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Abstract: Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) is a serious weed capable of piercing polyethylene (PE) plastic mulch used in horticulture. A biodegradable plastic, PE and four different papers were tested for 2 years in fields highly-infested with C. rotundus in Zaragoza (Spain). All four papers were able to withstand all weed species. C. rotundus plants penetrated the biodegradable plastic mulch most, possibly because this material had least resistance to slow perforation. Differences in weed biomass between mulching materials were lower because of small size and weight of C. rotundus. Therefore all mulching treatments had a similar impact on weed biomass reduction 63 days after transplanting; biodegradable plastic had most biomass and papers the least, the differences being significant some years, only. Tomato yield was very similar for all mulching treatments and significantly higher than in the non-mulched plots. No effect of treatment was observed on fruit quality parameters. Commercial paper used as mulch without special additives can satisfactory control C. rotundus in processing tomato provided that climate is appropriate to maintain the paper dry during most of the time. Also the crop needs to cover the soil fast enough before the buried part of the mulch degrades allowing wind to lift and tear the mulch. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Mediterranean Basin has experienced substantial land use changes as traditional agriculture decreased and population migrated from rural to urban areas, which have resulted in a large forest cover increase. The combination of Landsat time series, providing spectral information, with lidar, offering three-dimensional insights, has emerged as a viable option for the large-scale cartography of forest structural attributes across large time spans. Here we develop and test a comprehensive framework to map forest above ground biomass, canopy cover and forest height in two regions spanning the most representative biomes in the peninsular Spain, Mediterranean (Madrid region) and temperate (Basque Country). As reference, we used lidar-based direct estimates of stand height and forest canopy cover. The reference biomass and volume were predicted from lidar metrics. Landsat time series predictors included annual temporal profiles of band reflectance and vegetation indices for the 1985-2023 period. Additional predictor variables including synthetic aperture radar, disturbance history, topography and forest type were also evaluated to optimize forest structural attributes retrieval. The estimates were independently validated at two temporal scales, i) the year of model calibration and ii) the year of the second lidar survey. The final models used as predictor variables only Landsat based metrics and topographic information, as the available SAR time-series were relatively short (1991-2011) and disturbance information did not decrease the estimation error. Model accuracies were higher in the Mediterranean forests when compared to the temperate forests (R 2  = 0.6-0.8 vs. 0.4-0.5). Between the first (1985-1989) and the last (2020-2023) decades of the monitoring period the average forest cover increased from 21 ± 2% to 32 ± 1%, mean height increased from 6.6 ± 0.43 m to 7.9 ± 0.18 m and the mean biomass from 31.9 ± 3.6 t ha -1 to 50.4 ± 1 t ha -1 for the Mediterranean forests. In temperate forests, the average canopy cover increased from 55 ± 4% to 59 ± 3%, mean height increased from 15.8 ± 0.77 m to 17.3 ± 0.21m, while the growing stock volume increased from 137.8 ± 8.2 to 151.5 ± 3.8 m 3  ha -1 . Our results suggest that multispectral data can be successfully linked with lidar to provide continuous information on forest height, cover, and biomass trends., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Climate change is affecting both the frequency and scale of wildfires, as well as the increase in the number of days with Saharan dust intrusions. Traditionally, studies have focused on the extent to which the increase in fine particulate matter (PM) has had an impact on cardio-respiratory diseases, but (apart from PM) not on how the meteorological and pollution conditions in these situations affect other diseases, such as those linked to mental health. This study therefore sought to ascertain how daily mean PM 10 , PM 2.5 , NO 2 , O 3 concentrations and daily maximum temperature in heat waves influence daily emergency hospital admissions in Spain caused by mental and behavioural disorders, depression and anxiety on days with PM from biomass combustion and/or Saharan dust intrusions, as compared to days without such conditions, across the period 2009-2018. Our results indicate that on days on which there is biomass combustion, PM concentrations have a statistically significant effect on emergency admissions due to mental disorders, probably related with the toxicity of these particles. Yet on days with intrusions of Saharan dust rather than PM, it is the other variables considered in the analysis that are most closely linked to these types of admissions. The results of this study thus point to the need to implement public health prevention plans which take into account the joint effect of various environmental risk factors that act synergistically in given situations., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Mixed forests generally outperform monospecific forests in terms of productivity, stability, and resilience and are becoming increasingly important for sustainable forest management. However, accurate estimates of tree biomass allocation, as well as aboveground and component biomass in mixed forests, remain scarce. Our study addressed three different objectives to identify differences in biomass between mixed and monocultures and develop biomass models: (1) identification of biomass growth patterns in mixed and monoculture stands using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), (2) investigation of the best fitting approach to modeling aboveground biomass using logarithmic regression and nonlinear mixed-effects models, and (3) fitting compartment biomass proportion models by Dirichlet regression, considering the additivity property. We analyzed 52 harvested trees from six plots within an experimental triplet in northern Spain, consisting of mixed and single-species stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.). Moreover, diameter at breast height and tree height were used as covariate variables to determine the most accurate and unbiased models. The research findings showed that (i) allometric patterns of individual-tree biomass in mixed stands significantly differed from those in monospecific stands for sessile oak, while those in Scots pine did not change; (ii) nonlinear mixed-effect models demonstrated a better fit - indicated by lower Furnival index values - than logarithmic regression models in predicting aboveground biomass; and (iii) the fitted biomass equations provided good performance and accurate estimates of biomass component proportions compared to those of existing models. Consequently, our results offer a better understanding of biomass and carbon storage within mixed and monoculture forests in the context of climate change., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This paper shows a practice to raise the reliability of an electric power system by the installation of distributed generation, taking gasified biomass as fuel. To calculate the reliability index, a probabilistic load flow was used. This index is determined as the fault probability of the system. The resolution of this probabilistic load flow combines the method of cumulants and Gram–Charlier expansion. To achieve the reliability index, simulating a number of contingencies is required; the greater the number of simulated contingencies, the higher the accuracy of the index obtained. This probabilistic technique uses the random variables as starting information, so the two generators and loads are simulated as random variables. The generators of this distributed generation are biomass-fueled gas engines, commonly found in Spain. The simulations carried out on the IEEE 14-bus Test System, including three biomass generators, show that the inclusion of this type of generation improves the overall reliability indices of the electrical system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the aerial biomass of citrus plantations in Spain was evaluated using destructive methods. Before cutting down the trees, their geometric variables were measured: trunk diameter at 10 cm from the ground (Dt), trunk perimeter at 10 cm from the ground (Pm), mean crown diameter (Dc), canopy height (Hc), and maximum crown height (Hmax). After geometric characterization of the tree, it was felled. This was performed with a chainsaw about 10 cm above the ground. After cutting down, trees with and without leaves were weighed, and biomass variables such as moisture, calorific value, elemental composition, and proximate analysis were measured. The predictive models obtained showed an r2 of 0.78. According to our analysis, in plantations in Spain, where the average plantation pattern is 4 × 4 m, the amount of carbon stored in a plot is 15 t of C per hectare. If leaves and wood are counted, the energy density in citrus plots can be estimated at 900 MJ/tree. However, if only wood is included in the calculation, the accumulated energy per tree is 750.3 MJ/tree, which represents 5.6 × 105 MJ/ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-forest drying of roundwood and biomass (residues) can result in more efficient transport operations from an economical and environmental