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Atmosphere
Special Issues
Cutting Carbon Pollution: Focus on Industrial and Transportation Sectors
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Cutting Carbon Pollution: Focus on Industrial and Transportation Sectors

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Pollution Control".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 20493

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
Interests: modeling for greenhouse gas mitigation and energy potential; renewable energy assessment; energy policies; life cycle assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yusuf M. Isa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg P.O. Box 2050, South Africa
Interests: heterogenous catalysts; bio hydrogen; biomass; sustainability; fuel hydrocarbons; ethanol; catalytic conversion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Industrial and population growth has led to a tremendous increase in human activities, consequently leading to a high demand for energy. The utilization of energy, especially fossil fuels, leads to the production of oxides of carbon as by-products, among other greenhouse gases. These gases are a major threat to the atmosphere. Considering your expertise in combating the challenges posed by carbon pollution, you are invited to submit an article for consideration in a Special Issue of Atmosphere. The Special Issue will focus on industrial and transportation carbon pollution. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Carbon capture and sequestration;
  • Environmentally friendly processes;
  • Synthesis of adsorbents applicable to carbon pollution;
  • Application of lifecycle assessments;
  • Model frameworks to assess emissions.

Dr. Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju
Dr. Yusuf Makarfi Isa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • environmental impact
  • modeling
  • carbon mitigation policies
  • fossil fuels
  • renewable
  • catalysis
  • greenhouse gas
  • sustainability
  • adsorbents
  • biofuels

