scholarly journals Environmental Impacts of Experimental Production of Lactic Acid for Bioplastics from Ulva spp.

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roel Helmes ◽  
Ana López-Contreras ◽  
Maud Benoit ◽  
Helena Abreu ◽  
Julie Maguire ◽  
...  

An exploratory Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was carried out to provide insight into the environmental impacts of using the green seaweed Ulva spp. as a feedstock, for production of bioplastic. The study focused on the production of lactic acid as a precursor of polylactic acid. The study was on the production process: (1) The cultivation of Ulva spp., in an Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture system; (2) the processing of the biomass for solubilization of sugars; (3) the fermentation of the sugars to lactic acid; (4) the isolation of lactic acid from fermentation broth. The study identified environmental hotspots and compared an experimental seaweed production chain with conventional feedstocks. The main hotspot is derived from electricity consumption during seaweed cultivation. The impact of electricity consumption can be lowered by reducing energy use and sourcing renewable energy, and by improving the material efficiency in the product chain. To improve understanding of the process of production’s environmental impacts, future studies should broaden the system boundaries and scope of sustainability issues included in the environmental assessment.

Author(s):  
Roel Helmes ◽  
Ana Lopez-Contreras ◽  
Maud Benoit ◽  
Helena Abreu ◽  
Julie Maguire ◽  
...  

An exploratory Life Cycle Assessment was carried out to provide insight into the environmental impacts of using the green seaweed Ulva spp. as a feedstock for production of bioplastic. The study focused on the production of lactic acid as a precursor of polylactic acid. The studied production process consists of (1) the cultivation of Ulva spp. in Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture, (2) the processing of the biomass for solubilisation of sugars, (3) the fermentation of the sugars to lactic acid and (4) isolation of lactic acid from the fermentation broth. The study identifies environmental hotspots and compares the experimental seaweed production chain with conventional feedstock. The main hotspot identified is electricity consumption during seaweed cultivation. This impact of electricity consumption can be lowered by reducing energy use and sourcing renewable energy, and by improving the material efficiency in the product chain. To improve understanding of the environmental impacts of the production process, future studies can broaden the system boundaries and broaden the scope of sustainability issues included in the environmental assessment.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 4998
Author(s):  
Vasileios Ntouros ◽  
Ioannis Kousis ◽  
Dimitra Papadaki ◽  
Anna Laura Pisello ◽  
Margarita Niki Assimakopoulos

In the last twenty years, research activity around the environmental applications of metal–organic frameworks has bloomed due to their CO2 capture ability, tunable properties, porosity, and well-defined crystalline structure. Thus, hundreds of MOFs have been developed. However, the impact of their production on the environment has not been investigated as thoroughly as their potential applications. In this work, the environmental performance of various synthetic routes of MOF nanoparticles, in particular ZIF-8, is assessed through a life cycle assessment. For this purpose, five representative synthesis routes were considered, and synthesis data were obtained based on available literature. The synthesis included different solvents (de-ionized water, methanol, dimethylformamide) as well as different synthetic steps (i.e., hours of drying, stirring, precursor). The findings revealed that the main environmental weak points identified during production were: (a) the use of dimethylformamide (DMF) and methanol (MeOH) as substances impacting environmental sustainability, which accounted for more than 85% of the overall environmental impacts in those synthetic routes where they were utilized as solvents and as cleaning agents at the same time; (b) the electricity consumption, especially due to the Greek energy mix which is fossil-fuel dependent, and accounted for up to 13% of the overall environmental impacts in some synthetic routes. Nonetheless, for the optimization of the impacts provided by the energy use, suggestions are made based on the use of alternative, cleaner renewable energy sources, which (for the case of wind energy) will decrease the impacts by up to 2%.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 5843
Author(s):  
Mehdi Chihib ◽  
Esther Salmerón-Manzano ◽  
Mimoun Chourak ◽  
Alberto-Jesus Perea-Moreno ◽  
Francisco Manzano-Agugliaro

