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Keywords = ecotoxicity assessment

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16 pages, 1650 KiB  
Article
Profiling of Disubstituted Chloroacetamides’ Potential Biological Activity by Liquid Chromatography
by Suzana Apostolov, Dragana Mekić, Marija Mitrović, Slobodan Petrović and Gyöngyi Vastag
Organics 2025, 6(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/org6030035 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Modern agriculture relies heavily on the use of pesticides, with one-third of them being herbicides. Chloroacetamides are the most widely used herbicides because of their high effectiveness, but their extensive use poses environmental challenges and threatens the health of living organisms due to [...] Read more.
Modern agriculture relies heavily on the use of pesticides, with one-third of them being herbicides. Chloroacetamides are the most widely used herbicides because of their high effectiveness, but their extensive use poses environmental challenges and threatens the health of living organisms due to toxicity risks. Since the pharmacokinetic behavior and toxicity of a compound are influenced by its lipophilicity, this essential physicochemical parameter for disubstituted chloroacetamides was determined in silico and experimentally through thin-layer chromatography on reversed phases (RPTLC C18/UV254s) in mixtures of water and distinct organic modifiers. The pharmacokinetic profile of chloroacetamides was analyzed by using the BOILED-Egg model. The correlation between the obtained chromatographic parameters and software-based lipophilicity, pharmacokinetic, and ecotoxicity predictors of the studied chloroacetamides was assessed by using linear regression, but more comprehensive insight was obtained through multivariate methods—Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis. It was observed that the total number of carbon atoms in the structure of their molecules, along with the type of hydrocarbon substituents, are the most important factors affecting lipophilicity, pharmacokinetics, and potential toxicity to non-target organisms. Full article
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13 pages, 1563 KiB  
Article
Activation of Peracetic Acid by Ozone for Recalcitrant Pollutant Degradation: Accelerated Kinetics, Byproduct Mitigation, and Microbial Inactivation
by Dihao Bai, Cong Liu, Siqing Zhang, Huiyu Dong, Lei Sun and Xiangjuan Yuan
Water 2025, 17(15), 2240; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152240 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 283
Abstract
Iopamidol (IPM), as a typical recalcitrant emerging pollutant and precursor of iodinated disinfection by-products (I-DBPs), is unsuccessfully removed by conventional wastewater treatment processes. This study comprehensively evaluated the ozone/peracetic acid (O3/PAA) process for IPM degradation, focusing on degradation kinetics, environmental impacts, [...] Read more.
Iopamidol (IPM), as a typical recalcitrant emerging pollutant and precursor of iodinated disinfection by-products (I-DBPs), is unsuccessfully removed by conventional wastewater treatment processes. This study comprehensively evaluated the ozone/peracetic acid (O3/PAA) process for IPM degradation, focusing on degradation kinetics, environmental impacts, transformation products, ecotoxicity, disinfection byproducts (DBPs), and microbial inactivation. The O3/PAA system synergistically activates PAA via O3 to generate hydroxyl radicals (OH) and organic radicals (CH3COO and CH3CO(O)O), achieving an IPM degradation rate constant of 0.10 min−1, which was significantly higher than individual O3 or PAA treatments. The degradation efficiency of IPM in the O3/PAA system exhibited a positive correlation with solution pH, achieving a maximum degradation rate constant of 0.23 min−1 under alkaline conditions (pH 9.0). Furthermore, the process demonstrated strong resistance to interference from coexisting anions, maintaining robust IPM removal efficiency in the presence of common aqueous matrix constituents. Furthermore, quenching experiments revealed OH dominated IPM degradation in O3/PAA system, while the direct oxidation by O3 and R-O played secondary roles. Additionally, based on transformation products (TPs) identification and ECOSAR predictions, the primary degradation pathways were elucidated and the potential ecotoxicity of TPs was systematically assessed. DBPs analysis after chlorination revealed that the O3/PAA (2.5:3) system achieved the lowest total DBPs concentration (99.88 μg/L), representing a 71.5% reduction compared to PAA alone. Amongst, dichloroacetamide (DCAM) dominated the DBPs profile, comprising > 60% of total species. Furthermore, the O3/PAA process achieved rapid 5–6 log reductions of E. coli. and S. aureus within 3 min. These results highlight the dual advantages of O3/PAA in effective disinfection and byproduct control, supporting its application in sustainable wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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24 pages, 3226 KiB  
Article
The Environmental Impacts of Façade Renovation: A Case Study of an Office Building
by Patrik Štompf, Rozália Vaňová and Stanislav Jochim
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6766; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156766 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 423
Abstract
Renovating existing buildings is a key strategy for achieving the EU’s climate targets, as over 75% of the current building stock is energy inefficient. This study evaluates the environmental impacts of three façade renovation scenarios for an office building at the Technical University [...] Read more.