perspective. On the negative side, in-forest drying may result in dry matter losses (DML), impacting the quantity and quality of residues delivered to energy plants. This paper investigated the impact of roundwood and residues in-forest drying and DML on supply chain costs and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. For the assessment, a short-term optimization planning tool was applied to a supply chain located in Asturias, Spain, consisting of fourteen supply points and two demand points: A pulp mill (demanding roundwood) and a power plant (demanding residues). Four scenarios were included in the analysis comprising different combinations of DML for roundwood and residues resulting from in-forest drying. Our results indicate that in scenarios that include in-forest drying and DML, the negative economic effects are offset by the substantial reductions in transport costs and GHG emissions. In-forest drying of roundwood and residues without DML can result in a 6.5% reduction in supply chain costs, 14.9% fewer truckloads to destination points, and 18.1% less fuel consumption and GHG emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass is a renewable energy source that, due to its strong seasonality, needs to be stored, handled, and managed under suitable conditions for its optimal use. Storage is therefore a key process in which biomass can lose many of its qualities as a fuel, but which can also serve to improve the condition of the resource. This paper presents results from a study to assess the effect of large‐scale storage on a range of different biomass resources that was carried out at an electricity generation plant located in southern Spain. It included a series of field tests carried out with different types of biomass resources, to observe the behavior of these products during storage and the changes in their main characteristics. Based on these results, recommendations have been proposed for the optimal storage management of each of the products. The testing program confirms that the initial moisture content of the biomass, particle size, and the leafy content are critical aspects to consider to avoid self‐ignition and dry matter losses. Biomass with high moisture content should therefore be stored in small stockpiles and should be consumed immediately. This is especially important in the case of olive leaves and pine prunings when they have a high initial moisture content. Stockpiles of drier biomass, such as dried olive pomace, fruit tree pruning or dried olive pruning can reach up to 1200 t and be stored for up to 6 months, under adequately controlled conditions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valuing goods and services from open oceans provides arguments for the ocean's protection and plays an increasingly important role in debates on the use and management of natural resources. This paper identifies and estimates the monetary value of some of the most important goods and services provided by open oceans. The list of goods and services considered includes food production, raw materials, water supply, CO regulation, bioremediation of waste, biomass and biodiversity conservation. Therefore, not only values associated with productive uses are quantified but also values assigned to other biological ecosystem services. This paper constitutes a first attempt in the open ocean literature at evaluating services such as water supply, biomass and biodiversity conservation. To obtain their monetary value, different techniques, some not applied before in this area, have been used depending on the ecosystem service to be evaluated. As a general criterion we use the concept of net value added (revenues obtained from the services less incurred costs). Our methodology is illustrated by estimating the monetary values of goods and services provided by the open ocean ecosystem of Spain as defined by its exclusive economic zone. The total economic value obtained measures the contribution of oceans to overall welfare and it may be an important instrument in managing open ocean ecosystems and developing environmental policies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taguchi method of designing experiments is based on a system of tabulated designs (arrays) that enables the maximum number of variables to be estimated in a neutral (orthogonal) balanced manner with a minimum number of experimental sets. Heavy metals remediation of aqueous streams is of special concern due to its highly toxic and persistent nature. Taguchi approach was used for enhanced bioadsorptive removal of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solutions using agroindustrial waste biomass from globe artichoke as inexpensive sorbent. Sorbent biomass was characterized as to its chemical composition by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealing the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, sulphonic and amine functional groups. Ranks of four factors (pH, temperature, sorbent dosage and initial metal concentration) at three levels each, in a L9 array were conducted, in batch sorption tests, for the individual metal ions of concern. The sorption capacity (q e ) values were transformed into an accurate signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio for a "higher is better" response. The best conditions for individual heavy metal sorption were determined reaching up to 86.2 mg·g -1 for Pb, 35.8 mg·g -1 for Cd and 24.4 mg·g -1 for Cu. This paper also discusses the equilibria and kinetic aspects of the sorption process. Sorption isotherms were successfully described by the Sips model. In addition, the experimental data showed that the uptake kinetic profiles of the three metal ions closely fitted the pseudo-second order model. Conclusively, the agroindustrial waste biomass from globe artichoke represents a potentially viable sorbent for the bioremoval of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous systems., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Copyright of Actualidad Jurídica Ambiental is the property of CIEMAT, through its Centro Internacional de Estudios de Derecho Ambiental (CIEDA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• This work estimates water and light use efficiency in garlic based on ground data. • The model integrates series of satellite vegetation indices in crop growth models. • The normalization of these efficiencies for the atmospheric conditions is analyzed. • Additional analysis are the use of cold temperature stress on the noted models. • The results are promising for the operative estimation of garlic biomass production. The objective of this paper was to determine the water use efficiency (WUE) and light use efficiency (LUE) values of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and to analyze the normalization of these efficiencies for the atmospheric conditions. We analyzed the use of daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and the vapor pressure deficit (VPD) for these purposes. WUE and LUE were valued based on the experimental measurements of dry biomass production and the estimation of transpiration and radiation interception based on time series of Remote Sensing satellite images. The experimental data were obtained in two commercial fields each planted with a different variety of garlic (var. morado and var. spring) growing in different weather conditions in the province of Albacete (in the south-east of Spain). The correlation between the accumulated values of biomass and the estimated values of crop transpiration and radiation absorption resulted in strong linear relationships. The slope of these correlations resulted in values of WUE and LUE, WUE = 5.51 g m−2 mm−1 and LUE = 2.26 g·MJ−1 for both analyzed varieties. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of temperature stress coefficient is required when the WUE and LUE parameters are normalized using the ETo and the VPD variables. However, atmospheric normalization did not conclusively improve results in this study. Results obtained in this paper provided empirical evidence regarding the feasibility of estimating biomass production in garlic based on the same physiological principles used for other crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the radiometric properties of aerosol column over Western Spain. It is based on 7-year data series of aerosol parameters at the AERONET Cáceres station (Spain) as measured by CIMEL sun-photometers. The study period extends along almost 7 years: from July 2005 to June 2012. The paper aims at analysing the temporal evolution, mean values and spectral dependence of some fundamental aerosol parameters such as aerosol optical depth ( τ), Ångström parameter ( α), single scattering albedo (ω), asymmetry parameter ( g) and volume size distribution ( dV dlogr−1); and their relationship with the most frequent air masses that arrive at Western Spain. Mean values correspond to aerosols of small size and low concentration (mean τ500 = 0.11; mean α = 1.38). In fact, 50% of days correspond to 'continental-clean' type. However, there is a certain variability of conditions, with more than 25% of medium and high turbidity cases with τ500 higher than 0.20. These episodes of high turbidity occur more frequently in August and September and are usually due to the influence of desert-dust aerosol, biomass burning, continental aerosol, or a mixture of them. The analysis of the all basic and derived aerosol parameters is explained by the main influences: continental location, exposed to maritime aerosols coming from the Atlantic Ocean, and affected by Saharan dust intrusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Spanish renewable energy sector