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Hintersatz C, Tsushima S, Kaufer T, Kretzschmar J, Thewes A, Pollmann K, Jain R. Efficient density functional theory directed identification of siderophores with increased selectivity towards indium and germanium. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135523. [PMID: 39178780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Siderophores are promising ligands for application in novel recycling and bioremediation technologies, as they can selectively complex a variety of metals. However, with over 250 known siderophores, the selection of suiting complexants in the wet lab is impractical. Thus, this study established a density functional theory (DFT) based approach to efficiently identify siderophores with increased selectivity towards target metals on the example of germanium and indium. Considering 239 structures, chemically similar siderophores were clustered, and their complexation reactions modeled utilizing DFT. The calculations revealed siderophores with, compared to the reference siderophore desferrioxamine B (DFOB), up to 128 % or 48 % higher selectivity for indium or germanium, respectively. Experimental validation of the method was conducted with fimsbactin A and agrobactin, demonstrating up to 40 % more selective indium binding and at least sevenfold better germanium binding than DFOB, respectively. The results generated in this study open the door for the utilization of siderophores in eco-friendly technologies for the recovery of many different critical metals from various industry waters and leachates or bioremediation approaches. This endeavor is greatly facilitated by applying the herein-created database of geometry-optimized siderophore structures as de novo modeling of the molecules can be omitted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hintersatz
- Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Satoru Tsushima
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Department of Biophysics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Tobias Kaufer
- Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jerome Kretzschmar
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Department of Actinide Thermodynamics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Angela Thewes
- Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Katrin Pollmann
- Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Rohan Jain
- Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
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Koskinen J, Frimodig J, Samulinen M, Tiihonen A, Siljanto J, Haukka M, Väisänen A. Optimization of Selective Hydrometallurgical Tantalum Recovery from E-Waste Using Zeolites. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:14947-14954. [PMID: 38585115 PMCID: PMC10993384 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
To protect future high-tech metal demand, a selective and efficient recovery method for tantalum from a tantalum-rich e-waste component sample was developed. Ultrasound-assisted digestion of the component sample was optimized, and the highest dissolution rate was achieved using a mixture of 8 mol/L H2SO4 and HF at a temperature of 60 °C. The determined amount of tantalum was as high as 11 000 ± 1000 mg/kg, which results in a high potential for recyclable tantalum. The other major elements of this complex e-waste fraction were silicon, iron, aluminum, and tin. Efficient recovery of tantalum from the leachate was performed using the zeolite material ZSM-5. Extremely high selectivity and a recovery rate of over 98% were obtained. In terms of adsorption efficiency, selectivity, and durability of the material, optimal adsorption was obtained using the diluted sample at 0.5 mol/L of H2SO4. The adsorption capacity of ZSM-5 for tantalum was determined to be 10.5 ± 0.6 mg/g, and tantalum was selectively eluted with 1:4 diluted ethanolamine with a yield of 87.2 ± 1.5%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutta Koskinen
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, Jyväskylä FI-40014, Finland
| | - Janne Frimodig
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, Jyväskylä FI-40014, Finland
| | | | - Antti Tiihonen
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, Jyväskylä FI-40014, Finland
| | - Jimi Siljanto
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, Jyväskylä FI-40014, Finland
| | - Matti Haukka
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, Jyväskylä FI-40014, Finland
| | - Ari Väisänen
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, Jyväskylä FI-40014, Finland
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Dang DH, Filella M, Omanović D. Technology-Critical Elements: An Emerging and Vital Resource that Requires more In-depth Investigation. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 81:517-520. [PMID: 34655300 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00892-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Duc Huy Dang
- School of the Environment, Department of Chemistry and Water Quality Center, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada.