Renovating existing buildings is a key strategy for achieving the EU’s climate targets, as over 75% of the current building stock is energy inefficient. This study evaluates the environmental impacts of three façade renovation scenarios for an office building at the Technical University in Zvolen (Slovakia) using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The aim is to quantify and compare these impacts based on material selection and its influence on sustainable construction. The analysis focuses on key environmental indicators, including global warming potential (GWP), abiotic depletion (ADE, ADF), ozone depletion (ODP), toxicity, acidification (AP), eutrophication potential (EP), and primary energy use (PERT, PENRT). The scenarios vary in the use of insulation materials (glass wool, wood fibre, mineral wool), façade finishes (cladding vs. render), and window types (aluminium vs. wood–aluminium). Uncertainty analysis identified GWP, AP, and ODP as robust decision-making categories, while toxicity-related results showed lower reliability. To support integrated and transparent comparison, a composite environmental index (CEI) was developed, aggregating characterisation, normalisation, and mass-based results into a single score. Scenario C–2, featuring an ETICS system with mineral wool insulation and wood–aluminium windows, achieved the lowest environmental impact across all categories. In contrast, scenarios with traditional cladding and aluminium windows showed significantly higher impacts, particularly in fossil fuel use and ecotoxicity. The findings underscore the decisive role of material selection in sustainable renovation and the need for a multi-criteria, context-sensitive approach aligned with architectural, functional, and regional priorities. Full article
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16 pages, 2322 KiB  
Article
Reducing Marine Ecotoxicity and Carbon Burden: A Life Cycle Assessment Study of Antifouling Systems
by Trent Kelly, Emily M. Hunt, Changxue Xu and George Tan
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2356; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082356 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Marine biofouling significantly impacts the performance and longevity of polymer-based marine structures, particularly those designed for hydrodynamic applications such as Vortex-Induced Vibration suppression systems. Traditional antifouling solutions rely on copper-based multilayer coatings, which present challenges including mechanical vulnerability (e.g., chipping and scratching), high [...] Read more.
Marine biofouling significantly impacts the performance and longevity of polymer-based marine structures, particularly those designed for hydrodynamic applications such as Vortex-Induced Vibration suppression systems. Traditional antifouling solutions rely on copper-based multilayer coatings, which present challenges including mechanical vulnerability (e.g., chipping and scratching), high material and labor demands, and environmental concerns such as volatile organic compound emissions and copper leaching. Recent developments in material science have introduced an alternative system involving the direct incorporation of copper oxide (Cu2O) into high-density polyethylene (HDPE) during the molding process. This study conducts a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of two antifouling integration methods—System 1 (traditional coating-based) and System 2 (Cu2O-impregnated HDPE)—evaluating their environmental impact across production, application, use, and end-of-life stages. The functional unit used for this study was 1 square meter for a time period of five years. Using ISO 14040-compliant methodology and data from Ecoinvent and OpenLCA, three impact categories were assessed: global warming potential (GWP), cumulative energy demand (CED), and marine aquatic ecotoxicity Potential (MAETP). The results indicate that System 2 outperforms System 1 in GWP (4.42 vs. 5.65 kg CO2-eq), CED (75.3 vs. 91.0 MJ-eq), and MAETP (327,002 vs. 469,929 kg 1,4-DCB-eq) per functional unit over a five-year lifespan, indicating a 21.8%, 17.3%, and 30.4% reduction in the key impact factors, respectively. These results suggest that direct Cu2O incorporation offers a more environmentally sustainable and mechanically resilient antifouling strategy, supporting the potential of embedded antifouling systems to shift industry practices toward more sustainable marine infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy on Production Processes and Systems Engineering)
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20 pages, 2048 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Degradation of Oxytetracycline and Imidacloprid Under Visible Light with Sr0.95Bi0.05TiO3: Influence of Aqueous Matrix
by Maria J. Nunes, Ana Lopes, Maria J. Pacheco, Paulo T. Fiadeiro, Guilherme J. Inacio, Jefferson E. Silveira, Alyson R. Ribeiro, Wendel S. Paz and Lurdes Ciríaco
Water 2025, 17(15), 2177; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152177 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 197
Abstract
In this study, Sr0.95Bi0.05TiO3 was synthesized via solid state reaction, characterized, and applied as a visible-light-active photocatalyst for the degradation of oxytetracycline, imidacloprid, and their mixture. To evaluate the influence of the aqueous matrix on pollutant degradation, photocatalytic [...] Read more.
