ผลงานตีพิมพ์ทั้งหมด

Battery Passports for Sustainable Battery Systems: A Review of Roles, Data Requirements, and Implementation Challenges Across Value Chain Stages

Zeshan Alam, Yossapong Laoonual, Shabbir H Gheewala

Journal of Climate Change · 2026

Battery passports are emerging as important digital governance tools for improving sustainability, transparency, and circularity in battery value chains. This review examines the role of battery passports in advancing traceability, transparency, compliance, and circularity across the battery lifecycle, while also identifying the main challenges associated with their implementation. A systematic review approach was used to synthesize academic, regulatory, and technical sources related to battery passports, lifecycle data systems, and circular battery management. The findings show that traceability is the most emphasized role of battery passports, as it enables battery identity, provenance, composition, and lifecycle history to be connected across multiple actors and stages. Transparency is also strongly emphasized because passport systems can make sustainability and technical information more visible, comparable, and useful for decision-making. Circularity is supported by preserving data needed for reuse, second-life applications, remanufacturing, and recycling, while compliance is increasingly driven by regulatory requirements, particularly under the European Union Batteries Regulation. The review further shows that implementation is constrained mainly by interoperability, data quality and availability, governance and access rights, standards harmonization, and confidentiality concerns. A lifecycle-stage mapping demonstrates that battery passports create different forms of value across raw material sourcing, manufacturing, use, second-life assessment, recycling, and cross-cutting governance. Overall, the study shows that battery passport effectiveness depends not only on data collection, but also on reliable data updating, verification, sharing, and governance across lifecycle stages. The review provides a structured basis for future research, policy development, and industry implementation.

Can We Produce Rice Without Harming Our Planet?

Awais Mahmood, Hafiz Usman Ghani, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Frontiers for Young Minds · 2026

Rice feeds more than half of the world’s population, but growing rice requires a large amount of land, water, energy, and chemicals such as fertilizers, which can affect the environment. Scientists use the idea of planetary boundaries—Earth’s safe environmental limits—to understand whether food production stays within limits the planet can handle. In our study, we used a planetary boundary-based method to explore how rice production affects climate, water resources, and nutrient pollution. Results showed that current rice farming often exceeds safe limits in several areas. However, there are many things farmers, researchers, and governments can do to help. By working together, we can continue producing rice while protecting the planet that grows it.

Rice straw to renewable hydrogen: comparative life cycle assessment of gasification and dark fermentation for hydrogen production in Thailand

Hafsa Mehmood, Haseeb Akbar, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainable Energy & Fuels · 2026

Agricultural straw can be utilized as a valuable resource for hydrogen production, supporting the transition toward renewable energy instead of being treated as waste.

Moving Towards Sustainability of Sugarcane Value Chain through Bio-Circular-Green Economy

Ukrit Jaroenkietkajorn, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Circular Economy and Sustainability · 2026

Integrated Water-Energy-Food-Land-Climate (WEFLC) nexus assessment of biomass utilization impacts in selected East Asia Summit (EAS) countries

Ruth Anne Gonocruz-Abe, Y. Kudoh, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Glenn Baticados, Hadiyanto Hadiyanto, Marlia Mohd Hanafiah, Rex Demafelis, Ngo Thi Thanh Truc, Souvik Bhattacharjya, Marietta Quejada, Venkatachalam Anbumozhi

Biomass and Bioenergy · 2026

Zero-Burning Strategies for PM2.5 and GHG Mitigation: A Spatial-Temporal Assessment of Crop Residue Burning in Northern Thailand

Sate Sampattagul, Phakphum Paluang, Hisam Samae, Keng-Tung Wu, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Ratchayuda Kongboon

