Education

Research Description

Dr. Levis is interested in development and use of novel life-cycle, simulation, and optimization models for decision support with primary applications related to integrated waste management, energy systems, and sustainable infrastructure.

Honors and Awards

• Fulbright Scholar - Danish Technical University, 2019
• RTI University Scholar, 2018
• Air & Waste Management Association 1st Place Dissertation Award, 2014
• International Solid Waste Association Runner-up Publication Award, 2011
• Environmental Science and Technology 2nd Runner-up Best Policy Analysis Paper, 2011
• Environmental Science and Technology Top Ten Most Read Paper, 2011
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Publications

Solid waste optimization life-cycle framework in Python (SwolfPy)

Sardarmehni, M., Anchieta, P. H. C., & Levis, J. W. (2022, January 13), JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY. https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.13236

Development of Streamlined Life-Cycle Assessment for the Solid Waste Management System

Wang, Y., Levis, J. W., & Barlaz, M. A. (2021), ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.0c07461

Life-Cycle Assessment of a Regulatory Compliant US Municipal Solid Waste Landfill

Wang, Y., Levis, J. W., & Barlaz, M. A. (2021), ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c02526

Life-cycle modeling of nutrient and energy recovery through mixed waste processing systems

Sardarmehni, M., & Levis, J. W. (2021), RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105503

Repurposing the Ebola and Marburg Virus Inhibitors Tilorone, Quinacrine, and Pyronaridine: In Vitro Activity against SARS-CoV-2 and Potential Mechanisms

Puhl, A. C., Fritch, E. J., Lane, T. R., Tse, L. V., Yount, B. L., Sacramento, C. Q., … Ekins, S. (2021), ACS OMEGA. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.0c05996

What Is the Best End Use for Compost Derived from the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste?

Sardarmehni, M., Levis, J. W., & Barlaz, M. A. (2021), ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, 55(1), 73–81. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.0c04997

An Assessment of the Dynamic Global Warming Impact Associated with Long-Term Emissions from Landfills

Wang, Y., Levis, J. W., & Barlaz, M. A. (2020), ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, 54(3), 1304–1313. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b04066

Application of LCA modelling in integrated waste management

Christensen, T. H., Damgaard, A., Levis, J., Zhao, Y., Bjorklund, A., Arena, U., … Bisinella, V. (2020), WASTE MANAGEMENT, 118, 313–322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2020.08.034

Exploring alternative solid waste management strategies for achieving policy goals

Jaunich, M. K., Levis, J. W., DeCarolis, J. F., Barlaz, M. A., & Ranjithan, S. R. (2020), ENGINEERING OPTIMIZATION. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305215X.2020.1759578

Approaches to fill data gaps and evaluate process completeness in LCA—perspectives from solid waste management systems

Henriksen, T., Levis, J. W., Barlaz, M. A., & Damgaard, A. (2019), The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 24(9), 1587–1601. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-019-01592-z

View all publications via NC State Libraries

View publications on Google Scholar

Grants

Life-Cycle Assessment of the EKAMOR Refuse-Derived-Fuel System

EKAMOR, Inc.(12/01/21 - 8/31/22)

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Life-Cycle Assessment of the EKAMOR Refuse-Derived-Fuel System

Sponsor: EKAMOR, Inc.

Start Date: 12/01/21

End Date: 8/31/22

Abstract

The objective of the proposed work is to develop a comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA) of the EKAMOR refuse-derived fuel (RDF) system. To complete this objective, we will develop and/or adapt existing life-cycle process models for waste collection, separation, material recycling, reject disposal, RDF production, and avoided landfill emissions. The avoided landfill emissions will be estimated for both a site-specific landfill without gas collection and for a typical US municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill that includes gas collection and electricity generation from the collected gas.

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Life-Cycle Assessment of NO2 Filter

MANN+HUMMEL Group(4/19/21 - 7/31/21)

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Life-Cycle Assessment of NO2 Filter

Sponsor: MANN+HUMMEL Group

Start Date: 4/19/21

End Date: 7/31/21

Abstract

The objective of the proposed work is to develop a comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA) of the Filter Cube NO2 filter produced by Mann+Hummel and to develop recommendations for streamlining the development of future LCAs of additional projects. To complete this objective, we will develop life-cycle process models for each stage of the Filter Cube life-cycle including raw material acquisition, manufacturing and assembly, deployment and installation, operation, and end-of-life management. For each process, we will estimate the associated material use (e.g., aluminum, steel, and polypropylene), energy use (e.g., fuel and electricity), and emissions to the environment. The models will be developed using data supplied from Mann+Hummel, published journal articles and reports, and life-cycle databases (e.g., ecoinvent and the US LCI Database). The analysis will consider the beneficial reduction in NO2 due to the operation of the filter and will include multiple end-of-life scenarios for the product (e.g., landfill disposal and disassembly and recycling). We will develop estimates for a variety of common life-cycle impact categories including global warming, acidification, eutrophication, fossil energy use, and abiotic resource consumption. We will use this analysis to provide technical advice and support to Mann+Hummel as they develop a guide book for future product LCAs.

