Plasma gasification of municipal solid waste for waste-to-value processing
TL;DR: In this article, the current status of plasma gasification for waste-to-value processing is reviewed and compared in terms of cost, service life, energy comparison, and environmental impact comparison.
Abstract: Plasma gasification can be a viable technology for converting municipal solid waste (MSW) into value for the circular economy. However, in its current state, plasma gasification is mostly limited to lab or pilot scales as there are various challenges associated with it; there exist knowledge gaps which need attention and research for its successful future commercialisation. The present study critically reviewed the current status of plasma gasification for waste-to-value processing. Various traditional techniques for MSW disposal and processing available in the literature were discussed and were compared with plasma gasification in terms of cost, service life, energy comparison, and environmental impact comparison. After the review, knowledge gaps were identified, challenges associated with the plasma gasification technology were discussed, and a possible roadmap for the successful future commercialisation of plasma gasification for waste-to-value processing was suggested. Furthermore, various strategies to cope with challenges associated with plasma gasification were discussed. The successful commercialisation of plasma gasification can be achieved by reducing its costs by generating revenue or value in the form of synthesis gas or fuels from MSW, energy can be saved or reused using insulation, process integration, and process intensification, the technology and community readiness levels can be improved with better communication between relevant stakeholders and adding extra layers of safety, and process understanding can be improved by conducting extensive fundamental studies, as well as plasma gasification technology being standardised by establishing standards and standards organisations.
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TL;DR: In this article, the impact of landfill conditions such as construction, geometry, weather, temperature, moisture, pH, biodegradable matter and hydrogeological parameters on the generation of landfill gases and leachate is reviewed.
Abstract: The USA, China and India are the top three producers of municipal solid waste. The composition of solid wastes varies with income: low-to-middle-income population generates mainly organic wastes, whereas high-income population produces more waste paper, metals and glasses. Management of municipal solid waste includes recycling, incineration, waste-to-energy conversion, composting or landfilling. Landfilling for solid waste disposal is preferred in many municipalities globally. Landfill sites act as ecological reactors where wastes undergo physical, chemical and biological transformations. Hence, critical factors for sustainable landfilling are landfill liners, the thickness of the soil cover, leachate collection, landfill gas recovery and flaring facilities. Here, we review the impact of landfill conditions such as construction, geometry, weather, temperature, moisture, pH, biodegradable matter and hydrogeological parameters on the generation of landfill gases and leachate. Bioreactor landfills appear as the next-generation sanitary landfills, because they augment solid waste stabilization in a time-efficient manner, as a result of controlled recirculation of leachate and gases. We discuss volume reduction, resource recovery, valorization of dumped wastes, environmental protection and site reclamation toward urban development. We present the classifications and engineered iterations of landfills, operations, mechanisms and mining.
271 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the analysis of the thermochemical conversion of biomass with the use of thermogravimetric analyzer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analyzer is discussed.
220 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper focused on MSW in eight eastern coastal regions in China on the aspects of background information (MSW generation, population, gross domestic product (GDP)/gross regional product (GRP)), related laws (acts, regulations), MSW characteristics (composition, separation, collection, transport) and TTRU.
219 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an overview of various technologies for hydrogen production from renewable and non-renewable resources, including fossil fuel or biomass-based hydrogen production, microbial hydrogen production and electrolysis and thermolysis of water and thermochemical cycles.
151 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the current status of utilization of municipal solid waste and biomass blends for energy and resources recovery together with identifying the opportunities for future development in technological equipment and physicochemical waste compositions involved in such complex processes.
Abstract: This paper critically reviews the current status of utilization of municipal solid waste and biomass blends for energy and resources recovery together with identifying the opportunities for future development in technological equipment and physicochemical waste compositions involved in such complex processes. Among numerous thermochemical conversion techniques, gasification of municipal solid waste with different biomass blends has unveiled as an auspicious technology to develop a sustainable waste management system that would substantially reduce pollution and maximize energy and materials recovery. Municipal solid wastes and biomass have different properties and elemental compositions and are abundantly available. These materials have the potential to produce various types of value-added products in terms of energy and chemicals through the gasification process. Recently, hybrid systems have been introduced with simple gasification technologies in terms of fuel oxidation system, plasma torch, or some biochemical conversion systems to enhance the process efficiency, energy, economics, quality, the yield of syngas, and to alter the composition of gaseous products. Consequently, gasification of biomass and waste would be the most suitable option to reduce toxic elements and harmful gases for the surroundings. For instant, ecological influence is not the real issue for limitation of biomass and waste gasification development, while a feasible economic return could appeal to investors and initiate its commercialization. Energy and resource recovery is assessed as an integrated approach to overcoming limitations. Also, techno-economic and environmental impact, life cycle assessment, and their implications are discussed in detail. Key bottlenecks that need urgent attention to facilitate global recognition of hybrid technology are highlighted.
106 citations
References
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ETH Zurich1, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis2, Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency3, Wageningen University and Research Centre4, World Resources Institute5, University of Cape Town6, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro7, Graz University of Technology8, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research9, University of Melbourne10
TL;DR: Substantial enhancement or over-delivery on current INDCs by additional national, sub-national and non-state actions is required to maintain a reasonable chance of meeting the target of keeping warming well below 2 degrees Celsius.
Abstract: The Paris climate agreement aims at holding global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and to "pursue efforts" to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To accomplish this, countries have submitted Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) outlining their post-2020 climate action. Here we assess the effect of current INDCs on reducing aggregate greenhouse gas emissions, its implications for achieving the temperature objective of the Paris climate agreement, and potential options for overachievement. The INDCs collectively lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to where current policies stand, but still imply a median warming of 2.6-3.1 degrees Celsius by 2100. More can be achieved, because the agreement stipulates that targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are strengthened over time, both in ambition and scope. Substantial enhancement or over-delivery on current INDCs by additional national, sub-national and non-state actions is required to maintain a reasonable chance of meeting the target of keeping warming well below 2 degrees Celsius.
2,333 citations
01 Mar 2012
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors estimate that the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated by urban populations is growing even faster than the rate of urbanization and that by 2025 this will likely increase to 4.3 billion urban residents.
Abstract: Solid waste management is the one thing just about every city government provides for its residents. While service levels, environmental impacts and costs vary dramatically, solid waste management is arguably the most important municipal service and serves as a prerequisite for other municipal action. As the world hurtles toward its urban future, the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW), one of the most important by-products of an urban lifestyle, is growing even faster than the rate of urbanization. Ten years ago there were 2.9 billion urban residents who generated about 0.64 kg of MSW per person per day (0.68 billion tonnes per year). This report estimates that today these amounts have increased to about 3 billion residents generating 1.2 kg per person per day (1.3 billion tonnes per year). By 2025 this will likely increase to 4.3 billion urban residents generating about 1.42 kg/capita/day of municipal solid waste (2.2 billion tonnes per year).
2,233 citations
TL;DR: The analysis indicates that gasification is a technically viable option for the solid waste conversion, including residual waste from separate collection of municipal solid waste, and can have a remarkable effect on reduction of landfill disposal option.
952 citations
TL;DR: A review of the current views on methods to minimise dioxins, namely polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and Dibenzofurans (PCDFs), formation in MSW incineration systems is presented in this article.
740 citations
TL;DR: The major challenges in expanding WTE incineration in China are discussed, namely, high capital and operational costs, equipment corrosion, air pollutant emissions, and fly ash disposal.
623 citations