Footprint Reduction Research Articles

Carbon Footprint Reduction Associated With Multidisciplinary Pediatric Airway Clinics: A Program Evaluation Study.

Health care is a significant contributor to the climate crisis. Multidisciplinary clinics (MDC) may reduce carbon emissions by combining multiple appointments into one. This is the first program evaluation study to quantify the carbon footprint associated with multidisciplinary pediatric airway clinics. Retrospective. Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Center, London, Canada. Pediatric airway MDC allows patients to see otolaryngology and respirology in one appointment. The carbon and financial savings (Canadian Dollars) of all patients attending the MDC from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022 were calculated. Patient postal codes and institutional parking rates were inputted into the CASCADES carbon accounting tool. Total distance was divided into unsustainable (vehicles) and sustainable (transit, walking, cycling) transportation to calculate carbon emissions. Travel costs included cost/kilometer for vehicles (maintenance, license/registration, insurance, fuel) and costs/ride for transit. A total of 560 MDC appointments for 300 patients saved 77,785 km. Total carbon emissions saved from travel averted was 16.21 tonnes. The total carbon emissions saved, minus public transit, was 15.60 tonnes. Using the Natural Resources Canada Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, 16.21 tonnes are approximately equivalent to 5 passenger vehicles, 6906 L of gasoline, 3.8 homes' energy, and 10.8 homes' electricity use for one year, 36.6 barrels of oil consumed, and 675 propane cylinders. Travel costs of $28,891.83 (no parking), $30,519.40 ($4 minimum parking fee), or $33,774.55 ($12 maximum parking fee) were saved. MDC effectively reduced carbon emissions and offered patients financial savings. Similar models can be adapted across institutions to help mitigate climate change.

Is Erasmus going green? The carbon footprint of European academic mobility and sustainability policies of European universities

The European Union has promoted academic mobility for almost half a century. A side effect of that has been a growing carbon footprint, as most academic mobility in Europe is done by air. Based on mobility data for 2014−2020, we analysed its spatial distribution and identified dominant destinations. Juxtaposing these results with research on higher education institutions’ environmental measures and policies, we have identified that the willingness to reduce the carbon footprint is emerging yet tenuous, and more declarative than actual. We recommend more decisive steps to reduce air travel within Europe, outlining the possibilities for carbon footprint reduction without harming European academic mobility itself.

Strategic Development for a Sustainable Future: Kau Yi Chau Artificial Island Project

The Kau Yi Chau Artificial Island (KYCAI) project is a landmark initiative aimed at addressing Hong Kong's critical land shortage while enhancing its global competitiveness and fostering sustainable development. Situated between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Lantau Island, the project incorporates innovative strategies to balance environmental, social, and economic considerations. Environmental concerns like biodiversity preservation and carbon footprint reduction are tackled through low-carbon building materials, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation. Social justice is promoted by equitable stakeholder engagement, employment opportunities, and fair access to resources. Leadership styles, including transformational and collaborative models, are key to achieving these sustainability goals through effective stakeholder mobilization. The project stands as a testament to strategic planning and collaborative efforts in sustainable urban development, offering valuable insights into balancing environmental, social, and economic goals.

Achieving corporate carbon neutrality: A multi-perspective framework

The objective of this study is to analyze the corporate disclosures related to carbon neutrality in the agri-food sector using several complementary theoretical lenses. A qualitative content analysis of climate disclosures made by 135 food and beverage companies shows numerous gaps in the information they provide about carbon emission monitoring, the setting of net-zero emission targets, carbon footprint reduction, and offsetting practices. Taken together, these seriously undermine the credibility of the data disclosed. However, the proliferation of opaque information, unclear targets, and poorly defined concepts on carbon neutrality cannot be explained solely by greenwashing practices. Interpreting the results using functionalist, critical, and postmodernist perspectives leads to different conclusions about the underlying reasons for the lack of transparency in disclosures and offers a broader perspective on corporate carbon neutralization practices. This study makes important contributions to the literature on corporate carbon disclosure and the ideology of numbers that characterizes sustainability reporting. It also responds to calls from a variety of stakeholders for more scrutiny of corporate climate performance. The practical implications of the study and avenues for future research are also discussed.

