Sustainable Approach Research Articles

Acid-Catalyzed, Metal- and Oxidant-Free C=C Bond Cleavage of Enaminones: One-Pot Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydroquinazolines

In this study, we present the HOAc-catalyzed selective cleavage of the C=C double bond of enaminones, enabling the formation of a new C–N bond and a new C=N bond for the one-pot synthesis of 2-substituted 3,4-dihydroquinazolines directly from ynones and 2-(aminomethyl)anilines. This method operates in ethanol under transition-metal-free and oxidant-free conditions, offering a sustainable and efficient approach for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydroquinazolines with broad functional group tolerance.

The Role of Hygiene in a Sustainable Approach to Managing Pool Water Quality

To achieve sustainable swimming pool water management, it is necessary to minimize the consumption of energy, water, and chemical agents to maintain the appropriate water quality. Some of the pollutants are introduced by swimmers and can be relatively easily removed if swimmers take a shower before entering a pool. Thus, this research questions how much of an impact this simple act could have on the water quality and generally on sustainable water management in swimming pools. To address this question, experiments were conducted at the AGH Swimming Pool in Kraków, in a real facility—a hot tub—with the participation of volunteers who took a shower in Variant 1 and did not in Variant 2. The assessment was made on the basis of selected microbiological and physicochemical parameters of swimming pool water, including disinfection by-products. The research results proved that taking a shower can significantly reduce the load of pollutants users introduce into swimming pool water and can contribute to more efficient and ecological treatment of swimming pool water and minimize the negative impact on the health of swimming pool users (microbiological contaminants and precursors of harmful chlorination by-products).

Using Brown Algae in the Plant–Soil System: A Sustainable Approach to Improving the Yield and Quality of Agricultural Crops

The growing demand for food production and increasing stress scenarios increase the crucial need for sustainable alternatives to achieve increased crop yield and quality without affecting the environment. The use of brown macroalgae, being a renewable resource, is a promising option with various application options in agricultural systems, mainly in the form of extracts, direct applications, and compost. Brown algae are a source of active biomolecules and minerals that are currently used as agricultural biostimulants, since they increase crop productivity. This type of biostimulants derived from brown algae improve seed germination, increase the accumulation of plant biomass by accelerating cell division and elongation, activating the antioxidant system of plants, making them more resistant to stress, and contributes to the absorption and translocation of nutrients present in the soil. These products are also compatible with other agricultural inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which makes them ideal for comprehensive applications and maintaining a balance in agroecosystems. This review incorporates fundamental and applied aspects of brown seaweeds that impact yields, biochemical quality, physiology, stress mitigation, and soil properties. Based on the above, the review is divided into different Sections that show the formulation of brown seaweed products; their effect on crop yield, quality, and physiology; their effect on biotic and abiotic stress mitigation; and their impact on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties.

Challenges to the implementation of design for adaptability among design professionals in Ghana

PurposeThe increase in waste and carbon emissions from the construction industry continues to fester although sustainable design approaches such as designing for adaptability (DfA) have been approved as a viable option to minimize construction waste and greenhouse gases while providing cost savings on building projects. This paper examines the views of design professionals on the challenges to implementing DfA in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI).Design/methodology/approachA critical comparative review of the related literature was conducted on the international challenges to implementing adaptability. After the review, 16 challenges were identified and used as the basis of the questionnaire survey in the Ghanaian context. By using a quantitative approach, a close-ended structured questionnaire was used to seek the views of 236 design professionals operating in the GCI regarding these factors. Data retrieved were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsThe findings revealed the key challenges to implementing DfA among design professionals in Ghana to include “limited funding for adaptable buildings”, “lack of collaboration between design professionals, contractors and clients towards the realization of adaptable buildings”, “limited demand for adaptable buildings” and “lack of education and training programs on design for adaptability practices”.Originality/valueThe novelty or originality of this study lies in its focus on the GCI, an area where the concept of DfA has rarely been examined in practice despite its recognized potential benefits in reducing waste and emissions. The study offers a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by design professionals in Ghana. This level of detail is crucial for devising targeted strategies to promote DfA in the region.

