Sustainability Science最新文献

{"title":"Application of Catalytic H2O2-Mediated NOx Removal Process Leveraging Solid Waste Residues: Exemplified by Copper Slag","authors":"Huidong Tang, Jiacheng Bao, Chen Liu, Yuwen Deng, Yixing Ma, Lei Shi, Shuangyou Bao, Kai Li, Ping Ning, Xin Sun","doi":"10.3390/su17062469","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062469","url":null,"abstract":"In pursuing sustainable environmental solutions, the concept of ‘waste to treasure’ has emerged as a promising approach. In this study, a new process is proposed to combine solid copper slag with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to remove nitrogen oxides (NOx) from acidic exhaust gases, thus effectively utilizing waste materials. Firstly, different smelting slags were screened to determine the catalytic potential of copper slag for hydrogen peroxide. Subsequently, the catalytic activity of the copper slags at various stages of the copper smelting process was thoroughly evaluated and optimized. In addition, a multifactorial evaluation of slow-cooled copper slag catalysts for removing NOx was carried out. Preliminary indications are that the iron phase in the copper slag is identified as the main source of catalytic activity sites. The results suggest that Fe2+/Fe3+ sites on the surface of the Fe phase in the slow-cooled copper slag may be crucial in improving the NOx removal efficiency. The main reactive oxygen species detected in the system were ·OH, ·O2⁻, and 1O2. In addition, the transformation products, formation pathways, and reaction mechanisms of NO in the liquid phase were initially investigated and determined. This study provides a green and sustainable path for the utilization of solid waste and management of atmospheric fumes in the non-ferrous metal industry and offers new perspectives to address environmental challenges in industrial processes.","PeriodicalId":49457,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability Science","volume":"17 6","pages":"2469-2469"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/6/2469/pdf?version=1741703936","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147907475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"A Study on the Rule of Arsenic Precipitation by H2S in High Concentrations of H2SO4","authors":"Ying Zhu, Xingguang Hao, Xin Sun, Fei Wang, Kai Li, Ping Ning, Lei Shi","doi":"10.3390/su17062359","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062359","url":null,"abstract":"Herein, targeting arsenic-containing acidic wastewater generated from washing arsenic-containing flue gas with concentrated sulfuric acid, the arsenic removal efficiency using H2S was investigated. The effects of H2S concentration, the gas flow rate, H2SO4 concentration, temperature, and Cl−/F− ions on arsenic removal were studied. Results indicate that H2S concentration is the primary factor. Arsenic was precipitated as amorphous As2S3, reducing residual arsenic to 0.28 mg/L. Cl− enhanced arsenic removal, yielding a residual concentration of 0.68 mg/L, while F− exhibited a dual effect: the inhibition at low concentrations and promotion at high concentrations. At 100 g/L F−, the residual arsenic was 29.59 mg/L. These effects are attributed to Cl−/F− altering the surface electrochemical properties of As2S3 particles. Additionally, both ions improved As2S3 hydrophobicity. This study provides insights for purifying arsenic-containing sulfuric acid.","PeriodicalId":49457,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability Science","volume":"17 6","pages":"2359-2359"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/6/2359/pdf?version=1741357323","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147883238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Spatial Effects and Driving Factors of Consumption Upgrades on Municipal Solid Waste Eco-Efficiency, Considering Emission Outputs","authors":"Baihui Jin, Wei Li","doi":"10.3390/su17062356","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062356","url":null,"abstract":"To achieve the goal of building zero-waste cities, managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment is a critical step toward carbon neutrality. Waste produced by consumption activities constitutes an essential component of MSW management. Using the Super Slacks-Based Measure Data Envelopment Analysis (SSBM-DEA) model and the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM), this study investigates the spatial impacts of consumption upgrading (CU) on municipal waste management across 30 provinces in China, with a particular focus on GHGs as undesirable outputs. In this study, we construct a framework from the dimensions of consumption level, consumption structure, and green consumption. Additionally, other socioeconomic factors influencing waste management are explored. The results indicate a convergence trend in the uneven distribution of consumption upgrading, with the gaps between regions gradually narrowing. Consumption upgrading significantly enhances the eco-efficiency of local waste management and exhibits notable spatial spillover effects, positively