Search Results (10,275)

Iris sanguinea features upright, stiff leaves, making it an excellent cut-foliage material, with its tall leaf architecture greatly enhancing ornamental value in landscaping. However, during the leaf expansion phase, plants frequently exhibit loose foliage arrangement, excessive spreading, and compromised mechanical strength, culminating in lodging and a concomitant decline in ornamental quality. Plant height in I. sanguinea is strongly regulated by phytohormones. This study showed that exogenous GA at concentrations of 50 mg·L⁻¹, 100 mg·L⁻¹, and 200 mg·L⁻¹ increased seedling height by 5.7%, 8.8%, and 12.7%, respectively, through foliar spraying on I. sanguinea seedlings grown ex vitro in a greenhouse; conversely, PAC treatment at equivalent concentrations suppressed growth by 19.3%, 21.0%, and 22.2%, respectively. Two pivotal GA signaling components, GAI and GID1a, were isolated from I. sanguinea. Subcellular localization confirmed that both IsGAI and IsGID1a proteins localize to the nucleus. Overexpression vectors pCAMBIA1300-IsGAI-GFP and pCAMBIA1300-IsGID1a-GFP were constructed and expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana. Transgenic lines overexpressing IsGAI showed significantly reduced plant height, hypocotyl elongation, and bolting, whereas IsGID1a overexpression promoted these traits. Exogenous GA application partially reversed the dwarf phenotype induced by IsGAI overexpression and further potentiated the height enhancement observed in IsGID1a-overexpressing lines. This study identifies two key genes controlling plant height and provides a theoretical basis and genetic resources for precisely engineering plant architecture in I. sanguinea. This is especially important for developing dwarf varieties with enhanced ornamental and agronomic traits, offering significant potential in the landscaping and cut flower industries. Full article

Climate change represents one of the most critical challenges, especially in the Mediterranean area. Using organic and localized fertilization could be an effective agroecological strategy to help mitigate the environmental impacts of climate change. Our study was carried out in an experimental field over a three-year crop succession including broccoli, sweet pepper and barley. A randomized complete block design was adopted, with two factors: (i) fertilization method (100% broadcast and 40% localized) and (ii) fertilizer type by testing: on-farm compost, two types of commercial compost and a mineral fertilizer. Environmental impacts per hectare and marketable yield were quantified using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), considering abiotic depletion (AD), acidification (AA), eutrophication (EU), global warming potential (GWP), and photochemical oxidation (PO). The localized application of fertilizers achieved marketable yields comparable to the broadcast method, despite lower fertilizer inputs, suggesting an optimal nutrient-use efficiency. The LCA demonstrated that localized fertilization also enhanced environmental sustainability, decreasing Global Warming Potential (GWP) by 20% per hectare, compared to broadcast treatments. Moreover, considering only the fertilization phase, we observed a 59% reduction in GWP under the localized strategy. Even though localized fertilization emerges as an effective climate-smart strategy without compromising productivity, future research is recommended to assess its long-term impacts in site-specific conditions. Full article

In a context of greenhouse-gas-reduction for climate-change mitigation, Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) is cited by US and EU regulations as a key technology for detecting methane leaks in the oil and gas industry. The paper outlines the principles of OGI, covering specificity of both high-performance cooled cameras and cost-effective thermal infrared uncooled cameras. It explains camera design, the optical-radiometric theory of contrast and sensitivity, and provides a comprehensive description of the key performance indicators (KPIs) such as NETD, NECL, and MDLR; together with parameters that influence them. These theoretical concepts are supported by measurements taken under laboratory conditions and outdoors, with wind and complex scenes. Finally, video-processing methods for visualizing gas leaks are presented, showing how they increase visual sensitivity and reduce the user’s cognitive load. Full article

China is the world’s largest producer of hydrogen, and it has the potential to export renewable hydrogen and its derivatives. Japan has set ambitious targets for developing a hydrogen-based society but is facing cost challenges. There is strong potential for China and Japan to cooperate regarding renewable hydrogen across the value chain. This study evaluates the cooperation opportunities from the 3E perspective (energy security, economics, and the environment). It estimates the renewable hydrogen production potential in both countries, as well as the economics and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production and export of renewable hydrogen from China to Japan using proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology. The renewable hydrogen production potential in China is estimated to be 12.00 Mt/year by 2035 in the base case of this study, providing a strong foundation for exports to Japan. The levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) using PEM technology and onshore wind is estimated at 4.27 USD/kg H₂ in China and 11.01 USD/kg H₂ in Japan for projects built in 2025. Even after accounting for liquefaction costs in China, transport costs from China to Japan (Chifeng—Dalian—Kobe) and regasification costs in Japan, renewable hydrogen produced in China remains more cost-effective than that produced in Japan. In terms of GHG emissions, when renewable hydrogen is produced using wind power, and wind power is also used for liquefaction and other electricity-consuming processes, the total emissions within the case study boundary amount to 2.24 kg CO₂-eq/kg H₂, below Japan’s low-carbon hydrogen threshold of 3.4 CO₂-eq/kg H₂. This study also discusses the challenges which are critical to facilitating cooperation, particularly in regards to coordinating standards and certification systems between the two countries. Full article

