Construction materials as a waste management solution for cellulose sludge

Initial-alkaline motivated fermentation of fine-sieving fractions and its effect on properties of cellulosic components

Exploration of value-added products from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) was promising for its sustainable development. This study simultaneously addressed the possibility of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production boost and cellulosic components recovery from fine-sieving fractions (FSF) under initial alkaline conditions. The step utilization of FSF was relatively untapped in similar literatures. The effect of different initial pH values with 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 (defined as F-8.5, F-9.5 and F-10.5) on fermentation performance were investigated. Then, the fermentation residues were collected to evaluate the changes in chemical structure and thermodynamic properties by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermo-gravimetric (TG) analysis. Furthermore, analysis of the changes in microbial community structure and the interaction between functional genus and performance parameters were undertaken by high throughput sequencing and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Results showed that F-10.5 obtained the highest VFAs yields of 234 mg/g VSS, due to efficient polysaccharides release and inhibited methane production. However, high alkaline intensity caused proteins denaturation. Acidogenesis kinetics suggested that the fermentation rate was chemical-dominated. Although crystalline structure was more disordered with increasing alkalinity, the weight loss was lower than 2.5%, making it possible to recover cellulose from fermented residues. Interaction between functional genus and performance parameters revealed the microbial mechanism during the alkaline fermentation. Consequently, the initial-alkaline motivated fermentation was proved to be a promising technology in value-added products recovery to be cost economic, energy positive and environmental friendly.

Transforming Municipal Solid Waste into Construction Materials

Rapid urbanisation and the associated infrastructure development are creating a deficit of conventional construction materials and straining the natural resources. On the other hand, municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal poses a serious environmental problem. Landfilling of MSW is both costly and polluting. Incineration of MSW to generate energy is a commonly adopted approach. However, there are concerns associated with micro pollutants emitted from the combustion process. The carbon footprint of the process and the environmental cost–benefit balancing are disputable. There is clearly a need to adopt cost-effective alternatives to treat MSW. This paper proposes the potential application of “treated” MSW as an ingredient for construction materials. The treatment process involves placing MSW in an autoclave at 150 °C with 5 bars (0.5 MPa), followed by the separation of metals, plastics and glass for recycling purposes. The end-product, which is a semi-organic mixture (referred to as ‘biomass’), is passed through a vortex-oscillation system, which makes it more uniform as a material. Compressive testing of Portland cement-based pastes containing 10% and 15% biomass shows consistency in the results, demonstrating the potential use of biomass in construction materials.

Processing Clinker from Wastes: A New Raw Material Source for a Global Change

The final destination of the wastes generated in the manufacture of pulp paper is one of the growing concerns in this sector, since the European regulations are becoming stricter in regard to their landfill. So it is urgent to seek ways for their valorization through incorporation in other product as, although not usually dangerous, they are generated in substantial quantities.In this work the following residues were used: (i) calcareous sludge generated in the chemical recovery circuit of the production process; (ii) biological sludge generated in the secondary wastewater treatment step and (iii) fly ash from the combustion of biomass in cogeneration operation. The first stage of work was the waste characterization. Then different blends were prepared and submitted to distinct firing cycles to obtain Portland clinker, the main component of the ordinary cement. Using only wastes in adjusted proportions and under tuned firing cycle, it was possible to obtain ecological Portland clinker. Moreover, it was possible to reduce, by about 50 °C, the clinkering temperature in relation to the value used in cement industry, which results in economical and procedural benefits.

Preparation of clinker from paper pulp industry wastes

The production of paper pulp by the Kraft method generates considerable amounts of wastes. Namely, lime mud generated in the recovery circuit of chemical reagents, biological sludge from the wastewater treatment of wood digestion process and fly ash collected in the fluidized bed combustor used to generate electricity from biomass burning. The final destination of such wastes is an important concern, since environmental regulations are becoming stricter regarding their landfill. Driven by this fact, industries are looking for more sustainable solutions, such as the recycling in distinct products. This work tested these wastes as secondary raw materials to produce clinker/cement that was then experienced in mortar formulations. The first step involved the residues detailed characterization and a generated amounts survey. Then, specific but simple steps were suggested, aiming to facilitate transport and manipulation. Distinct blends were prepared and fired in order to get belitic and Portland clinkers. The Portland clinkers were processed at lower temperatures than the normally used in the industry due to the presence of mineralizing impurities in some wastes. Belite-based cements were used to produce mortars that developed satisfactory mechanical strength and did not reveal signs of deterioration or durability weaknesses.

Reuse of grits waste for the production of soil--cement bricks

This investigation focuses on the reuse of grits waste as a raw material for replacing Portland cement by up to 30 wt.% in soil-cement bricks. The grits waste was obtained from a cellulose factory located in south-eastern Brazil. We initially characterized the waste sample with respect to its chemical composition, X-ray diffraction, fineness index, morphology, pozzolanic activity, and pollution potential. Soil-cement bricks were then prepared using the waste material and were tested to determine their technological properties (e.g., water absorption, apparent density, volumetric shrinkage, and compressive strength). Microstructural evolution was accompanied by confocal microscopy. It was found that the grits waste is mainly composed of calcite (CaCO3) particles. Our results indicate that grits waste can be used economically, safely, and sustainably at weight percentages of up to 20% to partially replace Portland cement in soil-cement bricks.