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Resources, Volume 13, Issue 10 (October 2024) – 15 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): The transition from traditional energy sources to renewable energy (RES) is essential due to air pollution, the greenhouse effect, and the limited availability of fossil fuels. Renewable energy, particularly photovoltaic (PV), offers a sustainable, infinite solution that reduces environmental impacts. This article focuses on photovoltaics, which has rapidly expanded in Poland. A systematic literature review was conducted to analyze the Polish PV sector further, examining the political, economic, social, technical, environmental, and legal factors affecting PV development. This resulted in a PESTEL analysis. The study revealed several key opportunities, including reducing CO2 emissions, economic savings, and social acceptance, as well as several key barriers, including outdated grid infrastructures, high costs, and political uncertainties. View this paper
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14 pages, 2875 KiB  
Article
Role of Lake Morphometric and Environmental Drivers of Ice Cover Formation and Occurrence on Temperate Lakes: A Case Study from the Eastern Baltic Lakeland, Poland
by Mariusz Ptak, Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen, Wenfeng Huang, Li Wang and Mariusz Sojka
Resources 2024, 13(10), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100146 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 497
Abstract
The presence of ice cover on temperate lakes is a crucial factor in determining the functioning of these ecosystems. The isolation of water from atmospheric influences significantly alters physical, chemical, and biological processes, and the intensity of this impact depends on the duration [...] Read more.
The presence of ice cover on temperate lakes is a crucial factor in determining the functioning of these ecosystems. The isolation of water from atmospheric influences significantly alters physical, chemical, and biological processes, and the intensity of this impact depends on the duration of the ice cover. This study analyzed the basic parameters of ice cover on several dozen lakes in Northeastern Poland. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of morphometric parameters, alongside environmental factors, on the variation of ice cover characteristics in lakes located within the Eastern Baltic Lakeland. Characterization of ice conditions in the analyzed lakes was based on basic statistics such as minimum and maximum values, mean, standard deviation, coefficients of variation, skewness, and kurtosis. Given that the dataset contains variables describing ice phenomena in the studied lakes and data describing location, morphometric parameters, and land cover directly adjacent to the lake (treated as independent variables), a method of Spearman’s rank correlations and constrained ordination method were decided upon. Despite the relatively small study area, significant variability was observed, with average differences as follows: 26 days for the onset of ice cover, 17 days for the end date, 15 cm for ice thickness, and a 30-day difference in the average duration of ice cover. Key factors included parameters such as lake volume, average depth, and land use (urbanized and agricultural areas). Understanding parameters such as the onset and end of ice cover is essential for lake ecosystems, both from an ecological and economic perspective. This knowledge is crucial for interpreting the behavior of living organisms, water quality, and economic considerations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Anthropogenic Conditions of Changes in the Hydrosphere)
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11 pages, 1392 KiB  
Article
Equivalence—A Useful Yet Complex Concept in Natural Resource Science
by Bradley Ridoutt
Resources 2024, 13(10), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100145 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 642
Abstract
The concept of equivalence is widely employed to aggregate different types of resource depletion or emissions. The practice offers convenience for reporting and can assist policymaking. However, equivalence is typically established using a model based only on selected criteria. If alternative criteria are [...] Read more.
