Design and operation of pilot-scale microbial electrosynthesis for the production of acetic acid from biogas with economic and environmental assessment.

The embryonic technology of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) possesses the potential to alleviate global CO concentration with concomitant recovery of valuables. However, due to the significant bottlenecks of inferior yield of valuables and higher capital cost, its potential has not been fully realized at a larger scale till date. With the aim of bridging this lacuna, a first of its kind pilot-scale MES (PSMES) was designed and operated to yield acetic acid from biogas.

Study on the process wastewater reuse and valorisation during hydrothermal co-carbonization of food and yard waste.

The commercial success of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is contingent on seeking solutions for the downstream wastewater (process water) generated during the process which is still regarded largely as a nuisance. In the present study, the reusability and valorization strategy of process wastewater generated during co-HTC of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (food and yard waste) at 220 °C for 1 h was established. The process wastewater was anaerobically digested in the first part to determine its methane-generating capacity; and in the second part, it was recirculated up to five times to understand the evolution of physicochemical and fuel characteristics of hydrochar.

Circular economy approach in solid waste management system to achieve UN-SDGs: Solutions for post-COVID recovery.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing socioeconomic crisis has impeded progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). This paper investigates the impact of COVID 19 on the progress of the SDGs and provides insight into how green recovery stimulus, driven by circular economy (CE)-based solid waste management (SWM) could assist in attaining the intended targets of UN-SDG. It was understood in this review that the guiding principles of the UN-SDGs such as, public health, environmental concerns, resource value and economic development are similar to those that have driven the growth of waste management activities; thus, in order to achieve the goals of UN-SDG, a circular economy approach in solid waste management system should be prioritized in the post-COVID economic agenda.

Challenges, opportunities, and innovations for effective solid waste management during and post COVID-19 pandemic.

The crisis brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic has altered global waste generation dynamics and therefore has necessitated special attention. The unexpected fluctuations in waste composition and quantity also require a dynamic response from policymakers. This study highlights the challenges faced by the solid waste management sector during the pandemic and the underlying opportunities to fill existing loopholes in the system.