has experienced phenomenal growth over the past decade due to implementation of regulatory frameworks that have encouraged the rapid deployment of some renewable energy technologies particularly solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, and biomass. But the unstable regulatory frameworks, price, and quantity caps on renewable technologies and recent initiative of temporary suspension of subsidies for any new solar, wind, cogeneration or waste incineration projects have declined the growth of production of electricity from renewable energy sources (RES-E). The aim of this paper is to provide the current situation of promotion measurers for RES-E particularly for solar PV in Spain and regulatory changes since the feed-in-tariff was put in place in Spanish solar market. The paper also provides a critical analysis of the Spanish policy instruments and regulatory frameworks that contributed in the tremendous growth of solar PV. It also analyses the new policy instruments necessary to achieve declared 2020 RES-E targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following environmental and economic motivations, most countries in the world are confronting the challenge of reducing both their dependence on fossil fuels and their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The promotion of renewable energy sources (RES) contributes to these two goals while simultaneously bringing economic opportunities in less industrialized areas and positioning national companies in a rapidly expanding sector. These benefits have been acknowledged by successive Spanish governments over the past decade, leading to the implementation of a stable regulatory framework that has been effective in encouraging the deployment of some renewable energy technologies (particularly wind and solar), but not others (biomass). The aim of this paper is to give an update of the current situation regarding the use of RES in Spain, provide a description of the existing regulatory framework, and discuss its actual effectiveness in reducing GHG emissions. Some discussion is also provided about the incidence of other socioeconomic cobenefits, the evolution in time of support schemes, and the changes envisaged for the following years. The paper also provides a snapshot of the Spanish renewable sector, with up-to-date information about some of the most representative projects and organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, great emphasis is rightly given in the scientific community to hydrogen production from electrolysis. However, to achieve the politically stated target ambitions, all low-carbon sources for hydrogen production must be considered. The present work proposes a local production system of negative carbon hydrogen from lignocellulosic residual biomass using gasification and gas separation through H2-selective membranes as enabling technologies. The feedstock is pruning. In addition, the system produces heat and power for a Renewable Energy Community (REC) to increase the economic feasibility of hydrogen production via their sale. A modular basic plant is sized, based on a simplified system envisaged for RECs under the current regulatory framework in Spain (electrical renewable output of 100 kW). A network of these modular basic plants in the province of Huesca (Aragón) is simulated to create a system of hydrogen refueling stations for mobility in that area. A Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) is proposed, comprehending the whole production chain from "field to tank", which is significant in areas where there is no infrastructure for the production and distribution of hydrogen for automotive purposes. The resulting LCOH for the whole system is 8.90 EUR/kg. Sensitivity analysis potentially values a lower LCOH, which unveils that hydrogen mobility can be largely competitive with diesel one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The olive oil extraction process currently used in Spain and other Mediterranean countries generates large amounts of a semi-solid by-product known as 'alpeorujo' or 'two-phase olive mill waste' ( TPOMW). Although TPOMW can be a source of valuable compounds, it is mostly dried and burnt to produce energy. This paper, and for the first time, reports the use of TPOMW as the main carbon source for the production of surfactin, a high added value biosurfactant, by Bacillus subtilis DSM 3256. RESULTS Bacillus subtilis DSM 3256 was able to grow on TPOMW, the surface tension of the culture medium being reduced to 30.1 ± 0.9 mN m−1. FTIR and mass spectrometry determinations confirmed that the biosurfactant produced was surfactin. The highest surfactin concentration was obtained after 36 h fermentation, and the product yield from biomass ( YP/X) was 0.068 g g −1. Part of the phenolic compounds of TPOMW was extracted with the biosurfactant. CONCLUSION Two-phase olive mill waste can be used as the main carbon source for the production of surfactin. Surfactin yield from biomass was similar to that achieved with other bacterial strains and carbon sources. The biosurfactant was successfully applied to the remediation of sandy soils contaminated with engine oil. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of DYNA - Ingeniería e Industria is the property of Publicaciones Dyna SL and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Widespread generalist predators may affect declining keystone prey populations. However, this phenomenon is not well understood. In this paper, we assessed whether the abundance and population growth of European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, a keystone prey species in Mediterranean Iberia, was related to the abundance and diet of red foxes, Vulpes vulpes, a widespread generalist predator. In a locality in central Spain, where rabbit population abundance declined, we estimated rabbit abundance during almost 3 years and determined fox abundance and diet during two concurrent years. We calculated a fox predation index (percentage of consumed rabbit biomass × fox abundance) to assess the importance of rabbits to foxes. We employed a multi-model approach to explain rabbit abundance and population growth. Foxes consumed between 60 and 99 % rabbit biomass in their diets, and this was independent of rabbit abundance. Periods of higher fox predation index coincided with lower rabbit density and vice versa. Two models best explained rabbit abundance and four rabbit population growth. They included the fox predation index and its interaction with rabbit abundance during the previous month. Altogether, fox predation, intraspecific density dependence, and their interaction partly explained rabbit population dynamics. We conclude that in order to propel the recovery of the rabbit in Iberia, it is essential to better understand the role of these factors in driving the abundance of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We present a novel integration for reducing CO 2 emissions in blast furnaces. • It combines top gas recycling, oxy-fuel regime, power to gas and biomass pyrolysis. • The integration was modelled using the extended operating line methodology. • The best performance was found for pyrolysis at 700 °C. • The CO 2 emissions were reduced by 58% (9.8 MJ/kg CO2 energy consumption) The paper introduces a novel approach for mitigating CO 2 emissions in blast furnaces by integrating top gas recycling, an oxy-fuel regime, power to gas, and biomass pyrolysis. Various case studies were conducted, involving the adjustment of pyrolysis temperatures (300 °C, 500 °C, 700 °C, and 900 °C) and varying the quantity of blast furnace gas directed to methanation for carbon recycling. Pinus radiata, abundant and cost-effective in Chile and Spain, was chosen as the biomass source. The integration was modeled using the extended operating line methodology and evaluated through 12 key performance indicators, such as flame temperature, coke consumption, CO 2 emissions, and specific primary energy consumption per unit of CO 2 avoided. Optimal performance was observed with pyrolysis at 700 °C and no blast furnace gas recycled through methanation. This configuration achieved a 58 % reduction in CO 2 emissions, with an energy consumption of 9.8 MJ/kg CO2 , and obviated the need for geological storage. Comparing this innovative proposal with other oxygen blast furnace approaches from the literature revealed a 13 percentage point improvement in CO 2 reduction over the second-best alternative. Additionally, the required electrolysis capacity, influencing capital expenditure, was 57 % lower, and energy consumption was reduced by 44 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we used Spanish National Forest Inventory (SNFI) data, Sentinel-2 imagery and ancillary data to develop models that estimate forest variables for major commercial timber plantations in northern Spain. We carried out the analysis in two stages. In the first stage, we considered plots with and without sub-meter geolocation, three pre-processing levels for the Sentinel-2 images and two machine learning algorithms. In most cases, geometrically, radiometrically, atmospherically and topographically (L2A-ATC) corrected images and the random forest algorithm provided the best results, with topographic correction producing a greater gain in model accuracy as the average slope of the plots increased. Our results did not show any clear impact of the geolocation accuracy of SNFI plots on results, suggesting that the usual geolocation accuracy of SNFI plots is adequate for developing forest models with data obtained from passive sensors. In the second stage, we used all plots together with L2A-ATC-corrected images to select five different