The concept of equivalence is widely employed to aggregate different types of resource depletion or emissions. The practice offers convenience for reporting and can assist policymaking. However, equivalence is typically established using a model based only on selected criteria. If alternative criteria are used, the relative importance of different types of resource depletion or emissions can change. This communication addresses the subject of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon dioxide equivalence (CO2e). Using the Australian beef cattle and sheep meat sectors as a case study, radiative forcing (RF) footprints were quantified, and a method is presented to express these as CO2e emissions rather than the units W/m2. RF footprints are an alternative way of aggregating GHG emissions. They incorporate RF from current-year emissions and RF from historical emissions that remain in the atmosphere, avoiding the need to choose an arbitrary time horizon. There is simplicity and familiarity associated with the CO2e unit. However, it is concluded that whenever GHG emissions are reported as CO2e emissions, there is a need for transparency about the basis for equivalence, justification of the approach, as well interpretation of the results, and potential implications of selecting other bases of equivalency. Full article
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28 pages, 5219 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Farmers’ Perceptions on Sealing Techniques for Runoff Harvesting Ponds: A Case Study from Burkina Faso
by Tégawindé Vanessa Rosette Kaboré, Amadou Keïta, Abdou Lawane Gana, Dial Niang and Bassirou Boubé
Resources 2024, 13(10), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100144 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 584
Abstract
Water conservation in arid and semi-arid regions faces significant challenges due to low and irregular rainfall, worsened by climate change, which negatively affects rain-fed crop productivity. Various techniques, including supplemental irrigation using runoff harvesting ponds, aim to address these issues but often suffer [...] Read more.
Water conservation in arid and semi-arid regions faces significant challenges due to low and irregular rainfall, worsened by climate change, which negatively affects rain-fed crop productivity. Various techniques, including supplemental irrigation using runoff harvesting ponds, aim to address these issues but often suffer from water loss due to infiltration, influenced by the pond liner type. This study uses a factorial analysis to assess the farmers’ perceptions of four pond sealing techniques. Using the Waso-2 method, a survey conducted in 2022 among 41 rainwater harvesting pond owners across three regions of Burkina Faso revealed that farmers prioritized impermeability and ease of maintenance over cost and availability. Concrete, scoring 16/20, was the most preferred, chosen by over 75% of farmers for its durability and resistance to weathering, despite its high cost. Geomembrane, with a score of 12/20, was valued for its waterproofing properties but had durability concerns. Clay, although cheap and available, scored 8/20 due to poor waterproofing on unstable ground. Bitumen, the least favored with a score of 6/20, was hindered by scarcity and lack of familiarity. To enhance supplemental irrigation in Burkina Faso and similar regions, waterproof concrete or durable geomembrane liners are recommended. Further research into improving bitumen and clay liners is also suggested. These findings provide key insights into farmers’ preferences, offering guidance for developing effective water conservation strategies to boost agricultural productivity and address food security challenges in the context of climate change. Full article
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10 pages, 281 KiB  
Article
Nutritive Valorisation of Banana Tree (Musa acuminata) By-Products with Different Levels of Sodium Hydroxide
by Sofia Margarida Pontes Teixeira, Helder Patrício Barcelos Nunes, Carlos Fernando Mimoso Vouzela, João da Silva Madruga and Alfredo Emílio Silveira Borba
Resources 2024, 13(10), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100143 - 17 Oct 2024
Viewed by 432
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of treatment with sodium hydroxide on the nutritional value of banana (Musa acuminata) trees to see if they can be used as a source of fibre for ruminants since there is [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of treatment with sodium hydroxide on the nutritional value of banana (Musa acuminata) trees to see if they can be used as a source of fibre for ruminants since there is large banana production and consequently some waste. The samples were collected and dried in an oven with a controlled air flow. They were then sprinkled with a sodium hydroxide solution (2, 4, 6 and 8% of dry matter) and placed in a suitable container. The chemical properties were analysed. The results show that sodium hydroxide treatment leads to a significant decrease in neutral fibre and acid lignin contents in both leaves and pseudostems. A significant (p < 0.05) increase was observed in ash, and digestibility values were lower in leaves, confirming the values for neutral detergent fibres. The total amount of gas produced was measured after 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation. The results showed that the gas production in the leaves was lower in all treatments compared to the pseudostem, which was consistent with the digestibility results. Analysis of the results showed that the best NaOH concentration to improve the nutritional value of M. acuminata was 6 and 8%. Full article
17 pages, 1529 KiB  
Article
Post-Extractivism and Bioeconomy: An Experimental Analysis of Combustion and Pyrolysis Processes as Alternatives to Add Value to Agro-Residues (Coffee Husks) Generated in Farmer Cooperatives of the Ecuadorian Amazon
by Mario A. Heredia Salgado, Ina Säumel and Luís A. C. Tarelho
Resources 2024, 13(10), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100142 - 14 Oct 2024
Viewed by 495
Abstract
A post-extractivist development model for communities in the Amazon that is not based on non-renewable resource extraction demands the study and demonstration, in the field, of alternative economic activities that add value to currently generated residual biomass. Following the principles of bioeconomy, this [...] Read more.
