Tag Archives: sustainability

xxx L. Aleksejeva, L. Zihare and M. Pelse
Assessment of the Resilience of the Organic Food System
Abstract |

Assessment of the Resilience of the Organic Food System

L. Aleksejeva¹, L. Zihare² and M. Pelse¹

¹Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Economics and
Social Development, Institute of Economics and Finance, 18 Svetes Str., LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
²Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, 14 Struktoru Str., LV-1039 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: lauma.zihare@arei.lv

Abstract:

The organic food system is a component of sustainable food systems, which contributes to achieving the goals of the Farm to Fork strategy. The current statistical data reveal the first indications of failing to achieve strategic goal 9 of the CAP Strategic Plan for 2023–2027 and the goal of the Farm to Fork strategy in Latvia. This creates a need for a comprehensive assessment of the organic food system. The present research aims to identify the need to increase the resilience of the organic food system in Latvia. One of the decision analysis methods – SWOT analysis – was employed to comprehensively assess the organic food system. It was concluded that in order to increase the resilience of the organic food system in Latvia, it is primarily necessary to stimulate the demand for organic food by the public catering industry through GPP (green public procurement) procedures. An equally important need is to stimulate the supply of organic food (to contribute to both the transition to organic farming and the resilience of current economic operators in the organic farming scheme, as well as to foster organic processing). To mitigate the threats, policy makers need to review support rates applicable to organic farming, as well as promote knowledge transfer between all food supply chain actors.

Key words:

organic farming, organic food system, sustainability, sustainable food system, SWOT

576-588 R.D.D.G. de Albuquerque, F.R. León-Vargas, R. Ruiz-Paredes, J.Y. Villacrés-Vallejo, G.R. Malca-García and M.L. Ganoza-Yupanqui
Plant resources in the control of the key food pests Andean potato weevils (Premnotrypes spp.) and coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei): a systematic review
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Plant resources in the control of the key food pests Andean potato weevils (Premnotrypes spp.) and coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei): a systematic review

R.D.D.G. de Albuquerque¹*, F.R. León-Vargas²³, R. Ruiz-Paredes⁴, J.Y. Villacrés-Vallejo⁵⁶, G.R. Malca-García⁷ and M.L. Ganoza-Yupanqui⁸⁹

¹Fluminense Federal University, Laboratory of Technology in Natural Products, Niterói (RJ), 24210-340, Brazil
²Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Iquitos, 16007, Perú
³Universidad Científica del Perú, Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Programa Académico de Ingeniería Ambiental, Iquitos, 16007, Perú
⁴Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Facultad de Industrias Alimentarias, Departamento de Ingeniería de Alimentos, Iquitos, 16007, Perú
⁵Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Facultad de Agronomía, Departamento de suelos y cultivos, Iquitos, 16007, Perú
⁶Instituto de Medicina Tradicional, Seguro Social de Salud (EsSalud). Iquitos, 16007, Perú
⁷UIC/NIH Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (IL), 60612, USA
⁸Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Laboratorio Multifuncional, Trujillo, 13011, Perú
⁹Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Grupo de Control de Calidad de Plantas Medicinales, Trujillo, 13011, Peru
*Correspondence: richardcabofrio@gmail.com

Abstract:

Potato and coffee crops grapple with pronounced challenges posed by pests, notably the Andean potato weevils (Premnotrypes spp.) and the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei). These pests inflict significant economic repercussions on both smallholder and commercial farmers by disrupting essential food supply chains. This review delves into the insecticidal potentials of botanical resources against these pests. Notably, extracts and essential oils (EOs) from native flora or commercially available in each affected country have compelled efficacy against Premnotrypes vorax, P. latithorax and Hypothenemus hampei, such as Schinus molle L. and Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi, respectively. Through rigorous laboratory tests, on-site evaluations, and cost-effectiveness assessments, there emerges a strong advocacy for these botanical solutions. They present not only a sustainable countermeasure to these pests but also a greener alternative to conventional pesticides, thereby potentially reducing the environmental degradation and health concerns synonymous with chemical pesticides. The shift towards natural pesticides, especially those derived from plants like S. molle and S. terebinthifolia, is not only environmentally strategic but also economically prudent, aligning with both market trends and long-term sustainability goals.

