Feng Chen , Linhai Ye , Zhi Zheng , Youcai Zhao , Tao Zhou , Qifei Huang
{"title":"Vision-based sorting in mixed food-inorganic waste stream","authors":"Feng Chen , Linhai Ye , Zhi Zheng , Youcai Zhao , Tao Zhou , Qifei Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107964","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107964","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Processing food waste is crucial for environmental conservation and resource recovery, but inadequate sorting can lead to inorganic waste mixing with food waste. The mixed waste stream reduces the efficiency of food waste treatment facilities, and the preliminary sorting relies heavily on manual labor. To address the challenge of a non-homogeneous food-inorganic waste stream, this study proposes a vision-based system for effective sorting. A real-life Mixed Food-Inorganic Waste (MFIW) dataset containing over 13,000 samples and four categories of inorganic waste was created. Based on the dataset analysis, a Waste detection model using Deformable Convolution v3 was employed, and the appropriate positioning and classification algorithm was chosen for optimal detection performance. The Waste detection model achieves an mAP<sup>50</sup> of 85.21 %, and the average recalls for packages, trash bags, and animal bones exceed 94 %. Additionally, the model runs at a real-time frame rate of 33.61 FPS, highlighting its suitability for industrial applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107964"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pathways to a net zero building sector in Colombia: Insights from a circular economy perspective","authors":"Johan Andrés Vélez-Henao, Stefan Pauliuk","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107971","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107971","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rapid urbanization and economic growth in Colombia have made the residential sector one of the largest energy and material consumers in the country. Circular economy (CE) strategies are a promising alternative to decouple the sector from resource depletion and climate change. The analysis shown here is based on the RECC model framework, a dynamic material flow analysis (dMFA) model. Our results suggest that by 2050 without CE strategies, residential building stock will reach 2.5 billion m<sup>2</sup> and emit between 13 and 25 Mt CO<sub>2</sub>/yr, depending on whether carbon forest sequestration is included or not. A complete implementation of CE strategies and lower floor space can reduce 2020–2050 cumulative primary material production, waste generation, and GHG emissions by 48, 5, and 49 %, respectively. There is a potential to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 if, in addition to the measures mentioned above, more wood materials and forest sequestration are considered.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107971"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yunting Shi , Biao Zhang , Li Liang , Shuang Wang , Haiyan Zhang , Hailian Sun , Xiufeng Han
{"title":"Unfolding the effectiveness of ecological restoration programs in enhancing vegetation carbon sinks across different climate zones in China","authors":"Yunting Shi , Biao Zhang , Li Liang , Shuang Wang , Haiyan Zhang , Hailian Sun , Xiufeng Han","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107974","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107974","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Evaluating the vegetation carbon sink capacity across different climate zones in China is vital for optimizing the ecological restoration management practices and achieving double carbon goals. Based on the land cover and net primary productivity, along with a comprehensive literature review, we developed a vegetation carbon sink (VCS) estimation model at a 500 <em>m</em> × 500 m grid resolution to evaluate the carbon sink capacity of vegetation in China from 2001 to 2020. Results showed that the mean annual VCS<sub>rate</sub> in China was 0.23 Mg C·ha<sup>−1</sup>·yr<sup>−1</sup>, with the annual VCS<sub>total</sub> of 160.71Tg C·yr<sup>−1</sup>. The VCS<sub>rate</sub> was highest in forest (0.75 Mg C·ha<sup>−1</sup>·yr<sup>−1</sup>), followed by shrubland and grassland (0.18 and 0.03 Mg C·ha<sup>−1</sup>·yr<sup>−1</sup>). The VCS<sub>rate</sub> increased at a rate of 15.18%, particularly in the warm temperate zone (WT) and the north subtropical zone (NS), increased by 83.24% and 38.86%, respectively. The ecological restoration programs (ERPs) contributed to 72.29% of the total increase in the national VCS<sub>total</sub> during 20 years. Especially, the shelterbelt program for upper and middle reaches of Yangtze River (SPYT) accounted for 40.69%. Overall, ERPs have the best carbon sequestration effect in the NS and WT, with 52.46 and 48.36 Mg C·ha<sup>−1</sup>·yr<sup>−1</sup> higher than outside ERSs area. Conversely, the VCS effect of ERPs was not significant in the plateau zone, so planting behavior in vulnerable regions should be taken with caution. It is imperative to identify appropriate ecological stewardship measures for future climatic conditions, informed by specific temporal and geographical contexts, to enhance carbon sequestration efficiency. These findings are crucial for guiding ecological protection and restoration strategies and carbon neutrality efforts in China and globally.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107974"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Filippos K. Zisopoulos , Brian D. Fath , Susana Toboso-Chavero , Hao Huang , Daan Schraven , Benjamin Steuer , Alexandros Stefanakis , O.Grant Clark , Serban Scrieciu , Simron Singh , Dominik Noll , Martin de Jong
