ผลงานตีพิมพ์ทั้งหมด

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).

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Ukrit Jaroenkietkajorn, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Circular Economy and Sustainability · 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

Climate Implications of Using Bio-Based Materials in Tropical Buildings: A Case Study in Thai Detached Houses

Bergpob Viriyaroj, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Matti Kuittinen

SSRN Electronic Journal · 2025

Techno-economic and environmental evaluation of decentralized bioethanol production from agricultural residues in Thailand

Piradee Strobel, Alberto Bezama, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Daniela Thrän

Energy Conversion and Management X · 2025

Agricultural residues from sugarcane, rice, cassava, and oil palm amount to 25.0, 27.9, 21.5, and 12.2 million tonnes, respectively, based on Thailand’s crop production. This study evaluates the implementation potential of 71 previously proposed decentralized second-generation bioethanol (2G-EtOH) refineries through comprehensive techno-economic and environmental impact analyses, considering the blending of locally available crop residues at each facility. Bioethanol production capacities, simulated via thermal and enzymatic hydrolysis models, range from 2.4 to 2,633 million liters per year. Economically, 20 refineries located in northeastern Thailand and 3 in the southern region yielded positive net present values (NPV). Minimum ethanol gate prices, based on a net present value (NPV) of zero, were estimated to range between 0.62 and 3.50 USD L −1 , indicating that 47 facilities demonstrated competitiveness compared to conventional production. Despite variability in production scales and environmental impacts due to mixed feedstock use within the same regions, cross-regional analysis identified 34 high-potential facilities where human health impacts remained below 0.56 DALY/1,000 GJ, and net energy ratios (NER) exceeded 5.62, comparable to single-feedstock systems. Life cycle impact assessment revealed that the pretreatment stage contributed approximately 80 % of the total process-related impacts. Remarkably, in several regions, the reduction of fine particulate matter formation was significant when compared to open-burning practices, with a potential reduction of up to −168,642 DALY attributed to rice residue utilization. These comparative results offer valuable insights and practical options to guide the future development of Thailand’s crop residue utilization for sustainable bioethanol production.

Circular Economy Strategies for Agri-food Production - a Review

Abass A. Gazal, Sébastien Bonnet, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Circular Economy and Sustainability · 2025

A Blueprint for Data-Driven Climate Action: A Quantified Mitigation Pathway for Chiang Mai Using GHG Accounting and Spatial Analysis

Sate Sampattagul, Phakphum Paluang, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Ratchayuda Kongboon

Urban Science · 2025

This study develops a replicable, data-driven framework for subnational climate action, demonstrated through a case study of Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The framework integrates a comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory with spatial analysis to identify and quantify location-specific mitigation strategies. Using 2019 as the base year, total emissions were 5,387,482 tCO2e (BASIC+), dominated by stationary energy (40%) and transportation (32%). Under a Business-as-Usual scenario, emissions are projected to reach 6.35 million tCO2e by 2030, highlighting an urgent need for intervention. As a key mitigation strategy, this research conducts a detailed spatial analysis of solar rooftop potential. The findings reveal a significant opportunity: a conservative 30% adoption rate on suitable rooftops could generate approximately 2070 GWh of clean energy annually, leading to an emissions reduction of over 1 million tCO2e. Crucially, this single intervention could offset 16% of the province’s projected 2030 emissions. This study presents a viable pathway for subnational entities to contribute to national climate targets, offering a practical blueprint for other cities and regions globally to develop effective, evidence-based climate action plans.

Integrating biodiversity into the Water Energy Food Land Climate Nexus for holistic sustainability assessment of agriculture

Haseeb Akbar, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Discover Sustainability · 2025

