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Xue L, Song G, Liu G. Wasted Food, Wasted Resources? A Critical Review of Environmental Impact Analysis of Food Loss and Waste Generation and Treatment. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:7240-7255. [PMID: 38625096 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Food loss and waste (FLW) comes with significant environmental impacts and thus prevents a sustainable food system transition. Here we conducted a systematic review of 174 screened studies that assessed the environmental impacts of FLW generation and treatment. We found that the embodied impacts of FLW along the supply chain and impacts from FLW treatment received equal attention, but few studies have included both. The reviewed studies show narrow geographical (mostly conducted in industrialized countries) and food supply chain (mostly focused on the consumption stage) coverage. Life cycle analysis (LCA), material flow analysis (MFA), or their combination are the most commonly used to quantify FLW related environmental impacts. More method standardization, integration, and innovation and better FLW data with regional and stage resolution from a first-hand source are badly needed. Among the various proposed mitigation strategies covering technology, economy, behavior, and policy aspects, process optimization and waste management options are the most discussed. Our review calls for a more holistic environmental impact assessment of FLW generation and treatment and analysis of the trade-offs among different environmental impact categories and between supply chain stages, which would better inform relevant policy on effective environmental impact mitigation strategies toward sustainable food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xue
- College of Economics and Management, China Agricultural University, 100083 Beijing, China
- Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy, China Agricultural University, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Guobao Song
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, 116024 Dalian, China
| | - Gang Liu
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
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Sirota R, Winters G, Levy O, Marques J, Paytan A, Silverman J, Sisma-Ventura G, Rahav E, Antler G, Bar-Zeev E. Impacts of Desalination Brine Discharge on Benthic Ecosystems. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:5631-5645. [PMID: 38516811 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination facilities produce freshwater and, at the same time, discharge hypersaline brine that often includes various chemical additives such as antiscalants and coagulants. This dense brine can sink to the sea bottom and creep over the seabed, reaching up to 5 km from the discharge point. Previous reviews have discussed the effects of SWRO desalination brine on various marine ecosystems, yet little attention has been paid to the impacts on benthic habitats. This review comprehensibly discusses the effects of SWRO brine discharge on marine benthic fauna and flora. We review previous studies that indicated a suite of impacts by SWRO brine on benthic organisms, including bacteria, seagrasses, polychaetes, and corals. The effects within the discharge mixing zones range from impaired activities and morphological deformations to changes in the community composition. Recent modeling work demonstrated that brine could spread over the seabed, beyond the mixing zone, for up to several tens of kilometers and impair nutrient fluxes from the sediment to the water column. We also provide a possible perspective on brine's impact on the biogeochemical process within the mixing zone subsurface. Desalination brine can infiltrate into the sandy bottom around the discharge area due to gravity currents. Accumulation of brine and associated chemical additives, such as polyphosphonate-based antiscalants and ferric-based coagulants in the porewater, may change the redox zones and, hence, impact biogeochemical processes in sediments. With the demand for drinking water escalating worldwide, the volumes of brine discharge are predicted to triple during the current century. Future efforts should focus on the development and operation of viable technologies to minimize the volumes of brine discharged into marine environments, along with a change to environmentally friendly additives. However, the application of these technologies should be partly subsidized by governmental stakeholders to safeguard coastal ecosystems around desalination facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Sirota
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer 84990, Israel
- The Dead Sea and Arava Science Center, Masada National Park, Mount Masada 869100, Israel
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa 31080, Israel
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat (IUI), Eilat 8810302, Israel
| | - Gidon Winters
- The Dead Sea and Arava Science Center, Masada National Park, Mount Masada 869100, Israel
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Eilat Campus, Eilat 881000, Israel
| | - Oren Levy
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Joseane Marques
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer 84990, Israel
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat (IUI), Eilat 8810302, Israel
| | - Adina Paytan
- Earth and Planetary Science, University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
| | - Jack Silverman
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa 31080, Israel
| | - Guy Sisma-Ventura
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa 31080, Israel
| | - Eyal Rahav
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa 31080, Israel
| | - Gilad Antler
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat (IUI), Eilat 8810302, Israel
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Edo Bar-Zeev
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer 84990, Israel
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Dumith MT, Santos AFGN. Use of trophic ecology of omnivorous fish and abiotic factors as supporting tools for assessing environmental impacts in a neotropical river. J Fish Biol 2024; 104:780-796. [PMID: 37984817 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The study of diet is one of the mechanisms by which competition for resources between species that cohabit in the same ecosystem can be inferred. Therefore, the relationships of the indices that measure specialization in the diet of fish species are necessary to characterize the nutritional quality of these populations and the ecosystem's environmental health. Three species of catfish were selected: one invasive (Clarias gariepinus) and two natives (Trachelyopterus striatulus and Rhamdia quelen), with similar distribution along the Guapi-Macacu River, in the Guapimirim Protection Area (Rio de Janeiro). Fifty-nine catfish of the three species were collected in total, along 32 collection points in the Guapi-Macacu River in two periods (dry and rainy) in 2018. Non-parametric statistics showed the partition of resources between species and the influence of abiotic factors (temperature, pH, transparency, and dissolved oxygen) contributing to the selection of available resources in the environment. Diet-related indices-repletion index (RI), condition factor (K), niche width, and trophic position (TP) of the specimens collected-contributed to measuring the nutritional status of each of these catfish species, showing that R. quelen has a relationship between RI and K, tending to absorb and metabolize nutrients faster than other species. In addition, the invasive species occupies a wide range of TPs compared to native species, confirming its feeding plasticity. On the contrary, T. striatulus needs large amounts of terrestrial insects to maintain its poor condition factor. Also, the RI showed direct influences of abiotic variables, with the temperature being the most prominent. Our results suggest that the invasive species can benefit from this environment that shows signs of environmental degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Torres Dumith
- Graduate Program in Ocean and Terrestrial Dynamics, Department of Geology, Geosciences Institute, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Alejandra F G N Santos
- Department of Animal Science and Sustainable Social-Environmental Development, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
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Midões C, De Cian E, Pasini G, Pesenti S, Mistry MN. SHARE-ENV: A Data Set to Advance Our Knowledge of the Environment-Wellbeing Relationship. Environ Health (Wash) 2024; 2:95-104. [PMID: 38384398 PMCID: PMC10877593 DOI: 10.1021/envhealth.3c00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Climate change interacts with other environmental stressors and vulnerability factors. Some places and, owing to socioeconomic conditions, some people, are far more at risk. The data behind current assessments of the environment-wellbeing nexus is coarse and regionally aggregated, when considering multiple regions/groups; or, when granular, comes from ad hoc samples with few variables. To assess the impacts of climate change, we require data that are granular and comprehensive, both in the variables and population studied. We build a publicly accessible data set, the SHARE-ENV data set, which fulfills these criteria. We expand on EU representative, individual-level, longitudinal data (the SHARE survey), with environmental exposure information about temperature, radiation, precipitation, pollution, and flood events. We illustrate through four simplified multilevel linear regressions, cross-sectional and longitudinal, how full-fledged studies can use SHARE-ENV to contribute to the literature. Such studies would help assess climate impacts and estimate the effectiveness and fairness of several climate adaptation policies. Other surveys can be expanded with environmental information to unlock different research avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Midões
- Department
of Economics, Ca’ Foscari University
of Venice, Cannaregio 873, Fondamenta S.Giobbe, 30121 Venezia ,Italy
- Institute
of Environmental Science and Technology of Universitat Autònoma
de Barcelona, Carrer
de les Columnes s/n, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrica De Cian
- Department
of Economics, Ca’ Foscari University
of Venice, Cannaregio 873, Fondamenta S.Giobbe, 30121 Venezia ,Italy
- Fondazione
CMCC, RFF-CMCC EIEE, Via Della Libertà 12, 30175, Marghera, Venice, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pasini
- Department
of Economics, Ca’ Foscari University
of Venice, Cannaregio 873, Fondamenta S.Giobbe, 30121 Venezia ,Italy
| | - Sara Pesenti
- European
Central Bank, Sonnemannstrasse
20, 60314 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
| | - Malcolm N. Mistry
- Department
of Economics, Ca’ Foscari University
of Venice, Cannaregio 873, Fondamenta S.Giobbe, 30121 Venezia ,Italy
- Environment
and Health Modelling (EHM) Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments
and Society, London School of Hygiene and
Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
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Rotz CA, Beegle D, Bernard JK, Leytem A, Feyereisen G, Hagevoort R, Harrison J, Aksland G, Thoma G. Fifty years of environmental progress for United States dairy farms. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00010-9. [PMID: 38216038 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Dairy farms in the United States (US) have changed in many ways over the past 50 years. Milk production efficiency has increased greatly with about 30% fewer cows producing about twice the amount of milk today. Other improvements include increases in crop yields, fuel efficiency of farm equipment and efficiency in producing most resources used on farms (electricity, fuel, fertilizer, etc.). These improvements have led to changes in the environmental impact of farms. Through simulation of representative dairy farms in 1971 and 2020, changes in nutrient losses and farmgate life cycle assessments of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fossil energy use, and blue (ground and surface) water use were determined for 6 regions and the US For all environmental metrics studied, intensities expressed per unit of fat and protein corrected milk produced were reduced, but the total impacts over all farms or milk produced increased for 5 of the 13 environmental metrics. Reductions in the impacts of dairy farms in the eastern US were offset by large increases in western regions because of a major increase in cow numbers in the west. The national average intensity of GHG emissions decreased by 42%, which gave just a 14% increase in the total GHG emission of all dairy farms over the 50-yr period. The intensity of fossil energy use decreased by 54% with the total for all farms decreasing 9%. Water use related to milk production decreased in intensity by 28%, but due to the large increase in dairy production in the dry western regions with greater dependence on irrigated feed crops, total blue water use increased 42%. Major pathways of nitrogen loss included ammonia volatilization, leaching, and denitrification, where total ammonia emissions related to US dairy farms increased 29% while leaching losses decreased by 39% with little change in nitrous oxide emission. Simulated nitrogen and phosphorus runoff losses totaled for all dairy farms decreased 27 to 51% through more efficient fertilizer use, reduced tillage, and greater use of cover crops. Emissions of methane and reactive non-methane volatile organic compounds increased 32% and 53%, respectively, due to greater use of long-term manure storage and silage stored in bunkers and piles. Although much progress has been made in improving production efficiency, continued improvement with new strategies and technologies are needed to meet the demand for dairy products while mitigating total environmental impacts, particularly in view of projected climate variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Rotz
- USDA-ARS, Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, University Park, PA 16802.
