ผลงานตีพิมพ์ทั้งหมด

Integrated open Leontief model for analysis of biomass pellet demand in Thailand

Prangvalai Buasan, Boonrod Sajjakulnukit, Thongchart Bowonthumrongchai, Shabbir H. Gheewala

International Journal of Renewable Energy Development · 2024

This study addresses the critical challenge of sustainably meeting the growing demand for biomass pellets in Thailand, particularly in light of increasing global interest in renewable energy sources. By introducing an innovative approach through the integration of the Open Leontief Model, this research constructs Input-Output Tables (IOTs) specific to the biomass pellet sector, encompassing 180 economic sectors. The study evaluates the economic impacts of varying domestic and international demand scenarios on Thailand’s economy. Utilizing mass and energy balance methodologies, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the biomass pellet supply chain, from plantation to pelletization, for both corn and wood pellets. Findings reveal significant economic intersectoral linkages within Thailand's economy, indicating the biomass pellet sector's potential to substantially contribute to national renewable energy targets and reduce fossil fuel dependency. Notably, the sector is projected to require an increase in raw materials, energy, and other inputs by 3.8% in 2024 and 2.63% in 2036, following the trend of international biomass pellet demand. Additionally, employment in the sector is expected to increase by 3.8% annually under international demand scenarios and 4.6% annually under domestic and international demand scenarios. The research concludes with policy recommendations aimed at fostering sector growth, emphasizing the importance of government incentives, capacity building, and the establishment of biomass plantation communities to meet the increasing demand for biomass pellets. This study not only sheds light on the sector's current state but also charts a path forward for sustainable energy solutions in Thailand in line with Sustainable Development Goals 7, 8, and 9. Together, these initiatives aim to ensure a balanced transition toward renewable energy, benefiting both the economy and the environment.

Correction: Evaluating the Environmental Impacts at the End Point Level of the Biodiesel Production Process from Multiple Feedstocks in Indonesia Through Life Cycle Assessment Methodology

Yoyon Wahyono, Hadiyanto Hadiyanto, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Mochamad Arief Budihardjo, Joni Safaat Adiansyah, Widayat Widayat, Marcelinus Christwardana

Waste and Biomass Valorization · 2023

Absolute environmental sustainability assessment of rice in Pakistan using a planetary boundary-based approach

Awais Mahmood, Hafiz Usman Ghani, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2023

An inclusive approach for integrated systems: Incorporation of climate in the water-food-energy-land nexus index

Haseeb Akbar, Pariyapat Nilsalab, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2023

Ecological footprint, water scarcity footprint, and benefit to cost ratio analysis towards sustainable rice production in Thailand

Konkanok Jaibumrung, Pariyapat Nilsalab, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Charongpun Musikavong

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2023

Land suitability class and implications to Land-Water-Food Nexus: A case of rice cultivation in Thailand

Jutaporn Keson, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Energy Nexus · 2023

Arable land and water resource scarcity for food production to fulfill the growing demand is a global challenge. Expansion of rice cultivation in Thailand without planning increases land and water depletion especially for the low-productivity rice cultivation areas. The Thai government has an agricultural zoning policy on promoting rice cultivation using land suitability classes for efficient use of land and costs; however, there is still some rice grown on land with low suitability. The study evaluated the land suitability class implications on major and second rice cultivation in view of the Land-Water-Food Nexus performance using Chainat, a key province of rice cultivation in Thailand, as the study area. The land and water intensity indicators were calculated using a normalized approach as the Land-Water-Food Nexus Index (LWFNI). The geographic information system (GIS) tool was used to analyze land-use classification, interpolate the rainfall, and overlay the land suitability classification with the Land-Water-Food Nexus of rice. Rice cultivation on highly suitable areas has a higher LWFNI score for resource efficiency and economic value. Scenarios were considered for changing rice cultivation in marginally and unsuitable areas to alternative crops to conserve water and reduce costs. The option for alternative crops to replace the base case with major rice and mungbean scenario was the most water-saving at about 3,601 m3/ha/year and made a profit increase of about 84,106 baht/ha. Additionally, the major rice and peanut scenario achieved the most profit increase of about 302,366 baht/ha and saved water at about 2,081 m3/ha/year.