Performance Research of Cement Concrete Pavements with a Lower Carbon Footprint.

The growing interest in the use of building materials with a reduced carbon footprint was the aim of this research assessing the impact of four different types of low-emission cements on the properties of cement concretes used for the construction of local roads. This research work attempted to verify the strength characteristics and assess the durability of such solutions, which used the commonly used CEM I 42.5 R pure clinker cement and three multi-component cements: CEM II/A-V 42.5 R, CEM III/A 42.5 N-LH/HSR/NA, and CEM V/A S-V 42.5 N-LH/HSR/NA. Cement was used in a constant amount of 360 kg/m3, sand of 0/2 mm, and granite aggregate fractions of 2/8 and 8/16 mm. This research was carried out in two areas: the first concerned strength tests and the second focused on the area of assessing the durability of concrete in terms of frost resistance F150, resistance to de-icing agents, water penetration under pressure, and an analysis of the air entrainment structure in concrete according to the PN EN 480-11 standard. Analyzing the obtained test results, it can be concluded that the highest compressive strength of more than 70 MPa was obtained for CEM III concrete, 68 MPa for CEM V concrete, and the lowest for CEM I cement after 90 days. After the durability tests, it was found that the smallest decrease in compressive strength after 150 freezing and thawing cycles was obtained for CEM III (-0.9%) and CEM V (-1.4%) concretes. The high durability of concrete is confirmed by water penetration tests under pressure, because for newly designed recipes using CEM II, CEM III, and CEM V, water penetration from 17 mm to 18 mm was achieved, which proves the very high tightness of the concrete. The assessment of the durability of low-emission cements was confirmed by tests of resistance to de-icing agents and the aeration structure performed under a microscope in accordance with the requirements of the PN-EN 480-11 standard. The obtained analysis results indicate the correct structure and minimal spacing of air bubbles in the concrete, which confirms and guarantees the durability of concrete intended for road construction. Concretes designed using CEM V cement are characterized by a carbon footprint reduction of 36%, and for the mixture based on CEM III, we even observed a decrease of 39% compared to traditional concrete. Concrete using CEM II, CEM III, and CEM V cements can be successfully used for the construction of local roads. Therefore, it is necessary to consider changing the requirements of the technical specifications recommended for roads in Poland.

Formulating stable surrogate wood pyrolysis oil-in-oil (O/O) emulsions: The role of asphaltenes evidenced by interfacial dilational rheology

This work presents a novel methodology to obtain stable bio-oil-in-oil emulsions using crude oil endogenous asphaltenes as emulsifiers. This approach provides new insights into the valorization of wood pyrolysis bio-oils through co-processing with crude oils or by direct incorporation in fuels for marine transportation, contributing to a significant reduction of the carbon footprint of these products. Similar to water-crude oil systems, asphaltenes can form a rigid film at the bio-oil / petroleum-derived oil interface, thus limiting droplets coalescence and increasing the emulsion lifetime without requiring additional emulsifier. The evolution of the interfacial layers with the asphaltene content and the nature of the petroleum-derived oil phase were investigated by interfacial rheology. The results show the consolidation of the interfacial layer and the formation of a solid-like film, referred to as “skin” with appropriate asphaltene content and polarity of the oil phase. Changes in the dilational elasticity depend on the asphaltenes aggregation behaviour according to the Yen-Mullins model, and the mechanisms that account for these phenomena are discussed.

Titanium:sapphire-on-insulator integrated lasers and amplifiers.