| | - D Beegle
- Emeritus, Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - J K Bernard
- Emeritus, Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, 30602
| | - A Leytem
- USDA-ARS, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research, Kimberly, ID 83341
| | - G Feyereisen
- USDA-ARS, Soil and Water Management Research, St. Paul, MN 55108
| | - R Hagevoort
- Department of Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, New Mexico State University, Clovis, NM 88101
| | - J Harrison
- Emeritus, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Puyallup, WA 98371
| | - G Aksland
- Agronomic Services, Visalia, CA 93291
| | - G Thoma
- AgNext, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
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Prenzel TM, Hohmann A, Prescher T, Angerer K, Wehner D, Ilg R, von Reden T, Drechsler K, Albrecht S. Bringing Light into the Dark-Overview of Environmental Impacts of Carbon Fiber Production and Potential Levers for Reduction. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 16:12. [PMID: 38201677 PMCID: PMC10780919 DOI: 10.3390/polym16010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbon fibers (CFs) are a crucial material for lightweight structures with advanced mechanical performance. However, there is still a paucity of detailed understanding regarding the environmental impacts of production. Previously, mostly singled-out scenarios for CF production have been assessed, often based on scarce transparent inventory data. To expand the current knowledge and create a robust database for future evaluation, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out. To this end, a detailed industry-approved LCI is published, which also proved plausible against the literature. Subsequently, based on a global scenario representing the market averages for precursor and CF production, the most relevant contributors to climate change (EF3.1 climate change, total) and the depletion of fossil energy carriers (EF3.1 resource use, fossil) were identified. The energy consumption in CF manufacturing was found to be responsible for 59% of the climate change and 48% of the fossil resource use. To enable a differentiated discussion of manufacturing locations and process energy consumption, 24 distinct scenarios were assessed. The findings demonstrate the significant dependence of the results on the scenarios' boundary conditions: climate change ranges from 13.0 to 34.1 kg CO2 eq./kg CF and resource use from 262.3 to 497.9 MJ/kg CF. Through the investigated scenarios, the relevant reduction potentials were identified. The presented results help close an existing data gap for high-quality, regionalized, and technology-specific LCA results for the production of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Manuel Prenzel
- Department Life Cycle Engineering GaBi, Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andrea Hohmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV, Am Technologiezentrum 2, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Tim Prescher
- Institute for Acoustics and Building Physics IABP, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 7, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Kerstin Angerer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV, Am Technologiezentrum 2, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Wehner
- Department Life Cycle Engineering GaBi, Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Robert Ilg
- Department Life Cycle Engineering GaBi, Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tjark von Reden
- Composites United e.V., Oranienburger Str. 45, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Drechsler
- Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV, Am Technologiezentrum 2, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
- Chair of Carbon Composites, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 15, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Stefan Albrecht
- Department Life Cycle Engineering GaBi, Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
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Zhang L, Xue WT, Sun H, Hu YC, Wu R, Tian Y, Chen YS, Ma L, Chen Q, Du Y, Bai Y, Liu SJ, Zou GY. Can the Blended Application of Controlled-Release and Common Urea Effectively Replace the Common Urea in a Wheat-Maize Rotation System? A Case Study Based on a Long-Term Experiment. Plants (Basel) 2023; 12:4085. [PMID: 38140413 PMCID: PMC10748289 DOI: 10.3390/plants12244085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The one-time application of blended urea (BU), combining controlled-release urea (CRU) and uncoated urea, has proven to be a promising nitrogen (N) management strategy. However, the long-term sustainability of blending urea remains largely unexplored. To assess whether a single application of blended urea could effectively replace split uncoated urea applications, a long-term field experiment was conducted in the North China Plain (NCP). The results indicated that, when compared to common urea (CU) at the optimal N rate (180 kg N ha-1), BU achieved comparable grain yields, N uptake and NUE (61% vs. 62). BU exhibited a 12% higher 0-20 cm soil organic nitrogen stock and a 9% higher soil organic carbon (C) stock. Additionally, BU reduced life-cycle reactive N (Nr) losses and the N footprint by 10%, and lowered greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the C footprint by 7%. From an economic analysis perspective, BU demonstrated comparable private profitability and a 3% greater ecosystem economic benefit. Therefore, BU under the optimal N rate has the potential to substitute split applications of common urea in the long-term and can be regarded as a sustainable N management strategy for wheat and maize production in the NCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (L.Z.); (W.-T.X.); (H.S.); (R.W.); (Y.T.); (Y.-S.C.); (L.M.); (Q.C.); (Y.D.); (Y.B.)
| | - Wen-Tao Xue
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (L.Z.); (W.-T.X.); (H.S.); (R.W.); (Y.T.); (Y.-S.C.); (L.M.); (Q.C.); (Y.D.); (Y.B.)
| | - Hao Sun
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (L.Z.); (W.-T.X.); (H.S.); (R.W.); (Y.T.); (Y.-S.C.); (L.M.); (Q.C.); (Y.D.); (Y.B.)
| | - Yun-Cai Hu
- Department of Plant Sciences, Chair of Plant Nutrition, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany;
| | - Rong Wu
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (L.Z.); (W.-T.X.); (H.S.); (R.W.); (Y.T.); (Y.-S.C.); (L.M.); (Q.C.); (Y.D.); (Y.B.)
| | - Ye Tian
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (L.Z.); (W.-T.X.); (H.S.); (R.W.); (Y.T.); (Y.-S.C.); (L.M.); (Q.C.); (Y.D.); (Y.B.)
| | - Yi-Shan Chen
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (L.Z.); (W.-T.X.); (H.S.); (R.W.); (Y.T.); (Y.-S.C.); (L.M.); (Q.C.); (Y.D.); (Y.B.)
| | - Liang Ma
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (L.Z.); (W.-T.X.); (H.S.); (R.W.); (Y.T.); (Y.-S.C.); (L.M.); (Q.C.); (Y.D.); (Y.B.)
| | - Qian Chen
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (L.Z.); (W.-T.X.); (H.S.); (R.W.); (Y.T.); (Y.-S.C.); (L.M.); (Q.C.); (Y.D.); (Y.B.)
| | - Ying Du
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (L.Z.); (W.-T.X.); (H.S.); (R.W.); (Y.T.); (Y.-S.C.); (L.M.); (Q.C.); (Y.D.); (Y.B.)
| | - Yang Bai
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (L.Z.); (W.-T.X.); (H.S.); (R.W.); (Y.T.); (Y.-S.C.); (L.M.); (Q.C.); (Y.D.); (Y.B.)
| | - Shan-Jiang Liu
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (L.Z.); (W.-T.X.); (H.S.); (R.W.); (Y.T.); (Y.-S.C.); (L.M.); (Q.C.); (Y.D.); (Y.B.)
| | - Guo-Yuan Zou
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; (L.Z.); (W.-T.X.); (H.S.); (R.W.); (Y.T.); (Y.-S.C.); (L.M.); (Q.C.); (Y.D.); (Y.B.)
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8
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Arbeláez Vélez AM. Environmental impacts of shared mobility: a systematic literature review of life-cycle assessments focusing on car sharing, carpooling, bikesharing, scooters and moped sharing. Transp Rev 2023; 44:634-658. [PMID: 38533448 PMCID: PMC10962713 DOI: 10.1080/01441647.2023.2259104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Evidence about the environmental impacts of shared mobility is fragmented and scattered. In this article a systematic literature review is presented. The review focuses on assessments that use Life-Cycle Assessment to quantify the environmental impacts of car sharing, carpooling, bikesharing, and scooter/moped sharing. The results of these assessments were analyzed, as well as the factors that influence these impacts. Business-to-consumer car sharing, peer-to-peer car sharing, carpooling, bikesharing, and scooter/moped sharing can all cause gains and losses in terms of changing the environmental impacts of passenger transportation. The findings presented here refute unconditional claims that shared mobility delivers environmental benefits. Factors that influence changes in environmental impacts from passenger transportation from shared mobility include travel behaviour, the design of shared mobility modes, and how such schemes are implemented, as well as the local context. Local governments and shared mobility organisations can benefit from the analysis presented here by deepening their understanding of these factors and considering the life-cycle phase where the greatest impacts are caused.
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Pedroso M, Silvestre JD, Gomes MG, Bersch JD, Flores-Colen I. Application of Silica-Aerogel-Fibre-Based Thermal Renders for Retrofits in Building Walls: A Comparative Assessment with Benchmark Solutions. Gels 2023; 9:861. [PMID: 37998951 PMCID: PMC10670856 DOI: 10.3390/gels9110861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The current climate change context raises the demand for reducing energy and environmental impacts while keeping an economic balance and building users' comfort. Thermal insulation solutions are potential allies in ensuring the adequacy of existing buildings for challenging sustainability requirements. In this scenario, silica-aerogel-fibre-based thermal renders are innovative solutions for which integrated approaches still lack information, and they should be compared with benchmark multilayer solutions, such as those based on expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), mineral wool (MW), and insulated corkboard (ICB), to evidence their prospective economic, environmental, and energy benefits. This paper quantifies the optimum insulation thicknesses, life cycle savings, payback periods, and environmental impacts of innovative thermal renders compared to conventional thermal insulation materials when applied as a retrofit in existing facade walls. The results show that cost-optimised thermal renders with sisal fibres led to the best overall performance. Higher heating needs led to higher optimum render thicknesses and life cycle savings. With a 0.02 m thickness, aerogel-fibre-based thermal renders outperformed other materials in terms of heating-degree days (HDD) from 1000 °C·day onwards; they can save approximately EUR 60∙m-2, 1000 MJ∙m-2, and 100 kg CO2 eq∙m-2 while presenting a U-value 13% lower throughout their 30-year lifetime when compared with the second-best multilayer solution with XPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pedroso
- Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Departamento de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Ambiente (DECivil), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.P.); (J.D.S.); (M.G.G.); (J.D.B.)
| | - José Dinis Silvestre
- Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Departamento de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Ambiente (DECivil), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.P.); (J.D.S.); (M.G.G.); (J.D.B.)
| | - M. Glória Gomes
- Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Departamento de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Ambiente (DECivil), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.P.); (J.D.S.); (M.G.G.); (J.D.B.)
| | - Jéssica D. Bersch
- Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Departamento de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Ambiente (DECivil), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.P.); (J.D.S.); (M.G.G.); (J.D.B.)
- Núcleo Orientado para a Inovação da Edificação (NORIE), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Civil: Construção e Infraestrutura (PPGCI), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Osvaldo Aranha, 99, 7th Floor, Porto Alegre 90035-190, Brazil
| | - Inês Flores-Colen
- Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Departamento de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Ambiente (DECivil), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.P.); (J.D.S.); (M.G.G.); (J.D.B.)
