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14 pages, 4116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Potential of Aerated Concrete and Clay Bricks from Construction and Demolition Waste as Adsorbents for Pb(II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions

by Yaru Yuan, Hongpei Han, Ruifeng Xie, Lin Zhu, Xianfa Ma and Xuesheng Liu

Processes 2023, 11(6), 1798; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11061798 - 13 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1520

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of utilizing aerated concrete (AC) and clay bricks (CB) sourced from construction and demotion waste (CDW) as low-cost adsorbents for the removal of Pb²⁺ from aqueous solutions. The effects of various parameters, including particle size, solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial Pb²⁺ concentration, were analyzed through batch experiments. The results indicated that AC performed more efficiently in removing lead ions than CB under all the tested conditions. The highest removal efficiency of Pb²⁺ with AC was 99.0%, which was achieved at a pH of 5.0, contact time of 1 h, an adsorbent dosage of 5 g/L, and an initial Pb²⁺ concentration of 100 mg/L. The maximum adsorption capacities of AC and CB were 201.6 mg/g and 56.3 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption isotherm data of the adsorbents were successfully modeled using both the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions by both adsorbents is primarily achieved through adsorption and microprecipitation. Compared to CB, AC exhibited superior performance, attributed to its larger specific surface area, pore volume, and alkalinity. The cost-effectiveness and availability of AC make it a promising candidate for treating of Pb-contaminated wastewater, providing a new way for resource utilization of CDW. Full article

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18 pages, 2756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment Model of End-of-Life Costs and Waste Quantification in Selective Demolitions: Case Studies of Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings

by Eduardo Vázquez-López, Federico Garzia, Roberta Pernetti, Jaime Solís-Guzmán and Madelyn Marrero

Sustainability 2020, 12(15), 6255; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12156255 - 3 Aug 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4125

Abstract

Innovative designs, such as those taking place in nearly zero-energy buildings, need to tackle Life Cycle Cost, because reducing the impact of use can carry other collateral and unexpected costs. For example, it is interesting to include the evaluation of end-of-life costs by introducing future activities of selective dismantling and waste management, to also improve the environmental performance of the demotion project. For this purpose, it is necessary to develop methods that relate the process of selective demolition to the waste quantification and the costs derived from its management. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of end-of-life parameters allows different construction types, waste treatment options, and waste management costs to be compared. The assessment of end-of-life costs in the present work is developed by a case-based reasoning. Cost data are obtained from three actual studies which are part of the H2020 CRAVEzero project (Cost Reduction and Market Acceleration for Viable Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings). Results show that end-of-life costs are similar to traditional building typologies. The most influential materials are part of the substructure and structure of the building, such as concrete and steel products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decarbonization and Circular Economy in the Sustainable Development and Renovation of Buildings and Neighborhoods)

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16 pages, 1340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promoting and Demoting Factors of Ecodesign Methodologies for The Application of Recycled Construction Waste: A Case Study of a Composite Product

by Petri Sormunen and Timo Kärki

Urban Sci. 2019, 3(4), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci3040114 - 15 Dec 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3221

Abstract

Thermoplastic composites manufacturing could be a potential end-of-life option for separated construction and demolition waste. This study aims to find out how well the established ecodesign methodologies support the choice of recycled composite materials in new product design, and what challenges these materials offer to the designer. A product design case study was conducted by applying the ecodesign methodologies Environmental Quality Function Deployment and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution, to identify the main promoting and demoting factors from the designer’s point of view. The rate of recycled material is the main promoting factor, but biodegradability, recyclability, and the mixing of materials are usually demoting the composite use. The use of multiple criteria analysis techniques can work in favor of the composite, as the mechanical and physical properties are taken into consideration. The paper discusses the potential challenges the designer faces when evaluating the feasibility of using recycled material composites. The design suggests that new uses for waste that previously went to landfill, such as mineral wool, can be found with composite solutions. Full article

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