A post-extractivist development model for communities in the Amazon that is not based on non-renewable resource extraction demands the study and demonstration, in the field, of alternative economic activities that add value to currently generated residual biomass. Following the principles of bioeconomy, this study presents an experimental analysis of a retort burner and a pilot-scale auger-type pyrolysis reactor used to convert coffee husks generated in a collection and post-harvesting center of a farmer’s cooperative into thermal energy and biochar, respectively. This study shows that coffee husks, whether used as feedstock for combustion or pyrolysis processes, can supply the thermal energy required by the post-harvesting processes. The combustion or pyrolysis of coffee husks avoids its accumulation and decomposition while replacing fossil fuels used in post-harvesting operations, reducing costs and making farmers independent of fossil fuel subsidies. Unlike combustion (11,029.4 mg/Nm3), the CO concentration in the flue gas during the pyrolysis process was 458.3 mg/Nm3, which is below the eco-design standard of 500 mg/Nm3. According to the European Biochar Certificate, carbon content (67.4 wt%) and H/Corg, O/Corg (0.6 and 0.1, respectively) are within the typical values of biochars used for soil amendment and carbon sequestration. Nonetheless, the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons must be assessed to fully regard this material as biochar. Finally, further studies are required to assess the ability of cooperatives to generate and trade carbon credits linked with the application of biochar in their cropping systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resource Extraction from Agricultural Products/Waste: 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 2585 KiB  
Article
Social Life Cycle Assessment of Cocoa Production: Evidence from Ivory Coast and Ghana
by Giuliana Vinci, Marco Ruggeri, Laura Gobbi and Marco Savastano
Resources 2024, 13(10), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100141 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 597
Abstract
Cocoa is a natural resource that plays a very important role globally, being one of the most produced and traded commodities. As a labour-intensive product and considering that its cultivation involves about 50 million people globally, it seems significant to explore its social [...] Read more.
Cocoa is a natural resource that plays a very important role globally, being one of the most produced and traded commodities. As a labour-intensive product and considering that its cultivation involves about 50 million people globally, it seems significant to explore its social sustainability. In light of this, this research aimed to map social risks within the cocoa supply chain from a life cycle perspective. Therefore, the Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) was used, following the PSILCA database, considering the two most influential countries in its production, i.e., Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. The results showed that there could be a very high risk that more than half of the cocoa globally is produced through child labour and with wages too low to guarantee workers a decent living, returning incomes of $30–38/month. Forced labour is much less frequent than child labour, while cocoa from Ghana may induce a high risk of improper work, considering the 30.2 h per week worked by farmers. This is mainly due to the low association power of 10–16%, which reveals a high risk that workers may not organise themselves into trade unions. Finally, at 23–25%, there is also a very high risk of discrimination due to the high presence of migrant labour. Therefore, the S-LCA results showed that the cocoa industry is still characterised by socially unsustainable sourcing. Full article
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38 pages, 6410 KiB  
Review
Solar Energy Resource and Power Generation in Morocco: Current Situation, Potential, and Future Perspective
by Rania Benbba, Majd Barhdadi, Antonio Ficarella, Giovanni Manente, Maria Pia Romano, Nizar El Hachemi, Abdelfettah Barhdadi, Ahmed Al-Salaymeh and Abdelkader Outzourhit
Resources 2024, 13(10), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100140 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1089
Abstract
The world’s attention is currently focused on the energy transition to sustainable energy. The drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming, energy security, and the generalization of access to energy have contributed to the adoption of the Moroccan [...] Read more.