Key words:

essential oils, insecticidal activity, pest management, plant extracts, sustainability

846-856 A. Mencarelli, F. Marinello, A. Marini and L. Guerrini
Physical parameters kinetics during the drying process of quarters and halves cut tomatoes
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Physical parameters kinetics during the drying process of quarters and halves cut tomatoes

A. Mencarelli, F. Marinello, A. Marini and L. Guerrini*

University of Padua, Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro (PD), IT35020, Italy
*Correspondence: lorenzo.guerrini@unipd.it

Abstract:

Tomato drying is a time-consuming industrial process. Moreover, the prolonged use of high temperatures decreases the quality of tomatoes and increases the environmental footprint of the process. In most cases, drying is performed on halved tomatoes. Alternatively, the use of quarter tomatoes could guarantee a drying times reduction without compromising the final product quality. This work aimed at modelling changes in physical characteristics of half and quarter tomatoes. The drying tests were conducted at 50 and 60 °C. The kinetics of weight loss, colour change, and volume reduction were determined. Colour change was monitored through image analysis, while volume reduction using RGB-D reconstructions. Based on the results, an increase in the drying temperature and the use of quartered tomatoes allow a significant reduction in drying times. The loss of water kinetic allowed the determination of critical moisture. Between initial and critical moisture, loss of water occurred at constant rate (zero-order kinetic), while after that the rate decreased exponentially (first-order kinetic). The colour kinetics showed an initial constant rate followed by a linear increase for brown pixels. The variation of red pixels did not have a clear trend. Increasing the temperature there was no significant reduction in colour quality while quarter tomatoes showed a greater loss of redness than halved tomatoes. Furthermore, the temperature increase does not affect the volume reduction of the tomatoes. Increasing the temperature and the use of quartered tomatoes are simple solutions to reduce drying times. However, quartered tomatoes are less visually appreciable than halved tomatoes.

Key words:

artificial vision, food quality, modelling., process optimization, sustainability

439-450 K. Bumbiere, S. Sereda, J. Pubule and D. Blumberga
The role of energy management in the agricultural sector: key prerequisites and impacts
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The role of energy management in the agricultural sector: key prerequisites and impacts

K. Bumbiere*, S. Sereda, J. Pubule and D. Blumberga

Riga Technical University, Faculty of Electrical and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Azenes street 12/1, Riga LV 1048, Latvia
*Correspondence: ketija.bumbiere@rtu.lv

Abstract:

Agriculture is one of the most energy-consuming sectors in the EU’s economy. Implementing sustainable agriculture to reduce GHG emissions and increase energy efficiency through energy management is a crucial strategy to tackle climate change. In this paper, the role of energy management in the agricultural sector is studied, and experiences from Europe and the world have been considered. Literature analysis regarding the chosen topic has been conducted, including the methodology of energy management plan development and its implementation in the case study of Latvia. Data from Latvia’s agricultural and other sectors have been analysed and compared. Latvia’s Inventory Report regarding GHG emissions in the agricultural sector was reviewed, and all emission sources in the agricultural sector were highlighted. The primary purpose of the study is to find out if energy management were introduced in an agricultural company, what would be the potential GHG emission, energy savings and additional advantages. Two companies working in Latvia were surveyed, and potential emission and energy consumption reduction measures in agriculture that would be applied to companies were developed. The research showed that by implementing the basic principles of energy management, it would be possible to reduce the average energy consumption by 17%. If measures are applied to reduce GHG emissions from agricultural companies, the average emissions would be reduced by 43%.

Key words:

agriculture., benchmarking, energy efficiency, GHG emissions, indicators, sustainability

357-375 R. Sigalingging, J. Simanihuruk, N.S. Vinolina, L.A. Harahap and C. Sigalingging
Life cycle assessment of shallot farming in Food Estate Hutajulu, North Sumatra, Indonesia
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Life cycle assessment of shallot farming in Food Estate Hutajulu, North Sumatra, Indonesia

