1
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Hussain A, Parveen F, Saxena A, Ashfaque M. A review of nanotechnology in enzyme cascade to address challenges in pre-treating biomass. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132466. [PMID: 38761904 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Nanotechnology has become a revolutionary technique for improving the preliminary treatment of lignocellulosic biomass in the production of biofuels. Traditional methods of pre-treatment have encountered difficulties in effectively degrading the intricate lignocellulosic composition, thereby impeding the conversion of biomass into fermentable sugars. Nanotechnology has enabled the development of enzyme cascade processes that present a potential solution for addressing the limitations. The focus of this review article is to delve into the utilization of nanotechnology in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass through enzyme cascade processes. The review commences with an analysis of the composition and structure of lignocellulosic biomass, followed by a discussion on the drawbacks associated with conventional pre-treatment techniques. The subsequent analysis explores the importance of efficient pre-treatment methods in the context of biofuel production. We thoroughly investigate the utilization of nanotechnology in the pre-treatment of enzyme cascades across three distinct sections. Nanomaterials for enzyme immobilization, enhanced enzyme stability and activity through nanotechnology, and nanocarriers for controlled enzyme delivery. Moreover, the techniques used to analyse nanomaterials and the interactions between enzymes and nanomaterials are introduced. This review emphasizes the significance of comprehending the mechanisms underlying the synergy between nanotechnology and enzymes establishing sustainable and environmentally friendly nanotechnology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhtar Hussain
- Lignocellulose & Biofuel Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Fouziya Parveen
- Lignocellulose & Biofuel Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ayush Saxena
- Lignocellulose & Biofuel Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohammad Ashfaque
- Lignocellulose & Biofuel Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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2
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Ciastowicz Ż, Pamuła R, Białowiec A. Utilization of Plant Oils for Sustainable Polyurethane Adhesives: A Review. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:1738. [PMID: 38673094 PMCID: PMC11050924 DOI: 10.3390/ma17081738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The utilization of plant oils as a renewable resource for the production of polyurethane adhesives presents a promising way to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact. This review explores the potential of various vegetable oils, including waste oils, in the synthesis of polyurethanes as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based raw materials. The investigation highlights the environmental challenges associated with conventional polyurethane production and highlights the benefits of switching to bio-renewable oils. By examining the feasibility and potential applications of vegetable oil-based polyurethanes, this study emphasizes the importance of further research and development in this area to realize the full potential of sustainable polyurethane adhesives. Further research and development in this area are key to overcoming the challenges and realizing the full potential of plant-oil-based polyurethanes in various industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Żaneta Ciastowicz
- Department of Applied Bioeconomy, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 37a Chełmońskiego Str., 51-630 Wrocław, Poland;
- Selena Industrial Technologies Sp. z o.o., Pieszycka 3, 58-200 Dzierżoniów, Poland;
| | - Renata Pamuła
- Selena Industrial Technologies Sp. z o.o., Pieszycka 3, 58-200 Dzierżoniów, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Białowiec
- Department of Applied Bioeconomy, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 37a Chełmońskiego Str., 51-630 Wrocław, Poland;
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3
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Omar RA, Talreja N, Chuhan D, Ashfaq M. Waste-derived carbon nanostructures (WD-CNs): An innovative step toward waste to treasury. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 246:118096. [PMID: 38171470 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
With the growing population, the accumulation of waste materials (WMs) (industrial/household waste) in the environment incessantly increases, affecting human health. Additionally, it affects the climate and ecosystem of terrestrial and water habitats, thereby needing effective management technology to control environmental pollution. In this aspect, managing these WMs to develop products that mitigate the associated issues is necessary. Researchers continue to focus on WMs management by adopting a circular economy. These WMs convert into useful/value-added products such as polymers and nanomaterials (NMs), especially carbon nanomaterials (CNs). The conversion/transformation of waste material into useful products is one of the best solutions for managing waste. Waste-derived CNs (WD-CNs) have established boundless promises for numerous applications like environmental remediation, energy, catalysts, sensors, and biomedical applications. This review paper discusses the several sources of waste material (agricultural, plastic, industrial, biomass, and other) transforming into WD-CNs, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), biochar, graphene, carbon nanofibers (CNFs), carbon dots, etc., are extensively elaborated and their application. The impact of metal doping within the WD-CNs is briefly discussed, along with their applicability to end applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Anand Omar
- Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India
| | - Neetu Talreja
- Department of Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Alliance University, Anekal, Bengaluru-562 106, Karnataka, India.
| | - Divya Chuhan
- Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, 1208-A, Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003 India
| | - Mohammad Ashfaq
- Department of Biotechnology, University Centre for Research & Development (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Gharaun, Mohali, 140413, Punjab, India.
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4
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Wang R, Feng L, Xu Q, Jiang L, Liu Y, Xia L, Zhu YG, Liu B, Zhuang M, Yang Y. Sustainable Blue Foods from Rice-Animal Coculture Systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5310-5324. [PMID: 38482792 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Global interest grows in blue foods as part of sustainable diets, but little is known about the potential and environmental performance of blue foods from rice-animal coculture systems. Here, we compiled a large experimental database and conducted a comprehensive life cycle assessment to estimate the impacts of scaling up rice-fish and rice-crayfish systems in China. We find that a large amount of protein can be produced from the coculture systems, equivalent to ∼20% of freshwater aquaculture and ∼70% of marine wild capture projected in 2030. Because of the ecological benefits created by the symbiotic relationships, cocultured fish and crayfish are estimated to be carbon-negative (-9.8 and -4.7 kg of CO2e per 100 g of protein, respectively). When promoted at scale to displace red meat, they can save up to ∼98 million tons of greenhouse gases and up to ∼13 million hectares of farmland, equivalent to ∼44% of China's total rice acreage. These results suggest that rice-animal coculture systems can be an important source of blue foods and contribute to a sustainable dietary shift, while reducing the environmental footprints of rice production. To harvest these benefits, robust policy supports are required to guide the sustainable development of coculture systems and promote healthy and sustainable dietary change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Lei Feng
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, P. R. China
- Research Institute of Rice Industrial Engineering Technology of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, P. R. China
| | - Lu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yize Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - LongLong Xia
- Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research (IMK-IFU), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Garmisch-Partenkirchen 82467, Germany
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
| | - Beibei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Minghao Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
- The National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon & Green Buildings, Ministry of Science & Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
- China Chongqing Field Observation Station for River and Lake Ecosystems, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
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5
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López I Losada R, Rosenbaum RK, Brady MV, Wilhelmsson F, Hedlund K. Agent-Based Life Cycle Assessment enables joint economic-environmental analysis of policy to support agricultural biomass for biofuels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170264. [PMID: 38253104 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Production of agricultural biofuels is expected to rise due to increasing climate change mitigation ambitions. Policy interventions promoting targeted bioenergy solutions can be motivated by the large environmental externalities present in agricultural systems and the local context of biomass production co-benefits. Introducing energy crops in crop rotations in arable land with depleted Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) levels offers the potential to increase SOC stocks and future crop yields as a step towards more sustainable agricultural systems. However, the environmental performance of a policy incentive for energy crops with SOC co-benefits is less evident when considering its land-use effects within and outside of the target agricultural system. We study the potential impacts of a change in agricultural policy on regional agricultural structure and production, and the environment with an Agent-Based Life Cycle Assessment approach. We simulate a policy payment that would achieve adoption of grass leys in crop rotations corresponding to 25 % of the highly productive land in an intensive farming region of southern Sweden. Although enhancing soil health in SOC-depleted farming regions is a desirable environmental objective, its significance is limited within the life-cycle performance of the payment. Instead, crop-displacement impacts and the grass potential as biofuel feedstock are the main drivers. The active utilisation of grasses for biofuel purposes is key in reaching a positive environmental evaluation of the policy instrument. Our environmental evaluation is likely generalisable to other regions with similar technological levels and farming intensity, while our analysis on structural shifts is specific to the policy instrument and agricultural production system under study. Overall, our work provides a method to contrast regional effects and global environmental impacts of policy instruments supporting agricultural biomass for biofuels prior to implementation. This contributes to the environmental assessment of land-based biofuels at a time when their sustainability is highly debated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raül López I Losada
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Ralph K Rosenbaum
- Sustainability in Biosystems Research Programme, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark V Brady
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; AgriFood Economics Centre, Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 220 07 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Katarina Hedlund
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; Department of Biology, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
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6
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Martinho VJPD, Rodrigues RN. Bioenergy relations with agriculture, forestry and other land uses: Highlighting the specific contributions of artificial intelligence and co-citation networks. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26267. [PMID: 38379976 PMCID: PMC10877436 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The concerns with the environment and sustainability have promoted options for energy sources that mitigate the footprint of human life. The use of biomass from agriculture, forestry and other land uses (AFOLU) has enormous potential for the production of bioenergy as a renewable source of energy. In this context, this research aims to analyse the interrelationships between bioenergy and agriculture, forestry and other land uses, highlighting the contributions of the digital transition for these dimensions. To achieve these objectives, a bibliometric analysis through co-citation links (and items related to cited authors, references and sources) was carried out for the dimensions associated with the bioenergy and the AFOLU and after a specific literature survey was performed for the contributions from the digital transition for these frameworks. With this study, top authors, references and sources were identified for the topics assessed and it was highlighted the importance of digital transitions for more efficient bioenergy use and production in the worldwide contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raimundo Nonato Rodrigues
- Center of Applied Social Sciences, Department of Accounting and Actuarial Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50740-580, Brazil
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7