| | - Montserrat Filella
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dario Omanović
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
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Bačić N, Mikac N, Lučić M, Sondi I. Occurrence and Distribution of Technology-Critical Elements in Recent Freshwater and Marine Pristine Lake Sediments in Croatia: A Case Study. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 81:574-588. [PMID: 34100094 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00863-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and vertical distribution of ten technology critical elements (TCEs) (Li, Nb, Sc, Ga, Y, La, Sb, Ge, Te, and W) were studied in sediment cores collected from remote freshwater and marine lakes (Plitvice, Visovac and Mir Lakes) in three protected areas of Croatia. These environmental archives were used to assess natural TCE levels in lake sediments and temporal trends in historical anthropogenic atmospheric deposition. TCE was determined after complete sediment digestion using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR ICP-MS). The measured TCE concentrations spanned a wide range, which can be attributed to the varying input of terrigenous material into the studied lake systems. All obtained TCE concentrations were close to natural conditions and therefore could be used as a reference for other equivalent sediment systems in the coming years. The evaluation of anthropogenic influence on TCE concentrations showed a slight anthropogenic enrichment with Sb and Te in the upper sediment layers of some lakes (Plitvice and Mir Lakes), indicating a widespread atmospheric deposition, which, however, cannot be related to the recent increase in the use of TCE in modern technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bačić
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - N Mikac
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - M Lučić
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - I Sondi
- Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Dang DH, Wang W, Evans RD. Rare Earth Element Accumulation and Fractionation in a Lake Ecosystem Impacted by Past Uranium Mining. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 81:589-599. [PMID: 34219186 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00866-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are a natural resource of vital economic interest. While REE mining and processing are known for severe environmental issues, REEs are also by-products of other mining processes (e.g. uranium). Here, we provide an in-depth assessment of REE distribution across a lake system impacted by adjacent uranium mining over a long period (Bow Lake, Ontario, Canada). We observed a robust REE-U correlation with a consistent La/U ratio of 2.0 ± 0.2 and La concentrations up to 2200 µg g-1. Selective extraction results demonstrated that 80-94% of REEs were acid extractible, while 3-8% of REEs were extracted by an alkaline solution (i.e. bound to natural organic matter). Analysis of specific REE patterns, together with a strong REE-P correlation, suggest that (co)precipitation with P mineral would be an important mechanism sequestrating REEs into Bow Lake sediments. Moreover, we identified three sources of particles delivering REEs into the lake with unique REE patterns: mine tailings, U ores and Precambrian bedrock. Negative Sm anomalies were detected in three soil samples and associated with the Precambrian bedrock. We also detected positive Gd and La anomalies in the sediments. Lanthanum anomalies were strongly correlated with U authigenic accumulation and thus associated with microbial processes requiring La, such as methanotrophy. This research demonstrates that lake sediments adjacent to U mining could represent ecological risks given that La and other REE concentrations largely exceed the maximum permissible concentrations. Water and sediment quality criteria are therefore required as both primary REE mining and extraction of REEs as by-products from legacy metallurgical tailings are increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc Huy Dang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada.
- Water Quality Center, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada.
| | - Wei Wang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
| | - R Douglas Evans
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
- Water Quality Center, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
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6
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Dang DH, Zhang Z. Hazardous motherboards: Changes in metal contamination related to the evolution of electronictechnologies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115731. [PMID: 33059269 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Proper management of electronic waste (e-waste) represents significant economic and environmental challenges because of the tremendous quantity of e-waste, the potential of extracting precious metals from recyclable electronics, and the risks of environmental contamination with a variety of toxic compounds. This study focused on the leaching potential of 57 elements from central processing unit mainboards manufactured over time (1980s-2010s) using river water at different pHs as an environmentally-relevant extractant. The exposure time was set to one week. The calculated contamination factors allowed classification of the elements released from mainboards into five groups with increasing leachability and thus environmental concerns. Also, the results demonstrated a changing nature of e-waste related to the technologies employed and the transition of metal contamination signatures from these electronics; newer computer mainboards have a lower risk of Pb and Sn leaching but a greater release of Li, Sb, and a few rare earth elements (Sm, Eu, Dy). These specific patterns of elemental release could become powerful geochemical forensic tracers of improper recycling activities of e-waste in the environment. Most studies until now have investigated just a few key contaminants, despite the cocktail of pollutants contained in electronics. Therefore, a full assessment of the leaching potential of pollutants from non-properly recycled e-waste and further ecotoxicological studies are timely needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc Huy Dang
- School of the Environment and Chemistry Department, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada.
