Search Results (10,285)

Ammonia is a key chemical for fertilizers, industrial processes, and emerging energy applications, yet its conventional production via the Haber–Bosch process is associated with high energy demand and significant greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, electrochemical routes for ammonia synthesis have attracted increasing attention as a potential sustainable alternative, enabling nitrogen conversion under milder conditions and using renewable electricity. This review examines recent advances in electrochemical ammonia production, focusing on nitrogen reduction mechanisms, catalyst development, and electrochemical system design. The main reaction pathways for nitrogen activation are analyzed, together with the role of electrocatalysts in determining activity and selectivity. Progress in catalyst engineering, electrolyte optimization, and reactor configuration is discussed, with particular emphasis on strategies to mitigate competing reactions such as hydrogen evolution. In addition, alternative approaches based on nitrate reduction are considered due to their promising performance and potential integration with wastewater treatment. Unlike many recent reviews primarily focused on catalyst development or individual reaction pathways, this review provides an integrated perspective encompassing nitrogen reduction, nitrate reduction, electrolyte engineering, reactor architectures, and techno-economic considerations, thereby highlighting the interdependence between materials design, reaction environment, and system-level integration for scalable electrochemical ammonia synthesis. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw-return can improve soil carbon (C) sequestration, but its adoption in intensive rice systems is limited by short fallow periods (< 30 days), which likely lead to incomplete straw decomposition and increase methane emissions under continuous flooding (CF). Brittle rice straw, characterized by lower recalcitrant fiber content and rapid decomposition, may overcome this constraint; however, its environmental performance under alternate wetting and drying (AWD) remains unclear, such as broader C allocation. This 150-day microcosm study evaluated the interaction of straw type (brittle vs. non-brittle) and water management (CF vs. AWD) on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, dissolved C production, soil C storage, and aggregate formation in two contrasting paddy soils (sandy loam vs. silty clay loam). Compared with non-brittle straw, brittle straw returns reduced net GHG emissions by approximately 28.4% under CF and 39.6% under AWD. The combination of brittle straw with AWD produced the lowest net GHG emissions (0.61 kg CO_2-eq m⁻²), indicating that intermittent oxygen input effectively mitigated the early decomposition-related emission risk. Brittle straw also increased the concentrations of dissolved inorganic C by 14.2% and nitrate by 64.3% under AWD, suggesting enhanced mineralization and potential inorganic C stabilization. Regardless of straw type, straw return improved soil C stocks by 27.3% in sandy loam and 29.6% in silty clay loam, while also promoting macroaggregate formation. Overall, this study demonstrated that coupling brittle rice straw with AWD can reduce GHG emissions while maintaining soil C benefits, offering a promising residue management strategy for intensive rice cultivation. Full article

The agricultural sector, particularly animal production, faces numerous unprecedented challenges driven by climate change, resource depletion, and an ever-growing global demand for quality food. These challenges are further compounded by the increasing environmental impact of livestock farming, including greenhouse gas emissions, overuse of water and land resources, and the destruction of vital ecosystems. Ensuring the sustainability of animal production systems while mitigating the negative environmental impacts of these factors is essential for future global food security. As the demand for animal-derived products continues to rise, there is a pressing need for innovations that can enhance productivity without compromising environmental integrity or animal welfare. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize the animal production industry. AI-driven solutions offer promising avenues for optimizing production efficiency, enhancing animal health and welfare, and reducing the environmental footprint of livestock farming. Machine learning, sensor technologies, and advanced data analytics are being increasingly utilized to monitor and predict various aspects of animal farming, such as feed efficiency, disease prevention, and climate resilience. These technologies enable farmers to make data-driven decisions, fostering more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. This review examines the integration of AI into animal production systems, emphasizing its applications in climate change mitigation, resource management, and advancing sustainability. The discussion addresses how AI technologies can be utilized to improve productivity while minimizing environmental impact and enhancing animal welfare. Additionally, the paper outlines future opportunities, challenges, and potential barriers to integrating AI technologies into livestock farming, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability amid global challenges. Full article