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Cheng Y, Lawrence DM, Pan M, Zhang B, Graham NT, Lawrence PJ, Liu Z, He X. A bioenergy-focused versus a reforestation-focused mitigation pathway yields disparate carbon storage and climate responses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2306775121. [PMID: 38315850 PMCID: PMC10873610 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306775121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Limiting global warming to 2 °C requires urgent action on land-based mitigation. This study evaluates the biogeochemical and biogeophysical implications of two alternative land-based mitigation scenarios that aim to achieve the same radiative forcing. One scenario is primarily driven by bioenergy expansion (SSP226Lu-BIOCROP), while the other involves re/afforestation (SSP126Lu-REFOREST). We find that overall, SSP126Lu-REFOREST is a more efficient strategy for removing CO2 from the atmosphere by 2100, resulting in a net carbon sink of 242 ~ 483 PgC with smaller uncertainties compared to SSP226Lu-BIOCROP, which exhibits a wider range of -78 ~ 621 PgC. However, SSP126Lu-REFOREST leads to a relatively warmer planetary climate than SSP226Lu-BIOCROP, and this relative warming can be intensified in certain re/afforested regions where local climates are not favorable for tree growth. Despite the cooling effect on a global scale, SSP226Lu-BIOCROP reshuffles regional warming hotspots, amplifying summer temperatures in vulnerable tropical regions such as Central Africa and Southeast Asia. Our findings highlight the need for strategic land use planning to identify suitable regions for re/afforestation and bioenergy expansion, thereby improving the likelihood of achieving the intended climate mitigation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Cheng
- Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - David M. Lawrence
- Climate and Global Dynamics Laboratory, National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO80305
| | - Ming Pan
- Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Baoqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Western China’s Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education), College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu730000, China
| | - Neal T. Graham
- Joint Global Change Research Institute, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, College Park, MD20740
| | - Peter J. Lawrence
- Climate and Global Dynamics Laboratory, National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO80305
| | - Zhongfang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai200092, China
| | - Xiaogang He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore
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8
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Ellis PW, Page AM, Wood S, Fargione J, Masuda YJ, Carrasco Denney V, Moore C, Kroeger T, Griscom B, Sanderman J, Atleo T, Cortez R, Leavitt S, Cook-Patton SC. The principles of natural climate solutions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:547. [PMID: 38263156 PMCID: PMC10805724 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44425-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural climate solutions can mitigate climate change in the near-term, during a climate-critical window. Yet, persistent misunderstandings about what constitutes a natural climate solution generate unnecessary confusion and controversy, thereby delaying critical mitigation action. Based on a review of scientific literature and best practices, we distill five foundational principles of natural climate solutions (nature-based, sustainable, climate-additional, measurable, and equitable) and fifteen operational principles for practical implementation. By adhering to these principles, practitioners can activate effective and durable natural climate solutions, enabling the rapid and wide-scale adoption necessary to meaningfully contribute to climate change mitigation.
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9
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Don A, Seidel F, Leifeld J, Kätterer T, Martin M, Pellerin S, Emde D, Seitz D, Chenu C. Carbon sequestration in soils and climate change mitigation-Definitions and pitfalls. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e16983. [PMID: 37905459 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The term carbon (C) sequestration has not just become a buzzword but is something of a siren's call to scientific communicators and media outlets. Carbon sequestration is the removal of C from the atmosphere and the storage, for example, in soil. It has the potential to partially compensate for anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and is, therefore, an important piece in the global climate change mitigation puzzle. However, the term C sequestration is often used misleadingly and, while likely unintentional, can lead to the perpetuation of biased conclusions and exaggerated expectations about its contribution to climate change mitigation efforts. Soils have considerable potential to take up C but many are also in a state of continuous loss. In such soils, measures to build up soil C may only lead to a reduction in C losses (C loss mitigation) rather than result in real C sequestration and negative emissions. In an examination of 100 recent peer-reviewed papers on topics surrounding soil C, only 4% were found to have used the term C sequestration correctly. Furthermore, 13% of the papers equated C sequestration with C stocks. The review, further, revealed that measures leading to C sequestration will not always result in climate change mitigation when non-CO2 greenhouse gases and leakage are taken into consideration. This paper highlights potential pitfalls when using the term C sequestration incorrectly and calls for accurate usage of this term going forward. Revised and new terms are suggested to distinguish clearly between C sequestration in soils, SOC loss mitigation, negative emissions, climate change mitigation, SOC storage, and SOC accrual to avoid miscommunication among scientists and stakeholder groups in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Don
- Thünen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Felix Seidel
- Thünen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jens Leifeld
- Climate and Agriculture Group, Agroscope, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kätterer
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Upsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - David Emde
- Thünen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Daria Seitz
- Thünen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Claire Chenu
- Ecosys, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Palaiseau, France
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10
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Blanc-Betes E, Gomez-Casanovas N, Hartman MD, Hudiburg TW, Khanna M, Parton WJ, DeLucia EH. Climate vs Energy Security: Quantifying the Trade-offs of BECCS Deployment and Overcoming Opportunity Costs on Set-Aside Land. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19732-19748. [PMID: 37934080 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) sits at the nexus of the climate and energy security. We evaluated trade-offs between scenarios that support climate stabilization (negative emissions and net climate benefit) or energy security (ethanol production). Our spatially explicit model indicates that the foregone climate benefit from abandoned cropland (opportunity cost) increased carbon emissions per unit of energy produced by 14-36%, making geologic carbon capture and storage necessary to achieve negative emissions from any given energy crop. The toll of opportunity costs on the climate benefit of BECCS from set-aside land was offset through the spatial allocation of crops based on their individual biophysical constraints. Dedicated energy crops consistently outperformed mixed grasslands. We estimate that BECCS allocation to land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) could capture up to 9 Tg C year-1 from the atmosphere, deliver up to 16 Tg CE year-1 in emissions savings, and meet up to 10% of the US energy statutory targets, but contributions varied substantially as the priority shifted from climate stabilization to energy provision. Our results indicate a significant potential to integrate energy security targets into sustainable pathways to climate stabilization but underpin the trade-offs of divergent policy-driven agendas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Blanc-Betes
- Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Nuria Gomez-Casanovas
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center, Texas A&M University, Vernon, Texas 76384, United States
- Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries Management Department, Texas A&M University, Vernon, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Melannie D Hartman
- Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, Texas A&M University, Vernon, Texas 77845, United States
| | - Tara W Hudiburg
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Madhu Khanna
- Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Forest, Rangeland and Fire Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844, United States
| | - William J Parton
- Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, Texas A&M University, Vernon, Texas 77845, United States
| | - Evan H DeLucia
- Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, U.K
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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11
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Huang X, Huang Y, Li R, Cheng W, Su Y, Li F, Du X. Decoupling of land-use net carbon flux, economic growth, and population change in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:107058-107067. [PMID: 36656471 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25335-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In the process of China's modernization, promoting the sustainable development of resource-based cities is a major strategic issue and it has now also become a worldwide issue. This study uses the coupling model to validate the coupling relationship between China's land-use net carbon flux and economic growth and population change during 2009-2017. The study for the first time draws the conclusion that the coupling degree among the three is getting lower, the correlation is gradually weaker, and the independent relationship is becoming more and more prominent. Utilizing the Tapio decoupling model, we obtained the weak decoupling conclusion that the economic growth rate is higher than the growth rate of the land-use net carbon flux, while negative decoupling of sprawl is where the rate of population growth is less than the rate of net land-use carbon flux growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianke Huang
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Yujie Huang
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100000, China.
| | - Ruiliang Li
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Wei Cheng
- College of Economics and Trade, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, China
| | - Yang Su
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100000, China
- College of Economics and Trade, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, China
| | - Feng Li
- School of Business Administration, Xinjiang University of Finance & Economics, Urumqi, 830052, China
| | - XianXiang Du
- General Geological Environmental Monitoring Station of Tianjin Province, Tianjin, 300191, China
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12
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Jahanshahi A, Lopes M, Brandão M, De Castro EA. Development of bioenergy technologies: A scientometric analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20000. [PMID: 37810100 PMCID: PMC10559684 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioenergy has the potential to substitute the current demand for fossil fuels in various applications. Recovering energy from bio-based materials due to environmental considerations has been adopted as a policy objective by governments and international organizations, which led to both vast financial investment and scientific research, especially in the last two decades. So far, various feedstocks and technologies have been scrutinised by the research community, although not all of them are commercially adopted due to sustainability considerations. This study employs scientometric analysis to survey the progress of scientific development in the field of bioenergy from 1966 to 2022, using ten parameters including publication year, type of document, categories, countries, affiliations, document citations, co-authorship, author citation networks, journal citation networks, and keywords. A total of 51,905 scientific documents were collected from the Web of Science, involving more than 96,000 authors from 162 countries. The dispersion of studies followed an ascending distribution with a sharp increase in the second half of the 2000s. The evolution of keywords in terms of burst strength confirmed the advancements of technologies from primary first-generation to advanced fourth-generation bioenergies. Based on the evolution of science in this area, it is concluded that integrated sustainability assessment studies, covering technical, economical, environmental, and social aspects, are needed to bridge the gap between abundant theoretical endeavours and limited commercial use of this energy source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Jahanshahi
- Department of Environment and Planning, Center for Environmental and Marine Studies, CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Myriam Lopes
- Department of Environment and Planning, Center for Environmental and Marine Studies, CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Eduardo Anselmo De Castro
- Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Social, Political and Territorial Sciences (DCSPT), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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13
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Yang Y, Jin Z, Mueller ND, Driscoll AW, Hernandez RR, Grodsky SM, Sloat LL, Chester MV, Zhu YG, Lobell DB. Sustainable irrigation and climate feedbacks. NATURE FOOD 2023; 4:654-663. [PMID: 37591963 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00821-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural irrigation induces greenhouse gas emissions directly from soils or indirectly through the use of energy or construction of dams and irrigation infrastructure, while climate change affects irrigation demand, water availability and the greenhouse gas intensity of irrigation energy. Here, we present a scoping review to elaborate on these irrigation-climate linkages by synthesizing knowledge across different fields, emphasizing the growing role climate change may have in driving future irrigation expansion and reinforcing some of the positive feedbacks. This Review underscores the urgent need to promote and adopt sustainable irrigation, especially in regions dominated by strong, positive feedbacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenong Jin
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.
