Search Results (32)

We evaluated the efficacy of an innovative technique using an S3+ device equipped with two custom-made nanosensors (e-nose). These sensors are integrated into kitchen appliances, such as planetary mixers, to monitor and assess dough leavening from preparation to the fully risen stage. Since monitoring in domestic appliances is often subjective and non-reproducible, this approach aims to ensure safe, high-quality, and consistent results for consumers. Two sensor chips, each with three metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) elements, were used to assess doughs prepared with flours of varying strengths (W200, W250, W390). Analyses were conducted continuously (from the end of mixing to 1.5 h of leavening) and in two distinct phases: pre-leavening (PRE) and post-leavening (POST). The technique was validated through solid-phase micro-extraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS), used to analyze volatile profiles in both phases. The S3+ device clearly discriminated between PRE and POST samples in 3D Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) plots, while 2D LDA confirmed flour-type discrimination during continuous leavening. These findings were supported by SPME-GC-MS results, highlighting differences in the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles. The system achieved 100% classification accuracy between PRE and POST stages and effectively distinguished all flour types. Integrating this e-nose into kitchen equipment offers a concrete opportunity to optimize leavening by identifying the ideal endpoint, improving reproducibility, and reducing waste. In future applications, sensor data could support feedback control systems capable of adjusting fermentation parameters like time and temperature in real time. Full article

Maximizing rural residents’ primary role in domestic waste sorting and management is critical to improving the rural living environment and advancing socioeconomic development. This study aims to analyze the entire process of domestic waste sorting by rural residents using sample data from 2420 rural households surveyed in the 2021 China Land Economic Survey (CLES). Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study develops a research framework for analyzing the entire process of rural residents’ domestic waste-sorting behavior. It examines the inter-relationships among behavioral cognition, behavioral intention, and behavioral response and employs structural equation modeling (SEM) for empirical verification. The results demonstrate that subjective norms, classification attitudes, and perceived behavioral control exert statistically significant positive effects on both rural residents’ intention and behavioral responses toward domestic waste sorting. Moreover, sorting intention demonstrates a significant predictive effect on actual sorting behavior. This study further identifies a mediating role of sorting intention throughout the behavioral process, while potential correlations among subjective norm, behavioral attitude, and perceived behavioral control suggest additional mechanisms underlying rural residents’ waste-sorting responses that warrant further exploration. Full article

As urbanization and construction activities in China continue to accelerate, the management of construction waste has become crucial. This study comprehensively investigated the current status and challenges in construction waste management in China. Through the application of building area estimation methodology combined with the Grey Prediction GM (1,1) model, we analyzed historical waste generation patterns from 2000 to 2022 and projected future trends for the next 10 years. The results revealed significant regional disparities in waste generation, with the East China region contributing over 50% of the national total, while maintaining continuous growth. National construction waste generation is projected to reach 3.084 billion tons in 2032, highlighting escalating management challenges. This study identified several critical issues in China’s current management system, including incomplete statistical data, weak implementation of source reduction measures, underdeveloped classification systems, and a notably low resource utilization rate (below 10% as of 2022). Drawing on successful international practices and domestic pilot experiences, we proposed a comprehensive management framework emphasizing full-process supervision, enhanced data collection systems, improved classification management, advanced resource utilization technologies, and strengthened policy mechanisms. These proposals will foster the development of sustainable construction waste management in China’s transition, in parallel with the realization of circular economy principles within the construction sector. Full article

Source classification of rural residents is related to the effectiveness of domestic waste classification and treatment. The development of the habit of domestic waste classification by rural residents requires the incentive of environmental regulations. Using data from the 2022 CLES (China Land Economic Survey) database survey of 1189 farm households, we analyzed the impact and path of environmental regulation on the level of domestic waste classification among rural residents using the Oprobit model. This study found that approximately half of the samples used the classification method to dispose of domestic waste. The level of waste classification was low, and only 5.72% of the samples used the four-classification method to dispose of domestic waste. There is still a long way to go in classifying the domestic waste of rural residents. Guided environmental regulation, constrained environmental regulation, and incentive environmental regulation can directly improve the level of domestic waste classification of rural residents. However, it can also indirectly promote the level of domestic waste classification by promoting the understanding of domestic waste classification, improving the living environment, and improving environmental cognition through a sense of identity related to family responsibility. Accordingly, countermeasures are proposed to guide rural residents in classifying domestic waste by continuously strengthening the publicity of domestic waste classification, improving the system of policies and regulations, and raising the environmental awareness of rural residents. Full article

