All publications

Modeling Thailand's Municipal Solid Waste Decarbonization: A System Dynamics Approach to Aligning MSW Management with NDC 3.0 and Net Zero 2050 Goals

Nattarat Phaingam, Phairat Usubharatana, Harnpon Phungrassami

Engineering Technology & Applied Science Research · 2026

This study applied a System Dynamics (SD) model to simulate Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generation and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Thailand through to 2050. Calibrated with 2008-2024 data, the model uniquely incorporated tourism-related demand shocks and post-COVID recovery patterns alongside population, GDP, and urbanization drivers. Four scenarios were evaluated: Baseline Dynamic (BD), National Roadmap (NR), Circular Resilience (CR), and Net Zero Alignment (NZA). The results indicate that under BD, emissions reach 19.9 Mt CO2e by 2050, failing national climate targets. Meanwhile, NR moderates growth (16.4 Mt CO2e) and only CR (6.5 Mt CO2e) and NZA (4.6 Mt CO2e) achieve substantial reductions. Notably, the NZA scenario demonstrated alignment with Thailand’s ambitious NDC 3.0 target of a 47% reduction by 2035. Landfill diversion of biodegradable waste was identified as the primary leverage point, minimizing methane generation at the source. This research provides a strategic framework to synchronize circular economy policies with explicit decarbonization objectives, supporting Thailand’s transition toward Net Zero 2050.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Fossil Fuel Combustion in the Paper Products Industry of Thailand: An Input-Output and Structural Path Analysis

Kullawut Karoonwattana, Harnpon Phungrassami, Phairat Usubharatana

Chemical engineering transactions · 2026

This study examines greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel combustion in Thailand’s paper sector using Input–Output Analysis (IOA) together with Structural Path Analysis (SPA). The assessment draws on Thailand’s 2015 national input–output table, fossil fuel consumption records, official emission factors from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO, 2022), and production statistics reported by the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE, 2021). The findings indicate that direct emissions from paper manufacturing are relatively modest, while embodied emissions reveal strong dependencies on upstream sectors, particularly the public utilities and transportation sectors. The revised assessment distinguishes between direct and indirect emission intensities within the IOA–SPA framework. Direct emission intensity was normalized using total paper product output, whereas indirect embodied emission intensity was evaluated using pulp production as a proxy material-flow reference for upstream supply-chain dependencies. The resulting fossil fuel combustion–related GHG emission intensity indicators showed reasonable consistency with weighted national benchmarks derived from official TGO emission factors for paper products, supporting the applicability of the IOA–SPA framework under Thailand’s current data constraints. The framework provides a practical basis for evidence-based policymaking, sectoral decarbonization strategies, and Thailand’s transition toward net-zero emissions.

Global Warming Potential of Electricity from Sodium Hydroxide Pretreated Napier Grass Biogas: a Cradle-to-Gate Life Cycle Assessment

Phairat Usubharatana, Atitaya Kuwalairat, Harnpon Phungrassami

Chemical engineering transactions · 2025

Napier grass was investigated as a bio-energy feedstock for Thailand. Laboratory anaerobic digestion and cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) determined electricity generation’s global warming potential (GWP). Untreated and 1 % w/v NaOH pretreated biomass were digested. Pretreatment significantly increased cumulative biogas yield by up to 49 %, with 538.9 ± 22.3 mg/gVS at the highest F/I ratio. The LCA, based on primary experimental data and adjusted secondary data for the 2019 Thai electricity mix, characterized GWP per 1 kWh. Untreated systems exhibited GWP between 2.86–3.82 kg CO2e/kWh. However, pretreatment raised emissions to 7.01–8.26 kg CO2e/kWh; this was primarily due to the high emissions from NaOH manufacture and neutralization. Substituting 40 % of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer with cattle manure nearly halved both footprints, and a fully organic regime resulted in the untreated system’s GWP being reduced to 0.57 kg CO2e/kWh, which falls below the 2019 Thai grid factor of 0.599 kg CO2e/kWh. These findings indicate that while reactor performance is improved by NaOH pretreatment, climate benefits are offered only when aggressive fertilizer optimization.

