Journal Description
Resources
Resources
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on natural resources published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), GeoRef, PubAg, AGRIS, RePEc, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (Nature and Landscape Conservation)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 23.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.3 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.8 (2022)
Latest Articles
Transformation of Energy Resources in the Visegrad Group: Strategies, Results, and Climate Effectiveness
Resources 2024, 13(5), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13050064 - 26 Apr 2024
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The climate challenges posed by the European Union are particularly difficult for emerging and developing economies. This causes reluctance to undertake them and even denial of their validity. For this reason, this article seeks to answer the question of whether it is possible
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The climate challenges posed by the European Union are particularly difficult for emerging and developing economies. This causes reluctance to undertake them and even denial of their validity. For this reason, this article seeks to answer the question of whether it is possible to carry out an effective transformation of energy resources in the developing economies of the Visegrad Group. Analyses in this area are conducted in a long-term, 58-year research perspective (1965–2022) and concern the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The effectiveness of the examined transformation is assessed in two dimensions as follows: (1) resource and (2) emission, which are then synthesized using a multi-criteria analysis. This research shows that an effective resource transformation aimed at a zero-emission economy is possible even in emerging and developing economies, although it undoubtedly requires time and consistency in the implementation of the once-chosen energy policy. Hungary—a leader in assessed climate effectiveness—has systematically decarbonized while reducing the use of total non-renewable resources. The Hungarian resource transition strategy assumed the use of nuclear energy and an increase in the share of renewable resources. The result of these activities is a quite diversified energy mix, which is greater resource self-sufficiency and low carbon dioxide emissions. The Czech Republic also achieved a similar strategy and results. Poland and Slovakia coped much worse with the climate challenge: although they gave up coal, they replaced it largely with other non-renewable resources. It is worth emphasizing that Poland has managed to significantly increase the use of renewable resources, and nuclear energy and hydropower have also appeared in the Slovak mix. Nevertheless, this did not allow for achieving good climatic results.
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Open AccessArticle
The Comminution of Chert Gravel by Microwave Irradiation
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Mark Tzibulsky and Vladimir Frid
Resources 2024, 13(5), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13050063 - 26 Apr 2024
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Chert, a by-product rock of sand quarrying, has historically posed economic challenges for aggregate production, resulting in significant “waste” accumulation in quarries. Our study investigates the effect of microwave irradiation on the mechanical properties of chert gravel, a mineralogically homogenous material composed of
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Chert, a by-product rock of sand quarrying, has historically posed economic challenges for aggregate production, resulting in significant “waste” accumulation in quarries. Our study investigates the effect of microwave irradiation on the mechanical properties of chert gravel, a mineralogically homogenous material composed of fine quartz grains. The results, which demonstrate that increased irradiation time leads to a substantial decrease in chert gravel strength (by a factor of 4–6 for 2.5 min of irradiation), underscore the potential impact of this research on comminution processes. With quenching altering the fractional content of the samples after the crushing test, reducing the Gravel-to-Sand ratio, this study is driven by the promising potential of crushed chert gravel as a pivotal aggregate within the concrete and asphalt industries, offering a practical solution to their material needs. The urgent need to rehabilitate previously utilized quarry areas, offering an environmentally beneficial solution for which we all should be responsible, motivated the present study.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Different Approaches of Forest Type Classifications for Argentina Based on Functional Forests and Canopy Cover Composition by Tree Species
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Guillermo J. Martínez Pastur, Dante Loto, Julián Rodríguez-Souilla, Eduarda M. O. Silveira, Juan M. Cellini and Pablo L. Peri
Resources 2024, 13(5), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13050062 - 24 Apr 2024
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Modern forestry systems rely on typologies of forest types (FTs). In Argentina, several proposals have been developed, but they lack unified criteria. The objective was to compare different approaches, specifically focusing on (i) phenoclusters (functional forests based on vegetation phenology variations and climate
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Modern forestry systems rely on typologies of forest types (FTs). In Argentina, several proposals have been developed, but they lack unified criteria. The objective was to compare different approaches, specifically focusing on (i) phenoclusters (functional forests based on vegetation phenology variations and climate variables) and (ii) forest canopy cover composition by tree species. We conducted comparative uni-variate analyses using data from national forest inventories, forest models (biodiversity, carbon, structure), and regional climate. We assessed the performance of phenoclusters in differentiating the variability of native forests (proxy: forest structure), biodiversity (proxy: indicator species), and environmental factors (proxies: soil carbon stock, elevation, climate). Additionally, we proposed a simple FT classification methodology based on species composition, considering the basal area of tree species. Finally, we compared the performance of both proposals. Our findings showed that classifications based on forest canopy cover composition are feasible to implement in regions dominated by mono-specific forests. However, phenoclusters allowed for the increased complexity of categories at the landscape level. Conversely, in regions where multi-specific stands prevailed, classifications based on forest canopy cover composition proved ineffective; however, phenoclusters facilitated a reduction in complexity at the landscape level. These results offer a pathway to harmonize national FT classifications by employing criteria and indicators to achieve sustainable forest management and conservation initiatives.
