Moslem Savari , Mohammad Shokati Amghani , Ashraf Malekian
{"title":"Factors influencing the use of treated wastewater for irrigation in the agricultural sector: Evidence from Iran","authors":"Moslem Savari , Mohammad Shokati Amghani , Ashraf Malekian","doi":"10.1016/j.clet.2025.100901","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clet.2025.100901","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, excessive use of freshwater and untreated wastewater for agricultural irrigation has exerted increasing pressure on environmental and natural resources. Hence, this study aimed to identify the influencing factors on Iranian farmers' intention to use Treated Wastewater (TWW) for irrigation in the agricultural sector. The research framework combines two theories: the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study employed a survey method using a questionnaire and structural equation modeling (SEM) for analysis. The statistical population consisted of all irrigated farmers in Tehran Province, the capital of Iran. The results indicate that the integration of TPB and TAM can provide new insights for policymakers aiming to encourage farmers to utilize TWW for agricultural irrigation, thereby promoting environmental sustainability and healthy crop production. The developed framework is capable of explaining 68.1% of the variance in farmers' intention to use TWW. Additionally, the findings reveal that the research variables explain 59.8% and 31% of the variance in the variables perceived usefulness and farmers' attitudes, respectively. In this study, PBC and SN play the most significant roles in the adoption of TWW among farmers. Consequently, policymakers can promote safe practices in the agricultural environment by emphasizing these factors, thereby reducing the excessive consumption of freshwater resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34618,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Engineering and Technology","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100901"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hamdy A. Abdel-Gawwad , Tamino Hirsch , Raoul Mancke , Rafia Firdous , Christian Lehmann , Anja Buchwald , Dietmar Stephan
{"title":"Performance, thermodynamic modelling, and global warming potential of low sodium-activated artificial granulated slag substituted with quartz and limestone fillers","authors":"Hamdy A. Abdel-Gawwad , Tamino Hirsch , Raoul Mancke , Rafia Firdous , Christian Lehmann , Anja Buchwald , Dietmar Stephan","doi":"10.1016/j.clet.2024.100861","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clet.2024.100861","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Commercialization of alkali-activated slag faces, among others, two major hurdles: limited availability of blast-furnace slag and the high cost of alkaline activators. Furthermore, the corrosive nature of the alkaline solution, the energy-intensive production, and the resulting CO<sub>2</sub> emissions significantly impede widespread adoption. This research presents a novel approach to overcome these challenges and pave the way for commercially viable alkali-activated binders. We propose utilizing highly reactive artificial granulated slag (AS) synthesized from the treatment of slag generated during ferrochrome alloy production. This AS serves as the primary reactive precursor within the alkali-activated system. Activation of AS with a low Na<sub>2</sub>O concentration (3 wt%) yields a hardened material boasting a remarkable 90 d compressive strength of approx. 105 MPa. Capitalizing on the exceptional reactivity of AS, we explored its partial replacement with readily available and cost-effective quartz and limestone powders. Despite the lower reactivity of these fillers compared to AS, the resulting hardened materials containing 50 vol% filler still achieve an impressive 90 d compressive strength of 75 MPa, even with a low Na<sub>2</sub>O content of 2 wt%. Phase composition determined via thermodynamic modelling closely aligns with microanalyses and the observed compressive strength. Life cycle assessment (LCA) conclusively demonstrates that the synergistic combination of highly reactive AS, fillers, and low Na<sub>2</sub>O concentration offers a promising route for producing alkali-activated binders with significantly lower energy demand and CO<sub>2</sub>–eqv emissions (up to 67% reduction).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34618,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Engineering and Technology","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100861"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sustainable carbon nanomaterials solutions: Facile synthesis from heavy metal-rich water hyacinth using CVD method","authors":"Suparat Sasrimuang , Apichart Artnaseaw , Oranat Chuchuen , Chaiyapat Kruehong","doi":"10.1016/j.clet.2024.100862","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clet.2024.100862","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A sustainable method for synthesizing carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) using water hyacinth, which accumulates heavy metals from contaminated water, has been developed. This approach eliminates the need for expensive external catalysts. CNMs were synthesized from the roots of water hyacinth cultured in iron-rich artificial wastewater for one week, compared to control plants grown under standard conditions. After treatment, the plants