Sustainable Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxymethyl Cellulose from Agricultural Byproducts: Corn Leaf and Rice Straw

Teerapong Churam, Phairat Usubharatana, Harnpon Phungrassami

Engineered Science · 2025

This study explores the sustainable production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) from corn (Zea mays L.) leaf (CL) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw (RS), two abundant agricultural byproducts. A novel carboxymethylation method was employed, using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations of 20–60 g/100 mL. Optimal conditions were determined at 40 g/100 mL NaOH, yielding degrees of substitution (DS) of 0.87 for CL and 0.89 for RS. The DS significantly enhances CMC properties, such as water solubility and viscosity, making it suitable for applications in pharmaceuticals and food industries. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of carboxymethyl groups, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed structural and morphological characteristics. Heavy metal analysis via inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) showed compliance with World Health Organization (WHO)/Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) limits, except for lead. The high purity of CMCCL and CMCRS (99.35% and 99.36%) exceeds commercial-grade standards, emphasizing their industrial potential in sectors such as paper, textiles, and ceramics.

Sustainable Production of Carboxymethyl Cellulose: A Biopolymer Alternative from Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Leaves

Teerapong Churam, Phairat Usubharatana, Harnpon Phungrassami

Sustainability · 2024

This study explores the potential of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) leaves (SCLs), a significant agricultural waste, for the sustainable production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) utilizing an innovative approach of carboxymethylation with monochloroacetic acid and varying sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (ranging from 20 to 60 g/100 mL). The optimal carboxymethylation condition was identified as 40 g/100 mL NaOH, which yielded the highest degree of substitution (DS = 0.86). Furthermore, a higher ash content in the obtained CMC indicated significant carboxymethyl substitution within the structure. The chemical structure of cellulose and the resulting polymers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The FTIR spectrum exhibited characteristic peaks of carboxymethyl groups and their salts at wavenumbers of 1588–1591 cm−1 and 1413–1415 cm−1, respectively. The analyses from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed detailed insights into the crystallinity and morphology of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The levels of heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, in the purified CMC were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and were found to be within the recommended WHO/FAO limits, except for lead, which exceeded permissible levels. The prepared CMC demonstrated high purity at 99.34%, surpassing the 98.00% purity requirement for commercial-grade CMC. This product exhibits strong potential for diverse industrial applications, including paper coating, textile sizing and printing, ceramic glazing, and various uses in the oil industry.

Development and Analysis of the Heliostat Curve Tracing Parametric Model (HCTPM) for Sustainable Solar Energy in Sun-Tracking Concentrated Solar Power Systems

Harnpon Phungrassami, Phairat Usubharatana

Sustainability · 2024

This study develops the heliostat curve tracing parametric model (HCTPM) to predict solar energy distribution in concentrated solar power (CSP) systems with sun-tracking capabilities. HCTPM uses curve tracing techniques to visualize flux distribution on mirrors and receivers, producing results that align closely with established models like HFLCAL, which use Gaussian and Tonatiuh ray-tracing methods. Simulations revealed that deviations in energy distribution increase as Sun shape error decreases, with greater impact on flux density and sensitivity. Variations in Sun disk radius caused notable deviations, especially in elliptical projections. The model’s flexibility in adjusting mirror shapes and sizes allows for the evaluation of spill losses, optimizing mirror designs for different positions. Spill loss analysis showed that larger mirrors reduce spill loss on mirrors but increase it on receivers, particularly when mirrors deviate from the north. Although total spill loss decreases with larger mirrors, this effect weakens as receiver spill loss grows. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing mirror and receiver design to maximize energy efficiency and minimize resource waste, contributing to more sustainable solar energy systems. The HCTPM model plays a crucial role in improving the sustainability of CSP systems by optimizing configurations based on Sun disk characteristics, reducing energy losses, and promoting efficient resource use.