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Open AccessArticle
Environmental and Economic Life Cycle Assessment of Enzymatic Hydrolysis-Based Fish Protein and Oil Extraction
by
Bashir Bashiri, Janna Cropotova, Kristine Kvangarsnes, Olga Gavrilova and Raivo Vilu
Resources 2024, 13(5), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13050061 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
As global fish consumption rises, a large amount of waste is generated that is generally neglected. Considering the value embedded in these resources, sustainable methods become more important in extracting valuable ingredients from fish processing residues. Enzymatic hydrolysis is a fast and easily
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As global fish consumption rises, a large amount of waste is generated that is generally neglected. Considering the value embedded in these resources, sustainable methods become more important in extracting valuable ingredients from fish processing residues. Enzymatic hydrolysis is a fast and easily reproducible method for recovering protein ingredients and obtaining valuable by-products. To confirm its advantages, an environmental and economic impact assessment is essential. This study overviewed the sustainability and economic viability of extracting protein compounds and oil from Atlantic mackerel processing residues using enzymatic hydrolysis. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) methods were employed. It was found that the climate change impact of the whole process was 0.073 kg CO2-eq per 1 g of fish protein hydrolysate (FPH). As the process produces FPH as the main product and fish oil as the by-product, economic allocation was used to distribute the impacts of FPH and fish oil. The findings of the LCCA showed that producing 1 g of FPH costs EUR 3.68. The contribution analysis indicated the crucial role of electricity and fish in environmental impacts. To ensure the accuracy of the calculation, the results of an LCA study published previously were recalculated. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were susceptible to the region and source of electricity production. This research provides valuable insights into the sustainability and economic aspects of using enzymatic hydrolysis for extracting protein ingredients and oils from Atlantic mackerel. This can inform future investigations of environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions for extracting fish ingredients.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Sustainability Analysis of Resource Recovery from Waste Management Systems in the Context of Circular Models of the Economy and the Bioeconomy)
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Open AccessArticle
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Snowfall Conditions in Poland Based on the Snow Fraction Sensitivity Index
by
Urszula Somorowska
Resources 2024, 13(5), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13050060 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study focuses on temperature and snowfall conditions in Poland, both of which were analyzed from 1981 to 2020. A 40-year record of daily snow fraction time series values was reconstructed using a unique and global multi-source weighted-ensemble precipitation (MSWEP) product, which provided
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This study focuses on temperature and snowfall conditions in Poland, both of which were analyzed from 1981 to 2020. A 40-year record of daily snow fraction time series values was reconstructed using a unique and global multi-source weighted-ensemble precipitation (MSWEP) product, which provided a spatially and temporally consistent reference for the assessment of meteorological conditions. The average states and trends in snow fraction and temperature were analyzed across several years, focusing on the 6-month cold season (November–April). The impact of temperature on the snow fraction pattern was assessed by introducing a snow fraction sensitivity index. To predict short-term changes in snow conditions, a proxy model was established; it incorporated historical trends in the snow fraction as well as its mean state. This study provides clear evidence that the snow fraction is principally controlled by increases in temperature. A warming climate will thus cause a decline in the snow fraction, as we observed in vast lowland areas. Given the ongoing global warming, by the 2050s, snow-dominated areas may go from covering 86% to only 30% of the country’s surface; they will be converted into transient rain–snow areas. Our results demonstrate that a decline in snow water resources has already occurred, and these resources are expected to diminish further in the near future. New insights into the sensitivity of the snow fraction to climate warming will expand our collective knowledge of the magnitude and spatial extent of snow degradation. Such widespread changes have implications for the timing and availability of soil and groundwater resources as well as the timing and likelihood of floods and droughts. Thus, these findings will provide valuable information that can inform environmental managers of the importance of changing snowfall conditions, guiding them to include this aspect in future climate adaptation strategies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment of Water Resources)
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Open AccessArticle
Environmental and Land-Use Changes as a Consequence of Land Reform in the Urej River Catchment (Western Tajikistan)
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Oimahmad Rahmonov, Bartłomiej Szypuła, Michał Sobala and Zebiniso B. Islamova
Resources 2024, 13(4), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13040059 - 19 Apr 2024
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Mountain societies are strongly linked to natural resources and their rational management. The growing population has led to the management of mountain areas according to emerging human needs. The study was conducted in the Urej River catchment (The Fann Mountains, Tajikistan). This paper