were harvested, and their phytoremediation efficiency was assessed using AAS. Results showed rhizofiltration as the primary mechanism in the roots. The roots were then used as raw material for CNM synthesis via a catalyst-free chemical vapor deposition process at 650 °C, with acetylene as the carbon source. Characterization using SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and TGA revealed that the CNMs mainly consisted of bamboo-like carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. The iron content in the treated roots acted as a catalyst for CNM formation, while Si and Al in the control sample facilitated nucleation. Raman spectroscopy confirmed a high degree of crystallization in both samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34618,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Engineering and Technology","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100862"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141136","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mazen A. Ba-abbad , Ezzeddine Touti , Ibrahim Alrougy , Fahad Alalweet
{"title":"Techno-economic assessment of 1TW Solar and wind system with thermal and pumped hydro energy storage in Saudi Arabia","authors":"Mazen A. Ba-abbad , Ezzeddine Touti , Ibrahim Alrougy , Fahad Alalweet","doi":"10.1016/j.clet.2024.100871","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clet.2024.100871","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Saudi Arabia boasts abundant solar and wind energy resources spread across its vast geography, offering renewable energy at lower costs compared to many parts of the world. However, achieving 100% utilization of these resources faces significant challenges due to daily and seasonal variability. While daily and hourly variations can be managed with energy storage batteries, seasonal variations are particularly challenging, making it difficult to incorporate these renewable sources at a high percentage in the energy mix.</div><div>This study explores Saudi Arabia’s potential to export 100% renewable energy, focusing on solar and wind power, by leveraging Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) and Thermal Energy Storage (TES). It evaluates the country’s wind and solar resources, estimates freshwater needs for large-scale PV projects, and assesses the feasibility of PHES across various provinces. The authors propose preliminary sizing for a 1 TW solar and wind system that integrates both thermal and pumped hydro storage, optimizing solar site selection and capacity to minimize monthly variations.</div><div>The research includes assessments of wind and solar resources in Saudi Arabia, storage methods for large solar and wind energy fractions, and a cost and startup-time comparison of utility-scale storage methods. It also identifies potential PHES locations and provides preliminary sizing for the 1 TW solar and wind system, including optimized solar site and capacity selection to minimize monthly variation. Additionally, the study offers an optimized arrangement of the daily operations of the proposed solar, wind, TES, and PHES system to achieve the lowest possible cost.</div><div>The findings suggest that Saudi Arabia can export nearly 100% of its solar and wind energy, even during nationwide rain or dust storms, with minimal biofuel use. It has the potential to export 1 TW of continuous renewable electricity, equivalent to over 24 million oil barrels, at a cost of less than $36.83 per equivalent oil barrel. The required land area for solar is approximately 137,000 km<sup>2</sup> (6.4% of total land), and for wind, it is about 73,333 km<sup>2</sup> (3.4% of total land), which can be integrated with solar fields. The water needed for washing solar panels is around 13.7 million cubic meters per day. The land requirement for PHES ranges from 1000 to 3000 km<sup>2</sup>, with water needs between 1 and 3 million cubic meters per day, depending on elevation differences. The land requirements for Thermal Energy Storage are much smaller and can be easily integrated within the solar and wind farms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34618,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Engineering and Technology","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100871"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nanoparticles released during metal-processing operations: A systematic review","authors":"Noemi Paulin , Roberta Pernetti , Enrico Bergamaschi , Enrico Oddone","doi":"10.1016/j.clet.2024.100873","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clet.2024.100873","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metal manufacturing processes can incidentally release particles in nanosized range, increasing the likelihood of inhalation exposure to workers. Despite the widespread diffusion of these technologies, there is still a lack of standard occupational exposure values for airborne nanoparticles. Moreover, the limited and fragmented results from in-field monitoring entail a reduced level of awareness of this potential health risk. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the status of knowledge dealing with occupational exposure to incidental metal nanoparticles.