In this study, Sr0.95Bi0.05TiO3 was synthesized via solid state reaction, characterized, and applied as a visible-light-active photocatalyst for the degradation of oxytetracycline, imidacloprid, and their mixture. To evaluate the influence of the aqueous matrix on pollutant degradation, photocatalytic experiments were carried out in both distilled water and a real environmental sample (surface water). The Sr0.95Bi0.05TiO3 perovskite showed high photocatalytic performance under visible light, achieving nearly complete degradation of oxytetracycline after 2 h, and significant removal of imidacloprid in river water (60% after 3 h). Enhanced degradation in surface water was attributed to favorable ionic composition and pH. The perovskite oxide maintained its photocatalytic performance over five consecutive cycles, with no significant loss in photocatalytic activity or structural and morphological stability. Ecotoxicological assessment using Daphnia magna confirmed that the treated water was non-toxic, indicating that no harmful byproducts were formed. Complementary Density Functional Theory calculations were conducted to complement experimental findings, providing insights into the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the photocatalyst, enhancing the understanding of the degradation mechanisms involved. This integrated approach, combining experimental photocatalytic performance evaluation in different matrices, ecotoxicity testing, and theoretical modeling, highlights Sr0.95Bi0.05TiO3 as a promising, stable, and environmentally safe photocatalyst for practical wastewater treatment applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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20 pages, 2909 KiB  
Article
Solar Photo-Fenton: An Effective Method for MCPA Degradation
by Alicia Martin-Montero, Argyro Maria Zapanti, Gema Pliego, Jose A. Casas and Alicia L. Garcia-Costa
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2257; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072257 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 373
Abstract
The extensive use of herbicide 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), coupled with its limited biodegradability, has led to its ubiquitous presence in aquatic environments. This work investigates the removal of MCPA (100 mg/L) in the aqueous phase via solar photo-Fenton. The process was carried out [...] Read more.
The extensive use of herbicide 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), coupled with its limited biodegradability, has led to its ubiquitous presence in aquatic environments. This work investigates the removal of MCPA (100 mg/L) in the aqueous phase via solar photo-Fenton. The process was carried out in a 700 mL reactor using a Xe lamp that simulates solar radiation (λ: 250–700 nm). A parametric study was conducted to assess the influence of dissolved O2 on the reaction medium, Fe2+ dosage, H2O2 concentration and pH0. The results indicate that dissolved O2 boosts pollutant mineralization, even working at sub-stoichiometric H2O2 concentrations. Under optimal reaction conditions ([Fe2+]: 7.5 mg/L, [H2O2]0: 322 mg/L (stoichiometric dose), pH0: 3.5), the MCPA reached almost complete mineralization (XTOC: 98.40%) in 180 min. Phytotoxicity and ecotoxicity assessments of treated effluents revealed that even working at sub-stoichiometric H2O2 dosages, toxicity decreases with the solar photo-Fenton treatment. Finally, the solar photo-Fenton process was evaluated in relevant matrices (river water and WWTP secondary effluent) and a realistic pollutant concentration (100 µg/L). In all cases, the pollutant degradation was ≥70% in 60 min, demonstrating the potential of this technology as a tertiary treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Wastewater Treatment and Water Reuse)
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21 pages, 3174 KiB  
Article
Prospective LCA for 3D-Printed Foamed Geopolymer Composites Using Construction Waste as Additives
by Karina Balina, Rihards Gailitis, Maris Sinka, Pauls Pavils Argalis, Liga Radina and Andina Sprince
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6459; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146459 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 359
Abstract
Additive manufacturing has recently become popular and more cost-effective for building construction. This study presents a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) of 3D-printed foamed geopolymer composites (3D-FOAM materials) incorporating construction and demolition waste. The materials were developed using fly ash, slag, sand, and [...] Read more.