There is an important debate about the appropriate policy measures for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transport sector. Strong expansion of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) following a ban on the registration of new vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs) by 2035 is a prominent but controversial proposal. To evaluate achievable GHG emission reductions, it is essential to understand the temporal dynamics of such a fleet transition. This study provides a time-resolved, policy-oriented quantification of annual and cumulative lifecycle GHG emissions during this process. Therefore, it uses an annual simulation model to assess GHG emissions from vehicle production and use during the transition of Germany’s passenger car fleet between 2019 and 2060. The analysis compares an ICE registration ban by 2035 with alternative scenarios and evaluates the effects of electricity decarbonization, greener BEV production, and the supply of additional Zero Emission Fuels (ZEFs). This study reveals a substantial time lag of 10–20 years between changes in new vehicle registrations and effective emission reductions. Even with a complete ICE ban by 2035, annual GHG emissions decline by only 3.7% by 2030 relative to 2025, while cumulative emissions over this period fall by just 1.6%. Larger reductions occur later, reaching 39% in 2040, 77% in 2050, and 82% in 2060 compared with 2025; cumulative emissions until 2060 decrease by 45%. Without an ICE ban and with a 75% BEV share from 2035 onward, cumulative reductions fall to 34%. Introducing additional ZEFs equivalent to 10% of 2030 fuel demand increases this value to 41%, compensating for much of the lower BEV uptake. Full article

The geographic and economic contexts play a major role in decision-making when it comes to municipal solid waste management. In the present study, simulations are carried out using the Waste and Resource Assessment Tool for the Environment (WRATE) software academic version 3.0.1, based on the Ecoinvent database (version 2) to assess the greenhouse gas emissions released by 1 ton of municipal solid waste with a typical composition characterizing upper middle-income countries, with an organic fraction of approximately 50% by weight. The variation over time (2000 to 2022) with no intended transformation in the management strategy is first analyzed, then several transformations are applied by varying the waste management routes (open dumping, landfilling, recycling and composting) as well as the energy recovery integration. The results are then discussed based on the waste categories and the performed operations (landfilling, recycling, transportation, treatment and recovery). The results revealed that the most promising scenario includes limited open dumping that does not exceed 10%, landfilling with at least 20% energy recovery, and major fractions addressed to composting and recycling. Overall, this scenario returns a negative carbon footprint with a value of approximately−0.35 tons of CO₂-Eq/ton of MSW. Results are mostly applicable to countries with similar waste composition and infrastructure levels; preconditions include source segregation, compost markets, and landfill gas infrastructure. Full article

The “Green ICT @ FMD” competence center brings together the expertise in resource-efficient information and communications technology from 11 Fraunhofer and two Leibniz institutes, which have joined forces to form the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD). The competence center offers industry a broad portfolio of services focused on the future development of ICT applications, infrastructures, and microelectronic components with a view on resource-efficient production, energy efficiency, and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Various cooperation opportunities have been initiated to support a wide range of companies in responding to customer needs and regulatory requirements through innovative and resource-efficient ideas and developments. We now present the initial results from the success models of the “Green ICT Space” startup and SME program, as well as selected “Validation Projects” with companies that all pursue the common goal of more resource-efficient production and use of ICT. Full article

Port decarbonization strategies often prioritize emissions under direct port authority control while overlooking dominant indirect sources. This study proposes an approach that combines Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and expert elicitation. While existing studies often rely on descriptive emission inventories, this paper demonstrates the value of combining quantitative life-cycle data with expert judgment. The methodology is applied to the Port of Sines, Portugal’s largest port by cargo volume and handling capacity. The LCA revealed that Scope 3 emissions account for over 99% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with ocean-going vessels as the main contributors. The expert elicitation process prioritized energy-related measures such as renewable energy, alternative fuels, electrification, and energy efficiency, while onshore power supply and ship–port interface measures received lower priority. By comparing the results, the study reveals a misalignment between the most significant emission sources (Scope 3 emissions, particularly ocean-going vessels) and commonly prioritized decarbonization measures (measures addressing Scopes 1 and 2). The main contribution lies in combining LCA findings and expert inputs to actively inform strategic decision making, helping ports realign decarbonization strategies toward high-impact measures and providing transferable insights for other ports pursuing net-zero objectives. Full article

