ผลงานตีพิมพ์ทั้งหมด

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.

Material Recovery Trade-Offs Under Inverter-Controlled Operation of a Full-Scale Municipal Solid Waste Mechanical Treatment Line

Saw Shalton Roll, Noppharit Sutthasil, Sirintornthep Towprayoon, Suthum Patumsawad, Thapat Silalertruksa, Sakulrat Sutthiprapa, Abhisit Bhatsada, Komsilp Wangyao

Recycling · 2026

Mechanical treatment recovers combustible and recyclable fractions from mixed municipal solid waste (MSW), but full-scale performance is sensitive to front-end operation, line loading, and feedstock heterogeneity. This study examined material recovery trade-offs at a municipal mechanical treatment facility in Satun, Thailand. Four inverter-controlled regimes were assessed by adjusting the bag opener and trommel motor frequencies, giving measured line throughputs of 14.75, 13.45, 8.03, and 6.54 t·h−1. Output was classified as refuse-derived fuel (RDF), residual waste, recyclables, and bulky/loss material, with composition-based indicators of stream cleanliness and leakage. Each regime was a single short trial on waste from a different collection vehicle, without replication or input homogenization; no statistical comparison is possible, and results are reported as preliminary observations rather than isolated effects of inverter frequency. RDF yield fell from 42.06% of input at the highest throughput to 18.12% at the lowest, whereas recyclable recovery peaked at 4.95% under an intermediate regime that also returned the highest gross revenue. Residual-disposal methane generation potential was 7.78% higher under the lowest-throughput regime than under business-as-usual. Three trade-offs emerged: throughput against selectivity, RDF quantity against cleanliness, and recovery against leakage. The findings help operators select front-end settings on multi-criteria indicators rather than throughput alone.

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.

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

Circular Economy Strategies for Agri-food Production - a Review

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

Circular Economy and Sustainability · 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 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

Integrating the land–water–climate nexus approach with spatial-based sustainable agriculture production

Jutaporn Keson, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Agricultural Systems · 2024

Enhanced Landfill Mining in Thailand: Policy Implications from Qualitative Case Study Analysis

Anupong Muttaraid, Sirintornthep Towprayoon, Chart Chiemchaisri, Thapat Silalertruksa, Komsilp Wangyao

Sustainability · 2024

Limited landfill capacity and increasing waste production present obstacles for the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Thailand, where 7.1 million tons of MSW were non-sanitarily managed in 2022. This provides an opportunity for the nation to recover valuable materials and energy from landfill waste through excavation by implementing the enhanced landfill mining technique, which is consistent with business sustainability goals. This study evaluates regulatory, financial, and institutional challenges to enhanced landfill mining implementation, identifying key barriers such as Thailand’s restriction on using refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in waste-to-energy (WtE) projects, despite its higher calorific value (18–24 MJ/kg compared to 13.7–16.6 MJ/kg for fresh MSW-derived RDF). Case studies, particularly from European nations, are comparatively evaluated using a combination of qualitative analysis methods. The results of this study highlight that the potential of enhanced landfill mining in Thailand is restricted by the prohibition of the use of RDF in WtE projects, as well as a lack of financial incentives to follow existing regulations. This demonstrates that the implementation of enhanced landfill mining could be facilitated by changing Thai regulations to permit the use of RDF in WtE projects and providing financial incentives such as tax credits and feed-in tariffs. Implementing such reforms can help Thailand achieve its sustainability objectives while reducing the amount of waste in landfills and generating energy.

Towards low-carbon travel trips through carbon footprint: A case study of marine tourism in Sichang Island, Thailand

Thammananya Sakcharoen, Wilailuk Niyommaneerat, Thapat Silalertruksa

Cleaner Engineering and Technology · 2024

The growing concern over climate change has heightened the need for low-carbon tourism practices. The study aims to evaluate the carbon footprint of marine tourism on Sichang Island, Thailand. The carbon footprint assessment is set for the three travel trips identified based on the tourist's lifestyle: Route I: Merit-making trip, Route II: Nature trip, and Route III: Relaxation, Adventure, and Education. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions calculation under each travel trip covers transportation, accommodation, meals, recreational activities, and waste management. The results revealed that the total GHG emissions for tourism routes I, II, and III are 9.9, 10.5, and 26.2 kg CO 2 e/person/trip, respectively. The study has analyzed the variations in carbon footprint results based on factors including the modes of transportation, i.e., ferry rides, high-speed boats, motorized three-wheeled vehicles (Tuk-Tuk), motorcycle and car rental; types of accommodation; food and beverage menu; recreational and marine tourism activities and solid waste management practices. The major contributors to the GHG emissions of routes I and II are the sea transport, meals, and land transport on the island. Route III has the highest carbon footprint because of the accommodation required for the tour program. The obtained carbon emission factors can be used to plan and manage marine tourism activities. By comparing activities, stakeholders can make informed decisions to minimize carbon footprints. The carbon emission reduction measures and the effective carbon offset programs for the island have been recommended. • The growing concern over climate change necessitates low-carbon tourism practices. • Carbon footprint of three travel routes based on tourist lifestyles were evaluated. • The findings guide policymakers in planning sustainable marine tourism activities. • Measures to mitigate tourism-related emissions were presented.