Land · 2026

Agricultural crop residue burning is a major driver of seasonal PM2.5 pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Northern Thailand. This study quantified GHG emissions from the open burning of rice, maize, and sugarcane residues across six provinces (Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Uttaradit, Nakhon Sawan, and Kamphaeng Phet) from 2019 to 2024 using the 2006 IPCC emission methodology. Spatiotemporal patterns of fire hotspots were characterized using MODIS and VIIRS satellite data, combined with kernel density estimation (KDE) and land-use classification in ArcGIS Pro. Total non-CO2 GHG emissions (CH4 and N2O, expressed as CO2-eq using GWP100 from IPCC AR5) over the six years totaled 2,599,551 tCO2-eq, with major rice contributing the largest share (35%), followed by sugarcane (24%), second rice (21%), and maize (20%). Nakhon Sawan was the leading emitter (41%), reflecting its extensive rice and sugarcane cultivation. Pearson correlation analysis revealed consistently positive relationships between daily fire hotspot counts and PM2.5 concentrations (r = 0.30–0.84), with the strongest correlations observed in Mae Hong Son, where basin topography traps pollutants. Time-series analysis confirmed pronounced seasonal PM2.5 peaks that exceeded Thailand’s 24-h NAAQS limit (37.5 μg/m3) by 7–9 times in severe years. Biochar production via pyrolysis was evaluated as a zero-burning alternative, with an estimated annual carbon sequestration potential of 2.3–3.5 million tCO2-eq, substantially exceeding emissions from open burning. These findings indicate that crop-residue valorization options—including biochar production, composting, and biochar co-compost—could theoretically offset agricultural GHG emissions and reduce field-burning PM2.5 emissions in Northern Thailand. However, the realized mitigation will depend on (i) verification of biochar long-term stability in tropical Thai soils through dedicated in situ trials, (ii) economic incentives that offset biochar production costs of approximately 1500–3500 THB per tonne, and (iii) integration within a policy mix that combines burning bans, mechanization support, and farmer extension services. Without these enabling conditions, biochar should be regarded as a future-perspective option rather than an immediately deployable solution.

Southeast Asian perspective on supply risk of lithium-ion battery materials: Considering recycling for risk mitigation

Fahrullazi Fahrullazi, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Resources Conservation and Recycling · 2026

Beyond Forests: A Strategic Framework for Climate-Positive Development from Thailand’s Net-Negative Provinces

Sate Sampattagul, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Ratchayuda Kongboon

Sustainability · 2026

As the global climate discourse shifts from mitigation to achieving net-negative emissions, there is a critical need for replicable, real-world models of climate-positive development at a regional scale, particularly in the Global South. This study addresses this gap by conducting a detailed greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory of four diverse provinces in Thailand and analyzing the results through the newly proposed Climate-Positive Pathways Framework (CPPF). Our findings reveal that all four provinces function as significant net-negative GHG sinks. They achieve this status through three distinct archetypes: a Conservation-Dependent pathway, an Agricultural Frontier pathway, and a novel Agro-Sink pathway. Most significantly, in the Agro-Sink model, we find that in specific economic contexts, managed agricultural landscapes can surpass natural forests as the primary driver of regional carbon removal. This typology provides a new, landscape-scale paradigm for cleaner production, proposing these three archetypes as transferable, evidence-based models for regional policymakers. This underscores that effective climate action requires context-specific regional planning that strategically leverages both natural and agricultural capital.

Integrated life cycle assessment of small-scale sugarcane harvesting machines to improve sustainability

Jittima Prasara-A, Pongsit Kittawornrat, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Cleaner Environmental Systems · 2026