The world’s attention is currently focused on the energy transition to sustainable energy. The drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming, energy security, and the generalization of access to energy have contributed to the adoption of the Moroccan Energy Strategy, with a strong focus on renewable energy (RE). Morocco is notoriously poor in conventional primary fossil energy resources, with energy dependence on the order of 90%. In addition, the energy crisis that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, compounded with steady increase in demand, has heavily affected the security and stability of the country’s energy situation. The transition to RE by strongly engaging in the implementation of several solar, wind, and hydro energy projects has made the country the leader in RE in Africa. These projects benefit from the country’s excellent solar and wind energy potential. As a consequence, by 2030, the share of RE in the installed capacity is expected to reach 52%. An overview of the current situation of RE (particularly solar energy) in Morocco is provided, including the potentials, obstacles, challenges, and future perspectives. Thanks to its high solar potential, it is predictable that Morocco’s effort will be focused on this field: the Erasmus plus INNOMED project is a virtuous example of international cooperation, aiming at promoting solar energy through capacity building and the creation of solar energy networks, in synergy with EU Partners. Full article
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14 pages, 1396 KiB  
Article
Potential Utilization of Rice Waste in the Construction Sector: A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Approach
by Daniel Henao, Luz Adriana Sanchez-Echeverri and Nelson Javier Tovar-Perilla
Resources 2024, 13(10), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100139 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 985
Abstract
Effective management of agricultural waste is an important contribution to environmental sustainability and economic development, especially considering the significant volume of agricultural residues produced worldwide. Rice is a widely cultivated crop in Colombia, and its high production results in a high amount of [...] Read more.
Effective management of agricultural waste is an important contribution to environmental sustainability and economic development, especially considering the significant volume of agricultural residues produced worldwide. Rice is a widely cultivated crop in Colombia, and its high production results in a high amount of wastes, which is often underutilized due to a lack of knowledge regarding its potential value-added applications. On the other hand, the construction industry has become increasingly aware of the necessity to develop materials with reduced environmental impact. Therefore, this study explores the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate various alternatives for utilizing rice waste in construction materials; the alternatives were evaluated based on criteria tailored to the needs of local agricultural communities in the Tolima region of Colombia. The findings highlight the potential of rice husk ash (RHA) as an environmentally responsible alternative in the construction sector, offering a viable solution for waste management while contributing to the economic development of small-scale farmers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Use of Biological Resources)
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18 pages, 3634 KiB  
Article
Environmental Impact of Polyurethane-Based Aerogel Production: Influence of Solvents and Solids Content
by Seyed Ahmad Aldaghi, Mattia Costamagna, Massimo Perucca, Esther Pinilla-Peñalver, Darío Cantero, Amaya Romero and Luz Sánchez-Silva
Resources 2024, 13(10), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100138 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 798
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts associated with the synthesis of polyurethane (PUR) aerogels. The synthesis process incorporates various solvents and solids contents into the formulation, with the primary objective of enhancing the physical properties of the aerogels for [...] Read more.