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Mountain societies are strongly linked to natural resources and their rational management. The growing population has led to the management of mountain areas according to emerging human needs. The study was conducted in the Urej River catchment (The Fann Mountains, Tajikistan). This paper aims to present changes in land use in 1988–2023 resulting from environmental conditions and land reform. Pasturelands predominate in the study area (93.8%), while built-up with kitchen garden and irrigated areas cover 1.8% and 4.0% of the area, respectively. Kitchen gardens and irrigated areas provide food for the residents. Significant land-use changes were observed along the Uroz River, where the irrigation system was developed in areas that have not yet been used for plant cultivation. This is typical of many areas in Tajikistan, where it is impossible to obtain crops without irrigation due to climatic conditions. Until 1988, the study area was not as intensively cultivated as it is today. Under the ongoing lease system based on the Dehkan Farm Act, grazing land is still owned by the state, but inhabitants have access to it. The leased land does little to improve the economic situation of households but contributes to preventing ecosystem degradation on the slopes caused by humans.
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of the Effect of a Spray Coating Applied on Open-Air-Stored Woodchips
by
Gianni Picchi, Carla Nati, Lorenzo Brilli and Alessandro Cinotti
Resources 2024, 13(4), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13040058 - 15 Apr 2024
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The present study aimed at testing the benefits of protecting woodchips with an acrylic crusting product developed for the coal energy industry. In the test carried out, four conical wood chips piles were built, two consisting of fresh biomass, the other two of
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The present study aimed at testing the benefits of protecting woodchips with an acrylic crusting product developed for the coal energy industry. In the test carried out, four conical wood chips piles were built, two consisting of fresh biomass, the other two of dry wood chips. A fourth larger pile was built as a reference. One dry and one fresh pile were superficially treated with 25 kg of protective acrylic solution diluted in 250 L of water, providing an average application of coating agent of approximately 85 g m−2, while the other two worked as controls. To monitor the piles’ temperature variation, thermal sensors were placed in the inner part of the five piles during their construction. Moisture content (MC) and dry matter (DM) variations in woodchip piles were recorded. The piles treated with the coating agent did not show any significant differences with the untreated piles: in wet material, the protective film slightly reduced the moisture dispersal from the pile from evaporation rather than limiting water intake from rain; in dry material, this confirms the inability of the coating agent to limit water intake from rainfall.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Resources: Feedstock Quality and Bioenergy Sustainability—2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
The Role of Internet and Social Interactions in Advancing Waste Sorting Behaviors in Rural Communities
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Xiaolan Wang, Liz Maribel Robladillo Bravo, Ricardo Fernando Cosio Borda, Luis Alberto Marcelo Quispe, James Arístides Pajuelo Rodríguez, Józef Ober, Nihal Ahmed and Nisar Ahmed Khan
Resources 2024, 13(4), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13040057 - 09 Apr 2024
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Addressing the global challenge of sustainable waste management, this research investigates the influence of social dynamics and digital connectivity on rural residents’ willingness to adopt waste classification practices, essential for sustainable environmental management. Through a comprehensive analysis of 5413 rural participants surveyed in
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Addressing the global challenge of sustainable waste management, this research investigates the influence of social dynamics and digital connectivity on rural residents’ willingness to adopt waste classification practices, essential for sustainable environmental management. Through a comprehensive analysis of 5413 rural participants surveyed in the China Labor-force Dynamic Survey (CLDS), this study employs a novel mixed-methods approach. It integrates quantitative analysis with the Manski social interaction framework and a Recursive Bivariate Probit model to explore the intricate interplay between community interactions, internet access, and environmental behaviors. Our methodology stands out for its unique combination of social theory and econometric modeling to address a pressing environmental issue. Results highlight a significant effect of mobile internet use and social interactions within communities on enhancing willingness towards waste classification. Notably, digital connectivity emerges as a key facilitator of environmental engagement, mediating social influences, and fostering a collective approach to waste management. Considering these insights, we propose targeted policy interventions that blend digital strategies with traditional community engagement efforts. Recommendations include crafting digital literacy programs and leveraging social media to bolster community-centric environmental governance. By harnessing the synergistic potential of digital tools and social dynamics, these strategies aim to elevate the effectiveness of waste classification initiatives in rural China, offering a scalable model for environmental sustainability.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Sustainability Analysis of Resource Recovery from Waste Management Systems in the Context of Circular Models of the Economy and the Bioeconomy)
