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This paper reviews the existing studies employing total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis to evaluate the comparative economic viability of battery electric trucks (BETs) and diesel trucks (DTs). A key finding is that until recent years, BETs have not been cost-competitive with DTs. Light-duty trucks and medium-duty trucks started to become competitive in 2021 (1) according to some estimates, whereas heavy-duty trucks might remain to be not competitive even in future decades. However, (2) TCO estimates differ across continents. (3) The combing effect of fuel prices and taxes is most likely responsible for the fact that BETs enjoy a stronger competitive position relative to DTs in Europe, Asia, and Oceania, whereas, in North America, most estimates assign them poor competitiveness, both presently and in the coming years. (4) Most studies underline that significant cost disproportions persist in the heavy-duty truck segment due to its demanding operational requirements and a lack of robust high-powered charging infrastructure. Consequently, substantial financial incentives and subsidies will be required for heavy-duty trucks to enhance their economic viability, potentially accelerating cost parity from post-2035 to the near future. This paper identifies several constraints in its TCO analysis, including limited data on residual values, variability in discount rates, depreciation costs, and a lack of longitudinal and market data for BETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the economic potential of thinning in pure, even-aged Norway spruce and Scots pine forests in Norway based on simulated stand dynamics using plot data from the Norwegian national forest inventory. Simulated management scenarios included fully mechanized thinning from below of varying intensity including no thinning. The economic evaluation was based on comparing the equivalent annual annuity of the unthinned scenario and the economically best-performing thinning scenario for each studied plot. The findings suggest that only late thinnings in well-stocked stands with sufficiently large trees are economically beneficial. Furthermore, to be economically superior, a thinning intervention itself had to generate enough profit, meaning that the revenue from thinning needed to sufficiently exceed the costs. Profitability of thinning scenarios varied with discount rates and timber prices and depended on whether rotation age was based on maximum net present value or maximum mean annual increment. Thinning was less often profitable in pine compared to spruce stands. This study is among the few that model stand development considering post-thinning stand structures with systematic machine trails while assessing the profitability of such thinning operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rampant exploitation of fossil fuels has led to the significant energy scarcity and environmental disruption, affecting the sound momentum of development and progress of human civilization. To build a closed‐loop anthropogenic carbon cycle, development of biofuels employing sustainable biomass feedstocks stands at the forefront of advancing carbon neutrality, yet its widespread adoption is mainly hampered by the high production costs. Montmorillonite, however, has garnered considerable attention serving as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst of ideal economic feasibility for biofuel production, primarily due to its affordability, accessibility, stability, and excellent plasticity. Up to now, nevertheless, it has merely received finite concerns and interests in production of various biofuels using montmorillonite‐based catalysts. There is no timely and comprehensive review that addresses this latest relevant progress. This review fills the gap by providing a systematically review and summary in controllable synthesis, performance enhancement, and applications related to different kinds of biofuels including biodiesel, biohydrogenated diesel, levulinate, γ‐valerolactone, 5‐ethoxymethylfurfural, gaseous biofuels (CO, H2), and cycloalkane, by using montmorillonite catalysts and its modified forms. Particularly, this review critically depicts the design strategies for montmorillonite, illustrates the relevant reaction mechanisms, and assesses their economic viability, realizing sustainable biofuels production via efficient biomass valorization. Overall, this may offer valuable insights into cost‐effective biofuel production and proposes strategic recommendations for advancement of montmorillonite applications and future biofuel development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing countries primarily rely on fossil-based energy sources to meet their energy demands. The use of fossil fuels has several adverse environmental repercussions that damage the biosphere both directly and indirectly. Among fossil fuels, coal brings about the heaviest environmental externalities, yet its abundance makes its use widespread, particular in countries having significant power generation deficits, such as Pakistan. This study presents an environmental, technological, and economic analysis of a supercritical coal-based power unit located in Pakistan and used for electricity generation. For environmental assessment, the CML-1A baseline method in OpenLCA software was used, and eight midpoint impact indicators were selected. The functional unit chosen was 1 MWh of generated electricity. The results indicated that the category of ozone layer depletion has the least impact, whereas global warming potential has the highest