{"title":"Inequities blocking the path to circular economies: A bio-inspired network-based approach for assessing the sustainability of the global trade of waste metals","authors":"Filippos K. Zisopoulos , Brian D. Fath , Susana Toboso-Chavero , Hao Huang , Daan Schraven , Benjamin Steuer , Alexandros Stefanakis , O.Grant Clark , Serban Scrieciu , Simron Singh , Dominik Noll , Martin de Jong","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107958","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107958","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Considering the importance of waste metals for the transition to circular economies, this study follows a bio-inspired approach to evaluate their material and monetary global trade patterns for sustainability and equity. Between 2000 and 2022, the global trade grew by 5 % in trading countries, by 37 % in trade links, by 71 % in material flows, and by 569 % in economic flows. Driven by indirect effects, the average circulation of material and monetary flows ranged between 21.8–34.9 % depending on the demand or supply perspective but showed a declining trend. Due to homogenization, high network redundancy, and low network efficiency the trade remained robust yet outside the <em>\"window of vitality\"</em> characterizing natural ecosystems. A few, mostly high-income countries dominated the market, consolidating imports of high-value metal waste mostly from low- and middle-income exporters. Policies should address circularity and trade inequities, accounting for environmental and social ramifications throughout the lifecycle of products and materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107958"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhixiu Han , Wei Xie , Yiru Song , Lin Sun , Huajun Yu , Bin Chen , Yang Li , Yutao Wang
{"title":"A bottom-up nationwide analysis of sectoral land use reveals spatial heterogeneity across the United States","authors":"Zhixiu Han , Wei Xie , Yiru Song , Lin Sun , Huajun Yu , Bin Chen , Yang Li , Yutao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107969","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107969","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The high degree of urbanization and economic development in the United States has intensified competition for land resources, leading to land use conflicts and environmental challenges. Addressing these issues first requires an exploration of high-resolution, sector-specific land use patterns. However, existing land classification studies rarely provide spatially explicit data on urban land use across all sectors at a national level. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing land use areas across various economic sectors in the United States, particularly focusing on urban impervious surfaces. Using a bottom-up approach, we created a full-sector land use inventory, integrating Points of Interest (POI) data, road networks, building characteristics, and geographic information processing techniques. Our primary innovation lies in the development of a spatially explicit database that details sector-specific land use areas nationwide. On this robust foundation, we further explored the heterogeneity of sectoral land use eco-efficiency (SLUEE) among different sectors and states, providing supplementary insights into spatial disparities in urban land use. Our findings reveal significant spatial heterogeneity, with service sectors dominating land use and exhibiting higher SLUEE compared to goods-producing industries. Key sectors such as Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (441064.58 ha), and Administrative and Support Services (420148.34 ha) are prominent across states according to land use area, reflecting the country's service-oriented economy. Additionally, regional disparities in SLUEE are evident, with jurisdictions like Washington D.C., New York, and California demonstrating more efficient land use. Compared with traditional land use evaluations, our model effectively offers higher spatial resolution, down to the census block level, to sectoral land use evaluation. Building on this robust database, our SLUEE analysis has uncovered notable heterogeneity between sectors and states, offering new insights into cross-sectoral and inter-state land use dynamics that can inform and promote sustainable urban planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107969"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yiting Yang , He Xu , Xue Yang , Yi Zhang , Ting Liu
{"title":"Exploring synergistic efficiency of air pollution and carbon reduction and its influencing factors: Insights from China","authors":"Yiting Yang , He Xu , Xue Yang , Yi Zhang , Ting Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107973","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107973","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Efficient synergistic emission reduction can effectively alleviate the dual pressures of environmental improvement and economic development. Revealing the relationship between synergistic reduction and economic development can guide the scientific formulation of policies. However, current methodologies are lacking in comprehensively assessing synergistic effect of multiple pollutants and economic factors. This study employs a life cycle assessment model to quantify the comprehensive impacts of air pollutants and CO<sub>2</sub>. It introduces an innovative concept of synergistic efficiency and establishes a universally applicable evaluation framework. The case study in China demonstrates that synergistic efficiency has been improved since 2013. Enhancing energy efficiency and advancing green technologies are pivotal for boosting synergistic efficiency. Adjustments in industrial structures present both opportunities and challenges, requiring policymakers to consider the fluctuation. This proposed methodology serves as a robust tool for other countries to assess synergistic efficiency, enabling them to develop scientifically informed policies that foster sustainable development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107973"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gengren Hao , Sin Mei Lim , Meibo He , Ghim Ping Ong , Anggraini Zulkati , Sothinathan Kapilan , Jia Hao Tan