The healthcare sector is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Little is known about the impact of individual clinical practices on overall emissions; more granular healthcare emissions data are needed to identify opportunities for resource stewardship. Our objective was to deploy an interdisciplinary team to perform Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) comparing carbon emissions attributable to a novel home-care program for premature infants to those attributable to routine care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). We used LCA methodology to compare the carbon footprint of two weeks of traditional care of infants in our NICU to that of those enrolled in an institutional alternative care program known as “Hope Grows at Home,” which transitions eligible infants requiring nasogastric feeds to the home setting with ongoing NICU team support. Our analysis showed that in-home care produces 77 kg of CO₂ emissions (kgCO₂e) per infant over a 14-day period, as compared to in-hospital care, which produced 338 kgCO₂e. Transportation to a healthcare facility accounted for the majority of emissions in both groups (292 kgCO₂e for NICU care and 58 kgCO₂e for home care). This finding is likely impacted by our facility’s rural location. Home care reduced solid waste emissions by approximately 94% relative to NICU care (1.74 vs. 26.97 kgCO₂e per term), reflecting the home setting’s reuse of feeding syringes and bottles that are routinely single-use in the hospital. Prospective data collection strategies for infants enrolled in home care will further refine our results. Exploring additional interdisciplinary collaborations may facilitate similar analyses, offering more insight into environmental stewardship opportunities within healthcare. Full article

This study aims to investigate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental footprint of BOCOM Petroleum, a mid-sized downstream oil company operating in Douala, Cameroon. In response to the critical need for empirical data on industrial emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa, a mixed-methods approach combining Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), carbon accounting, and stakeholder interviews was adopted. Emissions were categorised following the GHG Protocol into Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (energy-related), and Scope 3 (value chain). Results reveal total annual emissions of 51,734 CO₂, kg/year, with Scope 3 accounting for 38%, Scope 2 for 33%, and Scope 1 for 29%. Major emission sources include stationary combustion, laboratory processes, and the use of electricity-intensive heat-generating machines. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was developed, proposing actionable measures such as process optimisation, adoption of energy-efficient equipment, electrification of vehicle fleets, and improved waste management. Findings underscore the need for systemic decarbonisation strategies among mid-sized oil firms and highlight the alignment of corporate initiatives with Cameroon’s climate commitments. This study contributes a replicable methodological framework for emission auditing in industrial enterprises across the region and calls for further integration of environmental and financial planning in corporate sustainability strategies. Full article

Methane generation from anaerobic biodegradation of fugitive diluent hydrocarbons is an important source of greenhouse gas emissions from oil-sands tailings, yet predictive tools that preserve hydrocarbon-level information remain limited. This study develops a hydrocarbon-resolved methane-prediction model and tests it on a case study involving a twelve-component diluent mixture containing BTEX, normal alkanes, and iso-alkanes. The model integrates stoichiometric methane yields, compound-specific lag times, Monod-type hydrocarbon consumption, logistic activation, and a single methane-conversion factor to simulate cumulative methane production and group-level methane contributions through time. Model performance is evaluated against measured methane and residual hydrocarbon data using normalized mean square error. The model reproduces cumulative methane with improved normalized mean square error relative to the existing stoichiometric benchmarks, while group-resolved outputs and robustness analyses show that predictive performance is governed primarily by conversion efficiency and lag structure. On the other hand, inclusion of an unresolved biodegradable-substrate fraction did not strengthen model agreement. These results indicate that the modeled hydrocarbon set captures the principal methane-generating substrate pool and that the proposed framework provides an accurate and mechanistically interpretable basis for methane prediction in oil-sands tailings. Full article

