Environmental Efficiency Research Articles

Advancements and challenges of fuel cell integration in electric vehicles: A comprehensive analysis

Fuel cell technology emerges as a promising green solution, offering mitigation to global warming, air pollution, and energy crises. This eco-friendly approach is witnessing a surge in adoption within the automotive sector, with fuel cell buses, cars, scooters, forklifts, and more, becoming increasingly prevalent. The automobile industry has been rapidly advancing fuel cell technology, inching closer to the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles. As various technical hurdles are surmounted and costs are reduced, fuel cell vehicles are poised to become a competitive force in the automobile market, presenting an excellent solution for environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. This review paper delves into the fundamentals of fuel cells, their characteristics, and their applications in the automotive realm, exploring their prospects in comparison to traditional technologies. Furthermore, it sheds light on the existing research and industrial developments in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Additionally, a comprehensive comparison is provided between various fuel cell cars that have already been commercialized, enabling readers to understand the current market landscape. The review also analyses the advantages and challenges associated with fuel cell technology, offering insights into its future development trajectory. Through this comprehensive exploration, readers can gain a deeper understanding of fuel cell technology and its potential in revolutionizing the automotive industry.

Model of the non-stationary thermal processes in the ground heat pump system

One of the main directions for improving heat supply systems is the tendency to switch to low-temperature heating systems by using heat pump units is the tendency of implementation the low-temperature heating systems based on the use of heat pump units. In the work, the main attention is focused on the improvement of thermal parameters and circuit design features of elements of the heat pump system of heat supply using soil energy. For this purpose, the toolkit of mathematical modelling of processes in ground heat pumps is applied, taking into account the climatic conditions of Ukraine. The paper proves the technical possibility of creating an autonomous system of alternative heat supply for energy-saving technologies with the possibility of using ground energy, taking into account environmental requirements. It is substantiated that the use of the proposed systems is a promising direction for Ukraine, which is experiencing a shortage of its own energy resources, because it provides an opportunity to increase the share of organic fuel substitution and reduce the volume of heat emissions into the environment. A mathematical model of heat processes in the elements of the heat exchange equipment of the heat pump system based on renewable energy (soil energy) and secondary energy (wastewater) was developed, taking into account environmental requirements (preventing hypothermia of the soil during the operation of soil pipes and damage to vegetation, respectively), which allows choosing a rational mode of operation of the system under seasonal climatic changes and technological conditions. Numerical modelling of heat processes in elements of the heat exchange equipment of the heat pump system using groundwater and waste water was performed, and the energy and environmental efficiency of the system under variable climatic and technological factors was determined. Analysis and generalization of the calculation results of the heat pump heat supply systems using alternative energy based on the proposed mathematical model, taking into account environmental requirements (preventing thermal relaxation of the soil) allows to take into account the change in the temperature gradient around the soil heat exchanger and more accurately determine the heat flow from each section of the heat exchanger. It has been established that for heat pumps with soil heat exchangers, the maximum substitution ratio of the traditional fuel is 75 %, and the economically feasible quantity of soil heat exchangers is 9 units. Heat pumps using waste water can completely replace traditional heat supply systems. For individual consumers, it is possible to recommend heat pump units with soil heat exchangers, at the same time, it is necessary to provide a backup source of energy to increase the reliability of heat supply.

Explainable Ensemble Learning Approaches for Predicting the Compression Index of Clays

Accurate prediction of the compression index (cc) is essential for geotechnical infrastructure design, especially in clay-rich coastal regions. Traditional methods for determining cc are often time-consuming and inconsistent due to regional variability. This study presents an explainable ensemble learning framework for predicting the cc of clays. Using a comprehensive dataset of 1080 global samples, four key geotechnical input variables—liquid limit (LL), plasticity index (PI), initial void ratio (e0), and natural water content w—were leveraged for accurate cc prediction. Missing data were addressed with K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) imputation, effectively filling data gaps while preserving the dataset’s distribution characteristics. Ensemble learning techniques, including Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and a Stacking model, were applied. Among these, the Stacking model demonstrated the highest predictive performance with a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.061, a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.043, and a Coefficient of Determination (R2) value of 0.848 on the test set. Model interpretability was ensured through SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), with e0 identified as the most influential predictor. The proposed framework significantly improves both prediction accuracy and interpretability, offering a valuable tool to enhance geotechnical design efficiency in coastal and clay-rich environments.