Open AccessArticle
Navigating Legal and Regulatory Frameworks to Achieve the Resilience and Sustainability of Indigenous Socioecological Systems
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Stephen Chitengi Sakapaji, Jorge García Molinos, Varvara Parilova, Tuyara Gavrilyeva and Natalia Yakovleva
Resources 2024, 13(4), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13040056 - 08 Apr 2024
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The sustainability of Indigenous Socioecological Systems (ISES) largely depends on well-crafted policy regulations. In particular, Indigenous traditional food systems (ITFS) are an essential component of ISES that provide a variety of culturally accepted, healthy foods while also playing an important role in cultural,
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The sustainability of Indigenous Socioecological Systems (ISES) largely depends on well-crafted policy regulations. In particular, Indigenous traditional food systems (ITFS) are an essential component of ISES that provide a variety of culturally accepted, healthy foods while also playing an important role in cultural, spiritual, and economic value to the Indigenous people (IP). Thus, sustainably managing these traditional natural resources must be a priority. As custodians of much of the world’s ecological system, IP have, for generations, exhibited sustainable lifestyles in governing these systems. However, Indigenous perspectives and voices have not been properly reflected in the ISES sustainability discourse, and few comparative case studies have addressed this issue. This study contributes to fill this research gap using a desktop research method based on the Political Ecological Theoretical Framework (PETF) to examine how existing regulatory policies may affect the resilience and sustainability of ISES-ITFS, especially in relation to growing environmental and climatic pressures. Two Indigenous communities, the Karen in Thailand and different Indigenous groups in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in Russia, are examined as case studies. Our study provides crucial insight that should help the development of robust policy interventions that integrate Indigenous concerns into policies and regulations, emphasizing self-determination, cultural preservation, and land rights. The findings emphasize the necessity for comprehensive legal frameworks prioritizing Indigenous involvement and concerns in climate and sustainability policy implementations. The ultimate goal is to foster meaningful dialogues between policymakers and IP in navigating the climate and sustainability challenges of our time.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Production and Quality Characteristics of Royal Jelly in Relation to Available Natural Food Resources
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Dimitrios Kanelis, Vasilios Liolios, Maria-Anna Rodopoulou, Fotini Papadopoulou and Chrysoula Tananaki
Resources 2024, 13(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13040055 - 08 Apr 2024
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Royal jelly is a secretion produced from the hypopharyngeal glands of worker bees, which requires significant pollen reserves to stimulate gland secretion. The natural sources of food available to the hive during beekeeping season can greatly affect the quantity and quality of produced
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Royal jelly is a secretion produced from the hypopharyngeal glands of worker bees, which requires significant pollen reserves to stimulate gland secretion. The natural sources of food available to the hive during beekeeping season can greatly affect the quantity and quality of produced royal jelly. In this study, samples of royal jelly were collected throughout the beekeeping season, and their physical and chemical characteristics were analyzed to understand how natural variations in bee diet affect royal jelly production. Before each sample collection, the bees’ food reserves were removed from the experimental colonies so that the royal jelly was produced solely from natural sources. The results showed that the production was significantly lower during the summer months compared with spring and autumn. Additionally, the moisture, protein, fructose, and glucose content of fresh royal jelly also showed significant changes in the summer, and all physical and chemical characteristics decreased when the fresh samples were converted into dry matter. It seems that the quality of pollen entering the hives has a direct impact on the physical and chemical properties of the final product, highlighting the crucial role of available resources in stimulating bees to produce royal jelly.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Combined Contaminant Levels from Local Harvested Food Items in the Norwegian–Finnish–Russian Border Region
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Anna Nalbandyan-Schwarz, Kristine Bondo Pedersen, Anita Evenset, Eldbjørg Heimstad, Torkjel M. Sandanger, Päivi Myllynen and Arja Rautio
Resources 2024, 13(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13040054 - 08 Apr 2024
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This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary study with the aim of assessing the potential combined risk from consuming locally harvested food products in the Euro-Arctic region of Norway, Finland, and Russia. The three important contaminant groups—radioactive substances, heavy metals, and persistent