Sugarcane is a vital crop for Thailand’s bio-economy, yet the traditional practice of pre-harvest burning to facilitate manual harvesting creates significant environmental, social, and economic challenges. This study utilized an Integrated Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) to evaluate the potential of innovative, small-scale harvesting technologies—specifically sugarcane detrashers and tractor-mounted harvesters—to improve the sustainability of the sector across four scenarios: Conventional Pre-harvest Burning (CPB), Owner-operated Small-scale Harvesting (OSSH), Contracted Small-scale Harvesting (SSH), and Conventional Large-scale Harvesting (CLH). Environmental findings revealed that the CPB scenario contributes the most greenhouse gas emissions (25.9 kg CO 2 eq/t sugarcane), primarily driven by methane and nitrous oxide emissions from burning, whereas the CLH and small-scale options (OSSH/SSH) achieved lower carbon footprints by avoiding field burning and leveraging technical efficiency. Economically, while the CLH scenario yielded the highest net income and lowest total costs, the OSSH scenario demonstrated comparable performance and remained robustly viable even under maximum machinery price assumptions, as confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations. Socially, the OSSH and SSH scenarios exhibited the best performance with fewer "social hotspots" (subcategories falling below standard norms) compared to the CLH and CPB scenarios. Ultimately, the OSSH scenario achieved the highest overall sustainability score, effectively balancing technical productivity with social well-being. These results suggest that for farmers who can afford higher capital investments, the OSSH model is highly recommended, while SSH remains a superior alternative for those without their own machinery. policymakers should support these small-scale transitions to solve labor shortages, eliminate seasonal haze, and fulfill national Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy goals.

Decarbonization potential in Southeast Asia through hydrogen production from waste biomass

Ahsan Farooq, Haseeb Akbar, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Biomass and Bioenergy · 2026

Southeast Asia has substantial waste biomass resources that can support low-carbon hydrogen production and regional decarbonization. This study assesses biomass availability and compares the hydrogen production and decarbonization potential of two pathways: biomass gasification with steam methane reforming (BGSMR) and anaerobic digestion with biogas steam reforming (ADBSR). Crop residues, animal manure, and organic municipal solid waste are quantified across ten Southeast Asian countries, and associated hydrogen and CO 2 mitigation potentials are estimated. The results show that BGSMR consistently outperforms ADBSR across all countries, driven by its ability to directly utilize abundant lignocellulosic crop residues that dominate the regional biomass resource base. BGSMR provides a regional decarbonization potential of 4986 million t CO 2 , compared with 407 million t CO 2 for ADBSR, against current fossil-based emissions of 1681 million t CO 2 . Scenario analysis confirms robust mitigation outcomes even under conservative biomass availability. A market equilibrium assessment indicates that meeting current regional hydrogen demand (∼4 million tonnes yr −1 ) would require only about 5.6% of surplus biomass availability. Overall, BGSMR emerges as a scalable and resource-efficient pathway for hydrogen-based decarbonization in Southeast Asia.

Environmental sustainability assessment of sustainable aviation fuel production from palm oil and palm derivatives

Oscar Punguti, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Biomass Futures · 2026

The sustainability of palm oil as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) remains contested due to land use change (LUC) associated with oil palm expansion and methane emissions from palm oil mill effluent, despite its high yield per hectare. This study assessed the environmental sustainability of SAF derived from palm oil and its derivatives within the Thailand supply chain under different Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification levels and hydrogen production pathways. The life cycle assessment was conducted using a well-to-tank system boundary, including direct and indirect land use change (dLUC and iLUC). Global warming impacts ranged from 9.7 to 68.2 gCO 2 eq/MJ across all scenarios, corresponding to a 23-89% reduction relative to conventional jet fuel (89 gCO 2 eq/MJ). Sensitivity analysis showed substantially higher emissions under higher-risk forest conversion assumptions. However, the relative low baseline dLUC values reflect Thailand's specific land conversion patterns and may not be representative of other palm-producing regions characterized by high-carbon stock land conversion. RSPO-certified pathways combined with renewable hydrogen demonstrated improved environmental performance across midpoint and endpoint impact categories, while by-product and waste-based pathways showed lower impacts due to the exclusion of upstream cultivation and milling burdens. Achieving low environmental impacts from palm-based SAF production requires integrated implementation of: (i) optimized agricultural inputs, including precision fertilization and integrated pest management, (ii) methane capture and utilization from palm oil mill effluent, (iii) adoption of low-carbon hydrogen, (iv) avoidance of high-carbon stock land conversion, and (v) improved process efficiency and yield optimization.

