Resources

18 pages, 1575 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Public Administration and Landowners Facing Real Estate Cadastre Modernization: A Win-Lose or Win-Win Situation?

by Malgorzata Busko and Michal Apollo

Resources 2023, 12(6), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060073 - 20 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2387

Keeping the real estate cadastre’s database up to date is a very important process. The scope of the modernization works includes, among other things, fieldwork and office (chamber) work carried out by surveyors to update information about land and buildings. Therefore, modernization may [...] Read more.

Keeping the real estate cadastre’s database up to date is a very important process. The scope of the modernization works includes, among other things, fieldwork and office (chamber) work carried out by surveyors to update information about land and buildings. Therefore, modernization may result in changes to plot areas; changes to the marking of plots and land use (and, consequently, a change in the property tax); and the disclosure or deletion of buildings and premises, as well as changes to their technical data. The research, based on a case study (rural municipality Serniki, Poland), and supported by a literature review, remote sensing, and digital photogrammetry, clearly showed the importance of initiating the cadastre modernization procedure and obtaining funds for this purpose, which will be beneficial for both parties. Landowners will gain by bringing the current image of their real estate closer to the actual state (e.g., by paying taxes for the real utility of the land), while administrative units will become the beneficiaries of higher tax revenues (up to over 500%). Thus, the analysis carried out on the case study shows positive effects for both parties, and justifies the financial outlay incurred by the administrative units for this process. Moreover, the analysis revealed that, due to the possibility of obtaining funding from other sources, the cost to the public administration may be marginal. Thus, the cadastre modernization procedure should be integrated into regional and national policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Trends in Resources considering Sustainability, Economy, and Corporate Social Responsibility)

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20 pages, 1084 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainable Valorisation of Peach and Apricot Waste Using Green Extraction Technique with Conventional and Deep Eutectic Solvents

by Marina Stramarkou, Vasiliki Oikonomopoulou, Margarita Panagiotopoulou, Sofia Papadaki and Magdalini Krokida

Resources 2023, 12(6), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060072 - 12 Jun 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

Worldwide, fruit processing industries reject high volumes of fruit waste, which represent rich sources of phenolic compounds and can be valorised through extraction, and then be reused for food, nutraceutical or cosmetic applications. In the present work, the optimisation of the recovery of [...] Read more.

Worldwide, fruit processing industries reject high volumes of fruit waste, which represent rich sources of phenolic compounds and can be valorised through extraction, and then be reused for food, nutraceutical or cosmetic applications. In the present work, the optimisation of the recovery of phenolic compounds from apricot kernels and pulp, as well as peach pulp, through the green method of ultrasound and microwave assisted extraction (UMAE) is performed. Prior to extraction, a drying step of the pulps is conducted using freeze, vacuum and hot air drying. Except for the conventional extraction solvents of water and ethanol:water, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) formed by choline chloride/urea, and a natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES) from choline chloride with lactic acid, are used, something that presentsecological benefits. With the aim of discovering the optimum extraction conditions, different values of the parameters of extraction time, utrasonic power and solvent/dry solid ratio are examined, and a mathematical model is developed to correlate them to the extraction yield (EY). The phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity are determined through UV-Vis spectroscopy and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results of the study demonstrated that the most effective solvent in the extraction of apricot kernels is ethanol: water; DES is more efficient in the extraction of apricot pulp and NaDES in the extraction of peach pulps, reaching EYs of 25.65, 26.83 and 17.13%, respectively. In conclusion, both types of fruit waste are proved to have a significant content of valuable compounds, and the use of DES in fruit by-product extraction is effective and seems to be a promising alternative. Thus, the unexploited amounts of waste can be valorised through simple techniques and innovative solvents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resource Extraction from Agricultural Products/Waste)

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26 pages, 11844 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A New Geosite as a Contribution to the Sustainable Development of Urban Geotourism in a Tourist Peripheral Region—Central Poland

by Maria Górska-Zabielska

Resources 2023, 12(6), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060071 - 5 Jun 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 1858

Abstract

The article presents a new geosite in a small provincial town in central Poland. It contains twelve Scandinavian erratic boulders from the area, deposited by the Pleistocene ice sheet about 130,000 years ago. The geotrail is equipped with three informative boards, a folder, [...] Read more.

