Resources

16 pages, 2754 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effective Regeneration of Flue Gas Wastewater by One-Step Hydrothermal Removal of High Concentrations of Nitrate and Sulfate

by Yingzi Lin, Xin Lan, Dandan Yang, Yu Chen, Suiyi Zhu and Hua Kang

Resources 2026, 15(9), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090124 - 21 Sep 2026

Viewed by 260

Abstract

Wet flue-gas purification in non-ferrous smelting facilities consumes large volumes of fresh water and generates wastewater rich in sulfate and nitrate. On-site recirculation of this wastewater is currently limited by progressive nitrate accumulation, because no conventional single-step technology can simultaneously remove sulfate and [...] Read more.

Wet flue-gas purification in non-ferrous smelting facilities consumes large volumes of fresh water and generates wastewater rich in sulfate and nitrate. On-site recirculation of this wastewater is currently limited by progressive nitrate accumulation, because no conventional single-step technology can simultaneously remove sulfate and nitrate; the available routes are separate, energy- or reagent-intensive steps that either transfer nitrate into hazardous mixed salts or generate secondary sludge. The raw wastewater investigated here contained 53.3–57.5 g/L nitrate, 10.5–12.5 g/L sulfate, approximately 1.35 g/L TOC, and trace Cr, Cu, and Al. Herein, we report a one-step hydrothermal process in which an organic iron reagent, ferric citrate, simultaneously removes sulfate and nitrate from flue-gas wastewater at a moderate temperature of 120 °C—a temperature attainable with low-grade waste heat that is otherwise unrecovered on site. The advancement of knowledge lies in the underlying chemistry: thermally activated electron transfer from the citrate ligand to Fe³⁺ generates Fe²⁺, which catalytically reduces nitrate (>99% removal), while Fe³⁺ concurrently precipitates sulfate (and co-removes Cr and Al) as schwertmannite, an iron oxyhydroxysulfate that itself becomes a potentially recyclable iron resource. Subsequent neutralization with Ca(OH)₂ further reduced residual sulfate to 4.1 g/L, making the water suitable for return to the flue-gas purification loop after optional polishing. For plant operators and decision-makers, the implication is that the current evaporation-to-hazardous-salt practice can, in principle, be replaced by a closed water cycle driven by the plant’s own waste heat, thereby reducing freshwater withdrawal, avoiding the disposal of a nitrate-bearing mixed salt, and recovering an iron-rich by-product. Full article

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26 pages, 3890 KB

Open AccessReview

From Environmental Burden to Valuable Feedstock: A Rapid Review of Wood Waste and Residue Markets

by Galit Gatut Prakosa, Pipiet Larasatie, Scott M. Barrett and Brian Bond

Resources 2026, 15(9), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090123 - 18 Sep 2026

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Abstract

Wood waste and residues are increasingly viewed as feedstocks for the circular bioecon-omy, yet their market development remains uneven. This rapid review synthesized 125 studies published between 1967 and 2025 to examine research trends, feedstock characteristics, market constraints, and emerging opportunities through Marketing [...] Read more.

Wood waste and residues are increasingly viewed as feedstocks for the circular bioecon-omy, yet their market development remains uneven. This rapid review synthesized 125 studies published between 1967 and 2025 to examine research trends, feedstock characteristics, market constraints, and emerging opportunities through Marketing Mix and Innovation perspectives. Research was concentrated in North America and Europe (68.0%), and quantitative approaches accounted for 75.2% of the studies. Logistics and infrastructure were the most frequently reported constraints (61.6%), followed by competition (38.4%), supply–demand conditions (32.0%), and lack of standardization (14.4%). Energy-related applications remained prominent (87.2%), while 45.6% of studies also addressed material or bioproduct applications, indicating diversification rather than replacement of established uses. The synthesis shows that technological advances alone do not create viable markets. Residue characteristics, transportation, processing capacity, competing uses, pricing and distribution arrangements, institutional coordination, policy, and financing jointly shape utilization pathways. Marketing Mix and Innovation perspectives provide complementary explanations of how these markets are configured and how they change. Wood residues can become valuable feedstocks, but their value is context dependent and relies on alignment between specific residue streams and viable markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Use of Biological Resources: 2nd Edition)

