Xueying Zhang, Elaine Symanski, Hannah Renee Paduch, Itai Kloog, Yuxuan Wang, Yang Liu
{"title":"Preparing dispersion model surface meteorological inputs using High-resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) data.","authors":"Xueying Zhang, Elaine Symanski, Hannah Renee Paduch, Itai Kloog, Yuxuan Wang, Yang Liu","doi":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2740008","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2740008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The quality of meteorological input data is essential for air pollution dispersion modeling. Traditionally, dispersion models have relied upon observational meteorological data collected from weather stations. However, the sparse national distribution of weather stations limits model ability in capturing fine-scale meteorological variability, particularly in areas far from any stations. We aimed to replace traditional preparation methods for meteorological inputs with a novel framework using the 3-km resolution High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) dataset. We developed several test scenarios to convert the HRRR variables to a format compatible with the Research LINE (R-LINE) source dispersion model. We then predicted traffic-related nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>) concentrations at 452 Air Quality System monitoring sites across the United States (U.S.) in the year of 2019 using those scenarios. To compare our approach with the traditional method, we also ran R-LINE using observational meteorological data. NO<sub>2</sub>concentrations predicted by R-LINE with different meteorological inputs (three HRRR scenarios versus observational weather station data) were compared against NO<sub>2</sub> measurements using simple linear regression coefficients of determination (R<sup>2</sup>) and Indices of Agreement (IOA). The HRRR-derived predictions had slightly higher R<sup>2</sup> values (averaging 0.29) than that derived from observational meteorological data (0.26). Stratified by distance between NO<sub>2</sub>sites and weather stations, HRRR-based predictions generally maintained slightly higher R<sup>2</sup> values than those based on observational meteorology. Site-specific IOA analyses further showed that HRRR inputs performed better than observational meteorological data across most of the continental U.S. but not as well in urban areas. Because many meteorological parameters required by R-LINE are directly available from HRRR, the use of HRRR can reduce reliance on additional data sources during meteorological input preparation. This framework represents a practical and effective alternative for preparing input data for dispersion modeling, particularly in regions lacking nearby weather stations.<i>Implications</i>: This study presents a novel framework for using high-resolution meteorological data to drive regulatory dispersion models, which has predominately relied on observational meteorology data. It is also the first study to apply 3-km High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) meteorological data in dispersion modeling and conduct a nationwide evaluation, providing guidance on where HRRR outperforms observational data for model predictions and what factors could have contributed to the outperformance. This framework advances exposure assessment in environmental health by using spatially resolved meteorological data and promotes methodological innovation in dispersion modeling.</p>","PeriodicalId":520693,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149077179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oluwafemi Awolesi, Corinne Salter, Judith Amegbe, Odunayo Lawal, David Ukuku, Kesse Asante, Margaret Reams, Brian Snyder
{"title":"Public acceptance of Carbon capture and storage projects: Evidence from southern Louisiana, United States.","authors":"Oluwafemi Awolesi, Corinne Salter, Judith Amegbe, Odunayo Lawal, David Ukuku, Kesse Asante, Margaret Reams, Brian Snyder","doi":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2740011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2026.2740011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Carbon capture and storage (CCS) proposals across the U.S. Gulf Coast raise questions about public acceptance, trusted messengers, and justice in communities with long industrial histories. A mixed-methods convergent study of adult residents in Louisiana, U.S. was conducted. A survey produced 466 responses, complemented by semi-structured interviews with 11 community leaders from government agencies, NGOs, and a private company. Ordinal outcomes used Mann-Whitney tests and local acceptance was modeled via logistic regression with familiarity, self-rated knowledge, concern and trust indicators, and demographic adjustors. Baseline understanding was low. Overall, 58.3% of respondents indicated they would accept a CCS project in their parish; acceptance did not differ significantly by age, gender, or income. Older and higher-income respondents reported higher familiarity and knowledge. The most frequent concerns were health risks, environmental injustice, economic impacts, and effectiveness; scientists and environmental organizations were the most trusted information sources, followed by government agencies and community leaders. In adjusted models, familiarity, trust in government agencies, and selecting economic impacts as salient were positively associated with acceptance. Qualitative responses emphasized independent monitoring, public dashboards, groundwater protection, and clear liability alongside auditable local benefits. Thus, acceptance is conditional on credible governance, transparent risk management, and tangible community benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":520693,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149077329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuemin Sun, Huixin Zhang, Ming Zhang, Wanjia Lin, Jie Chen, Junxiao Wei, Yuqiang Zhang