Predictors of Consumer Intention Towards Upcycling Practice and Consumption in Brazil

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the predictors that influence consumer intention to adopt upcycling practices in Brazil. Theoretical Framework: Upcycling emerges as an innovative consumption approach, standing out as a more sustainable alternative compared to traditional methods of goods production. Method: The research adopted a quantitative methodology, using a survey to assess consumers' perceptions of upcycling. Multivariate data analysis and structural equation modeling were applied to identify correlations between the proposed constructs and gain insights into participants' perspectives. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that the factors positively predicting consumer willingness to engage in upcycling are, in order of influence: behavioral intention, followed by the role of beliefs and perceived facilitating conditions, which include skills, knowledge, and inspiration. Research Implications: The research makes a theoretical contribution by providing valuable insights, derived from primary data, into consumers' perceptions of their willingness to engage in upcycling. Practically, the study offers significant implications for management and public policies by promoting a more sustainable consumption approach, raising environmental awareness, and generating tangible social benefits. Originality/Value: The study advances the development of the proposed theoretical model by including and analyzing the influence of predictive factors such as autonomy, empowerment, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the creation of new businesses. The results demonstrate that these factors play crucial roles and make significant contributions to the advancement of consumer behavior theory, deepening the understanding of this phenomenon in practice and promoting more sustainable consumption practices.

Adapting to climate change and multi-risk governance: toward sustainable adaptation and enhancing urban resilience—Indonesia

Climate change has contributed to an increase in natural catastrophes over the past five years in Indonesia, causing various forms of damage in urban areas and posing a severe danger to multi-risk governance for municipal governments in Indonesia. This study explores how multi-risk governance strategies encourage sustainable adaptation to climate change and increase urban resilience in Bandung and Makassar City, Indonesia. This study method uses a qualitative-exploratory approach with a case study in two (2) climate-vulnerable cities in Indonesia. Data analysis uses qualitative-interactive analysis. The results of this study show that the impact of climate change in Bandung and Makassar City, Indonesia has caused an increase in the potential for erosion, reduced wetlands along the coast, an increase in the rate of seawater intrusion, a decrease in food production, damage to infrastructure, a reduction in clean water sources, an increase in disease. respiratory, floods, droughts, and other hydrological disasters. This has resulted in many climate approaches and actions being taken to respond to the impact of climate change in Indonesia (Bandung and Makassar City), the results of which are still not optimal to date. This study suggests a sustainable adaptation approach to climate action in Bandung and Makassar City which prioritizes social justice and environmental integrity so that it has a real impact on community vulnerability and environmental damage due to the impacts of climate change. The contribution of this study provides sufficient insight into the institutional approaches and adaptive sustainability measures needed to promote resilience in Indonesia. At the same time, this study will be a useful reference in future research on multi-risk governance and sustainable adaptation strategy for climate action and enhancing urban governance.

Review: Exploring Current Status and Future Potential Organic Farming Practices in Fiji Islands.

Purpose: Organic farming in Fiji represents a sustainable approach to agriculture that aligns with the nation's rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and commitment to environmental conservation. This study examines the potential of organic farming to enhance soil health, reduce dependence on chemical inputs, and promote ecological balance. By integrating traditional Fijian agricultural practices with modern organic techniques, farmers can increase crop yields while preserving natural resources. Methodology: The research reviews the current status of organic farming in Fiji, key challenges, the importance of organic farming in Fiji, and future potential for capacity-building among local farmers. It also identifies opportunities, such as the growing global demand for organic products and Fiji's strategic position within the Pacific region. Organic farming in the Fiji Islands offers a sustainable approach to agriculture that aligns with the nation's ecological and cultural context. Findings: The findings of the review highlights that organic farming hold significant value to sustainability and production of safer food. The purpose of the review is to explore the current state of organic farming practices in Fiji. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This review contributed to policy formulations and, methods of adoption of organic principles, and their impact on environmental health, food security, and rural livelihoods. The literature also contributes that a transition to organic farming can support Fiji's goals of achieving food security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability and the practice of traditional agricultural methods to contribute towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by relooking at agricultural practices and policies in place by stakeholders in Fiji Islands.

