Advances in Recycling & Waste Management

Leachate from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) transfer stations poses a significant environmental challenge, especially in areas with inadequate waste management infrastructure. The organic and inorganic contaminants in the leachate, including heavy metals, organic compounds, and toxic chemicals, can severely pollute water bodies and soil, threatening ecosystem health and human safety.

The increasing volume of textile waste generated globally has become a critical environmental issue, particularly with the growing demand for fast fashion. Textile waste, particularly from synthetic fibers and cotton, poses significant challenges for recycling and disposal due to the non-biodegradable nature of most materials and the contamination from dyes, chemicals, and finishing agents.

The olive oil industry generates a significant amount of waste, particularly Olive Mill Wastewater (OMWW) and olive pomace, which pose environmental challenges due to their high organic content and pollutants. Olive mill wastewater is highly acidic and contains phenolic compounds, which, if not properly managed, can lead to soil and water pollution.

The growing concern over environmental pollution caused by plastic packaging has led to an increasing interest in developing sustainable alternatives. One promising approach is the use of biopolymers derived from renewable resources for the production of biodegradable films. Lignocellulosic biomass, such as agricultural residues and wood, along with marine resources like seaweed, are abundant and sustainable feedstocks for producing biopolymers. These materials are rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and phenolic compounds, which can be processed into films that offer both biodegradability and functional properties.

The olive oil industry generates large quantities of by-products, including olive pomace and Olive Mill Wastewater (OMWW), which, if not managed properly, can lead to environmental pollution. Olive pomace, the solid residue left after olive oil extraction, contains valuable components like cellulose, polyphenols, and oils, making it an attractive feedstock for sustainable products. Among the various uses of olive oil mill by-products, one innovative application is the development of active biodegradable packaging films. These films offer an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic packaging, which contributes significantly to global pollution.

The use of mulching films in agriculture is a common practice aimed at improving crop productivity and managing environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, and weeds. However, the widespread use of non-degradable plastic mulching films has led to significant environmental concerns due to their persistence in the soil, contributing to plastic pollution and affecting soil health. As a result, there has been a growing interest in the development and use of degradable mulching films made from natural materials. These biodegradable films break down over time, reducing the environmental burden associated with traditional plastic mulches.

The contamination of soil with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as phenanthrene poses significant challenges to soil health, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability. Phenanthrene, a widely distributed PAH, is toxic to soil microorganisms and can disrupt the balance of microbial communities, essential for maintaining soil fertility and ecological health.

The increasing presence of microplastics in the environment has raised significant concerns about their impact on both ecosystems and human health. Among the various types of microplastics, Poly(Butylene Succinate) (PBS) has emerged as a promising biodegradable plastic that is often used in packaging, agricultural applications, and other industries. However, due to its widespread use, PBS microplastics are increasingly being detected in environmental media such as water, soil, and sediments.

The global demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials has led to significant research in the development of bioplastics derived from renewable resources. Among the various sources of bioplastics, cassava starch has emerged as a promising candidate due to its abundance, low cost, and biodegradability. Cassava, a staple crop widely cultivated in tropical regions, produces a large amount of waste, particularly in the form of starch residues from processing. These residues, often discarded, can be converted into valuable products such as bioplastics, which offer an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics

Mechanical waste is a comprehensive term used to portray material viewed as presently not of utilization after an assembling cycle has been finished [1]. There are numerous areas of modern assembling that produce squander, including: Different kinds of industrial facilities • Mining • Textile plants • Food fabricating • Consumer merchandise • Industrial synthetic compounds • Printing and distributing