impact score. Except for photochemical oxidation and human toxicity, the plant operational stage dominated most of the selected impact categories. The current paper also reveals that the removal efficiency of CO2 and other pollutants is higher in supercritical compared to subcritical plants. Moreover, the economic feasibility of supercritical plant is compared with chemical looping combustion (CLC)-based supercritical coal-fired power plant, and results shows that CLC-based coal-fired power plant is a more competitive and environmentally friendly option. The utilization of a scientific cleaner energy-management system in real-time, as exemplified in this study, may facilitate the development of a optimal policy framework that encourages for the adoption of cleaner coal power generation in developing countries, ultimately resulting in improved energy sustainability. Furthermore, this paper also presents some policy implications which could be helpful for policymakers, researchers, and industrialists to improve the sustainability of energy in emerging economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs), specifically SiC/SiC composites, represent a significant innovation in aerospace material technology, offering superior performance over traditional nickel-based superalloys in high-temperature turbine blade applications. This study presents a novel techno-economic assessment, filling a critical gap in the literature by directly comparing the economic and technical viability of CMCs versus superalloys. Unlike previous studies, which primarily focus on technical performance or cost analysis independently, this work integrates both aspects, providing a holistic comparison across key economic metrics, including acquisition, machining, maintenance, and recycling costs. The results demonstrate that SiC/SiC blades offer a 15–20% higher Net Present Value (NPV) and a 17% greater Internal Rate of Return (IRR) over a 20-year lifecycle than superalloys. Despite higher initial costs, CMCs achieve an estimated 2 to 3 years reduction in payback period, mainly due to their superior thermal and creep resistance, leading to fewer maintenance interventions and longer operational lifetimes. Although machining costs for CMCs are higher, these are more than offset by the long-term savings achieved through improved fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis, incorporating fluctuations in discount rates and material costs, further validates the economic robustness of CMCs in various operational scenarios. This study is the first to compare CMCs and superalloys, offering new insights into the financial implications of material selection in aerospace manufacturing. The findings present critical engineering recommendations that empower aerospace manufacturers and decision-makers to optimise material selection for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness in high-performance turbine applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy communities (ECs) have emerged across the EU, with the Clean Energy Package providing the legal foundation for the establishment of energy communities. The actual transposition is up to the member states, leading to heterogeneous regulatory approaches. The national frameworks often provide financial support mechanisms like local grid tariffs, along with regulatory limitations on size and membership, which significantly influence the business case for ECs. This paper analyzes the economic feasibility of ECs under different national frameworks in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Austria. Two scenarios were evaluated by means of a case study, consisting of households and two public entities. The first scenario compares national incentives under uniform conditions, while the second considers country-specific factors like PV irradiation and electricity costs. Results show that energy communities can only partially decouple electricity prices from market dynamics. The study concludes that financial incentives lead to adequate financial savings for the members in most countries; however, the level of incentive does not necessarily relate to the number of established energy communities. Electricity grid benefits could be created by promoting demand response measures in the EC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The declining soil fertility is a severe bottleneck for crop production in Ethiopia. The application of inorganic fertilizer helps to correct a site-specific nutrient deficiency. Methods: The research was conducted at Achura kebele Farmers Training Center (FTC) from December 2020 to July 2021. Soil samples and crop data were collected and analyzed by standard procedures. Result: The soil reaction revealed that the soil was moderately acidic (pH=5.68) and low in organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and boron. The result of this study indicated that the growth and yield of maize were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the combined effect of both blended (nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, boron) and potassium fertilizer rates. The highest grain yield (7200.9 kg ha-1) was found from NPSB, 200 kg ha-1 + K, 50 kg ha-1 and the lowest was recorded from control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper thoroughly examines the latest developments and diverse applications of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in civil engineering. It provides a critical analysis of the technology's potential to mitigate the effects of climate change. Initially, a comprehensive outline of CCUS technologies is presented, emphasising