carbon dioxide equivalent
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Energies ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 413
Author(s):  
Jakub Mazurkiewicz

The aim of the study is to draw attention to the fact that reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions as a result of traditional manure storage for several months in a pile is not only a non-ecological solution, but also unprofitable. A solution that combines both aspects—environmental and financial—is the use of manure as a substrate for a biogas plant, but immediately—directly after its removal from the dairy barn. As part of the case study, the energy and economic balance of a model farm with dairy farming for the scenario without biogas plant and with a biogas plant using manure as the main substrate in methane fermentation processes was also performed. Research data on the average emission of ammonia and nitrous oxide from 1 Mg of stored manure as well as the results of laboratory tests on the yield of biogas from dairy cows manure were obtained on the basis of samples taken from the farm being a case study. The use of a biogas installation would allow the emission of carbon dioxide equivalent to be reduced by up to 100 Mg per year. In addition, it has been shown that the estimated payback period for biogas installations is less than 5 years, and with the current trend of increasing energy prices, it may be even shorter—up to 4 years.


2022 ◽  

<p>Carbon footprint (CF) is a measure of greenhouse gas emissions generated from daily human-induced activities as carbon dioxide equivalent. This study is an attempt to represent a consumption-based CF study from the scope of transportation, electricity, and waste generation for University of the Punjab (PU), Lahore under the WRI/WBCSD greenhouse gas protocol corporate standards. Data acquired through fieldwork, questionnaire surveys, direct sampling, and existing records for the year 2019-20 suggested that electricity is the greatest contributor of CO2 emissions at 59%, followed by transportation at 36%, and waste generation at approximately 5%. The total CF(CO2_eq) generated from different sources is about 18360.62MT for one year. The recent COVID-19 lockdown has offered inimitable prospect to compare the carbon footprint of one of the largest higher education institutes of Pakistan before and during this pandemic. The data can serve for tracking, assessing, and setting goals for greenhouse gas emission reduction programs in future.</p>


Author(s):  
Cristina A. Villamar ◽  
Katherine Salazar ◽  
Karla Montenegro-Rosero ◽  
Luis Huaraca ◽  
Kennedy C. Conceicao

Abstract The hot-dip galvanizing consumes raw materials, supplies, and influence in the quantity/quality of wastewater, opening advantage for its segregation, reuse, and recycling. Therefore, the aim was to establish strategies for segregation, recycling, and preventives process of wastewater from a hot dip galvanizing enterprise (&gt;10,000 t/year of galvanizing steel or gs). A mass balance (inputs-outputs by 1 t gs), Sindex considering organic and inorganic parameters for segregation/recycling, and Water Pinch (Zn, COD, TDS) for reuse opportunities were determined. Flows diagrams were based on three scenarios that combine segregation/reuse/recycling, comparing saving water, energy, costs, and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) emissions. Results (mass balance) demonstrated that the water consumption in the rising phases (2,355.2 L/t gs) corresponding to 95% of the total water demand. The best scenario combined reuse/segregation/recycling, which decreased up to 36% of treated wastewater, up to 40% of chemicals consumption, about 41% of treatment cost, close to 38% of energy consumed, up to 17% of CO2-eq emissions by wastewater treatment. Therefore, taking preventive measures without the need of technological changes (treatment) can achieve on efficient water management within of the hot dip galvanizing production in developing countries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 430-430
Author(s):  
Andre Pastori D Aurea ◽  
Abmael S da Silva Cardoso ◽  
Lauriston Bertelli Fernandes ◽  
Ricardo Andrade Reis ◽  
Luis Eduardo Ferreira ◽  
...  

Abstract In Brazil beef cattle production is one of the most important activities in the agricultural sector and has an important impact on environmental and resources consumption. In this study assessed greenhouses gases (GHG) impacts from on farms representative productive system and the possible improvements of the production chain. Primary data from animal production index and feeding were collected from 17 farms, which covers 300.000 animals and 220.000 hectares. Emissions of methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide were made using intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) guidelines for national inventories. The GHG inventory included emissions from animals, feeds and operations for animal operation from “cradle to farm gate”. Emissions of each farm were converted to carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) and divided by carcass production. Regression analysis between carbon dioxide equivalent and productive index was run to identify possible hotspot of GHG emissions. A large variation between farms were observed. The GHG yield ranged from 8.63 kg to 50.88 CO2eq kg carcass-1. The productive index age of slaughtering (P &lt; 0.0001), average daily gain (P &lt; 0.0001) and productivity (P = 0.058) per area were positive correlated to GHG yield. While no correlation was found with stocking rate (P = 0.21). Improvements of the production chain could be realized by accurate animal management strategies that reduce the age of slaughtering (feeding and genetic improvements) and gain individual or per area using strategic animal supplementation and pasture management, in order to obtains reduction of GHG emissions of beef cattle.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Forbes McGain ◽  
Nicole Sheridan ◽  
Kasun Wickramarachchi ◽  
Simon Yates ◽  
Brandon Chan ◽  
...  