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused chaos in many sectors and industries. In the energy sector, the demand has fallen drastically during the first quarter of 2020. The University of Almeria campus also declined the energy consumption in 2020, and through this study, we aimed to measure the impact of closing the campus on the energy use of its different facilities. We built our analysis based upon the dataset collected during the year 2020 and previous years; the patterns evolution through time allowed us to better understand the energy performance of each facility during this exceptional year. We rearranged the university buildings into categories, and all the categories reduced their electricity consumption share in comparison with the previous year of 2019. Furthermore, the portfolio of categories presented a wide range of ratios that varied from 56% to 98%, the library category was found to be the most influenced, and the research category was found to be the least influenced. This opened questions like why some facilities were influenced more than others? What can we do to reduce the energy use even more when the facilities are closed? The university buildings presented diverse structures that revealed differences in energy performance, which explained why the impact of such an event (COVID-19 pandemic) is not necessarily relevant to have equivalent variations. Nevertheless, some management deficiencies were detected, and some energy savings measures were proposed to achieve a minimum waste of energy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Rosse Caldas ◽  
Júlia Santiago de Matos Monteiro Lira ◽  
Rosa Maria Sposto

O setor da construção civil é apontado como um grande consumidor de recursos naturais e causador de diversos impactos ambientais. Neste sentido, verificam-se, nos últimos anos, iniciativas do setor para melhoria da qualidade e aumento da eficiência de seus processos, entre eles o desenvolvimento de sistemas construtivos mais racionalizados e industrializados, podendo ser citados a alvenaria estrutural e painéis pré-moldados de concreto armado. No entanto, o setor ainda carece de formas de avaliar os reais impactos ambientais desses diferentes sistemas, ao longo de seus ciclos de vida. Assim, o presente estudo buscou aplicar a metodologia de Avaliação do Ciclo de Vida (ACV) para a comparação de impactos ambientais de dois projetos de habitação de interesse social (HIS), sendo um de alvenaria estrutural de blocos cerâmicos e outro de painéis pré-moldados de concreto armado, considerando o impacto dos diferentes desempenhos térmicos desses sistemas em seis zonas bioclimáticas brasileiras. O estudo apresentado é do tipo “berço ao portão com opções”, em que os estágios de produção, substituição dos materiais e uso de energia da habitação foram considerados. Foram utilizados dados secundários, modelagem ambiental no software SimaPro e simulação termoenergética no software DesignBuilder. A habitação de painéis pré-moldados de concreto apresentou maiores impactos ambientais nas seis zonas bioclimáticas estudadas, sendo que a cidade de Teresina foi a maior e Curitiba a menor. O estágio de uso se mostrou o mais significativo para todas categorias de impacto ambiental avaliadas. Conclui-se a importância de se avaliar o desempenho térmico em diferentes zonas bioclimáticas para estudos de ACV aplicados às edificações brasileiras.Resumen El sector de la construcción es señalado como um grande consumidor de recursos naturales por consiguiente de diversos impacto ambientales. En este sentido, se observan en los últimos años iniciativas para beneficio de la calidad y la eficiencia en sus procesos, como por ejemplo el desarrollo de sistemas constructivos más racionalizados e industrializados, pudieran citarse la albañilería estructural y paneles pre-fabricados de hormigón armado. Sin embargo, este sector aún carece de caminos para evaluar los reales impactos ambientales de los diferentes sistemas a lo largo de su ciclo de vida. En este contexto, el presente estudio busco aplicar la metodología de Análisis de Ciclo de Vida (ACV) para comparar los impactos ambientales de dos proyectos de viviendas de interés social (HIS), siendo en este caso uno de ellos de albañilería estructural utilizando bloques cerámicos y el otro, con utilización de paneles pre-fabricados de hormigón armado. El presente estudio es un “cuna a la puerta con opciones” en donde cada etapa que comprendía producción, substitución y el uso de energía en la vivienda fue considerada. Fueron utilizados para procesar los datos, para el modelo ambiental el software SimaPro y para la simulación termo energética DesignBuilder. La vivienda de paneles pre-fabricados de hormigón presentó mayor impacto ambiental en las seis zonas bioclimáticas estudiadas, donde en el caso de la ciudad de Teresina se presento el mayor impacto y en Curitiba el menor. La etapa de uso se mostró lo más significativo para todas las categorías de impacto ambiental evaluadas. Se concluye que evaluar el desempeño térmico en diferentes zonas bioclimáticas es de grande importancia para estudios de ACV aplicados en las viviendas brasileiras. Abstract The construction industry is a large consumer of natural resources and is responsible for several environmental impacts. In this sense, it is verified, in recent years, initiatives of the sector to improve the quality and increase the efficiency of its processes, among them the development of more rationalized and industrialized construction systems, such as structural masonry and precast reinforced concrete panels. However, the sector still lacks ways to assess the real environmental impacts of these different systems, throughout their life cycles. Thus, the present study aimed to apply the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology for the comparison of environmental impacts of two social housing projects (HIS), one of ceramic brick structural masonry and another one of precast reinforced concrete panels, considering the impact of the different thermal performances of these systems in six Brazilian bioclimatic zones. The study presented is “cradle-to-gate with options” type, including the stages of production and replacement of materials and energy use of the house were considered. Secondary data were used, environmental modeling in SimaPro software and thermal-energetic simulation in DesignBuilder software were done. The precast concrete panel’s house presented larger environmental impacts in the six bioclimatic zones, since the city of Teresina was the largest and Curitiba the smallest. The use stage was the most significant for all environmental impact categories assessed. We conclude the importance of evaluating the thermal performance in different bioclimatic zones for LCA studies applied to Brazilian buildings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-23
Author(s):  
B.S. Aliyu ◽  
M.Z. Moyi ◽  
L.Z. Fareed ◽  
H.J. Sule ◽  
A.M. Nazifi ◽  
...  