The article presents a new geosite in a small provincial town in central Poland. It contains twelve Scandinavian erratic boulders from the area, deposited by the Pleistocene ice sheet about 130,000 years ago. The geotrail is equipped with three informative boards, a folder, and each boulder has its own identifier. The article also draws attention to petrographic types and types of erratic boulders among the collected boulders. Their basic dimensions, age, and source area are given. Specific features of rock morphology are discussed. Records of sub/inglacial processes, periglacial processes affecting the forefield of the melting ice sheet, and contemporary morphogenetic processes are also analyzed. The recipient/beneficiary of such information can be anyone who is sensitive to the beauty of abiotic nature, feels heir to the geological past of his region, or wants to broaden his horizons with knowledge from the ice age. The recognized and disseminated heritage of abiotic objects in nature through the transfer of expert knowledge has great potential to become an effective generator of sustainable socio-economic development of peripheral tourist areas. The paper presents in detail expert knowledge and specific examples of improving the quality of life with the creation of this geosite. The tool to be used here is geotourism; it deals with the study of geodiversity and the development of elements of abiotic nature to perform tourist functions in accordance with the principles of nature protection. It protects the geological heritage by effectively securing geosites, widely disseminating geological sciences, and promoting their educational and tourist functions. Full article

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16 pages, 686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Everyday Energy Information Literacy and Attitudes towards Energy-Related Decisions: Gender Differences among Finns

by Teija Keränen and Heidi Enwald

Resources 2023, 12(6), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060070 - 1 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1747

Abstract

Many household-level decisions are made in families and, in studies, gender has been found to be an important factor affecting both household energy consumption behavior and household-level decisions related to energy use. This article scrutinizes everyday energy information literacy (EEIL) based on qualitative [...] Read more.

Many household-level decisions are made in families and, in studies, gender has been found to be an important factor affecting both household energy consumption behavior and household-level decisions related to energy use. This article scrutinizes everyday energy information literacy (EEIL) based on qualitative data collected from Finnish households in 2018 and reflects the findings by the gender differences that emerged from the quantitative analysis. The data (n = 415) included Finnish households (n = 323) and the residents of Ii municipality (n = 92), a pioneering municipality striving for carbon neutrality. The results indicate that there are gender differences in the dimensions of EEIL. Scrutinizing the qualitative data revealed the nuances of the differences. The qualitative data brought depth to the analysis by deciphering examples of respondents’ views and perceived challenges in improving energy efficiency at home. The examples also illustrate the respondents’ need for energy counselling and trusted parties from whom they hope information and advice. The article provides new information on gender differences in EEIL. Gaining more information on different groups and their attitudes, capabilities, and preferences helps to achieve carbon neutrality targets as a society. The results may be utilized in tailored communication for specific target groups and in communities’ decision making and policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women's Special Issue Series: Sustainable Resource Management)

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22 pages, 2513 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Quality Assessment and Classification of Feedstock for Bioenergy Applications Considering ISO 17225 Standard on Solid Biofuels

by Giuseppe Toscano, Carmine De Francesco, Thomas Gasperini, Sara Fabrizi, Daniele Duca and Alessio Ilari

Resources 2023, 12(6), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060069 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2400

Abstract

Biomass materials play a key role in the renewable energy market as they can serve as a suitable alternative to fossil fuels. However, the quality of the material entering bioenergy plants is often a cause of technical concern. Biomass quality assessment is crucial [...] Read more.

Biomass materials play a key role in the renewable energy market as they can serve as a suitable alternative to fossil fuels. However, the quality of the material entering bioenergy plants is often a cause of technical concern. Biomass quality assessment is crucial not only for energy characterization but also for environmental and operational aspects. The goal of this study is to characterize and classify the biomasses used by Italian power plants with reference to the quality classes stated by the ISO standard 17225:2021. A further objective is to verify the ability of the standard to classify heterogeneous and specific biomasses. In this study, more than 900 biomass samples were analyzed. The samples were collected from several Italian power plants with >5 MWe between 2010 and 2020, and the most important physical and chemical parameters were analyzed according to the international standards of reference. The results of the analyses were collected in a large dataset used for subsequent statistical analyses. Statistical analyses applied are Principal Component Analysis and Pearson correlation maps, which showed that the ash content is a fundamental and ideal parameter to assess the biomass quality. Results obtained demonstrate that herbaceous biomasses are of low quality mainly due to the high ash content; a relatively low ash content was found for woody biomasses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Resources: Feedstock Quality and Bioenergy Sustainability—2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 2530 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Critical Element Concentrations in High Enthalpy Geothermal Fluids in New Zealand