Additive manufacturing has recently become popular and more cost-effective for building construction. This study presents a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) of 3D-printed foamed geopolymer composites (3D-FOAM materials) incorporating construction and demolition waste. The materials were developed using fly ash, slag, sand, and a foaming agent, with recycled clay brick waste (CBW) and autoclaved aerated concrete waste (AACW) added as alternative raw materials. The material formulations were evaluated for their compressive strength and thermal conductivity to define two functional units that reflect structural and thermal performance. A prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted under laboratory-scale conditions using the ReCiPe 2016 method. Results show that adding CBW and AACW reduces environmental impacts across several categories, including global warming potential and ecotoxicity, without compromising material performance. Compared to conventional wall systems, the 3D-FOAM materials offer a viable low-impact alternative when assessed on a functional basis. These findings highlight the potential of integrating recycled materials into additive manufacturing to support circular economy goals in the construction sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Construction Materials and Sustainability)
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13 pages, 1132 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Cytotoxic, Genotoxic, and Toxic Potential of Pyrolytic Tire Char Using Human Lymphocytes and a Bacterial Biosensor
by Ioanna Efthimiou, Margarita Dormousoglou, Lambrini Giova, Dimitris Vlastos, Stefanos Dailianis, Maria Antonopoulou and Ioannis Konstantinou
Toxics 2025, 13(7), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13070582 - 12 Jul 2025
Viewed by 311
Abstract
Waste tires (WTs) constitute a potentially significant source of pollution, and the large quantities that are disposed of require proper handling. Pyrolysis has emerged as an environmentally friendly and effective method for WT treatment. In the present study, the cyto-genotoxic and toxic effects [...] Read more.
Waste tires (WTs) constitute a potentially significant source of pollution, and the large quantities that are disposed of require proper handling. Pyrolysis has emerged as an environmentally friendly and effective method for WT treatment. In the present study, the cyto-genotoxic and toxic effects of untreated and acid-treated pyrolytic tire char (PTCUN and PTCAT, respectively) were investigated. The cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assay, using human lymphocytes, and the Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescence assay were used for the assessment of cyto-genotoxicity and ecotoxicity, respectively. According to the results, both PTCUN and PTCAT exhibited genotoxicity at all concentrations tested (2.5, 5, and 10 μg mL−1), which was more pronounced in the case of PTCAT. Cytotoxicity induction was reported for PTCUN and PTCAT at all concentrations. Both demonstrated a relatively low potential for ecotoxicity induction against A. fischeri. Since the cyto-genotoxic and toxic effects of PTCAT seemed to be more pronounced, the toxic profile of tire char should be investigated in depth before selecting the appropriate applications, thereby avoiding detrimental effects in the environment and humans alike. Full article
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19 pages, 549 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Plastic Waste Management in EU Accession Countries: A Life Cycle Perspective from the Republic of Serbia with Microplastic Implications
by Dunja Prokić, Jasna Stepanov, Ljiljana Milošević, Biljana Panin, Nataša Stojić and Mira Pucarević
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6297; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146297 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 355
Abstract
EU accession countries, including the Republic of Serbia, are under growing pressure to align their plastic waste management systems with EU environmental directives. Despite this, significant challenges remain, including inadequate infrastructure, a limited recycling capacity, and weak enforcement mechanisms. This study employs life [...] Read more.