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts associated with the synthesis of polyurethane (PUR) aerogels. The synthesis process incorporates various solvents and solids contents into the formulation, with the primary objective of enhancing the physical properties of the aerogels for broad industrial applications. Nine experimental scenarios were explored, grouped into two sets based on the variables studied. A detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts of all formulated PUR aerogels. The findings indicate that a solvent solution of 100% ethyl acetate (EtOAc) results in lower environmental impacts compared to other tested formulations. Notably, a solvent solution comprising 75% acetonitrile (ACN) and 25% EtOAc exhibited the highest environmental Key Performance Indicator (εKPI) among the tested material formulations, closely followed by the PUR aerogel obtained using acetone as a solvent. Furthermore, this study underscores the necessity of performing an integrated LCA that considers both environmental and functional aspects. While reducing the solids content is environmentally advantageous, it may present challenges in terms of material functionality. This is illustrated by the PUR aerogel synthesized with the lowest solids content of 3.2 wt.%, which demonstrated high deformability, thereby complicating the determination of a reliable Young’s modulus for analysis. Full article
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17 pages, 3708 KiB  
Article
Composting as a Cleaner Production Strategy for the Soil Resource of Potato Crops in Choconta, Colombia
by Angie Tatiana Ortega-Ramírez, Daniela García Moreno and Miriam Reyes Tovar
Resources 2024, 13(10), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100137 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1000
Abstract
Choconta is the municipality in Colombia with the greatest prevalence of potato planting, representing 70.90% of the total territory. However, this crop has been affected by the presence of pests, diseases, and chemical contaminants from pesticides and chemical fertilizers that deteriorate the soil [...] Read more.
Choconta is the municipality in Colombia with the greatest prevalence of potato planting, representing 70.90% of the total territory. However, this crop has been affected by the presence of pests, diseases, and chemical contaminants from pesticides and chemical fertilizers that deteriorate the soil and, therefore, the quality of the final product. Compost (organic waste with specific characteristics and made from waste generated in Choconta) was studied as a sustainable production strategy to increase soil quality and thereby the quality of the local potato crop. For this purpose, a 3 × 2 experiment design was implemented with three treatments (0%, 25%, and 50% compost) and two variables (young potato and mature potato) in duplicate for 4 months. In this experiment, the use of compost led to an improved final product, which went from a floury texture to a dense and creamy texture. The use of compost also reduced the levels of heavy metals, such as lead, with a higher removal in treatment 3 (50% composting). The estimated direct cost of the composting process was USD 280.85, slightly lower than that of the application of fertilizers at USD 294.48. The use of fertilizers has a higher environmental impact due to the use of chemical products that have environmental and health implications. Using compost did not influence tuber harvest time but had a positive impact on tuber texture quality and on soil resources through the reduction in heavy metals, especially lead (16.40–18.03 ppm for treatment 1, 17.96–18.49 ppm for treatment 2, and 15.67–17.88 ppm for treatment 3). Using compost could be environmentally and economically beneficial for local farmers, and it promotes the circular economy and sustainable communities. Full article
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29 pages, 863 KiB  
Systematic Review
PESTEL Analysis of the Photovoltaic Market in Poland—A Systematic Review of Opportunities and Threats
by Beata Hysa and Anna Mularczyk
Resources 2024, 13(10), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100136 - 27 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 668
Abstract
In recent years, Poland has implemented substantial changes to its energy mix, resulting in an increased proportion of energy production from photovoltaics (PV). However, the photovoltaic energy market’s development is determined by several factors, and still requires further analysis. Therefore, the study’s main [...] Read more.
