Search Results (201)

With the acceleration of urbanization in China, water resources have become a key factor restricting regional sustainable development. Current research primarily examines the temporal or spatial variations in the water resources ecological footprint (WREF), with limited emphasis on the integration of both spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we collected the data and information from the 2005–2022 Statistical Yearbook and Water Resources Bulletin of the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration (YRDUA), and calculated evaluation indicators: WREF, water resources ecological carrying capacity (WRECC), water resources ecological pressure (WREP), and water resources ecological surplus and deficit (WRESD). We primarily analyzed the temporal and spatial variation in the per capita WREF and used the method of Geodetector to explore factors driving its temporal and spatial variation in the YRDUA. The results showed that: (1) From 2005 to 2022, the per capita WREF (total water, agricultural water, and industrial water) of the YRDUA generally showed fluctuating declining trends, while the per capita WREF of domestic water and ecological water showed obvious growth. (2) The per capita WREF and the per capita WRECC were in the order of Jiangsu Province > Anhui Province > Shanghai City > Zhejiang Province. The spatial distribution of the per capita WREF was similar to those of the per capita WRECC, and most areas effectively consume water resources. (3) The explanatory power of the interaction between factors was greater than that of a single factor, indicating that the spatiotemporal variation in the per capita WREF of the YRDUA was affected by the combination of multiple factors and that there were regional differences in the major factors in the case of secondary metropolitan areas. (4) The per capita WREF of YRDUA was affected by natural resources, and the impact of the ecological condition on the per capita WREF increased gradually over time. The impact factors of secondary metropolitan areas also clearly changed over time. Our results showed that the ecological situation of per capita water resources in the YRDUA is generally good, with obvious spatial and temporal differences. Full article

The global plastic crisis has generated significant interest in repurposing waste plastics as asphalt modifiers, presenting both environmental and engineering advantages. This study offers a comprehensive review of the applications of waste plastics in asphalt, focusing on their types, modification mechanisms, incorporation techniques, and environmental impacts, alongside proposed mitigation strategies. Commonly utilized plastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), each affecting asphalt performance differently—enhancing high-temperature stability and fatigue resistance while exhibiting varying levels of compatibility and environmental risks. The incorporation techniques, namely wet and dry processes, differ in terms of efficiency, cost, and environmental footprint: the wet process enhances durability but requires more energy, whereas the dry process is more cost-effective but may lead to uneven dispersion. Environmental concerns associated with these practices include toxic emissions (such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds) during production, microplastic generation through abrasion and weathering, and ecological contamination of soil and water. Mitigation strategies encompass optimizing plastic selection, improving pre-treatment and compatibilization methods, controlling high-temperature processing, and monitoring the spread of microplastics. This review highlights the need for balanced adoption of waste plastic-modified asphalt, emphasizing sustainable practices to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. Full article

Unveiling the relationship between the “Water–Carbon–Ecology” (W-C-E) footprints embodied in regional trade and resource flows is crucial for enhancing the synergistic benefits between economic development and environmental protection. This study constructs an association framework based on the Multi-Regional Input–Output (MRIO) model to systematically evaluate the “W-C-E” footprints and resource flow characteristics of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin. By integrating import and export trade data, this study reveals the patterns of resource flows within and outside these regions. This research delineates the connection patterns between the “W-C-E” footprints and resource flows across three dimensions: spatial, sectoral, and environmental–economic factors. The results indicate that the Yangtze River Economic Belt has gained significant economic benefits from regional trade but also bears substantial environmental costs. Import and export trade further exacerbate the imbalance in regional resource flows, with the Yangtze River Economic Belt exporting many embodied resources through high-energy-consuming products, while the Yellow River Basin increases resource input by importing products such as food and tobacco. Sectoral analysis reveals that agriculture, electricity and water supply, and mining are the sectors with the highest net output of “W-C-E” footprints in both regions, whereas services, food and tobacco, and construction are the sectors with the highest net input. The comprehensive framework of this study can be extended to the analysis of resource–environment–economic systems in other regions, providing methodological support for depicting complex human–land system linkage patterns. Full article