Improved mechanical and thermal performance of bacterial cellulose paper through cationic cassava starch addition

Cationic particles are commonly used as wet-end additives in papermaking processes. This study evaluates the effects of cationic cassava starch (CCS) on the mechanical strength of paper made from bacterial cellulose (BC). Acetobacter xylinum was utilised in the production of bacterial cellulose (BC) paper, whereas 3‑chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTAC) was employed in the etherification process of cassava starch to synthesize CCS. Papers containing CCS displayed a more compact surface structure compared to traditional wood-based papers, reaching a brightness level of 97.3 and improving thermal and mechanical characteristics, such as higher tensile strength and is suitable for use as a separator in battery fabrication processes. The results emphasise the possibility of using CCS as a sustainable option in paper production, offering enhanced environmental and mechanical efficiency.

UAV Autonomous Navigation Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning in Highly Dynamic and High-Density Environments

Autonomous navigation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has made great progress. However, most studies assume relatively simple task scenarios and do not consider the impact of complex task scenarios on UAV flight performance. This paper proposes a DRL-based autonomous navigation algorithm for UAVs, which enables autonomous path planning for UAVs in high-density and highly dynamic environments. This algorithm proposes a state space representation method that contains position information and angle information by analyzing the impact of UAV position changes and angle changes on navigation performance in complex environments. In addition, a dynamic reward function is constructed based on a non-sparse reward function to balance the agent’s conservative behavior and exploratory behavior during the model training process. The results of multiple comparative experiments show that the proposed algorithm not only has the best autonomous navigation performance but also has the optimal flight efficiency in complex environments.

Effect of Anti-Transpiration and Potassium on Water Use Efficiency and Water Consumption under Water Stress Conditions to Climate Change Resistance

Climate change impact serious threats to global food security due to changes in water requirements resulting from the variation and instability of the spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall and the lack of water availability. Therefore, our research aims to use anti-transpiration agents that reduce plant water consumption, thus providing adequate amounts of water for agriculture in arid areas. A field experiment was conducted under water stress conditions during the winter seasons 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The study included three levels of water stress, which are depletion of 40, 55 and 70% of the available water at a depth of 20 cm for the first three irrigations and a depth of 30 cm for the remaining irrigations and for the three treatments in succession. Anti-transpiration was added from different sources, which are kaolin, paraffin wax, silicon and potassium, in addition to the comparison treatment (spraying with water only). The results showed significant differences between the depletion treatments, as the 40% depletion treatment of the available water was significantly superior in most of the characteristics of the crop and its components, as the amount of increase in the grain yield was 62.24 and 64.22% for the two seasons in succession, compared to the 70% depletion treatment of the available water, which gave the lowest averages for all the studied characteristics. The irrigation treatment after depleting 40% of the available water was characterized by the best water use efficiency of 1.60 and 1.44 kg m-3 for the two seasons respectively, compared to the treatment of depleting 70% of the available water, which gave the lowest water use efficiency of 1.14 and 1.02 kg m-3 for the two seasons respectively. Spraying with anti-transpiration and potassium led to a significant increase in the yield and all its components compared to the comparison treatment (spraying with water only), which gave the lowest averages for all the studied traits, as spraying with potassium and kaolin gave a significant increase in most of the studied traits. Also, anti-transpiration and potassium, represented by potassium and kaolin, had a significant effect on water use efficiency, as the increase amount when spraying with potassium was 45.87 and 46.93% for the two seasons respectively compared to the comparison treatment (spraying with water only). As for the actual water consumption, we find an increase in the values ​​of water consumption and the number of irrigations in the comparison treatment (spraying with water only) compared to the anti-transpiration and potassium treatments, as the anti-transpiration and potassium provided water at a depth of 550, 414 and 405 m3 ha-1 for the first season and 615, 375 and 393 m3 ha-1 for the second season for the depletion treatments of 40, 55 and 70% of the available water, respectively, compared to the comparison treatment (spraying with water only). This increase is not small when applied to large areas and providing additional agricultural areas that can be invested. These findings suggest that targeted use of these treatments can effectively mitigate the effects of water stress, improving wheat production and resource efficiency in water-limited environments.