Assessing Municipal Solid Waste Management Policies and Challenges in Thailand

Anupong Muttaraid, Sirintornthep Towprayoon, Komsilp Wangyao, Chart Chiemchaisri, Thapat Silalertruksa

2024

Waste management is always one of the significant issues in Thailand, as the data shows that around a third of the municipal waste is not treated sanitarily. Thus, the regulation framework relating to municipal waste management in Thailand could potentially be one of the challenges causing difficulties in developing sustainable waste management in Thailand. The waste management regulation was initiated under the Ministry of Public Health 32 years ago; a better-related ministry, such as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, was established 3 years later. Thus, even until now, the authorization has remained with the Ministry of Public Health. Nevertheless, the ministry that is managing the waste is the Ministry of Interior, which tends to have limited knowledge regarding environmental management. Thus, removing the limitation of the policy framework by giving full authority and reforming the Ministry of Interior could support waste management in Thailand.

Land-Water-GHG-Food Nexus performance and physical-socio-economic-policy factors influencing rice cultivation in Central Thailand

Jutaporn Keson, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

The Science of The Total Environment · 2024

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

Environmental sustainability and cost performances of construction and demolition waste management scenarios: A case study of timber and concrete houses in Thailand

Kittipat Tanthanawiwat, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Pariyapat Nilsalab, Martin Schoch, Thapat Silalertruksa

Journal of Cleaner Production · 2024

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

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

World · 2023

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

Optimizing landfill mining operations: a comparative analysis of material flow and cost–benefit assessment for medium- and large-scale sites

Anupong Muttaraid, Sirintornthep Towprayoon, Chart Chiemchaisri, Thapat Silalertruksa, Komsilp Wangyao

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management · 2023

Low-carbon municipal solid waste management using bio-based solutions and community participation: The case study of cultural tourism destination in Nan, Thailand

Thammananya Sakcharoen, Wilailuk Niyommaneerat, Bualuang Faiyue, Thapat Silalertruksa

Heliyon · 2023

Tourism expansion has led to increased municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, which can exacerbate environmental and societal problems if proper waste management systems are not implemented. The study develops a framework for implementing bio-based solutions (BbS) for MSW management in a cultural tourism destination, using the walking street in Nan, Thailand, as a case study. Four low-carbon waste management scenarios were assessed, including increasing recycling rates (RE), using food waste as animal feed (BbS1), using bagasse containers as a soil conditioner (BbS2), and substituting single-use plastics with bamboo products (BbS3). Results showed that the BbS1 scenario had the highest performance in greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, reducing 66.3 t CO 2 e/year, followed by BbS2, RE, and BbS3 scenarios, which reduce GHG by about 12.3, 11, and 1 t CO 2 e/year, respectively. However, the BbS2 scenario has an additional benefit in returning around 84 kg N/year to the soil. Implementing the combination of RE, BbS1, BbS2, and BbS3 reduced waste to landfills by about 25.5 t MSW/year and reduced GHG emissions by 90.3 t CO 2 e/year. Enhancing residual waste management is recommended, which can lead to mitigation of about 164.3 t CO 2 e/year, or 83 % GHG emissions reduction compared to the base case.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability of Insulated Roofs for Stand-Alone Convenience Store in Hot-Humid Climate

Ranee Jan, Pipat Chaiwiwatworakul, Thapat Silalertruksa

2023

The increasing number of convenience stores in Thailand impacts both national energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission levels. The typical convenience store in Thailand consists of polyethylene as insulation material which indicates that the possibility of improvements in these stores is high. This paper presents the energy, economic and environmental analysis of the insulated roof of the stand-alone convenience store. The goal of this study is to analyze the three aspects of insulated roofs with the help of a simple resistance-capacitance model which is validated by the experimental study as well as in-situ measurements. The results show a significant difference in the energy, economic and environmental performance of the roof when two different insulation materials were used (polyethylene and polyurethane). With a longer payback period and lower life cycle cost, the PU roof demonstrated reduced energy consumption and cradle-to-use phase carbon dioxide emissions when compared to the PE roof.