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35 pages, 1192 KB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Water Productivity and Reducing Water and Energy Consumption in Rice Production Through Natural Farming-Based Management Practices in Southern India

by Battu Krishna Rao, Somepalli Annapurna, Brahmanapuduru Gireesh, Priyanka Jha, Masireddy Sruthi, Kunapuli Vijaya Gowri, Karanam Sunitha, Ramineni Harsha Nag, Mahipal Choudhary, Zakir Hussain and Mood Anitha

Resources 2026, 15(9), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090122 - 17 Sep 2026

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Abstract

Natural farming (NF) has emerged as a promising agro-ecological tactic to enhance resource use and reduce dependence on synthetic agricultural inputs. However, comprehensive field-based evidence across diverse agro-climatic regions remains limited. This study assessed the effects of NF on water use, water and [...] Read more.

Natural farming (NF) has emerged as a promising agro-ecological tactic to enhance resource use and reduce dependence on synthetic agricultural inputs. However, comprehensive field-based evidence across diverse agro-climatic regions remains limited. This study assessed the effects of NF on water use, water and crop productivity, economic returns, energy consumption, and soil fertility across four agro-climatic zones of Andhra Pradesh, India, using a paired-field approach during 2023–2025. Compared with conventional farming (CF), NF reduced total water utilization by 16.1–39.0%, resulting in a 15.0–55.5% improvement in water productivity. Although rice yield declined marginally by 4.40–8.40% in the Southern, Krishna, and High-Altitude zones during some seasons, yields remained comparable in the Godavari zone. The cost of cultivation decreased substantially by 20.6–35.1%, while gross returns remained largely comparable between production systems, varying from −7.0% to +5.05%. Consequently, NF increased net returns by 8.8–29.0% and improved the benefit-cost ratio by 23.7–47.8% relative to CF. Irrigation-related energy consumption was reduced by 21.8–57.7%, indicating greater resource-use efficiency under NF. The sustainable yield index values remained high (0.68–0.91), demonstrating stable crop productivity despite reduced external inputs. Natural farming practices also improved soil health by buffering soil pH towards neutrality; soil organic carbon (SOC) enhanced from 0.38–0.73% under CF to 0.57–1.01% under NF. Similarly, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium increased under NF. Overall, these findings demonstrate that natural farming improves water and energy productivity, reduces production costs, and increases farm profitability while maintaining stable rice productivity across diverse agro-climatic conditions. The results highlight the potential of natural farming as a climate-resilient and resource-efficient strategy for sustainable rice production in India. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management for Agriculture)

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26 pages, 4219 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermochemical Conversion of Wastewater Sludge from Ribbed Smoked Sheet (RSS) Rubber Production: Pyrolysis Product Distribution, Physicochemical Characteristics, and Energy Potential

by Visit Eakvanich, Natworapol Rachsiriwatcharabul, Wassachol Wattana, Panya Dangwilailux, Wachara Kalasee and Putipong Lakachaiworakun

Resources 2026, 15(9), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090121 - 16 Sep 2026

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Abstract

The rapid depletion of fossil fuels and increasing environmental concerns has intensified the search for sustainable energy recovery from biomass residues. Wastewater sludge generated during ribbed smoked sheet (RSS) rubber production is an underutilized by-product rich in organic matter and therefore represents a [...] Read more.