EU accession countries, including the Republic of Serbia, are under growing pressure to align their plastic waste management systems with EU environmental directives. Despite this, significant challenges remain, including inadequate infrastructure, a limited recycling capacity, and weak enforcement mechanisms. This study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging waste in Serbia, focusing on three end-of-life scenarios (EoL): landfilling, recycling, and incineration. Using GaBi Professional v6.0 software and the ReCiPe 2016 methodology, the results indicate that mismanaged PET waste contributes notably to terrestrial ecotoxicity (3.69 kg 1.4-DB eq.) and human toxicity (non-cancer) (2.36 kg 1.4-DB eq.). In 2023, 14,967.8 tons of PET were collected by authorized operators; however, unreported quantities likely end up in landfills or the natural environment. Beyond the quantified LCA results, this study highlights microplastic pollution as an emerging environmental concern. It advocates for the development of Serbia-specific characterization factors (CFs) for PET microplastics, incorporating localized fate, exposure, and effect data. Tailored CFs would enhance the precision of impact assessments for Serbian terrestrial ecosystems, contributing to more effective, evidence-based environmental policies. These insights are crucial for supporting Serbia’s transition to sustainable waste management and for meeting EU environmental standards. Full article
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24 pages, 1883 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Life Cycle Assessment of a Hemp-Based Craft Beer: A Case Study from Italy
by Marco Ruggeri, Giuliana Vinci, Marco Savastano and Lucia Maddaloni
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6232; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136232 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 362
Abstract
With over 180 million tons produced annually and a global market exceeding 500 billion dollars, beer is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, thanks to its broad variety of styles, traditions, ingredients, and brewing techniques. However, behind this widespread [...] Read more.
With over 180 million tons produced annually and a global market exceeding 500 billion dollars, beer is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, thanks to its broad variety of styles, traditions, ingredients, and brewing techniques. However, behind this widespread popularity lies a potentially impactful production chain, whose environmental impacts remain underexplored, particularly within the craft segment. This research evaluates the sustainability of a hemp-based craft beer produced in the Lazio region (Italy) using an integrated approach that combines life cycle assessment with environmental impact monetization. The results indicate that the main impacts in beer production are related to global warming potential (0.916 kg CO2 eq/L), terrestrial ecotoxicity (0.404 kg 1.4-DCB eq/L), land use (0.841 m2a crop eq/L), and fossil resource scarcity (0.211 kg oil eq/L), primarily due to malt production and hop transportation. Packaging analysis revealed that including environmental costs, aluminum cans may add an additional environmental cost of €0.80–1.60 per unit, while glass bottles, despite their weight, incur a lower additional cost. For a beer priced at €3.50, this would translate to a real cost of €4.30–5.10, reflecting a 22–45% increase. Improving sustainability in the brewing sector requires strategic actions, such as careful supplier selection and appropriate packaging choices. Overall, sustainability in brewing emerges as a balance between production needs, distribution impacts, and systemic decisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development in Food Quality and Safety)
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13 pages, 1949 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Growth and Physiological Responses of Lemna minor Exposed to 4-Aminodiphenylamine, a Tire Wear Compound
by Shila Kandel, Naja’Ree Campbell, Abubakar Abdulkadir, Kristin Moore, Raphyel Rosby and Ekhtear Hossain
Pollutants 2025, 5(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/pollutants5030020 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 403
Abstract
4-Aminodiphenylamine (4-ADPA) is a common additive in rubber tires, known for its antioxidant properties. It plays a crucial role in enhancing tire durability by preventing issues such as drying, cracking, and degradation from prolonged exposure to environmental factors like heat, oxygen, and ozone. [...] Read more.