Life cycle assessment of biogas production from mixtures of vinasse and concentrated latex wastewater

Phairat Usubharatana, Thiwawan Sakdamnoensakul, Kanchana Chongchit, Harnpon Phungrassami

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management · 2022

Environmental impacts of biogas production were evaluated by a life cycle assessment (LCA) of mixtures of vinasse and concentrated latex wastewater (CLWW) as: 1) single-stage and two-stage anaerobic digestion with different ratios and initial pH; 2) LCA of thermal energy from biogas. Results showed that almost all two-stage anaerobic digestion processes produced higher amounts of biogas and methane than the single-stage. Environmental impact was assessed for 1 MJ of thermal energy production. Two-stage anaerobic digestion produced less environmental impact in terms of global warming potential (GWP), acidification (AD) and energy use (EU) than single-stage at 64.82, 64.86 and 64.72%, respectively. Anaerobic digestion significantly contributed to environmental impact using sodium hydroxide solution for pretreatment.

Life Cycle Assessment of Biogas Production from Mixtures of Vinasse and Concentrated Latex Wastewater

Kanjana Chongchit, Thiwawan Sakdamnoensakul, Phairat Usubharatana, Harnpon Phungrassami

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management · 2022

Environmental Problem Shifting Analysis of Pollution Control Units in a Coal-Fired Powerplant Based on Multiple Regression and LCA Methodology

Harnpon Phungrassami, Phairat Usubharatana

Sustainability · 2021

Coal-fired power generation leads to serious environmental pollution, such as air and water pollution; thus, pollution control or treatment is necessary. However, end-of-pipe treatments are still indispensable approaches to reducing environmental stress, and focusing on each in turn leads to pollutant-by-pollutant features. The present study applies the LCA method to reveal the total direct and indirect environmental impacts from increasing significant pollution control units for a coal-fired power plant. From the results, it was found that increasing the performance of CCS and FGD units may result in higher overall environmental impacts due to their energy costs. Greater energy requirements result in greater global warming potential, human toxicity, and terrestrial acidification effects. LNB & OFA, SCR, and ESP units did not cause any other significant environmental impacts, while activated carbon used in the ACI unit is an additional source of indirect terrestrial acidification. Water depletion effects must be considered when increasing the use of CCS units. Policy makers can use the data from the present study to establish sustainable directions to resolve environmental problems at the macro-economic scale.

Effect of functional unit and processing types on carbon footprint and specific energy consumption assessment of Thailand tableware products

Phairat Usubharatana, Harnpon Phungrassami

International Journal of Sustainable Engineering · 2021

Thailand’s Table 5ceramic industry is one of the most important industries in the country in terms of export figures. However, production consumes a large amount of energy and raw materials, which causes adverse environmental impacts. Thus, a carbon footprint assessment of different methods of forming Thai ceramic tableware evaluated by using the life cycle assessment (LCA) as the assessment tool. The evaluation of specific energy consumption (SEC) was also conducted. The functional units were set as 1 kg and 1 L of ceramic tableware. The system boundaries included the raw material acquisition phases until the factory gate, and then being ready to ship to customers. All primary data was acquired and collected on-site through collaboration with the selected factory. The study showed that the most significant environmental impact was due to the biscuit and ghost firing processes used during the production phase, accounting for an average of 74% of the total carbon footprint. The SEC results were an average of 79 % for LPG, while electricity had a 21% share. Different forming methods did not exhibit significantly different results. Moreover, the forecasting of GHG emissions from the ceramic tableware sector by 2030 and further solution was also included in the discussion.

Environmental Impact Assessment of Thai Minced Fish Paste (Surimi) Using Life Cycle Assessment Methodology