their vital function in carbon dioxide (CO2) emission capture, conversion, and sequestration. Subsequent sections provide an in-depth analysis of carbon capture technologies, utilisation processes, and storage solutions. These serve as the foundation for an architectural framework that facilitates the design and integration of efficient systems. Significant attention is given to the inventive application of CCUS in the building and construction industry. Notable examples of such applications include using carbon (C) in cement and promoting sustainable cement production. Economic analyses and financing mechanisms are reviewed to assess the commercial feasibility and scalability of CCUS projects. In addition, this review examines the technological advances and innovations that have occurred, providing insight into the potential future course of CCUS progress. A comprehensive analysis of the environmental and regulatory environments is conducted to evaluate the feasibility and compliance with the policies of CCUS technology deployment. Case studies from the real world are provided to illustrate effectiveness and practical applications. It concludes by emphasising the importance of continued research, policy support, and innovation in developing CCUS technologies as a fundamental component of sustainable civil engineering practices. A tenacious stride toward carbon neutrality is underscored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current agricultural circumstances, when farmers are struggling to find enough water for irrigation and want to maximize their production by enhancing water productivity, drip irrigation is one of the most important methods. By reducing water and nutrient losses, the application of plastic mulch combined with drip watering can maximize onion yield. A field study was carried out in the Precision Farming Development Center's experimental field at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India, from November to March of two consecutive seasons (2022-23 and 2023-24) to evaluate the optimum water needed to achieve the maximum yield under subsurface drip irrigation. The objective of the study was to determine the optimum crop water requirement for onion under plastic mulch and subsurface drip irrigation. The growth, yield, quality and water productivity response of onion under different level of irrigation using subsurface drip and plastic mulch also studied. The result showed that biometric parameters for onion under 100% irrigation water requirement along with plastic mulch (T2) was greater among all the treatments for both years with plant height (71 cm), number of leaves (13.3), bulb diameter (6.6 cm), bulb weight (126 g) and onion marketable yield (36.7 t/ha). These results were followed by treatment with 80% of water requirement using drip along with mulch. However, the biometric, yield and quality parameters of treatment 80% of water requirement using drip along with mulch were not statistically significant with the treatment 100% of water requirement using drip along with mulch. Therefore, study concluded that the treatment with 80% of water requirement using drip along with mulch might be recommended to achieve statistically on par onion yield in comparison to the yield of treatment T2 using optimum crop water requirement under subsurface drip irrigation and plastic mulch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate and implement the latest technology in reducing flare gas (Flare Gas Recovery) in the upstream oil and gas industry. Flare gases, which are often burned and released into the atmosphere, are a significant source of emissions and a contributor to warming. The results of the SWOT and AHP analysis show that the technology of converting flare gas into electrical energy has advantages compared to other technologies. From an economic perspective, calculations show that this project is very feasible to implement, with an NPV value of IDR 48.82 billion, an IRR of 23.03%, a BCR of 1.14, and a payback period of only 4.27 years. The LCC of IDR 400.37 billion and the CoE of IDR 285.98/kWh indicate that this project can keep energy production costs at a competitive and sustainable level. This study concludes that Flare Gas Recovery to Electricity technology is the optimal solution to support zero flaring initiatives and make a real contribution to reducing flare gas emissions, as well as providing high added value in terms of economy and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of organic biomass. Its unique properties make it a versatile asset in agricultural and environmental management. This review paper provides scientific insights into how biochar affects soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties. It then discusses how these changes can impact crop growth and yield, addressing a key concern for farmers while also considering the potential for biochar to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2), Nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4), which is of public interest. Additionally, it examines the costs and benefits associated with biochar use, aiming to guide its adoption and suggest future research directions in agricultural applications. Biochar incorporation improves soil properties by enhancing structure, water retention, aeration, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. Different processes impact the effects of biochar on soil, plants, and agricultural systems, influenced by factors like biochar type, soil type, and application rate. Understanding the interaction of these elements, especially over the long term, is vital for