R. Sigalingging¹²*, J. Simanihuruk¹, N.S. Vinolina³, L.A. Harahap¹ and C. Sigalingging⁴

¹Universitas Sumatera Utara, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Prof. A. Sofyan No.3, 20155, Indonesia
²Universitas Sumatera Utara, Faculty of Agriculture, Laboratory of Energy and Electrification, Prof. A. Sofyan No.3, 20155, Indonesia
³Universitas Sumatera Utara, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agrotechnology, Prof. A. Sofyan No.3, 20155, Indonesia
⁴Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sumatera Utara, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Food Science and Technology, Jl. H. A. Manaf Lubis No. 2 Helvetia, Medan, Indonesia
*Correspondence: riswanti@usu.ac.id

Abstract:

Food Estate is a government program as a solution to meeting food demand. However, in order to meet food needs, environmental impacts must be considered. The study objective was to investigate the impacts of shallot production in Food Estate Hutajulu, Indonesia. The study was conducted with the first stage determining the functional unit, namely an area of 0.2 hectares with a gate-to-gate scope. The second is the inventory data analysis by grouping the categories of nursery, tillage, maintenance, harvesting, and transportation. The third is life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) according to the ISO 14044 standard. Every data obtained from each process was processed using the software OpenLCA 1.11.0; the following is the workflow and use of the software. Processes were made based on the five categories of data (soil processing, planting, maintenance, harvesting and transportation), which had been determined to be connected to flow. The product system was adjusted according to the data in each process and then calculated, and the results of calculation data and graph models appear from each processed data category. Fourth is the interpretation that considers the highest environmental impact, namely acidification in the transportation process of 1.8974 kg SO₂ eq, global warming potential in the transportation process of 415.3188 kg CO₂ eq, eutrophication in the transportation process of 0.4364 kg PO₄ eq, and human toxicity in the maintenance process of 1,409.07377 kg 1,4-DB eq. To minimize the impact on subsequent production, reducing diesel fuel, chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizers are recommended.

Key words:

crops cultivation, environmental impact, global warming, LCA, sustainability

1387-1395 A.R.G. de Azevedo, H.A. Rocha, M.T. Marvila, D. Cecchin, G.C. Xavier, R.C. da Silva, P.F.P. Ferraz, L. Conti and G. Rossi
Application of pineapple fiber in the development of sustainable mortars
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Application of pineapple fiber in the development of sustainable mortars

A.R.G. de Azevedo¹, H.A. Rocha¹, M.T. Marvila¹, D. Cecchin²*, G.C. Xavier³, R.C. da Silva², P.F.P. Ferraz⁴, L. Conti⁵ and G. Rossi⁵

¹UENF - State University of the Northern Rio de Janeiro, LAMAV - Advanced Materials Laboratory, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, PO Box 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
²UFF - Federal Fluminense University, TER - Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering; Rua Passo da Pátria, 156, PO Box 21065-230, Niterói, Brazil
³UENF - State University of the Northern Rio de Janeiro, LECIV - Civil Engineering Laboratory, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, PO Box 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
⁴UFLA - Federal University of Lavras, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Campus Universitário, PO Box 3037, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
⁵University of Firenze, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), Via San Bonaventura 13, PO Box 50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: daianececchin@id.uff.br

Abstract:

Due to the great worldwide increase in pineapple production, countries like Brazil and India have problems regarding the correct disposal of residues from the production of this fruit. One of the possibilities is the reuse of these residues in the form of fibers in cementitious materials, as is the case with mortars. As a result, the objective of this work is to evaluate the application of pineapple fibers in mortars in the proportion of 1: 4 (cement: sand) with addition of fiber treated in NaOH in the proportion of 3 and 6%. The properties of mechanical resistance, water absorption, mass density and adhesion were evaluated, aiming to apply the mortar in coatings of rural environments. The results indicate that the fibers reduced the mortar density and increased the mechanical strength. However, there was a reduction in adherence, especially with the use of 6% fiber, in addition to an increase in water absorption. Based on the results, it is concluded that it is feasible to use 3% of pineapple fiber for the production of coating mortars in rural environments because the results obtained in the investigation are compatible with this application and with the established normative limits.

