Management and Disposal of Waste Tires to Develop a Company for the Manufacture of Products Based on Recycled Rubber in Tamaulipas, México

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors of the paper address a relevant topic, namely: "the disposal of used tires is considered one of the priority environmental and public health issues worldwide." However, given the applicability of the research, we suggest that the authors highlight, starting from the abstract, the innovative contributions of the study to the specialized scientific literature and how these create a multiplier effect for the study's results, especially since the analyzed issue is of global importance. Furthermore, based on the similarity indices, we recommend that the authors reduce this percentage to below 10%.

The concepts, citations, and references are appropriately mentioned within the paper. For example, through the cited reference [53-55], it is stated: "Waste tires obtained from cars and trucks represent the largest source of waste rubber in the world, its main components are natural and synthetic rubber, carbon black, metal, textile fabrics, and various additives according to the type of tire." Nevertheless, for academic accuracy, we suggest including a subsection, "Literature Review," within the Introduction chapter, where all references identified by the authors and relevant to the research are highlighted.

The research methodology is presented in a simplistic manner, but it aligns with the studied topic. For instance, the authors employ an experimental procedure, having "conducted a survey in the state of Tamaulipas, located in northern Mexico and bordering the United States," a state relevant both administratively and demographically. Additionally, the authors use a prediction method "employing simulation software to design and estimate the expected production in the manufacturing of parking bumpers using two scenarios with two and four workers," as well as "specialized software to optimize the collection routes for used tires from various tire shops to the company’s location."

The study results are presented both descriptively and graphically, through relevant tables and figures. Moreover, based on the analysis conducted and the study findings, the authors emphasize that "depending on the number of tires discarded annually in the state, the installation and success of the rubber-based product manufacturing company is feasible." However, as mentioned earlier, we encourage the authors to clarify their innovative personal contributions to the specialized scientific literature.

The conclusions are adequately presented by the authors, highlighting that "most government actions and management have focused on preparing spaces for waste collection; dumping tires in landfills should not be the only option for the final disposal of used tires." Nonetheless, we suggest that the authors include both the study's limitations and directions for future research, as well as recommendations for public policy alignment with the study's objectives.

We congratulate the research team for the topic analysed and suggest revising the paper according to the mentioned recommendations.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

I did not identify any aspects related to the English language.

Author Response

Dear Editor and Reviewers.

 

The authors appreciate the comments from the reviewers on our manuscript entitled "Management and disposal of waste tires to develop a company for the manufacture of products based on recycled rubber in Tamaulipas, México". These comments are very valuable and useful for improving the paper. We have read each of the comments and have made corrections to each of them. The revisions in the paper are shown highlighted in yellow. The main corrections in the paper and the responses to the reviewers' comments are as follows:

 

Reviewer #1

Q1. Title: We suggest that the authors highlight, starting from the abstract, the innovative contributions of the study to the specialized scientific literature and how these create a multiplier effect for the study's results.

Response: We are grateful for the suggestion. We have made the modifications to the abstract, which are in the revised document.

 

Q2. Title: The concepts, citations, and references are appropriately mentioned within the paper. For example, through the cited reference [53-55], it is stated: "Waste tires obtained from cars and trucks represent the largest source of waste rubber in the world,…

Response: Thanks for your suggestion. The authors carried out an updated bibliographic review of the references related to the point observed, and these were annexed to the document.

 

Q3. Title: The research methodology is presented in a simplistic manner, but it aligns with the studied topic. For instance, the authors employ an experimental procedure, having "conducted a survey in the state of Tamaulipas,….

Response: We are pleased to provide an explanation for this. The surveys used and the methodology for determining the sample were in accordance with the population and economic situation, the knowledge of the disposal of waste tires, and the vehicle fleet of the studied area. The software used were useful tools in predicting both the collection of used tires and the optimization of the production process.

 

Q4. Title: The study results are presented both descriptively and graphically, through relevant tables and figure.. However, as mentioned earlier, we encourage the authors to clarify their innovative personal contributions to the specialized scientific literature.

Response: We are very sorry for not being clear in the explanation of the results. We have made adjustments in the format of the newly submitted revised manuscript in hopes of providing you with a better reading experience.

 

Q5. Title: The conclusions are adequately presented by the authors, highlighting that "most government actions and management have focused on preparing spaces for waste collection;. Nonetheless, we suggest that the authors include both the study's limitations and directions for future research, as well as recommendations for public policy alignment with the study's objectives.

Response: Their suggestion is very pertinent. In the conclusions section, the limitations and possible future actions of the work have been included, as well as the projection that this may have in the field of study.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article addresses a significant environmental issue—the management and recycling of waste tires, which is a global concern.

It proposes a practical and economically viable solution with the implementation of a recycling company in Tamaulipas, México.

The use of simulation tools (ProModel® and ArcGIS®) demonstrates a modern and data-driven approach to feasibility and process optimization.

The article should emphasize the novel aspects of the proposed solution. While the integration of simulation tools is mentioned, the authors could elaborate on how their approach differs from existing recycling initiatives globally and in México.

