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15 pages, 2454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Biochar on Methane Emissions and Crop Yields in East Asian Paddy Fields: A Regional Scale Meta-Analysis

by Jong-Mun Lee, Hyun-Cheol Jeong, Hyo-Suk Gwon, Hyoung-Seok Lee, Hye-Ran Park, Guen-Sik Kim, Do-Gyun Park and Sun-Il Lee

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9200; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129200 - 7 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2032

Abstract

Biochar emerged as a potential solution to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, though previous studies obtained variable results regarding its effects on methane (CH₄) emissions and crop yields. Global meta-analyses were conducted regarding the effectiveness of biochar, though regional meta-analyses are still [...] Read more.

Biochar emerged as a potential solution to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, though previous studies obtained variable results regarding its effects on methane (CH₄) emissions and crop yields. Global meta-analyses were conducted regarding the effectiveness of biochar, though regional meta-analyses are still needed. We performed a meta-analysis of 43 published papers to obtain the central tendency of the response to biochar application in East Asian rice paddies. Biochar application significantly reduced methane emissions while increasing the soil organic carbon (SOC) content and crop yield. We identified the most significant influencing factors on the CH₄ emissions, SOC content, and crop yield. Our findings provide a scientific basis for the application of biochar to East Asian rice paddies, as well as to study the effects of biochar application in East Asian rice paddies. The numbers in parentheses represent the sample sizes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies for Environment, Health and Sustainable Development)

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31 pages, 10415 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of 1,4-Dioxane Migration in Groundwater and Evaluation of Remediation Measures in an Illegal Dumping Site Using a 2D-Numerical Model

by Thatthep Pongritsakda, Yasuhide Sakamoto, Jiajie Wang, Yoshishige Kawabe, Sanya Sirivithayapakorn, Takeshi Komai and Noriaki Watanabe

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 3930; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15053930 - 21 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1256

Abstract

Illegal dumping sites are usually characterized by complex contamination situations due to the presence of multiple contamination sources. To improve the efficiency of illegal waste dumping site remediation, this study developed a numerical model considering the effects of groundwater levels and hydraulic gradient [...] Read more.

Illegal dumping sites are usually characterized by complex contamination situations due to the presence of multiple contamination sources. To improve the efficiency of illegal waste dumping site remediation, this study developed a numerical model considering the effects of groundwater levels and hydraulic gradient changes on remediation operations. Using this model, the most likely sources of contamination for 1,4-dioxane at an illegal waste site in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, were successfully identified (including location, amount, and time of occurrence) by reproducing historical monitoring data (from 2010 to 2022) through history matching, and future contaminant migration in groundwater was predicted. In addition, based on quantitative evaluations of the remediation measures, we found that some remediation measures, such as impermeable wall construction, while having some effects on the control of contamination spreading, may accelerate the migration of contaminants off-site due to the change of hydraulic gradient. Therefore, remediation procedures should be more carefully considered for illegal dumping sites based on an understanding of the distribution of contamination sources and hydraulic gradient evolutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies for Environment, Health and Sustainable Development)

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21 pages, 2406 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Supply Chain Decisions for Production Waste Recovery and Reuse Based on a Recycler Focus

by Xingyao Liu, Kai Wang and Hui Lu

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3320; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043320 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1370

Abstract

Production waste recovery has economic and environmental benefits but carbon quotas limit it. To avoid future high-cost recovery technologies, we present an example of Starkelberg model between a recycler and a manufacturer, focusing on recycling exhaust gases containing metal elements from production waste. [...] Read more.

Production waste recovery has economic and environmental benefits but carbon quotas limit it. To avoid future high-cost recovery technologies, we present an example of Starkelberg model between a recycler and a manufacturer, focusing on recycling exhaust gases containing metal elements from production waste. From the perspective of a recycler, this paper outlines the process of waste recycling, processing, and sales, highlighting how the proportion of recovered waste gas directly or indirectly affects sales volume. The study shows that the impact of different factors on sales volume is bifurcated, with transaction factors affecting both ordinary and new products negatively, while technical aspects positively impact new products. Surprisingly, manufacturers and recyclers benefit, even if the reasons for selling ordinary and new products are different. In the end, the products of ordinary and new in the market are mutual constraints and mutual influence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies for Environment, Health and Sustainable Development)