Background Health care itself contributes to climate change. Anesthesia is a “carbon hotspot,” yet few data exist to compare anesthetic choices. The authors examined the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, and combined (general and spinal anesthesia) during a total knee replacement. Methods A prospective life cycle assessment of 10 patients in each of three groups undergoing knee replacements was conducted in Melbourne, Australia. The authors collected input data for anesthetic items, gases, and drugs, and electricity for patient warming and anesthetic machine. Sevoflurane or propofol was used for general anesthesia. Life cycle assessment software was used to convert inputs to their carbon footprint (in kilogram carbon dioxide equivalent emissions), with modeled international comparisons. Results Twenty-nine patients were studied. The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for general anesthesia were an average 14.9 (95% CI, 9.7 to 22.5) kg carbon dioxide equivalent emissions; spinal anesthesia, 16.9 (95% CI, 13.2 to 20.5) kg carbon dioxide equivalent; and for combined anesthesia, 18.5 (95% CI, 12.5 to 27.3) kg carbon dioxide equivalent. Major sources of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions across all approaches were as follows: electricity for the patient air warmer (average at least 2.5 kg carbon dioxide equivalent [20% total]), single-use items, 3.6 (general anesthesia), 3.4 (spinal), and 4.3 (combined) kg carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, respectively (approximately 25% total). For the general anesthesia and combined groups, sevoflurane contributed an average 4.7 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (35% total) and 3.1 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (19%), respectively. For spinal and combined, washing and sterilizing reusable items contributed 4.5 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (29% total) and 4.1 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (24%) emissions, respectively. Oxygen use was important to the spinal anesthetic carbon footprint (2.8 kg carbon dioxide equivalent, 18%). Modeling showed that intercountry carbon dioxide equivalent emission variability was less than intragroup variability (minimum/maximum). Conclusions All anesthetic approaches had similar carbon footprints (desflurane and nitrous oxide were not used for general anesthesia). Rather than spinal being a default low carbon approach, several choices determine the final carbon footprint: using low-flow anesthesia/total intravenous anesthesia, reducing single-use plastics, reducing oxygen flows, and collaborating with engineers to augment energy efficiency/renewable electricity. Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Elshkaki

AbstractWind power and electric vehicles can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality. However, these technologies rely on rare metals whose extraction requires large amounts of energy and water and are high in carbon emissions. Here we consider the sustainability of both technologies and the impacts of rare earth elements co-extraction. We use a global dynamic material flow-stock model and several scenarios for rare earth elements demand and supply. Cumulative carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with rare earth metals oversupply was between 5.5 and 6.4 times the emissions associated with dysprosium and neodymium production when dysprosium demand was increased. Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with metals extraction and production were equivalent to between 10% and 29% of carbon dioxide emissions reduction through electric vehicle use. Targeting metal rich deposits and increased material efficiency and recycling reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 78%, 39% and 35%, and combined by 90%. Our findings highlight the role of resource efficiency and recycling in enhancing clean energy technologies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 10011
Author(s):  
Yigezu A. Yigezu ◽  
Moustafa A. Moustafa ◽  
Mohamed M. Mohiy ◽  
Shaimaa E. Ibrahim ◽  
Wael M. Ghanem ◽  
...  

Pushing yield frontiers of cereals and legumes is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in drylands. This paper argues and provides empirical evidence that food loss and wastage constitute a sizeable proportion of the total wheat supply in Egypt. By following the life cycle of food and using standard measurement protocols, we estimated the levels of food loss and wastage along the wheat value chain in Egypt and their socioeconomic, biophysical, and environmental implications. About 4.4 million tons (20.62% of total wheat supply from domestic production and imports in 2017/2018) is estimated to be lost or wasted in Egypt which is also associated with the wastage of about 4.79 billion m3 of water, and 74.72 million GJ of energy. This implies that if Egypt manages to eliminate, or considerably reduce, wheat-related losses and wastage, it will save enough food to feed 21 million more people from domestic production and hence reduce wheat imports by 37%, save 1.1 billion USD of much-needed foreign exchange, and reduce emissions of at least 260.84 million kg carbon dioxide-equivalent and 8.5 million kg of methane. Therefore, investment in reducing food loss and wastage can be an effective strategy to complement ongoing efforts to enhance food security through productivity enhancement in Egypt.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oleksandr Faichuk ◽  