Evaluating the absolute eco-efficiency of food products: A case study of rice in Pakistan

Hafiz Usman Ghani, Awais Mahmood, Matthias Finkbeiner, Martin Kaltschmitt, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Environmental Impact Assessment Review · 2023

Optimization of food-fuel-fibre in biorefinery based on environmental and economic assessment: The case of sugarcane utilization in Thailand

Patcharaporn Pongpat, Awais Mahmood, Hafiz Usman Ghani, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2023

Water-energy-food nexus of local bioeconomy hub and future climate change impact implication

Pitak Ngammuangtueng, Pariyapat Nilsalab, Yutthana Chomwong, Patipat Wongruang, Napat Jakrawatana, Suwin Sandhu, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Journal of Cleaner Production · 2023

Life cycle assessment for sustainability assessment of biofuels and bioproducts

Shabbir H. Gheewala

Biofuel Research Journal · 2023

Bio-based materials have been used traditionally for millennia. Their use was overtaken in recent times by the discovery and utilization of fossil-based resources for materials and energy. However, concerns about the non-renewability of fossil resources and greenhouse gas and other emissions associated with their use have brought forth a renewed interest in using bio-based materials in recent years. The environmental advantages of bio-based materials cannot be taken for granted without a rigorous scientific assessment. Many tools based on energy, economics, and environmental impacts have been used. Life cycle assessment is one such tool developed and successfully utilized for the environmental assessment of biofuels and bioproducts. However, many methodological challenges, among other things related to system boundaries, functional units, allocation, and carbon accounting, still need further research and consideration. In this work, the related issues are summarized, and the directions for addressing them are discussed. Despite the methodological challenges in their assessment, biofuels and bioproducts show promise in terms of their environmental advantages compared to their fossil-oriented counterparts. These advantages can be further enhanced by utilizing all parts of the feedstock biomass, especially for value-added materials and chemicals via biorefineries.

Health Impact Related to Ambient Particulate Matter Exposure as a Spatial Health Risk Map Case Study in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Kannika Jarernwong, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Sate Sampattagul

Atmosphere · 2023

Chiang Mai has been one of the most polluted cities globally, exceeding the PM2.5 quality standards for decades and facing hazardous air pollution on an annual basis. As ambient PM2.5 strongly affects human health, this study aims to investigate the hotspots of PM2.5 and health impact areas due to exposure to PM2.5 by illustrating a spatial distribution via a Chiang Mai health risk map. The association between PM2.5 concentration and human health impact were assessed using Pearson’s correlation, focused on the peak period from January to April 2021 in Chiang Mai. The primary data on PM2.5 concentration were collected using low-cost sensors. The health impact is based on the number of hospital admissions in all incidences of diseases due to PM2.5 exposure following the ICD-10. The results showed that the highest polluted and health-risk areas were located in the center of Chiang Mai, especially in the Mueang district. PM2.5 concentration was highly correlated with the incidence of dermatitis (R = 0.84), conjunctivitis (R = 0.81), stroke (R = 0.74), and lung cancer (R = 0.73). Thus, the increased PM2.5 concentration resulted in heightened hospital admissions. The results provide insightful information for policymakers and local public health organizations regarding priority areas in resource management.

Life cycle assessment for evaluating the energy balance of the multi-feedstock biodiesel production process in Indonesia

Yoyon Wahyono, Hadiyanto Hadiyanto, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Mochamad Arief Budihardjo, Joni Safaat Adiansyah, Widayat Widayat, Marcelinus Christwardana

International Journal of Ambient Energy · 2023

This study aims to compare the energy balance of the production of biodiesel from multiple feedstocks to the production of biodiesel from palm oil in Indonesia. The energy balance study indicates that the biodiesel multi-feedstock plant is feasible to operate. The renewability of biodiesel from multiple feedstocks is 3.31 and that of palm oil biodiesel is 6.23. It is due to the fact that the energy content and demand of multi-feedstock biodiesel are much lower than palm oil biodiesel. The energy content of biodiesel from multiple feedstocks (and its co-products) is less than that of biodiesel from palm oil (and its co-products), 109,041 MJ vs 130,370 MJ, respectively. The energy demands for the production of biodiesel from multiple feedstocks and biodiesel from palm oil are 35 × 103 MJ and 23 × 103 MJ, respectively. Energy demands, including fossil and biomass, are attributable to plantation operations, including the usage of fertilisers. Plantations of multiple crops use more energy than plantations of oil palm alone because they require more fertilisers. It is not suggested to produce multi-feedstock biodiesel from sunflower, canola, and soybean since its energy balance is not better than biodiesel from palm oil.

