Search Results (1,160)

Growing pressures on water resources, exacerbated by climate change, resource depletion, and population growth, underline the need for sustainable and energy-efficient wastewater management. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are among the most energy-intensive elements of the Integrated Water Service, and their environmental performance depends on infrastructure design, resource availability, and treatment configuration. Improving resource efficiency while reducing energy demand and environmental impacts is therefore a priority for water utilities seeking innovative decision-support tools. Within the national project “WATERGY—Energy Efficiency of the Integrated Water Service”, this study proposes a life-cycle-based framework to assess the sustainability of technological interventions in WWTPs. A comparative gate-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was applied to the municipal WWTP of Potenza (Southern Italy). Three sludge End-of-Life Scenarios were assessed: the current landfill-based configuration, an enhanced oxygenation–nitrification setup, and anaerobic digestion with biogas-based cogeneration. Compared to the current scenario, anaerobic digestion with cogeneration reduces Global Warming Potential by 17% and decreases freshwater ecotoxicity by approximately 30%. Compost production shows the highest reduction in ecotoxicity (−51%) but increases fossil resource depletion and acidification due to higher energy demand. Overall, energy recovery pathways, particularly anaerobic digestion with cogeneration, provide the most balanced environmental benefits, supporting more sustainable WWTP operation within the Integrated Water Service. Full article

Additive manufacturing offers rapid and customizable production, yet conventional plastic-based methods remain energy-intensive and environmentally harmful, often resulting in higher impacts per part than traditional manufacturing. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether upcycled biomaterials, specifically oyster shells, pistachio shells, and clay, could be used as lower-impact alternatives to PLA in 3D printing. The scope included detailed measurement of print parameters for each material and a full life cycle assessment (LCA) of the printed elements, covering printer manufacturing, raw material extraction, transport, operation, and end of life. The results show that ambient-temperature extrusion of these upcycled biomaterials can reduce energy consumption by up to 89% and overall environmental impact by up to 94% (as measured by ReCiPe Endpoint H points) compared to PLA printing. These reductions were observed for the Netherlands and EU contexts, where electricity mixes are relatively clean and recycling rates are high; even greater improvements were observed for the US. Although the printed biomaterial objects exhibit lower mechanical strength, limited waterproofness, and reduced print resolution, they are already suitable for low-load applications such as prototypes and architectural models. Overall, the findings demonstrate that upcycled biomaterial extrusion has strong sustainability potential, outperforming both conventional plastics and bioplastics such as PLA in terms of material impacts and energy use. Continued development of material formulations as well as pre- and post-processing techniques could further expand functionality and support the broader adoption of low-impact 3D printing across a wide range of applications. Full article

Submarine power cables for offshore wind farms experience continuous cyclic loading from environmental forces and floating-platform motions, making fatigue performance a critical design factor. This study combined global and local analyses to investigate the fatigue behavior of a 66 kV dry-type submarine cable installed using a flexible pull-in installation system. A global dynamic analysis using site-specific meteorological and oceanographic data provided time-series displacement responses that were used to evaluate the fatigue damage to the metallic components of the cable. The results indicated that the minimum fatigue life of 8.71 × 10⁴ cycles occurred at the upper metallic sheath near the fixed end, with a corresponding cumulative damage of 1.147 × 10⁻⁵. Fatigue accumulation was predominantly governed by lateral (y-direction) displacement, while axial and vertical displacement components contributed minimally. Furthermore, the predicted fatigue life of the metallic sheath varied by a factor of up to 3.6 depending on the selected curve, comparing the cyclic stress amplitude and number of cycles to failure (S–N curve), highlighting the importance of accurate material fatigue data. These findings emphasize the need for careful evaluation of the environmental loading and sheath fatigue properties in flexible pull-in installation system-based submarine cable system designs. Full article

Improvement in passive function (i.e., ease of caring for a limb) is a common goal for treatment of spasticity in the arm with botulinum toxin. A large international, observational, 2-year longitudinal study (ULIS-III, N = 953) was conducted in real-life practice. This original secondary analysis examines whether improvement in passive function goals were met over repeated injection cycles. We report changes by cycle measured by the Passive Function sub-scale of the Arm Activity measure (ArmA-PF) and examine predictors of improvement and injection occurrence. Inclusion in this analysis was based on passive function being selected as a primary or secondary goal for one or more cycle of treatment (n = 542/953). Goals were assessed at the start and end of each cycle using the Goal Attainment Test score and the ArmA-PF. Over all cycles of treatment, goals were set for 1641/2187 injections (75.0%) and achieved in 1250 (76.2%). Significant improvements in ArmA-PF score were identified for at least six cycles (p < 0.001) with evidence of cumulative benefit over successive cycles. This occurred regardless of patient-related baseline characteristics, with the possible exception of some relationship with injection localization techniques. In conclusion, repeated botulinum toxin injections provide significant improvement in passive function, which was sustained over repeated cycles of treatment. Full article