by Lucjan Sajkowski, Rose Turnbull and Karyne Rogers

Resources 2023, 12(6), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060068 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2853

Abstract

This review compiles publicly available datasets describing the chemical composition of geothermal fluids from eight wells in the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) and Ngāwhā, New Zealand. Our review allows previously reported geothermal reservoir water compositions at various locations around the TVZ (and Ngāwhā) [...] Read more.

This review compiles publicly available datasets describing the chemical composition of geothermal fluids from eight wells in the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) and Ngāwhā, New Zealand. Our review allows previously reported geothermal reservoir water compositions at various locations around the TVZ (and Ngāwhā) to be assessed and compared for the first time. The combined data present a new perspective on potential critical elements of geothermal resources and will be a valuable tool for future research projects and investment opportunities. Composition data were used to estimate the annual flux of different elements in New Zealand geothermal systems. Several elements found in New Zealand geothermal fluids are currently considered ‘critical’ for the transition to a carbon-neutral economy and are present in economically extractable quantities. We estimate that each year, approximately 1100 tons of lithium pass as heat exchange fluids through Wairakei geothermal power station. An overview of the critical elemental capture and extractive potential from New Zealand’s geothermal fields is provided. Full article

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14 pages, 925 KiB

Open AccessReview

Microplastic Pollution in Terrestrial Ecosystems and Its Interaction with Other Soil Pollutants: A Potential Threat to Soil Ecosystem Sustainability

by Meera Rai, Gaurav Pant, Kumud Pant, Becky N. Aloo, Gaurav Kumar, Harikesh Bahadur Singh and Vishal Tripathi

Resources 2023, 12(6), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060067 - 27 May 2023

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7143

Abstract

The production and disposal of plastics have become significant concerns for the sustainability of the planet. During the past 75 years, around 80% of plastic waste has either ended up in landfills or been released into the environment. Plastic debris released into the [...] Read more.

The production and disposal of plastics have become significant concerns for the sustainability of the planet. During the past 75 years, around 80% of plastic waste has either ended up in landfills or been released into the environment. Plastic debris released into the environment breaks down into smaller particles through fragmentation, weathering, and other disintegration processes, generating microplastics (plastic particles ≤ 5 mm in size). Although marine and aquatic ecosystems have been the primary focus of microplastic pollution research, a growing body of evidence suggests that terrestrial ecosystems are equally at risk. Microplastic contamination has been reported in various terrestrial environments from several sources such as plastics mulch, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, tire abrasions (tire wear particles), textiles industries (microfibers), sewage sludge, and plastic dumping. Recent studies suggest that the soil has become a significant sink for pollutants released into terrestrial ecosystems and is often contaminated with a mixture of organic and inorganic pollutants. This has gradually caused adverse impacts on soil health and fertility by affecting soil pH, porosity, water-holding capacity, and soil microbial enzymatic activities. Microplastics can interact with the co-existing pollutants of the environments by adsorbing the contaminants onto their surfaces through various intermolecular forces, including electrostatic, hydrophobic, non-covalent, partition effects, van der Waals forces, and microporous filling mechanisms. This subsequently delays the degradation process of existing contaminants, thereby affecting the soil and various ecological activities of the ecosystem. Thus, the present article aims to elucidate the deleterious impact of microplastics and their interactions with other pollutants in the terrestrial ecosystem. This review also addresses the impact of microplastics in disrupting the soil sustainability of the planet. Full article

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23 pages, 2797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon-Energy Impact Analysis of Heavy Residue Gasification Plant Integration into Oil Refinery

by Slavomír Podolský, Miroslav Variny and Tomáš Kurák

Resources 2023, 12(6), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060066 - 27 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1649

Abstract

A gasification plant may partially replace an industrial thermal plant and hydrogen production plant by polygenerating valuable products (hydrogen, power, steam) from low-value materials. Carbon energy analysis is one way of conceptually evaluating such processes. In this paper, the integration of a heavy [...] Read more.