Key words:

agro-industrial wastes, reuse, rural constructions, sustainability

687–697 K. Bumbiere, A. Gancone, J. Pubule and D. Blumberga
Carbon balance of biogas production from maize in Latvian conditions
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Carbon balance of biogas production from maize in Latvian conditions

K. Bumbiere, A. Gancone, J. Pubule* and D. Blumberga

Riga Technical University, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Faculty of Electrical and Environmental Engineering, Azenes 12-K1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: jelena.pubule@rtu.lv

Abstract:

Production of biogas using bioresources of agricultural origin plays an important role in Europe’s energy transition to sustainability. However, many substrates have been denounced in the last years as a result of differences of opinion on its impact on the environment, while finding new resources for renewable energy is a global issue. The aim of the study is to use a carbon balance method to evaluate the real impact on the atmosphere by carrying out a carbon balance to objectively quantify naturally or anthropogenically added or removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This study uses Latvian data to determine the environmental impact of biogas production depending on the choice of substrate, in this case from specially grown maize silage. GHG emissions from specially grown maize use and cultivation (including the use of diesel fuel, crop residue and nitrogen fertilizer incorporation, photosynthesis), biogas production leaks, as well as digestate emissions (including digestate emissions and also saved nitrogen emissions by the use of digestate) are taken into account when compiling the carbon balance of maize. The results showed that biogas production from specially grown maize can save 1.86 kgCO₂eq emissions per 1 m³ of produced biogas.

Key words:

agriculture., bioenergy, biofuels, multicriteria analysis, sustainability

910–921 D.L. Rocha, A.R.G. Azevedo, M.T. Marvila, D. Cecchin, J. Alexandre, D.F. Carmo, Ferraz, P.F.P., Conti, L. and Rossi, G.
Influence of different methods of treating natural açai fibre for mortar in rural construction
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Influence of different methods of treating natural açai fibre for mortar in rural construction

D.L. Rocha¹, A.R.G. Azevedo², M.T. Marvila², D. Cecchin³*, J. Alexandre², D.F. Carmo³, Ferraz, P.F.P.⁴, Conti, L.⁵ and Rossi, G.⁵

¹UENF - State University of the Northern Rio de Janeiro, LAMAV - Advanced Materials Laboratory; Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, PO Box 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
²UENF - State University of the Northern Rio de Janeiro, LECIV - Civil Engineering Laboratory; Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, PO Box 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
³UFF - Federal Fluminense University, TER - Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering; Rua Passo da Pátria, 156, PO Box 21065-230, Niterói, Brazil
⁴UFLA - Federal University of Lavras, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Campus Universitário, PO Box 3037, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
⁵University of Firenze, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), Via San Bonaventura 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: daianececchin@yahoo.com.br

Abstract:

Açai is a typical Amazonian fruit that has enormous potential for use in medicines and foods, whose consumption has been growing year after year. One of the major environmental impacts related to Açai is the generation of agro-industrial wastes, which are disposed of in landfills. One of the major problems related to the reuse of natural fibres in cementitious materials is related to their durability due to the alkalinity of the matrix. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate three different methodologies for surface treatment of Açai fibre, by immersion in NaOH, KOH and Ca(OH)2 solution to mortar application in rural construction. After the treatments, the fibres were added in a proportion of 2.5 and 5.0% in relation to the cement mass, in addition to the reference mortar (without fibre) in the making of the prismatic specimens (40×40×160 mm) and cured for 28 days in room temperature. Right after the curing period, the specimens were evaluated according to the mechanical strength of flexion and compression, workability, water absorption by capillarity and mass density in the hardened state of each methodology. The results showed that the best treatment methodology is with NaOH solution, with the addition of 5% Açai fibre in relation to the cement mass, producing a suitable mortar for use in rural buildings.

Key words:

açai, agro-industrial wastes, reuse, rural constructions, sustainability

1008–1014 J.B. Cunha, D. Cecchin, P.I.S. Amaral, F.C. Silva, A.R.G. Azevedo, I.L. Salcedo C.M. Hüther, F.A. Sousa and D.F. Carmo
Ecological footprint of beef consumption in the state of Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
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Ecological footprint of beef consumption in the state of Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

J.B. Cunha¹, D. Cecchin¹*, P.I.S. Amaral², F.C. Silva¹, A.R.G. Azevedo³, I.L. Salcedo¹ C.M. Hüther¹, F.A. Sousa⁴ and D.F. Carmo¹