Electric motors that use neodymium–iron–boron (Nd–Fe–B) magnets are at the forefront of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, a major problem associated with these motors is thermal demagnetization driven by eddy current (EC) losses in the magnets; the relatively low electrical resistivity of Nd–Fe–B magnets means that the magnetic fields in the motor generate considerable EC losses. In this study, Nd–Fe–B magnets with 0–20 wt% Si additives were produced through hot pressing to investigate the effects of Si addition on magnetic properties and electrical resistivity. Small amounts of Si significantly increased electrical resistivity without negatively affecting the magnetic properties. The high coercivity of the Nd–Fe–B magnets, 12.5 kOe, did not decrease even in the presence of up to 15 wt% Si content. The electrical resistivity of Nd–Fe–B magnets increased monotonically as the Si content increased, from 1.43 μΩm for pure Nd–Fe–B magnets to 8.17 μΩm with 20% Si. As the electrical resistivity increased, the associated EC losses decreased; the estimated EC losses were halved with the addition of ~8 wt% Si, and further decreased to one-third through the addition of ~12 wt% Si, while simultaneously maintaining high coercivity. Full article

The transition to climate neutrality necessitates a profound transformation of mining systems. In this context, this study focuses on reviewing the role of circular economy models in transforming mining systems. Circular models propose reconfiguring systems into climate-neutral and more resource-efficient configurations. A synthesis of recent literature highlights several circular strategies frequently addressed throughout the mining life cycle. These include waste recovery, secondary resource recovery, water reuse, and the integration of renewable energy. The outcomes of circular approaches have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. They can also help improve the system’s efficiency through the creation of new economic value streams. Large scale implementation remains constrained because of economic, technological, and governance factors. In light of these findings, the paper recommends an integrated conceptual framework. It ties circular strategies to decarbonization pathways and sustainability outcomes. It does so because the circular economy is not merely a supporting approach but a necessary mechanism to enable the transition to climate-neutral and regenerative mining systems. Full article

Solanum lycopersicum is highly sensitive to water deficits, which negatively affect photosynthesis and increase oxidative stress. Although chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) offer a sustainable solution, research on their effects on this species is scarce. This study evaluated whether ChNPs mitigate the physiological and biochemical effects of water deficit on S. lycopersicum seedlings. Thirty-day-old seedlings were grown under greenhouse conditions, and two irrigation levels were established: 80% of substrate water-holding capacity (well-watered, WW), and 50% of water-holding capacity (mild-to-moderate water deficit, WD). Spherical ChNPs with a size of 39.52 ± 10.9 nm were suspended in 1% acetic acid and foliar-applied at 0, 60, or 120 mg L⁻¹. After 10 days, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (F_v′/F_m′, ΦPSII, and ETR), gas exchange, and non-enzymatic antioxidant traits were determined. Even under this early-stage stress regime, water deficit significantly reduced shoot and root biomass, net photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance, while increasing lipid peroxidation. Foliar application of ChNPs, particularly at 60 mg L⁻¹, restored dry matter production and improved photochemical efficiency and electron transport rate by 14%; likewise, net CO₂ assimilation increased by 11.7%. In addition, this dose enhanced antioxidant activity and total phenols by 66% and 1.6-fold, respectively. ChNPs at 60 mg L⁻¹ mitigated the effects of WD in S. lycopersicum by increasing antioxidant and photosynthetic performances. Nevertheless, additional molecular studies, including enzymatic antioxidant characterization and compatible solute profiling, are required to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Full article

