O₄/BC gives a better partition coefficient than previously reported acid-washed BC seeds and other BC-seed-based nanobioadsorbents, Hence, a synthesized Fe₃O₄/BC nanobiosorbent demonstrates potential for use in treating water contaminated with organic pollutants. Full article

This study examined the ability of a coating made from nano-CeO₂-doped montmorillonite (NCM) nanoclay to inhibit corrosion on carbon steel when immersed in a 1 M HCl solution. The coating was produced by combining CeO₂ nanoparticles with montmorillonite nanoclay, and its characteristics were analyzed using SEM and XRD techniques. The corrosion inhibition effects were assessed through weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) methods. The findings indicated that the NCM nanoclay serves as an effective inhibitor, exhibiting a mixed-type behavior that impedes both the anodic and cathodic reactions on the steel surface in an acidic environment. The investigation demonstrated that the NCM coating achieved remarkable inhibition efficiencies of 95% (using the weight loss method) and 99% (using the PDP method) in the acidic solution. SEM was utilized to capture images of the surface at various phases of the corrosion inhibition process for mild steel. XRD was employed to analyze the structural properties of the coating’s nanoparticles. This modified and eco-friendly NCM nanoclay has enhanced the corrosion resistance of mild steel in acidic environments. Full article

Groundwater constitutes 99% of the Earth’s liquid freshwater and is crucial for human health, economic development, and ecosystem sustainability. This study assesses groundwater sustainability in Denmark by employing a comprehensive hydrological model and a set of ensemble indicators. The paper describes the methodology and the results based on nine selected indicators. Three indicators focus on recharge capture and aquifer sustainability, one focuses on groundwater level and wetland capture, two focus on baseflow and drainage flow capture, and three focus on eco flow capture. Our findings highlight that while overall exploitable groundwater resources are estimated at 1.1 billion m³/year, significant regional disparities exist, with certain areas, notably Zealand, facing over-exploitation rates exceeding 250% of sustainable limits. The indicators developed not only provide a framework for assessing current groundwater resource limits, but also serve as a basis for future monitoring and adaptive management strategies. This research underscores the need for stakeholder engagement and integrated approaches to ensure the sustainability of groundwater resources in the face of growing anthropogenic pressures and climate change. Our work contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable water management and offers a robust methodology for assessing groundwater sustainability. Full article

Traditional energy systems pose a significant threat to human social development due to fossil fuel depletion and environmental pollution. Integrated energy systems (IESs) are widely studied and applied due to their clean and low-carbon characteristics to achieve sustainable development. However, as integrated energy systems expand, their impact on ecosystems becomes more pronounced. This paper introduces the concept of the ecological damage index (EDI) to promote the sustainable development of integrated energy systems. Moreover, the introduction of a capacity tariff mechanism will impact the energy structure, making it essential to consider its effects on capacity allocation within integrated energy systems. This paper proposes a multiobjective optimization framework for constructing a capacity planning model for integrated energy systems, focusing on achieving a multidimensional balance between the economy, environment, and ecosystem using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method. Finally, the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is employed to optimize the three objectives and obtain the Pareto frontier solution set. The optimal solution is selected from the solution set by combining the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and Shannon entropy method. In comparison to scenarios with incomplete considerations, the multiobjective capacity optimization model proposed in this study exhibits significant improvements across the three metrics of cost, carbon emissions, and the ecological damage index, with a 19.05% reduction in costs, a 26.24% decrease in carbon emissions, and an 8.85% decrease in the ecological damage index. The study demonstrates that the model abandons traditional single-objective research methods by incorporating a multidimensional balance of the economy, environment, and ecosystems. This approach forms a foundational basis for selecting the optimal energy mix and achieving sustainable development in integrated energy systems. The life cycle assessment methodology evaluates impacts across all stages of integrated energy systems, providing a comprehensive basis for assessing and planning the sustainable development of the systems. The study offers guidance for the rational allocation of the integrated energy system capacity and advances the sustainable development of such systems. Full article

The environmental impact of traditional construction materials necessitates the development of sustainable alternatives. This study evaluates eco-cobbles as novel building materials designed to reduce environmental footprint while maintaining performance standards. The objectives were to develop an eco-friendly cobble alternative and assess its effectiveness through laboratory tests. Eco-cobbles were synthesized using recycled and bio-based materials and tested for compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption at 14 and 28 days. The compressive strength ranged from 11.5 MPa to 26.8 MPa, with a maximum value observed at 28 days in a mixture containing 95% concrete and 5% polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Flexural strength varied from 9.1 MPa to 28.7 MPa, with the highest value achieved in a mixture of 95% concrete and 0% fibers. Water absorption rates ranged from 2.1% to 6.6%, demonstrating an effective balance between performance and durability. Environmental assessments indicated a 30% reduction in resource consumption and a 40% decrease in carbon footprint compared to traditional cobble production methods. The findings demonstrate that eco-cobbles not only meet performance standards but also offer significant environmental benefits with a 99% compliance from the results obtained by response surface methodology plots, confirming that eco-cobbles offer a viable, sustainable alternative to conventional materials, with the potential for broader application in eco-friendly construction practices. Full article