| | - Zhirou Zhang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
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Godoy León MF, Blengini GA, Dewulf J. Cobalt in end-of-life products in the EU, where does it end up? - The MaTrace approach. RESOURCES, CONSERVATION, AND RECYCLING 2020; 158:104842. [PMID: 32624643 PMCID: PMC7185230 DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The use of cobalt has experienced a strong growth in the last decades. Due to its high economic importance and high supply risk, it has been classified as a critical raw material for the EU and other economies. Part of the EU's strategy is intended to secure its availability, through fostering its efficient use and recycling. The latter is affected by factors such as the amount of available end-of-life products, and their collection-to-recycling rate. A novel methodology to analyze the impact of these factors on the cobalt flows in society is the model MaTrace, which can track the fate of materials over time and across products. The MaTrace model was expanded, adapted, and applied to predict the fate of cobalt embedded in finished products in use in the EU, considering the underlying life cycle phases within the technosphere. Eleven scenarios were built, assessing different options in the implementation of relevant EU's policies. The flows were projected for a period of 25 years, starting in 2015. The results of the baseline scenario show that after 25 years, around 8% of the initial stock of cobalt stays in use, 3% is being hoarded by users, 28% has been exported, and 61% has been lost. The main contributors to the losses of the system are the non-selective collection of end-of-life products, and the export of end-of-life products, recycled cobalt and final products. The results of the scenarios show that higher collection-to-recycling rates and lower export could increase up to 50% the cobalt that stays in use.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernanda Godoy León
- Research Group Sustainable Systems Engineering (STEN), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Gian Andrea Blengini
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate for Sustainable Resources, Land Resources Unit, Via E. Fermi 2749, Ispra, VA 21027, Italy
- Politecnico di Torino DIATI, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino, TO 10125, Italy
| | - Jo Dewulf
- Research Group Sustainable Systems Engineering (STEN), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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Horta Arduin R, Mathieux F, Huisman J, Blengini GA, Charbuillet C, Wagner M, Baldé CP, Perry N. Novel indicators to better monitor the collection and recovery of (critical) raw materials in WEEE: Focus on screens. RESOURCES, CONSERVATION, AND RECYCLING 2020; 157:104772. [PMID: 32494109 PMCID: PMC7224517 DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Currently, in the European Union (EU), e-waste chain performance is assessed by technical indicators that aim to ensure system compliance with collection and recovery targets set by the WEEE Directive. This study proposes indicators to improve WEEE flow monitoring beyond the current overall weight-based approach, including complementary flows and treatment performance. A case study focused on the screen category in France is presented. In 2017, the collection rate of cathode-ray tube screens (CRT) was 68%, while for flat panel display (FPD) generated only 14% was collected. CRT screens have less precious and critical materials than FDP. Thus, elements like cobalt and gold highly concentrated in FPD, have a collection rate two to four times lower than elements such as copper (37%) which represents a high proportion in CRTs. Recycling is the main treatment in France. Nevertheless, the recycling rate per element varies significantly due to the low collection, and also the lack of technology and/or secondary raw materials market. The elements with higher recycling rates are base metals such as copper (28%), followed by precious metals like silver (23%), and gold (13%). Except for palladium, the recycling rate of the critical raw materials targeted in the study ranged from 6% (cobalt) to 0% (e.g. neodymium and indium). The results stress the need for indicators to support the development of WEEE chain from waste management to secondary (critical) raw materials suppliers.
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Key Words
- Ag, Silver
- Al, Aluminum
- Au, Gold
- CRM, Critical Raw Material
- CRT, Cathode-Ray Tube
- Co, Cobalt
- Collection quality
- Collection rate
- Cu, Copper
- EC, European Commission
- EEE, Electrical and Electronic Equipment
- EU, European Union
- FPD, Flat Panel Display
- Fe, Iron
- In, Indium
- LCD, Liquid-Crystal Displays
- LED, Light Emitting Diode
- Li, Lithium
- Mg, Magnesium
- Nd, Neodymium
- PCB, Printed Circuit Board
- PMMA, Polymethylmethacrylate
- POM, Placed on the Market
- Pd, Palladium
- Recycling rate
- Sb, Antimony
- Scavenging
- Secondary raw materials
- TFT, Thin-Film-Transistor
- WEEE
- WEEE, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Horta Arduin
- Université de Bordeaux, ISM, UMR 5255, F-33400 Talence, France
- Arts et Métiers, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, I2M Bordeaux, UMR 5295, F-33405, Talence, France
| | - Fabrice Mathieux
- European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Sustainable Resources Directorate, Via E. Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra, Italy
| | - Jaco Huisman
- European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Sustainable Resources Directorate, Via E. Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra, Italy
| | - Gian Andrea Blengini
- European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Sustainable Resources Directorate, Via E. Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra, Italy
| | - Carole Charbuillet
- Institut Arts et Métiers de Chambéry, I2M Bordeaux, UMR 5295, F-73375 Le Bourget du Lac, France
| | - Michelle Wagner
- United Nations University, Vice Rectorate in Europe, Sustainable Cycles Programme (SCYCLE), Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Cornelis Peter Baldé
- United Nations University, Vice Rectorate in Europe, Sustainable Cycles Programme (SCYCLE), Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicolas Perry
- Arts et Métiers, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, I2M Bordeaux, UMR 5295, F-33405, Talence, France