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This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary study with the aim of assessing the potential combined risk from consuming locally harvested food products in the Euro-Arctic region of Norway, Finland, and Russia. The three important contaminant groups—radioactive substances, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs)—were measured in food samples such as berries, mushrooms, fish, birds, reindeer, and moose; they were sampled in 2013–2015. To assess the combined pollution levels and investigate the trends, similarities, and variations between different contaminant groups, subsequent multivariate statistical analysis was performed. The results showed that, in general, the levels of radioactive substances, toxic elements, and POPs were below the permitted EU maximum content in food products. However, statistical analysis revealed some correlations, similarities, and peculiarities between the accumulation of different contaminants in various species, which allowed for a better understanding of the mechanisms of accumulation and interaction between different contaminant groups. It also gave a better insight into the possible added risks and helped pinpoint species that could serve as reference markers for the accumulation of different contaminants in food. Mushrooms, fish, and reindeer were found to be important markers in the combined risk assessments for the contents of metals and radioactive substances. Further research, as well as the development of methodologies for combined assessments, are recommended.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women's Special Issue Series: Sustainable Resource Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Risks to Human Health from the Consumption of Water from Aquifers in Gold Mining Areas in the Coastal Region of Ecuador
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Irene Passarelli, Demmy Mora-Silva, Carla Arguello Guadalupe, Thalía Carrillo Arteaga, Rogelio Ureta Valdez, Luz María Orna Puente, María Gabriela Tobar Ruiz, Guicela Ati-Cutiupala, Marcelo Sanchez-Salazar, Salvatore Straface and Carlos Mestanza-Ramón
Resources 2024, 13(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13040053 - 08 Apr 2024
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Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is a source of supply in many areas of the world, especially in developing countries. This is often carried out illegally using toxic substances such as mercury. Mercury, due to its chemical–physical properties and the transport factors
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Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is a source of supply in many areas of the world, especially in developing countries. This is often carried out illegally using toxic substances such as mercury. Mercury, due to its chemical–physical properties and the transport factors involved between the different environmental matrices, can percolate through soil and from surface water to groundwater. The objective of this study was to conduct a human health risk assessment. For this purpose, a screening of mercury concentrations was carried out, collecting 67 water samples at selected points, and a risk assessment was performed applying both a deterministic and a probabilistic approach. A deterministic approach is a specific analysis based on determining the values of the risk quotient (HQ) and the risk index (HI) for each receptor category (adults and children) and scenario (residential and recreational) considered; a probabilistic approach is based on stochastic simulation techniques and the evaluation of the statistical quantities. There was found to be a discrepancy between the results provided by the two approaches, with the deterministic approach suggesting a more worrisome picture. However, in general, the results showed a greater exposure in the provinces of El Oro and Esmeraldas, and a greater vulnerability of child receptors.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mine Ecological Restoration)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
The Circularity of Materials from the Perspective of the Product Life Cycle: A Case Study of Secondary Fence Board, Part 2 (Scenario Analysis)
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Joanna Kulczycka, Anna Lewandowska, Katarzyna Joachimiak-Lechman and Przemysław Kurczewski
Resources 2024, 13(4), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13040052 - 07 Apr 2024
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Recycling strategies demonstrate different life cycle environmental performance. In order to assess this performance, a life cycle assessment may be used. In such studies, the recycling should be linked with multifunctionality and allocation. This requires it to be modelled accordingly, especially in terms
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Recycling strategies demonstrate different life cycle environmental performance. In order to assess this performance, a life cycle assessment may be used. In such studies, the recycling should be linked with multifunctionality and allocation. This requires it to be modelled accordingly, especially in terms of environmental burdens and credits. The paper presents a case study of open-loop recycling. A flow of mixed post-consumer multi-material waste was reprocessed into another product with a new application—a fence board made of recycled material (secondary fence board). Although many allocation-related case studies are provided in the literature, no example of a comparison between different substitution scenarios for open-loop recycling has been found. In order to fill the gap, various hypothetical market-mix-based alternatives related to the virgin production and durability of products have been examined. The goal of the study is to assess the potential environmental impact of 1 m2 of secondary fence board modelled in different substitution scenarios. The paper is the second part of a two-part study. In Part 1, life cycle assessment results were presented for a baseline scenario (1A). Part 2 focuses strongly on allocation considerations. In order to ensure a consistency between the results of Part 1 and Part 2, the entire life cycle of the fence board has been taken into account in both calculations. The case study has shown that the results may be highly sensitive to the choice of substitutes and the choice of quality attributes impacting the reference flows (in our example, the durability of products).