A gasification plant may partially replace an industrial thermal plant and hydrogen production plant by polygenerating valuable products (hydrogen, power, steam) from low-value materials. Carbon energy analysis is one way of conceptually evaluating such processes. In this paper, the integration of a heavy residue (HR) gasification plant into a mid-size oil refinery (5 million t per year crude processing rate) is conceptually assessed via the comparison of electricity, natural gas and heavy residue consumption, and CO₂ emissions. The main purpose of the integration is to reduce the consumption of natural gas currently used for hydrogen production at the expense of increased HR consumption and to achieve a reduction in CO₂ emissions. Two case studies with different modes of operation were compared to base case showing that annual reduction of 2280 GWh in natural gas consumption with constant heat and hydrogen production is possible, accompanied with a slight increase in electricity purchase by 28 GWh per year. HR processing in the refinery increases by over 2800 GWh per year. The refinery’s CO₂ emissions increase by more than 20% (up to 350 kt per year) as a result, while, after incorporating external emissions into the balance, a decrease of more than 460 kt CO₂ per year can be achieved. This confirms that the integration of gasification plants within industrial enterprises and clusters has a positive environmental and energy impact and supports the idea of converting low-value material to more valuable products in polygeneration plants. The economics of HR gasifier integration in varying operations under real refinery conditions remain to be explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series – Energy Resources: Past, Present and Future Role in a Circular Economy)

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26 pages, 9659 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Identifying Optimal Cell Size for Geodiversity Quantitative Assessment with Richness, Diversity and Evenness Indices

by Catarina Lopes, Zara Teixeira, Diamantino I. Pereira and Paulo Pereira

Resources 2023, 12(6), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060065 - 26 May 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1957

Abstract

The importance of quantitatively assessing the spatial patterns of geodiversity, and their intrinsic relationship with biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided to society, has been signalized by several authors, due to the relevance of this information in territorial management, the planning of environmental [...] Read more.

The importance of quantitatively assessing the spatial patterns of geodiversity, and their intrinsic relationship with biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided to society, has been signalized by several authors, due to the relevance of this information in territorial management, the planning of environmental and conservation strategies. Within geodiversity method assessments, the grid system is the most widely used GIS spatial approach to calculate a geodiversity index. Preferred for its simplicity, it implies the fundamental decision of choosing the scale of the analysis, defined by the selection of cell size, determinant for the accuracy and correctness of the final maps. Although this topic has been occasionally approached by some authors within geodiversity assessments, there is no formal procedure for cell size selection. This is a key issue, and, in the scope of the present work, an empirical procedure to select optimal cell size(s) was tested on the national scale in Portugal, in lithology and geomorphology datasets. The quantitative method based on geodiversity indices was applied, using richness, diversity and evenness indices, in a hexagonal analytical grid, through eight cell dimensions. Several descriptive statistical parameters were analyzed, with particular emphasis on dispersion statistical measures. Optimal cell size corresponded to the minimum cell size, once dispersion values were significatively reduced or stabilized, and distributions from evenness and diversity indices were closer to symmetry, which provided more accurate results and higher spatial differentiation, although the final decision should always consider the main purposes of the analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geodiversity Assessment: What, Why and How?)

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27 pages, 5046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conceptual Management Framework for Oil and Gas Engineering Project Implementation

by Pavel Tsiglianu, Natalia Romasheva and Artem Nenko

Resources 2023, 12(6), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060064 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5248

Abstract

More than half of the global demand for energy resources is covered today by oil and natural gas, and according to various forecasts, it is expected to grow 1.5–2 times greater over the next 30–50 years. This creates serious prospects for the development [...] Read more.