{"title":"Asynchronous transition in municipal solid waste management in mainland China: Cross-regional benchmarking, data uncertainty, and policy priorities.","authors":"Yuemin Sun, Huixin Zhang, Ming Zhang, Wanjia Lin, Jie Chen, Junxiao Wei, Yuqiang Zhang","doi":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2726460","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2026.2726460","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mainland China has rapidly expanded its municipal solid waste (MSW) management (MSWM) system, but the extent to which source management, statistical measurement, and treatment infrastructure have progressed synchronously remains unclear. This study benchmarks mainland China against nine developed regions with harmonized statistics and composition data. We compare waste generation, composition, classification, recovery, and treatment pathways; apply Pearson correlations descriptively across 10 regional cases, 31 provincial-level regions, and 20 Chinese cities; and perform scenario-based sensitivity analysis for China's uncertain recycling rate. Key findings include: urban MSW pickup reached 259.61 million metric tons in 2024, with incineration rising from 5.5% of environmentally sound treatment in 2004 to 84.6% in 2024. Organic materials still exceed 50% of mixed MSW. Provincially, total MSW pickup correlated strongly with urban population (<i>r</i> = 0.922, <i>p</i> < 0.01), and per-capita pickup with per-capita GDP (<i>r</i> = 0.531, <i>p</i> < 0.01); these associations are not causal. Under 7%, 22.5%, and 38% recycling scenarios, China's position shifts from below to above Japan's 19.7% rate, but remains below Germany's 69.3% rate. Thus, comparisons with middle-performing systems are sensitive to the assumed rate, whereas the gap with high-performing recyclers is robust. We identify an asynchronous transition where end-of-pipe incineration has outpaced source separation and high-value recovery, creating risks of mismeasurement, incinerator-feedstock mismatch, and infrastructure lock-in. A ranked roadmap prioritizes harmonized metrics and incinerator audits, then food waste treatment capacity, adapted extended producer responsibility, and prevention-oriented legislation. This framework offers a transferable diagnostic for developing economies facing rapid treatment expansion.<i>Implications</i>: China is transitioning its municipal solid waste management from landfilling to incineration, with the incineration rate reaching 84.6% in 2024. However, the current model lacks granular classification and standardized recycling metrics. To achieve a circular economy, China must shift focus from processing quantity to enhancing quality. This requires aligning recycling data with international standards, retrofitting facilities to handle high-calorific waste, and balancing end-of-pipe incineration with front-end classification. This transition offers vital lessons for other developing nations regarding resource recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":520693,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149043272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M M Mundu, Nuru T Seje, J I Ssempewo, Umi Omar Bunu, Daniel Ejim Uti
{"title":"Fossil fuel use, urban air pollution and health in rapidly growing African cities: Implications for sustainable and low-emission urban development.","authors":"M M Mundu, Nuru T Seje, J I Ssempewo, Umi Omar Bunu, Daniel Ejim Uti","doi":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2737847","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2026.2737847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rapid urbanization and persistent reliance on fossil fuels in African cities have intensified ambient air pollution, posing significant public health and environmental challenges. This critical systematic review with policy synthesis, conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 reporting principles, synthesizes evidence on fossil fuel sources, urban air quality trends, health impacts, structural drivers, and policy responses while identifying evidence gaps and opportunities for integrated interventions. Diesel-powered road transport, backup generators, and household energy use emerge as dominant sources of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, black carbon, and volatile organic compounds, disproportionately affecting children, the elderly, and low-income populations. Observed pollution levels often exceed World Health Organization guidelines, yet monitoring networks are sparse and unevenly distributed, limiting exposure assessment. Structural and institutional factors including urban sprawl, energy insecurity, weak fuel standards, and fragmented governance amplify emissions and health burdens. Policy synthesis indicates opportunities for co-benefits through transport electrification, clean cooking transitions, renewable mini-grids, and integrated urban planning, with interventions capable of simultaneously improving air quality, population health, and climate mitigation outcomes. Evidence-policy gaps highlight the need for cross-sectoral coordination, enhanced monitoring infrastructure, and health-informed energy and transport strategies. This review is intended to provide an evidence-informed policy synthesis for national and city governments, urban planners, environmental regulators, public health agencies, and development partners. By integrating evidence across energy, transport, health, and urban planning, it identifies practical pathways for reducing fossil-fuel dependence while improving air quality, population health, climate resilience, and sustainable urban development in rapidly growing African cities.