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10
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Wang Z, Dai S, Cowan EA, Dietrich M, Schlesinger WH, Wu Q, Zhou M, Seramur KC, Das D, Vengosh A. Isotopic Signatures and Outputs of Lead from Coal Fly Ash Disposal in China, India, and the United States. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:12259-12269. [PMID: 37556313 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite extensive research and technology to reduce the atmospheric emission of Pb from burning coal for power generation, minimal attention has been paid to Pb associated with coal ash disposal in the environment. This study investigates the isotopic signatures and output rates of Pb in fly ash disposal in China, India, and the United States. Pairwise comparison between feed coal and fly ash samples collected from coal-fired power plants from each country shows that the Pb isotope composition of fly ash largely resembles that of feed coal, and its isotopic distinction allows for tracing the release of Pb from coal fly ash into the environment. Between 2000 and 2020, approx. 236, 56, and 46 Gg Pb from fly ash have been disposed in China, India, and the U.S., respectively, posing a significant environmental burden. A Bayesian Pb isotope mixing model shows that during the past 40 to 70 years, coal fly ash has contributed significantly higher Pb (∼26%) than leaded gasoline (∼7%) to Pb accumulation in the sediments of five freshwater lakes in North Carolina, U.S.A. This implies that the release of disposed coal fly ash Pb at local and regional scales can outweigh that of other anthropogenic Pb sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Shifeng Dai
- College of Geoscience and Survey Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ellen A Cowan
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, United States
| | - Matthew Dietrich
- The Polis Center, IU Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - William H Schlesinger
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Qingru Wu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Mingxuan Zhou
- College of Geoscience and Survey Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Keith C Seramur
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, United States
| | - Debabrata Das
- Department of Geology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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11
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Shemer H, Wald S, Semiat R. Challenges and Solutions for Global Water Scarcity. Membranes (Basel) 2023; 13:612. [PMID: 37367816 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13060612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Climate change, global population growth, and rising standards of living have put immense strain on natural resources, resulting in the unsecured availability of water as an existential resource. Access to high-quality drinking water is crucial for daily life, food production, industry, and nature. However, the demand for freshwater resources exceeds the available supply, making it essential to utilize all alternative water resources such as the desalination of brackish water, seawater, and wastewater. Reverse osmosis desalination is a highly efficient method to increase water supplies and make clean, affordable water accessible to millions of people. However, to ensure universal access to water, various measures need to be implemented, including centralized governance, educational campaigns, improvements in water catchment and harvesting technologies, infrastructure development, irrigation and agricultural practices, pollution control, investments in novel water technologies, and transboundary water cooperation. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of measures for utilizing alternative water sources, with particular emphasis on seawater desalination and wastewater reclamation techniques. In particular, membrane-based technologies are critically reviewed, with a focus on their energy consumption, costs, and environmental impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilla Shemer
- The Wolfson Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Shlomo Wald
- Wald Industries, Tor HaAviv 1, Rehovot 7632101, Israel
| | - Raphael Semiat
- The Wolfson Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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12
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Yu Z, Tian X, Gao Y, Yuan X, Xu Z, Zhang L. Monitoring the Resources and Environmental Impacts from the Precise Disassembly of E-Waste in China. Environ Sci Technol 2023. [PMID: 37212265 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Due to the dispersed distribution of e-waste and crude disassembly in traditional recycling, valuable metals are not traceable during their life cycle. Meanwhile, incomplete separation between metals and nonmetals reduces the economic value of disassembled parts, which leads to higher environmental costs for metal refining. Therefore, this study proposes a precise disassembly of e-waste to finely classify and recover metals in an environmentally friendly way. First, the macroscopic material flow of e-waste in China (source, flow, scrap, and recycling gap) was measured based on data collected by the government and 109 formal recycling enterprises. The sustainable recycling balance time points for e-waste recycling and scrap volumes were forecast by introducing an additional recycling efficiency. By 2030, the total scrap volume of e-waste is predicted to reach 133.06 million units. For precise disassembly, the main metals and their percentages from these typical e-wastes were measured based on material flow analysis combined with experimental methods. After precise disassembly, the proportion of reusable metals increases significantly. The CO2 emission of precise disassembly with the smelting process was the lowest compared with crude disassembly with smelting and ore metallurgy. The greenhouse gas for secondary metals Fe, Cu, and Al was 830.32, 1151.62, and 716.6 kg CO2/t metal, respectively. The precise disassembly of e-waste is meaningful for building a future resource sustainable society and for carbon emission reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichong Yu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xu Tian
- SJTU-UNIDO Joint Institute of Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development, School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yichun Gao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xuehong Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhenming Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lingen Zhang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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13
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Hensher M. Climate change, health and sustainable healthcare: The role of health economics. Health Econ 2023; 32:985-992. [PMID: 36701185 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare systems around the world are responding with increasing urgency to rapidly evolving ecological crises, most notably climate change. This Perspective considers how health economics and health economists can best contribute to protecting health and building sustainable healthcare systems in the face of these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hensher
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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14
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Rencricca G, Froldi F, Moschini M, Trevisan M, Lamastra L. Mitigation Actions Scenarios Applied to the Dairy Farm Management Systems. Foods 2023; 12:foods12091860. [PMID: 37174398 PMCID: PMC10178217 DOI: 10.3390/foods12091860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The environmental impacts of the dairy industry, particularly global warming, are heavily influenced by milk production. Thus, there is an urgent need for farm-level actions and opportunities for improvement, implying mitigation strategies. The aim of this paper is to investigate five possible mitigation actions at the dairy farm and which one the farmers were willing to adopt: management and distribution of livestock manure and fertilizers, anaerobic manure treatment, optimization of the herd composition, feed quality, and heat recovery. A life cycle assessment was conducted on 63 farms using the product environmental footprint approach. The latter was divided into four quartiles, from which four representative farms were selected. For each farm, three scenarios have been analyzed considering the reference impact (reference scenario), the application of the mitigation actions (best-case scenario), and what farmers would implement (realistic scenario). Overall, the most effective mitigation actions in the best-case scenario were anaerobic manure treatment and the management and distribution of livestock manure and fertilizers, showing a potential reduction in total environmental impacts of 7-9% and 6-7%, respectively. Farmers' responses indicated a willingness to implement the latter mitigation strategy better. The optimization of the herd composition, feed quality, and heat recovery reported a range impact reduction between 0.01-5%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rencricca
- Department for Sustainable Food Process (DiSTAS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Federico Froldi
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition (DiANA), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Maurizio Moschini
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition (DiANA), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marco Trevisan
- Department for Sustainable Food Process (DiSTAS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Lamastra
- Department for Sustainable Food Process (DiSTAS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
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Bouchez A, Vauchel P, Périno S, Dimitrov K. Multi-Criteria Optimization including Environmental Impacts of a Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenols and Comparison with an Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Process. Foods 2023; 12:foods12091750. [PMID: 37174289 PMCID: PMC10177992 DOI: 10.3390/foods12091750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Valorization of wastes and by-products using environmentally friendly technologies with an optimal cost-benefit relationship is a current major issue in agri-food industries. An original tool was recently developed for multi-criteria optimization of an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process including the assessment of environmental impacts using Life Cycle Assessment. In the present work, this methodology was adapted and applied to another green extraction process, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), with the same case study, valorization of antioxidant polyphenols from downgraded beet seeds. Once built, the obtained multi-criteria optimization tool was used to investigate performances of the MAE process regarding productivity criteria (polyphenol concentration and antioxidant activity of the extracts), energy consumption and environmental impacts as functions of operating parameters (time, solvent composition, microwave power density, and liquid-solid ratio). The MAE process was optimized under different constraints and compared to the UAE process. For the studied conditions and different investigated scenarios, MAE enabled obtaining extracts with higher polyphenol concentrations and antioxidant activity (approximately 33% and 23% enhancements, respectively), and to strongly reduce extraction duration (by a factor up to 6), whereas UAE enabled reducing the energy consumption (up to 3.6 fold) and the environmental impacts (up to 12% for climate change).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bouchez
- UMR-T 1158, BioEcoAgro Univ. Lille, INRAE, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, JUNIA, Univ. Liège, Univ. Picardie Jules Verne, Institut Charles Viollette, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Peggy Vauchel
- UMR-T 1158, BioEcoAgro Univ. Lille, INRAE, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, JUNIA, Univ. Liège, Univ. Picardie Jules Verne, Institut Charles Viollette, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Sandrine Périno
- GREEN Extraction Team, UMR 408, Avignon University, INRAE, F-84000 Avignon, France
| | - Krasimir Dimitrov
- UMR-T 1158, BioEcoAgro Univ. Lille, INRAE, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, JUNIA, Univ. Liège, Univ. Picardie Jules Verne, Institut Charles Viollette, F-59000 Lille, France
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16
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Zhang L, Zhang WS, Meng QF, Hu YC, Schmidhalter U, Zhong CH, Zou GY, Chen XP. Optimizing Agronomic, Environmental, Health and Economic Performances in Summer Maize Production through Fertilizer Nitrogen Management Strategies. Plants (Basel) 2023; 12:1490. [PMID: 37050116 PMCID: PMC10097194 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Although nitrogen (N) fertilizer application plays an essential role in improving crop productivity, an inappropriate management can result in negative impacts on environment and human health. To break this dilemma, a 12-year field experiment (2008-2019) with five N application rates was conducted on the North China Plain (NCP) to evaluate the integrated impacts of optimizing N management (Opt. N, 160 kg N ha-1 on average) on agronomic, environmental, health, and economic performances of summer maize production. Over the 12-year study, the Opt. N treatment achieved the maximal average grain yield (10.6 Mg ha-1) and grain protein yield (793 kg ha-1) among five N treatments. The life cycle assessment methodology was applied to determine the negative impacts on environmental and human health, and both of them increased with the N rate. Compared with the farmers' conventional N rate (250 kg N ha-1), the Opt. N treatment reduced acidification, eutrophication, global warming, and energy depletion potentials by 29%, 42%, 35%, and 18%, respectively, and reduced the health impact by 32% per Mg of grain yield or grain protein yield produced. Both the Opt. N and Opt. N*50-70% treatments resulted in high private profitability (2038 USD ha-1), ecosystem economic benefit (1811 USD ha-1), and integrated compensation benefit (17,548 USD ha-1). This study demonstrates the potential benefits of long-term optimizing of N management to maintain high maize yields and grain quality, to reduce various environmental impacts and health impacts, and to enhance economic benefits. These benefits can be further enhanced when Opt. N was combined with advanced agronomic management practices. The results also suggest that reducing the optimal N rate from 160 to 145 kg N ha-1 is achievable to further reduce the negative impacts while maintaining high crop productivity. In conclusion, optimizing the N management is essential to promote sustainable summer maize production on the NCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Academy of Agricultural Science, Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (L.Z.); (W.-S.Z.)
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China;
- Department of Plant Sciences, Chair of Plant Nutrition, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (Y.-C.H.); (U.S.)
| | - Wu-Shuai Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Academy of Agricultural Science, Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (L.Z.); (W.-S.Z.)
| | - Qing-Feng Meng
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Yun-Cai Hu
- Department of Plant Sciences, Chair of Plant Nutrition, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (Y.-C.H.); (U.S.)
| | - Urs Schmidhalter
- Department of Plant Sciences, Chair of Plant Nutrition, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (Y.-C.H.); (U.S.)
| | - Cheng-Hu Zhong
- Moith Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., Chizhou 242800, China;
| | - Guo-Yuan Zou
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China;
| | - Xin-Ping Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Academy of Agricultural Science, Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (L.Z.); (W.-S.Z.)