In this study, we aimed to develop a high-performance, anti-fouling ultrafiltration membrane by integrating photocatalytic and Fenton-like functions into a polymer matrix, in order to address the critical challenge of membrane fouling and achieve simultaneous separation and degradation of organic pollutants. To this end, a novel Fe-V_O-TiO₂-embedded polyethersulfone (PES) composite membrane was designed and fabricated using a facile phase inversion method. The key innovation lies in the incorporation of Fe-V_O-TiO₂ nanoparticles containing abundant bulk-phase single-electron-trapped oxygen vacancies, which not only modulate membrane morphology and hydrophilicity but also enable sustained generation of reactive oxygen species for the pollutant degradation under light irradiation and H₂O₂. The optimized Fe-V_O-TiO₂-PES-0.04 membrane exhibited a significantly enhanced pure water flux of 222.6 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ (2.2 times higher than the pure PES membrane) while maintaining a high bovine serum albumin (BSA) retention of 93% and an improved hydrophilic surface. More importantly, the membrane demonstrated efficient and stable synergistic Photocatalytic-Fenton activity, achieving 82% degradation of norfloxacin (NOR) and retaining 75% efficiency after eight consecutive cycles. A key finding is the membrane’s Photocatalytic-Fenton-assisted self-cleaning capability, with an 80% flux recovery after methylene blue (MB) fouling, which was attributed to in situ reactive oxygen species (·OH) generation (verified by ESR). This work provides a feasible strategy for designing multifunctional membranes with enhanced antifouling performance and extended service life through built-in catalytic self-cleaning. Full article

The construction sector generates a substantial proportion of Australia’s total solid waste, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable and circular resource management approaches to mitigate environmental impacts. This study evaluates the environmental performance and circularity potential of construction and demolition waste (C&DW) management across five Australian states. Three representative building cases were modelled using both national-average and state-specific recycling rates and electricity generation mixes. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to compare two end-of-life pathways: landfill and recycling. Key parameters, including transport distance and substitution ratio, were also examined to assess their influence on carbon outcomes. The results show that regional variations in electricity generation mix and recycling rate have a strong influence on the total Global Warming Potential of C&DW management. States with cleaner electricity grids and higher recycling rates, such as South Australia, exhibited notably lower recycling-related emissions than those relying on fossil-fuel-based power. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating regional characteristics into sustainability assessments of C&DW management and provide practical insights to support Australia’s transition toward a circular and low-carbon construction industry. Full article

This systematic review examines chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) as a complex clinical manifestation in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Traditionally considered a secondary symptom of end-stage renal disease, emerging evidence now positions CKD-aP as a multidimensional disorder with substantial pathogenic influence on patient outcomes. Using the PRISMA 2020 methodology, we critically evaluated 54 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025. Our synthesis highlights a convergence of five mechanistic frameworks underpinning CKD-aP: elevated levels of uremic toxins originating from gut microbial dysbiosis, immune activation driven by IL-31 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines, heightened peripheral and central neural sensitization, dysregulation of endogenous opioid receptor pathways favoring μ-receptor activation, and xerosis-related epidermal barrier dysfunction. These mechanisms contribute to a systemic cycle of microinflammation, pruritogenic signaling, and neural hyperexcitability. We also identified and compared validated assessment tools—including the NRS, VAS, Skindex-10, and the UP-Dial scale—that facilitate standardized quantification of disease burden. While available treatments such as gabapentinoids and phototherapy offer partial relief, targeted therapies—including κ-opioid receptor agonists—represent a major advancement, although long-term effectiveness and accessibility remain under investigation. Growing scientific consensus establishes CKD-aP as a priority therapeutic target in hemodialysis care, underscoring the need for integrated, mechanism-based management strategies to improve quality of life and clinical outcomes. This work represents a narrative systematic review, integrating evidence from mechanistic, translational, and clinical studies to critically examine the biological pathways underlying CKD-associated pruritus. Full article