</div><div>The main inclusion criterion was the availability of monitored data of nanoparticle incidental release in industrial or experimental settings. By applying the PRISMA workflow, 46 articles were included in the study. The main analyzed processes leading to NPs release were welding, additive manufacturing, plasma cutting and laser cutting. The analyzed works showed a noteworthy nanoparticles release, with measured concentrations significantly higher than the pre-process conditions. Variability in magnitude and pattern was affected by the features of the adopted technology, the processed materials and the monitoring conditions. In general, welding showed the highest average airborne particle concentrations among the analyzed processes. Additive manufacturing was found to be particularly critical during printing and cleaning operations, where, depending on the technology utilized, the average particle concentrations were comparable to those observed in welding.</div><div>The results of the review highlight the relevance of the potential occupational exposure associated to the analyzed technologies and the importance of comparable data from in-field monitoring to define specific benchmarks for controlling the process release and to protect worker's health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34618,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Engineering and Technology","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100873"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annett Gabi Grossmann , Manh Duc Tran , Xiangrong Liu , Thomas Kriehn
{"title":"Similarities and contrasts: A comparative study of student perceptions of sustainability in the USA and Germany","authors":"Annett Gabi Grossmann , Manh Duc Tran , Xiangrong Liu , Thomas Kriehn","doi":"10.1016/j.clet.2025.100889","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clet.2025.100889","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":34618,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Engineering and Technology","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100889"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Analyzing the adoption of hybrid electric and hydrogen vehicles in Indonesia: A multi-criteria and total cost of ownership approach","authors":"Hendri Bhirowo , Indrawati , Handrea Bernando Tambunan , Indra Ardhanayudha Aditya , Refi Rifaldi Windya Giri , Fasa Maulidan Hakim , Fayza Najeela Pakutandang","doi":"10.1016/j.clet.2025.100893","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clet.2025.100893","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Indonesia faces mounting challenges from climate change and environmental degradation, underscoring the need for sustainable transportation solutions. This study evaluates factors influencing the adoption of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCV) using Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approaches. Eight key factors were analyzed: safety, operational and maintenance costs, initial cost, government incentives, charging speed, resale value, and environmental impact. Findings reveal that safety concerns, particularly for hydrogen vehicles, rank as the highest priority for consumers, followed by cost efficiency and government support. Environmental considerations, while significant, were lower in priority. The study highlights the importance of targeted subsidies, enhanced safety features, and infrastructure investments to overcome barriers to adoption. By providing actionable recommendations, such as raising public awareness of the long-term benefits of environmentally friendly vehicles, this research supports policymakers in driving the transition to sustainable transportation in Indonesia. These insights contribute to addressing rising vehicle emissions and fostering the adoption of HEV<sup>5</sup>, BEV<sup>2</sup>, and HFCV<sup>6</sup>, aligning with Indonesia's broader climate goals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34618,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Engineering and Technology","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100893"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Avvari Sai Divya , Clement Yek Kee Chee , Ng Yan Jer , Revathy Sankaran , Angela Paul Peter , Show Pau Loke
{"title":"Optimisation of parameters for the extraction of β-amylase from sweet potato via liquid biphasic floatation","authors":"Avvari Sai Divya , Clement Yek Kee Chee , Ng Yan Jer , Revathy Sankaran , Angela Paul Peter , Show Pau Loke","doi":"10.1016/j.clet.2024.100841","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clet.2024.100841","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores the application of liquid biphasic flotation (LBF) for the extraction of β-amylase from sweet potato (<em>Ipomoea batatas</em>), aiming to provide a greener and more sustainable alternative to traditional extraction methods. The LBF method combines solvent sublation with liquid biphasic systems, offering potential advantages in terms of energy-efficient extraction, reduced environmental impact, and improved resource efficiency. Experimental investigations were conducted to assess the effects of salt concentration, solvent amount, and flotation time on β-amylase extraction efficiency and separation performance. Results indicate that optimal conditions for β-amylase extraction were achieved at a salt concentration of 0.3 g/mL, a solvent amount of 60 mL, and a flotation time of 15 min with a salt/solvent combination of trisodium citrate and tert-butanol. These optimal conditions resulted in an amylase yield of 18.29%, with a separation efficiency of 0.06% and a purification