Environmental and Chemical Processes

Recycling is the process of separating different materials from waste so that they can be reused or repurposed. Common materials that are recycled include paper, plastic, metal, and glass.

Waste reduction is the process of reducing the amount of waste produced. This can be done by using less material, reusing materials, and recycling materials.

Landfilling is the process of disposing of waste in a landfill. Landfills are large areas of land where waste is buried and compacted.

Anaerobic digestion is the process of converting organic waste into biogas. Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide that can be used to generate electricity or heat homes and businesses.

Pyrolysis is the process of converting waste into fuel. Pyrolysis involves heating waste in the absence of oxygen to produce a combustible gas, liquid, or solid.

Gasification is the process of converting waste into a synthetic gas. Gasification involves heating waste in the presence of oxygen to produce a combustible gas that can be used to generate electricity or heat homes and businesses.

Liquefaction is the process of converting waste into a liquid fuel. Liquefaction involves heating waste in the presence of a catalyst to produce a liquid fuel that can be used to power vehicles or generate electricity.

Solidification is the process of converting waste into a solid fuel. Solidification involves mixing waste with a binder to produce a solid fuel that can be used to generate electricity or heat homes and businesses.

Chemical recycling is the process of converting waste into a chemical feedstock. Chemical recycling involves breaking down waste into its constituent chemicals, which can then be used to produce new materials.

Direct air capture refers to the process of capturing CO2 directly from the ambient air, rather than from specific industrial or power generation sources.

Carbon capture and utilization involves converting captured CO2 into useful products, such as fuels, chemicals, or building materials, instead of storing it underground.

Excretion refers to the process by which drugs are eliminated from the body unchanged, primarily through renal excretion or biliary excretion.

Energy conversion, energy transformation, and energy transfer all refer to the process of changing one form of energy into another, such as converting electrical energy into mechanical energy or thermal energy into electrical energy.

Photosynthesis is the process by which marine organisms, primarily phytoplankton, use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic matter and oxygen. This process plays a crucial role in regulating the global carbon cycle and mitigating climate change.

Respiration is the process by which marine organisms release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. During respiration, marine organisms break down organic matter to produce energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Respiration contributes to the global carbon cycle and influences the balance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.