Development of indoor CO2 monitoring system with an integrated fixed sensor and a mobile measuring robot

Abstract This paper proposes an advanced system for optimizing indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in office environments that integrates fixed sensors with a mobile measuring robot (MMR). A demand-based measurement strategy that uses human detection and predictive analytics via machine learning is used to enhance data collection accuracy and efficiency. The system incorporates voice notifications to prompt occupants to perform actions that improve IEQ. The MMR's operational capabilities and coordination with fixed sensors allow the system to achieve high precision and efficiency in office environments. The system's effectiveness is validated through empirical studies (two preliminary experiments and two main experiments) in real office settings. The first preliminary experiment identified measurement blind spots and the second preliminary experiment tested the equivalence of environmental measurements between the MMR and fixed sensors. The first main experiment showed the system's human detection function for efficient and precise environmental measurement and the voice notification function for prompting occupants to perform actions that improve IEQ. The second main experiment showed the system's predictive accuracy in forecasting CO2 levels using neural network models. The main experiments demonstrate that the system can effectively guide MMR operations, reduce measurement times, and accurately predict environmental changes. The proposed system is a comprehensive solution for IEQ enhancement in office buildings.

Socio-economic Development and Carbon Productivity: A Panel Data Analysis of the World’s Largest Carbon-Emitting Countries

AbstractAs global concerns about climate change intensify, assessing the environmental efficiency of production processes through carbon productivity has become increasingly important. This study examines the impact of socio-economic development on carbon productivity in the top 18 CO2-emitting countries, which contribute approximately 82% of global CO2 emissions, over the period 1990–2019. Using a class of econometric tests to address heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence, we employ the Cross-Sectionally Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) model for final estimation, ensuring robustness with Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimations. The empirical findings reveal that GDP per capita, Trade, and FDI increase carbon productivity while energy consumption and urbanization curtail carbon productivity. The country-specific effects indicated that 83% of the sample countries exhibit positive relationships between socio-economic development and carbon productivity, suggesting that these nations can serve as models for effective low-carbon policies. Moreover, the results demonstrate bi-directional relationships for GDP per capita, FDI, and energy use with carbon productivity and uni-causal relationship for trade and urbanization. The study highlights the need for implementing stricter regulations to improve energy efficiency and promote the adoption of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear power. Additionally, countries should incentivize green technology investments through tax breaks and subsidies, enhance international trade agreements that support the exchange of clean technologies, and develop sustainable urban planning initiatives to mitigate the negative impact of urbanization on carbon productivity.

A high-throughput screening of catalyst for efficient nitrogen fixation: Transition metal single-atom anchored on an emerging synthesized biphenyl network

Synthesizing efficient and selective green ideal catalysts has been an increasingly critical, yet unsolved, issue for the ammonia synthesis industry, hindering the growing global demand for environmental protection and energy efficiency. Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) is a promising technology for low-energy ammonia synthesis. However, designing efficient electrocatalysts for NRR remains challenging. The emergence of graphene-like substrates offers exciting prospects for addressing this challenge and facilitating single-atom catalysts in eNRR. Here, we report the innovative selection of a recently synthesized two-dimensional biphenyl network (2D BPN) compound as a substrate. Its excellent conductivity and porosity enable stable transition metal atoms (TMs) support for constructing eNRR electrocatalysts. we evaluated the feasibility of 23 TMs anchored on BPN for eNRR by high-throughput first-principles calculations. Through a systematic five-step strategy, we identified several single-atom catalysts (SACs) with potential for eNRR, including Mo@BPN, V@BPN, W@BPN, and Re@BPN. Among them, Mo@BPN exhibited the best balance in the adsorption of key reaction intermediates (e.g., N2H and NH3) and demonstrated a low limiting potential (-0.37 V). In addition, the underlying mechanism of NRR activity was elucidated by analyzing the extrinsic patterns revealed through the screened catalysts. A triangular volcano diagram, incorporating the initial protonation step, adsorption free energy, and final protonation step, revealed the NRR activity trend. Overall, this study provides a solid theoretical foundation and valuable guidance for future experimental exploration of efficient electrocatalysts for ammonia synthesis on BPN. Crucial insights into the theoretical design of efficient electrocatalysts are also offered.

Introducing oxygen cacancies to tune Cu2O by Sn ion-doped for high-effective photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin in wastewater

Photocatalytic materials have attracted considerable attention owing to its positive environmental impact and efficiency in wastewater treatment. Herein, tin (Sn)-doped copper oxide (Cu2O) photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal approach. The doping of Sn ions into the Cu2O lattice promoted the formation of more oxygen vacancies, which increased the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers and enhanced photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the presence of Sn ions enhanced light absorption and the specific surface area of Cu2O, and reduced photogenerated carriers recombination. The synergistic effect of the abovementioned advantages, induced excellent photocatalytic activity to the as-prepared catalysts. Tin chloride (30 mg)-doped Cu2O showed optimal photocatalytic properties with the highest norfloxacin degradation rate of 83.9 % in 140 min under visible light irradiation. Hydroxy radicals played a major role during degradation as demonstrated by the capturing of active species experiment and EPR testing. Photocatalytic mechanisms and possible degradation pathways were proposed based on Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. The toxicity analyses of the intermediates proved their low toxicity. Repeated cycling experiments confirmed the excellent stability of the catalysts. This work provides a feasible strategy for fabricating high-performance Cu2O-based photocatalysts.

