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Xiu FR, Zhan L, Qi Y, Wu T, Ju Y. Upcycling of waste disposable medical masks to high value-added gasoline fuel and surfactants products by sub/supercritical water degradation and partial oxidation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134950. [PMID: 38908183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The amount of waste disposable medical masks (DMMs) and the potential environmental risk increased significantly due to the huge demand of disposable medical surgical masks. In this study, two effective and environmentally friendly processes, supercritical water degradation (SCWD) and subcritical water partial oxidation (SubCWPO), were proposed for the upcycling of DMMs. The optimal conditions for the SCWD process (conversion ratio>98 %) were 410 ℃, 15 min, and 1:5 g/mL. The oil products obtained from the SCWD process were mainly small molecule hydrocarbons (C7-C12) with a content of 86 % and could be recycled as fuel feedstock for gasoline. Alkyl radicals in the SCWD reaction formed double bonds and ring structures through hydrogen capture reactions, β-scission, and dehydrogenation reactions, and aromatic hydrocarbons were formed by olefin cyclization and cycloalkane dehydrogenation. The introduction of an oxidant (H2O2) to the reaction system could significantly reduce the reaction temperature and shorten the reaction time. At 350 ℃, 15 min, 1:20 g/mL, V(H2O2): V (H2O) of 1:1, the conversion ratio of the SubCWPO process was 88 %, which was higher than that of the SCWD process at 400 ℃ (71.49 %). Oil products produced from the SubCWPO process were rich in alcohols and esters, which could be used as raw materials for nonionic surfactant of polyol and fatty acid ester. The abundant hydroxyl radical in the SubCWPO system trapped hydrogen atoms on PP and reacted with the resulting alkyl radical to form alkanols, which was oxidized to form acids. The esterification of acids and alkanols formed high level of esters. The SCWD and SubCWPO processes proposed in this study are believed to be promising strategies for DMMs degradation and the recovery of high value-added hydrocarbons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Rong Xiu
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi' an 710054, China
| | - Longsheng Zhan
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi' an 710054, China
| | - Yingying Qi
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi' an 710054, China.
| | - Tianbi Wu
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi' an 710054, China
| | - Yawei Ju
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi' an 710054, China
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Cui J, Qi M, Zhang Z, Gao S, Xu N, Wang X, Li N, Chen G. Disposal and resource utilization of waste masks: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:19683-19704. [PMID: 36653687 PMCID: PMC9848032 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25353-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Waste masks pose a serious threat to the environment, including marine plastic pollution and soil pollution risks caused by landfills since the outbreak of COVID-19. Currently, numerous effective methods regarding disposal and resource utilization of waste masks have been reported, containing physical, thermochemical, and solvent-based technologies. As for physical technologies, the mechanical properties of the mask-based materials could be enhanced and the conductivity or antibacterial activity was endowed by adding natural fibers or inorganic nanoparticles. Regarding thermochemical technologies, catalytic pyrolysis could yield considerable hydrogen, which is an eco-friendly resource, and would mitigate the energy crisis. Noticeably, the solvent-based technology, as a more convenient and efficient method, was also considered in this paper. In this way, soaking the mask directly in a specific chemical reagent changes the original structure of polypropylene and obtains multi-functional materials. The solvent-based technology is promising in the future with the researches of sustainable and universally applicable reagents. This review could provide guidance for utilizing resources of waste masks and address the issues of plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Cui
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Mo Qi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Shibo Gao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Nuo Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - Ning Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Guanyi Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Wastes Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin, 300134, China
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Rai PK, Sonne C, Song H, Kim KH. Plastic wastes in the time of COVID-19: Their environmental hazards and implications for sustainable energy resilience and circular bio-economies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159880. [PMID: 36328266 PMCID: PMC9618453 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The global scope of pollution from plastic waste is a well-known phenomenon associated with trade, mass consumption, and disposal of plastic products (e.g., personal protective equipment (PPE), viral test kits, and vacuum-packaged food). Recently, the scale of the problem has been exacerbated by increases in indoor livelihood activities during lockdowns imposed in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present study describes the effects of increased plastic waste on environmental footprint and human health. Further, the technological/regulatory options and life cycle assessment (LCA) approach for sustainable plastic waste management are critically dealt in terms of their implications on energy resilience and circular economy. The abrupt increase in health-care waste during pandemic has been worsening environmental quality to undermine the sustainability in general. In addition, weathered plastic particles from PPE along with microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) can all adsorb chemical and microbial contaminants to pose a risk to ecosystems, biota, occupational safety, and human health. PPE-derived plastic pollution during the pandemic also jeopardizes sustainable development goals, energy resilience, and climate control measures. However, it is revealed that the pandemic can be regarded as an opportunity for explicit LCA to better address the problems associated with environmental footprints of plastic waste and to focus on sustainable management technologies such as circular bio-economies, biorefineries, and thermal gasification. Future researches in the energy-efficient clean technologies and circular bio-economies (or biorefineries) in concert with a "nexus" framework are expected to help reduce plastic waste into desirable directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Kumar Rai
