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Achieving Environmental Sustainability through Waste Management and Energy Conversion
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Achieving Environmental Sustainability through Waste Management and Energy Conversion

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Waste and Recycling".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 April 2025 | Viewed by 7518

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Yunan Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Interests: waste management; recycling reuse; energy conversion; environmental assessments; landfill disposal; treatment; economic analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Achieving environmental sustainability through waste management and energy conversion requires the presentation and discussion of information on solid waste generation, characterization, minimization, collection, separation, treatment, and disposal, as well as manuscripts that address waste management policy, education, and economic and environmental assessments. This Special Issue will address various types of solid wastes including municipal (e.g., residential, institutional, and commercial), agricultural, and special (e.g., hazardous household, hazardous and non-hazardous industrial, construction and demolition, and sewage sludge) wastes. Mining, metallurgical, and radioactive wastes are not in the scope of this journal.

This Special Issue welcomes both fundamental and applied research that can be related to problems that are of interest to solid waste researchers, practitioners, and/or policy makers. Well-documented case studies will be considered, but they must describe results that can be applied beyond the specific location of the case study. Manuscripts that focus on the use of a waste material in a new product are often more suitable for a journal that focuses on the material properties of the product. In considering whether a manuscript is suitable for publication in Sustainable Waste Management, consider whether the information is of potential use to solid waste researchers, practitioners, and/or policymakers.

The following are some of the major areas from which papers are solicited:

  • Generation and characterization;
  • Minimization;
  • Recycling and reuse;
  • Storage, collection, transport, and transfer;
  • Treatment (mechanical, biological, chemical, thermal, other);
  • Landfill disposal;
  • Environmental assessments (including LCA and S-LCA);
  • Economic analysis (including LCC);
  • Policy and regulations;
  • Planning;
  • New and emerging issues and technologies.

Dr. Yunan Chen
Guest Editor

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. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

  • sustainable waste management
  • recycling reuse
  • energy conversion
  • environmental assessments
  • landfill disposal
  • treatment
  • economic analysis.