Closing the loop: sustainable approaches for managing and recovering food industry residues

Closing the loop: sustainable approaches for managing and recovering food industry residues

Bacillus subtilis from pomegranate peel: a sustainable approach for agricultural productivity and waste management

Bacillus subtilis from pomegranate peel: a sustainable approach for agricultural productivity and waste management

CRISPR/Cas12a-based method coupled with isothermal amplification to identify Alternaria spp. isolated from wheat grain samples

Alternaria fungal species are considered major plant pathogens, infecting various crops and resulting in significant agricultural losses. Additionally, these species can contaminate grain with multiple mycotoxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Efficient pest management relies on timely detection and identification of phytopathogens in plant and grain samples, facilitating prompt selection of a crop protection strategy. Conventional identification tools, such as morphological characterization and identification based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods, are time-consuming and laboratory-bound, limiting their implementation for on-site diagnostics essential in the agricultural industry. Isothermal amplification methods, including nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), enable nucleic acid amplification at constant temperatures, making them ideal for point-of-care diagnostics without the need for thermal cycling equipment. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 12a (Cas12a)-based identification, coupled with such isothermal amplification methods, represents an emerging nucleic acid-based technology for detecting plant pathogens at high accuracy and sensitivity. This study aimed to develop a CRISPR/Cas12a-based method integrated with RPA amplification for specific detection of Alternaria spp. isolated from wheat grain samples. The developed method targeted the β-tubulin gene was successfully identified Alternaria strains within a 20-min RPA amplification followed by a 30-min CRISPR/Cas12a reaction and visualization of results. Specificity test included pathogenic fungal species commonly hosted wheat grain, such as Fusarium spp. Bipolaris sorokiniana, and Nigrospora oryzae revealed high specificity of the method for Alternaria species. Furthermore, the method exhibited high sensitivity, detecting Alternaria DNA down to 100 copies, validated by real-time fluorescence readout. A fluorescence assay was employed to visualize the results of RPA and CRISPR/Cas12a reaction, demonstrating substantial implementation potential of the method in point-of-care detection of Alternaria spp. In conclusion, we present the CRISPR/Cas12a-based method as a potentially sustainable approach for the rapid, precise, and specific nucleic-acid-based identification of Alternaria species in grain samples.

Catalytic degradation of dyes using gold nanoparticles supported over chitosan coated cotton cloth composite

Abstract The increasing environmental threat posed by various dye contaminants in wastewater necessitates the development of efficient catalytic systems for their removal. This research work investigates the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on chitosan-coated cotton cloth (CH-CC) as a versatile catalyst for the reduction of hazardous dyes, specifically methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RB), and congo red (CR). The Au-CH-CC composite was prepared by treating CH-CC with HAuCl₄ and reducing the formed ions using sodium borohydride. XRD, SEM, and EDX were adopted as characterization techniques which confirmed the successful formation of gold nanoparticles. The catalytic performance was evaluated via UV-visible spectrophotometry, revealing rapid dye reductions of 93%, 86%, and 98% for MB, RB, and CR in 12, 9, and 6 minutes, respectively. Kinetic analysis indicated pseudo-first-order kinetics by using the Au-CH-CC as catalyst, with respective rate constants of 0.18, 0.23, and 0.54 min⁻¹. The recyclability of the catalyst was demonstrated by retaining activity across three successive cycles. The findings in this study reveal the potential of utilizing Au NPs on biomass-derived materials for environmentally friendly dye remediation, presenting a sustainable approach to mitigating pollution from synthetic dyes.

Securing the livelihood of Mishmi Hills tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, India: Pioneering sustainable approach

Aim: To develop strategic model on commercialization of Mishmi teeta through sustainable approach to enhance livelihood security among Mishmi Hills community. Methodology: Various challenges encountered by Mishmi tribes in cultivating and commercialization of Mishmi teeta were compiled from secondary sources and analysed by factorisation. Expert and stakeholders insights were integrated along with climate variability of region in the present context to draw viable model for commercialization of Mishmi teeta using Smart PLS-Sem. Results: Five key factors: general challenges, local strategy, expert strategies, marketing strategies and commercialization strategies were identified as major influences on commercialization of Mishmi teeta within the Mishmi hills communities. The study showed statistically significant model, indicating that a collective approach is effective approach commercialization and enhance the livelihood security of the Mishmi Hills community. Interpretation: The model devised and the empirical data gathered in the study indicated greater means for conservation and commercialization of Mishmi teeta, which relies on the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders. Key words: Commercialization Model, Coptisteeta, Mishmi teeta, Smart PLS-Sem, Sustainable strategies