Fertilizer coating is an emerging strategy in fertilizer management in the quest to decrease their loss and environmental impact. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a significant greenhouse gas, and agricultural soils happen to be an important anthropogenic source of N₂O gases, mainly because of the use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers such as urea. This study examined the effects of double urea coating with nano-sulfur (NS) and organic materials; lignite, biochar and compost on N₂O fluxes from silt loam and sandy loam soils. N₂O fluxes were measured using an N₂O analyzer in a controlled environment for a period of 26 days. Cumulative N₂O fluxes were calculated for different treatments (nano-sulfur; NS, NS + lignite, NS + biochar, and NS + compost) as coatings on urea fertilizer with propagated uncertainties. Sandy loam soil had higher maximum N₂O emission (155.64 µg N m⁻² h⁻¹) compared to silt loam soil (24.47 µg N m⁻² h⁻¹). Uncoated urea and urea + NS coating resulted in higher N₂O emissions in both soils. Meanwhile, NS + organic second layer coatings decreased the N₂O fluxes, especially in sandy loam soil. The second organic layer coatings lowered the N₂O emissions with relatively lower effects in silt loam soil (3.8–7.0%) and a higher reduction in sandy loam soil (35.2–41.5%). Among the second organic coating materials, NS + lignite performed best, followed by NS + biochar and NS + compost. The results indicate that the urea coating as fertilizer management strategy as well as soil texture have considerable effects on fertilizer-induced N₂O emissions. The present study does not address the individual effects of organic coatings on N₂O emissions; furthermore, the characterization of the size distribution and morphology of the synthesized nano-sulfur, as well as the physicochemical properties (e.g., particle size, pH, C/N ratio, elemental composition) of the lignite, biochar, and compost coating materials, are omitted. The results of these analyses, together with the physical and chemical characterization of the produced organo-mineral fertilizers, will be presented in a forthcoming paper. Full article

Road freight transport is an important driver of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Decarbonizing this sector demands a comprehensive assessment of emerging powertrain technologies, which are currently lacking in the literature. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed a life cycle assessment (LCA) on 10 impact categories to evaluate road freight transport in the Netherlands of four truck alternatives, assuming similar performance: fuel-cell electric (FCEV), hydrogen internal combustion engine (HICEV), battery electric (BEV), and diesel internal combustion engine (DICEV). We compared locally produced green hydrogen, according to EU regulations, with electricity and diesel as alternative fuel chains, while also considering the environmental impact of road infrastructure. We found that FCEV and HICEV trucks achieve the lowest global warming impact when green hydrogen is used. We identified discrepancies between the transport alternatives, highlighting key factors influencing NO_x and particulate matter emissions. Our research also showed that water consumption (WC) for green hydrogen is strongly influenced by upstream processes, with solar-powered electricity emerging as a crucial contributor. Our results highlight the need for more exploration on the environmental impact of green hydrogen and can be used by researchers and practitioners to further understand the complexity of reducing emissions in road freight transport. Full article

This manuscript addresses the challenge of designing low-carbon and climate-neutral landscapes. While gardens and green spaces are commonly perceived as environmentally beneficial, they may generate significant greenhouse gas emissions throughout their life cycle. Despite the widespread application of carbon footprint assessment in building design, its integration into landscape architecture remains limited. The aim of this study is to systematize the concept of the garden carbon footprint and to develop a coherent framework for its evaluation. The research adopts a conceptual synthesis approach based on an interdisciplinary literature review, supported by a simplified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. A component-based model is proposed, integrating embodied carbon, operational emissions, and carbon sequestration. The results demonstrate that the carbon performance of designed landscapes varies significantly depending on design strategies and management approaches. Importantly, the findings confirm that climate neutrality may be possible under specific conditions, particularly at larger spatial scales. The proposed framework contributes to the integration of carbon footprint assessment into landscape design processes and supports the development of low-emission, climate-resilient solutions. Full article

Against the global carbon neutrality backdrop, amine-based CO₂ capture technology is critical for industrial greenhouse gas emission reduction. However, mixed amine absorbents can cause severe corrosion of Q235B carbon steel, restricting the stable operation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects. This study systematically investigated the corrosion behavior of Q235B carbon steel in a novel mixed amine system under simulated industrial conditions using weight loss tests, electrochemical measurements (EIS, potentiodynamic polarization), and advanced characterizations (FT-IR, ¹³C NMR, SEM-EDS, XRD). The temperature was the dominant factor: corrosion rate increased significantly with rising temperature. Under CO₂-saturated conditions, 15–30% absorbent concentrations showed no significant effect on corrosion rate owing to similar molar loading and pH. At 60 °C and 30% concentration, the corrosion rate peaked at 30 L/L CO₂ loading. Carbamate accumulation promoted corrosion at low loading, while increased bicarbonate inhibited corrosion at high loading. The main corrosion products (Fe₃O₄, Fe₂O₃) formed loose, porous films with poor protectiveness. This work clarifies the electrochemical corrosion mechanism and provides data support for corrosion prevention in CCUS equipment. Full article