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 2652 KiB  
Article
Reducing Plastic Waste and Generating Bioelectricity Simultaneously through Fuel Cells Using the Fungus Pleurotus ostreatus
by Rojas-Flores Segundo, De La Cruz-Noriega Magaly, Cabanillas-Chirinos Luis, Nélida Milly Otiniano, Nancy Soto-Deza and Nicole Terrones-Rodríguez
Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 7909; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16187909 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1016
Abstract
Plastic waste, a persistent and escalating issue, and the high costs of installing electric power, particularly in remote areas, have become pressing concerns for governments. This research proposes a novel method for generating electric power from sugarcane bagasse waste and reducing plastic waste. [...] Read more.
Plastic waste, a persistent and escalating issue, and the high costs of installing electric power, particularly in remote areas, have become pressing concerns for governments. This research proposes a novel method for generating electric power from sugarcane bagasse waste and reducing plastic waste. The key to this method is the use of the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus in microbial fuel cells. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) demonstrated their effectiveness by generating peaks of electric current (4.325 ± 0.261 mA) and voltage (0.427 ± 0.031 V) on day twenty-six, with a pH of 5.539 ± 0.278. The peak electrical conductivity of the substrate was 130.574 ± 4.981 mS/cm. The MFCs were able to reduce the chemical oxygen demand by 83%, showing a maximum power density of 86.316 ± 4.724 mW/cm2 and an internal resistance of 37.384 ± 62.522 Ω. The infrared spectra of the plastic samples showed a decrease in the peaks 2850–2920, 1470, and 720 cm−1, which are more characteristic of plastic, demonstrating the action of the Pleurotus ostreatus fungus on the plastic samples. Also, the micrographs taken by SEM showed the reduction in the thickness of the plastic film by 54.06 µm and the formation of microstructures on the surface, such as pores and raised layers of the sample used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Environmental Sustainability through Waste Management and Energy Conversion)
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11 pages, 2723 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Use of the Fungus Aspergillus sp. to Simultaneously Generate Electricity and Reduce Plastic through Microbial Fuel Cells
by Segundo Rojas-Flores, Magaly De La Cruz-Noriega, Nélida Milly Otiniano and Luis Cabanillas-Chirinos
Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7413; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177413 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 773
Abstract
The improper disposal of plastic waste has become a significant problem, with only a small amount recycled and the rest ending up in landfills or being burned, leading to environmental pollution. In addition, the cost of electric energy has risen by over 100% [...] Read more.
The improper disposal of plastic waste has become a significant problem, with only a small amount recycled and the rest ending up in landfills or being burned, leading to environmental pollution. In addition, the cost of electric energy has risen by over 100% in the last 20 years, making it unaffordable for remote areas to access this service due to high installation costs, leaving people living far from major cities without electricity. This study proposes an innovative solution to these issues using microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology to simultaneously reduce plastic waste and generate electric energy by utilizing the fungus Aspergillus sp. As a substrate for 45 days. The MFCs reached maximum values of 0.572 ± 0.024 V and 3.608 ± 0.249 mA of voltage and electric current on the thirty-first day, with the substrate operating at a pH of 6.57 ± 0.27 and an electrical conductivity of 257.12 ± 20.9 mS/cm. Furthermore, it was possible to reduce the chemical oxygen demand by 73.77% over the 45 days of MFC operation, while the recorded internal resistance was 27.417 ± 9.810 Ω, indicating a power density of 0.124 ± 0.006 mW/cm2. The initial and final transmittance spectra, obtained using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), showed the characteristic peaks of polyethylene (plastic), with a noticeable reduction in the final spectrum, particularly in the vibration of the C-H compound. After 45 days of fungus operation, the plastic surface used as a sample exhibited perforations and cracks, resulting in a thickness reduction of 313.56 µm. This research represents an initial step in using fungi for plastic reduction and electric energy generation in an alternative and sustainable manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Environmental Sustainability through Waste Management and Energy Conversion)
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25 pages, 4602 KiB  
Article
Management of the Municipal Waste Stream: Waste into Energy in the Context of a Circular Economy—Economic and Technological Aspects for a Selected Region in Poland
by Józef Ciuła, Elżbieta Sobiecka, Tomasz Zacłona, Paulina Rydwańska, Aneta Oleksy-Gębczyk, Tomasz P. Olejnik and Sławomir Jurkowski
Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6493; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156493 - 29 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1648
Abstract
The goal of this paper is the research and analysis of municipal waste stream management in rural areas, potentially designed for energy purposes in thermal treatment systems. The research section includes granulometric, morphological, and physicochemical analyses to determine waste parameters. Studies have indicated [...] Read more.
The goal of this paper is the research and analysis of municipal waste stream management in rural areas, potentially designed for energy purposes in thermal treatment systems. The research section includes granulometric, morphological, and physicochemical analyses to determine waste parameters. Studies have indicated that the calorific value for mixed municipal waste ranged between 6.5 and 9.5 MJ∙kg, while following mechanical treatment for the oversize fraction over 80 mm ranged between 11.6 and 12.7 MJ∙kg. The biodegradable fraction content analysis of waste—granulation 10 to 20 mm—demonstrated its presence at the level of 80%, which may be used to produce biogas. Studies have shown that the humidity level of waste generated in rural areas is in the range of 32.9 to 40.9%, which does not disqualify it from energy use in the production of refuse-derived fuel. Implementing a circular economy in the municipal waste sector aims at minimizing the use of raw materials, limiting municipal waste generation and greenhouse gases emissions, and increasing the level of energy use. Implementing new municipal waste management models is crucial to achieve a balanced, low-emission, waste-free, and competitive economy. The results are a significant research input for a group of municipal wastes generated in rural areas, such as refuse-derived fuel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Environmental Sustainability through Waste Management and Energy Conversion)