This study examines the structural shifts in primary energy production across European countries from 1990 to 2022, focusing on changes in energy sources and their implications for energy security and sustainability. Set against a backdrop of evolving geopolitical landscapes, economic pressures, and climate policies, including significant recent impacts such as the conflict in Ukraine, this research highlights the critical importance of a stable and diversified energy supply. The analysis utilizes the k-means clustering method, examining countries for which data are available in the Eurostat database and considering primary energy sources as defined by the Standard International Energy Product Classification (SIEC), including solid fossil fuels, natural gas, crude oil, nuclear energy, renewable energy sources, peat, and non-renewable waste. By categorizing European nations into clusters based on their energy production profiles, the study reveals substantial transitions from fossil fuel-based systems to those increasingly dominated by renewable energy sources. While some countries have made significant progress in integrating renewables, others remain heavily dependent on traditional energy sources such as coal and natural gas. The findings underscore the growing role of natural gas as a bridge fuel and the relatively stable contribution of nuclear energy in certain regions. A key outcome is the observed disparity between energy production and consumption across Europe, with many large economies facing a persistent deficit in domestic energy production, resulting in a high reliance on energy imports, particularly of natural gas and oil. This dependency poses significant challenges to energy security, especially given recent geopolitical disruptions and market fluctuations. The paper also discusses the environmental implications of these energy trends, emphasizing the vital role of renewable energy in achieving the European Union’s decarbonization goals. Full article

In the context of sustainability, the integration of renewable energy into industrial processes not only minimizes dependence on fossil fuels but also contributes to the efficient management of industrial waste. By transforming organic waste, including agri-food and urban waste, into biogas, green energy can be generated, thus reducing the impact on the environment and closing the loop of material used in the economic circuit. Thus, a sustainable system can be promoted, where resources are continuously reused and exploited. Statistical methods and a decision tree with the Classification and Regression Trees (CRT) algorithm were employed to analyze data. The paper focuses on the importance of industrial waste and biogas for the generation, transformation, and consumption of energy in the EU (European Union)-27 countries. To provide a thorough analysis, we have divided these countries based on real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, grouping them above/below the annual average for the period 2012–2021/2022. Descriptive statistics revealed observable differences between the two groups, but the paper aimed to provide evidence regarding the existence of these differences as statistically significant. Using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, the non-normal distribution of the data was confirmed, requiring non-parametric inferential methods. The Mann–Whitney U test revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups for all the studied variables. This comprehensive approach highlights the distinct energy-related characteristics influenced by economic development in the EU-27. Full article

The farmers’ deep participation in the classification of domestic waste plays a crucial role in reducing the amount of waste out of the village from the source, lowering the cost of waste treatment, and realizing the sustainable development of rural waste resocialization, reduction, and harmlessness. This paper aims to identify the key factors and logical structure that influence the farmers’ behavior in classifying domestic waste and provide recommendations for improving it. Based on the Participants’ Intellectual Decision (PID) Model, we constructed a theoretical analysis framework for farmers’ decision-making on domestic waste classification, and the PID model was further extended by combining with the practice of rural domestic waste management in China and proposing the research hypothesis that factors, such as community attributes, rules of operation, the status of the participants, and the situation of external actions, have a significant impact on the farmers’ behavior in classifying domestic waste. Empirical analyses were carried out with the help of the ordered logistic model and the DEMATEL-ISM using 939 research data of farmers in Jiangsu and Gansu provinces of China. The results show the following: (1) classification of domestic waste by farmers in the sample area was predominantly unclassified (34.40%) and two-classified (40.58%); (2) 17 factors, including regional disparity, Party affiliation, organizational support perception, environmental emotions, conscious governance attitudes, trust in village cadres, social reference norms, and expected outcomes, have a significant impact on the farmers’ behavior in classifying domestic waste; (3) trust in village cadres, organizational support perception, and environmental emotion are superficial direct factors; incentive measures, fee level, waste transport situation, difficulty perception, self-consciousness perception, social reference norms, and expected outcomes are middle indirect factors; whether or not it is a demonstration village, Party membership and regional disparity are deep root factors affecting farmers to classify their domestic waste. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the sustainable use of recycled plastics, specifically polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), in the manufacture of geogrids for geotechnical and civil engineering applications. Plastics were collected from a recycling center, specifically targeting containers used for food, cleaning products, and other domestic packaging items. These plastics were sorted according to the Möbius triangle classification system, with HDPE (#2) and PP (#5) being the primary categories of interest. The research methodologically evaluates the mechanical properties of PP/HDPE (0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25 and 100/0% w/w) composites through tensile and flexural tests, exploring various compositions and configurations of geogrids. The results highlight the superiority of pure recycled HDPE processed into 1.3 mm thick laminated yarns and hot air welded for 20 to 30 s, exhibiting a deformation exceeding 60% in comparison to the PP/HDPE composites. Through SolidWorks^® Simulation, it was shown that the adoption of a trigonal geogrid geometry optimizes force distribution and tensile strength, significantly improving slope stabilization efficiency. Based on the results obtained, a laboratory-scale prototype geogrid was developed using an extrusion process. The results underscore the importance of careful composite design and yarn configuration selection to achieve the desired mechanical properties and performance in geogrid applications. It emphasizes the potential of recycled plastics as a viable and environmentally friendly solution for stabilizing slopes, contributing to the reduction in plastic waste and promoting sustainable construction practices. Full article