The manuscript lacks a detailed discussion of the potential challenges or constraints of the proposed system. For instance:

The financial and logistical hurdles in establishing the recycling company.

Potential risks in tire collection and the effectiveness of the proposed routes in real-world conditions.

Environmental and societal acceptance of products made from recycled materials.

The potential markets for recycled rubber products are briefly mentioned. A deeper exploration of industrial and consumer markets, especially those specific to México and neighboring regions, would enhance the article’s practical value.

Separate Disscussion section should compare the obtained results with findings from other studies or case studies cited in the literature. For instance, contrast the effectiveness of the proposed methods with the recycling strategies in developed countries like the U.S. or Europe.

Include a critical analysis of the results from the simulations, detailing the advantages and drawbacks of both scenarios modeled.

The text contains numerous grammatical errors and some awkward phrasing. A thorough language revision is necessary.

The inclusion of the “Discussion” section could also help in organizing the content logically, making it more reader-friendly.

While the surveys and simulations provide valuable data, more transparency is needed about the statistical methods used and the assumptions in the simulation models.

The manuscript should discuss the long-term environmental and economic impacts of implementing such a recycling company in Tamaulipas.

The article provides a commendable foundation for addressing waste tire recycling in Tamaulipas. However, to enhance its contribution to the field, the authors should better articulate the innovation, acknowledge the limitations, and provide a robust discussion contextualizing their results within the existing body of literature. A comprehensive revision will be crucial for publication readiness.

Author Response

Dear Editor and Reviewers.

 

The authors appreciate the comments from the reviewers on our manuscript entitled "Management and disposal of waste tires to develop a company for the manufacture of products based on recycled rubber in Tamaulipas, México". These comments are very valuable and useful for improving the paper. We have read each of the comments and have made corrections to each of them. The revisions in the paper are shown highlighted in yellow. The main corrections in the paper and the responses to the reviewers' comments are as follows:

 

Reviewer #2

Q1. Title: The article should emphasize the novel aspects of the proposed solution. While the integration of simulation tools is mentioned, the authors could elaborate on how their approach differs from existing recycling initiatives globally and in México.

Response: Thanks for your careful checks. We are sorry for our carelessness. In our resubmitted manuscript, we mention the approach used in the research work and compare it with other research of the same type worldwide. We hope to be clear with the answers.

 

Q2. Title: The financial and logistical hurdles in establishing the recycling company.

Response: Thanks for your advice. We have considered this and in the revised and sent document, we explain these factors that are linked to the company responsible for both the collection and manufacturing of recycled rubber products.

 

Q3. Title: Potential risks in tire collection and the effectiveness of the proposed routes in real-world conditions.

Response: Thank you for your excellent advice. Indeed, as in every process, there are disadvantages and limitations that must be considered, and because this collection process presents a significant number of variables that may change over time, adjustments must be made until the model is as efficient as possible. The simulation carried out was as close to reality as possible in our case study. We consider that after several adjustments to the simulated model, we are proposing the most effective and convenient option for the company.

 

Q4. Title: Environmental and societal acceptance of products made from recycled materials.

Response: Thanks for your suggestion. We have added this observation to the corrected and sent document.

 

Q5. Title: The potential markets for recycled rubber products are briefly mentioned. A deeper exploration of industrial and consumer markets, especially those specific to México and neighboring regions, would enhance the article’s practical value.

Response: Your question is very pertinent. We have conducted a more detailed investigation of this topic and we consider that the document submitted has a more complete vision of the potential market that exists.

 

Q6. Title: Separate Disscussion section should compare the obtained results with findings from other studies or case studies cited in the literature. For instance, contrast the effectiveness of the proposed methods with the recycling strategies in developed countries like the U.S. or Europe.

Response: Thanks for raising such a question. We have reviewed in detail and compared the methodologies and strategies for recycling and using recycled rubber in the manufacture of industrial products and processes. In the submitted and corrected document, we clarify these observations.

 

 

 

Q7. Title: Include a critical analysis of the results from the simulations, detailing the advantages and drawbacks of both scenarios modeled.

Response: Thanks for your suggestion. In the results section we address more of the analysis of the simulation of the production process.

 

Q8. Title: The text contains numerous grammatical errors and some awkward phrasing. A thorough language revision is necessary.

Response: We are sincerely sorry. We have made the formatting corrections in the recently submitted revised manuscript, and we hope to give you a better reading experience.

 

Q9. Title: The inclusion of the “Discussion” section could also help in organizing the content logically, making it more reader-friendly.

Response: Thank you for your suggestion. The document sent is an attempt to organize the results more clearly. I hope it will be easier to read.

 

Q10. Title: While the surveys and simulations provide valuable data, more transparency is needed about the statistical methods used and the assumptions in the simulation models.

Response: Thanks for your careful checks. We have added some additional data in the methodology section, specifically in determining the sample and the variables selected for the simulation.

 

Q11. Title: The manuscript should discuss the long-term environmental and economic impacts of implementing such a recycling company in Tamaulipas.

Response: Thanks for raising such a question. The corrected and submitted document mentions the benefits that the implementation of a recycling company in Tamaulipas can positively impact.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1. In the abstract, line no. 20 need to be corrected.