Vermicomposting offers an eco-friendly solution to managing the sewage sludge generated in wastewater treatment plants. The objective of this study was to investigate the microbial community composition, structure and functionality during the vermicomposting of sewage sludge. We analyzed samples of sewage sludge, earthworm casts and vermicompost by applying high-throughput sequencing 16S and ITS rRNA. Most of the bacterial (95%) and fungal taxa (99%) were eliminated and subsequently replaced by other microbial taxa originating from earthworms. Further changes resulted in a vermicompost with a more diverse bacterial (but not fungal) community. In addition, the earthworm activity led to an increase in bacterial and a decrease in fungal alpha diversity, resulting in greater differences in beta diversity between sewage sludge, casts and vermicompost. We also found that bacterial pathways associated with amino acid and plant hormone biosynthesis and antibiotic synthesis were enriched. Vermicomposting successfully eliminated most of the 10 human bacterial pathogens found in the sewage sludge. Simultaneously, parasitic and pathogenic fungal taxa were removed. Overall, vermicompost derived from sewage sludge is safer for disposal on land than raw sludge, particularly regarding their respective microbial compositions. This indicates that it could potentially be used as a soil organic amendment and fertilizer. Full article

Producing an eco-friendly fuel with the least amount of sulfur compounds has been an ongoing issue for petroleum refineries. In this study, bentonite (which is a cheap material and is locally available in abundance) is employed to prepare a nano-silica catalyst with a high surface area to be used for the oxidative desulfurization of kerosene. Two composite catalysts of Fe/silica were supported on CAT-1 (0% HY-zeolite and 100% nano-silica) and CAT-2 (20% HY-zeolite and 80% nano-silica). The activity of the catalysts was evaluated in a batch ODS (oxidative desulfurization) process at temperatures of 30, 60, 90, and 120 °C, a pressure of 1 atm, and a reaction time of 30, 60, 90, and 120 min using 120 L/h of air as the oxidant. The results revealed that the highest total sulfur removal efficiency was 50% and 87.88% for 100% nano-silica (CAT-1) and 80% nano-silica (CAT-2), respectively. The experimental data were then used to construct and validate an accurate mathematical model of the process. The operational parameters for eliminating more than 99% of sulfur and producing eco-friendly fuel were then achieved by using the model. The testing methods for these characterizing materials included X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric examination (TGA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and surface area (BET). The outcomes indicated that the addition of HY-zeolite increased the activity of the catalyst (CAT-2 > CAT-1). Full article

Coastal urban areas in Indonesia commonly encounter complex environmental problems, including bad air pollution and high risk of flooding due to sea level rise and land subsidence. The existence of urban mangrove forests potentially contributes to mitigating the environmental problems. Preserving mangrove forests in coastal urban areas requires continuous support from all stakeholders, which can be strengthened by good understanding on the comprehensive benefits provided by these ecosystems. This study aims to quantify key ecosystem services from urban mangrove forest, with a case study in Angke Kapuk Jakarta. Four types of key ecosystem services were quantified, i.e., carbon storage, air pollutant absorption, microclimate regulation, and nature recreation. A vegetation survey was conducted in 30 sample plots to collect data for carbon storage, which covers above-ground carbon, below-ground carbon, and carbon on deadwood. The absorption of six pollutants (CO, NO₂, O₃, SO₂, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5) was analysed using the i-Tree Eco model. Field measurements of air temperature and humidity, as well as interviews with 99 visitors, were performed to analyse microclimate regulation. This study found a high quantity of carbon storage within mangrove trees and deadwood in the study area (111.6 tonnes C/ha) as well as high amounts of air pollutants absorbed by mangrove trees (11.3 tonnes/year). Mangrove trees in the study area effectively regulated microclimate conditions, indicated by a significant difference in average daily air temperature and humidity between inside and outside the mangrove forest. Meanwhile, the number of visitors benefiting from its recreation services has fluctuated during the last five years, with an average of 138,550 people per year. We discuss the implications of the findings of this study for urban mangrove forest management, including how to integrate ecosystem services quantification into mangrove preservation and rehabilitation. Full article

Inorganic corrosion inhibitors are commonly applied to mitigate severe corrosion in absorption-based carbon capture plants. They are, however, not environmentally friendly, posing a health risk, harming the environment, and making chemical handling and disposal costly. Therefore, this study evaluated the corrosion inhibition performance of an amino acid, namely cysteine, with the aim of providing an eco-friendly alternative to the commercial inorganic corrosion inhibitors. Electrochemical and weight loss corrosion measurements showed that cysteine was effective in protecting carbon steel at all process operating conditions. At 80 °C, a 500 ppm cysteine could provide up to 83% and 99% inhibition efficiency under static and dynamic flow conditions, respectively. Its inhibition efficiency could be improved when the cysteine concentration, solution temperature, and flow condition were altered. Cysteine was an anodic corrosion inhibitor and underwent spontaneous, endothermic, and combined physical and chemical adsorption that followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The quantum chemical analysis indicated that cysteine had a high reactivity with metal surfaces due to its low energy gap and high dipole moment. The EDX analysis revealed a significant sulphur content on the metal substrate, indicating that cysteine’s mercapto group played an integral role in forming an effective adsorption layer on the metal interface. Full article

