Footprint Of Production Research Articles

The dual role of low-carbon ammonia in climate-smart farming and energy transition

The changing climate poses unprecedented risks and challenges to agricultural production and energy systems worldwide, necessitating innovative technology and policy solutions that transcend traditional boundaries. This paper highlights the critical intersection of energy and agricultural systems and identifies low-carbon intensity ammonia (LCIA) as a pivotal element in reducing the carbon footprint of US agricultural production, particularly in fertilizer use. It presents a comprehensive analysis of the ammonia market and value chain, emphasizing its potential to decarbonize agricultural fertilizers and serve as an alternative clean energy source. The technical review covers various ammonia production methods, from natural gas-based processes with carbon capture and storage to electrolysis using renewable energy. These methods’ economic and environmental implications are examined to provide insights into the levelized costs and emissions of LCIA applications across various scenarios. A case study focusing on the Permian Basin and Southern High Plains regions is conducted to illustrate the regional synergy between the agriculture and energy sectors, proposing a framework for integrating LCIA into the US agricultural sector. The proposed framework, Sustainable Ammonia for Resilient Agriculture, outlines policy recommendations and strategic investments to overcome market and infrastructure barriers, aiming to develop a resillient and sustainable LCIA value chain. Future research direction should emphasize the need for local value chain development plans encompassing agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and workforce development under a unified policy framework.

The role of peatlands in carbon footprints of countries and products

Global peatland degradation is a major emission source (2 Gt CO2eq/yr), but it is often excluded from product carbon footprints or consumption-based emission inventories. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of peatlands on the carbon footprints of countries and products. The analysis was performed by combining the updated Global Peatland Assessment emission inventory with the EXIOBASE 3 multiple-region input-output model and propagating the emissions from primary production to final demand of products. The structure of the network of production and consumption was analyzed by identifying the paths and nodes that had the highest embodied peatland emissions. Based on the analysis, the consumption-based emission inventory had hotspots in Indonesia, China, and Russia, where a few key sectors (construction, rice, and other foods) contributed to 31 % of the global peatland emissions. Unlike in many other environmental impact categories, Europe was a net exporter (104 Mt CO2eq/yr) of embodied peatland emissions and Africa & Middle East region was the largest net importer (64 Mt CO2eq/yr). The embodied peatland emissions are focused on agricultural and forestry products in the countries with the largest share of degraded peatlands. Products originating from peatlands can have multiple times higher carbon footprints than non-peatland farmed products. The societal cost of carbon (SCC) of peatland originating products can even be higher than the value of the products. Therefore including peatland emissions into product carbon footprints would create incentives for mitigating emissions. Local emission mitigation will require tailored combinations of rewetting, restoration, and paludiculture. As the current uses of peatlands are emission intensive and have low value added, the potential for cost-effective emission reduction is considerable.

Mechanized wet direct seeding for increased rice production efficiency and reduced carbon footprint

Crop establishment is one of the major rice production operations that strongly affects rice production, productivity, and environmental impacts. This research introduced a new technology and provided scientific evidence for the benefits of mechanized wet direct seeding (mDSR) of rice as compared with the other crop establishment practices commonly applied by farmers for wet direct seeded rice in Mekong River Delta in Vietnam, such as seeding in line using drum-seeder (dDSR) and broadcast seeding (bDSR). The experiment was implemented across two consecutive rice cropping seasons that are Winter-Spring season and Summer-Autumn season in 2020–2021. Treatments included (1–3) mDSR with seeding rates of 30, 50, and 70 kg ha− 1, (4) dDSR with 80 kg ha− 1 seed rate, and (5) bDSR as current farmer practice with seeding rate of 180 kg ha− 1. The fertilizer application was adjusted as per seeding rate with 80:40:30 kg ha− 1 N: P2O5: K2O with lower seed rate 30 and 50 kg ha− 1 in mDSR; 90:40:30 kg ha− 1 N: P2O5: K2O with medium seed rate of 70 to 80 kg ha− 1; and 115:55:40 kg ha− 1 N: P2O5: K2O with high seed rate of 180 kg ha− 1 in bDSR. Mechanized wet direct seeding rice with a lower seed rate of 30 to 70 kg ha− 1 and fertilizer rate by 22–30% reduced variation in seedling density by 40–80% and in yield by 0.1 to 0.3 t ha− 1 and had similar yield to bDSR. In consequence, N productivity was 27 and 32% higher in mDSR as compared to bDSR during the Winter-Spring season and Summer-Autumn seasons, respectively. The use of lower seed rate and fertilizer in mDSR also led to higher income and lower carbon footprint (GHGe per kg of paddy grains) of rice production than the currently used practices of bDSR. Net income of mDSR was comparable to that of dDSR and higher by 145–220 and 171–248 $US than that of bDSR in Winter-Spring season and Summer-Autumn, respectively. The carbon footprint of mDSR rice production compared to bDSR was lower by 22–25% and 12–20% during the Winter-Spring and Summer-Autumn seasons, respectively. Given the above benefits of farming efficiency, higher income, and low emission, mDSR would be a technology package that strongly supports sustainable rice cultivation transformation for the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam.