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Open AccessArticle
Separation of Cellulose from Wastewater and Valorisation via Pyrolysis: A Case Study in the Czech Republic
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Denisa Djordjevićová, Marco Carnevale Miino, Jakub Raček, Tomáš Chorazy, Petr Hlavínek and Zuzana Vranayova
Resources 2024, 13(4), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13040051 - 05 Apr 2024
Abstract
Currently, the recovery of resources from urban wastewater (WW) represents a priority. On this topic, the potential recovery of cellulose for its subsequent reuse in different sectors is gaining interest. In this work, a large-size conventional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was selected as
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Currently, the recovery of resources from urban wastewater (WW) represents a priority. On this topic, the potential recovery of cellulose for its subsequent reuse in different sectors is gaining interest. In this work, a large-size conventional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was selected as a case study. A preliminary mechanical treatment was used, with the aim of separating, quantifying, and characterizing cellulose in WW. The results suggest that the per-capita production of dry primary cellulosic sludge (D-PCS) is equal to 1.46 ± 0.13 kgD-PCS PE−1 y−1, with an average calorific value of 21.04 MJ kg−1DM. Cellulosic fibres have an average length of >100 µm and a thickness of 2–5 µm. The D-PCS was subsequently treated via medium-temperature pyrolysis; a total of 29.5% of the initial D-PCS was converted into pyrolyzed primary cellulosic sludge (P-PCS) and only 26% into pyrolytic gas. More than 44.5% of the dried cellulose can be converted into pyrolytic oil. Moreover, three different scenarios of recovery have been considered, and the impact of cellulose separation in terms of COD fluxes entering the WWTP and potential energy recovery has been studied. The results suggested that, in this case study, the potential separation of the primary cellulosic sludge from the influent water flux would have no significant impact on COD load entering the biological treatments and biogas production in the anaerobic digestion of the secondary sludge.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wastewater Reuse)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
The Circularity of Materials from the Perspective of a Product Life Cycle: A Life Cycle Assessment Case Study of Secondary Fence Boards—Part 1 (Baseline Scenario)
by
Joanna Kulczycka, Anna Lewandowska, Katarzyna Joachimiak-Lechman and Przemysław Kurczewski
Resources 2024, 13(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13040050 - 01 Apr 2024
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In the era of the circular economy, solutions aimed at increasing the circularity of materials and products are highly welcome. Eco-design and waste management strategies are crucial for ensuring circularity and resource-saving. Strategies should be driven by assessing life cycle-based environmental performance. Tools
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In the era of the circular economy, solutions aimed at increasing the circularity of materials and products are highly welcome. Eco-design and waste management strategies are crucial for ensuring circularity and resource-saving. Strategies should be driven by assessing life cycle-based environmental performance. Tools to measure this performance should take into account two recycling-oriented parameters: recycled content and recycling rate. This paper presents the results of a life cycle assessment case study for a secondary fence board (baseline scenario). The circular footprint formula has been used to allocate burdens and credits between the supplier and the user of recycled materials. The potential environmental impact and the most significant issues have been calculated, identified, and presented. A general recommendation for further environmental development of the secondary fence board is to improve the production-related energy efficiency of recycling processes and increase the recycling rate of the board (to avoid landfilling).
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Open AccessArticle
Hydrochar as an Alternative to Coal: A Comparative Study of Lignocellulosic and Nonlignocellulosic Biomass
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Numan Luthfi, Takashi Fukushima, Xiulun Wang and Kenji Takisawa
Resources 2024, 13(4), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13040049 - 31 Mar 2024
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Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a widely used process for converting biomass with a wide range of moisture. Biomass selection poses challenges in producing hydrochar with desired properties because of their different constituents. In this study, we investigated the fuel properties of hydrochar of
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Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a widely used process for converting biomass with a wide range of moisture. Biomass selection poses challenges in producing hydrochar with desired properties because of their different constituents. In this study, we investigated the fuel properties of hydrochar of sorghum bagasse (SB) and microalgae (MA) at different severity factors (SFs = 4.08, 4.43, 5.56, 5.90, and 6.63) and their potential as alternatives to coal. The results show that during HTC, both biomasses underwent dehydration, in addition to the noticeable decarboxylation of MA. Fixed carbon increasingly developed in the SB hydrochar, in contrast to the MA hydrochar, which formed volatile hydrocarbon; thus, the MA hydrochar released heat values of 26.7–36.2 MJ·kg−1, which was higher than that of SB at 19.7–28.0 MJ·kg−1. However, owing to the stable hydrocarbons, SB hydrochar is assumed to combust more stably and ignite more decently, as indicated by its fuel ratio (0.83), approaching 0.9–1.5. Moreover, the greater number of solids recovered in SB after carbonization makes its conversion more techno-commercially viable, retaining 1.8 times more of the original energy. Conflating these fuel properties reveals that SB hydrochar (SF = 6.63) is a promising alternative to steam coal, and MA hydrochar is an attractive alternative to both steam (SF = 4.08–5.90) and coking coals (SF = 6.63). Concisely, both biomasses are practically promising as value-added hydrochars, but only SB can be developed beyond the current HTC severity owing to the thermal stability of its hydrocarbons.