Unlocking Thailand's biohydrogen potential: A comparative assessment of gasification and dark fermentation using a refined approach

Hafsa Mehmood, Haseeb Akbar, Ahsan Farooq, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Biomass and Bioenergy · 2026

Assessment of post-consumer plastic packaging waste flow in Chiang Mai: Challenges for low- and high-value plastic waste streams towards a circular economy

Boonyawee Boonyasaranai, Napat Jakrawatana, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Kiyo Kurisu, Sarunnoud Phuphisith

Cleaner Environmental Systems · 2026

Recycling is crucial to achieving a sustainable plastic circular economy. Like many developing countries, Thailand can feasibly achieve source separation for recycling through both formal curbside collection and informal waste gatherers. While the government set specific recycling targets for plastic packaging waste (PPW) at 50% by 2022 and 100% by 2027, a comprehensive understanding of PPW composition and management remains limited. This study examined the flow of different PPW types across six product categories and seven resin types. The analysis covered the entire lifecycle from generation to end-of-life in Chiang Mai city. Measures were also recommended to improve circularity in PPW and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Data collected in 2022 indicated that 23 ± 5% of the total PPW generated was recycled. Bottles had a higher recycling rate through informal channels, while multilayer packaging and cutlery ended up in landfills. Various resins were identified at source PPW generation, but buyers of recyclables currently accept a limited range of PPW categories, including high-value PET and HDPE bottles. Strictly promoting the recycling of high-value PPW will not, on its own, achieve a 50% recycling rate; the city also needs to address low-value PPW. The analysis highlighted challenges in current informal recycling channels and facilities in meeting the ambitious 100% recycling goal, highlighting the need for technological innovations, market development, policy tools, and strategies to support plastic circularity. Insights from this research could benefit other cities with similar waste management systems, particularly those in which informal financial channels drive recycling activities. • Examined post-consumer plastic packaging waste under the formal and informal sectors • Plastic packaging waste was analyzed into six product applications and seven polymers • PET and PE bottles were most accepted via the informal market-driven recycling route • Interventions for low-value plastic packaging waste are crucial to circularity

Comparative life cycle assessment of lithium iron phosphate and nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries considering refurbishing and remanufacturing pathways

Zeshan Alam, Fahrullazi Fahrullazi, Tehreem Fatima, Menahil Sadiq, Shabbir H. Gheewala

The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment · 2026

Comparative assessment of groundwater stress via footprint indices: Development of a revised framework with application to Yom and Nan basins, Thailand

Haseeb Akbar, Maarten S. Krol, Markus Berger, Jitti Mungkalasiri, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Water Science and Engineering · 2026

Groundwater resources are crucial sources of freshwater, underscoring the importance of comprehensive aquifer health assessment for improved management and sustainable utilization. In this study, a novel index for assessing groundwater stress, termed the revised groundwater footprint index, was developed. The new index was compared with earlier versions in a case study of the Yom and Nan river basins in Thailand. The primary strength of the new index lies in its capacity to reduce uncertainties in groundwater stress estimation by avoiding double-counting of contaminated areas, particularly in overlapping zones, and by addressing complexities associated with multiple pollutants. An earlier version known as the integrated groundwater footprint index calculated groundwater stress in the Yom and Nan river basins as 2.75 and 2.13, respectively, significantly exceeding the maximum permissible limit of 1. In contrast, the revised groundwater footprint index yielded much lower stress values of 0.69 and 0.63 in the Yom and Nan river basins, respectively, which more accurately reflected actual conditions. The novel index can serve as a valuable tool for enhanced assessment and management of groundwater resources, supporting progress toward United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6.4 (Water Stress).