This article presents a methodology for assessing the ecosystem external costs linked to land-use changes caused by utility-scale photovoltaic systems using a regionalized life cycle approach. The core scientific challenge is to integrate a typically non-site-specific method—life cycle assessment—with a site-specific evaluation of ecosystem services affected by land-use changes. The methodology does not model specific agricultural practices. The approach is applied to three configurations of solar-tracking photovoltaic plants installed on arable land: ground-mounted photovoltaics, elevated agrivoltaics, and spaced agrivoltaics. For each configuration, the external costs or benefits per megawatt-hour (MWh) produced are estimated, allowing a comparative life cycle analysis. The findings show that the elevated agrivoltaic system is the only configuration resulting in a net loss of ecosystem service value, albeit marginal (−0.2 EUR/MWh). In contrast, the ground-mounted system yields a net benefit (approximately 1 EUR/MWh), followed by spaced agrivoltaics (0.1 EUR/MWh). These outcomes are mainly driven by the construction and operational phases, while the impacts from component production, transport, and end-of-life stages are significantly lower. The methodology offers a replicable framework for integrating the monetary evaluation of ecosystem services into life cycle assessments of land-intensive renewable energy systems. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the potential of circular economy principles in earth-based construction using an experimental rammed earth building located in Pasłęk, Poland as a case study. The research focuses on end-of-life scenarios for earth materials, with particular emphasis on rammed earth, adobe, and compressed earth blocks stabilized with Portland cement. A scenario-based life-cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to compare alternative demolition and reuse strategies, including manual and mechanical deconstruction, as well as on-site and off-site material reuse. Greenhouse gas emissions associated with demolition (Module C1) and transport (Module C2) were estimated for each scenario. The results indicate that manual deconstruction combined with local, on-site reuse leads to the lowest carbon footprint, whereas off-site reuse involving long-distance transport significantly increases greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, qualitative reuse pathways were identified for wood, glass, ceramics, and insulation materials. The study reveals a lack of standardized technical procedures for the recovery and reuse of stabilized earthen materials after demolition and highlights the importance of integrating end-of-life planning into the early design phase using digital tools such as material passports and BIM. The findings demonstrate that properly designed rammed earth systems can provide a viable low-tech solution for reducing construction waste and supporting circular material flows in the built environment. Full article

While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are pivotal for transport decarbonization, existing life cycle assessments (LCAs) often confound vehicle design effects with inter-brand manufacturing variations. In this study, a comparative cradle-to-grave LCA was conducted for three distinct BEV segments—a sedan, an SUV, and an MPV, produced by a single manufacturer on a shared platform. Leveraging detailed bills of materials, plant-level energy data, and region-specific emission factors for a functional unit of 150,000 km, we quantify greenhouse gas emissions across the full life cycle. Results show the total emissions scale with vehicle size from 25 to 31 t CO₂-eq. However, the MPV exhibits the highest functional carbon efficiency, with the lowest emissions per unit of interior volume. Material production and operational electricity use dominate the emission profile, with end-of-life metal recycling providing a 15–20% mitigation credit. Scenario modeling reveals that grid decarbonization can slash life cycle emissions by around 30%, while advanced battery recycling offers a further 15–18% reduction. These findings highlight that the climate benefits of BEVs are closely linked to progress in power system decarbonization, and provide references for future optimization of low-carbon vehicle production and reuse. Full article

Packaging plays a crucial role in product preservation and distribution but also constitutes a major source of environmental burden. In the beverage sector, where unit value is low, secondary and tertiary packaging significantly influence the environmental profile of the final product. This study quantifies the environmental trade-offs between conventional single-use and reusable packaging systems for aluminum cans, identifying the operational thresholds that justify a transition to circular models. A standardized Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach is applied to five packaging configurations: three current market scenarios and two alternative solutions based on reusable plastic crates (RPCs). System boundaries include production, distribution, end-of-life, and, where applicable, reverse logistics. A functional unit of one fully packaged 0.33 L aluminum can is adopted. Results reveal that while single-use cardboard solutions achieve favorable performance under certain impact categories, reusable systems outperform them when a sufficient number of reuse cycles is achieved and reverse logistics are efficiently managed. Sensitivity analyses highlight the critical influence of transport distances and reuse frequency on overall impacts, with performance deteriorating for reusable systems beyond 200 km or below 50 reuse cycles. These findings offer concrete, evidence-based guidance for supply-chain and logistics decision-makers to optimize packaging choices and distribution network design. The study also provides robust quantitative insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders by defining the precise operational conditions under which reusable systems deliver real environmental benefits. By presenting a comprehensive, system-level comparison of complete packaging systems, this research closes a critical gap in LCA studies and sets out a practical pathway for implementing circular, low-impact packaging strategies consistent with emerging EU regulations. Full article

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable polyesters produced through microbial fermentation of carbon-rich residues, are emerging as attractive alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Their appeal lies in their exceptional biocompatibility, inherent biodegradability, and tunable physicochemical properties across diverse applications. These materials are environmentally friendly not just at the end of their life, but throughout their entire production–use–disposal cycle. This mini-review presents an update on the expanding biomedical relevance of PHAs, with emphasis on their utility in tissue engineering and drug delivery platforms. In addition, current clinical evaluations and regulatory frameworks are briefly discussed, underscoring the translational potential of PHAs in meeting unmet medical needs. As the healthcare sector advances toward environmentally responsible and patient-focused innovations, PHAs exemplify the convergence of waste valorization and biomedical progress, transforming discarded resources into functional materials for repair, regeneration, and healing. Full article