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Open AccessArticle
Biomass Densification to Improve Management Efficiency and to Obtain High Value Products in México
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Rigoberto Rosales-Serna, Artemio Carrillo-Parra, Julio César Ríos-Saucedo, Damián Reyes-Jáquez, Donaji Sierra-Zurita, Saúl Santana-Espinoza, Rafael Jiménez-Ocampo, Pablo Alfredo Domínguez-Martínez and Cynthia Adriana Nava-Berumen
Resources 2024, 13(3), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13030048 - 20 Mar 2024
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In México, the utilization of fast-growing plant species for biomass production presents transportation-related issues such as freshness reduction, the transportation of large volumes with minimal weight due to low density, limited storage availability, and logistical challenges. To enhance understanding in this field, the
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In México, the utilization of fast-growing plant species for biomass production presents transportation-related issues such as freshness reduction, the transportation of large volumes with minimal weight due to low density, limited storage availability, and logistical challenges. To enhance understanding in this field, the research aimed to evaluate the densification potential of a variety of organic materials, with a specific emphasis on the biomass derived from eight species of rapidly growing plants, three animal species’ manure, and concentrated feed. After conditioning, 100 g samples underwent particle size analysis and were categorized into seven sizes. Pellets and briquettes (40 g, 10% moisture, 15 MPa pressure, 5 min processing, 80 °C temperature) were produced and evaluated for bulk density (BD) and pellet (PD) and briquette durability (BDU). The predominant particle sizes were 0.850 mm and 0.425 mm. Original biomass bulk density (OBBD) varied notably, with ovine manure (0.50 g cm−3) and cattle feed (0.49 g cm−3) exhibiting the highest values. Caprine manure (0.83 g cm−3) and ovine manure (0.78 g cm−3) yielded the densest pellets at 1.76 and 1.84 g cm−3, respectively. Apple tree pellets achieved premium quality with the highest hardness (97.9%). Cattle manure (1.25 g cm−3) and cattle feed (1.25 g cm−3) had the densest briquettes, with notable BBD/OBBD ratios in pine sawdust (4.6) and corn (4.5). Caprine manure and Acacia biomass briquettes showed premium quality with the highest hardness (99.1%), emphasizing densification variations and the need for tailored approaches based on organic material characteristics.