The complexity and strong spatial and temporal characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW) have made resource utilization a major challenge in establishing the life-cycle model of MSW. Based on the planning of the domestic “dual-carbon” target and the current status of the structural transformation of resource utilization, this paper summarizes the physicochemical properties of MSW in China by component, species, and region. The aim is to identify the physicochemical components of MSW in different regions of China, drawing on the research findings of various scholars. A total of 159 sets of MSW data were collected, including 90 sets of physical composition and 69 sets of elemental composition. These data were used to calculate the calorific value of MSW and determine the energy-recovery and power-generation potentials before and after MSW classification. The analysis estimates the volume of MSW requiring removal in different regions of China in 2021 and assesses the effectiveness of the energy-recovery potential (ERP) and power-generation potential (PGP) before and after MSW classification in these regions. The aim is to offer insightful guidance and recommendations for municipal waste-treatment strategies tailored to the diverse regions of China. Full article

More than 218 million tonnes of mineral construction waste are produced in Germany every year. In view of the shortage of domestic raw materials and an increasing demand for lightweight aggregates and gypsum, it is important to find alternative sources of raw materials for the production of light aggregates. The main focus of our investigations is on construction and demolition waste and industrial by-products, which have so far only been used at a low level. Chemical analyses can be used to classify potential substances in the ternary diagram according to RILEY and to examine their basic suitability. However, the results show that the suitability of a raw material for the production of lightweight aggregates cannot be determined solely on the basis of the classification in the ternary diagram. Experimental investigations are necessary in any case. From the range of residual and waste materials investigated, the rhyolite fractions showed the best bloating properties. Without the addition of bloating agents, bloating values of 1.4 can be achieved. The addition of iron slurry to a reduction in the bloating temperature by about 100 °C, however, is associated with a slight reduction in the bloating value. With our investigations, we were able to show that an expansion of the raw material base for the production of lightweight aggregates is also possible beyond the use of classic, heterogeneous building rubble containing bricks. Full article

Groundwater is a critical resource for various human activities, yet it faces contamination risks from agricultural, industrial, and domestic sources. This study aimed to evaluate groundwater in Morocco’s Sidi Allal region using the groundwater pollution index (GPI) and diagnose nitrate pollution. The study included 45 groundwater wells from the study area, and physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, cations, and anions were examined in the laboratory. The geographic information system (GIS) was used to determine the spatial distribution of groundwater quality parameters. The groundwater pollution index and nitrate pollution index (NPI) were determined. The inverse distance weighting method (IDW) was used to create a spatial distribution map. The results indicated that the calculated GPI values ranged from 0.856 to 7.416, with an average of 2.06. About 40% of groundwater samples were highly polluted and unsuitable for drinking. The NPI values ranged between −0.74 and 10.5, with an average of 5.1. About 64% of the total groundwater samples were considered highly polluted according to the NPI classification, suggesting that the groundwater was unsuitable for drinking purposes. The spatial distribution map revealed the availability of appropriate groundwater in the central area of the study area and inappropriate groundwater near the Esbou River and Nassour Canal. The findings of this study revealed high concentrations of nitrates in groundwater samples in the central part of the study area, indicating that this increase in nitrates may be due to intensive use of nitrogen fertilizers in agricultural activities and sewage waste. Full article