Olive oil and its derivatives, particularly polyphenol-rich extracts, are valued for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. Olive mill wastewater (OMWW), a byproduct of olive oil production, traditionally seen as an environmental pollutant, has emerged as a promising source of high-value dermatological ingredients. Key polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and tyrosol exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and photoprotective effects. These compounds mitigate oxidative stress, prevent collagen degradation, modulate NF-κB and MAPK signaling, and promote cellular repair and regeneration. Skin health is increasingly recognized as crucial to overall well-being, driving interest in cosmeceuticals that combine cosmetic benefits with dermatological activity. This review examines the cosmeceutical and dermatological potential of OMWW, highlighting its incorporation into innovative topical formulations like oil-in-water nanoemulsions, liposomes, and microneedles that enhance skin penetration and bioavailability. Additionally, OMWW fractions have shown selective antiproliferative effects on melanoma cells, suggesting potential for skin cancer prevention. Valorization of OMWW through biorefinery processes aligns with circular-economy principles, converting agro-industrial waste into sustainable cosmeceutical ingredients. This approach not only meets consumer demand for natural, effective products, but also reduces the ecological footprint of olive oil production, offering a scalable, eco-friendly strategy for next-generation dermatological applications. Full article

The escalating environmental and health concerns regarding conventional meat consumption have intensified the global search for sustainable dietary alternatives. Plant-based foods and meat substitutes have emerged as promising solutions. These products aim to replicate the sensory and nutritional attributes of meat while mitigating ecological impacts. This review examined the current scenario of plant-based foods and meat substitutes, focusing on their environmental footprints, health implications, innovative ingredient developments, consumer acceptance, and the use of analytical tools in quality control. Life cycle assessments indicate that plant-based foods and meat substitutes significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption compared to animal-based products. These alternatives offer benefits like lower saturated fat. However, they still struggle to match the amino acid composition of meat. Consumer acceptance is influenced by factors including taste, texture, and cultural perceptions, and still requires sensory improvement. Innovations in ingredient sourcing, like the use of legumes, mycoproteins, and fermentation-derived components, are enhancing product quality and diversity. Furthermore, analytical tools such as electronic noses, electronic tongues, spectroscopy, and chemometric methods ensure product consistency and fulfill consumer expectations. By synthesizing interdisciplinary insights, this review offers an integrated perspective to guide future research and development in the field of meat alternatives. Full article

The arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China, as major agricultural production zones, have long faced dual challenges: increasing water resource pressure and severe supply–demand imbalances caused by the expansion of cultivated land. The crop water footprint, an effective indicator for quantifying agricultural water use, plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable development in the region. This study adopted a multi-scale spatiotemporal analysis framework, combining the CROPWAT model with Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of crop water footprints in Northwest China from 2000 to 2020. The Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model was used to analyze spatial variations in the driving forces. A multidimensional evaluation system—encompassing structural, economic, ecological, and sustainability dimensions—was established to comprehensively assess agricultural water resource utilization in the region. Results indicated that the crop water footprint in Northwest China followed a “decline-increase-decline” trend, it increased from 90.97 billion m³ in 2000 to a peak of 133.49 billion m³ in 2017, before declining to 129.30 billion m³ in 2020. The center of the crop water footprint gradually shifted northward—from northern Qinghai to southern Inner Mongolia—mainly due to rapid farmland expansion and increasing water consumption in northern areas. Policy and institutional effect, together with economic development effect, were identified as the primary drivers, contributing 49% in total. Although reliance on blue water has decreased, the region continues to experience moderate water pressure, with sustainable use achieved in only half of the study years. Water scarcity remains a pressing concern. This study offers a theoretical basis and policy recommendations to enhance water use efficiency, develop effective management strategies, and promote sustainable water resource utilization in Northwest China. Full article