promoting the widespread use of biochar in agriculture. Moreover, assessing the economic benefits and costs of biochar in each region is key to convincing farmers to adopt this practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the establishment of a unified regional power market that promotes the optimal use of renewable energy is considered to be a pathway to meeting the policy targets of "carbon peaking" and "carbon neutrality", the economic feasibility of the power transmission project is not well understood. To fill this gap, this study conducted a cost–benefit analysis of a proposed project that transmits hydropower, photovoltaic power, and/or wind power whose ratios are 100:0:0, 79:13:8, and 65:22:13 in three scenarios from Dian to Yu in China. It was found that the project has economic feasibilities for each scenario; however, this highly depends on its external benefits, discount rates, and transmission quantity. As the ratio of hydropower becomes lower, the net present value decreases from 117.32 billion to 112.99 billion for an annual transmission of 7.498 billion kWh of electricity. Since the substitution of coal-fired power with renewable power contributes the highest benefit to the project, the cross-regional transmission of renewable electricity should be promoted jointly with the internalization mechanism of externalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates three scenarios' technical and economic viability for implementing a microgeneration power plant using biogas derived from the anaerobic digestion of food waste. The case study focuses on the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) campus in Recife, northeastern (NE) Brazil, targeting the organic fraction of solid waste from food units (restaurants, canteens, and kiosks). The analysis was based on field data, the chemical composition of the waste, and the electric energy consumption. Biogas production of 166 m3/day from 1 ton/day of food waste was estimated using an anaerobic reactor of 126 m3. This amount of biogas could generate about 360 kWh/day of electricity if the plant operates at peak hours using a generator set with an alternative internal combustion engine of 120 kW, with a consumption of 66 m3/h and fuel efficiency of 30%. The system could generate 390 kWh/day of electrical energy using a microturbine, with a consumption of 78 m3/h and 30% efficiency. The scenario utilizing a tubular reactor and an internal combustion engine demonstrated the best economic viability. While this study focuses on financial aspects, the findings suggest significant potential contributions to sustainability, including reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and advancing renewable energy solutions. This model can be adapted for small NE Brazil municipalities, offering economic and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zambia has recently faced prolonged load shedding due to reduced hydroelectricity generation caused by unfavourable rainfall patterns. To tackle this issue and satisfy increasing energy demands, the government aims to explore alternative energy sources like wind energy. However, the uncertainty surrounding the economic feasibility of implementing wind power projects in Zambia poses a significant challenge. This study evaluates the economic feasibility of eight proposed wind farm sites using net present value (NPV), simple payback period (SPP), internal rate of return (IRR), and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). By examining energy yield analysis (EYA), wind speed, and financial indicators, the study identifies the most economically viable wind farm site(s). The results reveal that the Lusaka wind farm is the most economical, with an energy yield analysis of 386 GWh, wind speed of 8 m/s, NPV of USD 316 million, SPP of 2.9 years, IRR of 82%, and LCOE of 0.182 USD/kWh. An economic sensitivity analysis, varying the average electricity tariff, also points to Lusaka as the most financially viable site. Consequently, policymakers are advised to develop cost-reflective feed-in tariff (FiT) schemes and power purchase agreements to establish electricity tariffs that encourage investment from independent power producers in Zambia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zambia has recently faced prolonged load shedding due to reduced hydroelectricity generation caused by unfavourable rainfall patterns. To tackle this issue and satisfy increasing energy demands, the government aims to explore alternative energy sources like wind energy. However, the uncertainty surrounding the economic feasibility of implementing wind power projects in Zambia poses a significant challenge. This study evaluates the economic feasibility of eight proposed wind farm sites using net present value (NPV), simple payback period (SPP), internal rate of return (IRR), and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). By examining energy yield analysis (EYA), wind speed, and financial indicators, the study identifies the most economically viable wind farm site(s). The results reveal that the Lusaka wind farm is the most economical, with an energy yield analysis of 386 GWh, wind speed of 8 m/s, NPV of USD 316 million, SPP of 2.9 years, IRR of 82%, and LCOE of 0.182 USD/kWh. An economic sensitivity analysis, varying the average electricity tariff, also points to Lusaka as the most financially viable site. Consequently, policymakers are advised to develop cost-reflective feed-in tariff (FiT) schemes and power purchase agreements to establish electricity tariffs that encourage investment from independent power producers in Zambia.

Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyta) stands out as a promising microalga for single-cell protein production, particularly due to its potential to address the need for affordable nutrition in less-developed regions. Given this context, the quest for more economic fertilization methods is essential. Among the viable alternatives, hydroponic fertilizer (HF) emerges as a widely available option, particularly in regions such as Indonesia. Typically, HF is supplied in two distinct forms, powdered Mix-A and Mix-B, to prepare the stock solutions. This study investigates the impact of varying concentrations and stock solution ratios on both the growth rate and biomass yield of C. vulgaris. Additionally, an economic analysis of cultivation activities is conducted, with a specific focus on comparing the feasibility of utilizing hydroponic fertilizer against conventional methods. The findings reveal that specific ratios and concentrations of the tested growth media outperform standard media in promoting the growth rate and biomass yield of cultivated C. vulgaris. Furthermore, the economic analysis assesses two primary cost components: fertilizer and energy. All tested hydroponic media offered a more cost-effective cultivation solution compared to conventional methods, primarily attributed to the lower cost of the hydroponic fertilizers.

Biomass-derived sustainable aviation fuel holds significant potential for decarbonizing the aviation sector. Its long-term viability depends on crop choice, longevity of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, and the biomass-to-biojet fuel conversion efficiency. We explored the impact of fuel price and SOC value on viable biojet fuel production scale by integrating an agroecosystem model with a field-to-biojet fuel production process model for 1,4-dimethylcyclooctane (DMCO), a representative high-performance biojet fuel molecule, from Miscanthus, sorghum, and switchgrass. Assigning monetary value to SOC sequestration results in substantially different outcomes than an increased fuel selling price. If SOC accumulation is valued at $185/ton CO2, planting Miscanthus for conversion to DMCO would be economically cost-competitive across 66% of croplands across the continental United States (US) by 2050 if conventional jet fuel remains at $0.74/L (in 2020 US dollars). Cutting the SOC sequestration value in half reduces the viable area to 54% of cropland, and eliminating any payment for SOC shrinks the viable area to 16%. If future biojet fuel prices increase to $1.24/L-Jet A-equivalent, 48 to 58% of the total cultivated land in the United States could support a more diverse set of feedstocks including Miscanthus, sorghum, or switchgrass. Among these options, only 8-14% of the area would be suitable exclusively for Miscanthus cultivation. These findings highlight the intersection of natural solutions for carbon removal and the use of deep-rooted feedstocks for biofuels and biomanufacturing. The results underscore the need to establish clear and consistent values for SOC sequestration to enable the future bioeconomy.