The Physical environment is being disturbed by numerous problems, including those caused by the constructions activities, such problems impacts on the environment right from the initial stage, operational and to the end of the life span of the built structure. The aim of the study was to suggest the main environmental impacts of construction in Kano state. About twenty six construction impacts were reveals from the past researches. However, all the impact was classified into nine main classes. Data for the study were collected from questionnaires and interviews survey administered to stakeholders of construction industry in Kano State. Data collected were analyzed and ranked using Relative Importance Index (RII), suggesting that they significantly impact on the environment thereby causing environmental degradation. Based on the results resource consumption was ranked highest among the major environmental impacts of constructing in Kano. The highest class, consist raw materials, water, fuel and electricity consumption. The paper concludes with recommendation which includes enforcement of extant rules, regulation and ethical code by government legislative on construction stakeholders, government should formulate and ensuring adequate use of construction design that will suite the environment in Kano. Also, all forms of construction practices should be subjected to an environmental impact assessment to determine the potential impacts and also formulate the ways to overcome it before execution. The study suggest also that, the chair personnel in construction companies should formulate some rules, code of conducts that will ensure good and fair sustainable construction practices in Kano. Keywords: Construction Company, Construction Practices, Environmental Impact, Kano.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-212
Author(s):  
Hannele Ahvenniemi ◽  
Tarja Häkkinen

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to quantify the potential levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) and cost savings from a set of households’ energy saving measures, considered as “everyday choices”. Design/methodology/approach Four areas of living were selected for the study: household electricity, space heating, transport and food consumption. The study used a quantitative research approach in which the impact of selected scenarios of an average Finnish household was assessed. Findings Findings suggest that GHG savings from behavioural change regarding household electricity remain marginal in comparison to savings gained from transportation related measures. Transportation also provides the most cost-efficient ways to decrease GHGs but not in all cases. Based on the results, the authors suggest that smart technologies, such as on-line, active feedback systems could have a major role in guiding household energy use. Also, given the high GHG savings from transport, the authors highlight the importance of providing infrastructure and services for clean mobility, and in designing well-functioning and compact cities enabling shorter travels. Originality/value The aim of our study was twofold – by analysing the case household’s choices, we obtained information on environmental and economic impacts, but in addition to this, the aim was to open discussion on the role of households in tackling climate change and how to support households in making sustainable choices. Although research regarding household energy behaviour is vast, so far very few studies have focused on both economic and environmental impacts of households’ everyday actions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-153
Author(s):  
Harnpon Phungrassami ◽  
Phairat Usubharatana

Environmental impacts of fishery production have resulted in increased concern and awareness. Thailand, as one of the largest global fish exporters, faces challenges related to environmental problems caused by fishery processes. Here, the environmental impact of Thai surimi production was estimated based on life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, focusing specifically on two Thai surimi products made from goatfish and ponyfish caught within the southern region of Thailand. Three impact categories where explored: global warming, acidification and eutrophication. Life cycle impacts were calculated for one kg of product using both mass and economic allocations. Results of this study indicated that goatfish has lower impacts than ponyfish for all the impact categories. Fuel consumption during the fishery phase and electricity consumption during processing were the main parameters leading to most of the considered environmental impacts. The value of Global Warming  Potential(GWP) ranged within 1.3‒3.0 kg CO2eq for goatfish and 2.2‒7.1 kg CO2eq ponyfish depending on the allocation method. The acidification impact of goatfish and ponyfish were revealed at 3.2‒7.3 gSO2eq and 12.7‒39.7 gSO2eq, respectively. The eutrophication of goatfish and ponyfish were 0.7‒1.6 gPO4eq and 2.5‒8.1 gPO4eq, respectively. Sensitivity analysis of fuel consumption, electricity consumption, product yield and allocation method were evaluated.