Rising food demand intensifies pressure on resources and ecosystems, necessitating holistic sustainability assessments. While the Nexus frameworks evaluate resource interlinkages and identify hotspots, existing tools prioritize water, energy, land, and climate efficiencies, often overlooking biodiversity, a key determinant of ecosystem stability. This study addresses this gap by introducing three biodiversity indicators (biodiversity loss, mass productivity per biodiversity loss, and economic productivity per biodiversity loss) to establish a Water–Energy–Food–Land–Climate–Biodiversity (WEFLCB) Nexus framework. Applied to wheat production in Punjab, Pakistan, which is facing resource-ecosystems trade-offs, the framework employs geospatial analysis to assess sustainability across agro-climatic zones. Integrating biodiversity metrics amplified spatial variability. The northern region experienced a 6–16% decline in WEFLCB scores compared to the Water–Energy–Food–Land–Climate (WEFLC) nexus index, primarily due to biodiversity loss from intensive land use and management. In contrast, the central and southern zones showed improved WEFLCB scores as a result of incorporating biodiversity metrics. The southern and western arid regions exhibited excessive water use (> 5300 m³/ha), and the central plains emerged as greenhouse gas hotspots (~ 1460 kg CO₂-eq/ha) linked to energy-intensive practices. Productivity-adjusted metrics shifted sustainability hotspots to the north, highlighting yield limitations from multifactorial stresses. The Nexus score showed the highest sensitivity to energy use, while biodiversity per economic productivity and energy economic productivity were the least sensitive indicators. This study presents a biodiversity-inclusive Nexus framework as a scalable model for sustainable agriculture, balancing productivity with conservation to address food security and environmental resilience.

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>

Recharging the planet: The sustainability potential of second-life electric vehicle batteries

Zeshan Alam, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Journal of Energy Storage · 2025

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

A planetary boundaries-based assessment of waste-to-energy technologies for sustainable waste management in Thailand

Ahsan Farooq, Anders Bjørn, Michael Zwicky Hauschild, Nattapong Puttanapong, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2025

Environmental impacts and costs of ozone formation in Bangkok Metropolitan Region

Soe Htet Aung, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Ekbordin Winijkul, Sirima Panyametheekul, Trakarn Prapaspongsa

Atmospheric Pollution Research · 2025

Ozone formation is an important environmental factor causing impacts on human health and ecosystem. Previous research relating to ozone formation often had limited scopes on direct emissions or focused on limited sectors of cities. This study aimed to quantify environmental impacts and costs due to ozone formation caused by energy generation, industry, agriculture, residential and commercial sectors, transport, fugitive gas emissions and waste treatment in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR) in 2022. The assessment applied spatially differentiated life cycle assessment framework, quantifying impacts on human health and ecosystem using local and global factors for on-site and supply chain emissions. The baseline situation in 2022 revealed that total emissions (on-site and supply chain) were 3.97E+05 tonnes of NO x and 1.15E+05 tonnes of NMVOC. NO x and the transport sector were the main stressor and hotspot causing impacts and costs of ozone formation in BMR. Total impact scores (on-site and supply chain) were 4.39E+02 disability-adjusted life year (human health impact) and 3.50E+01 species.year (ecosystem damage). The impacts were mainly contributed by on-site activities in BMR costing 6 billion Thai Baht. Scenarios were developed focusing primarily on the on-road transport since it was the hotspot causing health impacts and ecosystem damage. The scenarios indicated that upgrading fuel technology from diesel to compressed natural gas and modification of vehicles from diesel to electric were found to be very effective for overall reduction by more than 50% on average for health impacts and by more than 40% on average for ecosystem damage. • Assessed O 3 -related impacts and costs from city production and consumption. • NO X emissions and on-road transport were key stressors. • Changing engine technology from diesel to CNG maximised benefits. • Vehicle modification from diesel to electric improved benefits. • Supply chain impacts were significant for electric vehicles.

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>

Supplementary information for a systematic review of sustainability assessment methodologies, indicators, and decision-making tools for municipal solid waste management

Bumyut, Apirak, Trakarn Prapaspongsa, Vladimir Strezov, Nazmul Huda, Witsanu Attavanich, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Mendeley Data · 2025

Supplementary information for a systematic review of sustainability assessment methodologies, indicators, and decision-making tools for municipal solid waste management, including Table S1: Data extraction form; Table S2: Framework for sustainability assessment tools; and Table S3: Data dictionary for Table S1.

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.