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19 pages, 2515 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation of Biosurfactant-Producing Bacteria and Their Co-Culture Application in Microbial Fuel Cell for Simultaneous Hydrocarbon Degradation and Power Generation

by Kalpana Sharma, Vandana Singh, Soumya Pandit, Bhim Sen Thapa, Kumud Pant and Tanmoy Roy Tusher

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15638; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315638 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2325

Abstract

Biosurfactant-producing microorganisms improve the efficacy of hydrocarbon biodegradation as the biosurfactant is essential in making hydrocarbons available for breakdown. The present study reports the isolation of biosurfactant-producing bacteria that can be used for crude oil remediation and to characterize the biosurfactant generated during [...] Read more.

Biosurfactant-producing microorganisms improve the efficacy of hydrocarbon biodegradation as the biosurfactant is essential in making hydrocarbons available for breakdown. The present study reports the isolation of biosurfactant-producing bacteria that can be used for crude oil remediation and to characterize the biosurfactant generated during the breakdown of crude oil. This study also reports evaluating the synergism and potentiality of biosurfactant-producing bacteria for simultaneous hydrocarbon biodegradation and power generation. Two bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis strain B1 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain B2) were isolated from petroleum-contaminated soils, which are found effective in producing biosurfactants and degrading crude oil as the sole carbon source. B. subtilis B1 exhibited a higher potential for biosurfactant production and crude oil degradation than P. aeruginosa B2. The FTIR and GC-MS analysis were conducted for further characterization of the biosurfactant, which revealed that the surfactant produced by strain B1 and B2 was surfactin and rhamnolipid, respectively. The application of the B1 and B2 co-culture in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) showed synergism among them and resulted in a maximum power density production of 6.3 W/m³ with an open circuit voltage of 970 mV while degrading 2.5% v/v crude oil containing anolyte. The findings indicate that the co-culture of isolated crude oil-degrading strains has great potential for enhanced power generation and the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated environments. Moreover, the synergism of isolated strains in MFCs suggested their potent applicability in environmental, energy, and industrial sectors as an economical and feasible alternative to the existing technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies for Environment, Health and Sustainable Development)

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12 pages, 2182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite-Nanocellulose Nanocomposites from Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast Pellicle of Fermented Kombucha Tea

by Mareeswari Paramasivan, Tiruchirapalli Subramaniam Sampath Kumar and T. S. Chandra

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 8144; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138144 - 4 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2076

Abstract

The strong need for the utilization of industrial by-products and biowaste increases as we transition towards a circular economy. On these grounds, the present research aims to explore the applicability of the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY), a by-product of a [...] Read more.

The strong need for the utilization of industrial by-products and biowaste increases as we transition towards a circular economy. On these grounds, the present research aims to explore the applicability of the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY), a by-product of a functional beverage industry, for applications in biomedicine. Herein, hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated SCOBY nanocellulose (SN) nanocomposite (SNHA) was synthesized via a novel biomimetic approach using Serratia marcescens strain by adopting two different in situ approaches. Characterization studies established the presence of functional groups corresponding to pure nanocellulose and HA. Microscopic analysis revealed SN fibers of the dimensions 30–50 nm surrounded by 10–15 nm rod-shaped HA crystals. The SNHA membranes were carbonated and harbored traces of metal ions. A deposition of nano-HA crystals as high as 30–50% was achieved. Overall, the synthesized SNHA membranes reflected increased stability, low crystalline nature and an ion-substituted structure resembling the natural bone; they are thereby suited for bone tissue engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies for Environment, Health and Sustainable Development)

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Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 3820 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainable Food Waste Recycling for the Circular Economy in Developing Countries, with Special Reference to Bangladesh

by Aniruddha Sarker, Mithun Kumar Ghosh, Tofazzal Islam, Muhammad Bilal, Rakhi Nandi, Md Lamiur Raihan, Mohammad Nabil Hossain, Juwel Rana, Subrato Kumar Barman and Jang-Eok Kim

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12035; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912035 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5074

Abstract

Food waste management is a critical environmental issue in many developing countries, including Bangladesh, due to unplanned food waste disposal and lack of dedicated food waste legislation. In those countries, a significant amount of food waste is discarded to the environment rather than [...] Read more.