Abstract Despite its impressive economic growth, Bangladesh faces a persistent malnutrition challenge, costing over US$1 billion annually. The broiler industry plays a vital role in addressing nutritional needs by providing essential protein through meat and eggs. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this sector struggle with high feed prices, impacting their profitability and growth. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional poultry feed, addressing both rising costs and environmental impacts. This study examined different aspects of BSFL, such as broiler feed, and farmers' perceptions of them in some selected areas of the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. A total of 60 respondents from three subdistricts in Sylhet district were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, discriminative power value, binary logistic regression model, and profitability equation. Among the respondents, 70% (42) had a favorable attitude toward BSFL, and 30% (18) had a highly favorable attitude towards BSFL. Among eight socioeconomic attributes examined for the likeliness of adopting BSFL as broiler feed, the respondents' average income (p

This study introduces an advanced software platform and process for the quantitative national economic evaluation of high-speed maglev systems, overcoming limitations of traditional methods through parameter variation experiments and automated solution search. Utilising the adapted German standardised evaluation, this research demonstrates how integrated modelling, evaluation and optimisation software can deeply analyse the impact of various variables and parameters on economic outcomes. By employing an optimisation algorithm, the software not only determines critical evaluation parameters to ensure benefits exceed costs but also deduces optimised model variables. The macroeconomic benefit-cost ratio guides the optimal design concept, with the research finding a critical value for ensuring economic feasibility. The proposed solution achieves a 22% improvement in this ratio (1.106 vs. 0.909) compared to the existing Hefei-Wuhu route, highlighting its potential for large-scale maglev implementation. Future development directions include integration with micro-simulation systems, support for random behaviour, sensitivity analysis, data-driven machine learning and enhanced user interface design for broader applicability. The findings underscore the software’s capability to provide robust, data-driven insights for economic feasibility studies of high-speed maglev systems, presenting a significant step forward in infrastructure project evaluation.

[Introduction] Carbon utilization technologies, which convert CO2 into valuable products such as fuels, chemicals, and building materials, represent an innovative approach to mitigating climate change and promoting resource recycling. The analysis of climate benefits and economic viability is a significant challenge in current research on carbon utilization technologies and is key to their development and implementation. [Method] This study developed a methodology for quantifying the emission abatement benefits and economic viability of carbon utilization technologies, based on background analysis, baseline selection, boundary definition, and indicator calculation. Using this methodology, key indicators such as emission abatement per unit, levelized cost of emission abatement, and abatement benefit per unit for four typical CO2 utilization technologies were analyzed. [Result] The study shows that CO2 enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) achieves a unit emission abatement of 1.62～5.85 t CO2/t oil. When the price per barrel of oil is around 390 yuan, the abatement benefit for CO2-EOR varies from 2 to 1152 yuan/t CO2 under different injection-production ratios. The CO2 and green hydrogen-based methanol production achieves a unit emission abatement of 4.89 t CO2/t methanol, with a negative abatement benefit, requiring subsidies or equivalent carbon pricing support of 18 to 833 yuan/t CO2 to break even on abatement. The carbon capture and utilization of steel slag for building material production yields a unit emission abatement of 0.94 t CO2/t steel slag powder, with an abatement benefit of 36 to 164 yuan/t CO2. The microalgae cultivation for biodiesel production achieves a unit emission abatement of 0.36 t CO2/t algae powder, and the abatement benefit can reach 30,000 to 90,000 yuan/t CO2. Beyond the key indicators emphasized in this paper, actual project decisions must also consider the impact of technological stability, market environment, and resource conditions on economic feasibility. [Conclusion] The carbon abatement effectiveness and applicability of different carbon utilization technologies vary across different scenarios. To ensure their positive contribution to emission abatement, it is necessary to improve institutional frameworks, facilitate the integration of these technologies into carbon markets, and assess their actual climate impact, thereby supporting technologies that provide genuine climate benefits.

On May 26, 2023, the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark obtained the UNESCO Global Geopark status, and it was awarded the UNESCO Triple Crown recognition, making it the third geopark globally to receive this honour. Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark is located in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and it is the nation's second geopark site. Our study aims to investigate the mediating effect of support for geopark development on the relationship between economic, socio-cultural benefits, and perceived costs of geopark development on community well-being. A total of 301 participants, including those from the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark's three areas of Kota Marudu, Ranau and Kota Belud, participated in the study. The findings indicate that community well-being is positively impacted by economic, sociocultural, and support for geopark development. Moreover, the support for geopark development mediates the relationship between economic and socio-cultural benefits towards community well-being. However, the study reveals that perceived costs of geopark development does not have significant effect on both relationships. Our study suggests that the local community recognizes the benefits of Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark in the form of income generation and opportunities for employment. However, because the geopark is still in an early stage of development, it is possible that the local community has not yet become aware of its negative aspects. The study proposes thorough and comprehensive guidelines and policies to be put in place to ensure the sustainability of the geopark regions as well as to continuously improve community well-being.