Harnpon Phungrassami, Phairat Usubharatana

Environmental Research Engineering and Management · 2020

Environmental impacts of fishery production have resulted in increased concern and awareness. Thailand, as one of the largest global fish exporters, faces challenges related to environmental problems caused by fishery processes. Here, the environmental impact of Thai surimi production was estimated based on life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, focusing specifically on two Thai surimi products made from goatfish and ponyfish caught within the southern region of Thailand. Three impact categories where explored: global warming, acidification and eutrophication. Life cycle impacts were calculated for one kg of product using both mass and economic allocations. Results of this study indicated that goatfish has lower impacts than ponyfish for all the impact categories. Fuel consumption during the fishery phase and electricity consumption during processing were the main parameters leading to most of the considered environmental impacts. The value of Global Warming Potential(GWP) ranged within 1.3‒3.0 kg CO2eq for goatfish and 2.2‒7.1 kg CO2eq ponyfish depending on the allocation method. The acidification impact of goatfish and ponyfish were revealed at 3.2‒7.3 gSO2eq and 12.7‒39.7 gSO2eq, respectively. The eutrophication of goatfish and ponyfish were 0.7‒1.6 gPO4eq and 2.5‒8.1 gPO4eq, respectively. Sensitivity analysis of fuel consumption, electricity consumption, product yield and allocation method were evaluated.

Fossil fuel carbon taxation policy effect on thai household expenditure using input–output price structural path model

Harnpon Phungrassami, Phairat Usubharatana

Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy · 2019

Taxation levying promotes and enhances the management of greenhouse gas emissions; however, its effect on product price increases for households requires clarification. The impact of a fossil fuel taxation policy on Thai household expenditure was investigated. Carbon taxation rate was based on abatement cost. An input–output price model was applied to establish economical price structures and price changes as a carbon result of implementing a carbon taxation policy. A national consumer expenditure survey and price changes were used to evaluate the carbon tax burden distribution on each households, which have different expenditure. By using marginal abatement cost curve, reduction target is 175 MtCO2e by 2030. Results indicated that achieving the reduction target by that time is possible, although welfare losses in households were inevitable. Price increases resulting from implementing carbon taxation in each product sector ranged from 0.8 to 19.6%. Commodity price changes were largest for high carbon‐intensive sectors including Public utilities (19.6%), Nonmetallic products (15.7%), and Transport & Communication (8.5%). Welfare losses per household from taxation were around 3–4% for each group, resulting from both price changes and expenditure patterns. Highest tax burden fell on the economically inactive group that spent a larger share of their income on basic survival essentials which were heavily impacted by increased prices. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF BIO-BASED THERMAL INSULATION MATERIALS FORMED BY DIFFERENT METHODS

Harnpon Phungrassami, Phairat Usubharatana

Environmental Engineering and Management Journal · 2019

Inorganic thermal insulators are commonly used to improve energy efficiency.However, environmental and health aspects of their production until the end of life have been increasingly concerned.Agricultural wastes including rice straw, rice husk and corn cobs are abundant in Thailand and converted into value-added products such as thermal insulation materials offers a viable recycling opportunity as the ecological burden of a product has now become a widely-discussed issue.In this paper, global warming potential impact of thermal insulation materials made from agricultural wastes; rice straw, bagasse, coconut coir and oil palm fibre, were assessed by using IPCC 2007, while Eco-indicator 99 was applied to evaluate the endpoint impact.Moreover, those impact of three different forming processes including (i) hot-pressing, (ii) using concentrated latex as a binder and (iii) using mixed concentrated latex-chemicals as a binder were compared.The physical properties of the insulation pads were tested to identify qualities such as density, water absorption, thickness swelling, fire resistance and thermal conductivity.The eco-efficiency of the insulation pads was also measured the performance and environmental impact and compared with commercial thermal insulators.Results revealed that thermal insulators formed by mixed concentrated latex-chemicals had the lowest thermal conductivity, while those formed by hot-pressing had the highest.Thermal conductivity of the four agricultural waste thermal insulation materials varied between0.042-0.087W/mK.Insulators made from rice straw caused the greatest environmental impact followed by those made from bagasse, coconut coir and oil palm fibre respectively.The result of eco-efficiency of oil palm fibre insulator, formed by mixed concentrated latex-chemical, was best presented and closed to the eco-efficiency of commercial thermal insulators.