The burden of chronic wounds is growing due to the increasing incidence of trauma, aging, and diabetes, resulting in therapeutic problems and increased medical costs. Thus, this study reports the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of water-responsive hybrid hydrogels based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) using citric acid (CA) as the chemical crosslinking agent, with tunable physicochemical properties suitable to be applied as a wound dressing for soft tissue engineering applications. They were produced through an eco-friendly process under mild conditions. The hydrogels were designed and produced with flexible swelling degree properties through the selection of CMC molecular mass (Mw = 250 and 700 kDa) and degree of functionalization (DS = 0.81), degree of hydrolysis of PVA (DH > 99%, Mw = 84–150 kDa) associated with synthesis parameters, CMC/PVA ratio and extension of chemical crosslinking (CA/CMC:PVA ratio), for building engineered hybrid networks. The results demonstrated that highly absorbent hydrogels were produced with swelling degrees ranging from 100% to 5000%, and gel fraction from 40% to 80%, which significantly depended on the concentration of CA crosslinker and the presence of PVA as the CMC-based network modifier. The characterizations indicated that the crosslinking mechanism was mostly associated with the chemical reaction of CA carboxylic groups with hydroxyl groups of CMC and PVA polymers forming ester bonds, rendering a hybrid polymeric network. These hybrid hydrogels also presented hydrophilicity, permeability, and structural features dependent on the degree of crosslinking and composition. The hydrogels were cytocompatible with in vitro cell viability responses of over 90% towards model cell lines. Hence, it is envisioned that this research provides a simple strategy for producing biocompatible hydrogels with tailored properties as wound dressings for assisting chronic wound healing and skin tissue engineering applications. Full article

There are several recycling methods to treat discharged lithium-ion batteries, mostly based on pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical approaches. Some of them are promising, showing high recovery efficiency (over 90%) of strategic metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. However, technological efficiency must also consider the processes sustainability in terms of environmental impact. In this study, some recycling processes of spent lithium-ion batteries were considered, and their sustainability was evaluated based on the ESCAPE “Evaluation of Sustainability of material substitution using CArbon footPrint by a simplifiEd approach” approach, which is a screening tool preliminary to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The work specifically focuses on cobalt recovery comparing the sustainability of using inorganic or organic acid for the leaching of waste derived from lithium-ion batteries. Based on the possibility to compare different processes, for the first time, some considerations about technologies optimization have been done, allowing proposing strategies able to save chemicals. In addition, the energy mix of each country, to generate electricity has been considered, showing its influence on the sustainability evaluation. This allows distinguishing the countries using more low-carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) for a share of the electricity mix, where the recycling processes result more sustainable. Finally, this outcome is reflected by another indicator, the eco-cost from the virtual pollution model 99′ proposed by Vogtländer, which integrates the monetary estimation of carbon footprint. Full article

A diagnostic framework is proposed to assess the influence of star rating improvement for residential buildings on life cycle environmental impacts and life cycle costs (LCEI and LCC) using life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing methods, respectively, on all life cycle phases (i.e., construction, operation, maintenance, and disposal). A reference house was modified on the basis of six alternative designs to deliver a particular star rating in order to demonstrate the analysis framework. Two LCIA methods (i.e., material flows/add masses and eco-indicator 99 Australian substances) were used to estimate ten LCEI indicators under two categories: seven from problem-oriented (i.e., raw material, air emission, water emission, eco-toxicity, acidification/eutrophication potential, ozone depletion, and climate change) and three from damage-oriented (i.e., resource depletion, ecosystem quality, and effect on human health) categories. The three damage-oriented indicators were combined to evaluate environmental and economic wellbeing on a single eco-point basis. All these combinations of impact indicators can offer three lines of analytical options along with star rating: problem-oriented, damage-oriented, and a variety of problem and damage-oriented LCEIs with LCCs. Hence, the optimum house selection is-based not only on cost or star rating, but also on LCEIs. Full article

Thiourea was introduced into (R,R)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine as an organocatalyst to promote the reaction between isobutyraldehydes and maleimides. Enantioselective Michael addition reaction was carried out as an eco-friendly method using water as the solvent. As a result of the reaction between isobutyraldehyde and maleimide, ≥97% yield and 99% enantioselectivity were obtained at a low catalyst loading of 0.01 mol%. The solvent effect can be explained by theoretical calculations that indicate the participation of a transition state, in which the CF₃ substituent of the catalyst is a hydrogen bond activated by the surrounding water molecules. This discovery enabled the use of low catalyst loading in the organic reactions of chiral substances for pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, a solvent effect for Michael reaction of the organocatalysts was proposed, and the organic reaction mechanisms were determined through quantum calculations. Full article