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 1867 KiB  
Article
An Integrated System Dynamics Model and Life Cycle Assessment for Cement Production in South Africa
by Oluwafemi E. Ige, Kevin J. Duffy, Oludolapo A. Olanrewaju and Obiora C. Collins
Atmosphere 2022, 13(11), 1788; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13111788 - 29 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2469
Abstract
Cement is one of the most produced materials globally. Population growth and urbanization cause an increased demand for the cement needed for expanding infrastructures. As a result of this circumstance, the cement industry must find the optimum compromise between increasing cement production and [...] Read more.
Cement is one of the most produced materials globally. Population growth and urbanization cause an increased demand for the cement needed for expanding infrastructures. As a result of this circumstance, the cement industry must find the optimum compromise between increasing cement production and reducing the negative environmental impact of that production. Since cement production uses a lot of energy, resources and raw materials, it is essential to assess its environmental impact and determine methods for the sector to move forward in sustainable ways. This paper uses an integrated life cycle assessment (LCA) and a system dynamics (SDs) model to predict the long-term environmental impact and future dynamics of cement production in South Africa. The first step used the LCA midpoint method to investigate the environmental impact of 1 kg of Portland cement produced in South Africa. In the cement production process, carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), methane (CH4) and particulate matter (PM) were the major gases emitted. Therefore, the LCA concentrated on the impact of these pollutants on global warming potential (GWP), ozone formation, human health, fine particulate matter formation and terrestrial acidification. The system dynamics model is used to predict the dynamics of cement production in South Africa. The LCA translates its results into input variables into a system dynamics model to predict the long-term environmental impact of cement production in South Africa. From our projections, the pollutant outputs of cement production in South Africa will each approximately double by the year 2040 with the associated long-term impact of an increase in global warming. These results are an important guide for South Africa’s future cement production and environmental impact because it is essential that regulations for cement production are maintained to achieve long-term environmental impact goals. The proposed LCA–SD model methodology used here enables us to predict the future dynamics of cement production and its long-term environmental impact, which is the primary research objective. Using these results, a number of policy changes are suggested for reducing emissions, such as introducing more eco-blended cement productions, carbon budgets and carbon tax. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting Carbon Pollution: Focus on Industrial and Transportation Sectors)
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23 pages, 1631 KiB  
Article
Effects of the Impact Factors on Transportation Sector’s CO2-eq Emissions: Panel Evaluation on South Africa’s Major Economies
by Oluwole Joseph Oladunni and Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju
Atmosphere 2022, 13(10), 1705; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13101705 - 17 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1888
Abstract
The paper utilized a panel dataset to investigate the effects of the impact factors, namely, economic growth, energy intensity, energy consumption, urbanisation, passenger vehicles and transport infrastructure investments on carbon emissions (CO2-eq). The transport sector of the main buoyant [...] Read more.
The paper utilized a panel dataset to investigate the effects of the impact factors, namely, economic growth, energy intensity, energy consumption, urbanisation, passenger vehicles and transport infrastructure investments on carbon emissions (CO2-eq). The transport sector of the main buoyant economic provinces of South Africa for a consecutive period of five years was investigated using STIRPAT models. Carbon emissions coefficient method, (CECM) is made applicable to determine the quantification of the forms of fossil fuels utilized in the transportation sector. The characterized parametric panel dataset for Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape were assessed from 2016 to 2020 to make objective function determinations. The results indicate that GDP and passenger vehicles contributed largely to CO2-eq emissions, however, the impact varies across the three provinces. Energy intensity and the approach to energy consumption are significant in mitigating carbon emissions, which is due to the possibilities of high fuel efficiency and pollution decrease. The outcome of the research advances climate change mitigation strategy and proffers the required attention to policy makers in South Africa and Africa as a continent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting Carbon Pollution: Focus on Industrial and Transportation Sectors)
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16 pages, 1827 KiB  
Article
Cost–Benefit Analysis of Synergistic CO2 and NOx Energy-Efficient Technologies for the Road Transport Sector in China
by Liying Ping, Yuan Wang, Lien-Chieh Lee, Binbin Peng, Bushra Y. Ahmed, Hongyu Zhang and Wenchao Ma
Atmosphere 2022, 13(10), 1540; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13101540 - 20 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1483
Abstract
The transportation sector is a major source of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, and it has a crucial effect on the synergistic reduction of NOx and carbon. In order to find the energy-efficient vehicle technologies with the highest net reduction potential and [...] Read more.
The transportation sector is a major source of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, and it has a crucial effect on the synergistic reduction of NOx and carbon. In order to find the energy-efficient vehicle technologies with the highest net reduction potential and lowest net reduction cost over the life cycle, this study traced the CO2 and NOx emission streams of 33 energy-efficient technologies, hidden in the supply chain during the production phase, through structural path analysis, and measured the emission reductions during the use phase using the emission factor method. Moreover, we applied structural decomposition analysis to quantify the three main drivers, including emission intensity, industrial structure, and final demand, of changes in CO2 and NOx emissions from 11 transport subsectors during 2012–2018. Results indicate that CO2 emissions of the transport sector more than doubled from 2012 to 2018; however, the influence of NOx was less significant. The final demand of the road subsector was the most significant driver contributing to CO2 emission changes, with an increase of 109.27 Mt. The emission intensity of road transportation caused the greatest mitigation effect on NOx emission changes, with a decrease of 1902 Kt. The findings of the scenario analysis demonstrate that the most efficient action of the pure electric technology for passenger cars reduces 20.92 Mt NOx emissions, and the parallel hybrid technology for heavy trucks offers the greatest cost effectiveness with a net abatement of 2577 Mt CO2 over its life cycle. Consequently, the aggressive development of new energy technology has become a prerequisite strategy to synergistically reduce CO2 and NOx emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting Carbon Pollution: Focus on Industrial and Transportation Sectors)
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19 pages, 3758 KiB  
Article
Cutting Cement Industry CO2 Emissions through Metakaolin Use in Construction
by Yetunde Oyebolaji Abiodun, Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju, Oluwashina Philips Gbenebor, Ezenwanyi Fidelia Ochulor, Dumebi Victoria Obasa and Samson Oluropo Adeosun
Atmosphere 2022, 13(9), 1494; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13091494 - 14 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3084
Abstract
Cement production is one of the most important industries on the planet, and humans have relied on is use dating back to the dawn of civilization. Cement manufacturing has increased at an exponential rate, reaching 3 billion metric tons in 2015, representing a [...] Read more.
Cement production is one of the most important industries on the planet, and humans have relied on is use dating back to the dawn of civilization. Cement manufacturing has increased at an exponential rate, reaching 3 billion metric tons in 2015, representing a 6.3% annual growth rate and accounting for around 5–8% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Geopolymer materials, which are inorganic polymers made from a wide range of aluminosilicate powders, such as metakaolin, fly ash, and blast furnace or steel slags, have also been elicited for use due to concerns about the high energy consumption and CO2 emissions connected with cement and concrete manufacturing. This study focused on the mechanical and durability properties of metakaolin in concrete production. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were used to confirm the characteristics of kaolin and metakaolin. The results showed that 15 wt.% metakaolin can be used to partially replace cement, and that metakaolin, when synthesized with alkaline activators, can also be utilized as a geopolymer to totally replace cement in concrete production. For predicting the compressive strength of different concrete mixtures, few practical models have been presented. This research has shed light on the possibility of utilizing ecologically friendly materials in the building, construction, and transportation sectors to decrease carbon dioxide emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting Carbon Pollution: Focus on Industrial and Transportation Sectors)
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Review