Investigation on the transmission attenuation of Bessel-Gaussian beams in a dusty environment

This paper delves into the transmission dynamics of Bessel-Gaussian (BG) beams in three distinct dusty environments, leveraging the Generalized Lorenz-Mie Theory (GLMT) alongside a single scattering model for a comprehensive analysis. Through numerical simulations, the study explores the interaction between dust particle scattering and the attenuation and transmittance behaviors of BG beams, elucidating the influences of varying particle concentrations and visibility conditions typical of floating dust, blowing sand, and sandstorms. The findings reveal numerous determinants, including particle number concentration, optical visibility, wavelength, orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes, waist radius, cone angle, and polarization states, which significantly affect the transmission performance of BG beams in dusty conditions. Notably, the attenuation rate decreases with increasing wavelengths and higher OAM modes, thereby extending effective transmission distances. Furthermore, the strategic use of linear polarization emerges as an optimal approach for enhancing BG beam transmission efficiency in dust-rich environments. These insights are crucial for optimizing BG beam transmission in real-world applications, marking a significant advancement in the field.

Investigating the Key Drivers in the Transition to Sustainable Hydrogen Transportation Fuel

Introduction. Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier that can achieve net-zero carbon emissions and decrease fossil fuel dependency. However, the importance of the driving forces in hydrogen adaptation and acceptance during the transition to this technology should be emphasised. When assessing hydrogen as a sustainable transportation fuel, defining the success criteria is vital to comprehend the benefits of hydrogen in the transition process. The transport sector is a priority area for the transition to zero emissions, which requires an understanding of the links between the key drivers of hydrogen adoption in transportation. Aim and tasks. This study aims to identify the key drivers of the hydrogen transition and explore the relationship between the transition drivers to hydrogen as a sustainable transport fuel based on a comprehensive literature review and an interpretative structural modelling approach to determine the relationship between the above-mentioned key drivers. Results. This study identified key drivers for the transition to hydrogen as a sustainable transport fuel using the Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) approach. This study examines the potential of hydrogen transition, analyses the driving forces, and examines their interrelationships in terms of driving force and dependent force. The role of technological development and transition awareness in achieving the SDGs is revealed. Robust regulatory agendas and supportive strategies, Workforce development and training based on hydrogen deployment, and Industry partnerships and collaboration are the most fundamental drivers for achieving the transition to hydrogen as a sustainable transport fuel. In addition, the advancement of hydrogen technologies in production, storage, and transportation, as well as hydrogen production and use, aligns with environmental aims, which are key factors that depend mainly on the actions of other driving forces. However, the limitations of this study include subjectivity and potential differences in the driving forces across countries and sectors. Conclusions. The deployment of green hydrogen transition for a clean energy source is critical in carbon-intensive sectors of the economy, which are characterised by key drivers and their interlinkages, such as regulatory strategies, workforce development, and industry partnerships. This has increased the flexibility of energy systems with the collaboration of the stakeholders for developing hydrogen technologies and infrastructure, considering the environmental safety, economic efficiency, and social acceptability of hydrogen.

Application of Fe3O4@MCC Nanoparticles as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Sustainable Multicomponent Synthesis of 2,3′‐Biindoles

AbstractDeveloping innovative methods for synthesizing unique 2,3'‐biindole derivatives is crucial for the progression of drug and material discovery. The use of transition‐metal‐catalyzed coupling improves the efficiency and structural diversity in the synthesis of biindoles. Among these methods, heterogeneous catalysis, particularly using Fe3O4 nanocatalyst supported by microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), is promising for green chemistry applications. In the present work, sixteen 2,3'‐biindole derivatives (4a‐p) were prepared using Fe3O4@MCC nanocatalyst which demonstrated enhanced performance, cost‐effectiveness, and reusability. The magnetic properties of the catalyst enable easy separation, simplifying purification processes, and enhancing overall reaction efficiency to 78%–93%. This method aligns with sustainable chemical practices and offers practical benefits for various industrial applications. This environment friendly method boasts several advantages and demonstrates excellent green chemistry metrics, including process mass intensity, environmental impact factor, atom economy, and reaction mass efficiency, atom economy, carbon efficiency, chemical yield, and optimum efficiency.

