Water-energy-carbon nexus and de-carbonation pathways in integrated urban water system for a megacity study.

Apply machine learning to predict greenhouse gas emissions in aerobic composting and achieve emission reduction by nanomembrane covering mode.

Climate change poses the greatest threat to human health in the 21st century. The healthcare sector contributes approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions and has a significant environmental impact. Although clinical trials are crucial for identifying effective and safe treatments and preventing disease, their environmental impact is poorly documented. Our study aimed to assess the environmental impact of a publicly funded, academic clinical trial by adapting life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to clinical research. We performed a retrospective, simplified, full LCA using the EF 3.0 methodology on a prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled neurosurgery trial. The trial included 202 patients at 18 university hospitals throughout France. To identify hotspots of interest, 16 impact indicators and their combination into a single score were evaluated. The results showed that climate change (or greenhouse gas emissions) was the most important indicator, accounting for almost 30% of the single score. Greenhouse gas emissions were estimated at 31.6 t of carbon dioxide equivalent. The next most important were resource use of fossils (24%), resource use of minerals and metals (12%), and particulate matter emissions (8%). The main hotspots identified were patient transport and travel by clinical research assistants for source data verification. In conclusion, by using a full LCA approach, our study confirms that conducting a clinical trial has a substantial environmental impact, particularly with regard to greenhouse gas emissions. The main hotspots identified were related to patient transport and clinical research assistants' travel. Trial Registration: The SUCRE study (Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma by Corticosteroids: A Prospective Randomised Study)-clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02650609.

Greenhouse gas emissions and water-carbon cost-adjusted yield of drought-tolerant rice under varying irrigation amounts in the Jianghan Plain of China

• Chengdu led global CO 2 emissions followed by Luoyang, Chongqing, and Los Angeles. • Katowice had highest CH 4 emissions, trailed by São Paulo, Lahore, and Delhi. • CO 2 levels rose from 394.470–394.477 ppm in 2003 to 394.501–394.510 ppm in 2020. • CH 4 levels increased from 1831.3–1833.3 ppb to 1832–1834.5 ppb over 17 years. • Minimum land surface air temperature rose by 2 °C, from −54.49 °C to −52.20 °C. This study examined global atmospheric variations in carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and methane (CH 4 ), which are two major greenhouse gases (GHGs). The main objectives were as follows: (1) identify the top 50 cities with the highest CO 2 and CH 4 emissions, (2) analyze 17-year trends in emissions in cities worldwide, (3) conduct a spatiotemporal analysis of CO 2 and CH 4 emissions from 2003 to 2020, (4) quantify changes in GHG emissions during this period, and (5) assess the impact of GHG emissions on land surface air temperature (LSAT). These objectives were achieved using the global ERA5 reanalysis data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service. The findings indicated that Chengdu (China) had the highest cumulative CO 2 emissions between 2003 and 2020, followed by Luoyang (China), Chongqing (China), Myitkyina (Myanmar), Louangphrabang (Laos), Lampang (Thailand), Louang Namtha (Laos), Aizawl (India), Nola (Central African Republic), and Los Angeles (USA). Katowice (Poland) exhibited the highest CH 4 emissions, followed by São Paulo (Brazil), Lahore (Pakistan), Delhi (India), New Delhi (India), Moscow (Russia), Chengdu (China), Anshan (China), Andijan (Uzbekistan), and Fergana (Uzbekistan). Between 2003 and 2020, the mean annual atmospheric CO 2 concentration increased from 394.470–394.477 ppm to 394.501–394.510 ppm, whereas the CH 4 concentration increased from 1831.3–1833.3 ppb to 1832–1834.5 ppb. The analysis revealed significant increasing trends in CO 2 and CH 4 emissions globally, with certain cities exhibiting sharper increases. The LSAT also increased during the study period, with the minimum LSAT increasing by 2 °C (from − 54.49 °C to − 52.20 °C). This comprehensive analysis highlights the urgent need to address GHG emissions to mitigate their environmental and climatic effects.