The rapid depletion of fossil fuels and increasing environmental concerns has intensified the search for sustainable energy recovery from biomass residues. Wastewater sludge generated during ribbed smoked sheet (RSS) rubber production is an underutilized by-product rich in organic matter and therefore represents a potential feedstock for thermochemical conversion. This study investigated the slow pyrolysis of RSS wastewater sludge and evaluated the effects of pyrolysis temperature (350–500 °C) on product distribution, fuel properties, and thermochemical characteristics. Wastewater sludge collected from an RSS cooperative in Chumphon Province, Thailand, was pyrolyzed in a laboratory-scale reactor under a nitrogen atmosphere, and the feedstock and pyrolysis products were characterized using proximate and ultimate analyses, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gas chromatography, and physicochemical measurements. The results showed that pyrolysis temperature significantly influenced product yields and fuel quality. The yields of pyrolysis gas (PG), biochar, and liquid products (LPs) ranged from 41.87 to 45.78% wt, 23.41 to 28.75% wt, and 29.19 to 30.81% wt, respectively. The LPs contained high oxygen contents (72–81% wt) and exhibited relatively low higher heating values (HHVs) of 16.87–21.75 MJ kg⁻¹, indicating limited suitability for direct fuel applications without upgrading. In contrast, biochar produced at higher temperatures exhibited increased carbon content (60.18–77.15% wt) and HHVs of up to 28.45 MJ kg⁻¹, demonstrating promising potential as a renewable solid fuel, although its relatively low bulk density (97.28–135.29 kg m⁻³) suggests that densification would improve practical utilization. The PG fraction exhibited low HHVs (0.21–2.95 MJ kg⁻¹) owing to the predominance of CO₂ and other non-combustible gases under slow pyrolysis conditions, making it more suitable for localized process heat recovery than as a primary gaseous fuel. Overall, this study demonstrates that RSS wastewater sludge can be effectively valorized through slow pyrolysis into biochar, liquid products, and pyrolysis gas. The findings provide quantitative information for optimizing pyrolysis operating conditions and offer engineering guidance for the sustainable utilization of rubber-processing sludge as a renewable energy resource within a circular bio-economy framework. Full article

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30 pages, 4090 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Assessment of Groundwater Quality, Infrastructure, and Livestock-Watering Suitability in Western Kazakhstan

by Sultan Tazhiyev, Yermek Murtazin, Malis Absametov, Dinara Adenova, Kuanysh Togizov, Aliya Toktar, Valentina Rakhimova, Zhanar Naurozbayeva, Aigerim Akylbayeva, Makhabbat Abdizhalel and Darkhan Yerezhep

Resources 2026, 15(9), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090120 - 15 Sep 2026

Viewed by 311

Abstract

Groundwater is the principal water resource supporting pasture-based livestock production in the arid Mangystau and Atyrau regions of western Kazakhstan, where permanent surface-water availability is limited. This study integrated field surveys of groundwater infrastructure with hydrochemical analyses of 36 groundwater samples (24 from [...] Read more.

Groundwater is the principal water resource supporting pasture-based livestock production in the arid Mangystau and Atyrau regions of western Kazakhstan, where permanent surface-water availability is limited. This study integrated field surveys of groundwater infrastructure with hydrochemical analyses of 36 groundwater samples (24 from Mangystau and 12 from Atyrau) to evaluate groundwater quality, livestock-watering suitability, and the practical usability of existing water points. Mineralization ranged from 281 to 10,298 mg/L, demonstrating substantial source-level and within-region variability. Total mineralization did not differ significantly between the sampled sources of Mangystau and Atyrau. After correction for multiple regional comparisons, statistically significant differences were retained for sulfate and bicarbonate, with higher sulfate concentrations in Mangystau and higher bicarbonate concentrations in Atyrau. Ionic charge-balance assessment showed that 35 of 36 samples were within ±10%; one charge-imbalanced sample was excluded from charge-balance-dependent hydrochemical interpretation. Among the 35 QA/QC-accepted samples, mineralization was strongly associated with Na⁺ (Spearman ρ = 0.834, p = 5.06 × 10⁻¹⁰) and Cl⁻ (ρ = 0.843, p = 2.08 × 10⁻¹⁰), while Na⁺ and Cl⁻ showed very strong covariation (ρ = 0.952, p = 1.51 × 10⁻¹⁸). Together with a median molar Na/Cl ratio of 1.10 and the predominance of Na–Cl facies, these relationships are consistent with an important contribution from saline and evaporitic sedimentary materials to groundwater mineralization. Twelve sources contained ≥7000 mg/L TDS and require restricted, source-specific livestock use. Elevated nitrate and ammonium occurred at a subset of water points and are interpreted as localized water-quality concerns whose origin cannot be established from the present dataset. The results demonstrate that pasture-water management should prioritize source-specific groundwater-quality assessment, infrastructure maintenance, and sanitary protection rather than reliance on administrative-region averages alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management for Agriculture)