| | - Nathaniel D Mueller
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Avery W Driscoll
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Rebecca R Hernandez
- Wild Energy Center, Institute of the Environment, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Land, Air & Water Resources, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Steven M Grodsky
- Institute of the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, US Geological Survey, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Lindsey L Sloat
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Land and Carbon Lab, World Resources Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mikhail V Chester
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
- Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - David B Lobell
- Center on Food Security and the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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14
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Deche A, Assen M, Damene S, Budds J, Kumsa A. Dynamics and Drivers of Land Use and Land Cover Change in the Upper Awash Basin, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 72:160-178. [PMID: 37000255 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01814-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This study analyzed the patterns and drivers of LULC dynamics in relation to the expansion of large-scale irrigated agriculture in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia from 1972 to 2016. Aerial photographs (1972), Landsat images (1980, 2000) and SPOT5 satellite images (2016) were analyzed using GIS tools to reveal LULC changes, and documentation, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to ascertain the biophysical and socioeconomic implications and drivers of these dynamics. The study revealed that cultivated and rural settlement land, and urban built-up areas had expanded at the expense of forestland, woodland, shrubland and grassland. While an increase in the production of cash crops had brought some benefits to smallholder farmers, such as access to irrigation and modern agricultural inputs and technologies, the unregulated conversion of natural vegetation to cultivated land resulted in a loss of biodiversity, deforestation, and reduction of pasture and firewood. We identified that significant LULC changes in the study area were caused by intersecting biophysical, economic, institutional, technological and demographic factors, which reinforced each other with varying magnitudes at different moments in time. These changes were underpinned by one key driver, that is, government agricultural policies that promoted investment in commercial agriculture for national and export markets. The study shows that understanding the complex interaction between the contributing factors and drivers of LULC change is crucial to inform decision-making and policies, in particular, by directing responses towards the underlying drivers of change rather than only the proximate causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almaz Deche
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Assosa University, Assosa, Ethiopia.
| | - Mohammed Assen
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Shimeles Damene
- College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Jessica Budds
- School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Amanuel Kumsa
- Ethiopian Geospatial Information Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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15
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Clifton‐Brown J, Hastings A, von Cossel M, Murphy‐Bokern D, McCalmont J, Whitaker J, Alexopoulou E, Amaducci S, Andronic L, Ashman C, Awty‐Carroll D, Bhatia R, Breuer L, Cosentino S, Cracroft‐Eley W, Donnison I, Elbersen B, Ferrarini A, Ford J, Greef J, Ingram J, Lewandowski I, Magenau E, Mos M, Petrick M, Pogrzeba M, Robson P, Rowe RL, Sandu A, Schwarz K, Scordia D, Scurlock J, Shepherd A, Thornton J, Trindade LM, Vetter S, Wagner M, Wu P, Yamada T, Kiesel A. Perennial biomass cropping and use: Shaping the policy ecosystem in European countries. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY. BIOENERGY 2023; 15:538-558. [PMID: 38505831 PMCID: PMC10946487 DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Demand for sustainably produced biomass is expected to increase with the need to provide renewable commodities, improve resource security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with COP26 commitments. Studies have demonstrated additional environmental benefits of using perennial biomass crops (PBCs), when produced appropriately, as a feedstock for the growing bioeconomy, including utilisation for bioenergy (with or without carbon capture and storage). PBCs can potentially contribute to Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) (2023-27) objectives provided they are carefully integrated into farming systems and landscapes. Despite significant research and development (R&D) investment over decades in herbaceous and coppiced woody PBCs, deployment has largely stagnated due to social, economic and policy uncertainties. This paper identifies the challenges in creating policies that are acceptable to all actors. Development will need to be informed by measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) of greenhouse gas emissions reductions and other environmental, economic and social metrics. It discusses interlinked issues that must be considered in the expansion of PBC production: (i) available land; (ii) yield potential; (iii) integration into farming systems; (iv) R&D requirements; (v) utilisation options; and (vi) market systems and the socio-economic environment. It makes policy recommendations that would enable greater PBC deployment: (1) incentivise farmers and land managers through specific policy measures, including carbon pricing, to allocate their less productive and less profitable land for uses which deliver demonstrable greenhouse gas reductions; (2) enable greenhouse gas mitigation markets to develop and offer secure contracts for commercial developers of verifiable low-carbon bioenergy and bioproducts; (3) support innovation in biomass utilisation value chains; and (4) continue long-term, strategic R&D and education for positive environmental, economic and social sustainability impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Clifton‐Brown
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding I, Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition (iFZ)Justus Liebig UniversityGießenGermany
| | - Astley Hastings
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - Moritz von Cossel
- Department of Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop ScienceUniversity of HohenheimStuttgartGermany
| | | | - Jon McCalmont
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - Jeanette Whitaker
- UK Centre for Ecology and HydrologyLancaster Environment CentreLancasterUK
| | - Efi Alexopoulou
- Center for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES)Pikermi AttikisGreece
| | - Stefano Amaducci
- Department of Sustainable Crop ProductionUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuorePiacenzaItaly
| | - Larisa Andronic
- Institute of Genetics and Plant Physiology of the Academy of Sciences of MoldovaChisinauRepublic of Moldova
| | - Christopher Ashman
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | - Danny Awty‐Carroll
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | - Rakesh Bhatia
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding I, Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition (iFZ)Justus Liebig UniversityGießenGermany
| | - Lutz Breuer
- Institute for Landscape Ecology and Resources Management (ILR), Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition (iFZ)Justus Liebig University GiessenGiessenGermany
- Centre for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU)Justus Liebig UniversityGiessenGermany
| | - Salvatore Cosentino
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A)University of CataniaCataniaItaly
| | | | - Iain Donnison
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | - Berien Elbersen
- Team Earth InformaticsWageningen Environmental ResearchWageningenNetherlands
| | - Andrea Ferrarini
- Department of Sustainable Crop ProductionUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuorePiacenzaItaly
| | - Judith Ford
- School of Chemical and Process EngineeringUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Jörg Greef
- Institute for Crop and Soil Science, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated PlantsJulius Kühn InstituteBraunschweigGermany
| | - Julie Ingram
- Countryside & Community Research InstituteUniversity of GloucestershireGloucestershireUK
| | - Iris Lewandowski
- Department of Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop ScienceUniversity of HohenheimStuttgartGermany
| | - Elena Magenau
- Department of Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop ScienceUniversity of HohenheimStuttgartGermany
| | - Michal Mos
- Energene Seeds Limited, AIEC Office Block, GogerddanAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | - Martin Petrick
- Centre for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU)Justus Liebig UniversityGiessenGermany
- Institute for Agricultural Policy and Market ResearchJustus Liebig University GiessenGiessenGermany
| | | | - Paul Robson
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | - Rebecca L. Rowe
- UK Centre for Ecology and HydrologyLancaster Environment CentreLancasterUK
| | - Anatolii Sandu
- Institute of Genetics and Plant Physiology of the Academy of Sciences of MoldovaChisinauRepublic of Moldova
| | - Kai‐Uwe Schwarz
- Institute for Crop and Soil Science, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated PlantsJulius Kühn InstituteBraunschweigGermany
| | - Danilo Scordia
- Dipartmento di Scienze VeterinarieUniversity of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'AnnunziataMessinaItaly
| | | | - Anita Shepherd
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - Judith Thornton
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | - Luisa M. Trindade
- Plant BreedingWageningen University and ResearchWageningenNetherlands
| | - Sylvia Vetter
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - Moritz Wagner
- Department of Applied EcologyGeisenheim UniversityGeisenheimGermany
| | - Pei‐Chen Wu
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | - Toshihiko Yamada
- Field Science Center for Northern BiosphereHokkaido UniversityHokkaidoJapan
| | - Andreas Kiesel
- Department of Biobased Resources in the Bioeconomy (340b), Institute of Crop ScienceUniversity of HohenheimStuttgartGermany
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16
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Zhang C, Zhao X, Sacchi R, You F. Trade-off between critical metal requirement and transportation decarbonization in automotive electrification. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1616. [PMID: 37041146 PMCID: PMC10090058 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37373-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Automotive electrification holds the promise of mitigating transportation-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet at the expense of growing demand for critical metals. Here, we analyze the trade-off between the decarbonization potential of the road transportation sector and its critical metal requirement from the demand-side perspective in 48 major countries committing to decarbonize their road transportation sectors aided by electric vehicles (EVs). Our results demonstrate that deploying EVs with 40-100% penetration by 2050 can increase lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese demands by 2909-7513%, 2127-5426%, 1039-2684%, and 1099-2838%, respectively, and grow platinum group metal requirement by 131-179% in the 48 investigated countries, relative to 2020. Higher EV penetration reduces GHG emissions from fuel use regardless of the transportation energy transition, while those from fuel production are more sensitive to energy-sector decarbonization and could reach nearly "net zero" by 2040.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Zhang
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Systems Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Romain Sacchi
- Technology Assessment Group, Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Fengqi You
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA.