groups of predictor variables in a cumulative process to determine the influence of each group of variables in the final RF model predictions. Yield variables produced the best fits, with R2 ranging from 0.39 to 0.46 (RMSE% ranged from 44.6% to 61.9%). Although the Sentinel-2-based estimates obtained in this research are less precise than those previously obtained with Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data for the same species and region, they are unbiased (Bias% was always below 1%). Therefore, accurate estimates for one hectare are expected, as they are obtained by averaging the values of 100 pixels (model resolution of 10 m pixel−1) with an expected error compensation. Moreover, the use of these models will overcome the temporal resolution problem associated with the previous ALS-based models and will enable annual updates of forest timber resource estimates to be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass equations have become a vital estimation tool and a prerequisite for studies on forest productivity, nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration. In this paper a new set of biomass equations were fitted for Eucalyptus globulus in Northern Spain. These equations allow us to estimate the total biomass and above- and below-ground fractions from the basal area and the height of the tree. A dummy variable was included in the model to calculate the root fraction of planted versus coppice stands. A descriptive study of the root system was also carried out to complete the information about this component. Root fraction plays an important role in forest structure, but is often omitted in carbon sequestration estimates due to the difficulties and cost associated with measurement. Our results indicated that root biomass accounted for 15% and 35% of total biomass in planted and coppice stands, respectively, at a shoot age equal to 9 years. We also found that the stand type and plantation age influenced the number of roots per root system, the volume of the root system and root length. This paper brings to light how coppice stands accumulate significant amounts of carbon in their root systems from the time a plantation is established. Such information makes it possible to orient ecosystem management towards potential for C fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently published a method for estimating cyanobacteria biomass in delta microbial mats from the Ebro river using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The present paper uses this method for identifying different groups of cyanobacteria and for determining their biomass dynamics. Microcoleus chthonoplastes and the Lyngbya-Oscillatoria were the most important contributors to the cyanobacterial biomass throughout the study. Biomass values ranged from 1.29 to 6.55 mgC/cm2 sediment for Microcoleus chthonoplastes, and from 128 microgC/cm2 to 3.16 mgC/cm2 sediment for Lyngbya-Oscillatoria. This technique is useful for determining biomass and for studying filamentous cyanobacteria as well as ramified eukaryotic cells. Confocal serial sections through the samples can be obtained. Two-dimensional images from the samples can be used to calculate the biomass of individual cells.

Several wildfire prevention programs in southern Europe are currently using livestock grazing for the maintenance of fuelbreaks. This silvopastoral management is valued for being sustainable and effective in reducing fuel loads, but few studies have analyzed other impacts linked to fuelbreak grazing. This paper reports on an experiment performed within the wildfire prevention program in Andalusia (southern Spain) with the aim of clarifying and quantifying the effect of fuelbreak grazing on herbage biomass, ground cover, herbage species composition, and growth of holm oak saplings. The study site, located in a semiarid Mediterranean environment, was grazed by a shepherded sheep flock from February to June in three consecutive years at a similar stocking rate. Livestock consumed between 33 and 68 % of herbage production in the different years, and the greatest fuel reduction (remaining dry matter of 200 kg ha) was registered in Year 2, when rainfall and herbage production was lowest. Ground cover was significantly affected by grazing: on average, the percentage of bare soil increased three-fold, while herbage cover was reduced by a quarter. The botanical composition of herbage varied remarkably between years, but very little between Grazed and Non-Grazed areas within each year. Non-browsed holm oak saplings became progressively larger than browsed ones, differences only reaching clear statistical significance at the end of the three experimental years. At this time, the volume of browsed saplings was 47-56 % smaller than that of non-browsed holm oaks, even though the former had also grown significantly in the course of the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A real case of study of biomass to apply a gasification process. • Almond shells showed the optimal technological properties. • Greenhouses vegetables residues have not aceptable properties. • Multivariable analysis allows to select olive tree prunings as the optimal ones from economic, technical and logistic point of view. The great potential for bioenergy in Spain is undeniable given our country´s enormous biomass supply. This fact contrasts with the limited evolution in the biomass sector for thermal and electricity generation over recent years. In this paper, we consider the utilization of fluidized bed gasification (FBG) as a biomass utilization technology incorporated into a thermal electric system to improve power plant production both thermally and electrically. Firstly, we studied the biomass resources available within a 100 km radius of the plant's location in Almería province (Spain). This biomass included almond shells, olive tree prunings, holm oak prunings and vegetable residues from greenhouse tomato and pepper plants. Technical criteria were applied to determine the most appropriate biomass to use in the gasification process; this included the physical-chemical characterization, the cost and the logistic-agronomic profile. The physical-chemical characterization included humidity, ash, calorific value, an elemental analysis, sulfur and chlorine, etc. On the basis of this characterization, almond shells were found to be the optimal biomass (M ar = 12.9%, A r = 1.1%, V d = 82.2%, Q p,net,d =18,470 kJ/kg and Cl = 60 mg/kg), and depending on certain parameters, could be classified as A1 or A2. Both the olive tree prunings (M ar = 6.2%, A r = 5.5%, Vd = 83.4%, Q p,net,d =18,193 kJ/kg and Cl =15 mg/kg) and the holm oak prunings (M ar = 9.2%, A r = 4.1%, V d = 80.3%, Q p,net,d =16,335 kJ/kg and Cl =12 mg/kg) were also considered to be good biomass resources, and were given an A2 or B1 classification. However, greenhouse vegetable residues (tomato and pepper) did not have suitable technical parameters (M ar = 82.6-29.6%, A r = 35.5-6.4%, V d = 75.1-59.1%, Q p,net,d = 17277-11529 kJ/kg and Cl = 1196-751 mg/kg) for use in the gasification process. Concerning the economic criteria, the best cost per kilogram (0.01€/kg) was found for the greenhouse vegetable residues, followed by the olive tree prunings (0.04€/kg); the highest cost corresponded to almond shells (0.07€/kg). With regard to the logistic-agronomic criteria, the theoretical hours of production in the power station are determined by the total availability of the resource in the particular location. The results indicate that the amount of almond shells available in the area was not sufficient (3854 h) to ensure the operation of the power station at full load (8760 h) but it would be possible in conjunction with other biomass types. The final decision regarding the optimal biomass to use was made on the basis of a multivariable analysis using the Visual Preference Ranking Organization Methods for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE) tool. From this analysis, olive tree prunings were selected as the optimum biomass to use because of their extensive local availability (58,080 t/year), in addition to them having suitable physical-chemical characteristics (M ar = 6.2%, A r = 5.5%, V d = 83.4%, Q p,net,d =18,193 kJ/kg and Cl =15 mg/kg)) and a reasonable cost (0.07€/kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Genetic gain of durum wheat in Spain slowed after the green revolution until reach a plateau in the last decade. • However, genetic gain was positively related with the mean and maximum daily temperatures of the testing sites. • The genetic advance was related to improvement in kernels m−2 and kernels spike−1. Abstract This paper addresses the question of whether there has been any genetic gain in yield for durum wheat released in Spain after the Green Revolution and assesses the agronomical and physiological traits associated with evolution of the crop during this time. Field experiments were carried out with a wide range of durum wheat cultivars (released in Spain from 1980 to 2009) and were conducted in different sites embracing a wide range of growing temperatures and water regimes at Aranjuez and Zamadueñas during three consecutive growing seasons (2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16) under rainfed and supplemental irrigation and at Coria for two consecutive seasons (2014/15 and 2015/16) under rainfed conditions alone. Grain yield increased with the year of release of cultivars at a rate of 24 kg ha−1 y−1 (0.44% y−1) from 1980 to 2003, with no clear additional improvements thereafter. The moderate grain yield improvement from 1980 and 2003 was associated with kernels m−2 and kernels spike−1, with an increase of 117 kernels m−2 y−1 and 0.24 kernels spike−1 y−1, respectively. Moreover, aerial biomass at harvest and grain nitrogen yield increased with the year of release of cultivars for the entire period. However, no differences were found for thousand kernel weight, number of spikes m−2, days to heading, plant height, harvest index, canopy temperature depression, carbon isotope discrimination or grain nitrogen concentration. Overall, these results indicated that the rate of genetic progress in the yield of durum wheat in Spain after the Green Revolution has been low and has even stopped during the last decade, while no clear trend in some grain quality traits (TKW and grain N concentration) was recorded. However, the absolute and relative genetic gains estimated for yield were positively associated with the average mean and maximum daily temperatures from sowing to harvest of the testing site, which suggest that breeding has been performed under high-temperature environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scalabrin, C., Marfia, C., and Boucher, J. 2009. How much fish is hidden in the surface and bottom acoustic blind zones? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1355–1363.This paper presents results from the ALLEGRO-07 survey that was carried out from 1 to 15 September 2007 across the continental shelf in the Bay of Biscay by the RV “Thalassa”. The main objectives were to conduct experiments with a medium-sized, autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) equipped with a fishery-acoustic scientific payload. This was needed to overcome the difficulties of sampling the surface and bottom blind zones, which are inaccessible to conventional, vessel-mounted transducers used for acoustic surveys in the Bay of Biscay. The AUV acoustic datasets from four dives were compared with those from the research vessel. The results were expressed for the nautical-area-scattering coefficient (sA) and biomass estimates. The AUV provided higher sA measurements than did the vessel. For particular environmental and fish-distribution patterns, the biomass estimated by the AUV was more than ten times that estimated by the vessel alone. The results presented indicate the magnitude of the error that may occur in acoustic surveys, if the biomass in the two blind zones is undetected. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Different types of relationship between herbaceous species richness and several parameters indicating abundance of plant material (herbaceous, woody plants, litter and bare ground cover) are presented. The data were obtained from 50 sites along a 300 km strip running from E to W within Spain and Portugal. Each site was representative of the silvo-pastoral landscape of the Mediterranean type ecosystems of the Iberian peninsula, and contained two neighboring patches, one of grassland and the other of shrubland. 3,600 20 × 20 cm subplots were randomly located (72 per site, 36 per patch) crossing the boundary grassland/shrubland. This approach allowed us to analyze the richness-occupation relationship of the space from different points of view: among and within the sites, and among and within the grassland and shrubland plant communities. We found a unimodal relationship between richness-cover similar to the one generally accepted between richness and biomass. Our results show that the dependence of this relationship varies depending on the spatial scale of the analysis and on the type of data used. When the whole region is taken into account, significant unimodal relationships are found between richness and herbaceous cover, litter and bare ground, and a negative linear relationship with woody plant cover. Within the sites there are mainly linear or non-significant relationships. But the results also depend on the type of communities analyzed. In pastures, the unimodal relationship represents the combination of positive and negative linear responses for low and high cover values, respectively. The value for herbaceous cover in which maximum richness occurs is around 60%. In shrublands, this value for cover also corresponds to maximum species richness, although the possibilities of reaching it are limited by other variables, such as woody plant cover. This implies that, on not considering variability at local scale, the relationship is linear and positive. This paper shows the existence of a common model related to herbaceous cover, but this model has multiple controlling factors that act differently in each type of community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire has been one of the main causes of disturbance of vegetation over time, and since the Neolithic has become an irreplaceable tool for the opening of forest spaces and maintenance of pastures. Previous studies showed that the intensity and effects of wildfires are related to the biomass and controlled by climate factors. However, in regions such as Cantabria, where agriculture and livestock have spread throughout the territory since prehistory, fires should also be closely related to human land uses. The aim of this paper was to investigate the history of fires and vegetation since the Neolithic in the Cantabrian Mountains, using sedimentary charcoal and pollen data to study the role of human activities in the processes that have shaped ecosystems throughout the Holocene. The asynchrony and quantitative differences in the results obtained at different sites indicate significant variations in fire patterns at regional scale since the Neolithic, although the type and size of each basin also had a strong influence on charcoal accumulation. Maximum values for charcoal accumulation rate at La Molina were observed between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age but occurred after about 3500 cal years BP at El Cueto de la Avellanosa. At El Sertal, low charcoal accumulation rate values were observed, probably because the sequence begins in a space that already had been cleared; the maximum values occurred during the most recent millennium. These data provide evidence that fire has been a key factor in forest retreat and in maintaining open landscapes since the Neolithic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable and circular production models, such as the circular economy and circular bioeconomy, have become key mechanisms to leave behind the traditional linear model of food production. Under this approach and considering the waste biomass potential available in Spain and the Czech Republic, the main objective of this study is to analyse the most relevant aspects of the generation, use and regulation of agricultural waste biomass (AWB) in both countries. For this purpose, a scientometric analysis and systematic review of published research in the Scopus database were carried out. A complementary analysis of AWB management policies and regulations was also part of the methodology. The results show that Spain has published almost twice as much research as the Czech Republic. Furthermore, 91% of the retrieved research prioritizes the characterization and estimation of the potential of more than 15 AWB types. Among the main ones are olive residues, horticultural residues and wheat straw, which are used for producing organic amendments, bioenergy and biofuels. The results confirm that the reduction and valorization of AWB is an issue that has become more important in the last 13 years, mainly due to the policies and strategies for circular economy and circular bioeconomy. With this in mind, this study provides relevant information for governments on the aspects that need to be improved to advance in the valorization of AWB. This study also provides guidance to farmers on the reduction and/or recovery alternatives that they can implement to move towards sustainable and circular agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-based supply chains are by nature complex to optimize. The new logistic concept of integrated biomass logistical center (IBLC) provides us the opportunity to make full use of the idle capacity for a food/feed plant to produce biobased products so that the entire chain efficiency can be improved. Although research has been conducted to analyze the IBLC concept, is yet to be an optimization model that can optimally arrange the activities in the supply chain where an IBLC stands in the middle. To fill the knowledge gap in the literature, this paper makes the first step to develop a MILP model that enables biobased supply chain optimization with the IBLC concept, which supports logistic and processing decisions in the chain. The model is applied in a case study for a feed and fodder plant in Spain where managerial insights have been derived for transferring the plant to a profitable IBLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides the first report of the Pyrenean minnow Phoxinus bigerri in a small coastal river, which flows into the Atlantic coast of Galicia (NW Spain), as well as basic biometric and population data. The high density found in this survey, in addition to the presence of both young-of-the-year and the six brightly coloured males showing clear spawning characteristics, all indicate that this fish species is naturalized in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper performs technical, economic and environmental feasibility analyses of two different solar cogeneration plants, consisting of a solar system (a parabolic trough collector field coupled with thermal energy storage), an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), and mechanical chillers, that should cover the electrical and cooling demands of a commercial center located in Zaragoza (Spain). System A is hybridized with an auxiliary biomass boiler that complements the solar system's thermal production, providing a constant heat supply to the ORC, which operates at full load during the operating hours of the solar system. In contrast, system B is not hybridized with biomass, so the ORC is fully driven by the solar system, operating at partial load according to the solar resource availability. Both systems are connected to the electrical grid, allowing electricity purchases and sales when needed. The design procedure involves the sizing of the equipment as well as the modelling of the hourly behavior of each system throughout the year. The physical analysis is complemented by an economic assessment, which considers investment and variable costs, as well as an estimate of the significant environmental benefits of the proposed plants. The solar plants are compared to a conventional system in which all the electrical consumption is covered with electricity purchased from the grid. The costs of the electricity produced by systems A and B are estimated at 0.2030 EUR/kWh and 0.1458 EUR/kWh, which are about 49% and 7% higher than the electricity purchase price in Spain (0.1363 EUR/kWh). These results indicate that while none of the solar plants are presently competitive with the conventional system, system B (without biomass hybridization) is actually closer to economic feasibility in the short and medium term than system A (with biomass hybridization). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change, other environmental impacts due to increased energy use worldwide, and the exhaustion of energy resources are some of the major challenges facing today's society. Considering this, this paper assesses the importance of biomass-based heating and hot-water systems in the achievement of more sustainable buildings. Using a simplified calculation method, we jointly analyzed the potential operational cost savings and reduction of CO2 emissions that would be achieved when the traditional energy model, based on the use of fossil fuels, is replaced by biomass-based heating systems. Evidence stems from a case study in public buildings in the province of Pontevedra, in the northwest of Spain. The results of this research not only show a huge impact on CO2 emission reduction just by adapting the kind of fuel use, but also considerable annual cost reduction without compromising activity development and workers' comfort. Thus, the findings obtained should encourage governments to support the transition toward cleaner sources of energy, acting as first movers toward a locally produced and renewable-based energy supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies in the agro-industry sector have shown the importance to evaluate the feasibility of an IBLC (a multi-product transformation plant). This paper develops a model to simulate the performance of an IBLC in Spain, using a combined approach: AHP, TOPSIS, and a hybrid simulation model. Results show that profits can be incremented by about 55.7% and environmental emissions of KgCO2e per tonne of bio-commodity produced, reduced by 24.2%. The scientific contribution covers the development of a simulation model that dynamically select suppliers based on a combination of social, environmental, and economic criteria. In addition, the model can be used to evaluate the economic and environmental feasibility of the IBLC by integrating the suppliers selection with the operations of a multi-product transformation plant. [Display omitted] • We provide a list of criteria that are relevant to choose suppliers of wheat. • We introduce the concept of ÍBLC and test its economic feasibility. • We develop an approach to integrate AHP and TOPSIS in a simulation environment. • We show, based on a case study in Spain, that the IBLC can be profitably run. • Profits increase by 55% while KgCO2e emissions reduces by 24.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of aboveground biomass is important in forest management planning, with various objectives ranging from prevention of forest fires to restoration of burned areas, especially in fire-prone regions such as NW Spain. Although remotely sensed data have often been used to assess the recovery of standing aboveground biomass after perturbations, the data have seldom been validated in the field, and different shrub fractions have not been modelled. The main objective of the present study was to assess different vegetation parameters (cover, height, standing AGB and their fractions) in field plots established in five areas affected by wildfires between 2009 and 2016 by using Sentinel-2 spectral indices and LiDAR metrics. For this purpose, 22 sampling plots were established in 2019, and vegetation variables were measured by a combination of non-destructive measurement (cover and height) and destructive sampling (total biomass and fine samples of live and dead fractions of biomass).The structural characterization of gorse shrublands was addressed, and models of shrub cover—height, total biomass, and biomass by fraction and physiological condition—were constructed, with adjusted coefficients of determination ranging from 0.6 to 0.9. The addition of LiDAR data to optical remote sensing images improved the models. Further research should be conducted to calibrate the models in other vegetation communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation of forestry aboveground biomass (AGB) by means of aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data uses high-density point sampling data obtained in dedicated flights, which are often too costly for available research budgets. In this paper we exploit already existing public low-density LiDAR data obtained for other purposes, such as cartography. The challenge is to show that such low-density data allows accurate biomass estimation. We demonstrate the approach on data available from plantations of Pinus radiata in the Arratia-Nervión region, located in Biscay province located in the North of Spain. We use public data gathered from the low-density (0.5 pulse/m2) LiDAR flight conducted by the Basque Government in 2012 for cartographic production. We propose a linear regression model based on explanatory variables obtained from the LiDAR point cloud data. We calibrate the model using field data from the Fourth National Forest Inventory (NFI4), including the selection of the optimal model variables. The results revealed that the best model depends on two variables extracted from LiDAR data: One directly related with tree height and a second parameter with the canopy density. The model explained 80% of its variability with a standard error of 0.25 ton/ha in logarithmic units. We validate the predictions against the biomass measurements provided by the government institutions, obtaining a difference of 8%. The proposed approach would allow the exploitation of the periodic available low-density LiDAR data, collected with territorial and cartographic purposes, for a more frequent and less expensive control of the forestry biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of by-products from agricultural and forestry activity, apart from many other environmental benefits, constitutes an alternative source of income, cost reduction, and support for the principles of the circular economy. The bobal grape is a variety of red grape that is cultivated on 65 thousand hectares only in Spain. Periodic maintenance of the crop must be carried out through winter pruning from December to March. The pruning biomass is burned or crushed and incorporated into the soil, producing environmental contamination and disease transmission. The objective of this work was to use the biomass from vineyard residues in the production of binderless particleboards without using any adhesives, thereby obtaining an ecological product that would benefit the environment. In the manufacturing process, the press temperature (130 °C) and pressure (2.6 MPa) were fixed, varying the particle size (<0.25, 0.25 to 1.00, and 1.00 to 2.00), and the pressing time (15, 30, and 45 min). The results showed that by using particles smaller than 0.25 mm and applying 45 min in the hot press, panels were manufactured that are suitable for general use in a dry environment and for the manufacture of furniture according to European standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Energy efficiency in buildings must be increased in order to reduce both energy intensity and greenhouse gas emissions. This study proposed the replacement of existing diesel boilers with biomass boilers, using four fuels (bulk pellets, wood chip, olive kernel and milled nutshell) to meet the energy demands of educational buildings in the region of Extremadura (Spain). High uncertainty surrounds biomass price prediction affecting the accuracy of economic feasibility analyses; thus, stochastic processes are suitable to support an improvement in the accuracy of predictions. The objective of the study is to demonstrate the feasibility of replacing diesel boilers with biomass boilers in order to revalorize agroforestry residues. Results: A stochastic simulation of the feasibility of replacing oil-fired boilers with biomass-fired boilers was carried out in this research. Up to 20 million possible scenarios of 10 years of fuel price evolution were simulated by Monte Carlo method based on empirical price trends data. Regression models were built to relate Net Present Values with discount rates, whose statistical dependency was significant. Predictions on financial indicators showed biomass fuels as the most profitable investment, rather than fuel oil. Specifically, in this study, milled nutshell was found the most profitable fuel in the simulation runs, with Net Present