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

Towards environmentally sustainable municipal solid waste management in Pacific small islands: a life-cycle assessment study in Samoa

Leone Theresa Penaia, Sébastien Bonnet, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management · 2025

Life cycle environmental and economic viability analysis of CO2 utilization for chemical production in the cement sector

Adeel Rafiq, Jingzheng Ren, Navadol Laosiripojana, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2025

Modeling soil organic carbon dynamics and uncertainty in life cycle assessment of agricultural systems

Awais Mahmood, Hafiz Usman Ghani, Ilkka Leinonen, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2025

ISO 14067:2018 mandates accounting for land use and land use change (LULUC) impacts on global warming impact due to carbon stock changes in living biomass, litter, dead organic matter, and soil organic carbon (SOC). Furthermore, the SOC changes are particularly relevant for cropland-based products. Despite methodological advancements, there is still no universally agreed-upon approach on how to evaluate LULUC-related global warming impact within Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), highlighting the need for a standardized approach. This study presents a comprehensive method for assessing SOC dynamics due to land use in LCA, incorporating uncertainties associated with model-based estimations. Using the Tier-2 IPCC Steady State Soil Carbon model, the study analyzed SOC changes in sugarcane cultivation on mineral soils in Thailand. The study examined the effects of land use history across different study periods (T-20, T-50, and T-100 years), as well as the impact of land management practices (full-, reduced-, and no-tillage) and residue management strategies (100 % burnt, 100 % retained, and mixed) on SOC change. While the model study period considerably influenced the initial SOC stocks, the variations in soil organic carbon stock change due to study periods, land management, and residue management practices were statistically not significant. However, the model-associated uncertainties were found to be substantial. The distribution fit assessment revealed that CO 2 emission/removal related flow follows a normal distribution [X ~ N (μ, σ 2 )]. Our findings highlighted the importance of incorporating ∆SOC into carbon footprint calculations to accurately capture the carbon sequestration potential of soils, which can significantly offset emissions. Neglecting SOC dynamics may lead to an overestimation of CO 2 emissions and an incomplete assessment of net carbon impact. Therefore, given the significant variations observed in global warming impact, integrating SOC considerations into LCAs is essential for improving the precision of environmental evaluations of agriculture-based products.

Scaling up nature-based solutions for food security and climate resilience in wetlands: typologies, barriers and opportunities

Sujata Regmi, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Journal for Nature Conservation · 2025

The monetary value of freshwater conservation

Ukrit Jaroenkietkajorn, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Environmental Management · 2025

Assessing passenger road transport policies for PM2.5-related health impact and cost reduction

Maywalin Jumsai Na Ayudhya, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Jitti Mungkalasiri, Sirima Panyametheekul, Ekbordin Winijkul, Trakarn Prapaspongsa

Transportation Research Part D Transport and Environment · 2025

Health impacts of fine particulate matter or PM 2.5 in the transport sector are a major concern worldwide. To address this issue, it is essential to develop effective transport policies that reduce these health impacts while delivering economic benefits. Existing studies have typically focused on reducing tailpipe emissions, which may inadvertently lead to increased upstream emissions and overall impacts. This study quantified the health and economic benefits arising from various passenger road transport policies. Carpooling emerged as the most effective policy from a well-to-wheel perspective, reducing health impacts by 16,216 Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) (53 %) and generating economic benefits of 12,101 million THB. Under a Tank-to-Wheel perspective (excluding upstream emissions), electric vehicle conversion reduced PM 2.5 emissions by 72 %, resulting in annual economic benefits of 3,643 million THB. The combined implementation of these policies offers a pathway towards sustainability and reduced health impacts in Thailand’s passenger transport sector.

Bridging the divide between projected hydroclimatic variability and agricultural ecosystem sustainability through Life Cycle Assessment–Geographic Information System

Haseeb Akbar, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2025

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 integrated waste management systems towards carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability

Maneechotiros Rotthong, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Vladimir Strezov, Witsanu Attavanich, Pichaya Rachdawong, Trakarn Prapaspongsa

