Elemental sustainability

What is the meaning assigned to the initial state For the time being, it is a laboratory prepared state with a given initial internal quantum state. The basic (material) elements sustaining the quantum states are fixed. In chemical terms, they may belong to a molecule, atom, free electron, or electromagnetic radiation (see examples discussed later), but in QM terms (as presented here), the whereabouts of such elements are not an issue. 

One way to derive sustained flow rates is through the use of moving averages. In the field survey data, a number of moving averages or sustained flow rates can be formed. For example, a 7-element, 14-element, and any-element sustained flow rate can be formed. The peak or the minimum of these flow rates can be found by the usual method of probability distribution analysis. To be descriptive, substitute the type of element such as hour, day, and so on. Thus, 7-element sustained flow rate becomes 7-day sustained flow rate, 14-element sustained flow rate becomes 14-day sustained flow rate, and so on. 

Material Calcination temperature ( C) Ho Elemental sustainability considerations Years of supply Critical [ref.] element ... 

Represents the highest value reported. JP - eonsidered eritieal on Multinational list by Japan EU - eonsidered eritieal on Multinational list by the European Union US - considered critical on Multinational list by the USA. Elemental sustainability considerations relate to the element in bold. 

A further, erueial parameter that must be considered is that of elemental sustainability. This eoncept relates to the availability of elements, and combines the reserves available with the (current) rate of use to provide an estimate of the time the reserves will last. Obviously, this will reduce if a new technology emerges that utilises the element in question - for relatively scarce elements, this could be quite a drastic reduction. 

It is vital that we seek to maximise the metals catalytic activity and recover 100% of elements from catalytic processes at both the end of reaction and end of life (the only exception may be carbon that can be burnt for energy production at end of life). Development and application of Earth-abundant catalysts for a wider range of catalytic applications is possible in the midterm. However, the long-term and ideal scenario would be that even critical elements can be used as sustainable catalysts if total recoveiy from anthropogenic cycles is guaranteed. The concept of elemental sustainability for catalysis is likely to become increasingly important in the future. Now is the time for producers and users alike to progress to circular economies and embrace sustainable catalysis. 

A. J. Hunt, T. J. Farmer, J. H. Clark, Elemental Sustainability and the Importance of Scarce Element Recovery, in Element Recovery and Sustainability, ed. A. J. Hunt, Royal Society of Chemistry, London, 2013, pp. 1-28. 

A. J. Hunt, The importance of elemental sustainability and critical element recovery for the pharmaceutical industry, in Greener Pharmaceuticals, Royal Society of Chemistry London, 2015. 

Mushak (1991) first presented one form of such a loop for lead that was later incorporated into the NAS/NRC (1993) report on lead exposures in sensitive populations. Typically, the loop for lead and health is initiated with the revelation of scientific research findings or a set of research results which then triggers public awareness or concern. When enough information has accumulated, the process yields a sense that action is needed. This reciprocally triggers the call for, and support of, new research and any additional information that flows from the research. Several elements sustain this loop. First is the accumulation of relevant information that confirms that there is a public health problem such as lead poisoning. However, the development and/or assimilation of information on lead or any other environmental contaminant by impacted individuals or populations typically does not occur from intermittent, unorganized, or indiscriminate attention to the... 

Elemental sustainability is a concept whereby each element within the periodic table is guaranteed for use by both current and future generations. 

The Importance of Elemental Sustainability and Critical Element Recovery for the Pharmaceutical Industry... 

Issues such as elemental sustainability and health and safety do not have simple metrics associated with them, and require the chemist themselves to be aware of the bigger picture in terms of the issues surrounding their use, and what measures can be taken to either substitute them or mitigate their impact. 

Many key chemical transformations that are conducted by both medicinal and process chemists within the pharmaceutical industry require elements that have been regarded as critical in Table 5.1 (Figure 5.3). The concept of elemental sustainability is of paramount importance for the long-term prosperity of the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical industry relies on the use of critical element catalysts to undertake many of the key chemical transformations highlighted in Figure 5.3. ... 

The two main areas where this industrial sector can have a significant impact are in the use and recovery of these elements within their processes (Figure 5.1). For many elements, sustainable supply chains currently do not exist or are uncertain. A close relationship is required between extractors, manufacturers, users (pharmaceutical sector) and those involved in elemental recovery. Such strategic partnerships could help the pharmaceutical industry move towards a circular economic model. This will require significant investment in research and development, and better dialog across the whole elemental supply chain. 

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