Gold Production and the Global Energy Transition—A Perspective

Gold is neither a critical mineral nor a metal that is central to the global energy transition in terms of demand from new energy production technologies. Yet, gold is unique among mined commodities for its role in financial markets and for its global production footprint including in numerous developing economies. Since the production of gold incurs CO2 emissions and other environmental risks including water pollution and land degradation, gold producers seek to adopt clean production solutions through electrification and renewable energy adoption. Further, gold’s unique role as a store of value creates new potential green business models in gold, such as the digitalisation of in-ground gold inventories, which can further reduce negative environmental externalities from gold mining. A net-zero emissions, future global gold industry, is possible. Major gold producers are targeting net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, coupled with a lower overall environmental footprint to meet heightened societal expectations for cleaner production. An analysis of emissions data from Australian gold mines shows systematic differences between mining operations. Further clean energy investment in gold production is required to reduce emission levels towards the target of net zero.

Greenhouse gas emissions and carbon and water footprints during processing of Lei bamboo shoots

Lei bamboo shoots are extensively used in the food processing industry, producing solid waste such as bamboo shoot shells and liquid wastewater. This study analyzed several sewage indicators, revealing that the majority exceed the national standards of China for direct water discharge. A field experiment was conducted over a period of 4 months to evaluate the effects of different treatments during the natural decomposition of bamboo shoot shells.The treatment groups consisted of the boiled experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG). Results showed that in EG, the methane emission increased by 8.6% (P < 0.05), the carbon dioxide emission increased significantly by 19.7% (P < 0.01), and the nitrous oxide emission decreased by 37.9% (P < 0.01) relative to those in CG. Regression analysis was employed to establish a relationship model between CH4, CO2, and N2O emission fluxes and temperature and humidity in the EG and CG groups. A specific functional relationship was identified between CH4 and CO2 emission fluxes and temperature and humidity, but N2O emission was present. No significant correlation was found between flux and ambient temperature and humidity (R2 < 0.3). We also estimated that the carbon dioxide emissions and water consumption of producing 1 kg of canned bamboo shoots were 2.8669 kg and 86.8 L, covering the processes in the life cycle of bamboo shoot products. This study identifies the potential water pollution problems and provides insights into resource utilization and recycling in bamboo shoot food processing, facilitating the realization of clean production processes. It also sheds light on the water footprint of bamboo shoot products throughout their life cycle, and the carbon footprint research provides valuable references.

Responsible innovation: Mitigating the food safety aspects of cultured meat production.

There is much interest in cultured (cultivated) meat as a potential solution to concerns over the ecological and environmental footprint of food production, especially from animal-derived food products. The aim of this critical review is to undertake a structured analysis of existing literature to (i) identify the range of materials that could be used within the cultured meat process; (ii) explore the potential biological and chemical food safety issues that arise; (iii) identify the known and also novel aspects of the food safety hazard portfolio that will inform hazard analysis and risk assessment approaches, and (iv) position a responsible innovation framework that can be utilized to mitigate food safety concerns with specific emphasis on cultured meat. Although a number of potential food safety hazards are identified that need to be considered within a food safety plan, further research is required to validate and verify that these food safety hazards have been suitably controlled and, where possible, eliminated. The responsible innovation framework developed herein, which extends beyond hazard analysis and traditional risk assessment approaches, can be applied in multiple contexts, including this use case of cultured meat production.