- Systems Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA.
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA.
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17
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Paul C, Bartkowski B, Dönmez C, Don A, Mayer S, Steffens M, Weigl S, Wiesmeier M, Wolf A, Helming K. Carbon farming: Are soil carbon certificates a suitable tool for climate change mitigation? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 330:117142. [PMID: 36608610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in agricultural soils removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and contributes towards achieving carbon neutrality. For farmers, higher SOC levels have multiple benefits, including increased soil fertility and resilience against drought-related yield losses. However, increasing SOC levels requires agricultural management changes that are associated with costs. Private soil carbon certificates could compensate for these costs. In these schemes, farmers register their fields with commercial certificate providers who certify SOC increases. Certificates are then sold as voluntary emission offsets on the carbon market. In this paper, we assess the suitability of these certificates as an instrument for climate change mitigation. From a soils' perspective, we address processes of SOC enrichment, their potentials and limits, and options for cost-effective measurement and monitoring. From a farmers' perspective, we assess management options likely to increase SOC, and discuss their synergies and trade-offs with economic, environmental and social targets. From a governance perspective, we address requirements to guarantee additionality and permanence while preventing leakage effects. Furthermore, we address questions of legitimacy and accountability. While increasing SOC is a cornerstone for more sustainable cropping systems, private carbon certificates fall short of expectations for climate change mitigation as permanence of SOC sequestration cannot be guaranteed. Governance challenges include lack of long-term monitoring, problems to ensure additionality, problems to safeguard against leakage effects, and lack of long-term accountability if stored SOC is re-emitted. We conclude that soil-based private carbon certificates are unlikely to deliver the emission offset attributed to them and that their benefit for climate change mitigation is uncertain. Additional research is needed to develop standards for SOC change metrics and monitoring, and to better understand the impact of short term, non-permanent carbon removals on peaks in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and on the probability of exceeding climatic tipping points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Paul
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany.
| | - Bartosz Bartkowski
- UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Economics, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cenk Dönmez
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany; Cukurova University, Landscape Architecture Department, Remote Sensing and GIS Lab, 01330 Adana, Turkey
| | - Axel Don
- Thünen Institute of Climate Smart Agriculture, Bundesallee 65, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Mayer
- Chair of Soil Sciences, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Ramann-Straße 2, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Markus Steffens
- Department of Soil Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse 113, 5070, Frick, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Weigl
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Martin Wiesmeier
- Chair of Soil Sciences, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Ramann-Straße 2, 85354, Freising, Germany; Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, Institute for Organic Farming, Soil and Resource Management, Vöttinger Straße 38, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - André Wolf
- UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Environmental and Planning Law, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Helming
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany; Faculty of Landscape Management and Nature Conservation, University of Sustainable Development (HNEE), Schicklerstr. 5, 16225, Eberswalde, Germany
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18
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Tyczewska A, Twardowski T, Woźniak-Gientka E. Agricultural biotechnology for sustainable food security. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:331-341. [PMID: 36710131 PMCID: PMC9881846 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Of late, global food security has been under threat by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the recent military conflict in Eastern Europe. This article presents the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal related to achieving food security and sustainable development in European Union (EU) agriculture, taking the aforementioned threats into account. In addition, it discusses the future of plant agricultural biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) systems, considering their potential for reaching the goal of food security. Paradoxically, the present challenging situation may allow politicians and stakeholders of the EU to realize opportunities and use the potential of the biotechnology sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Tyczewska
- Laboratory of Animal Model Organisms, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Twardowski
- Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development Team, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewa Woźniak-Gientka
- Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development Team, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
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19
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Philp J. Bioeconomy and net-zero carbon: lessons from Trends in Biotechnology, volume 1, issue 1. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:307-322. [PMID: 36272819 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Many biotechnology applications tend to be for low production volumes and relatively high-value products such as insulin and vaccines. More difficult to perfect at scale are bioprocesses for high-volume products with lower value, especially if the target product is a reduced chemical such as a solvent or a plastic. Historically, industrial microbiology succeeded under special circumstances when fossil feedstocks were either unavailable or expensive. Inevitably, as these circumstances relaxed, bioprocesses struggled to compete with petrochemistry. Why try to compete? Fossil resources will be phased out in the coming decades in the struggle with climate change. To reach net-zero carbon by 2050 will require all sectors to transition, not only energy and transportation. This may herald a new opportunity for industrial bioprocesses with much better tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Philp
- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Paris, France.
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20
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Jiang K, Men Y, Xing R, Fu B, Shen G, Li B, Tao S. Divergent Energy-Climate Nexus in the Global Fuel Combustion Processes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:2506-2515. [PMID: 36734358 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Fuel combustion provides basic energy for the society but also produces CO2 and incomplete combustion products that threaten human survival, climate change, and global sustainability. A variety of fuels burned in different facilities expectedly have distinct impacts on climate, which remains to be quantitatively assessed. This study uses updated emission inventories and an earth system model to evaluate absolute and relative contributions in combustion emission-associated climate forcing by fuels, sectors, and regions. We showed that, from 1970 to 2014, coal burned in the energy sector and oil used in the transportation sector contributed comparable energies consumed (24 and 20% of the total) but had distinct climate forcing (1 and 40%, respectively). Globally, coal burned for energy production had negative impacts on climate forcing but positive effects in the residential sector. In many developing countries, coal combustion in the energy sector had negative radiative forcing (RF) per unit energy consumed due to insufficient controls on sulfur and scattering aerosol levels, but oils in the transportation sector had high positive RF values. These results had important implications on the energy transition and emission reduction actions in response to climate change. Distinct climate efficiencies of energies and the spatial heterogeneity implied differentiated energy utilization strategies and pollution control policies by region and sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Jiang
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Yatai Men
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Ran Xing
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Bo Fu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Guofeng Shen
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
- School of Ecology and Environment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou45001, China
| | - Bengang Li
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Shu Tao
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
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21
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Shaigani P, Fuchs T, Graban P, Prem S, Haack M, Masri M, Mehlmer N, Brueck T. Mastering targeted genome engineering of GC-rich oleaginous yeast for tailored plant oil alternatives for the food and chemical sector. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:25. [PMID: 36755261 PMCID: PMC9906925 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02033-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sustainable production of triglycerides for various applications is a major focus of microbial factories. Oleaginous yeast species have been targeted for commercial production of microbial oils. Among all the oleaginous yeasts examined in a previous comparative study, Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus showed the highest lipid productivity. Moreover, a new lipid production process for C. oleaginosus with minimal waste generation and energy consumption resulted in the highest lipid productivity in the history of oleaginous yeasts. However, productivity and product diversity are restricted because of the genetic intractability of this yeast. To date, successful targeted genetic engineering of C. oleaginosus has not yet been reported. RESULTS The targeted gene editing was successfully carried out in C. oleaginosus using CRISPR/Cas system. A tailored enzyme system isolated to degrade the C. oleaginosus cell wall enabled the isolation of viable spheroplasts that are amenable to in-cell delivery of nucleic acids and proteins. The employment of both Cas9 protein and Cas mRNA was effective in obtaining strains with URA5 knockout that did not exhibit growth in the absence of uracil. Subsequently, we successfully created several strains with enhanced lipid yield (54% increase compared to that in wild type) or modified fatty acid profiles comparable with those of cocoa butter or sunflower oil compositions. CONCLUSION This study establishes the first targeted engineering technique for C. oleaginosus using the CRISPR/Cas system. The current study creates the foundation for flexible and targeted strain optimizations towards building a robust platform for sustainable microbial lipid production. Moreover, the genetic transformation of eukaryotic microbial cells using Cas9 mRNA was successfully achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pariya Shaigani
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Chemistry, Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Tobias Fuchs
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Chemistry, Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Petra Graban
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Chemistry, Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Sophia Prem
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Chemistry, Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Martina Haack
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Chemistry, Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Mahmoud Masri
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Chemistry, Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Norbert Mehlmer
- Department of Chemistry, Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany.
| | - Thomas Brueck
- Department of Chemistry, Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany.