In recent years, Poland has implemented substantial changes to its energy mix, resulting in an increased proportion of energy production from photovoltaics (PV). However, the photovoltaic energy market’s development is determined by several factors, and still requires further analysis. Therefore, the study’s main objective was to comprehensively understand the PV phenomenon and its development in Poland. Furthermore, a PESTEL analysis was undertaken to assess the macroeconomic context of the photovoltaic industry in Poland. A systematic literature review methodology was employed to achieve this. The study’s principal findings identified a number of pivotal opportunities and barriers to PV development. The environmental benefits of CO2 reduction and the economic advantages, including cost savings and subsidies, were identified as significant opportunities, as were social acceptance and enhanced energy security. However, obstacles to progress include outdated grid infrastructure, high investment costs, environmental concerns during the PV lifecycle, and political uncertainties. Technical challenges like grid stability and high battery costs also impede growth. Potential strategies for improvement involve better public awareness campaigns, enhanced self-consumption through storage systems, and optimised system placement. Addressing these factors could transform current neutral aspects into either opportunities or threats for PV deployment. Full article
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16 pages, 2079 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Impact of Aridity on Argan Trees in Morocco: Implications for Conservation in a Changing Climate
by Chaima Afi, Maryem Telmoudi, Said Labbassi, Naima Chabbi, Jamal Hallam, Fouad Msanda and Naima Ait Aabd
Resources 2024, 13(10), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100135 - 27 Sep 2024
Viewed by 628
Abstract
Climate change, through increased aridity, threatens ecosystems, including Morocco’s endemic Argania Spinosa L. Skeels. This study assesses the impact of aridity on argan trees by analyzing morphological, ecophysiological, and biochemical parameters across various regions and comparing them with historical data. Significant variations were [...] Read more.
Climate change, through increased aridity, threatens ecosystems, including Morocco’s endemic Argania Spinosa L. Skeels. This study assesses the impact of aridity on argan trees by analyzing morphological, ecophysiological, and biochemical parameters across various regions and comparing them with historical data. Significant variations were observed in leaf area, leaf length, chlorophyll content, relative water content, polyphenols, flavonoids, soluble sugars, and antioxidant activity, while leaf width ratio and chlorophyll ratio remained stable. Tioughza exhibited the largest leaf area (136.07 mm2), the highest chlorophyll content (436.76 mg/m2), and superior water retention (52.27%). Conversely, Ezzaouite showed the smallest leaf area (85.76 mm2) and lowest water content (37.68%). Increased aridity has intensified these differences, revealing the argan tree’s vulnerability to climate change. The findings underscore the need for targeted conservation efforts, including reforestation, strengthened legislation, and enhanced genetic research, to sustain this vital species. Full article
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19 pages, 881 KiB  
Article
From Your Plate to Our Bin: Tackling Food Waste in Saudi Family Restaurants
by Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih and Ahmed E. Abu Elnasr
Resources 2024, 13(10), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100134 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1093
Abstract
This research tackled the food waste problem in Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on family restaurants, where this issue is evident. The study adopted a semi-structured survey, including structured and open-ended questions with family restaurants’ owner–manager/managers. The results of quantitative and qualitative [...] Read more.
This research tackled the food waste problem in Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on family restaurants, where this issue is evident. The study adopted a semi-structured survey, including structured and open-ended questions with family restaurants’ owner–manager/managers. The results of quantitative and qualitative data analysis showed that the most frequent types of food waste in family restaurants are starchy foods, especially bread and rice with a waste ratio above 50% of these items. Additionally, the average ratio of food waste was at least 20% of served food at sampled restaurants per customer. Three major reasons for this high rate of food waste were consumers’ behavior, e.g., positive attitude towards food waste; external factors, e.g., absence of a legal framework; and factors related to restaurants, e.g., food portion served and food cycle management. The results identified no applied strategies for handling food left over and reducing food waste at most (70%) of Saudi restaurants. This study calls for a national policy and program on managing food waste at Saudi family restaurants by adopting the 5Rs model for proper food waste management. Restaurants are encouraged to adopt green initiatives, such as “clean your plate” or “eat or waste” to stimulate their customers’ behavior for reducing their food waste and sustain the environment. This would support a green and circular economy. Full article
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17 pages, 1827 KiB  
Article
Spring Water Quality in a Flood-Prone Area of Kampala City, Uganda: Insights Furnished by Sanitary and Limnochemical Data
by Ronald Tenywa, Timothy Omara, Gerald Kwikiriza, Christopher Angiro and Emmanuel Ntambi
Resources 2024, 13(10), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100133 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 982
Abstract
For millennia, springs have provided water for drinking, domestic use, balneological treatment, liminality rites as well as tourist attractions. Amidst these uses, anthropogenic activities, especially urbanization and agriculture, continue to impair the functionality of springs. With the looming decadal climate change, freshwater springs [...] Read more.