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Open AccessArticle
The Environmental Oxidation of Acetaminophen in Aqueous Media as an Emerging Pharmaceutical Pollutant Using a Chitosan Waste-Based Magnetite Nanocomposite
by
Manasik M. Nour and Maha A. Tony
Resources 2024, 13(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13030047 - 19 Mar 2024
Abstract
Clean water is a precious and limited resource that plays a crucial role in supporting life on our planet. However, the industrial sector, especially the pharmaceutical industry, significantly contributes to water consumption, and this can lead to water body pollution. Fenton’s reagent was
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Clean water is a precious and limited resource that plays a crucial role in supporting life on our planet. However, the industrial sector, especially the pharmaceutical industry, significantly contributes to water consumption, and this can lead to water body pollution. Fenton’s reagent was introduced in the current investigation to oxidize acetaminophen as an emerging pollutant in such effluents. Therefore, we employed a straightforward co-precipitation method to fabricate chitosan-coated magnetic iron oxide, which is referred to in this study as Chit@Fe3O4. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (TEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilized to characterize the sample. It is crucial to treat such effluents due to the rapid increase in emerging pollutants. In this study, a photo-Fenton system was introduced as a combination of a Chit@Fe3O4 catalyst augmented with hydrogen peroxide under ultraviolet (UV) illumination conditions. The results reveal that only 1 h of irradiance time is efficient in oxidizing acetaminophen molecules. Doses of 20 and 200 mg/L of Chit@Fe3O4 and H2O2, respectively, and a pH of 2.0 were recorded as the optimal operational conditions that correspondingly oxidize 20 mg/L of acetaminophen to a 95% removal rate. An increase in the reaction temperature results in a decline in the reaction rate, and this, in turn, confirms that the reaction system is exothermic in nature. The sustainability of the catalyst was verified and deemed adequate in treating and oxidizing acetaminophen, even up to the fourth cycle, achieving a 69% removal rate. A kinetic modeling approach is applied to the experimental results, and the kinetic data reveal that the oxidation system conforms to second-order kinetics, with rate constants ranging from 0.0157 to 0.0036 L/mg·min. Furthermore, an analysis of the thermodynamic parameters reveals that the reaction is exothermic and non-spontaneous, predicting an activation energy of 36.35 kJ/mol. Therefore, the proposed system can address the limitations associated with the homogeneous Fenton system.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wastewater Reuse)
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Open AccessSystematic Review
Circular Economy in Guaiamum and Uçá Crab Waste in Brazil: Potential By-Products—A Systematic Literature Review
by
Joel Joaquim de Santana Filho, Pedro Dinis Gaspar, Ana Costa de Souza and Arminda do Paço
Resources 2024, 13(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13030046 - 19 Mar 2024
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This study aimed to fill a gap in the sustainable management of the reverse supply chain of Guaiamum and Uçá crab waste in Brazil, an endangered species. The study focused on the circular economy, governance, and recent developments, and identified circular economy practices
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This study aimed to fill a gap in the sustainable management of the reverse supply chain of Guaiamum and Uçá crab waste in Brazil, an endangered species. The study focused on the circular economy, governance, and recent developments, and identified circular economy practices in the utilization of solid waste from the fishing and collection of these species in extractive regions, in line with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A systematic literature review was conducted in major scientific databases. The selection of the 20 research publications followed pre-established criteria, including relevance to the SDGs and systematic review methodology. The results highlighted key variables related to the characteristics of by-products and the factors that influence the adoption of circular economy practices, in line with relevant SDGs. The most mentioned by-products include animal feed, organic fertilizer, biofuels, crab shell chitin biocomposite derivatives, as well as Chitosan-based composites for food packaging applications due to their non-toxicity, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. The study also identified future research opportunities covering education, policy, and management, in line with the UN SDGs. This study emphasizes the importance of the circular economy for solid crab waste in Brazil, a country with 12% of the world’s mangroves, which are essential both as a nursery for crabs and for ocean nutrition. It also analyzes current trends and initiatives in the reverse management of Guaiamum and Uçá crab waste, in the context of Supply Chain and Sustainable Management.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Thermal Caisson Geothermal Systems
by
Pouria Abbasi, Masih Alavy, Pavel Belansky and Marc A. Rosen
Resources 2024, 13(3), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13030045 - 19 Mar 2024
Abstract
This paper investigates the total environmental impacts of a thermal caisson (TC) system by implementing a life cycle assessment methodology. The total environmental impacts consider the comprehensive effect on the environment across two life cycle stages: manufacturing and operation. A comparison between the
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This paper investigates the total environmental impacts of a thermal caisson (TC) system by implementing a life cycle assessment methodology. The total environmental impacts consider the comprehensive effect on the environment across two life cycle stages: manufacturing and operation. A comparison between the TC results and two different HVAC systems, including air-conditioning/furnace and conventional ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems, was made by adopting the ReCiPe 2016 methodology. This study reveals that the operation phase is the predominant contributor to environmental impacts across systems, mainly due to its extended duration. Specifically, the operational impacts of GSHPs are substantial, accounting for approximately 87% of total environmental impacts. A TC GSHP system demonstrates a notable environmental advantage, achieving a 79% reduction in total environmental impact when compared to traditional AC/furnace systems. This represents a 21% improvement over conventional GSHP systems. Despite this substantial reduction in total environmental impact, the TC GSHP system shows an almost 5% increase in the resource availability damage category relative to the conventional GSHP, which is attributed to its higher material consumption. These results highlight the TC GSHP system’s superior efficiency in reducing environmental impacts and its potential as a more sustainable alternative in residential heating and cooling applications.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploration and Management of Geothermal Resources)
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