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Economic and Environmental Comparison of Emerging Plastic Waste Management Technologies

Environmental Research & Education Foundation(10/01/21 - 4/01/23)

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Economic and Environmental Comparison of Emerging Plastic Waste Management Technologies

Sponsor: Environmental Research & Education Foundation

Start Date: 10/01/21

End Date: 4/01/23

Abstract

The global demand for plastics is 400 million metric tons and is projected to triple by 2050. However, only 8.4% of plastics are recovered in the U.S., and the current supply of reprocessed plastics only meets 6% of the demand for plastic products. Improved plastics recycling is an important part of building a more circular economy due to the increasing demand for plastic products. However, cost-effective recovery of plastics is limited by separation efficiency, contamination, available markets, and quality degradation during collection, separation, and conventional mechanical reprocessing. Given these issues, there is a need for cost-effective technologies to efficiently recover plastics in municipal solid waste. Chemical recycling is an emerging and potentially scalable alternative to convert all types of waste plastics into virgin-quality resins. However, little is known about the economic and environmental implications of chemical recycling because it is newer and less developed than conventional mechanical recycling. The goal of the proposed project is to comprehensively assess new strategies and technologies for plastic recycling. The proposed project aims to provide practical recommendations for the solid waste industry to cost-effectively improve the plastics recycling rate and associated material quality while reducing environmental burdens. The research objectives are: 1. To develop and implement life-cycle process models to quantify the costs and life-cycle environmental impacts of various plastics recycling technologies 2. To assess and compare the environmental and economic trade-offs associated with alternative plastic waste management strategies 3. To evaluate the potential for scale-up of emerging technologies at multiple stages of plastic waste management strategy planning The objectives will be achieved using life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) methodologies to quantify and compare the cost and environmental impacts of plastic recycling alternatives. Strategies to be considered will include conventional mechanical recycling, polymer recycling (glycolysis and methanolysis), monomer recycling (pyrolysis/gasification), and plastics-to-fuel for energy recovery.

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AI-Enabled Hyperspectral Imaging Augmented with Multi-Sensory Information for Rapid/Real-time Analysis of Non-Recyclable Heterogeneous MSW for Conversion to Energy

US Dept. of Energy (DOE) - Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)(10/01/21 - 9/30/23)

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AI-Enabled Hyperspectral Imaging Augmented with Multi-Sensory Information for Rapid/Real-time Analysis of Non-Recyclable Heterogeneous MSW for Conversion to Energy

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE) - Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)

Start Date: 10/01/21

End Date: 9/30/23

Abstract

This project will focus on rapid/real-time analysis of domestic heterogeneous municipal biomass waste utilizing AI-Enabled Hyperspectral Imaging for developing conversion ready feedstock into cost effective and sustainable biofuel for selling price under $2.50 per gallon gasoline equivalent (GGE) by 2030. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is considered as an abundant potential source for biomass. This biomass, if used as a feedstock for fuel conversion operation will promote the sustainable fuel production and lower the prices. The heterogeneity of the MSW based on locations and time period can affect the biofuels or bioproducts. Therefore, the characterization of the MSW feedstock at macro and microlevel in terms of chemical and physical composition, at different speeds of conveyor system, at different times and collection sites will be studied.

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Development of a Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Systems Analysis Tool (SAT) to Assist in Prioritization of Destruction Research and Management Decisions

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(3/22/21 - 3/31/22)

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Development of a Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Systems Analysis Tool (SAT) to Assist in Prioritization of Destruction Research and Management Decisions

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 3/22/21

End Date: 3/31/22

Abstract

The overall objective of this project is to develop and exercise a comprehensive systems analysis tool (SAT) to estimate PFAS release associated with management alternatives for a wide range of PFAS-containing wastes. In September 2020, we submitted the alpha version of the SAT as well as associated documentation. While this tool facilitates the comparison of alternative management strategies for PFAS-containing waste materials, it is not yet ready to be publicly released. The most critical next steps to advance the functionality and applicability of the tool consist of 1) reviewing and updating model input data, 2) developing PFAS-waste management scenarios and exercising the model to analyze predictions, and 3) upgrading the usability and functionality of the graphical user interface (GUI).

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Development of a Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Systems Analysis Tool (SAT) to Assist in Prioritization of Destruction Research and Management Decisions

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(6/11/20 - 9/30/20)

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Development of a Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Systems Analysis Tool (SAT) to Assist in Prioritization of Destruction Research and Management Decisions

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 6/11/20

End Date: 9/30/20

Abstract

The objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive systems analysis tool (SAT) to estimate PFAS release associated with management alternatives for a wide range of PFAS-containing wastes. Through this project, we will establish an analytical framework to rigorously describe alternatives for the management of individual PFAS-containing wastes, estimate PFAS release and the receiving medium (air, surface water, groundwater, land).