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25 pages, 7391 KB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Composite Suitability: Evidence-Aware Pareto Frontiers for Geothermal Exploration Decisions in Colombia

by Carlos Robles-Algarín, Víctor Olivero-Ortiz and Carolina Diosa Rosas

Resources 2026, 15(9), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090119 - 14 Sep 2026

Viewed by 275

Abstract

Regional geothermal screening often collapses prospectivity, territorial constraints, institutional support, and data maturity into a compensatory score, obscuring why an area ranks highly. We develop an evidence-aware, non-compensatory framework for Colombia. Eleven criteria were standardized at 300 m and weighted using Best–Worst Method [...] Read more.

Regional geothermal screening often collapses prospectivity, territorial constraints, institutional support, and data maturity into a compensatory score, obscuring why an area ranks highly. We develop an evidence-aware, non-compensatory framework for Colombia. Eleven criteria were standardized at 300 m and weighted using Best–Worst Method judgments from 15 experts. Results for 23 registered areas were decomposed into geoscientific prospectivity, territorial compatibility, institutional alignment, and evidence gap. Institutional alignment remained a contextual implementation dimension but was excluded from Pareto dominance. Paired frontiers distinguish advancement screening from information-acquisition screening. Robustness was evaluated through 10,000 expert-panel bootstrap replicates, 81 transformations of four dominant geoscientific layers, and directed missing-data tests. Cubarral, Nereidas, Iza, Paipa, and Santa Rosa formed the advancement frontier, which was unchanged across all transformation scenarios; joint robustness frequencies ranged from 83.4% to 100%. However, neutral score-3 imputation retained only Cubarral, Nereidas, and Santa Rosa (Jaccard = 0.600). Eight of nine learning-front members persisted across all transformation scenarios, while Santa Rosa was transformation-sensitive. Apiay ranked second in every expert bootstrap but belonged to neither frontier, showing that rank stability does not imply non-dominance. The framework separates preference uncertainty from evidence-model and missing-data assumptions while providing screening sets requiring costed feasibility appraisal. Full article

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16 pages, 7235 KB

Open AccessArticle

Recycled Concrete Aggregates in Bioretention Cells: Pollutant Retention, Start-Up and Stabilization Dynamics, and Resource Conservation

by Dina Margarita Olmedo-Martínez, Arlette Cruz-Borbolla, Carlos Alfredo Bigurra-Alzati, Liliana Lizárraga-Mendiola, Omar Salvador Areu-Rangel, Marcelino Antonio Zúñiga-Estrada, Claudia Coronel-Olivares and Gabriela A. Vázquez-Rodríguez

Resources 2026, 15(9), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090118 - 9 Sep 2026

Viewed by 518

Abstract

This study evaluated recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) as a filter medium and secondary mineral resource in bioretention cells treating synthetic urban runoff, with emphasis on pollutant retention, start-up, and stabilization dynamics. Four laboratory-scale columns containing RCAs were operated for 12 weekly cycles under [...] Read more.