More than half of the global demand for energy resources is covered today by oil and natural gas, and according to various forecasts, it is expected to grow 1.5–2 times greater over the next 30–50 years. This creates serious prospects for the development of the national oil and gas sectors of various countries, including Russia. Modern industry challenges create significant restrictions for the development of Russian oil and gas resources, and considering their predominant technological nature, the key solution is the increase in internal technological potential, in particular through the implementation of engineering projects aimed at creating the necessary technological solutions. This article presents an approach to the development of a conceptual management framework that will allow for the effective implementation of oil and gas engineering projects. The methodology of the research includes desk studies, systematization, the expert method (including interviews and questionnaires), grouping, generalization, and algorithm design techniques. The results of the study showed that effective implementation of engineering projects should be based on a systematic management approach, one of which is the TRA process. This article analyzes the TRA methods, on the basis of which key project readiness indicators are identified. Based on a literature review and the expert method, the relevant readiness indicators necessary for the assessment of oil and gas engineering projects are substantiated. Given these indicators, the authors proposed a framework for a comprehensive readiness assessment of oil and gas engineering projects and developed an algorithm for management decision-making on project implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resource Provision of the Sustainable Development under Global Shocks: 2022 Viewpoint)

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28 pages, 3121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Conceptual Model for the Sustainable Development of the Arctic’s Mineral Resources Considering Current Global Trends: Future Scenarios, Key Actors, and Recommendations

by Diana Dmitrieva, Amina Chanysheva and Victoria Solovyova

Resources 2023, 12(6), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060063 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2490

Abstract

Today, the issues of sustainable development are among the most pressing ones. They are particularly relevant in the context of mineral resource development as operations in this sector always have an impact on the environment and socioeconomic development. Developing the mineral resource base [...] Read more.

Today, the issues of sustainable development are among the most pressing ones. They are particularly relevant in the context of mineral resource development as operations in this sector always have an impact on the environment and socioeconomic development. Developing the mineral resource base of the Arctic presents a difficult task, as it requires finding a balance between the growing demand in resources and the acute climatic and geopolitical challenges. In view of both the specific features of the region and the pressure caused by various trends and challenges, ensuring the sustainable development of the Arctic’s mineral resource base is highly important. In 2022, the global landscape that consists of sustainable development trends, ESG agendas, and environmental awareness was supplemented by national import substitution policies introduced in many strategic industries, which led to an inevitable increase in demand for mineral resources. This substantiates the importance of the research goal—developing a model for the sustainable development of the Arctic’s mineral resource base that will produce quantitative results and provide key actors with reasonable recommendations for restructuring the priority areas of development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resource Provision of the Sustainable Development under Global Shocks: 2022 Viewpoint)

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14 pages, 1140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Two Different Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Farming Strategies in the Sacca di Goro, Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy

by Daniela Summa, Edoardo Turolla, Mattia Lanzoni, Elena Tamisari, Giuseppe Castaldelli and Elena Tamburini

Resources 2023, 12(6), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060062 - 23 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2405

Abstract

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas is one of the world’s most cultivated and prized molluscs. Although it is usually considered a luxury product, it meets all the requirements to be included in a sustainable diet, and its production and consumption have great potential [...] Read more.

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas is one of the world’s most cultivated and prized molluscs. Although it is usually considered a luxury product, it meets all the requirements to be included in a sustainable diet, and its production and consumption have great potential for growth in the coming years. Oyster farming is a worldwide activity, with China and France as the main producers, but recently, the possibility of implementing the Italian production, mainly focused on clams and mussels, has been considered an interesting issue, especially due to the growing local and global demand. The present study has been carried out by collecting data from the Sacca di Goro, north-east Italy, the most important national mollusc farming area. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to two different farming scenarios in order to improve the overall sustainability of the process. Using OpenLCA™ software (GreenDelta, Berlin, Germany) and the ReCiPe^® midpoint (H) v.1.12 method, the environmental impacts of the traditional Italian farming technique, carried out entirely offshore in longlines, and the alternative option, in which the oyster seed pre-fattening phase was carried out in the lagoon, were calculated and compared. The results show that replacing the current pre-fattening phase with pre-fattening in a lagoon reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 12% and all other impact categories by approximately 9%. In addition, non-recyclable plastic materials and fuel consumption emerged as the main environmental hotspots. Full article

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Resources, Volume 12, Issue 6 (June 2023) – 12 articles

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