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Beylot A, Ardente F, Sala S, Zampori L. Accounting for the dissipation of abiotic resources in LCA: Status, key challenges and potential way forward. RESOURCES, CONSERVATION, AND RECYCLING 2020; 157:104748. [PMID: 32494108 PMCID: PMC7224519 DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The concept of resources or materials dissipation after their use in the technosphere has been increasingly considered in life-cycle based studies, applying Substance and Material Flow Analysis (SFA and MFA), Input-Output Analysis, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). However, there is currently no common understanding of what a dissipative flow is. This article first reviews 45 publications to describe the status of resource dissipation in life-cycle based studies, discussing how resource dissipation is usually defined, which temporal perspective is considered, which compartments of dissipation are distinguished, and which approaches (including the implementation of parameters) are considered to assess resource dissipation in a system. Moreover, this article proposes a comprehensive definition of resource dissipation, building from the literature review and focusing on abiotic resources. It then discusses this definition with respect to its potential implementation in LCA considering today's existing Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) datasets and best practices. Overall it shows that the LCA framework may be well suited to assess abiotic resource dissipation. In particular i) the compartments of dissipation usually considered in the literature are covered in LCA, and ii) LCI databases could be a source of information to be further used to quantify a set of flows defined as "dissipative", as commonly considered in SFA/MFA studies. However, major challenges are still faced before any potential routine implementation in LCA. The article accordingly discusses the potential way forward in the short-term (development and test of possible approaches), mid-term (towards satisfactory robustness, and consensus) and long-term (large-scale changes of LCI databases).
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Eheliyagoda D, Zeng X, Wang Z, Albalghiti E, Li J. Forecasting the temporal stock generation and recycling potential of metals towards a sustainable future: The case of gallium in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 689:332-340. [PMID: 31277001 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Gallium is one such co-product mineral, being used for consumer electronics and contemporary renewable energy applications. China is the top producer of gallium and supplies over 70% of global demand. However, supply uncertainty of primary gallium is increasing due to a shortage of reserves. Thus, development of recycling technologies to complement primary production should be prioritized, with more country-specific attention due to its low investment cost and short-term feasibility. In this study, possible end-of-life (EoL) gallium waste generation in China until 2050 was forecasted using linear regression and constructed a scenario analysis based on population and annual demand growth parameters. Similarly, cumulative domestic demand was estimated using 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30% recycling rates to investigate the effect of recycling on sustainability of gallium resources. Based on the used method, study results were different; however, continuous demand growth and resource use are expected in most cases. The annual total gallium stock generation in 2050 will reach to 368 t under linear regression forecasting while it will likely fall between 59 t and 148 t according to scenario analysis. Linear projections show that cumulative demand will surpass even reserve base in 2047 whilst scenario analyses demonstrate that cumulative demand will exceed reserve between 2037 and 2047, if there would be unable to implement necessary recycling routes in the short term. The linear regression cumulative demand prediction urges the need of substitution, while the scenario analysis demonstrates the importance of increasing EoL recycling rates. The latter should also be supported with improved EoL collection rates, technological transfer from high-tech countries to China and appropriate policy advancement. The output of the study also convinces the importance of moving towards a circular economic model in the anthropogenic flow of gallium utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disna Eheliyagoda
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xianlai Zeng
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Zhishi Wang
- Macau Environmental Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Eva Albalghiti
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Jinhui Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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11
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Furberg A, Arvidsson R, Molander S. Live and Let Die? Life Cycle Human Health Impacts from the Use of Tire Studs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E1774. [PMID: 30126166 PMCID: PMC6121463 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Studded tires are used in a number of countries during winter in order to prevent accidents. The use of tire studs is controversial and debated because of human health impacts from increased road particle emissions. The aims of this study are to assess whether the use of tire studs in a Scandinavian studded passenger car actually avoids or causes health impacts from a broader life cycle perspective, and to assess the distribution of these impacts over the life cycle. Life cycle assessment is applied and the disability-adjusted life years indicator is used to quantify the following five types of health impacts: (1) impacts saved in the use phase, (2) particle emissions in the use phase, (3) production system emissions, (4) occupational accidents in the production system, and (5) conflict casualties from revenues of cobalt mining. The results show that the health benefits in the use phase in general are outweighed by the negative impacts during the life cycle. The largest contribution to these negative human health impacts are from use phase particle emissions (67⁻77%) and occupational accidents during artisanal cobalt mining (8⁻18%). About 23⁻33% of the negative impacts occur outside Scandinavia, where the benefits occur. The results inform the current debate and highlight the need for research on alternatives to tire studs with a positive net health balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Furberg
- Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden.
| | - Rickard Arvidsson
- Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden.
| | - Sverker Molander
- Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden.