influencing the eco-efficiency of neighboring regions. Furthermore, the promotion effect of consumption upgrading on the central and western regions, compared with the eastern region, is more pronounced. This indicates that the technological catch-up resulting from consumption upgrading, supported by policies, can further enhance the eco-efficiency of MSW. This study also provides insights for other regions transitioning from scale expansion to high-quality development in waste management.","PeriodicalId":49457,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability Science","volume":"17 6","pages":"2356-2356"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/6/2356/pdf?version=1741355668","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147919726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review of AI-Driven Technologies in Crop Production","authors":"Zulfiqar Ali, Asif Muhammad, Neil Lee, Muhammad Waqar, Seung Won Lee","doi":"10.3390/su17052281","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052281","url":null,"abstract":"Smart farming leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address modern agricultural sustainability challenges. This study investigates the application of machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and time series analysis in agriculture through a systematic literature review following the PRISMA methodology. The review highlights the critical roles of ML and DL techniques in optimizing agricultural processes, such as crop selection, yield prediction, soil compatibility classification, and water management. ML algorithms facilitate tasks like crop selection and soil fertility classification, while DL techniques contribute to forecasting crop production and commodity prices. Additionally, time series analysis is employed for demand forecasting of crops, commodity price prediction, and forecasting crop yield production. The focus of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of ML and DL techniques within the farming industry. Utilizing crop datasets, ML algorithms are instrumental in classifying soil fertility, crop selection, and various other aspects. DL algorithms, when applied to farming data, enable effective time series analysis and crop selection. By synthesizing the integration of these technologies, this review underscores their potential to enhance decision-making in agriculture and mitigate food scarcity challenges in the future.","PeriodicalId":49457,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability Science","volume":"17 5","pages":"2281-2281"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/5/2281/pdf?version=1741188022","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147899006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Adsorptive Uptake of Acetaminophen by Agricultural Waste-Derived Hydrochar: Kinetics, Isotherms, and Characterization Studies","authors":"Zaidun Naji Abudi, Rasha Al-Saedi, Alkhafaji R. Abood","doi":"10.3390/su17051923","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051923","url":null,"abstract":"In this paper, we investigated a hydrochar-derived agricultural waste (AWHC) as a sustainable adsorbent, modified with three types of modification methods (by layer double hydroxides (AWHC-LDH (Mg-Al)), chemical activation method by KOH (AWHC-KOH) and H3PO4 (AWHC-H3PO4), and then we used all four different types to remove acetaminophen (ACT) from synthetic solution. The maximum removal of ACT was 87%, 88%, 96%, and 97% for AWHC, AWHC-LDH (Mg-Al), AWHC-KOH, AWHC-H3PO4, respectively, at pH of 4 for AWHC-LDH (Mg-Al) and 6 for others, with a contact time of 120 min, initial concentration of 80 mg/L, adsorbent dose of 1.1 g, and speed of 200 rpm. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model could fit the adsorption process better (R2 = 0.953, 0.944, 0.924, and 0.934). The Langmuir model had the highest R2 for AWHC (0.952), AWHC-LDH (Mg-Al) (0.997), and AWHC-KOH (0.941), indicating its suitability for those hydrochars, while Freundlich isotherm had the highest R2 for AWHC-H3PO4 (0.946). The characterization results showed that LDH (Mg-Al) and KOH as modifications could effectively make the mesoporous structure. At the same time, H3PO4 developed a macroporous structure, shown by the scanning electron microscopy image supported by the Brunauer–Ettring–Teller and X-ray diffraction findings. The AWHC-LDH (Mg-Al) and AWHC-KOH exhibited better crystallinity and functional groups within the hydrochar matrix. Converting agricultural waste into practicable and sustainable materials for the environment’s benefit is a meaningful topic addressed in this paper.","PeriodicalId":49457,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability Science","volume":"17 5","pages":"1923-1923"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/5/1923/pdf?version=1740407493","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147909698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Consumer Sustainability: Is Knowledge Linked to Behavior in Recycling?","authors":"Jing Jian Xiao, Parisa Rafiee, Feihong Xia, Jing