factor of 291.90. Comparative analysis with liquid biphasic systems (LBS) revealed that the LBF method provided higher efficiency and yield, contributing to more sustainable practices in enzyme extraction. The LBF method shows promise due to its improved performance and potential for reducing the environmental footprint of industrial processes, supporting both innovation and environmental sustainability. This research also studied the effect of various parameters on phase formation and separation efficiency, offering a more thorough understanding of the LBF system that can be applied to future studies with broader sustainability goals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34618,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Engineering and Technology","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100841"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Ghoreishi , F. Santori , L. Carloni , M. Cresta , A. Geri , T. Bragatto
{"title":"Balancing efficiency and sustainability in waste collection fleet operations: A fleet optimization and electrification perspective in a real case study","authors":"M. Ghoreishi , F. Santori , L. Carloni , M. Cresta , A. Geri , T. Bragatto","doi":"10.1016/j.clet.2025.100904","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clet.2025.100904","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The optimization of municipal solid waste collection presents a dual challenge of improving operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. This study addresses these challenges by developing an optimized distribution plan incorporating sustainable development principles within a capacitated vehicle routing problem framework. This research addresses the gap in evaluating the operational cost and environmental impacts of MSW management, particularly focusing on optimizing fleet electrification and waste collection processes. This study aims to fill this gap by proposing an optimization model for waste collection, integrating fleet electrification to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. In addition, the optimized fleet routes are utilized in this study to evaluate five electrification scenarios (20%–100% electrification) to analyze economic and environmental impacts using MATLAB. This research focuses on a case study in Narni, Italy, where ASM Terni S.p.A. manages waste collection operations as a multi-utility in Italy. Electrification scenarios show significant reductions in fuel costs and emissions, even exploiting a decision support system that optimally manage charging sessions of the Electric Vehicles after the daily waste collection using available Charging Stations in the headquarters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34618,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Engineering and Technology","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100904"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143097508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rahool Rai , Mahadzir Ishak , Aiman Bin Mohd Halil , M.M. Quazi , Sudhakar Kumarasamy
{"title":"Laser-induced texturing: A sustainable approach to self-cleaning mechanisms in solar panel","authors":"Rahool Rai , Mahadzir Ishak , Aiman Bin Mohd Halil , M.M. Quazi , Sudhakar Kumarasamy","doi":"10.1016/j.clet.2024.100866","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clet.2024.100866","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review paper discusses the application of laser surface texturing as a novel approach for inducing self-cleaning properties in solar panels, with a particular focus on glass surfaces. Despite the limitation in literature on this specific topic, this study integrates available information to provide a comprehensive overview. Apparently, the challenges posed by sunlight reflection and dust accumulation on photovoltaic panels are addressed through the application of anti-reflective and self-cleaning coatings. But coatings consists of hazardous chemicals such as: TiO<sub>2</sub>, SiO<sub>2</sub>, ZnO, Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>,MgF<sub>2</sub> and ZrO<sub>2</sub>. Therefore, the focus here shifts towards the modern use of laser technology for surface modification. The literature shows involvement of optimization of laser processing parameters, including laser power, scanning speed, repetition rate and their interdependent relation, to achieve super-hydrophobic surfaces. Therefore, emphasis on the significance of understanding the effects of laser parameters on the resulting surface characteristics, such as water contact angle, self-cleaning efficiency, and opacity of the glass is discussed. Several studies conducted for metals show the effectiveness of laser-textured surfaces in mitigating dust accumulation. The discussion also touches upon the challenges and advantages of laser-based texturing, due to cost-effectiveness, precision, and speed. Specifically addressing laser surface texturing for solar self-cleaning applications. This research gathers current information to highlight the remarkable potential of laser technology in improving the performance and longevity of solar panels by instilling self-cleaning properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34618,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Engineering and Technology","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100866"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}