Titanium:sapphire (Ti:sapphire) lasers have been essential for advancing fundamental research and technological applications, including the development of the optical frequency comb1, two-photon microscopy2 and experimental quantum optics3,4. Ti:sapphire lasers are unmatched in bandwidth and tuning range, yet their use is restricted because of their large size, cost and need for high optical pump powers5. Here we demonstrate a monocrystalline titanium:sapphire-on-insulator (Ti:SaOI) photonics platform that enables dramatic miniaturization, cost reduction and scalability of Ti:sapphire technology. First, through the fabrication of low-loss whispering-gallery-mode resonators, we realize a Ti:sapphire laser operating with an ultralow, sub-milliwatt lasing threshold. Then, through orders-of-magnitude improvement in mode confinement in Ti:SaOI waveguides, we realize an integrated solid-state (that is, non-semiconductor) optical amplifier operating below 1 μm. We demonstrate unprecedented distortion-free amplification of picosecond pulses to peak powers reaching 1.0 kW. Finally, we demonstrate a tunable integrated Ti:sapphire laser, which can be pumped with low-cost, miniature, off-the-shelf green laser diodes. This opens the doors to new modalities of Ti:sapphire lasers, such as massively scalable Ti:sapphire laser-array systems for several applications. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we use a Ti:SaOI laser array as the sole optical control for a cavity quantum electrodynamics experiment with artificial atoms in silicon carbide6. This work is a key step towards the democratization of Ti:sapphire technology through a three-orders-of-magnitude reduction in cost and footprint and introduces solid-state broadband amplification of sub-micron wavelength light.

Bifunctional Catalysts for CO2 Reduction and O2 Evolution: A Pivotal for Aqueous Rechargeable Zn-CO2 Batteries.

The quest for the advancement of green energy storage technologies and reduction of carbon footprint is determinedly rising toward carbon neutrality. Aqueous rechargeable Zn-CO2 batteries (ARZCBs) hold the great potential to encounter both the targets simultaneously, i.e., green energy storage and CO2 conversion to value-added chemicals/fuels. The major descriptor of ARZCBs efficiency is allied with the reactions occurring at cathode during discharging (CO2 reduction) and charging (O2 evolution) which own different fundamental mechanisms and hence mandate the employment of two different catalysts. This presents an overall complex and expensive battery system which requires a concrete solution, while the development and application of a bifunctional cathode catalyst toward both reactions could reduce the complexity and cost and thus can be a pivotal for ARZCBs. However, despite the increasing research interest and ongoing research, a systematic evaluation of bifunctional catalysts is rarely reported. In this review, the need of bifunctional cathode catalysts for ARZCBs and associated challenges with strategies have been critically assessed. A detailed progress examination and understanding toward designing of bifunctional catalyst for ARZCBs have been provided. This review will enlighten the future research approaching boosted performance of ARZCBs through the development of efficient bifunctional cathode catalysts.

Reduction of carbon footprint by using recyclable bottles—A case study on Austrian wine

A decarbonized society can only become reality if all potential greenhouse gas is leveraged. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to scrutinize all processes, to assess whether a high level of energy and material efficiency has been achieved and whether renewable energy sources are used to the maximum extent. In this investigation, we were investigating the corporate carbon footprint of a winery in Austria. All data, energy and material inputs were taken within the framework of a scenario analysis for one hectare of vineyard with a yield of a 5-year average of 5380 L. The energy and material input in a winery in Austria under the system limit considered in these calculations results in a GHG emission of about 1.04 kg per L of bottled wine (or 0.78 kg per 0.75-L bottle). On the other hand one kg of grapes would therefore cause 0.24 kg of CO2e.The GHG emissions for the production of a wine bottle in Austria causes 0.328 kg CO2 equivalent emissions. The GHG emissions for washing (0.011 kg CO2 equivalent emissions per bottle), on the other hand, amount to only 3.4% measured against a new bottle in Austria. The bag-in-box system can only be used once. This system leads to 59% higher GHG emissions per L compared to reusable bottles on the basis of 12 filling cycles (system sustainability – lightweight bottles). At a refill rate of 50% in a winery, GHG emissions are reduced to 4367 kg per ha (−32% compared to normal and new glass in the winery). The calculations show that refilling the wine bottle has the highest savings potential. Measures to achieve this multiple use should be implemented as soon as possible in the wine industry.

