Renewable Resources and Waste Recycling

In this paper we consider an endogenous growth model involving, among other inputs, a renewable resource and secondary materials. Using this analytical framework we explain the effects of waste recycling on the growth rate of the economy, that we take into account. The effects of secondary materials production on the utility and dynamics of renewable resources are also studied. Furthermore, we consider how taxes and subsidies, levied on natural resources and granted for secondary materials, influence the dynamics of the economy during the transitional phase and the stationary growth path. Finally, the validity of Hotelling’s rule and the effects of waste recycling on labor productivity are the conclusive topics of our research.     

Macroeconomic effects of the recycling of waste derived from imported non-renewable raw materials

The literature on waste recycling neglects the potential effects that this process can have at the aggregate level, although there are positive externalities which have not emerged in the microeconomic analysis of this phenomenon.This paper investigates the macroeconomic effects of the waste recycling process, with particular reference to a country, such as Italy, which uses many foreign non-renewable resources. We use the Keynesian multiplier theory as a theoretical framework to evaluate the potential results of an increase in waste recycling on the gross national product, the balance of payments and employment. In such a way the policy maker can better evaluate whether to promote the process considered here rather than discharging the waste in the environment.     

Natural resources dynamics: Exhaustible and renewable resources,and the rate of technical substitution

In this paper we study both exhaustible and renewable resources in an endogenous growth model. In particular, we consider the hypotheses in which the rate of technical substitution (RTS) between those two inputs is or is not equal to one. Moreover, we depart from a basic theoretical framework to account for the negative externality constituted by waste accumulation. Finally, a comparative analysis is made between Pigouvian tax and waste recycling, as an environmental policy to correct market failure represented by refuse accumulation.     

Are the outputs derived from secondary materials giffen goods?

In this paper we show that under double constraint the goods derived from secondary materials could be Giffen. The example is given of paper derived from waste recycling. We show that if the policy maker misunderstands the type of goods, because he incorrectly considers a Giffen good to be normal, the results of his economic policy could be opposite to his goals. Finally, we make some considerations to generalize our results, and suggest topics for further research.     

Effect of solid waste landfill organic pollutants on groundwater in three areas of Sicily (Italy) characterized by different vulnerability

The aim of this study was to obtain information on the presence and levels of hazardous organic pollutants in groundwater located close to solid waste landfills. Eighty-two environmental contaminants, including 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 20 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 29 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 7 dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, PCDDs) and 10 furans (polychlorinated dibenzofurans, PCDFs) were monitored in areas characterised by different geological environments surrounding three municipal solid waste landfills (Palermo, Siculiana and Ragusa) in Sicily (Italy) in three sampling campaigns. The total concentrations of the 16 PAHs were always below the legal threshold. Overall, the Fl/Fl + Py diagnostic ratio revealed that PAHs had a petrogenic origin. VOC levels, except for two notable exceptions near Palermo landfill, were always below the legal limit. As concerns PCB levels, several samples were found positive with levels exceeding the legal limits. It is worth noting that the % PCB distribution differs from that of commercial compositions. In parallel, some samples of groundwater containing PCDDs and PCDFs exceeding the legal threshold were also found. Among the 17 congeners monitored, the most abundant were the highest molecular weight ones.

     

Selective binding of uranyl cation by a novel calmodulin peptide

A 33-amino acid peptide corresponding to the helix-loop-helix motif of the calcium binding site I of the protein calmodulin from Paramecium Tetraurelia has been synthesized its binding properties with heavy metal ions have been studied. Herein, we demonstrate that two mutations of two aspartic acid residues in the peptide sequence gave access to a new peptide, which was selective for the uranyl ion UO₂ ²⁺. This new peptide can be useful for the development of selective uranyl biosensors to monitor the presence of uranium in contaminated environments.     

Research review trends of food analysis in Latvia: major and trace element content

The current paper involves overview of several studies concerning quantitative major and trace element analysis of different food samples, such as products of plant origin, e.g., locally grown vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes) and products of animal origin derived with or without processing (cottage cheese, eggs, honey). Food samples were collected over the territory of Latvia in the time period 2009–2012. Sample pre-treatment was chosen according to the product specifics but mostly wet mineralization with concentrated nitric acid was applied. Analysis of major elements (e.g., Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na) and trace elements (e.g., As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) was performed by appropriate quantitative analytical technique: atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Not only the influence of environmental factors (e.g., geographical or seasonal impact) was detected in element dissemination in food, also botanical origin (if applicable) and applied agricultural praxis, product processing and storage specifics were found to be important. Possible food contamination by potentially toxic elements can be associated mostly with the consequences of anthropogenic activities. The studies revealed the significance of food research in the context of environmental science.