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22
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Wilms W, Homa J, Woźniak-Karczewska M, Owsianiak M, Chrzanowski Ł. Biodegradation half-lives of biodiesel fuels in aquatic and terrestrial systems: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137236. [PMID: 36403813 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Information on biodegradation kinetics of biodiesel fuels is a key aspect in risk and impact assessment practice and in selection of appropriate remediation strategies. Unfortunately, this information is scattered, while factors influencing variability in biodegradation rates are still not fully understood. Therefore, we systematically reviewed 32 scientific literature sources providing 142 biodegradation and 56 mineralization half-lives of diesel and biodiesel fuels in various experimental systems. The analysis focused on the variability in half-lives across fuels and experimental conditions, reporting sets of averaged half-life values and their statistical uncertainty. Across all data points, biodegradation half-lives ranged from 9 to 62 days, and were 2-5.5 times shorter than mineralization half-lives. Across all fuels, biodegradation and mineralization half-lives were 2.5-8.5 times longer in terrestrial systems when compared to aquatic systems. The half-lives were generally shorter for blends with increasing biodiesel content, although differences in number of data points from various experiments masked differences in half-lives between different fuels. This in most cases resulted in lack of statistically significant effects of the type of blends and experimental system on biodegradation half-lives. Our data can be used for improved characterization of risks and impacts of biodiesel fuels in aerobic aquatic and terrestrial environments, while more experiments are required to quantify biodegradation kinetics in anaerobic conditions. Relatively high biodegradability of biodiesel may suggest that passive approaches to degrade and dissipate contaminants in situ, like monitored natural attenuation, may be appropriate remediation strategies for biodiesel fuels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Wilms
- Department of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jan Homa
- Department of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Mikołaj Owsianiak
- Quantitative Sustainability Assessment, Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet 424, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Łukasz Chrzanowski
- Department of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965, Poznań, Poland
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23
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Gorman CE, Torsney A, Gaughran A, McKeon CM, Farrell CA, White C, Donohue I, Stout JC, Buckley YM. Reconciling climate action with the need for biodiversity protection, restoration and rehabilitation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159316. [PMID: 36228799 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Globally, we are faced with a climate crisis that requires urgent transition to a low-carbon economy. Simultaneously, the biodiversity crisis demands equally urgent action to prevent further species loss and promote restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems. Climate action itself must prevent further pressures on biodiversity and options for synergistic gains for both climate and biodiversity change mitigation and adaptation need to be explored and implemented. Here, we review the key potential impacts of climate mitigation measures in energy and land-use on biodiversity, including the development of renewable energy such as offshore and onshore wind, solar, and bioenergy. We also assess the potential impacts of climate action driven afforestation and native habitat rehabilitation and restoration. We apply our findings to Ireland as a unique case-study as the government develops a coordinated response to climate and biodiversity change through declaration of a joint climate and biodiversity emergency and inclusion of biodiversity in key climate change legislation and the national Climate Action Plan. However, acknowledgement of these intertwined crises is only a first step; implementation of synergistic solutions requires careful planning. We demonstrate how synergy between climate and biodiversity action can be gained through explicit consideration of the effects of climate change mitigation strategies, such as energy infrastructure development and land-use change, on biodiversity. We identify several potential "win-win" strategies for both climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation. For Ireland, these include increasing offshore wind capacity, rehabilitating natural areas surrounding onshore wind turbines, and limiting the development of solar photovoltaics to the built environment. Ultimately, climate mitigation should be implemented in a "Right Action, Right Place" framework to maximise positive biodiversity benefits. This review provides one of the first examples of how national climate actions can be implemented in a biodiversity-conscious way to initiate discussion about synergistic solutions for both climate and biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Gorman
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Andrew Torsney
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Caroline M McKeon
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Cian White
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ian Donohue
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jane C Stout
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Yvonne M Buckley
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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24
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Si C, Li Y, Jiang W. Effect of Insurance Subsidies on Agricultural Land-Use. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1493. [PMID: 36674259 PMCID: PMC9864581 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates the effect of crop insurance-subsidies on agricultural land-use allocation. Since the objective of crop insurance is to help farmers with risk management, the expected profit from crop production under crop insurance might be improved, leading farmers to allocate more land to crop production. In this paper, agricultural land-use type is classified by irrigated/unirrigated farmland and cropland/woodland/pastureland. The data come from counties from all the continental states. Considering the fractional outcome of land-use share, we apply a multinomial-fractional-logit model to estimate the effects. The results show that insurance subsidies have a significant effect on land-use allocation. An increase in insurance subsidies increases farmland-share, indicating insurance subsidies could be an efficient tool to adjust agricultural land-use allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Si
- School of Economics, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yanru Li
- Nanjing Intellectual Property Protection Center, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- School of Economics, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
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25
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Hatjiathanassiadou M, Rolim PM, Seabra LMJ. Nutrition and its footprints: Using environmental indicators to assess the nexus between sustainability and food. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.1078997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Current food systems are associated with the unsustainable use of natural resources; therefore, rethinking current models is urgent and is part of a global agenda to reach sustainable development. Sustainable diets encompass health, society, economy, culture as well as the environment, in addition to considering all the stages that make up the food production chain. This study aimed to perform a review on the importance of using environmental footprints (EnF) as a way of assessing the environmental impacts of food systems. The most used EnF to assess impacts related to the food system was the carbon footprint, followed by the water footprint, and the land use footprint. These EnF usually measured the impacts mainly of the current diet and theoretical diets. Animal-source foods were the ones that most contribute to the environmental impact, with incentives to reduce consumption. However, changing dietary patterns should not be restricted to changing behavior only, but should also involve all stakeholders in the functioning of food systems. We conclude that EnF are excellent tools to evaluate and guide the adoption of more sustainable diets, and can be applied in different contexts of food systems, such as food consumption analysis, menu analysis, food waste, and inclusion of EnF information on food labels.
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26
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Khan I, Lei H, Muhammad I, Khan A, Lei M. Do changes in land use, water bodies, and grazing pastures have a detrimental influence on environmental quality? Opportunities and threats to long-term growth. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 325:116609. [PMID: 36335697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Land use activities mainly for economic and agricultural purposes have converted one third to one half of our planet's land surface into urban expansion and agricultural practice, which has had significant impacts on natural ecosystems, food production, and environmental quality, attracting the attention of researchers and policymakers. Consequently, land use is emerging as a fundamental issue in global environmental change and sustainable development. This study represents an addition to the prevailing literature by investigating the asymmetric impacts of land-use and land-cover changes on environmental quality in Pakistan using time series data from 1961 to 2016. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were deemed a dependent variable (a proxy for environmental quality), whereas built-up land, cropland, water bodies, and grazing land were considered independent. A nonlinear ARDL bound testing technique (NARDL) was used to investigate dynamic cointegration among the study variables. Moreover, this study used the BDS test and structural break unit root test to confirm nonlinearity and stationarity of the data set. The results confirm that the variables exhibit asymmetrical co-integration. There is a symmetric unidirectional causation, running from built-up land and grazing land towards CO2 emissions with coefficients of 10.570 and 17.045, respectively. Furthermore, asymmetric causality shows that any positive shocks to built-up land (6.134) and water bodies (20.335) significantly cause CO2 emissions. Similarly, a negative shock to grazing land (16.470) also causes CO2 emissions. By contrast, a neutral effect was found between cropland and CO2 emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- College of International Students, Wuxi University, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Economics, The University of Haripur-Pakistan, Pakistan.