Guidline to Asses Geometrical Intolerance of Thin-Walled Blanks After Burnishing Process

AbstractApplication of lightweight material like aluminum alloy is increasing its importance in various industries due to effective reduction of structure weight and sequential advantages like reduction of greenhouse gas emission and carbon footprint. However, deflection of aluminum thin-walled blank during production by machining is a challenge that merits further studies. Burnishing as a non-metal removal finish-machining process is usually used as a final treatment in the production chain of samples. However, in burnishing of thin-walled structure, machining-induced residual stress causes dimensional and geometrical distortion followed by problems in manufacturing accuracy and mismatch in assembly. Therefore, to minimize the consequence of the abovementioned errors, the source of the distortion should be identified and minimized during machining since usually no further operation is placed in the production chain after burnishing. To effectively tackle this challenge, in the present study an analytical model is developed to find how the burnishing process factors i.e. pass number and static force together with initial blank size impact the distortion of thin-walled 6061-T6 plates. The curvatures which were derived from analytical model were compared to those of burnished samples measured by coordinate measuring machine. It was found from the results that the burnishing pass number because of its impact on work hardening and regeneration of stress together with blank size play crucial role on determining the sample’s distortion. It was obtained that with 2 pass burnishing results in minimizing the distortion of material. Moreover, the blank’s length to width ratio due to its impact on material stiffness in corresponding direction significantly impacts the deformation after unclamping. The results which were derived from analytical model were compatible well with experimental values in term of final distribution of residual stress and maximum height of distorted parts.

Sustainability in design: Sustainable fashion design practices and environmental impact using mixed‐method analysis

AbstractSustainable fashion design arises as a crucial reaction to the industry's fashion necessity for environmental influence reduction and addressing sustainability challenges effectively. This study examines the nuanced dimensions of this pursuit and its influence on the industry's environmental performance. Through a mixed‐method research approach involving 268 designers and 159 participants included in the interview process (fashion experts, entrepreneurs, and business strategists), the investigation explored the efficacy of eco‐friendly practices in enhancing overall sustainability. The findings underscore significant improvements in environmental performance metrics for fashion companies embracing sustainable design practices, revealing a direct correlation between such practices and a reduction in carbon footprint. The study identifies key drivers prompting fashion businesses to invest in innovative sustainable design solutions, particularly in response to sustainability challenges and consumer demand for eco‐friendly products. Collaboration with eco‐conscious suppliers and transparent supply chain practices is pivotal for effectively addressing sustainability challenges. Besides, the research underscores the significance of incorporating principles of circular economy, including recycling and upcycling, to augment environmental performance within the fashion sector. By offering practical insights and theoretical reflections, our research enriches the discourse on sustainable fashion (SF), guiding industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers aiming for a sustainable and ethical future.

Small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises' carbon footprint reduction initiatives as a catalyst for green jobs: A systematic review and comprehensive business strategy agenda

AbstractMotivated by the growing attention on climate change, this study provides an up‐to‐date and comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) on small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) carbon footprint reduction initiatives and green jobs. Based on datasets from databases that include Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar, we conducted a SLR of 70 published articles spanning 2012 to 2022. Using VOSviewer and InfraNodus, bibliographic cluster analysis revealed the existence of three clusters namely; the role of green job initiatives and green human resource management in SMEs (cluster 1); green innovation, green Initiatives, green strategy and circular economy in SMEs (cluster 2); carbon footprint reduction initiatives, carbon performance, carbon management and carbon emission in SMEs (cluster 3). We found that SMEs adopt green supply chain, employing energy‐saving strategies, eco‐friendly waste reductions and recycling, circular economy, and green office practices. The study results indicate that these carbon footprint initiatives can lead to green job creation since green competences are required to implement green initiatives. However, value propositions relating to carbon reduction initiatives within SMEs need to be integrated with employee engagement. Additionally, the SLR identifies future research areas that include exploring the association among SMEs carbon footprint, green innovation and green jobs, and strategies to enhance climate change initiatives. Consequently, we call for future research to focus on the design of green jobs tracking and carbon footprint reduction reporting framework to support SMEs' green initiatives. The findings have key policy implications for SME owners, policymakers, practitioners and future researchers.