Wu","doi":"10.3390/su17041498","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041498","url":null,"abstract":"Sustainable consumer behavior encompasses any action that benefits both the environment and society. Recycling is a prime example of such behavior. However, there is a lack of research examining the connection between knowledge about recycling and recycling behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with consumer recycling behavior under the guidance of an extended theory of planned behavior with an emphasis on the role of recycling knowledge. Using data collected from a national online survey in the U.S., results from the structural equation modeling showed that ascription of responsibility to others is negatively associated with recycling behavior, while behavior skill is positively associated with it. Also, both subjective and objective knowledge measures are positively associated with recycling behavior. In addition, subjective recycling knowledge moderates the relationships between attitude and recycling behavior.","PeriodicalId":49457,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability Science","volume":"17 4","pages":"1498-1498"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/4/1498/pdf?version=1739340769","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147907766","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Study on Extraction of Gallium from Fly Ash by Sodium Fluoride Calcination-Organic Acid Leaching","authors":"Ruyun Bai, Yong Huang, Sining Li, Changzhi Su, Huan Li, Qiushuang Cui, Wen Liu, Hanyu Wei, Yi Si","doi":"10.3390/su17031146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031146","url":null,"abstract":"Xinjiang is one of China’s most significant energy bases, and the generated fly ash (FA) contains a high concentration of metallic elements that can be used as a valuable resource. In this study, we looked into a roasting-acid leaching process technique for efficiently extracting gallium metal (Ga) from FA, employing sodium fluoride (NaF) as the roasting auxiliary and citric acid inzter (C6H8O7) acid leaching. After high-temperature activation by NaF, the glassy phase of FA was converted into silica aluminate with excellent acid solubility, and Ga was extracted from FA via acid leaching. The effects of optimal roasting and acid leaching process conditions on the Ga leaching rate were investigated. The results showed that it exhibited 83.71% Ga extraction under the conditions of a roasting temperature of 850 °C, FA-NaF coordination ratio of 1:0.5, roasting time of 10 min, C6H8O7 solution concentration of 1.75 mol/L, ratio (S/L) of 1:15, acid leaching temperature of 100 °C, and acid leaching time of 1 h. The results also indicated that it was possible to obtain a higher extraction efficiency for the Ga extracts under the conditions of roasting temperature of 850 °C and FA-NaF coordination ratio of 1:0.5.","PeriodicalId":49457,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability Science","volume":"17 3","pages":"1146-1146"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/3/1146/pdf?version=1738254032","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147906744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Adsorption–Desorption Behaviors of Enrofloxacin and Trimethoprim and Their Interactions with Typical Microplastics in Aqueous Systems","authors":"Zhichao Li, Xiao Meng, Xiaoyong Shi, Chunyue Li, Chuansong Zhang","doi":"10.3390/su17020516","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020516","url":null,"abstract":"Microplastics can transfer antibiotics in water through adsorption and desorption, causing adverse effects on the water environment. Therefore, understanding the interaction between microplastics and antibiotics is important in order to assess their impact on the environment. In this study, the adsorption–desorption behaviors of two commonly used antibiotics [enrofloxacin (ENR) and trimethoprim (TMP)] in aquaculture and their interactions with three typical microplastics [polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE)] were investigated through laboratory experiments. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of the three microplastics was 1.229–1.698 mg/g for ENR and 1.110–1.306 mg/g for TMP, correlating with the octanol–water partition coefficients (logKow) of antibiotics. Due to the larger specific surface areas and special functional groups of microplastics, the antibiotic adsorption capacity of PS and PVC was higher than that of PE. The adsorption behavior followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and a Freundlich isotherm model, indicating a non-uniform surface with multilayer adsorption. A thermodynamic analysis showed that these were all spontaneous endothermic adsorptions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses indicated that the adsorption mechanism was dominated by physical adsorption, involving π–π conjugation, halogen bonds, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. High salinity and alkaline environments were conducive to desorption, and the ENR and TMP desorption