{"title":"Review of water treatment technologies for PFAS from a life cycle perspective, with meta-analysis of financial costs and climate impacts","authors":"Sabrina Altmeyer Mendes, Rahul Aggarwal, Magdalena Svanström, Gregory Peters","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108524","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108524","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination of drinking water is now a critical environmental and public health concern. Conventional water treatment is ineffective, prompting investment in solutions like granular activated carbon, ion exchange, membrane filtration, foam-fractionation and electrochemical oxidation. However, selecting appropriate technologies involves trade-offs among performance, resource use and environmental impact criteria. Our analysis aims to offer new insights into the climate impacts per gram of PFAS removed and the annual capital and operational costs per volume water treated. We also highlight critical limitations of environmental assessment of PFAS treatments, particularly regarding toxicity-related impacts, that have not kept pace with developments in life cycle assessment methodology. Our analysis synthesizes data from 17 disparate publications on PFAS treatment technologies. Emissions from innovative treatments vary widely, with climate impacts ranging from 0.1 to 70 190 kg CO<sub>2</sub> eq. per gram of PFAS depending on raw water PFAS concentrations. The economic analysis showed that operational costs span from $0.03/m³ to $28/m³, while capital expenditures range from $0.01 to $0.51/m³ of water treated and exhibit some economies of scale. This work also underscores the importance of using life cycle assessment and life cycle costing approaches to comprehensively evaluate PFAS removal technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 108524"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144771615","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}
Kai Li , Hauke Ward , Hai Xiang Lin , Arnold Tukker
{"title":"Shift to intra-EU-OECD trade enhanced environmental benefits after Basel Convention Plastic Waste Amendments","authors":"Kai Li , Hauke Ward , Hai Xiang Lin , Arnold Tukker","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Basel Convention Plastic Waste Amendments, implemented in 2021, have the potential to reshape traditional ‘North-to-South' plastic waste trade patterns and their environmental impacts. We analyze plastic waste trade among 21 countries before (2019–2020) and after (2021–2022) the amendments, quantifying environmental impacts from transport and waste treatment using life cycle assessment. We find that post-amendment trade among selected EU and non-EU OECD countries increased to 71 %, up 12 percentage points from pre-amendment period, when half of the trade flowed to non-OECD Asian countries. This shift yielded modest increases of 2 % in climate and 5 % in energy benefits. Further expanding intra-EU-OECD trade could boost climate benefits by up to 12 %, mainly by reducing open burning in non-OECD Asian countries. These findings offer environmental insights into the EU's upcoming ban on plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries, suggesting future trade will likely concentrate among countries with aligned waste shipment rules.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 108527"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144757595","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}
Quang-Tuan Bui , Liane A. Haufe , Jianfeng Zhang , Marco Wenzel , Tom Kremer , Juan Luis Gómez Urbano , Andrea Balducci , Hao Du , Jan J. Weigand
{"title":"A closed process for recycling and re-synthesis of spent LiFePO4 cathode material","authors":"Quang-Tuan Bui , Liane A. Haufe , Jianfeng Zhang , Marco Wenzel , Tom Kremer , Juan Luis Gómez Urbano , Andrea Balducci , Hao Du , Jan J. Weigand","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108519","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108519","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Complete material recycling is essential for a sustainable future. Herein, we report on the re-synthesis of LiFePO<sub>4</sub>/C from spent lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cathode powder. After oxidative treatment of the spent LFP powder at 550 °C, the resulting material was dissolved quantitatively (99 %) in 60 wt.% H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub>. Reactive oxygen microbubbles were employed to oxidize residual Fe(II) to Fe(III), before the recovery as FePO<sub>4</sub>·2H<sub>2</sub>O via hydrothermal synthesis. The H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> was recovered from the mother liquor through solvent extraction using cyclohexanol, tributyl phosphate, and Escaid 110 as the organic phase. After water stripping and up-concentration, the recovered H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> was used in subsequent cycles for treating spent LFP cathode powder. Lithium was recovered from the raffinate as Li<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> and successfully used with the recovered FePO<sub>4</sub>·2H<sub>2</sub>O for the solid-state re-synthesis of LiFePO<sub>4</sub>/C. The re-synthesized LiFePO<sub>4</sub>/C displayed the characteristic LFP two-phase transformation mechanism and excellent stability upon long-term cycling (94 % retention after 200 cycles at 1 C).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 108519"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144757594","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}