As the biggest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter globally, China has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. However, the environmental sustainability of this goal has not been assessed comprehensively on a life cycle basis. Focusing on the electricity sector, which contributes >40% to China's GHG emissions, this study evaluates the role and the potential of renewables for achieving net-zero by estimating their life cycle impacts across 31 provinces in China. A future (2050) renewable electricity grid is designed considering daily demand and generation curves, as well as resource potential and future technological advancements. Most of the electricity is generated by solar and wind (70%), followed by hydro (9%), biomass with and without carbon capture and storage (6%), and energy storage (14%). This mix achieves a net-negative climate change impact of −12 kg CO 2 eq./MWh electricity generated (compared to the current 877 kg CO 2 eq./MWh). The net negative impact is found in 18 provinces (−2.1 to −166.1 kg CO 2 eq. per MWh) owing to the biomass energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). The rest of the provinces have a net-positive but still relatively low impact (0–42 kg CO 2 eq./MWh) because of the high share of renewables. The majority of the remaining 17 impacts are also significantly lower (5.5–96%) than the impacts of the current grid, except for metal depletion, water consumption and freshwater and marine ecotoxicity. The minimum requirements for achieving the net-zero target for the electricity sector are either the utilisation of 55% of the total estimated biomass energy potential of 22 EJ, or BECCS share of 46% in the total capacity of biomass plants, equivalent to 2.25% of electricity generation. These results help to identify the environmental trade-offs in meeting the decarbonisation targets and to guide a future deployment of net-zero electricity in China.

Incorporation of postconsumer recycled (PCR) plastics in asphalt mixes is reported to improve the mechanical performance of asphalt mixes when used at a lower dosage. However, overstiffening of asphalt mixes due to the addition of higher amounts of plastic has been a serious concern. To this end, this study aims at increasing the percentage of plastic in asphalt mixes by incorporating a biorejuvenator. For this purpose, a control mix was designed using the balanced mix design (BMD) approach and then modified with two different types of PCR plastics, namely low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The asphalt mixes were then further modified by adding a biorejuvenator. The volumetric properties were determined, and the mechanical performances (rutting, cracking, and moisture-induced damage resistance) of the asphalt mixes were evaluated using the Hamburg Wheel Tracking (HWT) and Indirect Asphalt Tensile Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT). The optimum dosage of plastics was determined using the BMD criteria. The optimum dose of LDPE was found to be 1.5% with 2% waste cooking oil (WCO)-modified binder. In addition, environmental impact analyses were performed on the plastic-modified mixes. A significant reduction in greenhouse gas emission was observed from the use of plastic in asphalt mixes. A minimum of 7.5% reduction in greenhouse gas generation was found by using optimum LDPE and WCO-modified asphalt mixes.

In 2022, the amount of Waste Cooking Oil (WCO) in the Java–Bali region was estimated to reach 207 million kiloliters. This poses a significant environmental challenge due to the lack of proper utilization. With the increasing demand for cooking oil in Indonesia, the generation of WCO continues to rise. Low-quality WCO, often traded by street vendors, cannot be reused and must be discarded. Improper disposal into drainage systems leads to long-term problems such as water pollution, soil degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and contamination of clean water sources. The development of Co/ZrO₂–SO₄ catalysts and optimized conversion processes plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on imported catalysts, particularly for the production of environmentally friendly fuels (green fuels) such as bio-jet fuel. Given the high fatty acid content in WCO, several pretreatment stages are required. This study aims to convert WCO into bio-jet fuel through hydrodeoxygenation and Pyrolytic Catalytic Cracking (PCC) accompanied by isomerization. The PCC process was carried out under atmospheric pressure and relatively mild temperatures. The Co/ZrO₂–SO₄ catalyst was employed to enhance conversion into bio-jet fuel products. In this work, cobalt-dispersed sulfated zirconia nanocatalysts (Co/SZ) were synthesized with varying cobalt loadings (1%, 3%, and 5%). Beyond hydrodeoxygenation and cracking, the catalyst was also applied in the isomerization process. The synthesized catalysts were characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and NH₃-TPD. Meanwhile, the cracking process was conducted at different reactor temperatures (400, 450, 500, and 550 °C), with the resulting products analyzed by BET, XRF, TEM-SAED, and GC-MS.

Greenhouse gas emissions from the open-air storage of corn stover: Dynamics and environmental drivers over a two-year period

Recent advances in metabolic engineering of purple non‑sulfur photosynthetic bacteria for enhanced biohydrogen production.