¹Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environment, Street Passo da Pátria, n.156, Boa Viagem, Niterói-RJ, Brazil
²José do Rosário Vellano University (UNIFENAS), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rodovia Mg-179 km 0, s/n - Bairro Trevo, BR 37130-000 Alfenas-MG, Brazil
³North Fluminense State University (UENF), Civil Engineering Department, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
⁴SEMAG/Aracruz, Av. Morobá, n.20, BR 29192-733 Bairro Morobá-ES, Brazil
*Correspondence: daianececchin@id.uff.br

Abstract:

The beef production chain can cause considerable impacts on the environment depending on how it is carried out. The need to discuss the impact of the consumption of this food in a country whose production base is mainly agricultural and livestock is relevant in view of the environmental degradation and scarcity of resources. In this work, the ecological footprint of beef consumption was evaluated using the state of Rio de Janeiro as a case study. Data were collected such as population, productive capacity, annual consumption, cattle weight, grazing equivalence factor. Calculations of livestock density, consumption per capita, productivity, number of oxen, area per capita, and total area required were also carried out. The value found for Total Ecological Footprint was 1,117,995.22 gha and for Ecological Footprint per capita was 0.065 gha. It was found that the ecological footprint per capita is higher than the area destined for each inhabitant of the State which is 0.019 ha. It can be inferred that the consumption of beef as it is currently carried out harms the ecosystem in which production is inserted.

Key words:

indicator, livestock, sustainability

904–914 N.F. Luiz, D. Cecchin, A.R.G. Azevedo, J. Alexandre, M.T. Marvila, F.C. Da Silva, A.L.C. Paes, V.D. Pinheiro, D.F. Do Carmo, P.F.P Ferraz, C.M. Hüther, V.M.F. Da Cruz and M. Barbari
Characterization of materials used in the manufacture of ceramic tile with incorporation of ornamental rock waste
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Characterization of materials used in the manufacture of ceramic tile with incorporation of ornamental rock waste

N.F. Luiz¹, D. Cecchin¹*, A.R.G. Azevedo¹, J. Alexandre², M.T. Marvila², F.C. Da Silva¹, A.L.C. Paes², V.D. Pinheiro², D.F. Do Carmo¹, P.F.P Ferraz³, C.M. Hüther¹, V.M.F. Da Cruz⁴ and M. Barbari⁵

¹Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Engineering school, Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environment, Street Passo da Pátria, n.156, postal code: BR24210-240, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
²North Fluminense State University (UENF), Civil Engineering Department, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
³Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Department of Agricultural Engineering, Campus Universitário, PO Box 3037, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
⁴University of Évora, Polo da Mitra - Department of Rural Engineering - Évora/Portugal
⁵University of Firenze, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), Via San Bonaventura 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: daianececchin@yahoo.com.br

Abstract:

The production of ceramic tiles, such as tiles, has a great environmental impact, either in the extraction of natural raw materials or gas emissions in the burning stages. The use of industrial solid waste in ceramic materials can contribute to the reduction of these impacts, according to the characteristics of solid waste and its interaction with ceramic materials in the processing steps. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the materials needed to make a ceramic tile with incorporation of ornamental rock waste (ORW), thus evaluating its main characteristics regarding the feasibility of this incorporation. The physical characterization of the clays used in the production of ceramic artifacts was performed, and for the waste the mineralogical analyzes were performed, through x-ray diffraction (XRD), microstructure analysis from confocal optical microscopy, after sintering the prototypes and chemical analysis by X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Soon after the raw materials went through the step of conformation and preparation of the prismatic specimens by the process of extrusion of the ceramic mass, with an incorporation of the ORW in 0% and 15% of the ceramic mass, for its subsequent The prototypes were sintered at three different temperatures (850 °C, 950 °C and 1,050 °C). The specimens were submitted to technological tests of mechanical resistance, water absorption, firing shrinkage and porosity to evaluate the incorporation viability. The results indicated the presence of quartz particles in all raw materials, and also that the clays of the study region are predominantly kaolinitic. The presence of these materials in the ceramic masses directly influences the micrographs, because they result in the formation of liquid phase, inert particles that can turn the site into a stress concentration point and when incorporated in the ORW the specimens met the technical specifications of the Brazilian standard for application on ceramic tiles. The results found in the technological tests carried out, that the incorporation of 15% of ornamental rock waste in both clays did not affect the tile properties, indicating the feasibility of incorporating this waste in civil construction, minimizing the impacts generated.

Key words:

reuse, rural constructions, sustainability, waste.