The global food system (FS) contributes one-third of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet evidence remains heavily skewed toward temperate-climate cities, leaving cold-climate cities in the Northern Hemisphere understudied. Here, the GHG footprint (GHGF) of the entire FS in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is assessed, accounting for six subsystems spanning food production, processing and storage, retail, transportation, consumption, and food waste. The baseline indicates that the food waste (FW) subsystem dominates the total GHGF (47.13 kg CO_2eq/kg), contributing 49.3% of overall emissions. It exceeds those from agricultural food production (AFP) (18.5%) and, food & food waste transportation (FFWT) (22.6%). We further evaluate two mitigation scenarios. (1) Under a dietary shift scenario aligned with national dietary guidance, the total GHGF decreases 14.4% while the FW subsystem remains the largest contributor, (2) but the food waste reduction scenario yields a comparable reduction of 15.9%. The findings revealed that decarbonisation lever efficiency can be done through food waste reduction while supporting a circular valorisation strategy, including waste-related GHG liabilities as an energy source in cold-climate cities. Full article

The growing concern over greenhouse gas emissions has prompted the need for efficient carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture technologies. This study focuses on simulating CO₂ adsorption using a zinc-based metal–organic framework (Zn-MOF-5). The primary aim is to develop and refine a robust MATLAB-based approach for equilibrium and kinetic modelling using the Linear Driving Force (LDF) model and Langmuir isotherm, capable of accurately predicting CO₂ adsorption performance under varying operational conditions. By employing advanced computational methods, this research seeks to streamline the process design and enhance the feasibility of sustainable CO₂ capture solutions. Excel was used for statistical analysis and validation, while MATLAB R2025a was utilised for equilibrium and kinetic modelling using the LDF model and the Langmuir isotherm. The independent effects of temperature, pressure, and flow rate were evaluated using the variable effect method. The study found a significant negative association between temperature and CO₂ uptake, consistent with the exothermic nature of the adsorption process. Pressure had a significant impact on adsorption, whereas flow rate had little effect within the investigated range. The simulated CO₂ uptake (21.196 mmol/g) closely matched the experimental data (21.07 mmol/g) with a 0.59% variance, validating the model’s trustworthiness. The research shows that Zn-MOF-5 has a strong adsorption potential and that simulation tools can significantly minimise experimental costs and time. Furthermore, it underscores the potential of simulation tools to significantly reduce experimental costs and time, paving the way for more efficient and effective carbon capture solutions. This initiative not only contributes to optimising process design but also promotes sustainable practices in addressing global CO₂ emissions. By contributing to process optimisation, this study aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action, which emphasises the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat climate change and its impacts. Furthermore, it promotes sustainable practices to address global CO₂ emissions, thereby supporting broader efforts for environmental sustainability. Full article

In the frame of the final analysis of the HERFUSE activities a life cycle assessment (LCA) has been planned to support the performance evaluation of the new Clean Aviation (CA) architectural concepts. The HERFUSE project is focused on designing innovative fuselage and empennages suitable for the future Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft (HER) that will contribute to the overall target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. HERFUSE will study the challenges in fuselage and empennage layout, material, components, manufacturing and assembly derived from the integration of the relevant fuselage systems for HER as defined in the strategic research and innovation agenda SRIA for a Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft and in HER-01 topic. Full article

This study explicitly assesses how crop and livestock production, along with real labor productivity, affect greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture across the European Union (EU), considering both per capita and total emissions. Using annual Eurostat data for EU Member States from 2008 to 2024, the research applies multiple regression models and a multivariate General Linear Model (GLM) to evaluate structural relationships, complemented by Holt exponential smoothing and ARIMA models to analyze temporal dynamics and generate forecasts. The empirical results indicate that crop and livestock production have a statistically significant positive effect on emissions, while real labor productivity has a significant negative impact. The models explain over 92% of the variation in total emissions and over 95% of the variation in per capita emissions, confirming strong explanatory power. Forecasts show continued growth in agricultural output but a declining trend in per capita emissions, primarily driven by productivity improvements. These findings demonstrate that improvements in labor efficiency and technological progress can partially offset the environmental pressures associated with increased agricultural production. The study concludes that achieving climate-neutral agriculture in the EU is feasible through sustained productivity gains and innovation-driven transformation. Full article

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