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Ortiz-Albo P, Torres-Ortega S, González Prieto M, Urtiaga A, Ibañez R. Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis for Minor Elements Valorization from Desalination Concentrates. SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION REVIEWS 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15422119.2018.1470537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Ortiz-Albo
- Universidad de Cantabria, Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, ETS Ingenieros Industriales y de Telecomunicación, 44 av. Los Castros, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Saúl Torres-Ortega
- Environmental Hydraulics Institute, Universidad de Cantabria. 44 av. Los Castros, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - María González Prieto
- Departamento de Administración de Empresas, Universidad de Cantabria, ETS de Ing. de Caminos Canales y Puertos, 44 av. Los Castros, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Ane Urtiaga
- Universidad de Cantabria, Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, ETS Ingenieros Industriales y de Telecomunicación, 44 av. Los Castros, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Raquel Ibañez
- Universidad de Cantabria, Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, ETS Ingenieros Industriales y de Telecomunicación, 44 av. Los Castros, 39005 Santander, Spain
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13
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Werner TT, Ciacci L, Mudd GM, Reck BK, Northey SA. Looking Down Under for a Circular Economy of Indium. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:2055-2062. [PMID: 29298484 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b05022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Indium is a specialty metal crucial for modern technology, yet it is potentially critical due to its byproduct status in mining. Measures to reduce its criticality typically focus on improving its recycling efficiency at end-of-life. This study quantifies primary and secondary indium resources ("stocks") for Australia through a dynamic material-flow analysis. It is based on detailed assessments of indium mineral resources hosted in lead-zinc and copper deposits, respective mining activities from 1844 to 2013, and the trade of indium-containing products from 1988 to 2015. The results show that Australia's indium stocks are substantial, estimated at 46.2 kt in mineral resources and an additional 14.7 kt in mine wastes. Australian mineral resources alone could meet global demand (∼0.8 kt/year) for more than five decades. Discarded material from post-consumer products, instead, is negligible (43 t). This suggests that the resilience of Australia's indium supply can best be increased through efficiency gains in mining (such as introducing domestic indium refining capacity) rather than at the end of the product life. These findings likely also apply to other specialty metals, such as gallium or germanium, and other resource-dominated countries. Finally, the results illustrate that national circular economy strategies can differ substantially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim T Werner
- Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University , Building 10, Level 13, Room 5a, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Engineering, Monash University , Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luca Ciacci
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale, Toso Montanari, University of Bologna , Viale del Risorgimento 4, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gavin Mark Mudd
- Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University , Building 10, Level 13, Room 5a, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Barbara K Reck
- Center for Industrial Ecology, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University , New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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Filella M, Rodríguez-Murillo JC. Less-studied TCE: are their environmental concentrations increasing due to their use in new technologies? CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 182:605-616. [PMID: 28525874 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The possible environmental impact of the recent increase in use of a group of technology-critical elements (Nb, Ta, Ga, In, Ge and Te) is analysed by reviewing published concentration profiles in environmental archives (ice cores, ombrotrophic peat bogs, freshwater sediments and moss surveys) and evaluating temporal trends in surface waters. No increase has so far been recorded. The low potential direct emissions of these elements, resulting from their absolute low production levels, make it unlikely that the increasing use of these elements in modern technology has any noticeable effect on their environmental concentrations on a global scale. This holds particularly true for those of these elements that are probably emitted in relatively high amounts from other human activities (i.e., coal combustion and non-ferrous smelting), such as In, the most studied element of the group.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Filella
- Institute F.-A. Forel, University of Geneva, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 66, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - J C Rodríguez-Murillo
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Serrano 115 dpdo., E-28006 Madrid, Spain
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Turner A, Filella M. Field-portable-XRF reveals the ubiquity of antimony in plastic consumer products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 584-585:982-989. [PMID: 28190576 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Very little systematic information exists on the occurrence and concentrations of antimony (Sb) in consumer products. In this study, a Niton XL3t field-portable-X-ray fluorescence (FP-XRF) spectrometer was deployed in situ and in the laboratory to provide quantitative information on Sb dissipated in plastic items and fixtures (including rubber, textile and foamed materials) from the domestic, school, vehicular and office settings. The metalloid was detected in 18% of over 800 measurements performed, with concentrations ranging from about 60 to 60,000μgg-1. The highest concentrations were encountered in white, electronic casings and in association with similar concentrations of Br, consistent with the use of antimony