Life Cycle Assessment for Enhanced Efficiency of Small Power Plants by Reducing Air Input Temperature

Phairat Usubharatana, Harnpon Phungrassami

Polish Journal of Environmental Studies · 2018

This research aimed to study the relevant work relating to environmental evaluation associated with global warming, acidification, eutrophication, and human toxicity from the 120 MW combined-cycle cogeneration power plant through use of a life cycle assessment. The functional units of study were one kWh of electricity and one ton of steam production. The system boundary of this study comprised unit processes related to a gas turbine power plant and thermal power plant using natural gas. Input data including natural gas and demineralized water in the gas turbine process, while oxygen scavenger chemicals such as neutralizing amine and phosphate were included in the steam turbine process. We found that global warming potential and acidification potential came primarily from gas combustion during the production process, while transportation posted a minor contribution, while eutrophication potential and human toxicity caused by NaOCl was 10%. The feasible ways to reduce environmental impacts included cooling down the air temperature prior to being fed to the compressor using the evaporative method and the fogging method. The results found that the fogging method was proven to reduce global warming potential more significantly than the other method. On the other hand, the evaporative method was more effective in terms of acidification, eutrophication, and human toxicity reduction.

CARBON FOOTPRINTS OF RUBBER PRODUCTS SUPPLY CHAINS (FRESH LATEX TO RUBBER GLOVE)

Phairat Usubharatana

Applied Ecology and Environmental Research · 2018

Carbon footprint emissions related to the natural latex supply chain including farm cultivation, concentrated latex production and rubber glove processing were investigated. Data were collected from 656 rubber plantations covering six provinces in the northeast, east, and south of Thailand and three concentrated latex production plants including one rubber glove processing factory. Different allocation methods were considered to compare the carbon footprint results including mass allocation, economic allocation and allocation by dry rubber content (DRC). Calculation methods were based on life cycle assessment (LCA) and ISO14067. Results indicated that farm size had no impact on the carbon footprint of fresh latex, with the carbon footprint of fertilizer application at planting estimated at more than 90% of the total contribution. For concentrated latex production, almost 70% of the carbon footprint originates from rubber cultivation. Total carbon footprint emission of 200 pieces of rubber glove was about 42 kg CO2-eq, allocated by mass during cultivation and by DRC in concentrated latex processing, with less than 1% from rubber plantations and concentrated latex processing. Allocation methods for the carbon footprint of rubber gloves do not affect the final result but have a great impact on the upstream process.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions of One-Day-Old Chick Production

Phairat Usubharatana, Harnpon Phungrassami

Polish Journal of Environmental Studies · 2017

We used life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to assess the environmental impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from one-day-old chick production. The system boundary was set from hatching to the farm gate and involved the three main processes as parent farms, chicken feed production, and hatchery processing. The two main objectives were first to accumulate essential data for green supply chain management throughout the three processes of one-day-old chick production, and second, to identify hotspots and find a holistic solution to reduce GHG emissions within the system boundary. Eight combinations of one-day-old chick production were identified. Results determined that GHG emissions varied between 337 and 383 g CO 2 eq/day-old chick, depending on the combination. Chicken feed processing caused the highest impact at 45-55% as a result of the protein and energy-rich ingredients in the feed formulas. The replacement of chicken feed ingredients with dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS), peas, cassava root, and cassava leaves was investigated. The best alternative was cassava root, which reduced GHG emissions between 5% and 6%.

Evaluation of Opportunities to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Fresh and Canned Pineapple Processing in Central Thailand

Phairat Usubharatana, Harnpon Phungrassami

Polish Journal of Environmental Studies · 2017

This study was proposed to estimate the carbon footprint (CF) and analyze the environmental hotspot of pineapple cultivation and canned pineapple production, and offer opportunities to reduce its CF. The studied cultivation area covered 158 ha, divided into small, medium-sized, and large farms. Input data including organic fertilizer, synthetic fertilizer, herbicides, and fossil fuels were included in the cultivation process, while fossil fuels, chemicals, packaging, and wastewater treatment were included in the production process. The results revealed that the CF of pineapple cultivation was 172 g CO 2 eq/kg of fresh pineapple, with the main contribution being fertilization usage, which accounted for 58-79% (depending on the size of the farm). In addition, canned pineapple had a CF of 738 g CO 2 eq/can (30 oz.), with the main contribution being packaging production at 42%. Moreover, feasible ways to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions -such as replacing fossil fuels with biomass, using biogas from wastewater treatment as a substitute for fuels used in the factory, humidity reduction in fossil fuels used in steam production, and introducing packaging from recycled cans -were all taken into account in this study.

ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT ANALYSIS OF CANNED SWEET CORN

Phairat Usubharatana, Harnpon Phungrassami

Journal of Ecological Engineering · 2016

There has been a notable increase in both consumer knowledge and awareness regarding the ecological benefits of green products and services. Manufacturers now pay more attention to green, environmentally friendly production processes. Two significant tools that can facilitate such a goal are life cycle assessment (LCA) and ecological footprint (EF). This study aimed to analyse and determine the damage to the environment, focusing on the canned fruit and vegetable processing. Canned sweet corn (340 g) was selected for the case study. All inputs and outputs associated with the product system boundary were collected through field surveys. The acquired inventory was then analysed and evaluated using both LCA and EF methodology. The results were converted into an area of biologically productive land and presented as global hectares (gha). The ecological footprint of one can of sweet corn was calculated as 6.51E-04 gha. The three factors with the highest impact on ecological footprint value were the corn kernels used in the process, the packaging and steam, equivalent to 2.93E-04 gha, 1.19E-04 gha and 1.17E-04 gha respectively. To promote the sustainable development, the company should develop new technology or utilize better management techniques to reduce the ecological footprint of canned food production.

Greenhouse Gas Emission in the Chicken Feed Industry Using Life Cycle Considerations: Thailand Case Study

Phairat Usubharatana, Harnpon Phungrassami

JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING OF JAPAN · 2016

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has become more widely and internationally accepted around the world, including in Thailand. The objective of this study is to calculate and identify the amount of greenhouse gas emission in order to provide an environmental profile for the broiler industry. In this study, LCA methodology was applied to chicken feed production for 12 different formulas from 3 participating factories in Thailand. The results of the study reveal that producing one kilogram of chicken feed requires 0.12–0.36 MJ of energy consumption, both in electricity and fuel. In terms of greenhouse gases, the results show the emission of 374–473 gCO2eq for broiler feed and 408–454 gCO2eq for parent feed. Energy-rich and protein-rich ingredients are the main contributors to the greenhouse gas effect, accounting for 87–96%. Those used in a factory, such as electricity, water and fuel, are less significantly impactful, or 3–11% of total greenhouse gases on average for all formulas. Grain transportation is also not a prominent contributor to the impact, accounting for less than 3% of total greenhouse gases. This is because the grains are produced domestically in Thailand. Feasible options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include the replacement of soybeans—a conventional, protein-rich ingredient and the replacement of corn—a typically energy-rich ingredient. The results show that GHGs reduces by 1.67–6.96% when 20% of the soybeans are replaced by cassava leaves and by 12.80–22.77% when replacing 50% of the corn with cassava roots.

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF THE STRAW MUSHROOM PRODUCTION

Phairat Usubharatana

Applied Ecology and Environmental Research · 2016

The life cycle assessment of a product (LCA) is a tool to calculate the quantity of environmental emissions from each production unit throughout the whole life cycle of a specific product starting from raw material extraction, manufacturing, use and distribution to the final disposal. This tool becomes increasingly more necessary to consumers as information pertaining to environmental impacts which partially supports their purchasing decisions in Thailand. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the environmental impacts of SMEs straw mushroom production with three different formulas including the soybean hull formula, rapeseed hull formula and the cassava peel formula. The functional unit was set at 1 kg of the straw mushroom at the farm gate. The inventory data was collected from a farm in Nakornsawan province, Thailand. The environmental impacts were dominated by global warming, eutrophication and acidification. Results were compared with environmental impacts of a straw mushroom production by using the rapeseed hull formula and the cassava peel formula with a soybean hull as the conventional method. Results indicated that the straw mushroom production with a cassava peel had the lowest environmental impacts. The comparison in terms of global warming impact of three formulas were 1.6 kgCO 2 e for the soybean hull formula, 5.4 kgCO 2 e for the rapeseed hull formula and 0.8 kgCO 2 e for the cassava peel formula. The acidification impact of the soybean hull, cassava peel and the rapeseed hull were revealed at 13.5 gSO 2 e, 8.3 gSO 2 e and 23.9 gSO 2 e, respectively. The eutrophication impact of the soybean hull, cassava peel and the rapeseed hull were 10.0 gPO 4 3-e, 1.9 gPO 4 3-e and 42.5 gPO 4