</p>","PeriodicalId":520693,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149027437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Wildfire smoke indoors: A review of infiltration risk factors and exposure mitigation strategies.","authors":"Nathan Bolden, Kiernan Kilkenny, Nordica MacCarty","doi":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2692674","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2692674","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Exposure to the particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) component of wildfire smoke is associated with cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality. To minimize exposure to high concentrations of PM<sub>2.5</sub>, public health officials recommend a multipronged mitigation approach through closing all doors and windows and running a portable air cleaner (PAC) indoors to filter particulate from indoor air. Through experimental studies, mitigation efficacy of both remaining indoors and utilizing an air cleaner have been generally validated, but efficacy is inconsistent, depending on building structure and occupant behavior. This leads to difficulties in generalizing mitigation efficacy for the national housing stock to determine overall protection from wildfire smoke. Our review aims to summarize the studies examining smoke infiltration and PAC exposure mitigation efficacy to determine recommendations for building design and retrofit strategies that should be prioritized to minimize harmful exposure.<i>Implications</i>: These results summarize existing evidence from examinations of smoke infiltration and portable air cleaner exposure mitigation efficacy to determine recommendations for building design and retrofit strategies that should be prioritized to minimize harmful exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":520693,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148407838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seoyeong Choe, Chaehyeong Park, Myoungki Song, Taehyoung Lee, Min-Suk Bae
{"title":"Evaluating ozone production intensity and BTEXS-NOx reduction scenarios in the yeosu petrochemical industrial atmosphere.","authors":"Seoyeong Choe, Chaehyeong Park, Myoungki Song, Taehyoung Lee, Min-Suk Bae","doi":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2729288","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2026.2729288","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding O<sub>3</sub> formation in petrochemical regions requires consideration of how abundant precursor emissions influence local photochemical characteristics. This study investigated ozone production characteristics at the Yeosu National Petrochemical Industrial Complex. We observed gaseous pollutants and Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene, Styrene (BTEXS) concentrations, calculated radical-based ozone production rates p(O<sub>3</sub>), and performed Framework for 0-D Atmospheric Modeling (F0AM) simulations. During the observation period, mean O<sub>3</sub>, NO, NO<sub>2</sub>, and CO concentrations were 54.32 ± 19.88, 2.99 ± 3.56, 17.42 ± 11.34, and 152.86 ± 90.78 ppb, respectively. Among BTEXS compounds, toluene showed the highest mean concentration, followed by benzene, m&p-xylene, ethylbenzene, styrene, and o-xylene. O<sub>3</sub> exhibited clear daytime enhancement, while BTEXS compounds showed compound-specific temporal and diurnal patterns associated with industrial emissions and photochemical reactivity. Calculated p(O<sub>3</sub>) was positively associated with both observed and F0AM-simulated O<sub>3</sub>, with the stronger relationship for F0AM providing an internal consistency check between the simplified calculation and box-model results. Precursor reduction scenarios showed that simultaneous NOx and BTEXS reductions decreased p(O<sub>3</sub>). These results highlight the importance of coordinated control of NOx and reactive aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for mitigating industrial ozone formation.<i>Implications</i>: This study provides a monitoring- and modeling-based assessment of ozone production in a petrochemical industrial atmosphere, where aromatic VOCs and NOx jointly influence photochemical ozone formation. By combining observed BTEXS and gaseous pollutant data with radical-based p(O<sub>3</sub>) calculations and F0AM simulations, the results identify high-production conditions under which precursor reductions are most effective. The findings suggest that coordinated control of NOx and reactive aromatic VOCs, rather than single-precursor management, is necessary to reduce ozone formation in petrochemical industrial regions. This approach can support targeted emission-control strategies for industrial air-quality management.