Value = 27,151.09 € (standard deviation = 7939.88 €) and Internal Rate of Return = 16.9% (standard deviation = 3.4%). Conclusions: Continuing to use oil-fired boilers costs more than the purchase and operation of new biomass-fired boilers, since the latter produce a higher cumulative cash flow than the initial investment within the next years. The payback period lies within the range of 4 to 6 years depending on the type of biomass fuel. Getting on the path to sustainability in education buildings can reduce up to 94.4% GHG emissions. This research contributes to promoting the use of low-emission fuels to meet the energy demand of educational buildings. Its results will have a positive effect in the region of Extremadura (Spain), as it boosts the appreciation of agro-industrial waste and economically strengthens the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC) emphasises the need for simple tools and studies to characterise aquatic ecosystems. A wide range of methods has been developed, including different groups of biota and different taxonomic resolutions. Among these, the abundance biomass comparison (ABC) method is an important methodology widely used in marine benthic systems and well-founded from the ecological point of view. This method - with a slight modification using genera and families instead of species - was applied in a Mediterranean river (Eliche-Frío, northeast of Andalusia, Spain) using the macroinvertebrate community, together with the Margalef richness index and the Iberian BioMonitoring Working Party (IBMWP) to determine the quality of the water. The obtained results show the suitability of the ABC curves method to analyse the macroinvertebrate community and estimate the ecological status of river ecosystems. Although both, the genus and family aggregations, showed a similar trend, the values obtained with the family level indicate a worse state of contamination than those shown with the genus level. The comparison between genus and family levels with other biological indices shows that the evaluation obtained with family aggregation is more similar to those obtained with the Margalef and IBMWP indices than the evaluation based on genera; therefore, we could conclude that this level of taxonomic resolution is adequate for the use of the ABC method in assessing the ecological status of Mediterranean rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a methodology to optimize the size (electric power) of a cogeneration plant based on a biomass-fired Organic Rankine Cycle and connected to an existing district heating network, maximizing profitability. First, a model to determine the hourly thermal energy demand profile of a location in Spain has been derived, from open access meteorological data included in Spanish building regulations. Partial load model of an organic Rankine plant has also been obtained to increase the operation hours. These tools have been applied to two locations in Spain with different climatic severities, calculating the optimal size of the plant. The business model does not include subsidies. Calculations show that for population between 10,000 and 20,000 inhabitants the size of the plant ranges from 2 to 9 MWe and the internal rate of return ranges from 6% to 18%. The coverage of the thermal energy demand ranges from 40% to 80%. Regarding the trigeneration mode, it is concluded that cooling is only worth in locations with high summer severity and in full load operation mode, being the optimal size of the plant smaller in trigeneration mode than in cogeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reviews the production and consumption of traditional and renewable energy in Spain over the past two decades. It also presents an overview on the development of renewable energy, such as solar (photovoltaic and photothermal), wind, biomass, hydropower, marine and geothermal energies in Spain. A brief overview of the legislation regulating renewable energy in Spain is offered. It was shown that the installed renewable energy of 32,472MW represented 11.6% of the country׳s primary energy consumption. Furthermore, the installed renewable energy average of electric power in Spain was 0.7kW per capita and 59kW/km2. Wind energy continues to experience a good growth rate, and does not seem to be affected by regulations, which has made it the most sustainable renewable energy in Spain. Finally, an analysis of energy production and consumption, renewable and non-renewable energy by province is made. The data indicates that highly populated and industrialised provinces made more efficient use of their energy from an electrical consumption viewpoint. This uneven growth was not motivated solely by the existence or lack of renewable energy resources but by the autonomous community or province in their socio-economic context. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Little is known about offshore cultivation of the edible seaweed Undaria pinnatifida outside Asian waters. However, currently its commercial cultivation is being considered in the North Western Atlantic coast of Spain (Galicia). The effect of outplanting time and methodologies related to the cultivation of U. pinnatifida in this area was studied. Biomass yield, morphological features, and growth rate were examined on sporophytes outplanted from October to December at the same site in a coastal bay. Experiments were conducted over two years, applying different harvesting and cultivation methods. Results indicate that the most suitable months for outplanting were October and November, with larger biomass production as well as improved sporophyte quality (i.e., morphology). Cultivations from October to December ended when most of the sporophytes had developed sporophylls (reproductive structures) and this occurred between early and late April in all the outplanting trials. The similar harvest time for all plants suggests that harvesting time is not related to outplanting period but should be mainly influenced by the photoperiod. These results suggest a single harvest as the most appropriate method. Moreover, results also showed that cultivation was successful using the two tested methods: seedling string all along the culture rope and seedling strings inserted at regular intervals into the rope. Finally, this paper also discusses the suitability of two different systems of offshore farming: in long-line and in vertical rope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Conventional energy resources, has been shown to be limited and they are producing environmental degradation. So the transition to an energy model based on the use of renewable energy is an urgent need. The energy and environmental policies are evidence of this and they are being implemented out a multitude of countries worldwide, furthermore one important element in this transition is the increased use of biomass for energy production. Agricultural residues are produced in huge quantities in all countries; most of these could be used for energy generation. This property increases the value of waste materials and reduces the environmental impacts of waste disposal. This paper analyzes the situation of biomass energy resources in Andalusia, and quantifies the pruning obtained from different crop kinds: grapevines, olives, fruit trees and poplar plantations. All this biomass is destined for energetic use in domestic heating. In addition, it could be some additional revenue for fruit producers, whereas to achieve a more sustainable bioenergetic system. We estimate the measures of the planting area of all mentioned crops in Andalusia. The main goal is to determine the amount of usable energy from the biomass. But we consider only pruning of trees. The results show that most of the biomass is originated from olive pruning. Besides the entire biomass from crops with grapevines, olives, fruit trees and growing part of poplar plantations, we could supply a large percentage of the total energy consumed for annual home heating in Andalusia (2007). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pandalidae is one of the most diverse families of marine shrimps. Most studies on pandalid shrimps focus on their vertical zonation, and there are few studies on their horizontal distribution and their relation to environmental factors. The aim of this paper was to study the small-scale spatial and temporal patterns of pandalid shrimps in two nearby areas off the Balearic Islands that have different environmental regimes, and determine the relationship between these patterns and the environmental conditions. Information was obtained from seasonal and annual experimental surveys. The abundance and biomass of all the pandalid shrimps caught as well as the length, weight, sex and maturity stage of the most abundant species were recorded. Environmental parameters were obtained from seasonal experimental surveys and included data on hydrography, trophic resources and sediment characteristics. Information about the trawl fleet was obtained through onboard sampling, and daily landings data were obtained from sales records. Eight pandalid species were found during the annual and seasonal experimental bottom trawl surveys carried out around the Balearic Islands. These species showed clear spatial differences in their population dynamics at the two study sites, the Algerian sub-basin (AsB) and the Balearic sub-basin (BsB), which could be related to the different environmental conditions of the two sub-basins. The relative importance of pandalid shrimps of the genus Plesionika in the slope crustacean communities was higher in the Algerian sub-basin. The abundances of Plesionika martia, Plesionika acanthonotus, Plesionika giglioli