Alana Teresa Griggs , Anthony Roulier , Nelson A. Granda , Jasmina Burek
{"title":"Life cycle assessments of residual hemp biomass from cannabidiol production focusing on disposal pathways and biomethane recovery via anaerobic digestion","authors":"Alana Teresa Griggs , Anthony Roulier , Nelson A. Granda , Jasmina Burek","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108525","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108525","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>About 90 % of residual hemp biomass from cannabidiol (CBD) production is treated as waste through landfilling incineration, or composting. This study conducted a screening-level life cycle assessment (LCA) to compare the environmental impacts of these conventional end-of-life options with anaerobic digestion (AD). AD was also evaluated for its circular economy potential by substituting biomethane for traditional fossil fuels (natural gas and propane) used in CBD production. The LCA assumed a realistic operational AD efficiency of 60 %, yielding 286.7 mL CH₄/g volatile solids, comparable to other organic substrates. Among the waste treatment scenarios, AD exhibited the lowest environmental impacts. However, when examining fuel substitution, natural gas remained the lowest impact option compared to biomethane and propane. These results highlight trade-offs between waste treatment and fuel replacement strategies and emphasize the need for future work to assess the broader feasibility and benefits of integrating circular bioenergy systems within the CBD industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 108525"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144739219","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}
Viktoria Helene Gabriel , Elisabeth Jahn , Martin Novak , Katrin Detter , Roman Reinbacher , Manuel Pfitzner , Manfred Tacker , Johann Fellner , Silvia Apprich
{"title":"Composition of rigid polyolefin and polystyrene packaging waste in separate waste collection: An Austrian case study from 2021 to 2024","authors":"Viktoria Helene Gabriel , Elisabeth Jahn , Martin Novak , Katrin Detter , Roman Reinbacher , Manuel Pfitzner , Manfred Tacker , Johann Fellner , Silvia Apprich","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108503","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108503","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plastic packaging waste is currently steadily increasing and its circular treatment is of importance. This study examines the composition of rigid PO and PS packaging waste (PW) in the Austrian separate waste collection system, particularly focusing on waste composition, packaging characteristics, including packaging format, colouration, food/non-food, type of labelling and closures, and the design-for-recycling potential. The findings indicate that 13 m-% of separate waste collection is comprised of rigid PO and PS PW. High-density polyethylene PW comprises primarily non-food hollow bodies, whereas PS is comprised of food cups. Polypropylene PW is composed of food trays, cups and non-food hollow bodies. The targeted PW is predominantly white (40 m-%) and natural (35 m-%). Food cups are primarily directly printed. The design-for-recycling evaluation of labelling identified 54 m-% as “good”, 24 m-% as “limited”, and 22 m-% as “poor”. This study provides new insights concerning PW composition to strive for increased circularity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 108503"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144724358","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}
Farideh Pahlavan , Harpreet Kaur , Hamed Khodadaditirkolaei , Sk Faisal Kabir , Jung-Ying Lin , Laura K. G. Ackerman-Biegasiewicz , Elham H. Fini