2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 772-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaolin Wang ◽  
Quanlin Ma ◽  
Yingke Li ◽  
Tao Sun ◽  
Hujia Jin ◽  
...  

AbstractDuring the last decade, China's agro-food production has increased rapidly and been accompanied by the challenge of increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other environmental pollutants from fertilizers, pesticides, and intensive energy use. Understanding the energy use and environmental impacts of crop production will help identify environmentally damaging hotspots of agro-production, allowing environmental impacts to be assessed and crop management strategies optimized. Conventional farming has been widely employed in wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) cultivation in China, which is an important cash tree crop not only for the rural economy but also from an ecological standpoint. Energy use and global warming potential (GWP) were investigated in a wolfberry production system in the Yellow River irrigated Jingtai region of Gansu. In total, 52 household farms were randomly selected to conduct the investigation using questionnaires. Total energy input and output were 321,800.73 and 166,888.80 MJ ha−1, respectively, in the production system. The highest share of energy inputs was found to be electricity consumption for lifting irrigation water, accounting for 68.52%, followed by chemical fertilizer application (11.37%). Energy use efficiency was 0.52 when considering both fruit and pruned wood. Nonrenewable energy use (88.52%) was far larger than the renewable energy input. The share of GWP of different inputs were 64.52% electricity, 27.72% nitrogen (N) fertilizer, 5.07% phosphate, 2.32% diesel, and 0.37% potassium, respectively. The highest share was related to electricity consumption for irrigation, followed by N fertilizer use. Total GWP in the wolfberry planting system was 26,018.64 kg CO2 eq ha−1 and the share of CO2, N2O, and CH4 were 99.47%, 0.48%, and negligible respectively with CO2 being dominant. Pathways for reducing energy use and GHG emission mitigation include: conversion to low carbon farming to establish a sustainable and cleaner production system with options of raising water use efficiency by adopting a seasonal gradient water pricing system and advanced irrigation techniques; reducing synthetic fertilizer use; and policy support: smallholder farmland transfer (concentration) for scale production, credit (small- and low-interest credit) and tax breaks.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-161
Author(s):  
Sumeet Gupta

Energy is one of the important building blocks in human development and act as a key factor in determining the economic development of any country. To meeting the demands of a developing nation, Energy requirement in the Form of Coal, Gas, oil and most important Electricity is necessary. This paper attempts to present full picture of Indian energy sector which is growing rapidly. However since, resource allocation and growth in energy supply have failed to meet the demands exerted by the increasing population, rapid urbanization and growing economy. First we identify factor of energy shortage in India, forcing it to rely heavily on imports. Second we develop a multiple linear regression model which includes all independent variables (Population, Inflation, and GDP) to determine energy consumption in India. India is a developing economy. Energy requirement in India are basically electricity, oil, coal, biomass and gas. India’s energy-mix comprises both non-renewable (coal, lignite, petroleum and natural gas) and renewable energy sources (wind, solar, small hydro, biomass, cogeneration biogases etc.).  Based on these model we give conclusion such that which independent variable (population, Inflation and GDP) is more impacting coal, oil, gas and electricity consumption in India as well as Current patterns of energy use and assumptions about future trends in economic activity, we constructed an activity driven model to forecast what would be the natural short term evolution of energy use in India for each end use segment by. Through analysis of current patterns of energy use, drivers of energy use were collected at the sub-sector level. We connected drivers of model with evolution of GDP to determine what would be the impact of economic growth on drivers of energy use. It also includes fuel or technology switching in the forecast.  


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Ahmad Ghazali Ismail ◽  
Arlinah Abd Rashid ◽  
Azlina Hanif

The relationship and causality direction between electricity consumption and economic growth is an important issue in the fields of energy economics and policies towards energy use. Extensive literatures has discussed the issue, but the array of findings provides anything but consensus on either the existence of relations or direction of causality between the variables. This study extends research in this area by studying the long-run and causal relations between economic growth, electricity consumption, labour and capital based on the neo-classical one sector aggregate production technology mode using data of electricity consumption and real GDP for ASEAN from the year 1983 to 2012. The analysis is conducted using advanced panel estimation approaches and found no causality in the short run while in the long-run, the results indicate that there are bidirectional relationship among variables. This study provides supplementary evidences of relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth in ASEAN.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document