In recent decades, with the rising living standards of rural China, the amount and volume of household waste has increased continuously, causing serious environmental and human health risks. Effective garbage classification reduces garbage volume, decreases the difficulty of garbage disposal, and facilitates the recycling of resources, thereby improving environmental quality. Domestic garbage classification (DGC) has been practiced frequently in developed countries and is now at a relatively mature stage. There is no robust model for garbage classification available globally as of yet, and each country has its policy frameworks to reduce, recycle, and reuse (3R) garbage. Little attention has been paid to knowing whether and to what extent incentive-based policies called “rewards and punishments” improve garbage classification and further help achieve targets of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Recently, developing countries, like China, have begun to incorporate DGC into their laws and promote enforcement measures in a few cities. However, empirical studies on residents’ willingness to accept DGC punishments and rewards are still relatively scarce and a hot topic of global scientific discussion. To enrich the knowledge, this study collected datasets from 9983 valid questionnaires from east China (16 selected independent variables), and analyzed the key factors affecting residents’ acceptance of punishments and rewards, employing logit models. The results found that the level of education plays an important role for residents that are more inclined to accept DGC rewards and punishments. Moreover, farmers were insensitive to DGC rewards but very sensitive and unsupportive of punishments, and the hardware facilities of the quarter had a greater impact on residents’ willingness to accept DGC rewards and punishments. Findings recommend that rewards be the main focus and punishments be supplemented, thus the incentive-based policies should be improved through law enforcement and implementation of robust policy frameworks in order to promote residents’ acceptance of rewards and punishments and to accelerate better garbage classification. Full article

The classification and recycling of household waste becomes a major issue in today’s urban environmental protection and domestic waste disposal. Although various policies promoting household waste classification have been introduced, the recovery rate failed to reach the expected result. Existing studies on incentive policies for household waste recycling tried to integrate subjective and objective factors in human behavior decisions. To explore how effective interventions can promote household waste classification in communities, this article developed an Agent-Based Model (ABM) based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to simulate the participation of households under eight different policy scenarios. The result shows that: monetary incentive is most effective in inducing participation, while social norms have different impacts on household decision under different policy intervention. Under policy stimulus, the participation rate of garbage sorting increased from 18% to 76%. This model has been applied into an online community-based participatory virtual simulation 3D system, which aims to help university students better understand how policies affect household recycling behaviors, which end up affecting the environment. Full article

This article refers to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015 by the 193 countries of the UN General Assembly, of which Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns has important implications for achieving a zero-waste, circular economy. The methodology of achieving integrated zero-waste production and a circular economy is discussed for application in a specific territory. The methodology consists of the following key aspects: (a) a targeted program of zero-waste production addressing problems concerning industrial and domestic waste in a specific territory; (b) targeted zero-waste production subprograms addressing industrial waste problems; (c) Industry 4.0 technologies involved in the development of a circular economy in a specific territory; (d) involvement of residents of a territory in collectively addressing all environmental problems and participating in zero-waste production organizations; and (e) mathematical, software, and IT methodologies of implementing a zero-waste and circular economy in a specific territory. An empirical analysis of the methodological aspects was carried out, using the example of a municipal district with a developed multisectoral economy. This study demonstrates the concept of waste classification involving the use of waste as raw material in a municipal district, including a specific targeted subprogram for recycling polymer products in a municipal district. A mathematical model of a zero-waste and circular economy program in a municipal district is depicted as an alternative graph to show different options of operation while addressing both local and global goals. An analytic hierarchy process was used to empower decision-makers to interactively select the option that best corresponds to the financial capacity of the municipal district, the duration of the program, and the technical requirements of the task. Full article

Encouraging farmers to participate in domestic waste sorting is an important initiative to optimize rural habitats and build a beautiful countryside. Using data from a sample of 2126 farmers obtained from a Chinese micro-survey, this paper empirically investigates the impact of ICT use on farmers’ domestic waste classification using OLS and ordered probability models and examines the mediating role of environmental quality perception. The study shows that ICT use has a significant negative effect on farmers’ environmental quality perceptions and a significant positive effect on farmers’ domestic waste sorting. Furthermore, the direct positive effect of ICT use on farmers’ domestic waste sorting is greater than its negative indirect effect through environmental quality perceptions. Finally, farmers with ICT use are more willing to participate in domestic waste sorting. This suggests that farmers may have a tendency to complain and express dissatisfaction on the internet but still behave in a way that is participatory in waste sorting. The results of the study still hold after a rigorous robustness test. In addition, there are significant differences in the impact of ICT use on different age and income groups, so policies should be tailored to different groups. More attention should be paid to the environmental welfare effects on older and lower-income groups. Full article