- Phyto-Technologies and Plant Invasion Lab, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - C Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - H Song
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
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Iwuozor KO, Emenike EC, Stephen AA, Kevin OS, Adeleke J, Adeniyi AG. Thermochemical recycling of waste disposable facemasks in a non-electrically powered system. LOW-CARBON MATERIALS AND GREEN CONSTRUCTION 2023; 1:12. [PMCID: PMC10069943 DOI: 10.1007/s44242-023-00010-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic encouraged the use of plastic-based personal protective equipment (PPE), which aided greatly in its management. However, the increased production and usage of these PPEs put a strain on the environment, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. This has led various researchers to study low-cost and effective technologies for the recycling of these materials. One such material is disposable facemasks. However, previous studies have only been able to engage electrically powered reactors for their thermochemical conversion, which is a challenge as these reactors cannot be used in regions with an insufficient supply of electricity. In this study, the authors utilized a biomass-powered reactor for the conversion of waste disposable facemasks and almond leaves into hybrid biochar. The reactor, which is relatively cheap, simple to use, environmentally friendly, and modified for biochar production, is biomass-powered. The co-carbonization process, which lasted 100 min, produced a 46% biochar yield, which is higher than previously obtained biochar yields by other researchers. The biochar thus obtained was characterized to determine its properties. FTIR analysis showed that the biochar contained functional groups such as alkenes, alkynes, hydroxyls, amines, and carbonyls. The EDX analysis revealed that the biochar was primarily made of carbon, tellurium, oxygen, and calcium in the ratios of 57%, 19%, 9%, and 7%, respectively. The inclusion of the facemask decreased the surface area and porosity of the biochar material, as evidenced by its surface area and pore characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingsley O. Iwuozor
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Ebuka Chizitere Emenike
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Agbana Abiodun Stephen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | | | - Joy Adeleke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Adewale George Adeniyi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Chemical Engineering Department, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria
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Pourebrahimi S. Upcycling face mask wastes generated during COVID-19 into value-added engineering materials: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158396. [PMID: 36055514 PMCID: PMC9424124 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Billions of disposable face masks (i.e., single-use masks) are used and discarded worldwide monthly due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The immethodical disposal of these polymer-based wastes containing non-biodegradable constituents (e.g., polypropylene) has provoked marked and severe damage to the ecosystem. Meanwhile, their ever-growing usage significantly strains the present-day waste management measures such as landfilling and incineration, resulting in large quantities of used face-covering masks landing in the environment as importunate contaminants. Hence, alternative waste management strategies are crucially demanded to decrease the negative impacts of face mask contamination. In this venue, developing high-yield, effective, and green routes toward recycling or upcycling face mask wastes (FMWs) into value-added materials is of great importance. While existing recycling processes assist the traditional waste management, they typically end up in materials with downgraded physicochemical, structural, mechanical, and thermal characteristics with reduced values. Therefore, pursuing potential economic upcycling processes would be more beneficial than waste disposal and/or recycling processes. This paper reviews recent advances in the FMWs upcycling methods. In particular, we focus on producing value-added materials via various waste conversion methods, including carbonization (i.e., extreme pyrolysis), pyrolysis (i.e., rapid carbonization), catalytic conversion, chemical treatment, and mechanical reprocessing. Generally, the upcycling methods are promising, firming the vital role of managing FMWs' fate and shedding light on the road of state-of-the-art materials design and synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Pourebrahimi
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada.
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Luo Z, Zhu X, Ma Y, Gong K, Zhu X. Alternating magnetic field initiated catalytic deconstruction of medical waste to produce hydrogen-rich gases and graphite. CELL REPORTS. PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2022; 3:100934. [PMID: 35698720 PMCID: PMC9175563 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2022.100934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of medical products and personal protective equipment, such as masks, gowns, and disposable syringes, to treat patients or administer vaccines. However, this may lead to generation of large quantities of biohazardous medical waste. Here, an alternating-magnetic-field-initiated catalytic strategy is proposed to convert disposable syringes into hydrogen-rich gases and high-value graphite. Specifically, in addition to selecting heavy fraction of bio-oil as initiator, disposable syringe needles are used as radio frequency electromagnetic wave receptors to initiate the deconstruction of disposable syringe plastic. The highest H2 yield of 39.9 mmol g-1 is achieved, and 30.1 mmol g-1 is maintained after 10 cycles. Moreover, a high carbon yield of 286 mg g-1 can be obtained. Beyond disposable syringes, this strategy could help to solve the emerging issue for other types of medical waste (e.g., mask and protective clothing) disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Luo
- School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P.R. China
| | - Xiefei Zhu
- School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P.R. China
| | - YaKai Ma
- School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P.R. China
| | - Ke Gong
- Instruments Center for Physical Science, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P.R. China
| | - Xifeng Zhu
- School of Engineering Science, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P.R. China
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