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17
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Yan X, Ye D, Tang Y, Muneer MA, Christie P, Tou C, Xu W, Shen B, Xu J, Zhang J. Potential mitigation of environmental impacts of intensive plum production in southeast China with maintenance of high yields: Evaluation using life cycle assessment. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1158591. [PMID: 37035064 PMCID: PMC10073430 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1158591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intensive plum production usually involves high yields but also high environmental costs due to excessive fertilizer inputs. Quantitative analysis of the environmental effects of plum production is thereby required in the development of optimum strategies to promote sustainable fruit production. METHODS We collected survey questionnaires from 254 plum production farms in Zhao'an county, Fujian province, southeast China to assess the environmental impacts by life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The farms were categorized into four groups based on yield and environmental impacts, i.e., LL (low yield and low environmental impact), LH (low yield but high environmental impact), HL (high yield but low environmental impact), and HH (high yield and high environmental impact). RESULTS The environmental impacts, i.e., average energy depletion, global warming, acidification, and eutrophication potential in plum production were 18.17 GJ ha-1, 3.63 t CO2 eq ha-1, 42.18 kg SO2 eq ha-1, and 25.06 kg PO4 eq ha-1, respectively. Only 19.7% of farmers were in the HL group, with 13.3% in the HH group, 39.0% in LL, and 28.0% LH. Plum yields of the HL group were 109-114% higher than the mean value of all 254 farms. Additionally, the HL group had a lower environmental impact per unit area compared to the overall mean value, with a reduction ranging from 31.9% to 36.7%. Furthermore, on a per tonne of plum production basis, the energy depletion, global warming potential, acidification potential, and eutrophication potential of HL farms were lower by 75.4%, 75.0%, 75.6%, and 75.8%, respectively. Overall, the total environmental impact index of LL, LH, HL, and HH groups were 0.26, 0.42, 0.06, and 0.21, respectively. DISCUSSION Excessive fertilizer N application was the main source of the environmental impacts, the potential to reduce fertilizer N rate can be achieved without compromising plum yield by studying the HH group. The results provide an important foundation for enhancing the management of plum production, in order to promote 'green' agricultural development by reducing environmental impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Yan
- International Magnesium Institute, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Delian Ye
- International Magnesium Institute, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yafu Tang
- International Magnesium Institute, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Atif Muneer
- International Magnesium Institute, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Peter Christie
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Congyue Tou
- International Magnesium Institute, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Weidong Xu
- Soil and Fertilizer Station of Zhaoan County, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Bingrong Shen
- Soil and Fertilizer Station of Zhaoan County, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Jinxian Xu
- Soil and Fertilizer Station of Zhaoan County, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Jiangzhou Zhang
- International Magnesium Institute, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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18
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Carey CN, Paquette M, Sahye-Pudaruth S, Dadvar A, Dinh D, Khodabandehlou K, Liang F, Mishra E, Sidhu M, Brown R, Tandon S, Wanyan J, Bazinet RP, Hanley AJ, Malik V, Sievenpiper JL, Jenkins DJ. The Environmental Sustainability of Plant-Based Dietary Patterns: A Scoping Review. J Nutr 2023; 153:857-869. [PMID: 36809853 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large part of the existential threat associated with climate change is the result of current human feeding patterns. Over the last decade, research evaluating the diet-related environmental impacts of plant-based diets has emerged, and a synthesis of the available data is now due. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the study were as follows: 1) to compile and summarize the literature on diet-related environmental impacts of plant-based dietary patterns; 2) to assess the nature of the data on impacts of plant-based dietary patterns on both environmental parameters and health (e.g., if land use is reduced for a particular diet, is cancer risk also reduced?); and 3) to determine where sufficient data exist for meta-analyses, in addition to identifying gaps within the literature. METHODS Global peer-reviewed studies on the environmental impacts of plant-based diets were searched in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science. After removing duplicates, the screening identified 1553 records. After 2 stages of independent review by 2 reviewers, 65 records met the inclusion criteria and were eligible to be used in synthesis. RESULTS Evidence suggests that plant-based diets may offer lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs), land use, and biodiversity loss than offered by standard diets; however, the impact on water and energy use may depend on the types of plant-based foods consumed. Further, the studies were consistent in demonstrating that plant-based dietary patterns that reduce diet-related mortality also promote environmental sustainability. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there was agreement across the studies regarding the impact of plant-based dietary patterns on GHGE, land used, and biodiversity loss despite varied plant-based diets assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra N Carey
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Melanie Paquette
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandhya Sahye-Pudaruth
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abolfazl Dadvar
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dorothy Dinh
- Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Fred Liang
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ekta Mishra
- McMaster University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mandeep Sidhu
- School of Global Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ramon Brown
- Department of Biology, Western University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shilpa Tandon
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Wanyan
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony J Hanley
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vasanti Malik
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John L Sievenpiper
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Ja Jenkins
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Beck M, Marshall C, Garrett K, Campbell T, Foote A, Vibart R, Pacheco D, Gregorini P. Meta-Regression to Develop Predictive Equations for Urinary Nitrogen Excretion of Lactating Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13. [PMID: 36830408 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dairy cows' urinary nitrogen (N) excretion (UN; g/d) represents a significant environmental concern due to their contribution to nitrate leaching, nitrous oxide (a potent greenhouse gas), and ammonia emissions (contributor to N deposition). The first objective of the current study was to determine the adequacy of existing models to predict UN from total mixed ration (TMR)-fed and fresh forage (FF)-fed cows. Next, we aimed to develop equations to predict UN based on animal factors [milk urea nitrogen (MUN; mg/dL) and body weight (BW, kg)] and to explore how these equations are improved when dietary factors, such as diet type, dry matter intake (DMI), or dietary characteristics [neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and crude protein (CP) content], are considered. A dataset was obtained from 51 published experiments composed of 174 treatment means. The whole dataset was used to evaluate the mean and linear biases of three existing equations including diet type as an interaction term; all models had significant linear and mean biases and two of the three models had poor predictive capabilities as indicated by their large relative prediction error (RPE; root mean square error of prediction as a percent of the observed mean). Next, the complete data set was split into training and test sets, which were used to develop and to evaluate new models, respectively. The first model included MUN and BW, and there was a significant interaction between diet type and the coefficients. This model had the worst 1:1 agreement [Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) = 0.50] and largest RPE (24.7%). Models that included both animal and dietary factors performed the best, and when included in the model, the effect of diet type was no longer significant (p > 0.10). These models all had very good agreement (CCC ≥ 0.86) and relatively low RPE (≤13.1%). This meta-analysis developed precise and accurate equations to predict UN from dairy cows in both confined and pasture-based systems.
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20
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Widdicks K, Lucivero F, Samuel G, Croxatto LS, Smith MT, Holter CT, Berners-Lee M, Blair GS, Jirotka M, Knowles B, Sorrell S, Rivera MB, Cook C, Coroamă VC, Foxon TJ, Hardy J, Hilty LM, Hinterholzer S, Penzenstadler B. Systems thinking and efficiency under emissions constraints: Addressing rebound effects in digital innovation and policy. Patterns (N Y) 2023; 4:100679. [PMID: 36873905 PMCID: PMC9982294 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2023.100679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Innovations and efficiencies in digital technology have lately been depicted as paramount in the green transition to enable the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, both in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector and the wider economy. This, however, fails to adequately account for rebound effects that can offset emission savings and, in the worst case, increase emissions. In this perspective, we draw on a transdisciplinary workshop with 19 experts from carbon accounting, digital sustainability research, ethics, sociology, public policy, and sustainable business to expose the challenges of addressing rebound effects in digital innovation processes and associated policy. We utilize a responsible innovation approach to uncover potential ways forward for incorporating rebound effects in these domains, concluding that addressing ICT-related rebound effects ultimately requires a shift from an ICT efficiency-centered perspective to a "systems thinking" model, which aims to understand efficiency as one solution among others that requires constraints on emissions for ICT environmental savings to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gordon S. Blair
- Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Birgit Penzenstadler
- Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
- Lappeenranta University of Technology, Lappeenranta, Finland
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21
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Yang Y, Zhang L, Zhang J, Ren Y, Huo H, Zhang X, Huang K, Zhang Z. Reengineering Waste Boxwood Powder into Light and High-Strength Biodegradable Composites to Replace Petroleum-Based Synthetic Materials. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:4505-4515. [PMID: 36629909 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c19844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The preparation of biocomposites from renewable and sustainable forestry residues is an effective method to significantly reduce the environmental pollution caused by synthetic materials such as plastics and synthetic fibers. This study is aimed at developing a clean process for the large-scale production of high-performance green biocomposites without involving any chemical adhesive. Adhesive-free biocomposites with superior mechanical properties were prepared using HCl ball milling pretreatment and in situ synthesis. The nano-Fe3O4 was uniformly dispersed in the cellulose matrix, and when the matrix was subjected to external forces, the stress concentration effect around the particles absorbed energy, thus effectively improving the mechanical strength of the matrix. The flexural strength and tensile strength of BWP(Fe3O4) samples were increased by 159.04 and 175.34%, compared to that of regular wood powder control samples. The lignin melts under high temperature and pressure and then forms a carbonized layer on the surface of the biocomposites during the cooling process, which prevents the rapid penetration of water from the surface and also gives the biocomposites good thermal stability. The results of this research can avoid the harmful volatiles generated by chemical adhesive than that of the traditional fiberboard process and effectively replace petroleum-based synthetic materials prepared using the addition of various chemical additives, making it conform to the concept of environmental protection and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- College of Furniture and Art Design, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Furniture Engineering Technology Research Center, National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Home Engineering Technology Research Center in Hunan, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Furniture and Art Design, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Furniture Engineering Technology Research Center, National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Home Engineering Technology Research Center in Hunan, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Dongyang Furniture Institute, Dongyang 322100, China
| | - JiJuan Zhang
- College of Furniture and Art Design, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Furniture Engineering Technology Research Center, National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Home Engineering Technology Research Center in Hunan, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Ren
- College of Furniture and Art Design, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Furniture Engineering Technology Research Center, National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Home Engineering Technology Research Center in Hunan, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
| | - HongFei Huo
- College of Furniture and Art Design, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Furniture Engineering Technology Research Center, National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Home Engineering Technology Research Center in Hunan, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- College of Furniture and Art Design, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Furniture Engineering Technology Research Center, National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Home Engineering Technology Research Center in Hunan, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
| | - Kai Huang
- College of Furniture and Art Design, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Furniture Engineering Technology Research Center, National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Home Engineering Technology Research Center in Hunan, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Dongyang Furniture Institute, Dongyang 322100, China
| | - Zhongfeng Zhang
- College of Furniture and Art Design, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Furniture Engineering Technology Research Center, National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
- Green Home Engineering Technology Research Center in Hunan, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
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22
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Salvagnin U, Unkel K, Sprink T, Bundock P, Sevenier R, Bogdanović M, Todorović S, Cankar K, Hakkert JC, Schijlen E, Nieuwenhuis R, Hingsamer M, Kulmer V, Kernitzkyi M, Bosch D, Martens S, Malnoy M. A comparison of three different delivery methods for achieving CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing in Cichorium intybus L. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1111110. [PMID: 37123849 PMCID: PMC10131283 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1111110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Root chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. sativum) is used to extract inulin, a fructose polymer used as a natural sweetener and prebiotic. However, bitter tasting sesquiterpene lactones, giving chicory its known flavour, need to be removed during inulin extraction. To avoid this extraction and associated costs, recently chicory variants with a lower sesquiterpene lactone content were created by inactivating the four copies of the germacrene A synthase gene (CiGAS-S1, -S2, -S3, -L) which encode the enzyme initiating bitter sesquiterpene lactone biosynthesis in chicory. In this study, different delivery methods for CRISPR/Cas9 reagents have been compared regarding their efficiency to induce mutations in the CiGAS genes, the frequency of off-target mutations as well as their environmental and economic impacts. CRISPR/Cas9 reagents were delivered by Agrobacterium-mediated stable transformation or transient delivery by plasmid or preassembled ribonucleic complexes (RNPs) using the same sgRNA. All methods used lead to a high number of INDEL mutations within the CiGAS-S1 and CiGAS-S2 genes, which match the used sgRNA perfectly; additionally, the CiGAS-S3 and CiGAS-L genes, which have a single mismatch with the sgRNA, were mutated but with a lower mutation efficiency. While using both RNPs and plasmids delivery resulted in biallelic, heterozygous or homozygous mutations, plasmid delivery resulted in 30% of unwanted integration of plasmid fragments in the genome. Plants transformed via Agrobacteria often showed chimerism and a mixture of CiGAS genotypes. This genetic mosaic becomes more diverse when plants were grown over a prolonged period. While the genotype of the on-targets varied between the transient and stable delivery methods, no off-target activity in six identified potential off-targets with two to four mismatches was found. The environmental impacts (greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and primary energy demand) of the methods are highly dependent on their individual electricity demand. From an economic view - like for most research and development activities - employment and value-added multiplier effects are high; particularly when compared to industrial or manufacturing processes. Considering all aspects, we conclude that using RNPs is the most suitable method for genome editing in chicory since it led to a high efficiency of editing, no off-target mutations, non-transgenic plants with no risk of unwanted integration of plasmid DNA and without needed segregation of transgenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Salvagnin
- Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), Centro Ricerca e Innovazione, San Michele all’Adige, TN, Italy
- *Correspondence: Umberto Salvagnin, ; Mickael Malnoy,
| | - Katharina Unkel
- Julius Kuehn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Thorben Sprink
- Julius Kuehn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Paul Bundock
- Keygene N.V., Agro Business Park 90, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Robert Sevenier
- Keygene N.V., Agro Business Park 90, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Milica Bogdanović
- Department for Plant Physiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slađana Todorović
- Department for Plant Physiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Cankar
- Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Elio Schijlen
- Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Ronald Nieuwenhuis
- Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Dirk Bosch
- Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Martens
- Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), Centro Ricerca e Innovazione, San Michele all’Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Mickael Malnoy
- Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), Centro Ricerca e Innovazione, San Michele all’Adige, TN, Italy
- *Correspondence: Umberto Salvagnin, ; Mickael Malnoy,
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23
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Jia L, Zhang J, Qiao G. Scale and Environmental Impacts of Food Loss and Waste in China-A Material Flow Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 20:460. [PMID: 36612779 PMCID: PMC9819669 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of China's food loss and waste (FLW) and its increasing impacts on food security and environmental sustainability is urgently needed to guide policy intervention and avoid unnecessary damage to human health and the environment. This paper estimates the scale of China's FLW in 2019 and assesses the environmental impacts of major food types along the entire food supply chain (FSC) by using a food balance and material flow analysis (MFA) based on existing empirical research. The results show a total FLW of 422.56 Mt which is around 22.37% of total food production (1889.12 Mt). There are also serious environmental impacts on the land footprint (LF), water footprint (WF), and the carbon footprint (CF) estimation (4152.36 × 109 gm2, 613.84 × 106 t CO2e and 506.07 × 109 m3 on average, respectively), most of which are found in foods of animal products, cereals, vegetables and fruit at the stages of consumption, agricultural production, postharvest handling and storage. In addition, the root causes of FLW generation at different levels-micro, meso and macro-were also analyzed. These results will provide significant guidance to researchers and decision-makers on primary data collection and reduction-policy development for China's FLW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jia
- College of Economics and Management, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010010, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Guanghua Qiao
- College of Economics and Management, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010010, China
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24
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Andrade LRS, Felisardo RJA, Cruz IA, Bilal M, Iqbal HMN, Mulla SI, Bharagava RN, de Souza RL, Azevedo LCB, Ferreira LFR. Integrated Biorefinery and Life Cycle Assessment of Cassava Processing Residue-From Production to Sustainable Evaluation. Plants (Basel) 2022; 11:3577. [PMID: 36559689 PMCID: PMC9785145 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Commonly known as a subsistence culture, cassava came to be considered a commodity and key to adding value. However, this tuber's processing for starch and flour production is responsible for generating a large amount of waste that causes serious environmental problems. This biomass of varied biochemical composition has excellent potential for producing fuels (biogas, bioethanol, butanol, biohydrogen) and non-energetic products (succinic acid, glucose syrup, lactic acid) via biorefinery. However, there are environmental challenges, leading to uncertainties related to the sustainability of biorefineries. Thus, the provision of information generated in life cycle assessment (LCA) can help reduce bottlenecks found in the productive stages, making production more competitive. Within that, this review concentrates information on the production of value-added products, the environmental impact generated, and the sustainability of biorefineries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Renata Santos Andrade
- Graduate Program in Process Engineering, Tiradentes University, Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Farolândia, Aracaju 49032-490, SE, Brazil
- Biomass Technology Laboratory, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boul, de L’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Raul José Alves Felisardo
- Graduate Program in Process Engineering, Tiradentes University, Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Farolândia, Aracaju 49032-490, SE, Brazil
| | - Ianny Andrade Cruz
- Graduate Program in Process Engineering, Tiradentes University, Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Farolândia, Aracaju 49032-490, SE, Brazil
- Biomass Technology Laboratory, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boul, de L’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, PL-60965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Campus Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Sikandar I. Mulla
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Allied Health Sciences, REVA University, Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Ram Naresh Bharagava
- Laboratory for Bioremediation and Metagenomics Research (LBMR), Department of Environmental Microbiology (DEM), Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, India
| | - Ranyere Lucena de Souza
- Graduate Program in Process Engineering, Tiradentes University, Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Farolândia, Aracaju 49032-490, SE, Brazil
- Institute of Technology and Research, Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Farolândia, Aracaju 49032-490, SE, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Fernando Romanholo Ferreira
- Graduate Program in Process Engineering, Tiradentes University, Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Farolândia, Aracaju 49032-490, SE, Brazil
- Institute of Technology and Research, Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Farolândia, Aracaju 49032-490, SE, Brazil
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25
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Lin M, Wu Y, Qin B, Cao W, Liu J, Xu Z, Ruan J. Response to the Upcoming Emerging Waste: Necessity and Feasibility Analysis of Photovoltaic Waste Recovery in China. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:17396-17409. [PMID: 36354075 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
With the widespread photovoltaic deployment to achieve the net-zero energy goal, the resulting photovoltaic waste draws attention. In China, considerable steps have not been taken for photovoltaic waste management. The lack of relevant scientific information on photovoltaic waste brings difficulties to the establishment of photovoltaic waste regulatory systems. In this study, the necessity and feasibility of photovoltaic waste recovery were investigated. In China, the photovoltaic waste stream was quantified as 48.67-60.78 million t in 2050. In photovoltaic waste, indium, selenium, cadmium, and gallium were in high risk, judging by the metal criticality analysis, which meant that their recovery was significant to alleviate the resource shortage. The full recovery method was proved to reduce the environmental burdens most. For cost and benefit analysis, the net present value/size was -1.02 $/kg according to the current industrial status. However, it can be profitable with the recovery of silver. This study provides scientific and comprehensive information for photovoltaic waste management in China and is expected to promote the sustainable development of photovoltaic industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Yusen Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Baojia Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijian Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhong Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenming Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Jujun Ruan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou510275, People's Republic of China
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26
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Govindasamy R, Gayathiri E, Sankar S, Venkidasamy B, Prakash P, Rekha K, Savaner V, Pari A, Thirumalaivasan N, Thiruvengadam M. Emerging Trends of Nanotechnology and Genetic Engineering in Cyanobacteria to Optimize Production for Future Applications. Life (Basel) 2022; 12. [PMID: 36556378 DOI: 10.3390/life12122013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize various fields of research and development. Multiple nanoparticles employed in a nanotechnology process are the magic elixir that provides unique features that are not present in the component's natural form. In the framework of contemporary research, it is inappropriate to synthesize microparticles employing procedures that include noxious elements. For this reason, scientists are investigating safer ways to produce genetically improved Cyanobacteria, which has many novel features and acts as a potential candidate for nanoparticle synthesis. In recent decades, cyanobacteria have garnered significant interest due to their prospective nanotechnological uses. This review will outline the applications of genetically engineered cyanobacteria in the field of nanotechnology and discuss its challenges and future potential. The evolution of cyanobacterial strains by genetic engineering is subsequently outlined. Furthermore, the recombination approaches that may be used to increase the industrial potential of cyanobacteria are discussed. This review provides an overview of the research undertaken to increase the commercial avenues of cyanobacteria and attempts to explain prospective topics for future research.
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27
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Shurson GC, Urriola PE, Hung YT. Too Much of a Good Thing: Rethinking Feed Formulation and Feeding Practices for Zinc in Swine Diets to Achieve One Health and Environmental Sustainability. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233374. [PMID: 36496895 PMCID: PMC9739216 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this review were to summarize current knowledge of Zn in swine nutrition, environmental concerns, potential contribution to antimicrobial resistance, and explore the use of alternative feeding strategies to reduce Zn excretion in manure while capturing improvements in productivity. Zinc is a required nutrient for pigs but is commonly supplemented at concentrations that greatly exceed estimated requirements. Feeding pharmacological concentrations of Zn from ZnO to pigs for 1 to 2 weeks post-weaning reduces post-weaning diarrhea and improves growth performance. Feeding elevated dietary levels of Zn to sows during the last 30 days of gestation can reduce the incidence of low-birth-weight pigs and pre-weaning mortality. Most of the dietary Zn consumed by pigs is not retained in the body and is subsequently excreted in manure, which led several countries to impose regulations restricting dietary Zn concentrations to reduce environmental impacts. Although restricting Zn supplementation in swine diets is a reasonable approach for reducing environmental pollution, it does not allow capturing health and productivity benefits from strategic use of elevated dietary Zn concentrations. Therefore, we propose feeding strategies that allow strategic use of high dietary concentrations of Zn while also reducing Zn excretion in manure compared with current feeding practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald C. Shurson
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Pedro E. Urriola
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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28
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Xu J, Hao Y, Yang Z, Li W, Xie W, Huang Y, Wang D, He Y, Liang Y, Matsiko J, Wang P. Rubber Antioxidants and Their Transformation Products: Environmental Occurrence and Potential Impact. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph192114595. [PMID: 36361475 PMCID: PMC9657274 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Antioxidants are prevalently used during rubber production to improve rubber performance, delay aging, and extend service life. However, recent studies have revealed that their transformation products (TPs) could adversely affect environmental organisms and even lead to environmental events, which led to great public concern about environmental occurrence and potential impacts of rubber antioxidants and their TPs. In this review, we first summarize the category and application of rubber antioxidants in the world, and then demonstrate the formation mechanism of their TPs in the environment, emphasizing their influence on the ozone oxidative degradation. The potential toxic effects of antioxidants and their TPs are further reviewed to improve understanding of their biological health impact and environmental risks. Finally, the environmental occurrences of antioxidants and their TPs are summarized and their environmental impacts are demonstrated based on the recent studies. Due to the currently limited understanding on the toxic and biological effects of these compounds, further studies are required in order to better assess various TPs of these antioxidants and their environmental impact. To our knowledge, this is the first review on antioxidants and their TPs in the environment, which may elevate the environmental risk awareness of rubber products and their TPs in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yanfen Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Zhiruo Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Wenjing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yani Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Deliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yuqing He
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Julius Matsiko
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Muni University, Arua P.O. Box 725, Uganda
| | - Pu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
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29
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Boutot J, Peltz AS, McVay R, Kang M. Documented Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells Across the United States. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:14228-14236. [PMID: 36162410 PMCID: PMC9583604 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Orphaned oil and gas wells are unplugged nonproducing wells with no solvent owner of record to plug and mitigate them, such that the responsibility often falls on government agencies and the general public. Unplugged wells pose risks to the environment, climate, and human health. To develop a national framework to quantify the environmental benefits of plugging and optimize mitigation, we analyze oil and gas well data from state agencies across the United States to estimate the number of documented orphaned wells over time and evaluate their attributes. We find at least 81,857 documented orphaned wells as of September 2021 and 123,318 as of April 2022, representing 2% and 3%, respectively, of all estimated abandoned wells in the United States. We identify at least 20,286 potentially documented orphaned wells as of September 2021 (0.5% of all estimated abandoned wells in the country), of which 8% became documented orphaned wells as of April 2022. We estimate annual methane emissions to average 0.016 ± 0.001 MMt of CH4 for the 123,318 documented orphaned wells as of April 2022, corresponding to 5-6% of the total methane emissions estimated by the U.S. EPA for all abandoned wells. Although well type (i.e., oil vs gas) is generally available (83% of the 81,857 documented orphaned wells as of September 2021), only 49% and 16% of the wells have information on depth and last production date, respectively. Overall, documented orphaned wells and their attributes, including location, well type, depth, and last production date, require additional characterization and studies to constrain the uncertainties. Nevertheless, our identification and analysis of documented orphaned wells represent the first steps toward characterizing the full set of wells eligible to be plugged and remediated with the federal funding available in the U.S. via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Our results can also be useful for the management of the hundreds of thousands, potentially a million, undocumented orphaned wells likely to exist across the nation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Boutot
- Department
of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Adam S. Peltz
- Environmental
Defense Fund, 257 Park Avenue South, New York, New York 10010, United
States
| | - Renee McVay
- Environmental
Defense Fund, 257 Park Avenue South, New York, New York 10010, United
States
| | - Mary Kang
- Department
of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
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30
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Sijm-Eeken ME, Arkenaar W, Jaspers MW, Peute LW. Medical informatics and climate change: a framework for modeling green healthcare solutions. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022; 29:2083-2088. [PMID: 36219786 PMCID: PMC9667184 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to develop a theory-based framework to enhance and accelerate development, selection, and implementation of solutions mitigating the climate impact of healthcare organizations. Materials and Methods Existing frameworks were combined to develop the Green-MIssion (Medical Informatics Solutions) framework. It was further developed and refined by mapping solutions from project plans and reviewing it with an expert panel. Results The framework classifies solutions into three categories: (1) monitor and measure environmental impact of a healthcare setting; (2) help create and increase awareness among employees and patients; and (3) interventions to reduce environmental impacts. Discussion and Conclusion The framework combines concepts from healthcare information technology and environmental sciences and can be used to structure green medical informatics solutions for different healthcare settings. Furthermore, research should evaluate its application for measuring and assessing the impact of green medical informatics solutions on environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke E Sijm-Eeken
- Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, Amsterdam Public Health Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Welmoed Arkenaar
- Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique W Jaspers
- Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Human Factors Engineering of Health Information Technology, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda W Peute
- Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Human Factors Engineering of Health Information Technology, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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31
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Ji L, Wang Y, Xie Y, Xu M, Cai Y, Fu S, Ma L, Su X. Potential Life-Cycle Environmental Impacts of the COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Test. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:13398-13407. [PMID: 36053337 PMCID: PMC9469759 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Massive diagnostic testing has been performed for appropriate screening and identification of COVID-19 cases in the ongoing global pandemic. However, the environmental impacts of COVID-19 diagnostics have been least considered. In this paper, the environmental impacts of the COVID-19 nucleic acid diagnostics were assessed by following a full cradle-to-grave life-cycle approach. The corresponding life-cycle anthology was established to provide quantitative analysis. Moreover, three alternative scenarios, i.e., material substitution, improved waste treatment, and electric vehicle (EV)-based transportation, were further proposed to discuss the potential environmental mitigation and conservation strategies. It was estimated that the life cycle of a single COVID-19 nucleic acid diagnostic test in China would lead to the emission of 612.9 g CO2 equiv global warming potential. Waste treatment, as a step of life cycle, worsen the environmental impacts such as global warming potential, eutrophication, and ecotoxicity. Meanwhile, diesel-driven transportation was considered as the major contributor to particulate air. Even though COVID-19 diagnostics are of the greatest importance to end the pandemic, their environmental impacts should not be ignored. It is suggested that improved approaches for waste treatment, low-carbon transportation, and a reliable pool sampling strategy are critical for the achievement of sustainable and green diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ji
- School
of Economics and Management, Beijing University
of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yongyang Wang
- Institute
of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yulei Xie
- Institute
of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Ming Xu
- School
for Environment and Sustainability, University
of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yanpeng Cai
- Institute
of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Shengnan Fu
- College
of Life Science and Technology, Beijing
University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Liang Ma
- China-Japan
Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xin Su
- College
of Life Science and Technology, Beijing
University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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32
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Sisma-Ventura G, Belkin N, Rubin-Blum M, Jacobson Y, Hauzer H, Bar-Zeev E, Rahav E. Discharge of Polyphosphonate-Based Antiscalants via Desalination Brine: Impact on Seabed Nutrient Flux and Microbial Activity. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:13142-13151. [PMID: 36044758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Desalination brine is a hypersaline byproduct that contains various operational chemicals such as polyphosphonate-based antiscalants. Brine often sinks and flows over the seabed by density currents; therefore, it may affect sediment-water nutrient fluxes and thus microbial activity. We quantified these parameters in brine plumes around two large-scale desalination facilities located in the P-limited Southeastern Mediterranean Sea. The benthic nutrient fluxes and microbial activity were determined using ex-situ core benthocosms, to which we added brine from the dispersion area in excess salinities of ∼3% and 5% above natural levels. A higher influx of dissolved organic phosphorus (∼6-fold) and an efflux of dissolved organic carbon (∼1.7-fold) were measured in the brine-amended cores relative to the controls. This was accompanied by increased oxygen consumption (15%) and increased microbial activity (∼1.5-6.5-fold). Field observations support the results from experimental manipulations, yielding ∼4.5-fold higher microbial activity rates around the brine plume compared to uninfluenced locations. Our results imply that desalination brine can alter sedimentary processes affecting benthic nutrients inventories. Moreover, we show that brine acts as a vector of anthropogenic P, stimulating microbial activity in the sediment-water interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Sisma-Ventura
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa, 8030, Israel 310800
| | - Natalia Belkin
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa, 8030, Israel 310800
| | - Maxim Rubin-Blum
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa, 8030, Israel 310800
| | - Yitzhak Jacobson
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa, 8030, Israel 310800
| | - Hagar Hauzer
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa, 8030, Israel 310800
| | - Edo Bar-Zeev
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, 84990, Israel
| | - Eyal Rahav
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa, 8030, Israel 310800
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33
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Berardy AJ, Rubín-García M, Sabaté J. A Scoping Review of the Environmental Impacts and Nutrient Composition of Plant-Based Milks. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:2559-2572. [PMID: 36083996 PMCID: PMC9930689 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dairy milk is a ubiquitous nutrient-dense beverage and ingredient, especially in Western diets. However, consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to dairy, called plant-based milks (PBMs), to avoid allergens, pursue a plant-based diet, or reduce their environmental impacts. The base ingredients used in PBMs have a wide range of environmental impacts, which may translate to substantial variation across the impacts associated with PBMs themselves. To assess the state of the literature on this topic, we performed a scoping review of the environmental impacts of PBMs, following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. Recent growth in the variety of PBMs available means that there is unlikely yet enough data for conclusive statements regarding environmental impacts of all PBM types, which makes this topic appropriate for a scoping review. We included all relevant documents found through searching scholarly databases. We found 20 studies covering 6 types of PBMs, but the literature does not examine many other types of PBMs. All studies examined use the life cycle assessment methodology. The most data regarding environmental impacts were available for soy- and almond-based milks, and the most common impact quantified was greenhouse gas emissions. We also examined the nutrient composition of PBMs compared with dairy using data from the USDA. PBMs attempt to replicate the organoleptic properties of dairy but often do not exactly match the nutrient profile of dairy. We identified a need for the application of a standardized methodology to facilitate more comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts of the wide variety of PBMs available, which are presented as environmentally preferable to dairy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Rubín-García
- Group of Investigation in Interactions Gene-Environment and Health
(GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León,
Spain
| | - Joan Sabaté
- School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda,
CA, USA
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34
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Vaverková MD, Paleologos EK, Adamcová D, Podlasek A, Pasternak G, Červenková J, Skutnik Z, Koda E, Winkler J. Municipal solid waste landfill: Evidence of the effect of applied landfill management on vegetation composition. Waste Manag Res 2022; 40:1402-1411. [PMID: 35199614 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x221079304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Proper management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is crucial to avoid pollution, environmental impacts and threat to public health. The problem of MSW is mainly arising from inadequate landfill site management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of management practices and environmental risks at two landfill sites. The landfills were subject to long-term (10 years) vegetation monitoring. The vegetation was assessed using a floristic survey of identified plant species. The vegetation analysis showed that significant differences existed between the two landfill locations, with neophytes, invasive and expansive species dominating on one of the landfill sites, which may be attributed to climatic and geomorphological differences between the two sites, but also to variations in landfill management. These environmentally problematic species can potentially spread from the landfill into adjacent ecosystems, displace native plants and degrade adjacent farmland areas. The study of vegetation monitoring data suggests that, in addition to other types of monitoring, landfills should be subjected to regular vegetation biomonitoring, too. Landfill management practices should target the regulation of unwanted species, create conditions that are favourable to native plant species and provide as early as possible the restoration of filled cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Daria Vaverková
- Department of Applied and Landscape Ecology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Evan K Paleologos
- Department of Civil Engineering, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dana Adamcová
- Department of Applied and Landscape Ecology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Podlasek
- Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Pasternak
- Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jana Červenková
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdzisław Skutnik
- Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Eugeniusz Koda
- Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Winkler
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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35
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Taslakyan L, Baker MC, Shrestha DS, Strawn DG, Möller G. CO 2 e footprint and eco-impact of ultralow phosphorus removal by hydrous ferric oxide reactive filtration: A municipal wastewater LCA case study. Water Environ Res 2022; 94:e10777. [PMID: 36004674 PMCID: PMC9540262 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Dual upflow reactive filtration by a slowly moving sand bed with continuously renewed, hydrous ferric oxide-coated sand is used for removing polluting substances and for meeting the ultralow 0.05 mg/l total phosphorus discharge permit limits at a 1.2 million liters per day (0.32 million gallons per day) water resource recovery facility in Plummer, Idaho, in the United States. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of this reactive filtration installation was carried out to assess the environmental hotspots in the system and analyze alternative system configurations with a focus on CO2 equivalent (CO2 e) global warming potential, freshwater and marine eutrophication, and mineral resource scarcity. "What if" scenarios with alternative inputs for the energy, metal salts, and air compressor optimization show trade-offs between the impact categories. Key results that show a comparative reduction of global warming potential include the use of Fe versus Al metal salts, the use of renewable energy, and the energy efficiency benefit of optimizing process inputs, such as compressor air pressure, to match operational demand. The LCA shows a 2 × 10-2 kg CO2 e footprint per cubic meter of water, with 47% from housing concrete, and an overall freshwater eutrophication impact reduced by 99% versus no treatment. The use of renewable hydropower energy at this site isolates construction concrete as a target for lowering the CO2 e footprint. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The main LCA eco-impact hotspots in this dual reactive filtration tertiary treatment are construction concrete and the ferric sulfate used. Iron salts show smaller impact in global warming, freshwater eutrophication, and mineral resource scarcity than "what if scenario" aluminum salts. The energy mix for this site is predominantly hydropower; other energy mix "what if" scenarios show larger impacts. Operational energy efficiency and thermodynamic analysis show that fine tuning the air compressor helps reduce carbon footprint and energy use. LCA shows a favorable 2 x 10-2 kg CO2e/m3 water impact with 99% reduction of freshwater eutrophication potential versus no treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lusine Taslakyan
- Department of Soil and Water SystemsUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
- Water Resources ProgramUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Martin C. Baker
- Department of Soil and Water SystemsUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Dev S. Shrestha
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Daniel G. Strawn
- Department of Soil and Water SystemsUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
- Water Resources ProgramUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Gregory Möller
- Department of Soil and Water SystemsUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
- Water Resources ProgramUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
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36
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Lam KL, Solon K, Jia M, Volcke EIP, van der Hoek JP. Life Cycle Environmental Impacts of Wastewater-Derived Phosphorus Products: An Agricultural End-User Perspective. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:10289-10298. [PMID: 35796480 PMCID: PMC9301919 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Recovering phosphorus from wastewater in more concentrated forms has potential to sustainably recirculate phosphorus from cities to agriculture. The environmental sustainability of wastewater-based phosphorus recovery processes or wastewater-derived phosphorus products can be evaluated using life cycle assessment (LCA). Many LCA studies used a process perspective to account for the impacts of integrating phosphorus recovery processes at wastewater treatment plants, while some used a product perspective to assess the impacts of producing wastewater-derived phosphorus products. We demonstrated the application of an end-user perspective by assessing life cycle environmental impacts of substituting half of the conventional phosphorus rock-based fertilizers used in three crop production systems with wastewater-derived phosphorus products from six recovery pathways (RPs). The consequential LCA results show that the substitution reduces global warming potential, eutrophication potential, ecotoxicity potential, and acidification potential of the assessed crop production systems in most RPs and scenarios. The end-user perspective introduced in this study can (i) complement with the process perspective and the product perspective to give a more holistic picture of environmental impacts along the "circular economy value chains" of wastewater-based resource recovery, (ii) enable systemwide assessment of wide uptake of wastewater-derived products, and (iii) draw attention to understanding the long-term environmental impacts of using wastewater-derived products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Leung Lam
- Department
of Water Management, Delft University of
Technology, Stevinweg
1, Delft 2628 CN, The Netherlands
- Division
of Natural and Applied Sciences, Duke Kunshan
University, 8 Duke Avenue, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215316, China
- ,
| | - Kimberly Solon
- BioCo
Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Mingsheng Jia
- BioCo
Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Eveline I. P. Volcke
- BioCo
Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Department
of Water Management, Delft University of
Technology, Stevinweg
1, Delft 2628 CN, The Netherlands
- Waternet, Korte Ouderkerkerdijk 7, Amsterdam 1096 AC, The Netherlands
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Mitrovic M, Tomasevic I, Djekic I. Assessment of Environmental Impacts from Different Perspectives-Case Study of Egg Value Chain System in Serbia. Foods 2022; 11:foods11121697. [PMID: 35741893 PMCID: PMC9223104 DOI: 10.3390/foods11121697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The environmental performance of various aspects of animal origin food supply chains has been the focus of research in recent years, and has provided useful information. However, there were no studies that covered the entire egg supply chain from different perspectives. The aim of this study was to analyze the majority of environmental impacts in the table egg supply chain comprising of three subsystems: farms, retail outlets and households, with quantification of each individual subsystem and the entire supply chain. All data were gathered from 30 farms, 50 retail stores and 300 households in Serbia. In parallel, the perception and ranking of environmental impacts along the supply chain were also evaluated. Finally, the quality function deployment for the environment was used to determine the degree of correlation between the set of environmental requirements and the identified environmental impacts. Results revealed that the greatest environmental impacts come from the production of feed for laying hens and the use of natural resources, and they contribute the most to the pollution of each individual environmental indicator. Additionally, the results show the differences in the environmental impacts of each individual subsystem and identify opportunities to mitigate them through the optimization of animal feed, energy consumption and household food waste management. The overall perspective of the egg supply chain points to climate change effects as the most important. The differences in the perceptions of environmental impacts along the entire egg supply chain suggest the need for promotion of mitigation strategies to all stakeholders that would encourage them to achieve sustainable development goals.