Cleaner Environmental Systems · 2025

This study develops a comprehensive framework for evaluating the environmental impacts of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Thailand using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The framework covers collection, transportation, treatment, and avoided product utilization, considering different cluster sizes and technologies. Four conceptual scenarios were modeled: reference, current, waste management master plan, and improvement scenarios incorporating centralized and on-site systems. Results show that landfilling and incineration are major contributors to global warming, acidification, and eutrophication, while recycling and energy recovery technologies, including refuse-derived fuel (RDF) with waste-to-energy (WTE), substantially reduce impacts. Effective strategies vary by cluster size. For large clusters, optimal integration includes anaerobic digestion, composting, RDF with WTE, recycling, and landfilling. Medium clusters benefit from composting, RDF with WTE, recycling, and landfilling, whereas small clusters are best served by on-site home composting, incineration with WTE, recycling, and landfilling. A diversion of 95% of waste from landfills, combined with a 30% recycling rate, can lower climate change impacts by nearly 200%. Sensitivity analysis indicates that reducing MSW transport distances further decreases impacts. Applying spatial differentiation in Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) and using different LCIA methods yielded consistent trends. Overall, the proposed framework supports the development of carbon-neutral MSW management systems by optimizing technology integration, maximizing recycling and energy recovery, and minimizing landfill disposal. The cluster-based approach offers tailored solutions for developing countries, significantly mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts. • Optimized waste strategies lower carbon emissions and resource use • Cluster-based approaches enhance collaboration and efficiency in waste management • Optimized technologies and 30% recycling rate enable carbon-neutral waste management • Recycling and RDF with waste-to-energy by-products are key environmental benefits • Spatial and method variations alter values, not trends

Techno-economic feasibility analysis of hybrid renewable energy system for off-grid African communities: Insights from a Zambian case study

Satnam Singh Virdy, Francis Yamba, Manish Mishra, Isaac N. Simate, Mala Ramesh, Mwansa Kaoma, Edwin Luwaya, Simon M. Tembo, Shabbir H. Gheewala

International Journal of Renewable Energy Development · 2025

As hybrid renewable energy systems are increasingly adopted for rural electrification, this study presents an approach for optimizing off-grid systems in resource-abundant regions. Using a Zambian case study, this study demonstrates actionable insights into the optimal selection and configuration of components for a renewable energy-based off-grid system designed for remote, unelectrified communities with access to solar, wind, and biomass resources. The system's technical, economic, and environmental performance was evaluated through simulation in HOMER Pro software, using various photovoltaic panel ratings (335W, 400W, and 445W), battery technologies (lead-acid, lead-carbon, and lithium-ion), and dispatch strategies (load-following, cycle-charging, predictive-dispatch, and combined-dispatch). Among several configurations, the one featuring a 445W photovoltaic panel and a lithium-ion battery operating under the load-following strategy demonstrated the lowest cost and highest environmental benefits. This configuration resulted in a total lifetime system cost of USD 3.857 million and a levelized cost of electricity of 0.1522 USD per kilowatt-hour, while reducing emissions by 99.9% compared to a diesel-only system. Sensitivity analysis, considering ±20% variations in component costs and discount rate, showed that battery cost had the largest influence, causing a 5 to 12% variation in system cost. These findings suggest that combining high-efficiency solar panels with advanced battery storage and an appropriate dispatch strategy can significantly enhance the affordability and sustainability of off-grid renewable energy systems for rural communities worldwide.

Supplementary information for a systematic review of sustainability assessment methodologies, indicators, and decision-making tools for municipal solid waste management

Bumyut, Apirak, Trakarn Prapaspongsa, Vladimir Strezov, Nazmul Huda, Witsanu Attavanich, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Mendeley Data · 2025

Supplementary information for a systematic review of sustainability assessment methodologies, indicators, and decision-making tools for municipal solid waste management, including Table S1: Data extraction form; Table S2: Framework for sustainability assessment tools; and Table S3: Data dictionary for Table S1.

Optimizing sugarcane and cassava production in Thailand via water-energy food-land-climate nexus

Haseeb Akbar, Pariyapat Nilsalab, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Energy and Climate Change · 2025

Agriculture is a resource-intensive sector and a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve sustainable development goals, agrarian economies must identify hotspots and improve resource efficiency through a holistic assessment of multiple factors. Sugarcane and cassava production in Thailand were studied focusing on the Northeast, North, and Central regions where these crops are predominantly cultivated. A comparative analysis was carried out considering three approaches: water–energy–food, water–energy–food–land, and water–energy–food–land–climate nexus. Adding land and then climate to the traditional water-energy-food nexus revealed further insights in resource use and greenhouse gas emissions. The Northeast had the best performance vis-à-vis resource efficiency for both the crops. The Central region showed low resource efficiency for sugarcane and the North for cassava. The analysis of these differences revealed important issues related to inefficiencies in water, energy, and fertilizer use. The spatial variation in sustainability offers insights for policymakers, helping them to understand the interdependencies of sustainable agricultural production and target interventions where they are most needed.