Utilization of green internet of things (GIoT) applications towards sustainable performance: The antecedents and consequences of carbon footprint

This study aims to propose and investigate the key factors that predict the Utilization of Green Internet of Things (U-GIoT) applications by business organizations. This study will also look at the effect of using GIoT applications on energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction, which in turn, contributes to the sustainable green performance. Therefore, value-belief-norm theory (VBN) was chosen as the theoretical basis for this study's conceptual model. Two constructs derived from VBN (i.e. biospheric value and ecological worldview) are suggested as key predictors for the use of GIoT applications. The conceptual model is extended by considering the role of green marketing orientation (GMO); green energy awareness; and energy knowledge/technical capabilities. The current model also suggests that the utilization of GIoT applications would impact both energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction. Online questionnaires are used to gather data from a purposive sample (n = 500) of managers and employees at different levels in different service organizations. Statistical results show strong evidence demonstrating the significant effect of biospheric value; ecological worldview; green marketing orientation (GMO); and energy knowledge/technical capabilities with GIoT. This study presents a valuable contribution that helps researchers; policy-makers, and practitioners to identify and understand the most important antecedents and consequences of U-GIoT. It is also worth noting for future studies looking at different applications of pro-environmental behaviour such as sustainable practices, green mobility and transportation, paperless work; recycling; reducing waste levels; and smart green solar. Policy-makers, decision-makers, practitioners and specialists in green energy systems (i.e. GIoT) will be able to use this information for future improvement.

Perception and social acceptance of 5G technology for sustainability development

This research was carried out to enable a better understanding of the attitudes of Hungarian consumers and future users towards 5G technology. The development of 5G technology supports social, economic and environmental sustainability together. Among other things, innovative communities, economic progress and a reduction of the carbon footprint can be positive outcomes of 5G. For example 5G benefits the environment in two ways: it helps telecom operators reduce their energy usage, thus lowering their environmental impact, and it provides tools that telecom companies can use to assist others in reducing their environmental footprint. The Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression method was used to establish the correlations between the five factor groups. Research indicates a prevalent skepticism among Hungarian consumers toward 5G technology, characterized by apprehensions regarding health risks and a lack of perceived competitive advantages or inherent business benefits to adopting 5G. This hesitancy must be countered by transparently addressing health concerns, debunking myths, and building a foundational trust in 5G technologies through comprehensive educational and awareness-raising initiatives, aligning technological advancements with consumer confidence and acceptance. 5G must be demystified so that consumers will come to trust the technology and embrace its adoption. Due to the similar technological conditions and historical backgrounds of the Central European Countries (CEC), the results of this research will prove useful to policymakers throughout the region.