Italy is a global top wine producer, with emphasis on high-quality wines. This study investigates the Carbon Footprint (CF), Water Footprint (WF), and Ecological Footprint (EF) of twelve red wine producers in Piedmont, Northern Italy. The analysis was based on a 0.75 L wine bottle as functional unit (FU). Twelve producers were interviewed and given questionnaires, which made it possible to gather primary data for the environmental evaluation that described vineyard and agricultural operations and wine production. The average CF was 0.88 ± 0.3 kg ${CO}_{2eq},$ with 44% of CF associated with the glass bottle, 20% to the diesel fuel fed to the agricultural machines, 32% to electricity consumption, and 4% to other contributions. The average WF was 881 ± 252.4 L, with 98% Green WF due to evapotranspiration, and 2% Blue and Grey WF. The average EF was 81.3 ± 57.2 global ha, 73% ascribed to the vineyard area and 27% to CO₂ assimilation. The obtained CF and WF values align with existing literature, while no comparison is possible for the EF data, which are previously unknown. To reduce the environmental impacts of wine production, actions like using recycled glass bottles, electric agricultural machines and renewable energy can help. However, high-quality wine production in Piedmont is deeply rooted in tradition and mostly managed by small producers. Further research should investigate the social acceptance of such actions, and policies supporting economic incentives could be key enablers. Full article

Climate change is one of our most critical challenges, requiring urgent and comprehensive action across all levels of society. Individual actions and their roles in mitigating and adapting to climate change remain underexplored, despite global efforts. Under this context, this study was conducted to evaluate the ecological footprint of individuals for climate change mitigation. A structured online survey was designed and distributed through email lists, social media platforms, and community organisations to over 200 potential participants in the northwest of the UK. Due to the anonymous nature of the survey, only 83 individuals from diverse demographics completed the questionnaire. A carbon footprint calculator using conversion factors has been employed, based on energy consumption, travel, and material goods use. Participants are categorised into four groups based on their annual CO₂ emissions, ranging from less than 2 tonnes to over 10 tonnes. Personalised recommendations provided by the calculator focus on practical strategies, including adopting renewable energy, minimising unnecessary consumption, and opting for sustainable transportation. Results showed that only 5.5% of participants who employed advanced technologies and smart home technologies, 1.8% were implementing water-saving practices and 65.4% preferred to use their own car over other modes of transportation. In addition, the study found that 67.3% of participants had no or only a very limited knowledge of renewable energy technologies, indicating a need for education and awareness campaigns. The findings also highlight the importance of addressing demographic differences in ecological footprints, as these variations can provide insights into tailored policy interventions. Overall, despite the study’s limited sample size, this research contributes to the growing body of evidence on the importance of individual action in combating climate change and provides actionable insights for policymakers and educators aiming to foster a more sustainable lifestyle. Future studies with larger samples are recommended to validate and expand upon these findings. Full article

The rapid development of wearable electronics requires multifunctional, transient electronic devices to reduce the ecological footprint and ensure data security. Unfortunately, existing transient electronic materials need to be degraded in chemical solvents or body fluids. Here, we report green luminescent, water-soluble, and biocompatible piezoelectric nanofibers developed by electrospinning green carbon quantum dots (G-CQDs), mulberry silk fibroin (SF), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The introduction of G-CQDs significantly enhances the piezoelectric output of silk fibroin-based fiber materials. Meanwhile, the silk fibroin-based hybrid fibers maintain the photoluminescent response of G-CQDs without sacrificing valuable biocompatibility. Notably, the piezoelectric output of a G-CQD/PVA/SF fiber-based nanogenerator is more than three times higher than that of a PVA/SF fiber-based nanogenerator. This is one of the highest levels of state-of-the-art piezoelectric devices based on biological organic materials. As a proof of concept, in the actual scenario of a rope skipping exercise, the G-CQD/PVA/SF fiber-based nanogenerator is further employed as a self-powered wearable sensor for real-time sensing of athletic motions. It demonstrates high portability, good flexibility, and stable piezoresponse for smart sports applications. This class of water-disposable, piezo/photoactive biological materials could be compelling building blocks for applications in a new generation of versatile, transient, wearable/implantable devices. Full article

Water resources are a key constraint on sustainable development in arid regions, especially for agricultural production where water use is intensive. To assess the sustainability of agricultural water use in such environments, this study utilizes 2010–2020 agricultural data from the Turpan–Hami Basin and is among the first to integrate the water footprint (WF) theory with the DPSIR (driver–pressure–state–impact–response) model into a comprehensive framework for evaluating water resource sustainability in arid agricultural systems. The agricultural blue, green, and grey WF in the Turpan–Hami Basin were quantified for 2010–2020, followed by a sustainability assessment under the DPSIR framework using a comprehensive weighting method. The results showed a continuous increase in the WF, dominated by the blue WF (>60%), largely due to crops like cotton and grapes, intensifying regional water stress. Turpan experienced prolonged resource overload, while Hami exhibited slightly higher sustainability. DPSIR analysis revealed stronger policy responses in Turpan and significant ecological investments in Hami. Key influencing factors included the crop yield, WF modulus, per capita WF, and water quality shortage index. Overall, sustainability in the basin fluctuated between “Basically Sustainable (Level III)” and “Insufficiently Sustainable (Level IV)”, with slight improvement in 2020. The findings highlight the need for region-specific agricultural optimization, strengthened ecological governance, and improved water-saving strategies to enhance water use efficiency and sustainability in arid regions. Full article