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Hsieh IYL, Chossière GP, Gençer E, Chen H, Barrett S, Green WH. An Integrated Assessment of Emissions, Air Quality, and Public Health Impacts of China's Transition to Electric Vehicles. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:6836-6846. [PMID: 35171556 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a promising pathway to providing cleaner personal mobility. China provides substantial supports to increase EV market share. This study provides an extensive analysis of the currently unclear environmental and health benefits of these incentives at the provincial level. EVs in China have modest cradle-to-gate CO2 benefits (on average 29%) compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), but have similar carbon emissions relative to hybrid electric vehicles. Well-to-wheel air pollutant emissions assessment shows that emissions associated with ICEVs are mainly from gasoline production, not the tailpipe, suggesting tighter emissions controls on refineries are needed to combat air pollution problems effectively. By integrating a vehicle fleet model into policy scenario analysis, we quantify the policy impacts associated with the passenger vehicles in the major Chinese provinces: broader EV penetration, especially combined with cleaner power generation, could deliver greater air quality and health benefits, but not necessarily significant climate change mitigation. The total value to society of the climate and mortality benefits in 2030 is found to be comparable to a prior estimate of the EV policy's economic costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Yun Lisa Hsieh
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Guillaume P Chossière
- Laboratory for Aviation and the Environment, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Emre Gençer
- MIT Energy Initiative, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- School of Applied Economics, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Steven Barrett
- Laboratory for Aviation and the Environment, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - William H Green
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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Weligama Thuppahige RT, Babel S. Environmental impact assessment of organic fraction of municipal solid waste treatment by anaerobic digestion in Sri Lanka. Waste Manag Res 2022; 40:236-243. [PMID: 33908286 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x211013405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The management of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) has continued to be a significant challenge in Sri Lanka. Anaerobic digestion is one of the management options of OFMSW. However, it generates unavoidable environmental impacts that should be addressed. The present study focuses to assess the environmental impact of a full-scale anaerobic digestion plant in Sri Lanka from a life cycle perspective. The inventory data were obtained from direct interviews and field measurements. Environmental burdens were found to be in terms of global warming potential (230 kg CO2 eq) ozone formation on human health (6.15 × 10-6 kg NOx eq), freshwater eutrophication (2.92 × 10-3 kg P eq), freshwater ecotoxicity (9.27 × 10-5 kg 1,4 DCB eq), human carcinogenic toxicity (3.98 × 10-4 kg 1,4 DCB eq), land use (1.32 × 10-4 m2 a crop eq) and water consumption (2.23 × 10-2 m3). The stratospheric ozone depletion, fine particulate matter formation, ozone formation on terrestrial ecosystems, terrestrial acidification, marine eutrophication, ecotoxicity (terrestrial and marine), human non-carcinogenic toxicity, mineral resource scarcity and fossil resource scarcity, were avoided due to electricity production. Results show that the direct gaseous emissions and digestate generation should be addressed in order to reduce the burdens from the anaerobic digestion plant. Finally, the results of the study could help in policy formation and decision-making in selecting future waste management systems in Sri Lanka.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandhya Babel
- School of Bio-Chemical Engineering and Technology, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
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40
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Andeobu L, Wibowo S, Grandhi S. Medical Waste from COVID-19 Pandemic-A Systematic Review of Management and Environmental Impacts in Australia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19031381. [PMID: 35162400 PMCID: PMC8835138 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created a global medical emergency. The unforeseen occurrence of a pandemic of this magnitude has resulted in overwhelming levels of medical waste and raises questions about management and disposal practices, and environmental impacts. The amount of medical waste generated from COVID-19 since the outbreak is estimated to be 2.6 million tons/day worldwide. In Australia, heaps of single-use gowns, facemasks/face shields, aprons, gloves, goggles, sanitizers, sharps, and syringes are disposed everyday as a result of the pandemic. Moreover, the establishment of new home/hotel quarantine facilities and isolation/quarantine centres in various Australian states and territories have increased the risks of transmission among people in these facilities and the likelihoods of general waste becoming contaminated with medical waste. This warrants the need to examine management and disposal practices implemented to reduce the transmission and spread of the virus. This study reviews the various management and disposal practices adopted in Australia for dealing with medical waste from the COVID-19 pandemic and their impacts on public health and the environment. To achieve the aims of this study, prior studies from 2019–2021 from various databases are collected and analysed. The study focuses on generation of medical waste from COVID-19, management and disposal methods, current problems/challenges and environmental and public health impacts. Considering the enormous risks involved and the significance of appropriate handling and disposal of medical waste from COVID-19, this study provides insights on short and long term responses towards managing COVID-19 waste in Australia. The study contributes to Australia’s efforts against the transmission and spread of COVID-19 and provides recommendations for the development of workable and sustainable strategies for mitigating similar pandemics in the future.
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Mosbahi N, Pezy JP, Dauvin JC, Neifar L. COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: An Excellent Opportunity to Study the Effects of Trawling Disturbance on Macrobenthic Fauna in the Shallow Waters of the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia, Central Mediterranean Sea). Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19031282. [PMID: 35162301 PMCID: PMC8834931 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study describes for the first time in the central Mediterranean Sea the effects of bottom trawling on macrobenthic fauna in tidal channels of the Kneiss Islands in the Gulf of Gabès, Tunisia. Following a BACI protocol, two control stations (protected by artificial reefs) and two trawled stations (impacted stations) were sampled during a period with the absence of bottom trawling activity (the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period from March to May 2020) and during a trawled period. Although bottom trawling had no impact on sediment composition, this anthropogenic activity reduced the concentration of dissolved oxygen and had a noticeable effect on water column turbidity. The absence of trawling led to a significant increase in biomass, number of species, and abundance of total macrofauna. This illustrated the negative effect of trawling activity in shallow waters and the high resilience of macrobenthic communities of the tidal ecosystem of the Kneiss Islands. In the future, it would be very important to control the use of this destructive fishing gear due to its negative impact on the marine habitat and macrofauna, which represents essential prey for fishes and birds living in this protected area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawfel Mosbahi
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité Marine et Environnement, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, BP 1171, Sfax 3038, Tunisia;
- Correspondence: or
| | - Jean-Philippe Pezy
- Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, Normandie University, UNICAEN, CNRS, UMR 6143 M2C, 24 Rue des Tilleuls, 14000 Caen, France; (J.-P.P.); (J.-C.D.)
| | - Jean-Claude Dauvin
- Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, Normandie University, UNICAEN, CNRS, UMR 6143 M2C, 24 Rue des Tilleuls, 14000 Caen, France; (J.-P.P.); (J.-C.D.)
| | - Lassad Neifar
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité Marine et Environnement, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, BP 1171, Sfax 3038, Tunisia;
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Kočí V, Kočí J, Fořt J, Fiala L, Šál J, Hager I, Černý R. Utilization of Crushed Pavement Blocks in Concrete: Assessment of Functional Properties and Environmental Impacts. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:ma14237361. [PMID: 34885513 PMCID: PMC8658445 DOI: 10.3390/ma14237361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Production of concrete is connected to extensive energy demands, greenhouse gases production or primary sources depletion. Reflecting current economical, social, or environmental trends, there is strong pressure on mitigation these requirements and impacts. The exploitation of secondary- or waste materials in production processes has therefore a great potential which is not related solely to binders but also to fillers. In this light, this paper aims at thorough investigations of concrete mixtures with crushed concrete pavements as partial or full replacement of natural coarse aggregates. The research combines experimental techniques to quantify the influence of the substitution on basic physical, mechanical, and heat/moisture transport/storage parameters. The experimental data obtained are further exploited as input data for computational prediction of coupled heat and moisture transport to assess the influence of the aggregates substitution on hygrothermal performance of the built-in concretes. In the last step, the environmental impacts are assessed. Since the changes in the hygrothermal performance were found to be insignificant (i), the compressive strength were improved by up to 25% (ii) and most of the environmental impact indicators were decreased (iii) at the same time, the findings of the research presented predeterminate such a reuse strategy to wider application and use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Václav Kočí
- Department of Materials Engineering and Chemistry, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Thákurova 7/2077, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic; (J.K.); (J.F.); (L.F.); (R.Č.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-2-2435-7125
| | - Jan Kočí
- Department of Materials Engineering and Chemistry, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Thákurova 7/2077, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic; (J.K.); (J.F.); (L.F.); (R.Č.)
| | - Jan Fořt
- Department of Materials Engineering and Chemistry, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Thákurova 7/2077, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic; (J.K.); (J.F.); (L.F.); (R.Č.)
| | - Lukáš Fiala
- Department of Materials Engineering and Chemistry, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Thákurova 7/2077, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic; (J.K.); (J.F.); (L.F.); (R.Č.)
| | - Jiří Šál
- Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice, Okružní 517/10, 370 01 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Izabela Hager
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, 24 Warszawska St., 31-155 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Robert Černý
- Department of Materials Engineering and Chemistry, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Thákurova 7/2077, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic; (J.K.); (J.F.); (L.F.); (R.Č.)
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Khater A, Luo D, Abdelsalam M, Ma J, Ghazy M. Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Asphalt Mixtures Using Composite Admixtures of Lignin and Glass Fibers. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:6589. [PMID: 34772114 DOI: 10.3390/ma14216589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lignin and glass fiber were used as additives to improve the quality of road pavements and minimize moisture damage and cracking at low temperatures on asphalt pavement, according to a previous laboratory study. The aim of this paper is to make a significant contribution to the environmental assessment of the construction of road pavements using four types of asphalt mixtures based on the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology according to the requirements of ISO 14040, considering the impact of raw material extraction, asphalt mixture manufacturing, transportation, and wearing surface construction. The results of the environmental assessment showed that all studied asphalt mixtures do not offer any improvement in all impact categories, and three modified asphalt mixtures have a slight negative effect in all impact categories. The composite mixture has the highest negative effect of the studied three modified asphalt mixtures in all categories except in the marine aquatic ecotoxicity potential category and freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity potential category, where the lignin modified asphalt mixture has the highest negative effect in these two categories but has the best environmental impacts on most of other impact categories. Furthermore, the negative effect caused by composite asphalt mixtures is minimal and thus can be used to improve the overall performance of asphalt pavement.