| | - Hongdou Lei
- College of Economics & Management, Northwest A&F University, 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ihsan Muhammad
- Agricultural College of Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Ahmad Khan
- Department of Agronomy, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, 25130, Pakistan
| | - Mingyu Lei
- Lijiang Culture and Tourism College, School of Economics and Management, Yunnan University, China
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27
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Winter B, Meys R, Sternberg A, Bardow A. Sugar-to-What? An Environmental Merit Order Curve for Biobased Chemicals and Plastics. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2022; 10:15648-15659. [PMID: 36507094 PMCID: PMC9727924 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c03275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The chemical industry aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by adopting biomass as a renewable carbon feedstock. However, biomass is a limited resource. Thus, biomass should preferentially be used in processes that most reduce GHG emissions. However, a lack of harmonization in current life cycle assessment (LCA) literature makes the identification of efficient processes difficult. In this study, 46 fermentation processes from literature are harmonized and analyzed on the basis of their GHG reduction compared with fossil benchmarks. The GHG reduction per amount of sugar used is defined as Sugar-to-X efficiency and used as a performance metric in the following. The analyzed processes span a wide range of Sugar-to-X efficiencies from -3.3 to 6.7 kg of CO2 equiv per kg of sugar input. Diverting sugar from bioethanol production for fuels to the fermentation and bioconversion processes with the highest Sugar-to-X efficiency could reduce the chemical industry's GHG emissions by an additional 130 MT of CO2 equiv without requiring any more biobased feedstocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Winter
- Institute
for Technical Thermodynamics, RWTH Aachen
University, Schinkelstr. 8, 52062Aachen, Germany
- Energy
and Process System Engineering, ETH Zürich, Tannenstrasse 3, 8092Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Raoul Meys
- Institute
for Technical Thermodynamics, RWTH Aachen
University, Schinkelstr. 8, 52062Aachen, Germany
| | - André Sternberg
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Heidenhofstraße 2, 79110Freiburg, Germany
| | - André Bardow
- Institute
for Technical Thermodynamics, RWTH Aachen
University, Schinkelstr. 8, 52062Aachen, Germany
- Institute
of Energy and Climate Research - Energy Systems Engineering (IEK-10), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428Jülich, Germany
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28
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Yang GL. Duckweed Is a Promising Feedstock of Biofuels: Advantages and Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315231. [PMID: 36499555 PMCID: PMC9740428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
With the growing scarcity of traditional sources of energy and the accompanying acute environmental challenges, biofuels based on biomass are favored as the most promising alternative. As one of the core raw materials for biomass energy, research on its production methods and synthesis mechanisms is emerging. In recent years, duckweed has been used as a high-quality new biomass feedstock for its advantages, including fast biomass accumulation, high starch content, high biomass conversion efficiency, and sewage remediation. This study provides a systematic review of the growth characteristics, starch metabolism pathways, and methods to improve starch accumulation in the new energy plant, duckweed. The study also presents a prospect that might be used as a reference for the development of duckweed as a new energy-providing plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Mountain Ecology & Agro-Bioengineering (CICMEAB), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China;
- Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
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29
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Carruthers DN, Lee TS. Translating advances in microbial bioproduction to sustainable biotechnology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:968437. [PMID: 36082166 PMCID: PMC9445250 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.968437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in synthetic biology have radically changed our ability to rewire microorganisms and significantly improved the scalable production of a vast array of drop-in biopolymers and biofuels. The success of a drop-in bioproduct is contingent on market competition with petrochemical analogues and weighted upon relative economic and environmental metrics. While the quantification of comparative trade-offs is critical for accurate process-level decision making, the translation of industrial ecology to synthetic biology is often ambiguous and assessment accuracy has proven challenging. In this review, we explore strategies for evaluating industrial biotechnology through life cycle and techno-economic assessment, then contextualize how recent developments in synthetic biology have improved process viability by expanding feedstock availability and the productivity of microbes. By juxtaposing biological and industrial constraints, we highlight major obstacles between the disparate disciplines that hinder accurate process evaluation. The convergence of these disciplines is crucial in shifting towards carbon neutrality and a circular bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N. Carruthers
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Taek Soon Lee
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Taek Soon Lee,
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30
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Jiang K, Fu B, Luo Z, Xiong R, Men Y, Shen H, Li B, Shen G, Tao S. Attributed radiative forcing of air pollutants from biomass and fossil burning emissions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119378. [PMID: 35500713 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Energy is vital to human society but significantly contributes to the deterioration of environmental quality and the global issue of climate change. Biomass and fossil fuels are important energy sources but have distinct pollutant emission characteristics during the burning process. This study aimed at attributing radiative forcing of climate forcers, including greenhouse gases but also short-lived climate pollutants, from the burning of fossil and biomass fuels, and the spatiotemporal characteristics. We found that air pollutant emissions from the burning process of biofuel and fossil fuels induced RFs of 68.2 ± 36.8 mW m-2 and 840 ± 225 mW m-2, respectively. The relatively contribution of biomass burning emissions was 7.6% of that from both fossil and biofuel combustion processes, while its contribution in energy supply was 11%. These relative contributions varied obviously across different regions. The per unit energy consumption of biomass fuel in the developed regions, such as North America (0.57 ± 0.33 mW m-2/107TJ) and Western Europe (0.98 ± 0.79 mW m-2/107TJ), had higher impacts of combustion emission related RFs compared to that of developing regions, like China (0.40 ± 0.26 mW m-2/107TJ), and South and South-East Asia (0.31 ± 0.71 mW m-2/107TJ) where low efficiency biomass burning in residential sector produced significant amounts of organic matter that had a cooling effect. Note that the study only evaluated fuel combustion emission related RFs, and those associated with the production of fuels and land use change should be studied later in promoting a comprehensive understanding on the climate impacts of biomass utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Jiang
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Bo Fu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhihan Luo
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Rui Xiong
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yatai Men
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Huizhong Shen
- School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Bengang Li
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Guofeng Shen
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Shu Tao
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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31
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Mao L, Zhu Y, Ju C, Bao F, Xu C. Visualization and Bibliometric Analysis of Carbon Neutrality Research for Global Health. Front Public Health 2022; 10:896161. [PMID: 35874983 PMCID: PMC9298964 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.896161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The visual analysis of carbon neutrality research can help better understand the development of the research field and explore the difficulties and hot spots in the research, thus making contributions to “carbon emission reduction,” environmental protection and human health. This paper makes a visual quantitative analysis of 2,819 research papers published in top international journals from 2008 to 2021 in the WOS core database. It is found that China, the United States, Britain, and Germany are leading the way in carbon neutrality research. The research hotspots are mainly divided into three dimensions: (1) biomass energy and the negative effects it might bring; (2) ways and methods of electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide; (3) catalysts and catalytic environment. The research mainly went through the conceptual period of 1997–2007, the exploration period of bioenergy from 2008 to 2021, the criticized period of bioenergy sources from 2011 to 2013, and the carbon dioxide electroreduction period from 2013 to the present. In the future, the research direction of biomass energy is to find one kind of biomass energy source which can be stored in a low-carbon way, produced in large quantities at a low cost, and will not occupy forestland. The electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and the synthesis of fuel with CO2 are two major research directions at present, whose aims are to find the suitable catalyst and environment for the reaction. Besides, more research can be done on “carbon neutrality” policies so as to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the source, develop a low-carbon economy and protect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghao Mao
- School of Management Engineering and E-Business, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiling Zhu
- School of Foreign Languages, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunhua Ju
- School of Management Engineering and E-Business, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China.,Contemporary Business and Trade Research Center, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fuguang Bao
- School of Management Engineering and E-Business, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China.,Contemporary Business and Trade Research Center, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China.,Academy of Zhejiang Culture Industry Innovation and Development, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chonghuan Xu
- Academy of Zhejiang Culture Industry Innovation and Development, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China.,School of Business Administration, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
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32
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Supply of Wood Biomass in Poland in Terms of Extraordinary Threat and Energy Transition. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15155381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we present the possibility of applying the concept of elasticity in the system of sustainable energy development through the use of wood biomass. We used a dual (socio-ecological and economic) approach to sustainable energy development. The research was carried out using the methods of reduction reasoning, scientific observation, and examination of source documents. We identified crisis threats in the context of sustainable energy development. Then, we analyzed the supply of wood biomass in Poland, taking into account its geographical location. As a result, we identified and characterized the causal relationships between the assumptions of the concept of resistance and the sustainable development of energy with the use of wood biomass. We found that the concepts of resilience can be adapted to assessing energy sustainability. This adaptation is based on resilience, flexibility, and strategic ability to revitalize the country. We found that five key threats (extreme weather events, climate breakdown, pollution, infectious diseases, loss of biodiversity) affect both the energy-sustainability system and forest management, and the relationship is two-way. We show that the production of forest biomass is compatible with modern forest management and supports the implementation of sustainable energy development, which takes place under the concept of resilience.
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33
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Kung CC, Zheng B, Li H, Kung SS. The development of input-monitoring system on biofuel economics and social welfare analysis. Sci Prog 2022; 105:368504221118350. [PMID: 35975579 PMCID: PMC10358576 DOI: 10.1177/00368504221118350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Biofuel production relies on stable supply of biomass which would be significantly influenced by climate-induced impacts. Since the actual agricultural outputs are relatively unpredictable in the face of uncertain environmental conditions and can only be realized in the harvest season, providing useful information regarding the stability of biomass supply to the downstream biofuel industry is crucial. This study firstly illustrates a theoretical framework to explore the resultant market equilibrium and optimal conditions of agricultural and bioenergy production in the face of highly uncertain environmental risks and then employs a two-stage stochastic programming model to investigate the optimal biofuel development and associated economic and environmental effects. The results show that total welfare may not always increase because the loss of other agricultural commodities induced by climate impacts may be greater than the gains received by biofuel production and emission reduction. This study provides insights into the area where artificial intelligence monitoring system can be implemented to analyze the input data associated with agricultural activities and help the biofuel industry to improve its production possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chun Kung
- School of Economics, Jiangxi University of Finance & Economics, Nanchang, China
| | - Binbo Zheng
- School of Economics, Jiangxi University of Finance & Economics, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Microeconomic Analysis, Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hailing Li
- Postdoctoral Administration Office, Jiangxi University of Finance & Economics, Nanchang, China
| | - Shan-Shan Kung
- College of Foreign Languages, Hubei University of Economics, Wuhan, China
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34
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Parra-Paitan C, Verburg PH. Accounting for land use changes beyond the farm-level in sustainability assessments: The impact of cocoa production. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 825:154032. [PMID: 35202678 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Impact assessments are used to raise evidence and guide the implementation of sustainability strategies in commodity value chains. Due to methodological and data difficulties, most assessments of agricultural commodities capture the impacts occurring at the farm-level but often dismiss or oversimplify the impacts caused by land use dynamics at larger geographic scale. In this study we analyzed the impacts of two cocoa production systems, full-sun and agroforestry, at the farm-level and beyond the farm-level. We used life cycle assessment to calculate the impacts at the farm-level and a combination of land use modelling with spatial analysis to calculate the impacts beyond the farm-level. We applied this to three different future cocoa production scenarios. The impacts at the farm-level showed that, due to lower yields, cocoa agroforestry performs worse than cocoa full-sun for most impact indicators. However, the impacts beyond the farm-level showed that promoting cocoa agroforestry in the landscape can bring the largest gains in carbon and biodiversity. A scenario analysis of the impacts at the landscape-level showed large nuances depending on the cocoa farming system adopted, market dynamics, and nature conservation policies. The analysis indicated that increasing cocoa demand does not necessarily result in negative impacts for carbon stocks and biodiversity, if sustainable land management and sustainable intensification are adopted. Landscape-level impacts can be larger than farm-level impacts or show completely opposite direction, which highlights the need to complement farm-level assessments with assessments accounting for land use dynamics beyond the farm-level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Parra-Paitan
- Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), De Boelelaan 1111, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Peter H Verburg
- Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), De Boelelaan 1111, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111,CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland.