A novel exergy-based cost and carbon footprint allocation method in the multi-energy complementary system

Energy efficiency, economic cost and carbon emission of multi-energy complementary systems are three key indicators to sustainable development in the low-carbon background. This paper analyzes the coupling relationships between energy, cost, and carbon emission flows in a combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system. The CCHP system consists of biomass gasification, co-firing internal combustion engine by product gas and natural gas, concentrated photovoltaic thermal solar collector, and absorption heat pump. A novel exergo-carbon method with exergo-economic analyses is proposed to determine the exergy cost and carbon footprint rate of each stream in the CCHP system, and the unit cost and carbon footprint of multiple products of electricity, cold energy and heat energy are obtained by the proposed method. The impacts of co-firing ratio and photovoltaic coverage ratio on energy and exergy efficiencies and cost and carbon footprint of products are analyzed. The sensitivity of biomass carbon footprint is performed to show its influences. The total cost of products including economic and carbon costs, is discussed to guide the carbon market's pricing strategies. Under the design conditions, the unit exergy cost of electricity, chilled water and hot water are 0.1094, 0.7659 and 0.466 $ (kWh exergy)−1, and their unit exergy carbon footprints are 0.3651, 3.9050, and 2.3780 kg CO2-eq (kWh exergy)−1, respectively.

Linking hypothetical extraction, the accumulation of production factors, and the addition of value

AbstractIn industrial ecology, approaches have been developed to analyze the contribution of specific sectors to environmental impacts within supply chains. In economics, a range of methods addresses the forward linkage (use of output) and backward linkage (dependency on inputs) of sectors, and the analysis of key sectors. This article offers a formal investigation of the relationship between these. It shows that both the analysis of supply chain impacts and of intersectoral linkages can be seen as special cases of a more general hypothetical extraction method (HEM). In HEM, sectors' role is assessed as the effect of their removal on the input–output model's solution. HEM also allows for the (partial) extraction of individual transactions. HEM thus offers a flexible approach to assessing the contribution of one or several sectors, or transactions, or parts thereof, to value added or footprint of any final demand. It can be applied to study the environmental footprints of companies or intermediate products, the contribution of certain inputs to sectors, or the potential impact of disruptions of supply chains on producers and consumers. In this article, the price model for HEM is introduced to identify the contribution of the extracted (target) sectors to the price or unit footprint of a commodity.

Assessment of the Biodegradability and Compostability of Finished Leathers: Analysis Using Spectroscopy and Thermal Methods.

In this study, the biodegradation properties of leather treated with various finishing chemicals were evaluated in order to enhance the sustainability of leather processing. We applied advanced analytical techniques, including FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Leather samples treated with different polymers, resins, bio-based materials, and traditional finishing agents were subjected to a composting process under controlled conditions to measure their biodegradability. The findings revealed that bio-based polyurethane finishes and acrylic wax exhibited biodegradability, while traditional chemical finishes like isocyanate and nitrocellulose lacquer showed moderate biodegradation levels. The results indicated significant differences in the biodegradation rates and the impact on plant germination and growth. Some materials, such as black pigment, nitrocellulose lacquer and wax, were beneficial for plant growth, while others, such as polyurethane materials, had adverse effects. These results support the use of eco-friendly finishes to reduce the environmental footprint of leather production. Overall, this study underscores the importance of selecting sustainable finishing chemicals to promote eco-friendly leather-manufacturing practices.

First global report of Hyaloperonospora brassicae in commercial broccoli and cabbage microgreens.