Excess associated gas from unconventional wells is typically flared while excess produced water is injected underground. In this work, flare gas recovery is integrated with produced water desalination and a solar pre-heater. The solar module with a beam splitter preheats the produced water. Aspen Plus process modeling, economic analysis, and greenhouse gas analysis were performed. The solar flare gas recovery desalination (Solar-FGRD) process can conserve water resources and reduce the brine injection by 77%. The accompanying solar farm results in excess solar electricity for exporting to the grid. The process burner combustion efficiency (CE) is 99.8%, with a destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) of 99.99% for methane as opposed to a flare CE of 80–98% (and a methane DRE of 91–98%). The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for CO2 and methane, in terms of CO2 equivalent (CO2e), can be reduced by 45% for US North Dakota and Texas flaring and 13% for North Sea flaring by employing the Solar-FGRD process. Comprehensive financial analysis demonstrates the financial–economic feasibility of the investment project with or without tax credits. Best-case and worst-case scenarios provide a realistic range that investors can consider before making investment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While several studies have focused on utilizing banana pseudostem waste (BPW) for wastewater treatment via bio-coagulation, this process still suffers from secondary pollution caused by the disposal of generated sludge. To avoid this pollution transfer issue, this study is the first to focus on the recyclability of post-coagulation sludge (PCS) to recover added-value products. For this purpose, BPW was used as a model bio-coagulant for the decontamination of laundry wastewater (LWW), followed by anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis schemes to recover biogas and biochar, respectively. In the first experiment, BPW succeeded in removing 55.44 ± 1.21%, 90.40 ± 3.09%, and 78.13 ± 2.44% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity, and surfactant, respectively, at the optimized condition (pH = 3.5, dosage = 2.34 g/L, stirring speed = 160.6 rpm, and settling time = 55.5 min). Inoculating the spent bio-coagulant with cattle manure (CM), with a mixing ratio of 1:1 (w:w), showed a biogas yield of 110.33 ± 6.02 mL/g COD. The synergetic effect of spent coagulant and microbes of CM was further validated by performing a COD mass balance, showing that about 31.52 ± 1.63% of CODfeed was converted to bio-CH4 (as COD). Further, the thermal treatment of digestate was successfully employed for biochar recovery at a yield of 0.58 ± 0.05 g biochar/g dry digestate. The study also revealed that the triple LWW treatment/biogas/biochar strategy could gain economic benefits with a payback period of 4.4 years. Hence, BPW could be used as a promising feedstock for pollution reduction, energy generation, and gaining profits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its impressive economic growth, Bangladesh faces a persistent malnutrition challenge, costing over US$1 billion annually. The broiler industry plays a vital role in addressing nutritional needs by providing essential protein through meat and eggs. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this sector struggle with high feed prices, impacting their profitability and growth. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional poultry feed, addressing both rising costs and environmental impacts. This study examined different aspects of BSFL, such as broiler feed, and farmers' perceptions of them in some selected areas of the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. A total of 60 respondents from three subdistricts in Sylhet district were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, discriminative power value, binary logistic regression model, and profitability equation. Among the respondents, 70% (42) had a favorable attitude toward BSFL, and 30% (18) had a highly favorable attitude towards BSFL. Among eight socioeconomic attributes examined for the likeliness of adopting BSFL as broiler feed, the respondents' average income (p < 0.01), years of schooling (p < 0.05), and years of broiler farming experience (p < 0.01) were found to be significant. Further, farms using 50% BSFL and 50% traditional feed had a net return of BDT (Bangladeshi Taka) 35,045.67 (USD 419.71), higher than those using traditional feed, which had a net return of BDT 29670.67 (USD 355.38). Further, farms using 50% BSFL and 50% traditional feed had a benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 1.16, compared to other farms with a BCR of 1.11. The study also found some problems causing slow growth in the adoption rate of BSFL in the study region, such as lack of training programs, extension campaigns, the uncertainty of input supply, and financial assistance. The study suggests making adequate measures to raise awareness about the profitability of BSFL as broiler feed, conducting training at the root level, and