From cycling to climate benefit: a perspective on redefining CO ₂ utilization for reduction and storage

Adeel Rafiq, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Carbon Footprints · 2026

Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) mitigates climate change by converting CO2 into fuels, chemicals, and construction materials. From a life-cycle perspective, CCU benefits arise from preventing point-source emissions, substituting for carbon-intensive products, and coupling with renewable energy to lower upstream impacts. However, high energy needs, feedstock costs, and capture requirements continue to limit large-scale deployment. This perspective reframes CCU beyond conventional cycling by outlining three strategic pathways: replacing high-emission fossil products such as urea to maximize substitution benefits even when CO2 is later re-emitted; sourcing CO2 from biogenic streams to create near-neutral cycles; and using CO2 as a hydrogen carrier that transports energy and enables subsequent permanent storage through concrete mineralization. Combined with falling renewable electricity costs, industrial co-location, and targeted policy support, CCU can progress from niche demonstrations to a scalable contributor to industrial decarbonization and climate-neutral production.

Multi-criteria assessment of maize value chain sustainability: A case study of Thailand

Napat Jakrawatana, Wiphaphorn Sombat, Chuanchom Nitano, Arisara Charoenpanyanet, Patipat Vongruang, Nakorn Tippayawong, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Cleaner Environmental Systems · 2026

Maize-based feed production in Thailand and the Mekong region drives deforestation, residue burning, greenhouse gas emissions, and nutrient losses, yet integrated evidence on regenerative circular options is scarce. This study develops an integrated value-chain assessment combining substance flow analysis, carbon and phosphorus circularity indicators, 100-year carbon sequestration modeling, satellite-based burned-area and particulate matter estimates, and life cycle assessment to evaluate baseline performance and four improvement scenarios, from all-compost and all-pyrolysis pathways to a hybrid compost–pyrolysis system and highland agroforestry with maize import substitution. Results show that maximizing nutrient circularity does not guarantee maximal climate mitigation: all-compost strategies achieve high P recycling and zero burning but provide limited long-term carbon storage (10% compost C stability over 100 years), whereas full pyrolysis can triple carbon sequestration by stabilizing residues as biochar (68% stability), turning the sector into a net carbon sink. Agroforestry-based land-use change achieves the highest circularity (approximately 42% C and 38% P) by integrating perennial biomass, but it also introduces reliance on imported grain and potential leakage. Overall, the analysis highlights that technically optimal climate solutions face significant logistical barriers and that hybrid, node-matched configurations of pyrolysis, composting, and agroforestry, supported by targeted economic and policy instruments, provide the most realistic pathways to a genuinely regenerative circular maize value chain. • Maximizing nutrient circularity does not guarantee maximal climate mitigation. • Pyrolysis triples carbon sequestration turning maize sector into carbon sink. • Compost achieves high P recycling but provides limited carbon storage. • Agroforestry achieves highest circularity but increases import dependence. • Hybrid pyrolysis-compost systems offer most realistic regenerative pathways.

Life cycle criticality assessment of lithium-ion battery in Southeast Asia: Evaluating source diversification and circularity strategies

Fahrullazi Fahrullazi, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Journal of Power Sources · 2026

Assessing the Effect of Intensive Rice Monoculture on Land Degradation Under the SDG 15.3.1 Framework

Nattaya Huailuek, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Agriculture · 2026

Rice monoculture systems, often involving double- or triple-cropping cycles annually, require intensive agricultural practices that can lead to land degradation. This study evaluates land degradation within the long-term rice monoculture systems of Nakhon Sawan, Thailand, using the Sustainable Development Goal 15.3.1 framework. By focusing exclusively on persistent rice-growing areas, the study minimized the confounding signals of land-use conversion, allowing for an evaluation of the trajectories driven by combined agricultural management and climatic factors. The assessment integrated land use and land cover (LULC), soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, and land productivity. Findings indicate that 83% of the original paddy area remained long-term monoculture, with LULC-related degradation limited to 4% of the original paddy cultivation area. While SOC depletion was observed in a few districts, a broader potential carbon accretion trend was identified across the province, likely driven by sustainable post-harvest practices such as stubble retention and organic amendments. Land productivity analysis revealed partial stress only in a few districts. The study demonstrated that long-term rice cultivation did not result in widespread deterioration of soil health on an aggregate provincial scale; however, district-localized degradation hotspots suffering from soil organic carbon depletion and climate-induced productivity stress were identified, demanding targeted regional management.