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Optimization of Self-healing Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites via Convolutional Neural Networks

US Army - Corps of Engineers(8/19/21 - 2/11/24)

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Optimization of Self-healing Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites via Convolutional Neural Networks

Sponsor: US Army - Corps of Engineers

Start Date: 8/19/21

End Date: 2/11/24

Abstract

Internal delamination damage in fiber-reinforced composites is difficult to detect and nearly impossible to repair by conventional methods. To date, this failure mechanism remains one of the most significant factors limiting the reliability and leads to wasteful design of composites for lightweight structures [1]. Drawing upon inspiration from biology, self-healing polymers and composites have emerged to combat inevitable degradation from in-service operation and/or unavoidable damage from unexpected overload [2,3]. We propose to develop a sustainable self-healing composite system capable of complete restoration in interlaminar fracture resistance without compromising in-plane mechanical properties. Our project takes a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach by combining polymer mechanics/chemistry, emergent manufacturing, advanced computing and deep learning to accelerate the development of such self-repairing structural composites. This synergistic experimental-computational strategy relies on: (1) a newly realized in situ self-healing platform in thermoset composites via thermal remending of an environmentally inert 3D printed thermoplastic interlayer; and (2) novel microstructural material optimization using automated finite element (FE) simulations and deep learning. The envisioned self-repairing composite and complementary computational design platform will eliminate the need for costly inspection, reduce overall maintenance/replacement, and provide enhanced safety, resilience, and reliability in order to preserve DoD competitive advantage.

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Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center

National Science Foundation (NSF)(10/01/21 - 9/30/26)

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Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 10/01/21

End Date: 9/30/26

Abstract

The Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center is a convergence research hub for addressing the fundamental challenges associated with phosphorus sustainability. The vision of STEPS is to develop new scientific and technological solutions to regulating, recovering and reusing phosphorus that can readily be adopted by society through fundamental research conducted by a broad, highly interdisciplinary team. Key outcomes include new atomic-level knowledge of phosphorus interactions with engineered and natural materials, new understanding of phosphorus mobility at industrial, farm, and landscape scales, and prioritization of best management practices and strategies drawn from diverse stakeholder perspectives. Ultimately, STEPS will provide new scientific understanding, enabling new technologies, and transformative improvements in phosphorus sustainability.

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Ensuring Smart and Sustainable Material and Energy Use through Real-Time Environmental Life-Cycle Assessment

RTI International (aka Research Triangle Institute)(1/02/18 - 12/31/18)

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Ensuring Smart and Sustainable Material and Energy Use through Real-Time Environmental Life-Cycle Assessment

Sponsor: RTI International (aka Research Triangle Institute)

Start Date: 1/02/18

End Date: 12/31/18

Abstract

Real-time decision-support is a critical need to ensure the smart and sustainable development of new products, technologies, and advanced materials. These tools are necessary to ensure optimal use of material and energy resources. The need for more sustainable products and materials are evidenced by the growth of “green design” and “Smart City” technologies for enhancing the sustainable management of energy, water, waste, and transport systems. Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools coupled with real-time analyses can help researchers, scientists, managers, and decision-makers ensure product and technology sustainability through the transparent provision of critical information in design and development phases. LCA typically provides a systematic assessment of the potential environmental impacts of a product throughout its life-cycle stages (i.e., from “cradle-to-grave”), while real-time LCA tools focus on providing transparent, screening-level analyses that help guide the design of products, processes, and systems. The overall goal of the proposed project is to build upon RTI and North Carolina State University’s (NCSU) collaborative life-cycle modeling experience to develop and use a real-time LCA tool that will help guide decision support. The real-time LCA tool will be designed for diverse applications as well as be suitable for rapid, screening-level decision support in product design and development phases. Initial applications will focus on sustainable materials management (SMM) and the use of nanomaterials in wastewater systems (e.g., nano-sorbents and nano-catalysts). Once developed, this tool will help RTI-NCSU collaborative teams attract additional, external funding, such as the application of the real-time LCA tool on different case studies and/or for different stakeholder groups.

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Development of a Life-Cycle Model for Open Dumps and Informal Waste Collection

RTI International (aka Research Triangle Institute)(10/14/16 - 9/30/17)

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Development of a Life-Cycle Model for Open Dumps and Informal Waste Collection

Sponsor: RTI International (aka Research Triangle Institute)

Start Date: 10/14/16

End Date: 9/30/17

Abstract

RTI International, in partnership with North Carolina State University, developed and successfully deployed the Municipal Solid Waste Decision Support Tool (MSW DST) to assist cities and stakeholders in evaluating the cost and environmental trade-offs for alternative MSW management strategies and technologies. The MSW DST has been used on numerous projects for federal, state, and local government agencies as well as the solid waste industry over the last decade. The existing MSW DST was developed for U.S. domestic application and modifications are needed to more fully meet the needs of the international cities. The goal of this project is to develop and implement enhancements to the MSW DST to strengthen its applicability to waste management issues facing many international developing and transition economies including topics such as the open dumping and burning of waste and creating local economic development opportunities via recycling and composting. To achieve the goal, new modules (Excel-based models) to quantify the cost and environmental emissions for identified waste management activity gaps need to be built and integrated into the MSW DST.

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