Evaluating the Environmental Impacts at the End Point Level of the Biodiesel Production Process from Multiple Feedstocks in Indonesia Through Life Cycle Assessment Methodology

Yoyon Wahyono, Hadiyanto Hadiyanto, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Mochamad Arief Budihardjo, Joni Safaat Adiansyah, Widayat Widayat, Marcelinus Christwardana

Waste and Biomass Valorization · 2023

The nutrition-environment nexus assessment of Thai Riceberry product for supporting environmental product declaration

Rattanawan Mungkung, Sarocha Dangsiri, Prajongwate Satmalee, Vipa Surojanametakul, Katreeya Saejew, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Environment Development and Sustainability · 2023

Abstract Riceberry rice has a special characteristic of being specially bred with high nutrients. High-value added products from riceberry are being promoted targeting health-conscious consumers. To provide supporting information for sustainable food systems, environmental footprinting was applied for evaluating the environmental performance of a ready-to-eat product of riceberry rice mixed with kidney red bean called “Riceberry + KU”, developed by Kasetsart University in Thailand. Based on sold unit as the unit of analysis, the carbon footprint of Riceberry + KU was 5.24 gCO 2 e per 300 g. Interestingly, white rice had the highest carbon footprint and riceberry rice as well as the riceberry product had at least 30% lower values. However, using nutrient-based scores, although white rice still had the highest carbon footprint, Riceberry + KU had 80% lower and the riceberry rice had 65% lower values. This resulted from the highest nutritional levels found in Riceberry + KU along with the lower greenhouse gas emissions from riceberry field during the cultivation stage. Similar trends were found in the other impact categories assessed by using life cycle assessment as well. To provide appropriate information to consumers for making more sustainable food choices, the environmental performance based on nutrient quality resulting from different farming systems and processing methods should be used to derive recommendations for moving toward sustainable food systems. The nutrition-environment nexus assessment could be very useful for supporting consumers toward making more sustainable food choices.

A Critical Review of Climate Change Impact at a Global Scale on Cereal Crop Production

Ahsan Farooq, Nageen Farooq, Haseeb Akbar, Zia Ul Hassan, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Agronomy · 2023

Food security can be under threat due to climate change, which has the potential to alter crop yield. Wheat, maize, and rice are major crops contributing to global food security. The impact of climate change on crop yield with different models and techniques has been projected; this article reviewed the worldwide impact of climate change on future wheat, rice, and maize production. Wheat and maize crop yields may increase due to climate change in colder regions and may decrease in the countries near the equator. The increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere may help wheat and maize crops regarding increased carbon intake in colder regions. The rice crop yield may decrease in almost all major rice-producing countries due to water scarcity, which can be amplified due to climate change. The impact of climate change on crop yield prediction involves uncertainties due to different crop models, global circulation models, and bias correction techniques. It is recommended to use multiple climatic models and more than one bias correction technique for better climatic projections. Adaptation measures could help to reduce the adverse impacts of future climate on agriculture. Shifting the planting calendar, irrigation and nutrient management, improving crop varieties, and expanding the agricultural areas are suggested as the most effective adaptation actions in response to climate change. The findings of this study may help policymakers to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Life Cycle Toxicity Impact on Human and Ecosystem Health Caused by Pesticides and Related Chemicals in Major Crop Production Systems in Thailand

Phatchari Mankong, Peter Fantke, Tanapon Phenrat, Jitti Mungkalasiri, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Trakarn Prapaspongsa

Technical University of Denmark, DTU Orbit (Technical University of Denmark, DTU) · 2023

Land Suitability Class and Implications to Land-Water-Food Nexus: A Case of Rice Cultivation in Thailand

Jutaporn Keson, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

SSRN Electronic Journal · 2023

Operational Efficiency and Environmental Impacts of Food Service Establishments in Phuket, Thailand

Hong Anh Thi Nguyen, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Kritana Prueksakorn, Supatsara Khunsri, Jutarat Thaweechot, Pornpimol Raksa