{"title":"Long-term performance of porous asphalt pavement incorporating recycled plastics","authors":"Gengren Hao , Sin Mei Lim , Meibo He , Ghim Ping Ong , Anggraini Zulkati , Sothinathan Kapilan , Jia Hao Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107979","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107979","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recycling plastic in asphalt pavement holds potential for environmental and economic benefits. However, its performance after prolonged exposure to heat, oxygen, sunlight, and moisture remains uncertain, casting doubt on its viability. In this study, various types of recycled plastics were incorporated into porous asphalt mixtures and exposed to long-term aging conditions. A total of 360 specimens were tested to evaluate several key properties: moisture susceptibility and rutting resistance; abrasion resistance; and indirect tensile strength and fatigue resistance. The results indicate that porous mixtures with 5 % plastic generally exhibit superior long-term performance compared to non-plastic porous mixtures, except for cracking resistance. Excessive addition of plastic (15 %) in asphalt pavement can lead to significant degradation of long-term performance. A trial section incorporating plastic in porous asphalt pavement exhibited satisfactory performance after a year of construction. These insights are pivotal in shaping policy and directing resources toward sustainable road construction practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107979"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rare earth permanent magnets for the green energy transition: Bottlenecks, current developments and cleaner production solutions","authors":"Yousef Ghorbani , I.M.S.K. Ilankoon , Nimila Dushyantha , Glen T. Nwaila","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107966","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107966","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rare earth metals (REMs) are indispensable for producing high-performance permanent magnets, key components in many clean energy technologies, such as wind turbines. However, the limited availability and environmental impact of rare earth mining, processing, and purification pose challenges for the green energy transition. This review paper provides an overview of the main bottlenecks and challenges in using REM-based permanent magnets for clean energy applications, as well as current developments and potential solutions. First, the magnetic properties, permanent magnet development history, current uses and types of permanent magnets are described. Requirements for REM-based magnets in wind turbines and electric vehicles are then discussed, highlighting the demand and potential supply chain issues. Finally, the main bottlenecks and challenges related to rare earth ore availability, processing and recycling are identified. These challenges include: (1) geographical concentration of all rare earth oxide (REO) value chain portions; (2) environmental concerns (waste and process toxicity and energy requirements); (3) market volatility (fluctuating demand and supply), and geopolitics of the mineral value chain; and (4) performance (temperature stability, corrosion resistance and other usability factors). To address these challenges, the study presents current developments and potential solutions. This study thus provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of REOs in the energy transition and identifies future research directions and policy interventions that can ensure a sustainable and secure supply of REM-based permanent magnets for clean energy technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107966"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eva Heeremans, Joyce De Temmerman, Hendrik Slabbinck, Maggie Geuens
{"title":"Packaging the future: Determinants of use intentions and incentive structures of reusable packaging systems","authors":"Eva Heeremans, Joyce De Temmerman, Hendrik Slabbinck, Maggie Geuens","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107961","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107961","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Growing environmental concerns regarding single-use packaging have prompted the introduction of reusable packaging systems. This research examines four systems: “refill on the go” (in-store dispensers), “refill at home” (larger refill packages), “return on the go” (returnable packaging), and “return from home” (subscription service for delivery and pickup). An online survey identified performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and an affective component as significant predictors of consumers’ intentions to use these systems for non-food products. The “refill at home” system was most favored, followed by “refill on the go” and “return on the go”. Hence, consumers prefer larger refill packaging but are also open to in-store refilling or returning. A focus group with retail experts and four Maximum Difference scaling analyses emphasize the need to communicate the environmental benefits of reducing packaging waste and eliminating single-use packaging through these reusable packaging systems. Implications for policymakers, retailers, and manufacturers are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107961"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142442623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unlocking sustainable lithium: A comparative life cycle assessment of innovative extraction methods from brine","authors":"Sima Nikfar, Ario Fahimi, Ehsan Vahidi","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107977","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107977","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The surging demand for lithium, driven by the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems, underscores the urgent need to develop sustainable lithium extraction methods. This study presents a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment Using the TRACI method to evaluate and compare the environmental impacts of solvent extraction, adsorption, nanofiltration, and membrane electrolysis as direct lithium extraction methods for recovering lithium from brine to produce lithium carbonate. In terms of global warming, the carbon dioxide emission for each process was determined as follows: solvent extraction emits 52.7 kg CO<sub>2</sub>eq/kg of lithium carbonate, adsorption emits 47.9 CO<sub>2</sub>eq/kg of lithium carbonate, nanofiltration emits 17.7 kg CO<sub>2</sub>eq/kg of lithium carbonate, and membrane electrolysis emits 80.57 kg CO<sub>2</sub>eq/kg of lithium carbonate. As a result, the nanofiltration process emerges as the most environmentally friendly method, offering a promising solution to the environmental challenges of lithium extraction. In contrast, the membrane electrolysis process has the highest environmental impact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107977"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142442622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}