Design Improvements and Best Practices in Small-Scale Biodigesters for Sustainable Biogas Production: A Case Study in the Chillon Valley, Perú

Agribusiness ranks second as the sector with the highest greenhouse gas emissions linked to methane, constituting a crucial challenge for global sustainability. Although its impact on climate change is considerable, small rural farmers do not have effective technologies to manage the organic waste derived from their daily activities. In this context, anaerobic digestion is an innovative solution that converts waste into biogas and biofertilizers, promoting a sustainable and circular approach. However, its implementation faces significant barriers due to inadequate designs and poor operational practices, which makes its adoption difficult in rural areas. This applied theoretical research seeks to overcome these barriers by improving the design and operation of small-scale biogas plants. The system studied operates at 70% of its capacity, with a hydraulic retention time of 20 days and a feed of 4 kg organic matter. The substrates considered were 30% organic waste and 70% bovine manure, achieving an average production of 63.75 L CH4/kg of organic matter, which exceeded the usual yields of small biodigesters. A mathematical model was created and applied to the case study with an R2 correlation of 98% and a pseudo-R2 of 89.5%, evidencing a remarkable predictive capacity. This biogas plant model is efficient and sustainable, and it is presented as a viable solution for small rural farmers.

Manure Management as a Potential Mitigation Tool to Eliminate Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Livestock Systems

Climate change is a contemporary global challenge that requires comprehensive solutions to mitigate its adverse effects. All human activities contribute to climate change, mainly through atmospheric emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4). While most of these emissions are primarily due to fossil fuel use, agriculture and livestock production also contribute to a significant share of approximately 12% of global emissions. Most processes that are implemented within an animal husbandry unit are associated with greenhouse gas emissions, including manure management. This review explores the interconnection between climate change and manure management practices, highlighting the potential for sustainable approaches to mitigating GHG emissions. The key strategies for manure management, such as anaerobic digestion, nutrient management, composting, manure separation and treatment, and improved storage and handling, are discussed, as they are implemented in different livestock production systems (ruminants, poultry, and pigs). Despite the technological progress, there is still a place for further improving manure management approaches, especially in non-ruminant species leading to a higher mitigation potential and a reduction in greenhouse gases emissions. Moreover, policy support and incentives for sustainable practices are crucial for widespread adoption.

Use of Light-Emitting Diodes on the In Vitro Rooting of Apple Tree Rootstocks

This study presents a pioneering investigation into the use of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for in vitro rooting of ‘Marubakaido’ apple tree rootstocks, marking the first report of this approach in the literature. The research evaluates the effects of four distinct light sources: blue LED (450 nm), red LED (660 nm), a combination of red and blue LEDs, and traditional fluorescent lamps as a control. Mini-cuttings were inoculated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with reduced nutrient concentrations, supplemented with indoleacetic acid (IAA) and sucrose. The explants were incubated under controlled conditions for 30 days, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the impact of different light sources on various growth metrics. The results revealed that blue LEDs significantly enhanced dry mass accumulation in seedlings compared to both red LEDs and fluorescent lamps, demonstrating their superior effectiveness in promoting plant growth. The use of LEDs not only improves seedling development but also offers economic advantages over fluorescent lamps. LEDs are characterized by high luminous efficiency, low energy consumption, and a long operational lifespan, which collectively reduce costs in plant production systems. This research advances the understanding of light-mediated effects on plant tissue culture and highlights the potential of combining blue and red LEDs as a viable alternative to fluorescent lighting. These findings could revolutionize practices in horticulture and plant propagation, providing a more efficient and sustainable approach to in vitro cultivation.

Electrochemical Cycling of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers as a Sustainable Approach for Hydrogen Storage and Transportation

Electrochemical Cycling of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers as a Sustainable Approach for Hydrogen Storage and Transportation