making inputs easily available to farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop damage-based control threshold of 12.5% has been used to reduce the excessive use of insecticides while controlling Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera in hot peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivation systems. However, it is necessary to develop an easy, practical, inexpensive control threshold to increase farmer eagerness in reducing pesticide use. The study aimed to evaluate a light trap captured based-control threshold for both hot pepper pests. The activity was conducted at Lembang (ca. 1250 m a.s.l.), West Java, Indonesia, from September 2022 to April 2023. Six treatments and four replicates were arranged in a randomized block design. The treatments included the use of four light trap captured based-control thresholds, i.e., ≥ 30, ≥ 25, ≥ 20, ≥ and 15 moth trap-1 wk-1 ; crop damage based-control threshold of 12.5%; and once per week insecticide application as a control treatment. The study found that the implementation of pests’ control threshold of ≥ 25 moth trap-1 wk-1 could reduce 75% insecticide use compared to the plant damage-based control threshold. The use of this approach could maintain high crop production and generate a return rate of 1.26. The findings will be beneficial for farmers in reducing insecticide use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions has led to an increased interest in green hydrogen as a significant contributor to the transition towards a low-carbon economy. This comprehensive analysis delves into the progress made in green hydrogen production using alkaline water electrolysis, shedding light on the fundamental principles, materials, design, operational conditions, and integration with renewable energy sources. The paper critically evaluates the economic and environmental aspects, providing valuable insights into the challenges, future prospects, and real-world applications. The importance of green hydrogen as a clean energy carrier is emphasized in the context of mitigating climate change and achieving energy independence. The paper outlines various methods for hydrogen production, with a focus on alkaline water electrolysis, highlighting its role in sustainable hydrogen generation. The structure of the review paper is well-detailed, guiding the reader through a systematic exploration of key aspects related to green hydrogen production. The fundamentals of alkaline water electrolysis are explained in detail, covering the basic principles, reactions at electrodes, components, working mechanisms, efficiency calculations, and existing challenges. An in-depth examination of materials and electrodes is presented, showcasing recent innovations that enhance performance. Electrolysers design and system configurations are discussed, incorporating recent developments aimed at improving efficiency and scalability. The paper explores operating conditions and optimization strategies, emphasizing the impact of temperature, pressure, and current density on electrolysis efficiency. The integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, with alkaline water electrolysis is analyzed, addressing both the benefits and challenges. The economic feasibility of green hydrogen production and its environmental impacts, including life cycle assessments and carbon footprint, are meticulously examined. The paper concludes with an overview of current challenges and limitations, ongoing research insights, and future prospects for alkaline water electrolysis technology. Real-world case studies are presented to showcase the practical applications of this technology in industries, transportation, and energy storage. In summary, this review highlights the pivotal role of alkaline water electrolysis in advancing green hydrogen production, offering a promising pathway towards a sustainable and decarbonized energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating production of biosolids from wastewater treatment plants presents significant environmental and health challenges due to the presence of pathogens, trace organic pollutants, and heavy metals. Transforming biosolids into biochar through pyrolysis offers a sustainable solution, enhancing soil fertility and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This review critically evaluates the pyrolysis processes (slow, fast, and flash) for biosolid conversion and examines the impact of biosolid-derived biochar on soil nutrient retention, crop productivity, and greenhouse gas emissions. Findings from various studies demonstrate that BDB can significantly reduce emissions of N2O, CH4, and CO2 while improving soil health. However, challenges such as standardizing production methods, addressing heavy metal content, and ensuring economic feasibility must be overcome. Future research should focus on optimizing pyrolysis conditions, developing regulatory frameworks, and conducting comprehensive economic analyses to support the large-scale implementation of BDB in sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]