{"title":"A novel adsorbent for efficient metal recovery from aqueous solutions: Carbon-coated oil-treated plastic granules as a sustainable approach to resource conservation","authors":"Farideh Pahlavan , Harpreet Kaur , Hamed Khodadaditirkolaei , Sk Faisal Kabir , Jung-Ying Lin , Laura K. G. Ackerman-Biegasiewicz , Elham H. Fini","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108521","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108521","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the development of carbon-coated oil-treated plastic granules (C<img>OTPG) by coating biochar derived from biomass onto granules made from end-of-life plastics, creating a novel adsorbent for metal recovery from aqueous solutions. We hypothesize that combining biochar’s functional surface chemistry with the structural advantages of plastic granules can result in a low-cost, selective, and scalable adsorbent capable of effectively removing transition metal ions such as Cu²⁺ and Fe²⁺ from water. Combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations, continuous-flow adsorption tests, and UV–Vis spectroscopy, we evaluated the adsorption performance and mechanisms of C<img>OTPG for copper (Cu²⁺) and iron (Fe²⁺) ions. Results demonstrate that C<img>OTPG exhibits a strong affinity for Cu²⁺, significantly outperforming traditional adsorbents such as sand and glass beads. Its adsorption capacity for Cu²⁺ was higher than for Fe²⁺, reflecting stronger interactions with functional groups on the biochar surface, particularly in the π-rich polyaromatic regions. Additionally, C<img>OTPG demonstrated enhanced Fe²⁺ adsorption compared to conventional materials, emphasizing its versatility in removing various metal ions. DFT analysis confirmed that oxygen- and nitrogen-containing functional groups on biochar facilitate complexation and ion exchange, while its polyaromatic structure contributes to cation-π interactions, reinforcing Cu²⁺ selectivity. This study not only demonstrates the effectiveness of C<img>OTPG as a promising adsorbent for metal recovery but also highlights its role in advancing resource conservation and recycling efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 108521"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144724357","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}
Chao Zhang , Yujie Dong , Lijin Zhong , Haoqi Qian , Shuangtong Wang , Gang He
{"title":"Avoided CO2 emissions in China’s power sector by structural change and efficiency gain: An electric generating unit level analysis","authors":"Chao Zhang , Yujie Dong , Lijin Zhong , Haoqi Qian , Shuangtong Wang , Gang He","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108520","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, we compile a comprehensive time-series bottom-up dataset of heat rate and CO<sub>2</sub> emission at the electric generating unit (EGU) level for China’s power sector, and decompose contributions of various technological factors to CO<sub>2</sub> emission reduction. Results show that dramatic structural change and efficiency gain have reduced the national average CO<sub>2</sub> intensity of final electricity consumption from 983.3 g CO<sub>2</sub>/kWh in 1997 to 544.9 g CO<sub>2</sub>/kWh in 2022, cumulatively avoiding 15.8 billion tonnes of potential CO<sub>2</sub> emission. Fuel mix adjustment (38.3 %, 6055 Mt), heat rate decrease (35.0 %, 5527 Mt), and upsizing of EGUs (23.2 %, 3661 Mt) are the top three factors for CO<sub>2</sub> mitigation. Decomposition analysis based on the bottom-up dataset captures detailed technological and structural changesat the EGU level, enabling a more precise evaluation of the effects of alternative decarbonization policies. As potentialfor energy efficiency improvement of traditional coal-fired power generation is shrinking, future policies should focus on new areas of low-carbon retrofits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 108520"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144714456","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":"Evaluation of metals mining and processing energy consumption and potential metals supply–demand mismatch towards 2100","authors":"Titouan Greffe , Manuele Margni , Cécile Bulle","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108482","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108482","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction:</h3><div>Metals are essential for the global energy transition. Energy is required to both extract and process those metals to use them in the global economy. Given the soaring demand for metals until the end of the century, it is unclear whether the mining and metallurgical industry across producing countries will be able to cope with such pressure on supply. We estimate the yearly surplus and deficit of 50 resources across three scenarios of evolution of society as well as global energy consumption for mining and processing those resources.</div></div><div><h3>Methods:</h3><div>We develop the Within Limits Metal Flows (WILMFlo) model which is a stock-driven dynamic material flow analysis of resources over their life cycle. WILMFlo links the extraction of major metals, such as copper, to their byproducts, such as tellurium, using byproduct-to-host ratios. By considering yearly mining capacity, it allows to identify potential discrepancies between demand and supply between 2025 today to 2100 in three socioeconomic scenarios, including a Net Zero scenario. We also explore the evolution of energy consumption for mining resources and for materials fabrication at the global level.