Microgreens are a nutrient-dense enhancement to modern diets (Choe et al. 2018), whose small production footprint in protected systems facilitates rapid crop turnover and distribution to population centers. Eleven of the 25 most broadly grown microgreens are brassicas (Choe et al. 2018). In November 2023, kale, broccoli (H009B), and cabbage (H009C) microgreen crops in Michigan were observed with downy mildew, at disease severities of 3%, 40%, and 20% foliage on 10 x 16 cm seeded blocks of plants, respectively. These crops shared a germination chamber for at least three days, which was maintained at approximately 22℃ in very humid, dark conditions. Chlorosis and grayish, sunken necrosis characterized symptoms on cotyledon surfaces (Fig. 1). In humid conditions, thick, white-light gray sporulation was present on adaxial cotyledon surfaces, accompanied by sparse sporulation on abaxial surfaces and hypocotyls. Severely diseased plants were stunted and approximately 50% gradually succumbed to downy mildew. On microscopic examination, a Hyaloperonospora spp. was tentatively identified, with long sporangiophores that dichotomously branched 3 to 6 times and hyaline sporangia borne singly on flexuous terminal sterigmata (Fig. 2). Sporangia were round to oval, with average length of 23.1 (range 16.0 to 28.3) µm; width of 20.0 (15.0 to 25.6) µm; and average length:width of 1.2 (1.0 to 1.4); (n = 97 for all). Sporangia dislodged rapidly if disturbed or as humidity decreased. Two pathogenicity tests were initiated on two sequential days. Two cotyledons from originally infected broccoli and cabbage were suspended, abaxial-side down, on coarse mesh over an open 60-mm plate of pregerminated brassica seeds on a water-saturated filter, inside a sealed, clear plastic box. Boxes contained only one type of originally diseased host, with 15 to 20 seeds of transfer varieties in unique dishes. Boxes were incubated in the dark for 2 days at 19°C with a wet paper towel atop the cotyledons. Before removal, cotyledons were lightly brushed across the surfaces of the seedlings they were just suspended above. Seedlings were grown in boxes in the presence of indirect, ambient light for 9.5 hr/day for an additional 5 days before pathogen sporulation was apparent. Filter paper was resaturated as needed. Noninoculated control plants, maintained separate from inoculated plants, were asymptomatic throughout the experiments. Total disease incidence in transfer varieties was 43.5% of 'Graffiti' cauliflower, 18.7% and 15.7% of 'Nixon' and 'Blue Vantage' cabbage; 11.8% of 'Red Russian' kale, and 6.0% of 'Ironman' broccoli, combined from two experiments. All varieties listed had at least one plant successfully infected in both pathogenicity tests. Sporulation on transfer hosts was morphologically identical to originally affected crops. Sporangiophores and sporangia were removed from H009B broccoli and H009C cabbage plants using surface sterilized forceps, placed directly into DNA extraction tubes containing buffer CD1 (Qiagen PowerSoil Pro), then kit instructions were followed. Extracts were utilized as template for ITS and cox1 PCR amplification, using DreamTaq Mastermix and ITS4/6 (45 cycles; White et al. 1990) and Levup/Levlo primers (30 cycles; Robideau et al. 2011). Cycling conditions were as published, with the number of cycles indicated by primer set. Each reaction yielded a single amplicon of approximately 1000 and 700 bp, for ITS and cox1, respectively,. Amplicons were cleaned using ExoSap-IT and submitted for Sanger sequencing, using ITS6 and Levup as sequencing primers (Robideau et al. 2011; White et al. 1990). After quality trimming, amplicons shared >98.5% identity with H. brassicae (NCBI Genbank accession MG757792 or reference genome CANTFL010000892.1). Sequences were submitted to Genbank (PP093830, PP093831, PP776812, PP776813). This is the first report of downy mildew, caused by H. brassicae, in commercial brassica microgreens, crops with vast nutritional value and expanding production.

Discussion on key issues of carbon footprint quantification of silk products

In this study, to accurately calculate the carbon footprint of silk products, key issues were analysed and discussed, including accounting boundary, accounting data, sequestration of greenhouse gases (GHG) and calculation of results. The results support the feasibility of "cradle to gate" or "gate to gate" as the accounting boundary for the carbon footprint of silk products. Accordingly, the quality of accounting data may be improved by determining the key emission sources of GHG within the accounting boundary, selecting the appropriate data allocation methods and maintaining the consistency of the allocation methods within the accounting boundary when necessary. The GHG sequestration of silk is explained separately in the results, which report on the carbon footprint of silk products. The carbon-neutral actions taken by silk enterprises are also discussed and quantified in the results of the carbon footprint calculation. Ultimately, it is found that a consistent accounting boundary and emission factors constitute two key prerequisites for the feasibility of carbon footprint quantification of various silk products.

Repurposing plastic waste: Experimental study and predictive analysis using machine learning in bricks

The construction industry significantly contributes to environmental degradation and resource depletion. This paper investigates the use of waste plastic from post-consumer and post-industrial sources as a sustainable alternative in brick manufacturing. By substituting plastic waste for traditional materials like clay or cement, the ecological footprint of brick production is reduced, and plastic pollution is mitigated by diverting waste from landfills and oceans. This study employs dual approach of experimentation as well as machine learning for assessing the strength behaviour of bricks enhanced with plastic, emphasising compressive strength, durability, thermal insulation, and moisture resistance. Utilization of Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) for Waste plastic bricks (WPB) was done by replacing cement and sand in different proportions i.e. 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %, and 50 % of fly ash bricks The best performance was observed at 30 % replacement of sand with waste CPVC. A Deep Neural Network (DNN) model also predicted compressive strength and water absorption, identifying key material components influencing brick properties through SHAP value analysis. This combined experimental and predictive modelling approach demonstrates the potential of waste plastic in creating lightweight, sustainable building materials for structural applications, contributing to sustainable construction practices.