Ecological and Cost Advantage from the Implementation of Flight Simulation Training Devices for Pilot Training

The paper discusses a case study of obtaining an airline pilot license in integrated training—the so-called “from zero to Airline Transport Pilot License”. The environmental implications of simulator-based training were examined across multiple dimensions. Key areas of research include the reduction of harmful exhaust gases pollution associated with traditional flight training activities. Based on our analysis, it can be stated that increasing the use of Flight Simulation Training Devices in pilot training should be significant consideration. This approach brings many benefits, especially ecological ones. Changing the training program and increasing the use of flight simulators can result in a reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 70%. Based on country specific electricity factors, CO2 emissions during flight training in each EU country were calculated. Using Levelized Cost of Electricity average value to calculate training costs in EU countries depends on the mix of energy sources (wind, photovoltaics, carbon and gas). The findings highlight the significant ecological advantages of simulator-based training methods in mitigating the environmental footprint of aviation operations. By seeking to minimize environmental disruption and increase training efficiency, the adoption of simulators is a sustainable approach to pilot training that is consistent with global efforts to mitigate climate change and protect natural ecosystems.

The Impact of an Automation System Built with Jenkins on the Efficiency of Container-Based System Deployment.

This paper evaluated deployment efficiency by comparing manual deployment with automated deployment through a CI/CD pipeline using Jenkins. This study involved moving from a manual deployment process to an automated system using Jenkins and experimenting with both deployment methods in a real-world environment. The results showed that the automated deployment system significantly reduced the deployment time compared to manual deployment and significantly reduced the error rate. Manual deployment required human intervention at each step, making it time-consuming and prone to mistakes, while automated deployment using Jenkins automated each step to ensure consistency and maximized time efficiency through parallel processing. Automated testing verified the stability of the code before deployment, minimizing errors. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of adopting a CI/CD pipeline and shows that automated systems can provide high efficiency in real-world production environments. It also highlights the importance of security measures to prevent sensitive information leakage during CI/CD, suggesting the use of secrecy management tools and environment variables and limiting access rights. This research will contribute to exploring the applicability of CI/CD pipelines in different environments and, in doing so, validate the universality of automated systems.

Synergizing lean management and circular economy: Pathways to sustainable manufacturing

AbstractOur research focuses on integrating circular economy (CE) and Lean Management (LM) within the manufacturing sector, a proactive response to the escalating pressures of globalization, environmental sustainability, and market competition. Through a comprehensive systematic literature review, the research uncovers how CE principles can fortify and enrich LM practices, the role of LM in facilitating a transition towards CE, their combined impact on manufacturing performance, and the crucial environmental factors influencing this integration. The findings underscore that CE principles significantly strengthen LM practices by advocating waste minimization and resource optimization, thereby contributing to operational efficiency and sustainability. Conversely, LM aids the transition to a CE by optimizing resource use and minimizing waste, aligning with sustainability goals. LM supports recycling and remanufacturing by employing Just‐in‐Time and value stream mapping methodologies, augmented by Industry 4.0 technologies for seamless CE integration. Despite challenges like integration barriers and the need for organizational change, the synergy between CE and LM offers substantial benefits for environmental performance, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage. Our paper enriches academic knowledge and provides practical applications in sustainable manufacturing practices, offering a roadmap for organizations striving for sustainable operational excellence. Moreover, it also paves the way for future studies to further explore the synergistic potential of CE and LM through empirical studies, quantitative analyses, and the exploration of Industry 4.0 technologies.

Metacognitive control drives behavioural efficiency in dynamic sensory environments

Metacognitive control drives behavioural efficiency in dynamic sensory environments

Reviving Cultural Heritage: Incorporating Prefabricated Elements in Mongolian Yurt Renewal Design