Assisted Egg White Biogenic Synthesis for Elaboration of ZnO Nanoparticles

Nanomaterials are materials at the nanometric scale that have distinctive functionalities and properties. Due to their unique properties relative to traditional materials, nanomaterials attract great interest from researchers. ZnO-based nanomaterials especially demonstrate versatility, accessibility, biocompatibility and low toxicity. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing eco-friendly and sustainable approaches for synthesizing nanomaterials. In the development of ecological techniques for their synthesis, using natural resources is a popular choice. Employing egg white for ZnO nanoparticle synthesis represents an environmentally method that uses a natural resource. The great advantage of green synthesis using egg white is that it is a cost-effective, renewable, and bio-degradable resource that offers biocompatibility. Egg white is rich in proteins, amino acids, and other biomolecules that possess reducing properties. These biomolecules interact with metal ions, leading to the reduction and nucleation of nanoparticles. Additionally, the proteins in egg white act as capping agents, stabilizing the nanoparticles and preventing their aggregation. The proteins of white albumen have different functional groups and maintain product attributes, such as dispersion and stability. This paper focuses on the characterization of ZnO nanoparticles obtained by the assisted synthesis of egg white. This study explores the potential of ovalbumin, the major protein in egg white, as a template for the synthesis of nanostructured ZnO. The synthesis process utilized egg white from different sources (commercially raised hens, home-raised hens, and ducks) and varying zinc nitrate concentrations (1M and 2M) to evaluate their influence on nanoparticle morphology and size. Various complementary techniques are employed to analyze the resulting nanostructures: XRD, SEM, and ATR-FTIR. Also, antibacterial properties are investigated. This study underscores the viability of different egg whites as a green resources for synthesizing nanostructured ZnO and contributes to the development of sustainable nanotechnology approaches.

POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS E INCLUSÃO SOCIOPRODUTIVA DE CATADORES/AS DE MATERIAIS RECICLÁVEIS

This article aims to analyze public policies and the socio-productive inclusion of recyclable material collectors at the national, state and municipal levels, as well as analyzing the associated work organization process experienced by members of the Associação Cacerense de Catadores de Materials Pantanal Recicláveis ​​​​(ASCAPAN), located in the municipality of Cáceres-MT. This is a qualitative research. The documentary survey technique was used, in which different readings of articles, dissertations and theses were carried out, as well as laws, policies and decrees relating to the current topic, as well as systematic observation. The experience of the Cáceres Recicla Program highlights the challenges in implementing public policies aimed at solid waste management and the socio-productive inclusion of collectors. Despite initial advances, such as the creation of ASCAPAN and environmental education actions, the discontinuity of initiatives, the lack of coordination between those involved and structural limitations compromised the expected results. The study highlights the need for an integrated, humanized and sustained approach, with transparency and political commitment, to transform operational and social challenges into opportunities for social, economic and environmental development.

Activated Carbon from Birch Wood as an Electrode Material for Aluminum Batteries and Supercapacitors

AbstractDue to its sustainable approach, biomass is the subject of much research focused on the synthesis of multifunctional materials including electrodes for batteries and supercapacitors. In this work, sawdust from the processing of birch logs was used to produce a highly porous carbon material (CBW) that is employed for the construction of electrodes for aluminum batteries (ABs) and supercapacitors (SCs). A multitude of characterizations indicated that CBW is built in with highly disordered amorphous carbons and an extremely high specific surface area of 3029 m2 g−1 which is predominant with microporous features. The chemical analysis of CBW indicated the presence of a significant amount of oxygen functionalities. As a cathode of AB, CBW achieved discharge capacities 115, 74, 54, 50, 47, 43, and 29 mAh g−1 at current rates 0.1, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 10.0 A g−1, respectively. Similarly, SC with CBW symmetric electrodes exhibited capacitances 143, 94, 87, 79, 74, 69, 65, and 51 F g−1 at current rates 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 10.0 A g−1, respectively. The electrochemical characterization revealed that CBW is promising for ABs and SCs, and controlling the porosity type could further enhance the performance.

The Potential of Herbal Plants in the Prevention and Treatment of Fish Diseases: A Review

The use of herbal plants in aquaculture has emerged as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to improving fish health, enhancing immunity, and boosting growth performance. Various herbs are rich in bioactive compounds that stimulate non-specific defense mechanisms, enhance phagocytic activity, and reduce oxidative stress through their antioxidant properties. These immunostimulatory effects improve disease resistance and overall well-being in fish. Additionally, herbal supplementation has demonstrated significant growth-promoting effects by improving feed conversion efficiency and productivity in aquaculture systems. This review summarizes the roles of key herbal plants in aquaculture, highlighting their potential as natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals and antibiotics. The findings underscore the importance of integrating herbal remedies into aquaculture practices to enhance fish health and sustainability.