ผลงานตีพิมพ์ทั้งหมด

Farming System Dynamics of Agrivoltaics: A Review of the Circular Eco-Bridge on Improving Sustainable Agroecosystems

Tupthai Norsuwan, Kawiporn Chinachanta, Thakoon Punyasai, Rattanaphon Chaima, Pruk Aggarangsi, Masaomi Kimura, Napat Jakrawatana, Yutaka Matsuno

Agriculture · 2026

Agrivoltaics (AV) has emerged as an integrated land-use innovation capable of simultaneously addressing food, energy, and water challenges, yet its systemic implications for farming system sustainability remain insufficiently synthesized. This review adopts a farming system dynamics perspective to examine how AV systems reorganize biophysical, ecological, and socio-economic interactions across agroecosystems. Drawing upon agroecological principles, pathways of sustainable intensification and ecological intensification, and resource-loop strategies in circular economy, we identify the key elements and cause-and-effect relationships that shape AV system performance. Evidence indicates that the co-location of photovoltaics (PV) structures and crop cultivation generates new system properties, altered light distribution, moderated microclimates, redistributed soil moisture, and diversified production functions that influence productivity, resource-use efficiency, ecological services, and farm resilience. Using causal loop analysis, we conceptualize four central feedback dynamics: (i) PV–crop trade-offs and spatial-sharing relationships; (ii) microclimate modifications and crop physiological responses; (iii) ecological performance and landscape-level interactions; and (iv) circularity loops connecting resource conservation, renewable-energy substitution, soil processes, and material flows. This feedback collectively determines eco-efficiency outcomes, including enhanced land-equivalent productivity, improved water-use efficiency, strengthened regulating services, and reductions in external energy dependence. At the farming-system scale, AV diversifies income streams and stabilizes yields under climatic variability, whereas at the landscape scale, it fosters multifunctionality by supporting regenerative resource flows and ecological resilience. Building on these insights, we propose an integrated framework that links agroecological elements with dynamic feedback structures to guide context-specific AV design, management, and governance. This system-oriented synthesis provides a foundation for future research and policy efforts aimed at optimizing AV as a circular, resilient, and sustainable farming system innovation.

Environmental and economic assessment of circular building materials from rice residues

Tanita Cheevaphantusri, Rattanawan Mungkung, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Napat Jakrawatana

Resources Conservation and Recycling · 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

Driving Carbon Neutrality and Enhancing Material Circularity in Thailand’s rice Industry via the Bio-Circular-Green Economy model

Rattanawan Mungkung, Katreeya Saejew, Piyatida Jaieim, Tanita Cheevaphantusri, Shabbir Gheewala, Napat Jakrawatana

Circular Economy and Sustainability · 2026

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.

Waste management challenges in a tourism-driven city: scenario-based improvements towards a circular economy in Chiang Mai

Thidarat Kridakorn Na Ayutthaya, Napat Jakrawatana, Sarunnoud Phuphisith, Wichuda Pumpoung, Vongkot Owatsakul

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management · 2026

Waste-to-Energy and Potential for Enhancing Regional Energy Resilience

Wichuda Pumpoung, Napat Jakrawatana

PaperAsia · 2025

Energy resilience is essential for regions that rely heavily on external energy sources and those vulnerable to natural disasters that can disrupt electricity supply. This study explores the potential of waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies to enhance energy resilience by utilizing local municipal solid waste and agricultural biomass residues. It analyses waste incineration, which converts combustible waste into heat for energy generation, and anaerobic digestion, which transforms organic waste into biogas through microbial processes. Both technologies offer significant advantages, including reducing waste volume, generating renewable energy, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from open burning or landfilling. Together with Material Flow Analysis (MFA) was employed to evaluate waste flows and the potential for energy production. The analysis was conducted using a scenario analysis, which revealed a potential reduction of up to 45% in external energy imports with local renewable energy. The study results show improvements in key indicators such as the self-sufficiency ratio and energy resilience, highlighting the role of decentralized energy systems in making energy access more flexible and diversified while also solving local waste management problems, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviating environmental impacts. However, implementing WtE systems presents specific challenges, such as restrictions on waste collection and transportation, high technology costs, and the need to operate the system continuously.

Utilization of plastic waste in hot mix asphalt using dry mixing processes: Laboratory assessment of airborne microplastics

Thanon Bualuang, Peerapong Jitsangiam, Napat Jakrawatana, Pimpawat Teeratitayangkul, Patipat Vongruang, Chotchanit Thienchai, Pongsakorn Wongchana, Jitinun Prommarin

Results in Engineering · 2025

This study investigates airborne microplastic particles (MCPs) and pollutant emissions generated from the dry-mixing process of asphalt concrete incorporating recycled plastic (ACP). Airborne MCPs in construction environments raise potential health concerns, as prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter has been associated with respiratory inflammation and other adverse health effects. The dry-mixing method, which involves blending plastic waste with heated aggregates before adding the asphalt binder, was analyzed under controlled laboratory conditions across mixing, laying, and in-service phases. Pollutant emissions and airborne particulates were collected and analyzed, focusing on identifying MCPs through visual and spectrometric techniques. The results indicate that ACP mixing emitted more fine particles (0.30–1.00 µm) than conventional asphalt concrete (AC), significantly increasing during laying. However, in-service emissions were comparable between ACP and AC , suggesting no long-term MCP contamination. Additionally, plastic waste inclusion reduced PM2.5 concentrations by 51 % during mixing, potentially mitigating worker exposure to fine particulates, but increased PM2.5 levels by 74 % during laying, necessitating protective measures for occupational safety. Microstructural analysis confirmed no detectable airborne MCP contamination, as spectral matching remained below 80 %. While ACP exhibited a slight increase in VOC emissions, all levels remained within occupational health limits, with no significant rise in hazardous compounds. Heavy metal analysis further confirmed that ACP incorporation did not introduce statistically significant toxic elements. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of emissions from ACP production, supporting its potential application with appropriate safety considerations.

Measuring food waste national baseline and reduction strategies towards sustainable development goal

Rattanawan Mungkung, Katreeya Saejew, Napat Jakrawatana, Thanita Areerob, Supawan Khantotong, Kritana Prueksakorn

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management · 2025

Challenges and Opportunities of Bio-Circular-Green Economy for Agriculture

Ukrit Jaroenkietkajorn, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Rattanawan Mungkung, Napat Jakrawatana, Thapat Silalertruksa, Naruetep Lecksiwilai, Jittima Prasara-A, Pariyapat Nilsalab

Circular Economy and Sustainability · 2024