oxides (e.g. Sb2O3) as synergistic flame retardants. Concentrations above 1000μgg-1, and with or without Br, were also encountered in paints, piping and hosing, adhesives, whiteboards, Christmas decorations, Lego blocks, document carriers, garden furniture, upholstered products and interior panels of private motor vehicles. Lower concentrations of Sb were encountered in a wide variety of items but its presence (without Br) in food tray packaging, single-use drinks bottles, straws and small toys were of greatest concern from a human health perspective. While the latter observations are consistent with the use of antimony compounds as catalysts in the production of polyethylene terephthalate, co-association of Sb and Br in many products not requiring flame retardancy suggests that electronic casings are widely recycled. Further research is required into the mobility of Sb when dissipated in new, recycled and aged polymeric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Montserrat Filella
- Institute F.-A. Forel, University of Geneva, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 66, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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Ivanova B, Spiteller M. Behaviour of complexes of f–elements in the environment – An experimental and theoretical analysis. J Mol Struct 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2016.07.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Mueller SR, Wäger PA, Widmer R, Williams ID. A geological reconnaissance of electrical and electronic waste as a source for rare earth metals. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2015; 45:226-234. [PMID: 25957937 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The mining of material resources requires knowledge about geogenic and anthropogenic deposits, in particular on the location of the deposits with the comparatively highest concentration of raw materials. In this study, we develop a framework that allows the establishment of analogies between geological and anthropogenic processes. These analogies were applied to three selected products containing rare earth elements (REE) in order to identify the most concentrated deposits in the anthropogenic cycle. The three identified anthropogenic deposits were characterised according to criteria such as "host rock", "REE mineralisation" and "age of mineralisation", i.e. regarding their "geological" setting. The results of this characterisation demonstrated that anthropogenic deposits have both a higher concentration of REE and a longer mine life than the evaluated geogenic deposit (Mount Weld, Australia). The results were further evaluated by comparison with the geological knowledge category of the United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources 2009 (UNFC-2009) to determine the confidence level in the deposit quantities. The application of our approach to the three selected cases shows a potential for recovery of REE in anthropogenic deposits; however, further exploration of both potential and limitations is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra R Mueller
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Lab, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Engineering & the Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
| | - Patrick A Wäger
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Lab, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Rolf Widmer
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Lab, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Ian D Williams
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Engineering & the Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
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Ciacci L, Reck BK, Nassar NT, Graedel TE. Lost by Design. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:9443-9451. [PMID: 25690919 DOI: 10.1021/es505515z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In some common uses metals are lost by intent-copper in brake pads, zinc in tires, and germanium in retained catalyst applications being examples. In other common uses, metals are incorporated into products in ways for which no viable recycling approaches exist, examples include selenium in colored glass and vanadium in pigments. To determine quantitatively the scope of these "losses by design", we have assessed the major uses of 56 metals and metalloids, assigning each use to one of three categories: in-use dissipation, currently unrecyclable when discarded, or potentially recyclable when discarded. In-use dissipation affects fewer than a dozen elements (including mercury and arsenic), but the spectrum of elements dissipated increases rapidly if applications from which they are currently unrecyclable are considered. In many cases the resulting dissipation rates are higher than 50%. Among others, specialty metals (e.g., gallium, indium, and thallium) and some heavy rare earth elements are representative of modern technology, and their loss provides a measure of the degree of unsustainability in the contemporary use of materials and products. Even where uses are currently compatible with recycling technologies and approaches, end of life recycling rates are in most cases well below those that are potentially achievable. The outcomes of this research provide guidance in identifying product design approaches for reducing material losses so as to increase element recovery at end-of-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ciacci
- Center for Industrial Ecology, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Barbara K Reck
- Center for Industrial Ecology, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - N T Nassar
- Center for Industrial Ecology, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - T E Graedel
- Center for Industrial Ecology, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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Wäger PA, Hischier R, Widmer R. The Material Basis of ICT. ADVANCES IN INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS AND COMPUTING 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-09228-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Wigger H, Zimmermann T, Pade C. Broadening our view on nanomaterials: highlighting potentials to contribute to a sustainable materials management in preliminary assessments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10669-014-9530-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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