Healthcare contributes considerably to global greenhouse gas emissions, with operating theatres amongst the most energy-intensive hospital environments. While carbon footprints have been quantified for several surgical procedures, the environmental impact of hand surgery, characterised by high case volumes and short procedures, remains poorly studied. This study aims to quantify carbon emissions of hand surgery procedures. This single-centre observational pilot study quantified the carbon emissions associated with hand surgery procedures performed during two half-day theatre lists at a UK NHS hospital. Data was collected under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes and emissions calculated using UK Government greenhouse gas conversion factors. Data collected included theatre electricity and heating, anaesthetic use, staff and patient transport, waste incineration, supply-chain emissions, and instrument sterilisation. Five trauma hand surgery cases were analysed. Case-level emissions ranged from 8.32 to 22.56kg CO2. When combined at a list level, total emissions were substantial, reaching 311.36kg CO2 and 285.30kg CO2 per half-day list. Purchased electricity (Scope 2) was the largest contributor, followed by heating and anaesthetic gases (Scope 1). Scope 3 emissions were largely attributed to staff travel and single-use consumable supply-chain emissions, while waste disposal and reusable instrument sterilisation contributed comparatively little. Individual hand surgery procedures have a relatively low carbon footprint, but the cumulative emissions at list-level are large. Theatre energy use, heating and staff transport represent key targets for emission reduction. Interventions focusing on energy-efficient infrastructure, renewable energy, greener staff travel, and reduced reliance on single-use consumables may result in meaningful environmental benefits. Larger multicentre studies with improved energy metering are needed to refine estimates and guide sustainable surgical practice. Quantifying the carbon emissions associated with common hand surgery procedures may help hand surgery teams and healthcare organisations identify opportunities to reduce emissions.

Experimental evaluation of a R290 vapour compression refrigeration system hybridised with a thermoelectric subcooler

Dual mechanism of electrochemical regulation to reduce soil Nitrous Oxide emissions-microbial recruitment and electron transfer pathway optimization.

Structural and techno-functional modifications of pea protein fractions by non-thermal technologies.

Optimizing rice-crayfish systems with direct seeding: Impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and economic performance

Effect of uncertainty in calibrated chloride diffusion coefficients on maintenance and life-cycle decisions of reinforced concrete structures

Using Spirulina (Limnospira platensis) as an alternative feedstuff for poultry: Effects on ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from excreta during storage.

Effects of continuous straw and equivalent straw-derived biochar application on soil multifunctionality, crop productivity, and greenhouse gas emissions

Shipboard carbon capture and storage (SCCS) is a viable retrofit for maritime decarbonisation, yet its environmental and techno-economic performance remains under-quantified. This study links life-cycle assessment with life-cycle costing to evaluate SCCS across four fuel configurations comprising very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), marine gas oil (MGO), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and methanol, analysed with/without capture. Fuel system boundaries follow International Maritime Organization guidance. The SCCS boundary covers post-combustion monoethanolamine (MEA) absorption, compression/liquefaction and onboard liquid CO 2 storage; one-off manufacture/transport/installation and periodic maintenance are included, whereas port offloading and downstream transport, storage or utilisation are excluded. To enhance generalisability, conservative settings are adopted, assuming post-combustion monoethanolamine at 1.5 kg/t CO 2 , 58% capture efficiency, 3.7 GJ/t CO 2 energy use, and a 30-year service life with 5-year maintenance. Under these settings, installing SCCS lowers well-to-propeller greenhouse-gas emissions by 48.8–49.5% across all fuels after including 8.5–9.2% SCCS self-emissions. These net reductions support technical feasibility through policy alignment, with attained Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index decreasing and Carbon Intensity Indicator improving by up to two grades for representative container, bulk-carrier, and tanker vessels. MGO with SCCS attains decarbonisation comparable to methanol, hence the economic comparison focuses on these two pathways. Over 30 years, MGO with SCCS is 7.1% less costly, with fuel prices the primary driver. Probabilistic analysis indicates SCCS on MGO is the lower-cost option in 69.8% of cases. Overall, within the stated boundary, the findings demonstrate the significance and effectiveness of SCCS for ship decarbonisation. • Study links life cycle assessment and costing for ship carbon capture and storage. • Shipboard carbon capture cuts well-to-propeller emissions by 48.7% to 49.5%. • Carbon capture on ships helps meet 2030 International Maritime Organization rules. • Marine gas oil with carbon capture costs 7.4% less than that of methanol conversion. • Shipboard carbon capture is the lower-cost option in 81.7% of cases studied.

Modelling greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from housing and manure storage in three laying hen production systems