Food waste management is a critical environmental issue in many developing countries, including Bangladesh, due to unplanned food waste disposal and lack of dedicated food waste legislation. In those countries, a significant amount of food waste is discarded to the environment rather than being recycled. In Bangladesh, food waste is traditionally often used for composting, landfilling, and feeding animals, as there is no valorization option. In addition, food waste and food waste streams of food industries are utilized for the recycling and production of diverse economically valuable bioactive compounds. Therefore, we conducted a detailed literature review on food waste management and valorization options in Bangladesh and discussed the findings in the context of global status. The amount of food waste in Bangladesh is quite high, and it needs to be recycled to promote the circular economy of this developing nation. In this study, it is revealed that various research uncertainties and gaps regarding sustainable food waste management exist in Bangladesh, which should be investigated as priority research. Furthermore, a logical and global synchronization of the contemporary approach to food waste valorization with policy advocacy is proposed, to ensure efficient food waste decontamination and recycling in Bangladesh. This is the first and most comprehensive evaluation of the present research trend and prospects for sustainable recycling of food waste for the circular economy of Bangladesh. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies for Environment, Health and Sustainable Development)

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19 pages, 1306 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) for Pharmaceutical Wastewater Treatment: An Overview and Future Perspectives

by Bhim Sen Thapa, Soumya Pandit, Sanchita Bipin Patwardhan, Sakshi Tripathi, Abhilasha Singh Mathuriya, Piyush Kumar Gupta, Ram Bharosay Lal and Tanmoy Roy Tusher

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8379; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148379 - 8 Jul 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4538

Abstract

Pharmaceutical wastewater (PWW) is rapidly growing into one of the world’s most serious environmental and public health issues. Existing wastewater treatment systems carry numerous loopholes in supplying the ever-increasing need for potable water resulting from rises in population, urbanization, and industrial growth, and [...] Read more.

Pharmaceutical wastewater (PWW) is rapidly growing into one of the world’s most serious environmental and public health issues. Existing wastewater treatment systems carry numerous loopholes in supplying the ever-increasing need for potable water resulting from rises in population, urbanization, and industrial growth, and the volume of wastewater produced is growing each day. At present, conventional treatment methods, such as coagulation, sedimentation, oxidation, membrane filtration, flocculation, etc., are used to treat PWW. In contrast to these, the application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for decontaminating PWW can be a promising technology to replace these methods. MFC technologies have become a trending research topic in recent times. MFCs have also garnered the interest of researchers worldwide as a promising environmental remediation technique. This review extensively discusses the flaws in standalone conventional processes and the integration of MFCs to enhance electricity production and contaminant removal rates, especially with respect to PWW. This article also summarizes the studies reported on various antibiotics and wastes from pharmaceutical industries treated by MFCs, and their efficiencies. Furthermore, the review explains why further research is needed to establish the actual efficiency of MFCs to achieve sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective wastewater treatment. A brief on technoeconomic impacts has also been made to provide a glimpse of the way these technologies might replace present-day conventional methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies for Environment, Health and Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 3904 KiB

Open AccessReview

Glucose Fuel Cells and Membranes: A Brief Overview and Literature Analysis

by Tong Liu

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8376; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148376 - 8 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2369

Abstract

Glucose is a ubiquitous source of energy for nearly all living things, and glucose fuel cells (GFCs) are regarded as a sustainable power source because glucose is renewable, easily available, cheap, abundant, non-toxic and easy-to-store. Numerous efforts have been devoted to developing and [...] Read more.

Glucose is a ubiquitous source of energy for nearly all living things, and glucose fuel cells (GFCs) are regarded as a sustainable power source because glucose is renewable, easily available, cheap, abundant, non-toxic and easy-to-store. Numerous efforts have been devoted to developing and improving GFC performance; however, there is still no commercially viable devices on the market. Membranes play an essential role in GFCs for the establishment of a suitable local microenvironment, selective ion conducting and prevention of substrate crossover. However, our knowledge on them is still limited, especially on how to achieve comparable efficacy with that of a biological system. This review article provides the first brief overview on these aspects, particularly keeping in sight the research trends, current challenges, and the future prospects. We aim to bring together literature analysis and technological discussion on GFCs and membranes by using bibliometrics, and provide new ideas for researchers in this field to overcome challenges on developing high-performance GFCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies for Environment, Health and Sustainable Development)

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