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de Nazaré Santos Torres R, de Melo Coelho L, Paschoaloto JR, Ghedini CP, Neto ORM, Chardulo LAL, Baldassini WA, de Almeida Júnior GA, Almeida MTC. Does distillers' grains supplementation affect beef cattle performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality? A meta-analysis study. Res Vet Sci 2022; 149:21-35. [PMID: 35716519 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated, through meta-analysis, the effect of distillers' grains (DG) supplementation to beef cattle on their performance, carcass parameters, and meat fatty acid profile. Eighty-one peer-reviewed publications with 439 treatments means were included in the data set. The effects of DG supplementation to beef cattle were evaluated using weighted mean differences (WMD) between the control group (diets with no DG) and DG group (diets with DG). Heterogeneity was explored by meta-regression and subgroup analysis using genetic type, treatment period, DG type, amount of DG in diet (g DG/kg DM), sulfur in diet (g S/kg DM), ether extract in diet (g EE/kg DM), feed systems (pasture or total mixed ration), and concentrate level in the diet (g/kg DM). Meat fatty acid profile was more affected when DG was fed to crossbreed animals. In Angus animals, DG inclusion to the diets had little effect on meat fatty acid profile whereas, a pronounced reduction was reported in meat omega-6/omega-3 ratio. In response to DG inclusion to the diets, an increase in diet sulfur content up to 6.0 g/kg and ether extract content up to 110 g/kg had no adverse effects on performance, carcass parameters, and meat physicochemical characteristics. Distillers' grains inclusions in amounts between 500 and 600 g DG/kg provided the greatest responses when evaluating carcass parameters and meat fatty acid profile. Increased CLA c9 t11, linolenic acid, and total PUFA and reduced myristic acid concentration in meat were reported when animals were fed diets containing DG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Larissa de Melo Coelho
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Caren Paludo Ghedini
- Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Systems, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 0382, USA
| | - Otavio Rodrigues Machado Neto
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil; School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Luis Artur Loyola Chardulo
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil; School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Welder Angelo Baldassini
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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Deb D, Mallick N, Bhadoria PBS. A waste-to-wealth initiative exploiting the potential of Anabaena variabilis for designing an integrated biorefinery. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9478. [PMID: 35676299 PMCID: PMC9177571 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13244-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The current research work was an innovative approach providing dual advantages of waste bioremediation and an effective biorefinery. The study attempted to exploit wastewater like aqua discharge and solid wastes like poultry litter/cow dung for cyanobacterial cultivation. Aqua discharge appended with 7.5 g L−1 poultry litter turned out as the best combination generating 46% higher carbohydrate yield than BG-11 control. A. variabilis cultivation in this waste-utilized medium also revealed its excellent bioremediation ability. While 100% removal was observed for nitrite, nitrate, and orthophosphate, a respective 74% and 81% reduction was noted for ammonium and total organic carbon. Chemical and biological oxygen demands were also reduced by 90%. This work was also novel in developing a sequential design for the production of bioethanol and co-products like exopolysaccharides, sodium copper chlorophyllin, C-phycocyanin, and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate from the same cyanobacterial biomass. The developed biorefinery implementing the waste-utilized medium was one of its kind, enabling biomass valorization of 61%. Therefore, the present study would provide a leading-edge for tackling the high production costs that limit the practical viability of biorefinery projects. The recyclability of the bioremediated wastewater would not only curtail freshwater usage, the waste disposal concerns would also be mitigated to a great extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipanwita Deb
- Agricultural and Food Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Nirupama Mallick
- Agricultural and Food Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.
| | - P B S Bhadoria
- Agricultural and Food Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
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37
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Zibunas C, Meys R, Kätelhön A, Bardow A. Cost-optimal pathways towards net-zero chemicals and plastics based on a circular carbon economy. Comput Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2022.107798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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38
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Hong C, Zhao H, Qin Y, Burney JA, Pongratz J, Hartung K, Liu Y, Moore FC, Jackson RB, Zhang Q, Davis SJ. Land-use emissions embodied in international trade. Science 2022; 376:597-603. [PMID: 35511968 DOI: 10.1126/science.abj1572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
International trade separates consumption of goods from related environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and land-use change (together referred to as "land-use emissions"). Through use of new emissions estimates and a multiregional input-output model, we evaluated land-use emissions embodied in global trade from 2004 to 2017. Annually, 27% of land-use emissions and 22% of agricultural land are related to agricultural products ultimately consumed in a different region from where they were produced. Roughly three-quarters of embodied emissions are from land-use change, with the largest transfers from lower-income countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Argentina to more industrialized regions such as Europe, the United States, and China. Mitigation of global land-use emissions and sustainable development may thus depend on improving the transparency of supply chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaopeng Hong
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Earth System Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hongyan Zhao
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Qin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jennifer A Burney
- School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Julia Pongratz
- Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hartung
- Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Yu Liu
- Institute of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Public Policy and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Frances C Moore
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Robert B Jackson
- Department of Earth System Science, Woods Institute for the Environment, and Precourt Institute for Energy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Steven J Davis
- Department of Earth System Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Austin K, Jones J, Clark C. A review of domestic land use change attributable to U.S. biofuel policy. RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS 2022; 159:1-16. [PMID: 37818487 PMCID: PMC10563800 DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.112181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Estimates of land use change (LUC) attributable to the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) are critical for evaluation of the program's impacts on air and water quality, biodiversity, and soil quality. To improve our understanding of the range of published estimates, we reviewed 29 studies published since 2008 attributing domestic LUC to the RFS, updating previous comparisons and adding a growing number of empirical approaches to estimating biofuel-induced LUC. To identify principal reasons underlying differences in reported effects, we documented key attributes of studies' methods including spatial extent, time period, baseline scenario, policy influence, and LUC definitions. Across computable general equilibrium (CGE) and partial equilibrium (PE) economic simulation model studies we found a range of 0.01-2.45 million acres of net cropland expansion per billion-gallon increase in biofuels. Empirical approaches reporting national-scale estimates fall within this range, reporting 0.38-0.66 million acres per billion-gallon increase. Empirical studies had a much smaller range of estimates and were closer to PE approaches than CGE. Studies generally did not represent all the potential drivers of biofuel production, and instead reported projections reflecting a combination of RFS impacts and other influences. Additional refinements to the modeling and empirical approaches reviewed in this study can further improve our understanding of the land use change driven by biofuels and the RFS Program.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.G. Austin
- RTI International, Center for Applied Economics and Strategy, 3040 E Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle, NC, 27709, USA
| | - J.P.H. Jones
- RTI International, Center for Applied Economics and Strategy, 3040 E Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle, NC, 27709, USA
| | - C.M. Clark
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington DC, 20460, USA
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Plevin RJ, Jones J, Kyle P, Levy AW, Shell MJ, Tanner DJ. Choices in land representation materially affect modeled biofuel carbon intensity estimates. JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION 2022; 349:1-10. [PMID: 35620117 PMCID: PMC9132210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.131477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Estimates of biofuel carbon intensity are uncertain and depend on modeled land use change (LUC) emissions. While analysts have focused on economic and agronomic assumptions affecting the quantity of land converted, researchers have paid less attention to how models classify land into broad categories and designate some categories as ineligible for LUC. To explore the effect of these land representation attributes, we use three versions of a global human and Earth systems model, GCAM, and compute the "carbon intensity of land-use change" (CI-LUC) from increased U.S. corn ethanol production. We consider uncertainty in model parameters along with the choice of land representation and find the latter is one of the most influential parameters on estimated CI-LUC. A version of the model that protects 90% of non-commercial land reduced estimated CI-LUC by an average of 32% across Monte Carlo trials compared to our baseline model. Another version that mimics the GTAP-BIO-ADV land representation, which protects all non-commercial land, reduced CI-LUC by an average of 19%. The results of this experiment demonstrate that land representation in biofuel LUC models is an important determinant of CI-LUC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Page Kyle
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Joint Global Change Research Institute, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Aaron W. Levy
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael J. Shell
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Daniel J. Tanner
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Washington, DC, USA
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41
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Koul B, Yakoob M, Shah MP. Agricultural waste management strategies for environmental sustainability. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112285. [PMID: 34710442 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Globally, abundant agricultural wastes (AWs) are being generated each day to fulfil the increasing demands of the fast-growing population. The limited and/or improper management of the same has created an urgent need to devise strategies for their timely utilization and valorisation, for agricultural sustainability and human-food and health security. The AWs are generated from different sources including crop residue, agro-industries, livestock, and aquaculture. The main component of the crop residue and agro-industrial waste is cellulose, (the most abundant biopolymer), followed by lignin and hemicellulose (lignocellulosic biomass). The AWs and their processing are a global issue since its vast majority is currently burned or buried in soil, causing pollution of air, water and global warming. Traditionally, some crop residues have been used in combustion, animal fodder, roof thatching, composting, soil mulching, matchsticks and paper production. But, lignocellulosic biomass can also serve as a sustainable source of biofuel (biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, biohydrogen) and bioenergy in order to mitigate the fossil fuel shortage and climate change issues. Thus, valorisation of lignocellulosic residues has the potential to influence the bioeconomy by producing value-added products including biofertilizers, bio-bricks, bio-coal, bio-plastics, paper, biofuels, industrial enzymes, organic acids etc. This review encompasses circular bioeconomy based various AW management strategies, which involve 'reduction', 'reusing' and 'recycling' of AWs to boost sustainable agriculture and minimise environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhupendra Koul
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India.