4-Aminodiphenylamine (4-ADPA) is a common additive in rubber tires, known for its antioxidant properties. It plays a crucial role in enhancing tire durability by preventing issues such as drying, cracking, and degradation from prolonged exposure to environmental factors like heat, oxygen, and ozone. However, despite its advantages in extending tire lifespan, the use of 4-ADPA raises significant environmental concerns. As tires wear down, microscopic tire wear particles (TWPs) containing 4-ADPA are released into the environment with substantial leaching, contaminating the waterways. The 4-ADPA leachates pollute and pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems, affecting various forms of marine life. The current study investigates the ecotoxicological effects of 4-ADPA on the aquatic plant Lemna minor (L. minor), focusing on its impact on relative growth and physiological biomarkers. Several parameters were assessed to evaluate ecotoxicity, including frond morphology, fresh biomass, total frond number, chlorophyll content, and starch accumulation. L. minor was grown for 7 and 14 days under controlled laboratory conditions using Hoagland media with varying concentrations of 4-ADPA (10–100 μg/L), while a control group was maintained in media without 4-ADPA. The results indicate that exposure to 4-ADPA led to a dose-dependent reduction in fresh biomass, total frond number, and chlorophyll levels. Lugol’s staining revealed increased starch accumulation in the fronds after exposure to 4-ADPA. The biological effects observed in L. minor following exposure to 4-ADPA, even at environmentally relevant concentrations, demonstrate a significant ecotoxicological impact on aquatic ecosystems. Further research involving additional species and investigating the mechanisms behind 4-ADPA toxicity is recommended to better understand its long-term consequences. Full article
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25 pages, 4066 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Energy Resources and Environmental Impacts for Blueberry Packaging Materials with a Focus on End-of-Life Scenarios
by Viktoria Mannheim, Ulvi Moor, Liina Laumets and Klára Tóthné Szita
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3232; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133232 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 352
Abstract
Because of their many health benefits, blueberries are highly sought after as superfoods. There are also ongoing initiatives to enhance sustainability in blueberry packaging by selecting appropriate materials. Ideal packaging should ensure the safe delivery of the fruit to consumers while maintaining product [...] Read more.
Because of their many health benefits, blueberries are highly sought after as superfoods. There are also ongoing initiatives to enhance sustainability in blueberry packaging by selecting appropriate materials. Ideal packaging should ensure the safe delivery of the fruit to consumers while maintaining product quality, addressing environmental concerns, and promoting circularity. The environmental impact of four different packaging materials was assessed using a comparative cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment. The materials evaluated included a cardboard package (CB), a cardboard package with a cellulose lid (CBC), a polypropylene (PP) as a control, and a punnet made from rice straw topped with polylactic acid (RPLA), a bio-based plastic. The evaluation considered all environmental impact categories, utilizing Sphera GaBi software and the CML 2016 method. Special attention was given to various end-of-life scenarios, determining energy resources and fossil abiotic depletions. The results indicate that RPLA is the most eco-friendly option, with the lowest carbon footprint and energy resources. CB has a larger carbon footprint but less overall impact than traditional incineration, while CBC has the highest impact during recycling, mainly due to marine ecotoxicity. PP has a relatively low impact on energy resources and fossil abiotic depletion compared to CB and CBC packaging materials. Full article
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19 pages, 2955 KiB  
Article
Innovative Wastewater Treatment Using 3D-Printed Clay Bricks Enhanced with Oyster Shell Powder: A Life Cycle Assessment
by Wathsala Benthota Pathiranage, Hunain Alkhateb and Matteo D’Alessio
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5428; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125428 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 508
Abstract
With growing global concerns over sustainable wastewater treatment, there is a pressing need for low-cost, eco-friendly filtration solutions. This study conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the potential of improving slow sand filtration efficiency by integrating alternative materials like clay and [...] Read more.