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18 pages, 1452 KiB  
Review
Production of Biocoal from Wastewater Sludge and Sugarcane Bagasse: A Review
by Zinhle Mkhwanazi, Yusuf Makarfi Isa and Shadana. T. Vallabh
Atmosphere 2023, 14(1), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14010184 - 15 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2596
Abstract
The rising volume of wastewater sludge and sugarcane bagasse is becoming a prominent concern globally. Furthermore, the growing demand for fuel coupled with the depletion of fossil fuel reserves in South Africa demonstrates the need for alternative energy sources. To minimize the reliance [...] Read more.
The rising volume of wastewater sludge and sugarcane bagasse is becoming a prominent concern globally. Furthermore, the growing demand for fuel coupled with the depletion of fossil fuel reserves in South Africa demonstrates the need for alternative energy sources. To minimize the reliance on fossil-based energy sources, a renewable resource such as biomass can be optimized as an energy source. Wastewater sludge and bagasse have the energy potential to produce high-calorific-value biocoal; this will contribute to the supply of energy in South Africa. The synthesis of biocoal from wastewater sludge and bagasse through an artificial synthetic coal production process, i.e., hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), is preferred over other thermal conversion techniques as HTC is capable of handling feed having a high (75–90%) moisture content. This article focuses on the production of biocoal from wastewater sludge and sugarcane bagasse as an alternative to sustainable bioenergy supply and as one of the potential solutions for reducing net CO2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil-fuel power plants, and addresses the use of different thermochemical technologies, previous studies on the composition of wastewater sludge and bagasse, and the benefits of hydrothermal carbonization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting Carbon Pollution: Focus on Industrial and Transportation Sectors)
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42 pages, 2507 KiB  
Review
Review of Carbon Capture and Methane Production from Carbon Dioxide
by Stephen Okiemute Akpasi and Yusuf Makarfi Isa
Atmosphere 2022, 13(12), 1958; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13121958 - 24 Nov 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4731
Abstract
In the last few decades, excessive greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere have led to significant climate change. Many approaches to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere have been developed, with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) techniques being identified [...] Read more.
In the last few decades, excessive greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere have led to significant climate change. Many approaches to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere have been developed, with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) techniques being identified as promising. Flue gas emissions that produce CO2 are currently being captured, sequestered, and used on a global scale. These techniques offer a viable way to encourage sustainability for the benefit of future generations. Finding ways to utilize flue gas emissions has received less attention from researchers in the past than CO2 capture and storage. Several problems also need to be resolved in the field of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology, including those relating to cost, storage capacity, and reservoir durability. Also covered in this research is the current carbon capture and sequestration technology. This study proposes a sustainable approach combining CCS and methane production with CO2 as a feedstock, making CCS technology more practicable. By generating renewable energy, this approach provides several benefits, including the reduction of CO2 emissions and increased energy security. The conversion of CO2 into methane is a recommended practice because of the many benefits of methane, which make it potentially useful for reducing pollution and promoting sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting Carbon Pollution: Focus on Industrial and Transportation Sectors)
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16 pages, 1430 KiB  
Review
A Review on Lignin-Based Carbon Fibres for Carbon Footprint Reduction
by Victoria Dumebi Obasa, Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju, Oluwashina Phillips Gbenebor, Ezenwanyi Fidelia Ochulor, Cletus Chiosa Odili, Yetunde Oyebolaji Abiodun and Samson Oluropo Adeosun
Atmosphere 2022, 13(10), 1605; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13101605 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3210
Abstract
Carbon fibers (CFs) are made mostly from a non-environmentally friendly polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and little from rayon. PAN-based CFs, require huge amount of energy for its production aside its contributions to the global CO2 emission. Therefore, there is recourse to a more environmentally [...] Read more.
Carbon fibers (CFs) are made mostly from a non-environmentally friendly polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and little from rayon. PAN-based CFs, require huge amount of energy for its production aside its contributions to the global CO2 emission. Therefore, there is recourse to a more environmentally friendly sources of CFs biomass. Recently lignin has been recognized as a potential renewable raw material for carbon fibers to replace PAN-based. The magnitude and quality of CO2 emission of lignin-based CFs are dependent on the processing route. On this premise; this review examines the various lignin-based CFs processing route adopted by researcher in the recent past to establish the most viable route with minimum carbon footprint emission. Outcome of the review shows that the major advantages of aromatic polymer (AP) generated precursor over PAN is the presence of higher quantity of guaiacyl units and oxygen content which makes the stabilization phase efficient and faster requiring less energy. Though there are several methods and options for the various stages of conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into CFs as highlighted in the study, establishing an optimum processing route will be a trade-off amongst various issues of concern; carcinogenic risk, carbon footprint emission, CFs Yield and mechanical strength of the CFs. Inferences from the study shows that the L-CF significantly produced reduced climatic impact in terms of CO2 emission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting Carbon Pollution: Focus on Industrial and Transportation Sectors)
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