For millennia, springs have provided water for drinking, domestic use, balneological treatment, liminality rites as well as tourist attractions. Amidst these uses, anthropogenic activities, especially urbanization and agriculture, continue to impair the functionality of springs. With the looming decadal climate change, freshwater springs could be a sustainable source of clean water for the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal 6. This paper presents the results of the sanitary inspection and assessment of limnochemical characteristics and quality of water samples (n = 64) from four freshwater springs (coded SPR1, SPR2, SPR3, and SPR4) in Kansanga, a flash flood-prone area in the African Great Lakes region of Uganda. Each sample was analysed for 17 parameters (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, fluorides, sulphates, chlorides, nitrates, orthophosphates, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, potassium, sodium, total, magnesium and calcium hardness) following the standard methods. Water quality index (WQI) was calculated to establish the quality of the water samples based on the physicochemical parameters measured. Based on the sanitary risk assessment results, the springs had medium- to high-risk scores, but most water parameters were within the WHO guidelines for potable water, except for nitrates (in SPR1 and SPR2), hardness levels (in SPR2), and dissolved oxygen (in all the samples). Sampling season and location had significant effects on the limnochemistry of the freshwater springs (p < 0.05). The water quality indices calculated indicated that the water from the springs was of good quality (WQI = 50–57), but there was a reduction in water quality during the wet season. The best water quality was recorded in samples from SPR4, followed by those for SPR3, SPR1, and SPR2. These results provide insights into the contribution of floods and poor sanitation facilities to the deterioration of spring water quality in Kansanga, and the need to leverage additional conservation strategies to support vulnerable communities in the area. Further studies are required to establish the risk posed by trace metals and microbes that may contaminate freshwater in the studied springs, especially following flood events. Full article
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23 pages, 2448 KiB  
Article
Socioecological Resilience: Quantitative Assessment of the Impact of an Invasive Species Assemblage on a Lake Ecosystem
by David Ricardo Pedroza-Martínez, Julio Eduardo Beltrán-Vargas and Carlos Alfonso Zafra-Mejía
Resources 2024, 13(10), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100132 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 658
Abstract
An invasive assemblage refers to a group of invasive species that coexist and interact within an ecosystem, significantly altering its dynamics, biodiversity, functions, and ecosystem services. Their presence in lakes can severely affect these ecosystems. The objective of this article is to present [...] Read more.
An invasive assemblage refers to a group of invasive species that coexist and interact within an ecosystem, significantly altering its dynamics, biodiversity, functions, and ecosystem services. Their presence in lakes can severely affect these ecosystems. The objective of this article is to present an assessment using indexes of socioecological resilience to the impact of an assemblage of two invasive species (P. clarkii and E. crassipes) in a lake ecosystem, the Fúquene Lagoon in Colombia. Socioecological resilience indexes (rating scale: 0.0–100%) are developed based on community perception within the area of influence of the lake ecosystem under study. Indexes are developed for each dimension of analysis (ecological, social, and economic) and include a global resilience index. Community perception is obtained through a survey according to the dimensions of analysis. The results of the comprehensive assessment using the developed indexes suggest significant vulnerability of the ecological (index = 37.7%) and social (index = 40.9%) resilience of the lake ecosystem to the invasive species assemblage. The low-risk perception and limited implementation of preventive measures accentuate this fragility. Although the economic dimension shows greater robustness (index = 56.9%), it is imperative to strengthen the adaptive capacity of the socioecological system to mitigate the adverse impacts of biological invasions and ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem (global resilience index = 45%). Assessing lake ecosystems’ recovery from invasive species requires a multidimensional approach, focusing on ecological, economic, and social factors to develop integrated management strategies for resilience and sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Anthropogenic Conditions of Changes in the Hydrosphere)
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