Social life cycle assessment of non-timber forest products in Indonesia: The case of Gum Rosin

Annisa Primaningtyas, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2025

Policy implications and recommendations for sustainable bioenergy development in Ethiopia

Elias W. Gabisa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainable Futures · 2025

Ethiopia, with its abundant biomass resources, has significant potential to develop a sustainable bioenergy sector. However, current bioenergy policies face challenges that hinder the sector's development, including inefficient resource utilization, lack of technological innovation, and inadequate regulatory frameworks. This study evaluates the existing bioenergy policy landscape in Ethiopia, with a focus on identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. The research benchmarks Ethiopia's bioenergy policies against the experiences of relatively successful countries, such as Brazil, Germany, and Sweden, to derive actionable insights. Through a comparative policy analysis, this study identifies key drivers of success in bioenergy sectors elsewhere, including supportive regulatory frameworks, public-private partnerships, and incentives for technological innovation and investment. The findings highlight the importance of aligning bioenergy policies with broader sustainability goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, and promoting rural development. The study also underscores the need for Ethiopia to adopt a more integrated approach, balancing social, environmental, and economic considerations. The study provides a set of policy recommendations aimed at fostering a sustainable bioenergy industry in Ethiopia. These include enhancing stakeholder engagement, improving financial incentives for bioenergy investments, strengthening institutional capacity, and adopting innovative technologies. By implementing these recommendations, Ethiopia can accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable energy future while addressing pressing developmental challenges such as energy access and environmental degradation.

Life Cycle Assessment of Microalgae-Based Products for Carbon Dioxide Utilization in Thailand: Biofertilizer, Fish Feed, and Biodiesel

Adeel Rafiq, Cameron W. Morris, Abigail Schudel, Shabbir H. Gheewala

F1000Research · 2025

<ns3:p> Background Microalgae-based products offer a sustainable solution for food, fuel, and agricultural inputs, presenting environmental benefits and economic opportunities. A comprehensive assessment is needed to understand their potential in supporting sustainability goals, considering the complex interplay between production methods, energy sources, and environmental impacts. Methods This study evaluated the environmental impacts of three microalgae-derived products – biodiesel, fish feed, and biofertilizer – through a comprehensive life cycle assessment. Nine scenarios were explored comparing three electricity profiles (current Thai mix, 50% renewable/50% current mix hybrid, 100% renewable) across the three products. The assessment evaluated environmental impacts and potential economic benefits of transitioning to these microalgae-based alternatives. Results and discussion All products demonstrated potential for significant environmental benefits under increased renewable energy scenarios. Fish feed consistently exhibited the lowest environmental impacts across all categories examined, showing substantial improvements with increased renewable energy use. With an annual demand of 0.4 million tonnes, fish feed could generate USD 560 million in revenue and reduce CO <ns3:sub>2</ns3:sub> emissions by 1.1 million tonnes. Fulfilling the projected biodiesel demand of 4,015 million liters per year through microalgae production could yield approximately USD 3.5 billion in revenue and reduce CO <ns3:sub>2</ns3:sub> emissions by 30 million tonnes compared to conventional fossil-based diesel. Additionally, algal biofertilizer production could meet a 5 million tonnes annual demand, offering USD 2 billion in revenue while reducing CO <ns3:sub>2</ns3:sub> emissions by 6 million tonnes yearly. Collectively, these products could offset 37 million tonnes of CO <ns3:sub>2</ns3:sub> , representing about 14% of Thailand’s total CO <ns3:sub>2</ns3:sub> emissions, contributing significantly to the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of 20-30% greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Conclusion Transitioning to microalgae-based products could transform the aquaculture, energy, and agricultural sectors, potentially supporting the national climate change mitigation goals, if implemented. </ns3:p>

Spatially differentiated life cycle assessment of Thailand's transport: The implications from country-specific factors and alternative technologies

Vitoon Chotanapund, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Vladimir Strezov, Nazmul Huda, Jitti Mungkalasiri, Trakarn Prapaspongsa