Water security is a basic requirement of a region’s residents and also an important point of discussion worldwide. The middle route of the south-to-north water diversion project (MR-SNWDP) represents the most extensive inter-basin water allocation scheme globally. It is the major water resource for the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, and its security is of great significance. In this study, 28 indicators including society, nature, and economy were selected from the water sources of the MR-SNWDP from 2000 to 2017. According to the Drivers-Pressures-States-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework principle, the entropy weight method was used for weight calculation, and the comprehensive evaluation method was used for evaluating the water security of the water sources of the MR-SNWDP. This study showed that the total loss of nonpoint source pollution (NPSP) in the water source showed a trend of slow growth, except in 2007. Over the past 18 years, the proportion of pollution from three NPSP sources, livestock, and poultry (LP) breeding industry, planting industry, and living sources, were 44.56%, 40.33%, and 15.11%, respectively. The main driving force of water security in all the areas of the water source was the total net income per capita of farmers. The main pressure was the amount of LP breeding and the amount of fertilizer application. The largest impact indicators were NPSP gray water footprint and soil erosion area, and water conservancy investment was the most effective response measure. Overall, the state of the water source safety was relatively stable, showing an overall upward trend, and it had remained at Grade III except for in 2005, 2006, and 2011. The state of water safety in all areas except Shiyan City was relatively stable, where the state of water safety had fluctuated greatly. Based on the assessment findings, implications for policy and decision-making suggestions for sustainable management of the water sources of the MR-SNWDP resources are put forward. Agricultural cultivation in water source areas should reduce the application of chemical fertilizers and accelerate the promotion of agricultural intensification. Water source areas should minimize retail livestock and poultry farming and promote ecological agriculture. The government should increase investment in water conservancy and return farmland to forests and grasslands, and at the same time strengthen the education of farmers’ awareness of environmental protection. The evaluation system of this study combined indicators such as the impact of agricultural nonpoint source pollution on water bodies, which is innovative and provides a reference for the water safety evaluation system. Full article

Background/Objectives: University students are at a critical life stage in terms of establishing lifelong dietary habits, yet little is known about the sustainability of their diets, especially in Croatia. This study aimed to assess the sustainability and environmental impacts of university students’ dietary patterns at the University of Rijeka using the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) and to explore the associations with demographic, lifestyle, nutritional, and environmental variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to March 2024 among 224 students (54% male, mean age 22.7 ± 2.2 years). Data collection included sociodemographic information, physical activity, and dietary intake (semi-quantitative FFQ). Diet quality was assessed using the PHDI, Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), and Dietary Inflammatory Index. Environmental impact indicators (carbon, water, and ecological footprints) were calculated using energy-adjusted intake data and standardized life cycle assessment data. Results: Students exhibited moderate adherence to the Planetary Health Diet (mean PHDI: 55.5). Higher PHDI scores were significantly associated with vigorous physical activity, higher MDS, and anti-inflammatory dietary patterns (all p < 0.001). Despite male students showing slightly higher PHDI scores, their diets had significantly greater environmental impacts. A one-point increase in the PHDI correlated with smaller environmental footprints (carbon: β = −7.94; water: β = −13.88; ecological: β = −3.15; all p < 0.001), with a significant decrease observed particularly in the lowest- and highest-adherence groups, while no consistent or significant effects were found in the intermediate groups. The nutrient and food group analysis supported the health-promoting profile of diets aligned with the PHDI. Conclusions: This study highlights the moderate sustainability of students’ diets, with significant associations between diet quality and environmental impacts. University settings present key opportunities for the promotion of sustainable, health-oriented eating behaviors among young adults. Full article