Carbon footprint of household meat consumption in China: A life-cycle-based perspective

The food industry accounts for 25% of global carbon emissions, of which animal food accounts for 57%. Therefore, the reduction of carbon emissions from meat products consumption is one of the important issues of global climate governance. This study calculates and compares the carbon footprints of major meat products in China at various stages of production and consumption and the trends of their development based on life cycle assessment and questionnaires, which will help to understand the emission characteristics and reduction potential of the food sector in China. The results show that the main stages of the life cycle and the size of the total carbon footprint of the meat category for the same unit standard exhibit the following order: beef > mutton > pork > poultry (chicken and duck) > seafood (fish and shrimp); the farming factor has a greater impact on carbon emissions, followed by transportation and a smaller impact at the meal-making stage; from 2010 to 2021, China's total meat products consumption and carbon emissions continue to increase, but the structure of meat consumption is gradually diversified and balanced, and the trend of carbon emissions shows a slowdown in growth with structural changes. Finally, based on the results of the study, this paper proposes countermeasures for meat production and consumption.

A Study on the Promoting Role of Renewable Hydrogen in the Transformation of Petroleum Refining Pathways

The refining industry is shifting from decarbonization to hydrogenation for processing heavy fractions to reduce pollution and improve efficiency. However, the carbon footprint of hydrogen production presents significant environmental challenges. This study couples refinery linear programming models with life cycle assessment to evaluate, from a long-term perspective, the role of low-carbon hydrogen in promoting sustainable and profitable hydrogenation refining practices. Eight hydrogen-production pathways were examined, including those based on fossil fuels and renewable energy, providing hydrogen for three representative refineries adopting hydrogenation, decarbonization, and co-processing routes. Learning curves were used to predict future hydrogen cost trends. Currently, hydrogenation refineries using fossil fuels benefit from significant cost advantages in hydrogen production, demonstrating optimal economic performance. However, in the long term, with increasing carbon taxes, hydrogenation routes will be affected by the high carbon emissions associated with fossil-based hydrogen, losing economic advantages compared to decarbonization pathways. With increasing installed capacity and technological advancements, low-carbon hydrogen is anticipated to reach cost parity with fossil-based hydrogen before 2060. Coupling renewable hydrogen is expected to yield the most significant economic advantages for hydrogenation refineries in the long term. Renewable hydrogen drives the transition of refining processing routes from a decarbonization-oriented approach to a hydrogenation-oriented paradigm, resulting in cleaner refining processes and enhanced competitiveness under emission-reduction pressures.

Proteins from Legumes, Cereals, and Pseudo-Cereals: Composition, Modification, Bioactivities, and Applications.

This review presents a comprehensive analysis of plant-based proteins from soybeans, pulses, cereals, and pseudo-cereals by examining their structural properties, modification techniques, bioactivities, and applicability in food systems. It addresses the critical need for a proper utilization strategy of proteins from various plant sources amidst the rising environmental footprint of animal protein production. The inherent composition diversity among plant proteins, their nutritional profiles, digestibility, environmental impacts, and consumer acceptance are compared. The innovative modification techniques to enhance the functional properties of plant proteins are also discussed. The review also investigates the bioactive properties of plant proteins, including their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumoral activities, and their role in developing meat analogs, dairy alternatives, baked goods, and 3D-printed foods. It underscores the consideration parameters of using plant proteins as sustainable, nutritious, and functional ingredients and advocates for research to overcome sensory and functional challenges for improved consumer acceptance and marketability.