Carbon Footprint of Cassava Starch Production in North-Eastern Thailand

Phairat Usubharatana, Harnpon Phungrassami

Procedia CIRP · 2015

Carbon footprint was calculated for cassava starch product in Thailand. Objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the global warming impacts of cassava starch production in 3 factories located in North-Eastern Thailand. The system boundary was defined from cradle to factory gate, starting from cassava cultivation and harvesting until cassava starch production by using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology based on ISO 14040 series. The selected functional unit was 1,000 kg of dry native starch, excluding packaging. Input and output data were analyzed and results were shown in terms of global warming potential (GWP) impact categories. The average greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission value based on LCA methodology of 3 factories was 594 kgCO2e per one ton of dry native starch. The results indicated that the cultivation and harvesting procedure was the major source emitting GHGs, around 40-59% of the total, if the factory used the biogas from wastewater treatment plant. Based on this result, the estimated total GHGs emission of cassava starch production in Thailand in the year 2013 was a total of approximately 10,500 million tons of CO2e.

จดการทรพยากรนำอยางยงยนดวย Water footprint ในอตสาหกรรมอาหารเพอการสงออก ป 2558

ไพรัช อุศุภรัตน์, Phairat Usubharatana

2015

Life cycle assessment and eco-efficiency of para-rubber wood production in Thailand.

Harnpon Phungrassami, Phairat Usubharatana

Polish Journal of Environmental Studies · 2015

Carbon Footprint of Concentrated Latex: A Case Study in Southern Thailand

Phairat Usubharatana, Harnpon Phungrassami

Journal of selçuk üniversity natural and applied science · 2014

Natural rubber latex comes from rubber tree usually contains between 30-40% rubber, the other 60-70% being mainly water [1]. Centrifugation is a simple way to concentrate suspensions in liquids. The result is concentrated latex containing about 60% rubber [1]. Mostly the rubber produced in Thailand is used for automotives, gloves, rubber bands and elastic. Thailand covers the natural rubber plantation area of 18.7 million rai (2.992 million hectares), of which mature area is 13.81 million rai (2.2096 million hectares). In 2013, the annual rubber output is expected to reach 3.86 million tons, of which 13% is domestically consumed, 83% is exported in the form of primary processing products [2]. Green markets and green products are increasingly concerned in Thailand market. Therefore this paper aims to investigation of the carbon footprint associated with concentrated latex. The use of fertilizer, chemical, fuels data during cultivation of rubber tree were collected from questionnaires and field surveys. Life cycle inventories of concentrated latex processing were included. One year collected data at different two concentrated latex manufacturers were used to determine the carbon footprint of concentrated latex. Dry rubber content (DRC) was used as the allocation method in the concentrated latex processing. The DRC allocation was range from 86.6% to 99.9% of intermediate product during the processing. Results show that the carbon footprint of natural latex cultivation and concentrated latex processing were from 0.0136 kgCO 2 e to 0.0170 kgCO 2 e per 1 kg of natural latex (wet weight). The main contribution is the fertilizer but different type of fertilizer. and total carbon footprint were from 82.3 kg CO 2 e to 93.9 kg CO 2 e per 1 kg of concentrated latex .

โครงการจดการทรพยากรนำอยางยงยนดวย Water Footprint ในอตสาหกรรมอาหารเพอการสงออก ป 2557

ไพรัช อุศุภรัตน์, Phairat Usubharatana

2014