</p>","PeriodicalId":520693,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148890073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Study on the synergistic removal of chlorine and heavy metals during the co-combustion of aged refuse and municipal solid waste by modified calcium-based additives.","authors":"Limei Chen, Yaojie Wang, Shijie Wen, Yanfen Liao, Xiaoqian Ma, Wanjun Lei","doi":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2711784","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2711784","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A central challenge in co-combustion of aged refuse is suppressing the synergistic release of heavy metals and HCl in high-temperature flue gas. To address the limitations of conventional Ca-based additives, three modified Ca-based sorbents doped with Si, B, and P (CA-I, CA-II, CA-III) were developed. Their structural properties were systematically characterized. Removal efficiency for HCl and six heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb) was evaluated between 650°C and 950°C, along with an assessment of ecological risk from heavy metals. CA-II exhibited the highest specific surface area, while CA-III showed stable adsorption above 750°C and significantly reduced ecological risk, with Cd and Zn identified as key risk elements. The optimal additive dosage was 5% to avoid agglomeration. This study provides a novel design strategy and fundamental data for synergistic control of pollutants and ecological risk during co-combustion.<i>Implications</i>: This study offers a viable engineering solution for the synergistic control of HCl and heavy metals during waste co-combustion, providing practitioners with a high-efficiency, high-temperature adsorbent (CA-III). From a policy perspective, the technology significantly reduces ecological risks - particularly for Cadmium and Zinc - by stabilizing toxic pollutants, thereby supporting \"zero-waste city\" initiatives and helping to mitigate public opposition (NIMBY) to incinerators. These findings provide scientific evidence to promote the use of phosphorus-modified additives in solid waste management regulations, facilitating the safe energy recovery of aged landfill refuse and improving the sustainability of waste-to-energy operations.</p>","PeriodicalId":520693,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148623810","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"PM<sub>2.5</sub> removal efficiency by an urban green landscape: Effect of planting design and environmental factors.","authors":"Arnon Setsungnern, Kun Silprasit, Samira Salifu, Phongthep Hanpattanakit, Sirikul Thummajitsakul, Chairat Treesubsuntorn","doi":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2665376","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2665376","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Air pollution from fine dust (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) poses severe risks to urban environments and human health in many cities, particularly in roadside areas. Urban green spaces can help reduce this pollution, but there is still limited research on the best way to design plant layouts for maximum dust removal. This study evaluated the performance of a specially designed urban garden in Bangkok, Thailand, for PM<sub>2.5</sub> removal. A three-layer planting design, featuring species with high PM<sub>2.5</sub> removal capacity from a screening of 73 plant species, was implemented beside a major traffic road. Measurements conducted during high-pollution periods showed an average removal efficiency of 14.89%, increasing up to 35% under high PM<sub>2.5</sub> conditions. The garden improved microclimatic conditions, reducing air temperature by 1-2°C and increasing relative humidity by approximately 9.9%. Environmental parameters such as wind speed and direction significantly affected removal efficiency. Wind speeds between 1-3 m/s optimized dust capture, reaching efficiency levels of 15-18%, while speeds above 3.6 m/s resulted in a drop in efficiency. The annual PM<sub>2.5</sub> dry deposition rate was calculated at 1.33 g/m<sup>2</sup> ·y. These results demonstrate that strategic planting design and species selection can enhance nature-based solutions for urban air quality improvement.<i>Implications</i>: This study demonstrated that a newly designed urban green space can significantly reduce roadside PM<sub>2.5</sub>, especially during high-pollution periods. Using a multi-layer planting structure and species with high PM<sub>2.5</sub> removal capacity, the garden achieved up to 35% reduction and accumulated substantial annual particulate matter. Seasonal wind patterns were also key determinants of removal efficiency. These results provide practical guidance for municipalities and urban planners seeking cost-effective, nature-based solutions for air quality improvement. Integrating targeted green infrastructure into urban design can enhance public health protection and strengthen long-term air pollution management.</p>","PeriodicalId":520693,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)","volume":" ","pages":"746-764"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148214135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joseph P Wood, Paul Lemieux, Shannon D Serre, Robert Miknis, Veera Boddu