and Plesionika antigai were higher in the Algerian sub-basin, and only Plesionika heterocarpus, the most benthic species among those analysed, was more abundant in the Balearic sub-basin, where trophic webs are supported largely by suprabenthos rather than zooplankton biomass. The influence of water masses depends on the specific bathymetric distribution, and the shallowest species (P. antigai) was related to the Western Mediterranean Intermediate Waters, while the deepest species (P. martia and P. acanthonotus) were related to the warmer and more saline Levantine Intermediate Waters and Western Mediterranean Deep Waters. The two species found in intermediate waters (P. heterocarpus and P. giglioli) had a deeper distribution in the Algerian sub-basin, where the layer of Levantine Intermediate Waters is wider. The mean length of P. heterocarpus was higher in the Balearic sub-basin, and that of P. martia was higher in the Algerian sub-basin. The condition index was higher in the BsB than in the AsB for both P. heterocarpus and P. martia. This could be because the BsB is influenced to a greater extent by slope fronts that increase the primary production in the area, and thus enrich the trophic chain. The condition index also showed seasonal differences, which could be related to the reproductive cycle and to the availability of potential food resources. The strong relations found between the geographical distribution of the pandalid shrimps in the Balearic Islands and the environmental variables imply that there are important differences between populations of nearby areas when the environmental conditions in which they live differ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As fossil fuels are not only a limited resource, but also contribute to global warming, a transition towards a more sustainable energy supply is urgently needed. Therefore, today''s environmental policies are largely devoted to fostering the development and implementation of renewable energy technologies. One important aspect of this transition is the increased use of biomass to generate renewable energy. Agricultural residues are produced in huge amounts worldwide, and most of this residue is composed of biomass that can be used for energy generation. Consequently, converting this residue into energy can increase the value of waste materials and reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal. This paper analyses the situation of biomass energy resources in Andalusia, an autonomous community in the south of Spain. More specifically, biomass is the renewable source which most contributes to Andalusian energy infrastructure. The residual biomass produced in the olive sector is the result of the large quantity of olive groves and olive oil manufacturers that generate byproducts with a potentially high energy content. The generation of agricultural and industrial residues from the olive sector produced in Andalusia is an important source of different types of residual biomass that are suitable for thermal and electric energy since they reduce the negative environmental effects of emissions from fossil fuels, such as the production of carbon dioxide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we assess the potential for the generation of electricity in Spain from agro-industrial residues. The industries considered are olive-oil mills, rice mills, wineries, dairy plants, breweries and wood, meat and nut processing plants. The methodology used is based on statistical data, and is integrated into a Geographical Information System (GIS) from which geo-referenced results are obtained. The waste-to-electricity technologies analyzed are: grate firing followed by steam turbine, co-firing in coal power plants and anaerobic digestion plus internal combustion engine. The combined potential for the agro-industrial residues in Spain is estimated at 2625ktoe/year of primary energy (1.85% of the primary-energy consumption in Spain in 2008). Olive mill and wood processing residues have the largest energy potentials. Comparisons are presented with (partial) results from other studies. Considering only profitable plants, grate-firing followed by steam-turbine cycle is the conversion option with the largest potential, totaling 653MWe and an electrical generation of 4.57TWh (1.44% of the gross electrical generation in Spain in 2008). A complete sensitivity analysis is done to investigate the influence of the different economic parameters. A reduction by 50% of the investment costs of grate firing would increase profitable power to 1102MWe (and production to 7.70TWh). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Olive sector residues could contribute to increased use of renewable energies, especially in those areas where the olive crop is produced. This paper determines the maximum amount of electrical and thermal energy which could be obtained in Andalusia from olive sector residues, and the economic value that could be obtained from these energy uses. For this, the current data on installed power and electrical and thermal generation are compared with the calculated potential data which would be obtained at full capacity. The results show there is a 69.23% wastage of olive sector residues for energy purposes. Thus, using the resources at full capacity, 3.9 million tons of biomass per year could be obtained for energy purposes. Currently, only 2 million tons of biomass are used for energy purposes. This wastage translates into a below potential generation of electrical and thermal energy. The full use of these residues would allow 83.9% and 64.9% higher generation of electrical and thermal energy, respectively. The results obtained also show that the economic value of olive sector biomass is higher than the market price value, with the average values for each use being 248.20 €/t for domestic thermal use, 165.04 €/t for electrical use and 139.50 €/t for industrial thermal use. Thus, it is considered feasible that the olive sector biomass could be used to a greater degree than at present. In this sense, it is recommended that more electricity generation plants and thermal-generating systems be put into operation. • There is a 69.2% wastage of olive sector residues that could be used for energy purposes. • The full use of olive by-products would account for 6.2% of renewable electricity. • The full use of olive by-products would account for 26.7% of thermal generation. • Better use of residues would promote the start-up of 55 and 1762 electricity and thermal plants, respectively. • The economic value of olive sector biomass allows the value chain to be covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leather industry is an example of circular economy, as it uses meat industry wastes (hides and skins) as raw materials. However, the process of tanning also produces a substantial amount of organic waste. This research project studies the case of a tannery located in Navarra, in the North of Spain, committed to a circular economy and environmental protection, which produces around 2 tons per day of leather shavings and buffing dust and 10 tons per day of discarded bullock hair. The study tackles the challenge of whether the discarded waste material might be used as a new resource for products or processes related with the building sector. Three different types of solid wastes (chromium free tanned shavings, chromium buffing dust, and discarded hair) were categorized and analyzed. The paper examines two proposals to reuse the weekly tons of leftovers (both shavings and hair) produced by the tannery, instead of taking them to an external composting plant or to the landfill. The first exploration path proposed to use the discarded material to obtain biomass for the company's thermal production plant. After establishing the calorific values of the discarded hair and the shavings, these were found to offer competitive value in comparison with the biomass products used at present, such as wood pellets. The second approach to the waste upcycling involved seeking new products in the building sector, acoustic panels in this case. After a mechanical behavior analysis, different binders were blended with diverse proportions and particle sizes of shavings to obtain samples for a sound absorption coefficient determination. The results show coefficients close to those of cork panels or carpets. This experimental experience serves as a preliminary study for the use of leather industry wastes in the construction sector. • Further circular economy in leather industry: two proposals for industrial symbiosis. • Holistic approach for waste material recycling challenge. • Recycling tools for a market of more than US$100 billion per year. • Use of waste as biomass might reduce by more than half the dependency on natural gas. • Competitive performance of leather by-products as acoustic absorption panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the effects of applying 0 and 40 Mg ha−1 of biosolids (composted sewage sludge) on the revegetation of abandoned cropland in central Spain. The experimental vegetation consisted of four wild leguminous species: Colutea arborescens, Dorycnium pentaphyllum, Medicago strasseri and Retama sphaerocarpa. The survival and growth of these shrubs were evaluated over 24 months after planting, as was the production of biomass by the spontaneous herbaceous vegetation. Application of the biosolids increased shrub growth, although it was also associated with a slight reduction in shrub survival. The spontaneous vegetation became quickly established in the amended plots; its biomass production was significantly greater than in the control plots. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]