0000000000181131
AUTHOR
Lo Presti D.
A critical review of life cycle assessment benchmarking methodologies for construction materials
As it stands, the construction sector accounts for a significant proportion of global emissions. The majority of these emissions can be associated with material production. As a result, the importance of quantifying these environmental impacts is continually increasing. However, there is a current lack of guidance and methodologies regarding how to benchmark the impacts of construction products, and thus achieve more transparent environmental reporting and decision-making. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review engineering life-cycle assessment (LCA) literature and applicable standards to identify the key methodological variables required and the key steps for a sector-wide methodol…
Feasibility of using more polishable aggregates in dense-graded asphalt surface mixture: Case study of dolomite
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using more dolomite aggregates in asphalt surface mixtures that are typically used by West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH). The laboratory test results indicated that increasing dolomite content in asphalt surface mixtures resulted in a faster deterioration rate at the early polishing stage. In addition, asphalt surface mixtures containing more than 50% dolomite coarse aggregates would significantly reduce roadway safety. The field test results validated that dolomite shall not exceed 50% of coarse aggregate in asphalt surface mixture if the projected traffic volume is greater than 3.0 million equivalent single axle loads (ESALs).
Diclofenac effects in sea urchin gametes and fertilization
The drugs, agents for diseases therapy and prevention, are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. We analyzed a specific anti-inflammatory, diclofenac, present in soil and water. The study focused on Arbacia lixula (Linnaeus, 1758) and Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) reproductive success. In A. lixula we identified the drug qualitative and quantitative fertilization effects, and if they affect the functional male and female gametes capacity; in P. lividus we analyzed the drug effects and the male and female gametes quantitative integrity. Through the High Liquid Chromatografy we quantitatively evaluated the real diclofenac contribution on A. lixula embryos and on A. lixula and P. lividu…