With growing global concerns over sustainable wastewater treatment, there is a pressing need for low-cost, eco-friendly filtration solutions. This study conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the potential of improving slow sand filtration efficiency by integrating alternative materials like clay and oyster shell powder (OSP), while minimizing the environmental footprint. Additionally, the adaptability of three-dimensional (3D) printing was explored to incorporate these materials into innovative filter designs, assessing scalability for broader wastewater applications. Ten filter configurations, including a slow sand filter (SSF) enhanced with OSP (90:10) and 3D-printed clay–OSP bricks (ratios of 90:10, 85:15, 80:20), were assessed across three sourcing distances: local (in situ), regional (161 km), and distant (1609 km). The results showed that SSFs with OSP consistently delivered lower environmental impacts, reducing freshwater ecotoxicity, eutrophication, and human toxicity by up to 4% compared to conventional SSFs, particularly when transport was minimized. Among brick-based systems, single-brick columns offered the best balance of performance and impact, while three-brick columns had the highest environmental burden, largely due to the increased electricity use. Economic analysis reinforced the environmental findings: SSFs with OSP were the most cost-effective option, followed closely by SSFs, while brick-based systems were slightly more expensive, with costs rising sharply when sourcing distances exceeded 161 km. Overall, integrating OSP into SSFs offers an optimal balance of sustainability and affordability, while single-brick columns (90:10) present a promising alternative. Future research should further optimize material blends and design configurations to align with long-term environmental and economic goals. Full article
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21 pages, 1993 KiB  
Article
Life Cycle Assessment on Osmotically Dehydrated Cut Potatoes: Effects of Shelf-Life Extension on Cultivation, Waste, and Environmental Impact Reduction
by Sotiris Kottaridis, Christina Drosou, Christos Boukouvalas, Magdalini Krokida, Maria Katsouli, Efimia Dermesonlouoglou and Katerina Valta
Waste 2025, 3(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/waste3020020 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 937
Abstract
In this study, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of osmotically dehydrated, fresh-cut, pre-packaged potatoes compared to conventional untreated ones. The case study focused on a small processing line in Naxos Island, Greece, aiming to extend shelf-life [...] Read more.
In this study, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of osmotically dehydrated, fresh-cut, pre-packaged potatoes compared to conventional untreated ones. The case study focused on a small processing line in Naxos Island, Greece, aiming to extend shelf-life by up to 5 days. The analysis covered the full value chain, from cultivation to household consumption, considering changes in energy and material use, transport volumes, waste generation, and cultivation demand. Three scenarios were assessed: (i) conventional untreated potatoes, (ii) dehydrated potatoes using market glycerol, and (iii) dehydrated potatoes using glycerol from vegetable oil treatment. Systems and life cycle inventories (LCI) were modelled in OpenLCA v2.4 software with the ecoinvent v3.11 database, applying the Environmental Footprint (EF) method, v3.1. The selected impact categories included the following: global warming potential, water use, freshwater ecotoxicity, freshwater and marine eutrophication, energy resource use, particulate matter formation, and acidification. Results showed that applying osmotic dehydration (OD) improved environmental performance in most, but not all, categories. When market glycerol was used, some burdens increased due to glycerol production. However, using glycerol from vegetable oil treatment resulted in reductions of 25.8% to 54.9% across all categories compared to the conventional scenario. Overall, OD with alternative glycerol proved to be the most environmentally beneficial approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Wastes and Biomass Valorization—2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 2915 KiB  
Article
Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) of Materials in Painting Conservation: A Pilot Protocol for Evaluating Environmental Impact in Cultural Heritage
by Benedetta Paolino, Fernanda Prestileo, Paola Carnazza, Federica Sacco, Alessia Strozzi, Alberta Congeduti and Andrea Macchia
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060212 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1470
Abstract
This study introduces a pilot protocol for evaluating the environmental impact of materials used in the conservation of canvas paintings, applying a Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) approach. There are five common treatment phases: disinfection, consolidation (including paint layer softening and stabilization), varnish [...] Read more.
This study introduces a pilot protocol for evaluating the environmental impact of materials used in the conservation of canvas paintings, applying a Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) approach. There are five common treatment phases: disinfection, consolidation (including paint layer softening and stabilization), varnish removal, and retouching. These interventions were assessed across three scenarios: Baseline Scenario; Scenario 1, involving material substitution; and Scenario 2, focusing on process optimization. The analysis reveals that solvent-intensive phases, particularly paint softening with Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and varnish removal using White Spirit and ethanol, have the highest environmental impacts, including climate change, ecotoxicity, and human toxicity. Biocidal treatments, although used in small quantities, also show significant toxicity impacts. Scenario 1 demonstrates that targeted substitution with lower-impact solvents can reduce key impact categories, while Scenario 2 indicates that operational improvements lead to more moderate but widespread benefits. The results confirm that even in specialized fields such as cultural heritage conservation, measurable environmental improvements are achievable through informed material choices and more efficient application practices. Full article
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