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15 pages, 287 KiB  
Article
The Role of Information in Enhancing Waste Sorting Capability among Consumers in Lao Cai City, Vietnam
by Nguyen Thanh Phong and Le Thi Thanh Loan
Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 6244; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146244 - 22 Jul 2024
Viewed by 954
Abstract
Waste sorting at the source has been identified as a crucial solution for sustainable waste management in developing countries like Vietnam. Numerous previous studies have investigated the factors influencing waste sorting behavior among consumers. However, there has been limited research on consumers’ capability [...] Read more.
Waste sorting at the source has been identified as a crucial solution for sustainable waste management in developing countries like Vietnam. Numerous previous studies have investigated the factors influencing waste sorting behavior among consumers. However, there has been limited research on consumers’ capability in waste sorting at source, particularly the role of information. Without sufficient consumer capability in waste sorting, contamination continues to be a widespread problem, posing a challenge to the sustainability of such programs. A survey using the ASK (Attitude-Skill-Knowledge) model was conducted with 228 participants in Lao Cai city, Vietnam, to assess how information enhances consumer capability in waste sorting. This study indicated that: (1) Both information quality and information accessibility could affect overall consumer capability toward waste sorting at the source; (2) Information accessibility is important in determining all ASK component, while interestingly, information quality plays an important role in determining consumers’ attitudes toward waste sorting at the source. The study suggested some solutions for enhancing consumer capability in waste sorting program, including engaging all stakeholders, leveraging technology, educational campaigns, and regular updates on waste sorting at the source information. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Environmental Sustainability through Waste Management and Energy Conversion)
15 pages, 4372 KiB  
Article
Composition and Structural Characteristics of Coal Gasification Slag from Jinhua Furnace and Its Thermochemical Conversion Performance
by Zitao Zhao, Wenlong Mo, Guihan Zhao, Yingshuang Zhang, Hao Guo, Jun Feng, Zhiqiang Yang, Dong Wei, Xing Fan and Xian-Yong Wei
Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5824; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145824 - 9 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1379
Abstract
Gasification technology enables the clean and efficient utilization of coal. However, the process generates a significant amount of solid waste—coal gasification slag. This paper focuses on the Jinhua furnace coal gasification slag (fine slag, FS; coarse slag, CS) as the research subject, analyzing [...] Read more.
Gasification technology enables the clean and efficient utilization of coal. However, the process generates a significant amount of solid waste—coal gasification slag. This paper focuses on the Jinhua furnace coal gasification slag (fine slag, FS; coarse slag, CS) as the research subject, analyzing its composition and structural characteristics, and discussing the thermochemical conversion performance of both under different atmospheres (N2 and air). The results show that the fixed carbon content in FS is as high as 35.82%, while it is only 1% in CS. FS has a large number of fluffy porous carbon on its surface, which wraps around or embeds into smooth and variously sized spherical inorganic components, with a specific surface area as high as 353 m2/g, and the pore structure is mainly mesoporous. Compared to the raw coal (TYC), the types of organic functional groups in FS and CS are significantly reduced, and the graphitization degree of the carbon elements in FS is higher. The ash in FS is mainly amorphous and glassy, while in CS, it mainly has crystalline structures. The weight loss rates of TYC and FS under an inert atmosphere are 27.49% and 10.38%, respectively; under an air atmosphere, the weight loss rates of TYC and FS are 81.69% and 44.40%, respectively. Based on the analysis of the thermal stability of FS and its high specific surface area, this paper suggests that FS can be used to prepare high-value-added products such as porous carbon or high-temperature-resistant carbon materials through the method of carbon–ash separation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Environmental Sustainability through Waste Management and Energy Conversion)
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14 pages, 1363 KiB  
Article
Research on Environmental Kuznets Curve of Construction Waste Generation Based on China’s Provincial Data
by Buhan Wang, Renfu Jia, Jiahui Xu, Yi Wei, Qiangsheng Li, Yi Yao, Xiaoxia Zhu, Anqi Xu and Jiaxin Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5610; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135610 - 30 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1165
Abstract
The mounting volume of construction waste in China has been steadily rising over the years, yet has largely been overlooked. The environmental Kuznets curve offers a theoretical framework for understanding environmental management by illustrating the relationship between economic development and environmental degradation. This [...] Read more.
The mounting volume of construction waste in China has been steadily rising over the years, yet has largely been overlooked. The environmental Kuznets curve offers a theoretical framework for understanding environmental management by illustrating the relationship between economic development and environmental degradation. This paper applies the environmental Kuznets curve concept to China’s construction waste generation, utilizing per capita construction waste and gross domestic product per capita as environmental and economic indicators, respectively. Panel data from 31 Chinese provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions spanning from 2000 to 2022 are analyzed. This study reveals an N-shaped relationship between per capita construction waste generation and gross domestic product per capita in China. Additionally, this paper employs the stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence, and technology model to assess the factors influencing construction waste generation. In descending order of impact, these factors are the size of China’s secondary industry value added (19.34%), construction labor productivity (19.33%), gross domestic product per capita (18.54%), urbanization rate (17.77%), year-end resident population (17.22%), and the technical equipment rate of construction enterprises (8.83%). All these factors contribute positively to construction waste generation. These findings are pivotal in guiding efforts towards minimizing construction waste at its source and for the sustainable development of the construction industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Environmental Sustainability through Waste Management and Energy Conversion)
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