rates of the microplastics ranged from 20.65% to 24.95%. This indicates that microplastics adsorbed with antibiotics will desorb antibiotics when entering the seawater system, thereby affecting marine ecosystems. These findings reveal the interaction mechanism between microplastics and aquaculture antibiotics in aqueous systems, providing theoretical support for environmental protection and sustainable development.","PeriodicalId":49457,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability Science","volume":"17 2","pages":"516-516"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/2/516/pdf?version=1736519270","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147916174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Tetracycline Degradation by Persulfate Assisted by Fe and N Co-Doped Biochar Derived from Spent Mushroom Substrate for Sustainability: Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature","authors":"Shimiao Xu, Jianning Chang, Yuan Liu, Bingbing Wei, Haibo Zhang, Kokyo Oh, Caiping Cheng, Hongyan Cheng","doi":"10.3390/su17020395","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020395","url":null,"abstract":"Mushroom production is increasing rapidly worldwide, raising public concern about the contamination effects of spent mushroom substrates (SMS). Preparation of Fe–N-doped biochar (Fe-N-BC) from SMS as a raw material for catalytic degradation of antibiotics in water may be an effective and sustainable solid waste treatment. However, there is limited information available. This study investigated the effect and potential mechanism of SMS-based Fe-N-BC prepared at 300, 600, and 900 °C to catalyze persulfate (PS) for tetracycline (TC) removal. The results indicated that the catalytic performance of Fe-N-BC was significantly enhanced with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Notably, Fe-N-BC prepared at 900 °C exhibited high TC removal efficiency, with 95% TC removal at 120 min. This might be closely related to the fact that the Fe-N-BC prepared at high temperatures had more Fe oxides and active sites. Adsorption and radical and non-radical pathways were the main mechanisms for TC removal by Fe-N-BC/PS systems, especially the contribution of SO4·−. By identifying the degradation products, three possible pathways of TC degradation were proposed, and the toxicity of the degradation intermediates was evaluated. The results of the reusability analysis indicated that the Fe-N-BC prepared at 900 °C had good potential for practical application, and the TC removal rate still reached 76%, even after five cycles. These findings provide valuable reference information for solid waste resources’ sustainable utilization and the remediation of antibiotic-contaminated water.","PeriodicalId":49457,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability Science","volume":"17 2","pages":"395-395"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/2/395/pdf?version=1736243903","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147878365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Study on Non-Metal-Induced EPFRs in PM2.5 Generated from Flue Gas of Cellulose Combustion","authors":"Lixin Zhang, Boru An, Jingmin Chen, Yuwei Zhang, Guan-yan Yu","doi":"10.3390/su17010301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010301","url":null,"abstract":"Environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are a type of environmental risk substances existing in atmospheric particulate matter, which pose a challenge to human survival and sustainable development. The current understanding is that the formation mechanism of EPFRs is generally related to metallic materials. However, this study analyzed the PM2.5 generated from cellulose combustion and found that EPFRs could be generated even without the metallic materials. Therefore, this paper explores the emission characteristics of non-metal-induced EPFRs, aiming to reveal the influencing factors, distribution, and decay characteristics of non-metal-induced EPFRs generated from cellulose combustion. The results show that combustion conditions such as combustion temperature and oxygen concentration have a significant impact on the emission concentration of non-metal-induced EPFRs in PM2.5 from cellulose combustion. The emission concentrations of non-metal-induced EPFRs in PM2.5 are at the order of magnitude of 1014 spins/m3 and over 50% is distributed in the inextricable substances. Their g-factor are in the range from 2.0015 to 2.0022, indicating that these EPFRs are carbon-centered radicals. Furthermore, non-metal-induced EPFRs in PM2.5 from cellulose combustion have a half-life of several years or even longer, which exhibit distinct characteristics different from metal-induced EPFRs.","PeriodicalId":49457,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability Science","volume":"17 1","pages":"301-301"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/1/301/pdf?version=1735892090","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147909965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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}