Sustainability · 2023

The expansion of global tourism development has led to an increase in environmental burdens. This study aimed to assess the operational performance and the environmental impacts associated with food service establishments in Phuket, an international tourist island in Thailand. A joint application of life cycle assessment and data envelopment analysis was employed to evaluate environmental burdens and calculate the efficiency scores encompassing several inputs and outputs of each food service establishment. There are several characteristics of food service establishments that affect their operational and environmental performance. The results showed that location, opening hours, and surrounding conditions are key factors driving the performance of air-conditioned food service establishments, while the performance of non-air-conditioned ones is mainly decided by opening hours. However, these factors are not significant for the performance of street food service establishments. It is advised to carefully consider the characteristics of the included food service establishments based on their products and services to enhance their performance. As an effort to achieve a balanced connection between environmental quality and economic growth, it is essential to evaluate both operational and environmental performance. Attaining maximum operational efficiency does not necessarily ensure the same for eco-efficiency.

The Effect of Climate Change on the Hydropower Potential in the Kunhar River Watershed, Pakistan

Haseeb Akbar, Pariyapat Nilsalab, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

World · 2023

Climate change plays a vital role in the hydrology of any river basin, which may have multidimensional consequences. There is a need to conduct climate change impact assessment studies with updated models and scenarios. This study aimed to assess the impact of climate change on the streamflow and hydropower in Pakistan’s Kunhar River basin. Three general circulation models (GCMs), under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios (SSPs 2–45 and 5–85), the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, and the flow duration curve were used to project the change in climatic parameters, streamflow, and hydropower potential, respectively. The findings indicated that in the 2080s, the precipitation, maximum, and minimum temperatures are projected to increase by 10%, 2.0 °C, and 3.0 °C under the SSP 2–45 scenario and are projected to increase by 8%, 3.7 °C, and 4.4 °C under the SSP 5–85 scenario, respectively. The annual streamflow may increase by 15 to 11%, and the seasonal fluctuations are more likely to be dominant compared with the annual fluctuations. The hydropower potential will probably increase by 24 to 16% under the SSP 2–45 and 5–85 scenarios in the 2080s. However, seasonal changes in streamflow and hydropower may impact the hydropower plant operation in the basin. The Kunhar River’s hydrology may change from snow-fed to a rainfall–runoff river.

Material recycling in a circular economy—A systems view

Shabbir H. Gheewala

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Energy and Environment · 2023

Abstract A circular economy is expected to reduce the use of primary resources through the reuse of products, components, and materials. Material recycling, though advantageous in many cases for saving primary resources by diverting them away from the landfill, may have perverse effects when analyzed from a systems perspective considering the entire material life cycle as well as economy‐wide effects of recycling. Using the case of metals, glass, and plastics recycling, the advantages of a systems view including the entire material life cycle in analyzing material recycling are illustrated. The advantages of recycling as compared to virgin production may vary significantly depending of the energy and resource requirements during the recycling process, logistics, and alloying of materials. Expanding the systems view further to analyze the economy‐wide effects of material recycling reveal the possibility of rebound effects which may reduce or even negate its advantages. Sustainable consumption is absolutely essential along with any technological advances to counter the rebound effects that may lead to overshoot. The article demonstrates the importance of considering a systems view incorporating a life cycle perspective and economy‐wide effects in analyzing and trying to maintain the advantages of material recycling. This article is categorized under: Climate and Environment > Circular Economy Emerging Technologies > Materials Climate and Environment > Pollution Prevention

Author Correction: Association between ambient air particulate matter and human health impacts in northern Thailand

Titaporn Supasri, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Ronald Macatangay, Anurak Chakpor, Surat Sedpho

Scientific Reports · 2023

In the original version of this Article, Titaporn Supasri was omitted as a corresponding author. Correspondence and requests for materials should also be addressed to [email protected]

An Integrated Approach to Analyze the Progress of Developing Economies in Asia toward the Sustainable Development Goals

Awais Mahmood, Ahsan Farooq, Haseeb Akbar, Hafiz Usman Ghani, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainability · 2023