Water Footprint and Water Sustainability of Agroindustrial Avocado Production in a Warm Tropical Climate Municipality: A Case Study in the Michoacan Avocado Belt in Central México

Water is a fundamental resource for ecosystems, humans, and the development of all economic sectors; it is necessary to identify and evaluate its environmental pressures and impacts. The water footprint (WF) is an appropriate indicator for the consumption of water used to produce a product. The present study uses this tool to evaluate the green and blue water requirements and the sustainability of irrigation water use for agroindustrial avocado production in Ziracuaretiro, Michoacán (2012–2021). Our analysis was based on aggregating weather and soil data at the municipal level and official government databases of avocado cultivated surface, fruit production, and water rights concessions. The analysis considers the homogeneity of information throughout the study area. We estimated that rainfed plantations require 839.03 m3/ton, and irrigated plantations require 2355.80 m3/ton, with an average of 1597.47 m3/ton. In addition, we determined that avocado cultivation can demand up to 124.3% of agricultural water concessions in this municipality. Moreover, the WF estimates and the analysis indicate that such studies are fundamental for decision-makers to develop and implement water use efficiency strategies and shows the need for further research related to the water consumption of avocado as a crop at more detailed scales.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Carbon Footprint Reduction in Construction Projects

This article addresses the issue of reducing carbon footprint in construction production. It focuses on the sources and factors of greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change. The construction sector plays a significant role in generating carbon footprint, both in the manufacturing of construction products within supply chains and during the execution of construction work on-site. The identified factors that influence carbon footprint throughout the lifecycle of a construction project and the life of a building are examined and analysed using the DEMATEL method. The research aims to identify causal relationships among factors that contribute to minimising carbon footprint in construction projects. The factors with the highest causal impact are identified in each phase of the building’s lifecycle, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), appropriate selection of construction products, and regulatory and financial incentives. The results of the analysis can be utilised to support decision-making processes aimed at reducing harmful emissions during project realisation and building operation.

Carbon footprint of tobacco production in China through Life-cycle-assessment: Regional compositions, spatiotemporal changes and driving factors

The global contribution of cigarette production to greenhouse gas emissions is substantial, with tobacco agricultural production being a major source. Based on statistical data, this research employs a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to comprehensively evaluate China’s flue-cured tobacco production carbon footprint (CF) from 2004 to 2020, detailing its components, spatiotemporal dynamics, and driving factors. The study reveals that the average CF per hectare for China’s tobacco production (CFr) amounted to 12576.46 kg CO2eq·ha−1. Regionally, the CFr was 10799.55 kg CO2eq·ha−1 in Northern China, 14517.00 kg CO2eq·ha−1 in Southeastern China, 11788.82 kg CO2eq·ha−1 in the lower Yellow/Huai River region, 13138.70 kg CO2eq·ha−1 in the mid-Yangtze River and 12415.56 kg CO2eq·ha−1 in Southwestern China. Over the study period, Southwest China’s CFr exhibited an upward trend with an annual growth rate of 121.81 kg CO2eq·ha−1. At the micro-level, coal use contributes more than 60 % of carbon emissions, followed by curing power consumption. On a macro scale, economic activities significantly elevated the CF, whereas factors like carbon emission intensity, production efficiencies, and structural shifts contributed to its reduction. This research indicates that employing clean energy in curing barns, reducing agricultural film usage, and enhancing fertilizer utilization rates represent effective strategies for achieving low-carbon tobacco production. The results of this study have certain reference value for the policy formulation of low-carbon tobacco production and sustainable agriculture in China.

Sustainable Production of Chitin Nanowhiskers from Crustacean Biomass Using Cost-Effective Ionic Liquids: Strategies to Avoid Byproduct Formation

Nanochitin, especially in the form of chitin nanowhiskers (ChNWs), represents a significant advance in biopolymer technology due to its high specific surface area, superior tensile strength, and excellent thermal stability. Derived from crustacean waste, which contains 15–40% of chitin, these materials provide a sustainable option that diverts waste from landfills and contributes to environmental conservation. Traditional methods of isolating nanochitin are energy-intensive and generate substantial waste. This study introduces a more sustainable method using inexpensive ionic liquids (ILs) such as [Hmim][HSO4] and [HN222][HSO4], which bypass the costly and destructive steps of traditional procedures. This study also identified the byproduct in IL-mediated chitin hydrolysis reaction as calcium sulfate dihydrate and presented a solution to circumvent the byproduct formation. The effectiveness of the [HN222][HSO4] IL in producing ChNWs from both purified chitin and crustacean biomass was assessed, showing a high yield and maintaining the purity and structural integrity of chitin, thereby demonstrating a significant reduction in the environmental footprint of ChNW production.

Making wind turbine blades more sustainable

Researchers at Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering will use new methods of additive manufacturing, computational design, and a recyclable, high strength thermoplastic material to improve the environmental footprint of wind turbine blade production.