This study evaluated recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) as a filter medium and secondary mineral resource in bioretention cells treating synthetic urban runoff, with emphasis on pollutant retention, start-up, and stabilization dynamics. Four laboratory-scale columns containing RCAs were operated for 12 weekly cycles under unplanted and vetiver-planted configurations, with and without a 2 cm granular activated carbon layer. Ammonium, nitrate, total nitrogen, phosphate, Pb, Zn, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) were monitored throughout the experiment. Ammonium was consistently retained, reaching removal efficiencies above 95% in all configurations by the final cycles, while Pb and Zn remained below detection in nearly all effluents. Nitrate, total nitrogen, and phosphate showed initial export and greater variability during start-up, followed by more consistent retention, particularly in the vegetated configurations. The GAC layer did not provide a consistent improvement in nutrient retention. EC generally decreased during operation, indicating progressive conditioning of the RCA media, whereas effluent pH remained persistently alkaline. Altogether, RCAs provided effective pollutant retention while exhibiting distinct conditioning and stabilization trajectories. Their use as the main mineral component of bioretention filter beds also offers a pathway for substituting virgin aggregates and valorizing construction and demolition waste, although long-term performance and life-cycle impacts require further evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Resource Recovery from Waste)

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30 pages, 993 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gold, Terrorism, and Economic Growth in Burkina Faso: Between Resource Blessing, Resource Curse Hypothesis, and the Resource–Security Paradox

by Melike Bildirici and Ayse Demirhan

Resources 2026, 15(9), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090117 - 7 Sep 2026

Viewed by 471

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship among gold production, terrorist attacks, FDI, trade openness, financial assistance, World Bank aid, and economic growth in Burkina Faso over the period of 1975–2024. To account for structural shifts and nonlinear dynamics, the analysis employs the FBARDL model [...] Read more.

This paper examines the relationship among gold production, terrorist attacks, FDI, trade openness, financial assistance, World Bank aid, and economic growth in Burkina Faso over the period of 1975–2024. To account for structural shifts and nonlinear dynamics, the analysis employs the FBARDL model together with Fourier Granger causality tests. To check the robustness of the results, the FBARDL estimates were compared with those obtained from the conventional ARDL, ARDL with structural break dummies, and OLS models. In addition, the BDS and Fourier-NL tests were performed on the residuals to assess neglected nonlinear dynamics and remaining structural breaks, while the Fourier F test was employed to verify the significance of the Fourier approximation. Finally, the Fourier Granger causality test was re-estimated using alternative lag lengths to confirm the robustness of the causality. The empirical results revealed contrasting effects of gold production and terrorism on economic growth in Burkina Faso. Gold production exerts a positive and economically meaningful effect in both the long and short run: a 1% increase in gold production increases economic growth by approximately 0.894% in the long run and 0.56% in the short run. By contrast, terrorism significantly undermined long-run economic growth, with a 1% increase in terrorist activity reducing economic growth by approximately 0.45%. The causality analysis further identified unidirectional causality from gold production to terrorism and trade openness, from trade openness and FDI to terrorism, and from terrorism to IBRD/IDA assistance. Bidirectional causality is found between FDI and trade openness, economic growth and FDI, economic growth and terrorism, FDI and gold production, economic growth and trade openness, and trade openness and financial assistance. Taken together, these results revealed a resource–security paradox. Gold production generates a clear resource blessing effect in terms of economic growth, but terrorism indicated that resource expansion may simultaneously intensify conflict-related vulnerabilities. Moreover, the growth benefits generated by gold production do not necessarily translate into broader and more inclusive development. The results therefore suggest that resource blessing in economic growth can coexist with resource curse dynamics in economic development. The policy implications emphasize strengthening resource governance and security institutions while channeling mining revenues toward productive investment and inclusive development. Such measures are essential for transforming gold-driven growth into sustainable development while mitigating the security risks associated with resource dependence. The results therefore revealed a sustainability paradox in which resource wealth generates economic benefits but also increases security and development vulnerabilities. The policy implications emphasized strengthening resource governance and security institutions and improving the allocation of mining revenues toward productive investment and inclusive development. Such policies are essential for transforming gold wealth into sustainable economic development while limiting the conflict-related risks associated with resource dependence. Full article