{"title":"Evaluation of swine carcass disposal using mobile incinerators.","authors":"Joseph P Wood, Paul Lemieux, Shannon D Serre, Robert Miknis, Veera Boddu","doi":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2679752","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2679752","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the event of an animal disease outbreak such as African Swine Fever (ASF), many thousands of swine may succumb to the disease or need to be euthanized to contain the outbreak. Swine mortalities will need to be properly and quickly disposed of to limit spread of the disease and mitigate environmental impacts. On-site carcass disposal options such as composting and burial eliminate the need to transport the carcasses over roadways, thus reducing biosecurity concerns. Another on-site animal carcass disposal option being considered is the use of mobile incinerators/cremators. Field tests were conducted in 2024 to evaluate two different sized mobile incinerators for their carcass disposal potential. The tests evaluated the incinerators' throughput, fuel usage, and ash generation. In addition, sampling and analysis of the bottom ash and air pollutant emissions from the incinerators were performed. Several air pollutants were measured at the stack, including particulate matter, dioxins/furans, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, metals, and others. The average charge rates of swine carcasses to the large and small incinerators during testing was 359 and 59 kg per hr, respectively. The highest mass emission rate of any pollutant from the large incinerator was 1.08 kg/hr (for nitrogen oxides), and for the smaller incinerator, emissions were at <i>de minimis</i> levels. Similarly, analyses of the bottom ash found that all metal and organic compound analytes were below the laboratory's reporting limit. These results from the evaluation of the incinerators may inform officials on their use in the event ASF reaches their country.<i>Implications</i>: This work shows the promise of using mobile incinerators to process swine carcasses in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak such as African Swine Fever. The research presents for the first time data on throughput, air emissions and bottom ash from the cremation of swine mortalities using portable incineration units. This work may inform officials in their selection of options for the disposition of animal mortalities in a large-scale animal disease event.</p>","PeriodicalId":520693,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)","volume":" ","pages":"788-797"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13603035/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148039060","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":"Experimental assessment of rheological behavior and environmental impact of low-carbon cementitious paste with fly ash and GGBS.","authors":"Abhiram Shukla, Pankaj Mishra, Harish Kizhakkumodom Venkatanarayanan","doi":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2671084","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10962247.2026.2671084","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The present study investigates the potential of widely used supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) to improve the rheological and environmental performance of low-carbon cementitious pastes. Three binders consisting of 100% OPC, 25% FA, and 70% GGBS were tested at water-to-binder ratios of 0.4 and 0.45. The dynamic shear rheometer was employed to analyze shear-thickening behavior of various cementitious suspensions. Subsequently, the environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted within a \"cradle-to-gate\" framework, evaluating six environmental impact categories and proposing a novel approach to converting these impacts into a single environmental cost (USD). The results revealed that OPC suspensions exhibit the earliest and most pronounced shear-thickening onset, while 70% GGBS suspensions reduce global warming potential but increase acidification impact. In contrast, 25% FA suspensions minimize acidification impact. Moreover, the rheological behavior is significantly influenced by solid volume fraction (SVF) and particle morphology; 70% GGBS pastes demonstrate the highest yield stress (140 Pa) and plastic viscosity (1.61 Pa. s) at a w/b ratio of 0.4, attributed to their angular particle shape. The environmental cost of suspensions (100% OPC) is estimated at $13.92/m<sup>3</sup>, with OPC being the primary contributor. The findings highlight the potential of SCMs to enhance performance and reduce environmental impacts, supporting greater use of FA and GGBS for sustainable, low-carbon infrastructure development. Future research should focus on optimizing the combined use and dosage of FA and GGBS in low-carbon cementitious pastes to achieve a more effective balance among rheological performance, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. Equally important is the need to extend the assessment framework beyond the present scope by incorporating long-term performance and durability assessment, broader system boundaries, and more rigorous environmental cost evaluation should be incorporated to enable the development of robust and sustainable cementitious systems.<i>Implications</i>: India has set an ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2070. In the coming years, a substantial increase in building construction is anticipated to accommodate the country's growing population. However, this expansion threatens to hinder progress toward national sustainable development goals (SDGs) and commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement. Indian thermal power plants and steel plants produce substantial amounts of fly ash and slag, which are solid waste byproducts. To mitigate the environmental impact and reduce cement consumption, it is essential to utilize these materials in construction. By incorporating fly ash and slag as cement replacement materials, we can significantly decrease the carbon footprint of the construction industry, contributing to both ","PeriodicalId":520693,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)","volume":" ","pages":"765-787"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147849197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}