This research has successfully addressed the challenges attributed with SMS, including the fragmented data, heavy reliance on experience, and lack of life cycle integration. This study presents the development and validation of a novel sustainable material selection (SMS) model using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The proposed model structures the process around four core life cycle phases—design, construction, operation and maintenance, and end of life—and incorporates a dual-interface system. This includes a main credits interface for high-level tracking of 100 total credits to trace the dynamics of SMS in relation to energy efficiency, indoor air quality, site selection, and efficient use of water. Further, it includes a detailed credit interface for granular assessment of specific material properties. A key innovation is the formalization of closed-loop feedback mechanisms between phases, ensuring that practical insights from construction and operation inform earlier design choices. The model’s functionality is demonstrated through a proof of concept for SMS considering thermal properties, showcasing its ability to contextualize benchmarks by climate, map properties to building components via a weighted networking system, and rank materials using a comprehensive database sourced from the academic literature. Automated scoring aligns with green building certification tiers, with an integrated alert system flagging suboptimal performance. The proposed model was validated through a structured practitioner survey, and the collected responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The result presents a scalable quantitative AI-assisted decision-making support model for optimizing material selection across different project phases. This work paves the way for further research with additional assessment criteria and better integration of AI and Machine Learning for SMS. Full article

As a metallurgical solid waste rich in active calcium oxide, magnesium slag (MS) is endowed with significant carbon dioxide sequestration potential due to its inherent properties, providing a feasible path for the simultaneous solution of waste residue disposal and carbon dioxide emission reduction. However, current research has neither clarified the kinetic mechanism (core theoretical support for carbon dioxide sequestration industrialization) nor systematically evaluated the life cycle environmental impacts of MS’s two carbonation routes (direct or indirect leaching carbonation). To address this, this study explores kinetic laws via the single-factor control variable method, and combines life cycle assessment (LCA) to fill the gap, providing key theoretical support for process optimization and engineering promotion. Kinetic results show indirect carbon dioxide sequestration (ICDS) forms an inert silicon-rich layer (core-shrinkage model, mixed control, 28.4 kJ/mol activation energy), while direct carbon dioxide sequestration (DCDS) involves dual-layer formation and pore blockage (mixed control, 14.0 kJ/mol). The ICDS achieves a higher reaction rate of 89%, compared to 63% for the DCDS. In life cycle assessments, DCDS demonstrates outstanding overall environmental sustainability, particularly excelling in carbon dioxide sequestration and acidification control, while ICDS exhibits significant environmental drawbacks (such as high carbon dioxide emissions and ecological toxicity). However, ICDS possesses advantages such as high feedstock utilization and strong synthesis capabilities for high-value-added products. Through targeted optimization, its environmental indicators can be reduced in the future, making it suitable for specific scenarios like high-end calcium carbonate production and resource utilization of low-grade magnesium slag. Full article

The rapid commercialization of next-generation photovoltaic (PV) technologies, particularly perovskite, thin-film roll-to-roll (R2R) architectures, and tandem devices, requires robust assessment of environmental performance at the level of industrial manufacturing processes. Environmental impacts can no longer be evaluated solely at the device or module level. Although many life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies compare silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and perovskite technologies, most rely on aggregated indicators and database-level inventories. Few studies systematically compile and harmonize process-level life-cycle inventories (LCIs) for the manufacturing steps that differentiate emerging industrial routes, such as solution coating, R2R processing, atomic layer deposition, low-temperature annealing, and advanced encapsulation–metallization strategies. In addition, inconsistencies in functional units, system boundaries, electricity-mix assumptions, and scale-up modeling continue to limit meaningful cross-study comparison. To address these gaps, this review (i) compiles and critically analyzes process-resolved LCIs for innovative PV manufacturing routes across laboratory, pilot, and industrial scales; (ii) quantifies sensitivity to scale-up, yield, throughput, and electricity carbon intensity; and (iii) proposes standardized methodological rules and open-access LCI templates to improve reproducibility, comparability, and integration with techno-economic and prospective LCA models. The review also synthesizes current evidence on recycling, circularity, and critical-material management. It highlights that end-of-life (EoL) benefits for emerging PV technologies are highly conditional and remain less mature than for crystalline-silicon systems. By shifting the analytical focus from technology class to manufacturing process and life-cycle configuration, this work provides a harmonized evidence base to support scalable, circular, and low-carbon industrial pathways for next-generation PV technologies. Full article