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2025

This study proposed country-specific characterisation factors (CFs) for Thailand by modifying the Thai Spatially Differentiated Life Cycle Impact Assessment (ThaiSD) method and introducing monetary conversion factors to express environmental impacts in Thai Baht. Five impact categories were fully parameterised, including fine particulate matter formation (PMF), human toxicity (both cancer and non-cancer) (HT c and HT nc ), freshwater ecotoxicity (FET), and water scarcity (WS). Other spatialised CFs were selected from regionalisation models in ReCiPe2016 and IMPACT World+. When comparing the use of country-specific CFs with global average, the impact scores for PMF, HT c , HT nc , FET, photochemical ozone formation and terrestrial acidification demonstrated notably different levels, ranging from ±25 to ±50 %. The developed method was then applied to assess environmental impacts and costs of Thailand's transport sector, encompassing freight and passenger transport across roadway, railway, waterway, and aviation. Climate change (CC) was significantly attributed to human health and ecosystem quality impacts, while the major contributor to resource scarcity impact was fossil resource scarcity (FS). In some scenarios, non-exhaust emissions, particularly from freight trucks, accounted for 40–60 % of the total PMF impacts. Environmental costs of freight and passenger transport in Thailand were 0.08–3.64 Thai Baht per tonne-kilometre and 0.01–0.81 Thai Baht per passenger-kilometre, respectively. Among transport modes, trains were found to be the most environmentally favourable option for both passenger and freight transport, while aviation had the highest environmental impact for freight transport. In contrast, passenger aviation had a comparable environmental burden to passenger cars due to optimised occupancy rates. Despite the efficiency of modern internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), particularly Euro 5 and 6, employing blended biodiesel was less effective in comparison to conventional diesel. Battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles offered advantages in mitigating CC, PMF, and FS compared to ICEVs, although trade-offs remained across other impact categories.

Implications of technological improvement and circular agriculture on environmental sustainability of sugarcane production

Aakriti Deuja, Min Hein Khant, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Trakarn Prapaspongsa

Cleaner Environmental Systems · 2025

The spatially differentiated environmental impacts and associated costs of technological improvement and circular agricultural practices in sugarcane production were assessed. Analysis of the cause-effect relationship between the key processes and substances each helped develop alternative scenarios for impact reduction. PM 2.5 emissions contributed to 92% of the total human health impacts from open burning of field residues. Freshwater ecotoxicity, mainly due to ametryn emissions from pesticide application, contributed to 47% of the total damage to the ecosystem. The environmental costs were 116% higher than the value of sugarcane production, signifying the critical importance of adopting alternative pathways that provide economic benefits from environmental cost reduction compared to the production value. Scenarios considering green cane harvesting and waste management approaches demonstrated high potential for total impact reduction of 99% and 97%, respectively, and economic gains of 202 and 225 billion THB, respectively (5.76 and 6.42 billion USD, respectively). The economic benefits of waste utilization were 137% higher than the value of sugarcane production, demonstrating the potential benefits of product substitution to help mitigate impacts. The core findings highlight the significance of the PM 2.5 impact-related external costs and underscore the benefits of adopting green cane harvesting in conjunction with on-field waste utilization to mitigate the impact of open burning and produce value-added products. Technological improvement and circular agricultural practices coupled with valuation of spatially differentiated impacts can provide useful and more accurate information to policymakers, to prioritize the implementation of mitigation strategies for enhancing the environmental sustainability of sugarcane production. • Improvement technologies for harvesting extend economic benefit of 5.76 billion USD • Circular agriculture yields economic gain of 6.42 billion USD by utilizing waste • Environmental cost of sugarcane production was 116% higher than production value • Economic benefits of waste utilization were 137% higher than production value

Life cycle assessment of Tilapia production via conventional aquaculture and aquaponic systems

Sumonrat Chairat, Sujata Regmi, H.-Y Cheng, Phatchaploy Vongmahadlek, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Aquaculture · 2025