THEORETICAL AND APPLIED ASPECTS OF AI IMPLEMENTATION IN FINTECH AS A DRIVER OF SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Introduction. Financial technologies play a crucial role in socio-ecological-economic development by automating various processes across all sectors and increasing service accessibility not only in large cities but also in every corner of the country. The use of remote customer service channels reduces labor and associated costs, promoting more efficient resource utilization. FinTech supports the growth of financial markets and serves as a vital tool for optimizing both the everyday lives of individuals and the functioning of the entire ecosystem. These technologies significantly facilitate the formation of connections between different sectors, accelerating the attainment of economic, social, technological, political, and other benefits. FinTech not only fosters economic growth but also supports sustainable development by enhancing social inclusiveness and promoting ecological sustainability through more efficient resource use and reduction of the carbon footprint. The purpose of the article. It is necessary to investigate the theoretical and applied understanding of AI in Fintech as a driver of socio-ecological-economic development. Results. Trends in AI, considering sustainable development and financial technologies, highlight the following key directions: Green AI (energy-efficient algorithms; energy consumption optimization); Ethical and Transparent AI (ethical principles; explainability); Inclusive Financial Technologies (financial inclusion; personalized financial services); Innovations in Lending and Risk Management (creditworthiness analysis; risk forecasting); Intelligent Investment Platforms (robo-advisors; micro-investments); Cybersecurity (threat detection; behavior analysis); Sustainable Development through Financial Technologies (investing in sustainable development; impact monitoring). Therefore, it can be argued that the integration of artificial intelligence in financial technologies not only drives innovation in financial services but also upholds the principles of sustainable development, ensuring ethical, inclusive, and efficient practices. Conclusions. Financial technologies are rapidly evolving, stimulating the emergence of diverse services, including internet payments, lending through distributed ledgers, and mobile money transfers. Key directions in the development of financial technologies include fraud protection, business interchanges, and adaptation to regulations, opening up new opportunities for all consumer categories. Transformational trends in fintech innovations significantly impact Ukraine's financial sector, expanding the accessibility of financial services and enhancing the efficiency of financial companies. It is necessary to ensure the creation of appropriate legislative and regulatory environments to guarantee the security and stability of the financial sector in the face of rapid development of digital technologies. The application of artificial intelligence in the financial sector is defined by key directions such as green AI, ethical and transparent AI, fostering innovation and sustainable development, increasing the efficiency and accessibility of financial services.

Locating critical design literacy

This paper addresses one of the challenges presented in the call for the October 2022 symposium prior to this special issue: How would we expect design literacy (knowledge) to be demonstrated by non-designers? The study focuses on Norwegian pupils aged 15–16 years who were tasked with designing shared-living spaces for an ecovillage, aiming to encourage mixed use, inclusive social interaction, and a reduction in the carbon footprint. The study explores the level of critical design literacy demonstrated in 55 digital submissions from the pupils. The results indicate that the pupils are more proficient in expressing and discussing aspects of social sustainability than they are at addressing environmental sustainability. The paper concludes by discussing how teachers might structure projects to encourage pupils to engage more deeply in transformative design practices.

Investigation of water and carbon footprint reductions employing best available techniques in the textile sector

This study includes a new approach in terms of connecting best available technique (BAT) selection/decision to water and carbon footprint evaluations in addition to economical and environmental performance criteria. This new approach was applied to an integrated textile facility mainly employing cotton fabric finishing and printing-dyeing. After potential implementation of selected 12 BATs, the reduction potentials in the existing water/carbon footprints were calculated. The blue water, grey water and total water footprint values of the facility were found to be 126, 837 and 963 L/kg product, respectively. The total carbon footprint value of the facility was found to be 7.011 kg CO2eq/kg product, and most of this comes from steam use. The optimization of resin regeneration frequency/duration and washing-rinsing steps in the water softening system via online hardness sensors provides 20–30% reductions in blue water footprint values. It was calculated that when BATs from 1 to 7 together are implemented in the facility, an average of 68.5% reduction in the total water footprint could be achieved. Alternatively, when BATs 1–5 and 8 are implemented, such reduction is 45.6%, highlighting the effectiveness of the selected BATs. BAT 9 exhibited the highest reduction in total carbon footprints due to the fact that it is related to minimization of energy losses. If all selected BATs are to be implemented in the facility, a reduction of 1.179 kg CO2eq/kg product could be achieved in the total carbon footprint, corresponding to 16.8% reduction. Significant reductions in energy consumption could be achieved through techniques/applications such as isolation of hot surfaces, reducing reprocesses by improving dyehouse-laboratory coordination, optimizing recipes and applying correct dyeing techniques at once, making lighting systems efficient, process modifications/optimizations in pre-treatment and final finishing processes, and reducing water consumption in processes requiring hot water. This study indicated that selection and application of BATs in industries should be coupled with water/carbon footprint evaluations.