This study endeavored to analyze the progress made to meet the Sustainable Development Goals in terms of resource use, sustainable production and consumption, and the triple planetary crisis (i.e., climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollutant emissions) at the national and regional levels in Asia. The study highlighted that the progress toward sustainable consumption and production is still not sufficient to meet the ambitious national targets. An urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollutant emissions, and resource use has been ascertained. China’s greenhouse gas emissions have surged tremendously. India is also endeavoring to decouple emissions from growth via renewable energy. Vulnerable Pakistan seeks emission reduction and financial aid. Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam outline emission reduction strategies. Land use change emerges as a key biodiversity loss driver, stressing the need for sustainable land policies and conservation. Material consumption highlights the call for production optimization, circular economies, and innovative technology. Energy’s role in development requires decoupling from growth through efficiency, renewables, and eco-friendly paths. Freshwater needs careful management for sustainability, and international collaboration and policy reform are urged for global water use efficiency. Decoupling trends between growth, resource use, and environmental impact show a complex pattern, with the feasibility of absolute decoupling limited by growth interdependence.

Towards more sustainable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects in Magway Region, Myanmar

Cho Zin Win, Warit Jawjit, Romanee Thongdara, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Trakarn Prapaspongsa

Environment Development and Sustainability · 2023

Abstract Clean water and sanitation are essential for human development. Governments, international and national aid organizations have implemented water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects worldwide, notably in low- and middle-income countries. However, the majority of such projects experience failure. As a result, 2.4 billion people worldwide are deprived of improved WASH services. Research revealing how WASH projects can be sustained and which factors need to be considered is crucial. Despite the gap and its importance, existing studies on the sustainability assessment of WASH projects are limited. This study attempted to assess and compare the sustainability of WASH projects in Myanmar that used the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) approaches with the “Sustainability Check” developed by The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This research also evaluated the extent to which WASH projects contributed to the Myanmar National WASH Strategy. The study results show that both CLTS and PHAST project operations fully met the sustainability standards regarding accessibility and intra-village equity. Other sustainability indicators, such as water quality, use of sanitation facilities, and handwashing facilities, were at or above 85% and had already met the 2025 national targets. In contrast, handwashing practices have reached the 2030 national targets. The findings revealed that technical factors, institutional factors (at the community level), social, financial, and sanitation factors contributed to WASH project sustainability. The results also highlight the need for strengthening collaboration with local government to ensure that communities receive post-implementation support from local authorities, to encourage community participation and foster sense of ownership, to empower community-based bodies for O&M and monitoring of water and sanitation facilities, to integrate appropriate behavioral change activities, and to align with the National WASH Strategy. This study would be beneficial for WASH practitioners to ensure the inclusion of factors that support sustainability in the execution of future WASH projects. Graphical abstract

Association between ambient air particulate matter and human health impacts in northern Thailand

Titaporn Supasri, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Ronald Macatangay, Anurak Chakpor, Surat Sedpho

Scientific Reports · 2023

Abstract Air pollution in Thailand is regarded as a serious health threat, especially in the northern region. High levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10 ) are strongly linked to severe health consequences and mortality. This study analyzed the relationship between exposure to ambient concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 by using data from the Pollution Control Department of Thailand and the burden of disease due to an increase in the ambient particulate matter concentrations in northern Thailand. This study was conducted using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology considering the human health damage impact category in the ReCiPe 2016 method. The results revealed that the annual average years of life lived with disability from ambient PM 2.5 in northern Thailand is about 41,372 years, while from PM 10 it is about 59,064 years per 100,000 population. The number of deaths from lung cancer and cardiopulmonary diseases caused by PM 2.5 were approximately 0.04% and 0.06% of the population of northern Thailand, respectively. Deaths due to lung cancer and cardiopulmonary diseases caused by PM 10 , on the other hand, were approximately 0.06% and 0.08%, respectively. The findings expressed the actual severity of the impact of air pollution on human health. It can provide valuable insights for organizations in setting strategies to address air pollution. Organizations can build well-informed strategies and turn them into legal plans by exploiting the study’s findings. This ensures that their efforts to tackle air pollution are successful, in accordance with regulations, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future guidelines on appropriate practices of air pollution act/policy linkage with climate change mitigation.

Life cycle assessment and circularity of polyethylene terephthalate bottles via closed and open loop recycling

Sumonrat Chairat, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Environmental Research · 2023