2. Quantitative results need to be added to the abstract.

3. 2 more keywords can be added.

4. The existing approach for tire waste management can be reviewed in the introduction section.

5. Why did the authors use a stratified random sampling technique?

6. Fig 3 & 4 need to be enhanced.

7. Fig 4 & 5 captions need to be revised.

8. Y axis name should be given for Fig 6 - 8.

9. A separate section on discussion needs to be added to brief the research findings and recommendations.

10. Revise the conclusion.

 

Author Response

Dear Editor and Reviewers.

 

The authors appreciate the comments from the reviewers on our manuscript entitled "Management and disposal of waste tires to develop a company for the manufacture of products based on recycled rubber in Tamaulipas, México". These comments are very valuable and useful for improving the paper. We have read each of the comments and have made corrections to each of them. The revisions in the paper are shown highlighted in yellow. The main corrections in the paper and the responses to the reviewers' comments are as follows:

 

Reviewer #3

Q1. Title: In the abstract, line no. 20 need to be corrected.

Response: Thanks for pointing out this error. We have removed the sign on line 20 of the abstract

 

Q2. Title: Quantitative results need to be added to the abstract.

Response: Thanks for your suggestion. We have added the quantitative results in the abstract.

 

Q3. Title: 2 more keywords can be added.

Response: Thanks for your suggestion. 2 keywords were added.

 

Q4. Title: The existing approach for tire waste management can be reviewed in the introduction section.

Response: Thanks for your comment. We have reviewed the document of the indicated situation.

 

Q5. Title: Why did the authors use a stratified random sampling technique?

Response: The stratified random sampling technique was used in the research because it was necessary to obtain information from a certain group of the population with specific and clearly defined conditions, in order to obtain results that would guarantee reliable data in the research.

 

Q6. Title: Fig 3 & 4 need to be enhanced.

Response: Thanks for your comment. We have improved the aforementioned Figures for your better appreciation.

 

Q7. Title: Fig 4 & 5 captions need to be revised.

Response: Thank you for your comment. We have modified the captions for figures 4 and 5 for better understanding.

Q8. Title: Y axis name should be given for Fig 6 - 8.

Response: Thank you for your comment. We have added the Y axis title in the mentioned figures.

 

Q9. Title: A separate section on discussion needs to be added to brief the research findings and recommendations.

Response: Thank you for raising this comment. We have improved the interpretation of the results and the clarity of these. We hope they are useful for a clear reading of the document.

 

Q10. Title: Revise the conclusion.

Response: Thank you for your advice. We have reviewed the entire document and paid attention to the conclusions. We hope that you will like the corrected and submitted document.

 

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper deals with a study on the management and disposal of waste tires to develop a company for the manufacture of products based on recycled rubber in Tamaulipas México. The authors aimed to propose a viable alternative for the final disposal and recycling of waste tires through the implementation of a company for the manufacture of products based on recycled rubber in the state of Tamaulipas Mexico, reducing environmental pollution by these wastes and generating sources of employment through a sustainable company. The research has some significance. However, some problems need to be modified before final acceptance.

1. The author conducted a study on the waste tires of Tamaulipas Mexico. Are the results of the study globally applicable and what are the economic and social benefits?

2. Is the sample of the survey representative and extensive, and is the number sufficient?

3. The conclusions need to be streamlined to show important findings.

Author Response

Dear Editor and Reviewers.

 

The authors appreciate the comments from the reviewers on our manuscript entitled "Management and disposal of waste tires to develop a company for the manufacture of products based on recycled rubber in Tamaulipas, México". These comments are very valuable and useful for improving the paper. We have read each of the comments and have made corrections to each of them. The revisions in the paper are shown highlighted in yellow. The main corrections in the paper and the responses to the reviewers' comments are as follows:

 

Reviewer #4

Q1. Title: The author conducted a study on the waste tires of Tamaulipas Mexico. Are the results of the study globally applicable and what are the economic and social benefits?

Response: Thanks for raising such a question. The results of the study pertain to a specific area in northern Mexico, the current situation regarding the final disposal of used tires is a priority issue in the state. The population, the number of vehicles in circulation, and the proximity to the United States of America mean that the number of waste tires is in a considerable volume that negatively impacts the environment. This problem differs from other areas of Mexico, and most likely each country will have different scenarios and, different strategies but with the same objectives: reducing environmental pollution and health problems caused by the accumulation of tires in clandestine dumps, rivers, and garbage dumps.

 

Q2. Title: Is the sample of the survey representative and extensive, and is the number sufficient?

Response: Thank you for your comment. The sample we conducted was random and stratified, seeking to ensure that the information obtained was useful and provided results for the research. Therefore, we consider that the number of people surveyed was adequate based on the population studied.

Q3. Title: The conclusions need to be streamlined to show important findings.

Response: Thank you for the suggestion. In the corrected and sent document, the conclusions section was adapted for better understanding and the main results of the study were highlighted.

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript has been revised in accordance with the review guidelines and the References have been supplemented. I recommend the article for publication in its current form.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Congrats to the authors.