</div></div><div><h3>Results:</h3><div>First, we quantify the potential discrepancies between demand and supply of resources, including yearly surplus and deficit. Second, we derive the global metal mining and processing energy cost between 2025 and 2100. In the Net Zero scenario, we identify a potential deficit of lithium between 2028 and 2038. In the three scenarios, currently classified critical elements such as indium, rhenium or gallium are in situation of oversupply over the 21st century.</div></div><div><h3>Discussions and conclusions:</h3><div>The substitution of some energy transition metals such as copper, cobalt and lithium will be key to meet the global demand for mobility and energy storage. Global mining energy consumption is likely to rise during the 21st century but will still remain minor compared to materials processing energy consumption which is two to six times higher than global mining energy consumption. The WILMFlo framework allows to deepen the understanding of energy transition metals potential supply limits and to identify the greatest potential to improve energy efficiency on the primary supply chain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 108482"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144703343","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}
Zheng Zhou , Yuheng Cao , Zhuolun Du , Meng Jiang , Yucheng Ren , Chunlong Li , Hengzhi Zhu , Dingjiang Chen , Yadong Yu , Ming Xu , Baohua Guo , Yong He , Bing Zhu
{"title":"Weaving through time: Stocks and flows of textile fibers in China (1978–2022)","authors":"Zheng Zhou , Yuheng Cao , Zhuolun Du , Meng Jiang , Yucheng Ren , Chunlong Li , Hengzhi Zhu , Dingjiang Chen , Yadong Yu , Ming Xu , Baohua Guo , Yong He , Bing Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108522","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108522","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Textiles are fabrics of daily life, relying on fibers as their core components. Despite growing research on fast fashion’s environmental impacts, systematic quantification of textile fiber flows and stocks remains limited. This study applies dynamic material flow analysis (dMFA) to track flows and stocks of nine types of fibers in China (1978–2022), the global leader in fiber and textile production. The findings indicate a marked transformation in textile production and consumption structure in China through time. China recorded a cumulative production of 1.09 Gt fibers and net export of 437 Mt fibers and textiles over the past 45 years. By 2022, 347 Mt fibers remained as stocks. Current textile waste recovery rate stands at 17 %, predominantly downcycling. Achieving closed-loop fiber-to-fiber recycling demands cross-value-chain collaboration. This quantitative assessment provides the foundation for understanding the complexity of the textile fiber system and paves the way for creating a circular textile fiber economy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 108522"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144695385","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}
Haoxuan Yu , Derun Zhao , Kechun Chen , Meiting Huang , Haitao Yang , Liming Yang , Zhihao Wang , Liang Chen , Xuan Ding , Hui Lv , Xubiao Luo
{"title":"A novel method to repair and upgrade spent LFP cathode material by inherent Al impurity doping","authors":"Haoxuan Yu , Derun Zhao , Kechun Chen , Meiting Huang , Haitao Yang , Liming Yang , Zhihao Wang , Liang Chen , Xuan Ding , Hui Lv , Xubiao Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108523","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108523","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing retirement of LiFePO<sub>4</sub> (LFP) batteries provides a unique chance for advancing the direct regeneration of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the existence of Al impurities from current collectors during the pretreatment of recycling poses a challenge. In this study, we enhance the direct regeneration process of spent LFP material by utilizing Al impurities to replace some cationic sites in the olivine structure. This approach achieves simultaneous elemental compensation and valence restoration, promoting the regeneration of LFP with stable structure and enhanced Li<sup>+</sup> diffusion rate. The regenerated LFP with Al doping exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 153.9 mAh g<sup>-1</sup>, good rate performance with capacity of 112.1 mAh g<sup>-1</sup> at 5 C (1 <em>C</em> = 170 mAh g<sup>-1</sup>), and excellent cycling stability (96.4 % capacity retention after 200 cycles). This strategy introduces a threshold for Al impurities and offers a chance to guide the future direct regeneration of LFP materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 108523"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144687025","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}