Spatiotemporal carbon footprint analysis of bottled water production by ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis

The sustainable engineering of water treatment processes is critical for reducing the environmental impact of the bottled water industry, a sector experiencing growth parallel to rising standards of living. This study focuses on the environmental footprint of two membrane processes—ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO)—used in the production of bottled drinking water. By employing life cycle assessment (LCA), we compare the carbon footprints of mineral water production via UF from high-quality sources against purified water production using RO technology. Initial findings indicate minor differences in the carbon footprints for one 550-mL bottled water produced by each method. However, the incorporation of green manufacturing practices reveals a significant reduction in the carbon footprint. Specifically, our analysis shows that with the deep decarbonization of the power grid and freight electrification, the carbon footprint of mineral water can be reduced by 36.04 %. Additionally, through the adoption of renewable energy and the recycling of plastic packaging after consumption, the carbon footprint of mineral water could be lowered to 0.0295 kg CO2-eq per 550-mL bottled water, demonstrating that mineral water offers low-carbon potential. This study further explores the roles of production location, transportation, and the adoption of various decarbonization strategies in optimizing the environmental footprint of bottled water. Our findings reveal the quantitative decarbonization potential of membrane processes, coupled with sustainable practices, for bottled drinking water production, supporting the industry's shift towards greater environmental sustainability.

Unlocking nature's sweet secret for citric acid production from wood sugars: Evaluation of microbial strains and environmental impacts

This study investigates a novel approach by utilizing wood-derived sugars as a substrate for microbial citric acid (CA) production. Additionally, it examines the environmental implications through an ex-ante life cycle assessment (LCA). Various microbial strains including six yeast strains from the Yarrowia genus, three filamentous fungi strains from the Aspergillus genus, and eight bacterial strains were evaluated for their potential in CA production. The investigation primarily focused on optimizing citric acid production by considering various factors such as substrate concentrations, nitrogen levels, alcohols, surfactants, and the potential of non-commercial strains. The study yielded promising results, with the highest CA yields recorded as follows: 5.7 g/L from bacterial fermentation, 36.8 g/L from yeast fermentation, and 67.7 g/L from fungi fermentation. Furthermore, by applying an ex-ante LCA, the study assessed the environmental impact of citric acid production. Results indicated a significant reduction in environmental footprint when scaled up, with emissions decreasing from 235 to 585.8 kgCO2eq/kg at the laboratory scale to 4–6 kgCO2eq/kg at the larger scale.

Solid-State Fermentation Initiated by Pleurotus ostreatus of a Cottonseed Cake and Lathyrus clymenum Pericarp Mixture: Impact on Nutritional Profile and Gossypol Content

Solid-State fermentation (SSF) is a valuable process used for the enhancement of the nutritional profile of agro-industrial by-products. The main objective of the present study concerns the exploitation of a mixture consisting of Cottonseed Cake (CSC) and Lathyrus clymenum pericarp (LCP) at a ratio of 80–20% w/w, which was utilized as substrate for the initiated by Pleurotus ostreatus SSF process. The final goal is the improvement of their nutritional value and the parallel reduction in their gossypol content. The obtained results revealed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in protein content by 34.91%, while 1,3-1,6 β-glucans exceeded a 5-fold statistically significant increment (p < 0.05) at Day 11. Furthermore, lignin was reduced significantly (−26.71%) at Day 11. Free gossypol’s presence was lowered by 12.45%, while SSF presented a profound effect concerning the total gossypol level since the latter underwent a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) that exceeded 9-fold at Day 11. The study herein highlights SSF’s efficiency as a potential means to reduce free and total gossypol content with a parallel upgrade of its nutritional value. The fermentation outcome reveals its potential as a feed supplement and contributes to the reduction in the environmental footprint within the framework of a circular economy.