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Alsabri A, Tahir F, Al-Ghamdi SG. Life-Cycle Assessment of Polypropylene Production in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Region. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13213793. [PMID: 34771349 PMCID: PMC8587715 DOI: 10.3390/polym13213793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The environmental impacts of the polypropylene (PP) manufacturing process are not fully understood in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. There is a growing interest in assessing the environmental impacts of this highly demanded product, especially for the petrochemical industry sector. This research examines the environmental impacts of the polypropylene manufacturing process using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Gabi software is selected to carry out this research study and quantify the risks associated with manufacturing one ton of polypropylene, chosen as the functional unit for this LCA study. This work has the following merits: (i) an evaluation of environmental impacts specific to GCC region based on actual plant data; (ii) the results in this work can be used to evaluate LCA impacts of PP based products; and (iii) emphasizing the importance of waste management in reducing environmental impacts. This study shows that the polypropylene manufacturing process releases numerous pollutants into the environment, as the gross CO2 emissions for the manufacturing process of PP in the plant located in the GCC region were estimated to be 1.58 kg CO2 eq./kg-PP. The manufacturing process of propylene has extremely high impacts on global warming potential, fossil resource depletion (1.722 kg Oil eq./kg-PP), human toxicity (0.077 kg 1,4-DB eq./kg-PP), acidification (0.0049 kg SO2 eq./kg-PP), and petrochemical oxidant formation (0.0042 kg NMVOC/kg-PP). Additionally, based on the results of this present research, this study proposes possible improvements and alternative solutions such as applying advanced technologies, clean energy, and safe recycling processes in the GCC that are environmentally friendly.
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de Oliveira RAA, Pinto BD, Rebouças BH, Ciampi de Andrade D, de Vasconcellos ACS, Basta PC. Neurological Impacts of Chronic Methylmercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Adults: Somatosensory, Motor, and Cognitive Abnormalities. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph181910270. [PMID: 34639574 PMCID: PMC8507861 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There has been increasing evidence about mercury (Hg) contamination in traditional populations from the Amazon Basin due to illegal gold mining. The most concerning health impact is neurotoxicity caused by Hg in its organic form: methylmercury (MeHg). However, the severity and extent of the neurotoxic effects resulting from chronic environmental exposure to MeHg are still unclear. We conducted a clinical-epidemiological study to evaluate the neurological impacts of chronic MeHg exposure in Munduruku indigenous people, focusing on somatosensory, motor, and cognitive abnormalities. All participants were subjected to a systemized neurological exam protocol, including Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), verbal fluency test, and Stick Design Test. After the examination, hair samples were collected to determine MeHg levels. Data collection took place between 29 October and 9 November 2019, in three villages (Sawré Muybu, Poxo Muybu, and Sawré Aboy) from Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, Southwest of Pará state. One hundred and ten individuals >12 years old were included, 58 of which were men (52.7%), with an average age of 27.6 years (range from 12 to 72). Participants’ median MeHg level was 7.4 µg/g (average: 8.7; S.D: 4.5; range: 2.0–22.8). In Sawré Aboy village, the median MeHg level was higher (12.5 µg/g) than in the others, showing a significant statistical exposure gradient (Kruskal–Wallis test with p-value < 0.001). Cerebellar ataxia was observed in two participants with MeHg levels of 11.68 and 15.68 µg/g. Individuals with MeHg exposure level ≥10 µg/g presented around two-fold higher chances of cognitive deficits (RP: 2.2; CI 95%: 1.13–4.26) in BCSB, and in the verbal fluency test (RP: 2.0; CI 95%: 1.18–3.35). Furthermore, adolescents of 12 to 19 years presented three-fold higher chances of verbal development deficits, according to the fluency test (RP: 3.2; CI 95%: 1.06–9.42), than individuals of 20 to 24 years. The worsened motor and cognitive functions are suggestive of neurotoxicity due to chronic MeHg exposure. In conclusion, we believe monitoring and follow-up measures are necessary for chronic mercury exposed vulnerable people, and a basic care protocol should be established for contaminated people in the Brazilian Unified Health System.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogério Adas Ayres de Oliveira
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (R.A.A.d.O.); (B.D.P.); (B.H.R.); (D.C.d.A.)
| | - Bruna Duarte Pinto
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (R.A.A.d.O.); (B.D.P.); (B.H.R.); (D.C.d.A.)
| | - Bruno Hojo Rebouças
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (R.A.A.d.O.); (B.D.P.); (B.H.R.); (D.C.d.A.)
| | - Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (R.A.A.d.O.); (B.D.P.); (B.H.R.); (D.C.d.A.)
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-2598-2503
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Mabey PT, Li W, Sundufu AJ, Lashari AH. The Potential of Strategic Environmental Assessment to Improve Urban Planning in Sierra Leone. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:9454. [PMID: 34574379 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a proactive and collaborative method for environmental management designed to integrate environmental considerations into decision-making; and it is good for Sierra Leone. To understand whether SEA would be useful in the context of Sierra Leone, the authors interviewed 64 out of 78 experts face to face from March to July 2019. In addition, government policies and regulatory documents on environmental management and sustainable development, published articles served as secondary sources of data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. These Sierra Leonean experts agreed that SEA would be useful for integration and achievement of improved sustainable urban planning strategies. However, the barriers identified to integrating SEA include: not addressing environmental issues during the preparation of policies and programs, insufficient political will, the absence of clear objectives, targets, principles and approaches, overlapping mandates among environmental institutions, and inadequate institutional coordination and non-integrated development framework as barriers to integrating SEA into their work. The study shows that SEA has the potential to have a positive impact on environmental concerns in decision-making, but it would need to be supported by stronger political will, legal frameworks, and improved technical guidance from the policy perspective. Moreover, we propose a conceptual framework for the inclusion of SEA into the urban planning process in Sierra Leone.
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Abstract
Reusing materials is an attractive option for circular economy and can also reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants. However, recycling raises questions regarding the potential risks to human health or the environment when hazardous legacy chemical additives of materials are also recycled, instead of the recent and less hazardous additives of virgin materials. To address this trade-off, this study developed a model to calculate the total external cost of material supply, considering the health and environmental impacts of all industrial steps (e.g. virgin material production, incineration, and recycling), and the health effects of recycling chemicals present in the material. The model is coupling material flow analysis, life-cycle analysis, and environmental economics to compare different recycling policies. It is applied for all illustrative purposes to soft PVC and DEHP in France. Results show that recycling of materials is in the long-term positive despite the prolongation of the presence of hazardous additives in materials. The time when the recurring environmental benefits of recycling offset the negative impacts on human health of recycling the additives is very sensitive to the health impact of additives. This approach can improve the harmonization between recycling and circular economy policies, and as a framework to confirm the relevance and size treatments to remove additives from materials during recycling.
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Cappelaere L, Le Cour Grandmaison J, Martin N, Lambert W. Amino Acid Supplementation to Reduce Environmental Impacts of Broiler and Pig Production: A Review. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:689259. [PMID: 34381834 PMCID: PMC8350159 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.689259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Poultry and swine farming are large contributors to environmental impacts, such as climate change, eutrophication, acidification, and air and water pollution. Feed production and manure management are identified as the main sources of these impacts. Reducing dietary crude protein levels is a nutritional strategy recognized to both decrease the use of high-impact feed ingredients and alter manure composition, reducing emissions of harmful components. For a successful implementation of this technique, feed-grade amino acid supplementation is crucial to maintaining animal performance. Reducing crude protein lowers nitrogen excretion, especially excess nitrogen excreted in urea or uric acid form, improving nitrogen efficiency. At the feed-gate, low–crude protein diets can reduce the carbon footprint of feed production through changes in raw material inclusion. The magnitude of this reduction mainly depends on the climate change impact of soybean meal and its land-use change on the feed-grade amino acids used. Reducing dietary crude protein also lowers the environmental impact of manure management in housing, storage, and at spreading: nitrogen emissions from manure (ammonia, nitrates, nitrous oxide) are reduced through reduction of nitrogen excretion. Moreover, synergetic effects exist with nitrogen form, water excretion, and manure pH, further reducing emissions. Volatilization of nitrogen is more reduced in poultry than in pigs, but emissions are more studied and better understood for pig slurry than poultry litter. Ammonia emissions are also more documented than other N-compounds. Low–crude protein diets supplemented with amino acids is a strategy reducing environmental impact at different stages of animal production, making life cycle assessment the best-suited tool to quantify reduction of environmental impacts. Recent studies report an efficient reduction of environmental impacts with low–crude protein diets. However, more standardization of limits and methods used is necessary to compare results. This review summarizes the current knowledge on mitigation of environmental impacts with low–crude protein diets supplemented with amino acids in poultry and swine, its quantification, and the biological mechanisms involved. A comparison between pigs and poultry is also included. It provides concrete information based on quantified research for decision making for the livestock industry and policy makers.
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Avadí A, Acosta-Alba I. Eco-Efficiency of the Fisheries Value Chains in the Gambia and Mali. Foods 2021; 10:1620. [PMID: 34359490 DOI: 10.3390/foods10071620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gambian and Malian fisheries and fish processing value chains are predominantly artisanal and represent a key source of protein and livelihoods, yet their eco-efficiency has not been studied to date. A Life Cycle Assessment was used to estimate the associated environmental impacts of those value chains and provide information on the eco-efficiency indicators, which relate technical efficiencies to environmental impacts. The results showed that industrial Gambian fleets’ fuel use efficiency is rather low as compared with the global mean fuel use intensity (landed fish/consumed fuel) for both small pelagics and demersal fish. In Mali, the fuel use intensity of motorised artisanal fisheries is lower than the mean values for artisanal inland fisheries in developing countries, but the important increase of frozen imported fish from fish farming multiplies the estimated impacts by four. The least energy-intensive fisheries (cast nets and stow nets in Gambia and opportunistic fishers in Mali) feature better eco-efficiency scores. Based on the identified sources of inefficiencies, we suggest improvements in the landing/processing infrastructure and fishing units’ engines, coupled with technical and business training and improved processing methods, to ameliorate seafood eco-efficiency and a stronger recognition of the importance of the artisanal fisheries subsector to overcome challenges and improving resource management.
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Usman Kaku D, Cao Y, Al-Masnay YA, Nizeyimana JC. An Integrated Approach to Assess the Environmental Impacts of Large-Scale Gold Mining: The Nzema-Gold Mines in the Ellembelle District of Ghana as a Case Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:7044. [PMID: 34280981 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The mining industry is a significant asset to the development of countries. Ghana, Africa’s second-largest gold producer, has benefited from gold mining as the sector generates about 90% of the country’s total exports. Just like all industries, mining is associated with benefits and risks to indigenes and the host environment. Small-scale miners are mostly accused in Ghana of being environmentally disruptive, due to their modes of operations. As a result, this paper seeks to assess the environmental impacts of large-scale gold mining with the Nzema Mines in Ellembelle as a case study. The study employs a double-phase mixed-method approach—a case study approach, consisting of site visitation, key informant interviews, questionnaires, and literature reviews, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis method. The NDVI analysis shows that agricultural land reduced by −0.98%, while the bare area increases by 5.21% between the 2008 and 2015 periods. Our results show that forest reserves and bare area were reduced by −4.99% and −29%, respectively, while residential areas increased by 28.17% between 2015 and 2020. Vegetation, land, air, and water quality are highly threatened by large-scale mining in the area. Weak enforcement of mining policies, ineffective stakeholder institution collaborations, and limited community participation in decision-making processes were also noticed during the study. The authors conclude by giving recommendations to help enhance sustainable mining and ensure environmental sustainability in the district and beyond.
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