This study extensively explores the multifaceted realm of Mongolian yurts, deeply ingrained in Mongolia's cultural heritage and emblematic of nomadic life. Through detailed case studies, it investigates the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern architectural principles and the application of prefabricated elements for yurt renewal. These yurts, situated in diverse sociocultural contexts, provide a comprehensive cross-section of their architectural heritage, spanning from ancestral to contemporary instances. The methodology involves a harmonious synthesis of indigenous wisdom, sustainable material selection, and precision prefabrication techniques. Initiating with a meticulous analysis of each yurt's structural condition, historical significance, and cultural relevance, skilled artisans and contemporary architects collaboratively integrate prefabricated elements tailored to the unique attributes of each yurt while preserving heritage-specific designs. Qualitative and quantitative data collected through fieldwork, custodian interviews, and structural assessments form the basis for an exhaustive analysis. The analysis covers architectural heritage preservation, the effectiveness of prefabricated elements in enhancing structural integrity while retaining cultural authenticity, as well as the evaluation of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, shedding light on ecological impact. This research makes a significant contribution to the field of heritage conservation, extending its implications beyond Mongolian yurts. It underscores the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation, advocating a reconsideration of the perceived past-versus-future dichotomy. The potential of prefabricated elements unveiled in yurt renewal offers a globally relevant path that respects historical significance while embracing modernity.

Reducing Food Waste Through Choice Architecture: Insights From Denmark, the UK, and San Francisco

Food waste poses significant environmental, economic, and social challenges, with approximately 1.05 billion tonnes wasted globally in 2022, accounting for 19% of available consumable food. This paper explores the effectiveness of choice architecture in reducing food waste, highlighting successful initiatives in Denmark, the U.K., and San Francisco. Denmark’s “Stop Wasting Food” initiative achieved a 25% reduction in food waste through clear labeling and pricing strategies. The U.K.’s “Love Food Hate Waste” campaign reduced household food waste by 21% by providing practical tools and educational resources. San Francisco’s comprehensive waste management program, including mandatory composting and recycling laws, diverted 80% of waste from landfills. The paper suggests that governments and organizations can implement similar strategies, such as regulatory frameworks, public-private partnerships, and consumer education, to reduce food waste. It also identifies areas for further research, including the long-term sustainability of these interventions and their adaptability to different cultural and social contexts. These findings emphasize the importance of innovative approaches through choice architecture to reduce food waste for environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.

The Influence of Microalgae Fertilizer on Soil Water Conservation and Soil Improvement: Yield and Quality of Potted Tomatoes

We aim to study the impact of microalgae fertilizer on soil nutrients, water conservation and crop yield and quality while also determining the optimal ratio of microalgae fertilizer to chemical fertilizer. Using “Xinoufen No.9” tomatoes as the test subject, we conducted pot experiments with four different treatments: control with 100% chemical fertilizer (CK), T1 (25% microalgae fertilizer + 75% regular chemical fertilizer), T2 (75% microalgae fertilizer + 25% regular chemical fertilizer) and T3 (100% microalgae fertilizer). The results show that an increased application of microalgae fertilizer enhanced the soil organic matter, ammonium nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium content. T3 showed the most improvement followed by T2. The co-application of microalgae fertilizer with chemical fertilizer can significantly increase the stem girth, plant height and yield of tomatoes. At the same time, microalgae fertilizer effectively regulates leaf stomatal conductance, promoting tomato leaf respiration. As the stomatal conductance increases, the transpiration rate and net photosynthesis rate of all treatments improve, followed by a decline in intercellular CO2 concentration, with T2 exhibiting the best performance. Among all treatments, T2 treatment yielded the highest per-plant production (0.630 kg), followed by T3 (0.521 kg). This is because the microalgae fertilizer promotes the distribution of photosynthetic products to the fruit, enhancing the yield and quality of tomatoes. Additionally, the microalgae fertilizer also increases the content of soluble sugars, soluble protein, vitamin C and lycopene in the fruit while reducing the nitrate content. Compared to the control group CK, T2 increases the content of soluble sugars, vitamins and lycopene by 26.74%, 39.29% and 158.31%, respectively. Microalgae fertilizer also helps to improve soil water and thermal conditions, enhancing the water-use efficiency of tomatoes. Compared to CK, the water-use efficiency of T2 treatment increased by 54.05%. Correlation analysis indicates that water and fertilizer factors significantly affect tomato yield, with a correlation exceeding 70%. The net photosynthesis and transpiration rates significantly influence fruit quality, with correlations above 80%. By applying microalgae fertilizer, the efficiency of water and fertilizer use can be effectively improved, thus achieving the goal of water conservation and quality enhancement. Therefore, through comprehensive analysis, using the membership function method of indicators such as soil environment, crop yield, fruit quality and water-use efficiency, it is concluded that T2 is the optimal fertilization treatment. This study provides theoretical support for the application of microalgae biofertilizer technology in the cultivation of tomatoes and other vegetables in the northern, cold and arid regions.