The article is devoted to the quantitative relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and agricultural land productivity in EU member states and Ukraine (a country that continues to integrate into the EU). The author made a comparative analysis of the productivity of agricultural land in EU member states, other leading players in the world agricultural market, Ukraine and the world average. The method of statistical grouping to determine the reason for the different productivity of agricultural land (the value of gross output per 1 hectare of agricultural land) in the EU member states and in Ukraine was used. The author identified the cause of high levels of greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide equivalent) per hectare of agricultural land in the most developed EU countries by using the graphical method. Based on the calculated target level of greenhouse gas emissions per hectare of agricultural land in the EU until 2030, required by the European Green Deal, the probable threat to EU member states and Ukraine in terms of possible decline in agricultural production has been identified. By using the econometric method and the method of regression analysis, the author identified the existence of a positive and strong quantitative relationship between emissions of carbon dioxide equivalent and value of agricultural production per hectare of land in EU member states and Ukraine. The magnitude of the increasing of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions under condition of increasing the value of gross output per hectare of agricultural land by one euro is calculated. Based on the results of the study, the author concluded that there is a high probability of reducing the productivity of agricultural land in developed EU countries, if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to the level of the target value. The author also substantiated the practical lack of opportunity for less developed countries of the EU and Ukraine to increase the economic productivity of land, according to realize the requirements of the European Green Deal. Recommendations for avoiding a possible threat in agricultural production of the studied countries are summarized.


2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-501
Author(s):  
Mfonobong O. Effiong ◽  
Chukwuemeka U. Okoye

This paper analyzed the percentage rise in final (sectoral) demand undergone by the whole economy in reaction to a 1% rise of the corresponding sector and the percentage rise corresponding to the apportionment of direct sectoral demand and its resultant effect on CO2-eq emissions in Nigeria. The study adopted a longitudinal design, and the most recent input-output (I-O) table was obtained from secondary sources (Eurostat database). Results revealed increases in CO2-eq emissions from the fishing, post and telecommunication, wood and paper, petroleum, chemical and non-metallic mineral products, metal products, electricity, gas and water, wholesale trade, and public administration sectors with a total contribution of 0.04095, 0.04095, 0.04089, 0.04088, 0.04086, 0.04089, 0.04088 and 0.04087 percent respectively, while sectors that contributed the highest in terms of the distribution of direct sectoral emissions were fishing, mining/quarrying and textile/wearing apparel accounting for about 0.04101, 0.04109 and 0.04111 percent respectively. That implies a 1% increase in final demand was increasing in the corresponding sector. Based on these results, the study identified sectors that contribute the highest in terms of the distribution of direct sectoral emission and sectors that account for the highest total increase in energy consumed in the country, thus contributing to the current debate in the literature. However, emission mitigation options proposed by the IPCC report should be considered an important option in curbing these emissions in Nigeria.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Geanderson Ambrósio ◽  
Dênis Antônio Da Cunha ◽  
Marcel Viana Pires ◽  
Luis Costa ◽  
Raiza Moniz Faria ◽  
...  

AbstractInternational frameworks for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation usually disregard country-specific inequalities for the allocation of mitigation burdens. This may hinder low developed regions in a country from achieving development in a socioeconomic perspective, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of eradicating poverty (SDG1) and hunger (SDG2). We use observed data (1991–2010) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions and a sub-national human development index (MicroHDI, range [0, 1]) for Brazilian microregions to design a framework where regional mitigation burdens are proportional to the MicroHDI, without compromising national mitigation pledges. According to our results, the less developed Brazilian regions have not been basing their development in emission-intensive activities; instead, the most developed regions have. Between 2011 and 2050, Brazilian cumulative emissions from the sectors most correlated with MicroHDI are expected to be 325 Gt CO2eq, of which only 50 Gt are associated with regions of MicroHDI < 0.8. Assuming a national GHG mitigation target of 56.5% in 2050 over 2010 (consistent with limiting global warming to 2 ºC), Brazil would emit 190 Gt CO2eq instead of 325 Gt and the 135 Gt reduction is only accounted for by regions after reaching MicroHDI ≥ 0.8. Allocating environmental restrictions to the high-developed regions leaves ground for the least developed ones to pursue development with fewer restrictions. Our heterogeneous framework represents a fairer allocation of mitigation burdens which could be implemented under the concepts of green economy. This work could be an international reference for addressing both environmental and socioeconomic development in developing countries at sub-national level as emphasized by the SDGs.


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