| | - Mohammad Yakoob
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
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Sharma P, Singh SP, Iqbal HM, Parra-Saldivar R, Varjani S, Tong YW. Genetic modifications associated with sustainability aspects for sustainable developments. Bioengineered 2022; 13:9508-9520. [PMID: 35389819 PMCID: PMC9161841 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2061146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustainable development serves as the foundation for a range of international and national policymaking. Traditional breeding methods have been used to modify plant genomes and production. Genetic engineering is the practice of assisting agricultural systems in adapting to rapidly changing global growth by hastening the breeding of new varieties. On the other hand, the development of genetic engineering has enabled more precise control over the genomic alterations made in recent decades. Genetic changes from one species can now be introduced into a completely unrelated species, increasing agricultural output or making certain elements easier to manufacture. Harvest plants and soil microorganisms are just a few of the more well-known genetically modified creatures. Researchers assess current studies and illustrate the possibility of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) from the perspectives of various stakeholders. GMOs increase yields, reduce costs, and reduce agriculture's terrestrial and ecological footprint. Modern technology benefits innovators, farmers, and consumers alike. Agricultural biotechnology has numerous applications, each with its own set of potential consequences. This will be able to reach its full potential if more people have access to technology and excessive regulation is avoided. This paper covers the regulations for genetically modified crops (GMCs) as well as the economic implications. It also includes sections on biodiversity and environmental impact, as well as GMCs applications. This recounts biotechnological interventions for long-term sustainability in the field of GMCs, as well as the challenges and opportunities in this field of research.Abbreviations: GMCs-Genetically modified crops; GMOs- Genetically modified organisms; GE- Genetic engineering; Bt- Bacillus thuringiensisNIH- National Institutes of Health; FDA- Food and Drug Administration; HGT- Horizontal gene transfer; GM- Genetically modified; rDNA- Ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid; USDA- United States Department of Agriculture; NIH- National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Sharma
- Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Surendra Pratap Singh
- Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, D.A.V. College, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, India
| | - Hafiz M.N. Iqbal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Roberto Parra-Saldivar
- FEMSA, Tecnológico de MonterreyEscuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias- Centro de Biotecnología-, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Sunita Varjani
- Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gandhinagar, India
- CONTACT Sunita Varjani ; Yen Wah Tong Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore
| | - Yen Wah Tong
- Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Liu WJ, Yu HQ. Thermochemical Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass into Mass-Producible Fuels: Emerging Technology Progress and Environmental Sustainability Evaluation. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2022; 2:98-114. [PMID: 37101580 PMCID: PMC10114766 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.1c00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Lignocellulosic biomass is increasingly recognized as a carbon-neutral resource rather than an organic solid waste nowadays. It can be used for the production of various value-added chemicals and biofuels like bio-oil. However, the undesirable properties of bio-oil such as chemical instability, low heating value, high corrosivity, and high viscosity are greatly restricting the utilization of bio-oil as a drop-in fuel. As a consequence, bio-oil should be upgraded. Recently, several emerging methods, such as electrocatalytic hydrogenation, atmospheric distillation, and plasma-assisted catalysis, have been developed for improving the bio-oil quality under mild conditions. Here, we overview the new knowledge on the molecular structure of lignocellulosic biomass gained over the past years and discuss the future challenges and opportunities for further advances of the bio-oil production and upgrading from lignocellulosic biomass. The development of sustainable biomass resource recycle systems with improved efficiency and minimized environmental impacts is analyzed in details. Also, their environmental impacts and sustainability are evaluated. Lastly, the remaining knowledge gaps are identified, and the future research needs that may lead to massive production of biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass are highlighted.
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The sobering truth about corn ethanol. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200997119. [PMID: 35263229 PMCID: PMC8931354 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200997119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Abd El-Malek F, Rofeal M, Zabed HM, Nizami AS, Rehan M, Qi X. Microorganism-mediated algal biomass processing for clean products manufacturing: Current status, challenges and future outlook. FUEL 2022; 311:122612. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2021.122612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Solomou K, Alyassin M, Angelis-Dimakis A, Campbell GM. Arabinoxylans: A new class of food ingredients arising from synergies with biorefining, and illustrating the nature of biorefinery engineering. FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbp.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Abstract
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) specifies the use of biofuels in the United States and thereby guides nearly half of all global biofuel production, yet outcomes of this keystone climate and environmental regulation remain unclear. Here we combine econometric analyses, land use observations, and biophysical models to estimate the realized effects of the RFS in aggregate and down to the scale of individual agricultural fields across the United States. We find that the RFS increased corn prices by 30% and the prices of other crops by 20%, which, in turn, expanded US corn cultivation by 2.8 Mha (8.7%) and total cropland by 2.1 Mha (2.4%) in the years following policy enactment (2008 to 2016). These changes increased annual nationwide fertilizer use by 3 to 8%, increased water quality degradants by 3 to 5%, and caused enough domestic land use change emissions such that the carbon intensity of corn ethanol produced under the RFS is no less than gasoline and likely at least 24% higher. These tradeoffs must be weighed alongside the benefits of biofuels as decision-makers consider the future of renewable energy policies and the potential for fuels like corn ethanol to meet climate mitigation goals.
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48
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Lips D. Fuelling the future of sustainable sugar fermentation across generations. ENGINEERING BIOLOGY 2022; 6:3-16. [PMID: 36968555 PMCID: PMC9995162 DOI: 10.1049/enb2.12017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomanufacturing in the form of industrial sugar fermentation is moving beyond pharmaceuticals and biofuels into chemicals, materials, and food ingredients. As the production scale of these increasingly consumer-facing applications expands over the next decades, considerations regarding the environmental impact of the renewable biomass feedstocks used to extract fermentable sugars will become more important. Sugars derived from first-generation biomass in the form of, for example, corn and sugarcane are easily accessible and support high-yield fermentation processes, but are associated with the environmental impacts of industrial agriculture, land use, and competition with other applications in food and feed. Fermentable sugars can also be extracted from second- and third-generation feedstocks in the form of lignocellulose and macroalgae, respectively, potentially overcoming some of these concerns. Doing so, however, comes with various challenges, including the need for more extensive pretreatment processes and the fermentation of mixed and unconventional sugars. In this review, we provide a broad overview of these three generations of biomass feedstocks, outlining their challenges and prospects for fuelling the industrial fermentation industry throughout the 21st century.
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49
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Tan X, Wang Y, Gu B, Kong L, Zeng A. Research on the National Climate Governance System Toward Carbon Neutrality—A Critical Literature Review. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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50
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Bridging Modeling and Certification to Evaluate Low-ILUC-Risk Practices for Biobased Materials with a User-Friendly Tool. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14042030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Biobased materials may help to achieve a renewable, circular economy, but their impact could be similar to those of non-renewable materials. In the case of biofuels, the indirect land use change (ILUC) effects determine whether they can provide sustainability benefits compared to fossil fuels. ILUC modeling estimates have large uncertainties, making them difficult to include in a policy aiming at reducing environmental impacts. The Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II reduced ILUC estimate uncertainties by shifting the focus from ILUC environmental impacts to ILUC risk. Nevertheless, this does not take into account either certifiable additionality practices to reduce the ILUC risk for the production of biobased materials, or biobased materials other than biofuels. Here we propose a simple, user-friendly tool to bridge the gap between ILUC modeling and policy, by estimating the ILUC risk of biobased material production and to assess by how much different additionality practices can reduce that risk at different levels of the value chain. This was done by explicitly including the additionality practices in an ILUC model, simplifying the model to a spreadsheet tool that relates automatically the input provided by the user, which may be a producer or a policy maker, with a certain ILUC risk. We demonstrate the functioning of the tool on two examples: maize production in Iowa and in Romania. In Iowa, maize production is already very intensive, so the additionality practices proposed have little effect on its ILUC risk category, and the low-ILUC-risk-produced maize would amount to 0.03 t ha−1 year−1. In Romania there is ample margin for implementation of additionality practices, and thus a large potential to reduce the ILUC risk category of maize production, with low-ILUC-risk-produced maize amounting to 0.19 t ha−1 year −1.
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