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29 pages, 68647 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Geophysical and Remote Sensing Analysis for Identifying Mineralization Potential in Wadi Queih, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

by Arwa Sameer, Ahmed Saleh, Sultan Awad Sultan Araffa, Sami Hamed Abd El Nabi, Karam Farag and Mohamed Aldeep

Resources 2026, 15(9), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090116 - 7 Sep 2026

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Abstract

The integration of aeromagnetic, gamma-ray spectrometric, and remote sensing approaches was used to delineate structural configurations and identify potential mineralization sites in the Wadi Queih area, Eastern Desert, Egypt. Focusing on weathered Precambrian terrains, this study establishes a predictive, multitier exploration model for [...] Read more.

The integration of aeromagnetic, gamma-ray spectrometric, and remote sensing approaches was used to delineate structural configurations and identify potential mineralization sites in the Wadi Queih area, Eastern Desert, Egypt. Focusing on weathered Precambrian terrains, this study establishes a predictive, multitier exploration model for the Wadi Queih area (Eastern Desert, Egypt) by integrating aeromagnetic, gamma-ray spectrometric, and Landsat-9 OLI-2 datasets. Rather than analyzing these datasets in isolation, the novel contribution of this integrated approach lies in its ability to map the complete genetic path of mineralization—bridging subsurface structural conduits, surface hydrothermal alteration, and radioelements. Subsurface structural configurations mapped via magnetic tilt derivative (TDR) and analytic signal (AS) filters were revealed. The main finding is that the dominant NW–SE structural trend is consistent with regional tectonic structures associated with Red Sea rifting. By co-registering these deep structures with surface mineralogical mapping from Landsat-9 OLI-2 (processed using PCA, band ratios, and Spectral Angle Mapper), we demonstrate a direct structural control on hydrothermal alteration zones. Specifically, these fault zones align with intense hydroxyl and iron oxide alterations, while the Spectral Angle Mapper successfully identified serpentinite-hosted magnesite and chromite extensions. Airborne gamma-ray spectrometry validated these targets, mapping localized potassium enrichment along fault-controlled alteration zones and identifying strata-bound uranium enrichment within the phosphorogenic Duwi and Tarif Formations. The convergence of these three independent datasets provides a self-validating targeting framework that significantly reduces exploration risk compared to traditional single-dataset analyses. Ultimately, this integrated, multidisciplinary approach provides a robust and highly generalizable exploration framework for complex Precambrian terrains globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Resource Management 2025: Assessment, Mining and Processing)

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31 pages, 4330 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Resource Management Challenges in AI-Driven Data Centers: A Systematic Review of Energy, Water, and Material Constraints

by Thelma Posadas-Paredes, Diana Karen Zavala-Vega, César Ramírez-Márquez and José María Ponce-Ortega

Resources 2026, 15(9), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090115 - 4 Sep 2026

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Abstract

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence has intensified the demand for high-performance data centers, leading to unprecedented pressures on energy, water, and material resources. This critical review examines the emerging challenges associated with resource management in AI-driven data centers by focusing on the [...] Read more.

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence has intensified the demand for high-performance data centers, leading to unprecedented pressures on energy, water, and material resources. This critical review examines the emerging challenges associated with resource management in AI-driven data centers by focusing on the interplay between computational growth and environmental constraints. The analysis integrates recent advances in energy efficiency, cooling technologies, and hardware design while highlighting the increasing water footprint of thermal management systems and the material implications linked to semiconductor manufacturing and infrastructure scaling. Particular attention is given not only to the trade-offs between performance optimization and sustainability but also to the limitations of current metrics used to assess resource efficiency. The review identifies key gaps in the literature, including the lack of integrated frameworks that simultaneously address energy, water, and material flows. Finally, this review provides insights into pathways for a more sustainable AI infrastructure by synthesizing present-day knowledge, critically evaluating existing strategies, and emphasizing the need for systemic approaches that align technological innovation with resource conservation and long-term environmental resilience. Full article