This study examined the carbon footprints of freshwater fish farming and Euryale ferox seed (gorgon fruit) production, comparing integrated ecological mode and traditional farming practices based on ISO 14067 and PAS 2050 standards. The ecological mode achieved a 24% lower carbon footprint per unit product than traditional practices, driven by reduced material and energy use. Key emission sources included aeration electricity, feed, and wastewater treatment for fish farming, fertilizers, insecticides, and drainage energy for E. ferox planting. The integrated model combining high-density fish ponds and E. ferox pond reduced the overall carbon footprint (Micropterus salmoides: 4.342 kg CO₂-eq/kg; E. ferox seed: 0.208 kg CO₂-eq/kg) compared to traditional practices (Micropterus salmoides: 5.672 kg CO₂-eq/kg; E. ferox seed: 0.297 kg CO₂-eq/kg). It also lowered production costs, increased profits, and mitigated GHG emissions by using E. ferox and lotus ponds as treatment facilities and reducing fertilizer use. The ecological model showed lower unit costs and higher profits (Micropterus salmoides: 4.01 RMB/kg vs. 2.46 RMB/kg; E. ferox seed: 2.53 RMB/kg vs. 1.93 RMB/kg) than those of the traditional mode. This study underscores the potential of ecologically integrated modes to mitigate water pollution and carbon emissions in agriculture, offering a sustainable solution to meet the rising demand for aquatic products. Full article

Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) has emerged as a valuable crop not only for its economic potential but also for its role in sustainable food systems due to its high consumer demand and adaptability. As global agricultural systems face increasing pressure from climate change, resource scarcity, and nutritional challenges, a strategic synthesis of research is essential to guide future innovation. This review aims to critically assess and synthesize major advancements in sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) research from 2010 to 2025, with the objectives of identifying key genetic improvements, evaluating agronomic innovations, and examining sustainable production strategies that collectively enhance crop performance and resilience. The analysis is structured around three core pillars: genetic improvement, agronomic optimization, and sustainable agriculture, each contributing uniquely to the enhancement of sweet corn productivity and environmental adaptability. In the genetics domain, recent breakthroughs such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and marker-assisted selection have accelerated the development of climate-resilient hybrids with enhanced sweetness, pest resistance, and nutrient content. The growing emphasis on biofortification aims to improve the nutritional quality of sweet corn, aligning with global food security goals. Additionally, studies on genotype–environment interaction have provided deeper insights into varietal adaptability under varying climatic and soil conditions, guiding breeders toward more location-specific hybrid development. From an agronomic perspective, innovations in precision irrigation and refined planting configurations have significantly enhanced water use efficiency, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Research on plant density, nutrient management, and crop rotation has further contributed to yield stability and system resilience. These agronomic practices, when tailored to specific genotypes and environments, ensure sustainable intensification without compromising resource conservation. On the sustainability front, strategies such as reduced-input systems, organic nutrient integration, and climate-resilient hybrids have gained momentum. The adoption of integrated pest management and conservation tillage further promotes sustainable cultivation, reducing the environmental footprint of sweet corn production. By integrating insights from these three dimensions, this review provides a comprehensive roadmap for the future of sweet corn research, merging genetic innovation, agronomic efficiency, and ecological responsibility to achieve resilient and sustainable production systems. Full article

Global food systems are contributing to a shift toward unhealthy diets, which is linked to the three components of the global syndemic. This cross-sectional study evaluates how dietary patterns in Brazil are associated with the components of the global syndemic. Anthropometric and food intake data were obtained from the CUME Study—a prospective cohort conducted with a sample of Brazilian university graduates. BMI was used to assess obesity. Insufficient intake of micronutrients was considered undernutrition. Carbon, water, and ecological footprints were used to assess the environmental impact of dietary patterns. Dietary patterns were identified through principal components analysis. Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between dietary patterns and the components of the global syndemic. The Unhealthy Dietary Pattern was positively associated with BMI and had the highest environmental impact. The Brazilian Dietary Pattern was also positively associated with BMI but had the lowest environmental impact. The Healthy Dietary Pattern was the most protective against micronutrient inadequacy. Diet affected the environment and people’s health in this sample. The dietary patterns identified here as contributing to poor health and environmental damage can help the government develop policies that incorporate the costs of these effects into the prices of food. Full article