Powering the future sustainably: Navigating environmental challenges from cradle to cradle, lithium-ion batteries across global supply chains

Haseeb Akbar, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews · 2025

Circular economy models of sugarcane biorefinery towards carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability

Shwe Yie Lin, Nicholas M. Holden, Romanee Thongdara, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Trakarn Prapaspongsa

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2025

Sugarcane biorefineries convert sugarcane waste into bioproducts, requiring assessment for environmentally viable processing. This study compared the life cycle environmental impacts, environmental damage costs, and circularity of sugarcane biorefinery scenarios: a base case with pre-harvest cane trash burning and sugar and ethanol production; a modified one with improved energy efficiency; and three bioproduct scenarios producing bagasse-based biobutanol or biochar for bioenergy scenario, lactic or acetic acid for biochemicals, and cane trash-derived cellulose nanofibers or soil conditioner for biomaterials. Bioproduct scenarios assumed green cane harvesting. Life cycle assessment followed a cradle-to-gate scope, with a functional unit of 1 t of cane processed (t c ). Damage to human health ranged from 7.72 × 10 −4 to 2.85 × 10 −3 disability-adjusted life years/t c ; ecosystem from 4.85 × 10 −6 to 9.15 × 10 −6 species.year/t c ; resource scarcity from 10 to 60 United States dollar 2013/t c ; total damage costs from 2100 to 5410 Thai Baht/t c , and circularity from 0.44 to 0.52. Bioproduct scenarios, except cellulose nanofibers, had lower environmental damage costs than the base case. Biorefinery circularity aligned closely with the highest-value product in each scenario. Biochemical (lactic acid) was the best overall, with the lowest environmental damage cost and resource scarcity damage, relatively low human health and ecosystem damage, and a high circularity score of 0.5. Biomaterial (Cellulose nanofibers) was the worst due to its highest damage cost from the highest fossil resource scarcity, accounting for over 95 % of resources scarcity damage in all scenarios, and high-water consumption, despite minimum human health damage from the lowest fine particulate matter formation, leading contributor to human health damage mainly from cane burning and biomass electricity, and a high circularity of 0.52. The modified base case was slightly better than the base case across all metrics. Bioproduct scenarios increased circularity; however, higher circularity did not always correlate better environmental performance.

Life cycle assessment of agricultural systems toward circularity

Thanakon Sukuman, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Izuru Saizen, Trakarn Prapaspongsa

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2025

Agricultural systems contribute significantly to environmental degradation and health impacts due to conventional practices such as postharvest open burning and the widespread use of chemical fertilizers. This study evaluates the potential for circular agricultural practices to mitigate these impacts in Thailand by repurposing agricultural residues for fertilizer, animal feed, and electricity. Utilizing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, the environmental and economic outcomes of conventional versus circular agricultural practices were quantified, focusing on key Area of Protection (AoP) including disability-adjusted life years (DALY), ecosystem damage (species.yr), and resource depletion (USD 2013 ). The results demonstrate that conventional sugarcane and rice cultivation lead to substantial health impacts (up to 2910 DALY), significant ecosystem damage (up to 4.45 species.yr), and resource depletion costs of up to 14.9 million USD 2013 . In contrast, cassava cultivation, with its existing circular practices, shows comparatively lower impacts, including 415 DALY, 1.47 species.yr of ecosystem damage, and 10.4 million USD 2013 of resource depletion. Circular agricultural scenarios, using crop residues to produce organic fertilizers and animal feed, proved highly effective in reducing these burdens. Circular organic fertilizers reduced total costs by 57 %, while converting residues into animal feed resulted in a net economic benefit of 1.98 billion Thai Baht (THB), representing a 137 % reduction in costs compared to the baseline. The findings highlight the importance of transitioning to circular models, emphasizing the need for policy interventions, improved technology access, and enhanced farmer training to promote circular agricultural practices in Thailand.

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 · 2024

<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 CO2 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 CO2 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 CO2 emissions by 6 million tonnes yearly. Collectively, these products could offset 37 million tonnes of CO2, representing about 14% of Thailand’s total CO2 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>