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23 pages, 2062 KB

Open AccessArticle

Resource-Oriented Prioritisation of Water-Supply Pipe Groups Using Repair and Service-Interruption Burdens

by Katarzyna Pietrucha-Urbanik

Resources 2026, 15(9), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090114 - 2 Sep 2026

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Abstract

Long utility records support renewal screening when failures, durations and exposure use consistent definitions. An audit covered 4885 water-supply failures in a major city in south-eastern Poland (2004–2025); 4859 had a valid repair duration and 4832 had a valid service-interruption status/duration. Events and [...] Read more.

Long utility records support renewal screening when failures, durations and exposure use consistent definitions. An audit covered 4885 water-supply failures in a major city in south-eastern Poland (2004–2025); 4859 had a valid repair duration and 4832 had a valid service-interruption status/duration. Events and annual exposure used the same diameter-based functional classification. Material was identified for 4824 events; 4806 events formed 14 material–function groups. The core CRITIC–TOPSIS model combined exposure-normalised failure rate, mean repair time and mean interruption time; 2000 event-level bootstrap replicates quantified sampling uncertainty. Network length increased by about 84.4%, while failure rate decreased (Spearman ρ = −0.911, p < 0.001). Mean repair and interruption times were 7.96 and 2.43 h; 64.2% of repairs equalled 8 h. Galvanised-steel service connections ranked first (CC = 0.819; P(rank 1) = 0.800; P(top 3) = 1.000), followed by steel and asbestos cement distribution pipes. Product-containing structures and the strict >8, >10 and >12 h threshold variants selected asbestos cement distribution pipes, whereas the inclusive ≥8 h and positive-only SIT variants retained galvanised-steel service connections. The result is a group-screening signal, not a renewal prescription; hydraulic consequence, customers affected, condition and cost remain necessary for segment decisions. Beyond the case study, the workflow provides a transferable, low-data screening approach for directing limited maintenance and renewal resources while accounting for water-service accessibility; numerical priorities should be recalculated using local exposure, operational conditions and decision thresholds. Full article

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32 pages, 1538 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Conditions Supporting Circular Resource Resilience in EU Countries: A Multi-Criteria Assessment of Material Use, Recycling Performance, and Import Dependency

by Tomasz Rokicki, Piotr Bórawski, Aneta Bełdycka-Bórawska, Olena Kulykovets and Bogdan Klepacki

Resources 2026, 15(9), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090113 - 1 Sep 2026

Viewed by 1978

Abstract

Growing material pressure and dependence on external supplies require an assessment of the circular economy not only in terms of recycling but also in terms of the structural conditions supporting resource resilience. The aim of the study was to assess and compare such [...] Read more.

Growing material pressure and dependence on external supplies require an assessment of the circular economy not only in terms of recycling but also in terms of the structural conditions supporting resource resilience. The aim of the study was to assess and compare such conditions across the 27 Member States of the European Union and to identify the diverse profiles of their strengths and weaknesses. To this end, a multi-criteria framework was developed based on averages from 2021 to 2023 for eight Eurostat indicators with complete data coverage for material consumption, municipal waste, resource productivity, recycling, the use of secondary materials, import dependency and the economic significance of circular economy sectors. Weights were determined using the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) method, and the ranking was carried out using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. Estonia, Italy and Germany achieved the highest scores, whilst Luxembourg, Cyprus and Denmark achieved the lowest; however, similar aggregate scores were achieved through different configurations of the criteria. The broad structure of the ranking was relatively stable across several methodological variants (Kendall’s W = 0.8716), but this global consistency coexisted with substantial country-specific sensitivity, particularly to the weighting scheme; CRITIC–TOPSIS and Entropy–TOPSIS showed only moderate pairwise agreement (Spearman’s ρ = 0.5629). A leave-one-country-out jackknife confirmed high stability for most omissions while identifying the Netherlands and Estonia as influential reference-set observations. Replacing domestic material consumption (DMC) with the material footprint did not substantially alter the results. The index should be interpreted as a diagnostic tool for assessing structural conditions, rather than a direct measure of the dynamic response to a shock. Full article

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31 pages, 1641 KB

Open AccessArticle

Decarbonizing Industrial Banana Drying: A Verifiable Framework for Sustainable Resource Management

by Danya K. Jurado-Erazo, L. Joana Rodriguez and Carlos E. Orrego

Resources 2026, 15(9), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090112 - 1 Sep 2026

Viewed by 571

Abstract

Convective fruit drying is energy-intensive and a major greenhouse gas (GHG) source in the agri-food sector. Existing carbon footprint (CF) studies are fragmented, separating emissions accounting from economic performance and quality verification, limiting their usefulness for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking practical [...] Read more.

Convective fruit drying is energy-intensive and a major greenhouse gas (GHG) source in the agri-food sector. Existing carbon footprint (CF) studies are fragmented, separating emissions accounting from economic performance and quality verification, limiting their usefulness for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking practical decarbonization actions. This study proposes an integrated, verification-oriented framework linking organizational carbon accounting, process engineering, and product quality within a unified decision platform. The framework combines (i) GHG quantification (ISO 14064-1:2018 and ISO 14067:2018); (ii) techno-economic modeling via process simulation; (iii) experimental validation of quality attributes (moisture, water activity, color, texture); and (iv) sensitivity analysis. The framework was applied to four energy configurations: baseline and three decarbonization scenarios (solar thermal, photovoltaic (PV), and combined). The baseline footprint was 139,090 kg CO₂e (±11.43%). Emission reductions ranged from 15.05% to 34.73%, with the combined solar-PV configuration achieving the highest mitigation while maintaining commercial quality. Emission intensity dropped from 1.19 to 0.78 kg CO₂e per functional unit. Economic performance showed payback periods of 5.78–10.54 years and IRRs of 15.8–24.2%. This framework provides a transferable tool for SMEs to prioritize decarbonization strategies based on integrated environmental, economic, and quality criteria. Full article

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25 pages, 2263 KB

Open AccessArticle

Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, and Agricultural Water Productivity in Saudi Arabia: Macro-Level Associations and Interaction Effects

by Amina Hamdouni

Resources 2026, 15(9), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources15090111 - 1 Sep 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 473

Abstract

Water scarcity remains a major constraint to agricultural sustainability in Saudi Arabia, creating an urgent need to improve agricultural water productivity. This study examines long-run and short-run associations among national information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, national renewable-energy share, climatic conditions, and agricultural [...] Read more.

Water scarcity remains a major constraint to agricultural sustainability in Saudi Arabia, creating an urgent need to improve agricultural water productivity. This study examines long-run and short-run associations among national information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, national renewable-energy share, climatic conditions, and agricultural water productivity during 1995–2024. ICT infrastructure is represented by internet users, mobile cellular subscriptions, and fixed broadband subscriptions, while renewable energy consumption is examined both as an associated covariate and as a moderator of the ICT–water productivity relationship. Temperature and precipitation are incorporated as control variables. The analysis employs the ARDL approach to estimate long-run equilibrium relationships and short-run adjustment dynamics. The results show positive associations of the three ICT indicators, renewable energy consumption, and rainfall with agricultural water productivity, whereas temperature is negatively associated. The interaction analysis indicates that renewable energy is positively associated with the relationship between ICT infrastructure and agricultural water productivity. These results suggest that digital technologies and renewable energy are jointly associated with higher irrigation performance, improved water-use efficiency, and more sustainable agricultural development. The findings offer policy-relevant evidence for promoting digital infrastructure and renewable energy in Saudi Arabia and other water-scarce economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Water and Soil Management Towards Climate Change Adaptation)

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