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

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

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2023

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

Jutaporn Keson, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Energy Nexus · 2023

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

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

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

Sustainable Production and Consumption · 2023

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

Jutaporn Keson, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

SSRN Electronic Journal · 2023

Economic Assessment of Medium and Large-Scale Landfill Mining Business: Case Study Thailand

Anupong Muttaraid, Sirintornthep Towprayoon, Chart Chiemchaisri, Thapat Silalertruksa, Komsilp Wangyao

E3S Web of Conferences · 2023

Thailand produces over 25 million tons of waste yearly, while only a third is utilized. The waste disposed of in the landfill is rarely utilized, and research on the utilization of landfill waste in Thailand is limited. The information regarding the business model and the profitability rate of landfill mining is limited and generally was not displayed to the public. This paper examined the landfill mining business of medium and large-scale businesses in Thailand. Both sites’ business operations were analyzed, and the net present value was presented. The NPV results show that landfill mining is profitable and gives more sustainable waste management. The large scale is highly profitable but requires more investment extensively, while the medium scale is easily adopted and still provides a reasonable profit. Furthermore, to understand the business operation and sensitivity of the operation, this paper uses sensitivity analysis to analyze the factors influencing business profitability. Even though the result displays that both projects are easily profitable, the large-scale operation tends to be simpler as the expense has a lower influence on the business.

Prioritizing major factors affecting groundwater stress using multi-criteria decision methods

Haseeb Akbar, Pariyapat Nilsalab, Jitti Mungkalasiri, Pariwate Varnakovida, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Groundwater for Sustainable Development · 2023

Measuring sustainability performance of rice cultivation in Thailand using Sustainable Rice Platform indicators

Rattanawan Mungkung, Saruda Sitthikitpanya, Ratcha Chaichana, Krisada Bamrungwong, Yuwanan Santitaweeroek, Napat Jakrawatana, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · 2022

The sustainability level of current rice farming practices in Thailand was assessed based on in-field data from interviewing 2000 farmers covering six rice varieties and their different production systems. Data were collected on farmers’ characteristics and farming activities according to the 41 requirements of the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standard. The SRP scores ranged from 53 to 81%, with the best performance by Khao Dawk Mali 105 cultivated in rainfed, organic production systems. The key success factors were linked to the formation of a farmer group resulting in very good performance on farm management, Integrated Pest Management, health and safety, and water use. The proposed 12 performance indicators (PIs) interconnected with the 41 requirements are considered appropriate to measure and monitor progress toward sustainable rice cultivation for policy makers. PIs for good governance, affordability of living costs, energy-use efficiency, and life satisfaction could potentially be added, considering the local context in relation to sustainable agriculture goals. The successful cases of SRP-certified rice farms and the benefits from SRP implementation should be conveyed to with other rice farmers to induce wider implementation. The SRP scores and PIs were useful to identify areas requiring priority interventions to make progress toward sustainability.

A Tier-Wise Method for Evaluating Uncertainty in Life Cycle Assessment

Awais Mahmood, Viganda Varabuntoonvit, Jitti Mungkalasiri, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainability · 2022

As a decision support tool, life cycle assessment (LCA) is prone to multiple uncertainties associated with the data, model structures, and options offered to practitioners. Therefore, to make the results reliable, consideration of these uncertainties is imperative. Among the various classifications, parameter, scenario, and model uncertainty are widely reported and well-acknowledged uncertainty types in LCA. There are several techniques available to deal with these uncertainties; however, each strategy has its own pros and cons. Furthermore, just a few of the methods have been included in LCA software, which restricts their potential for wider application in LCA research. This paper offers a comprehensive framework that concurrently considers parameter, scenario, and model uncertainty. Moreover, practitioners may select multiple alternatives depending on their needs and available resources. Based on the availability of time, resources, and technical expertise three levels—basic, intermediate, and advanced—are suggested for uncertainty treatment. A qualitative method, including local sensitivity analysis, is part of the basic approach. Monte Carlo sampling and local sensitivity analysis, both of which are accessible in LCA software, are suggested at the intermediate level. Advanced sampling methods (such as Latin hypercube or Quasi-Monte Carlo sampling) with global sensitivity analysis are proposed for the advanced level.

Comprehensive review of groundwater scarcity, stress and sustainability index-based assessment

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

Groundwater for Sustainable Development · 2022

Water-energy-land-food nexus for bioethanol development in Nigeria

Abass A. Gazal, Napat Jakrawatana, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery · 2022

Environmental Sustainability of Waste Circulation Models for Sugarcane Biorefinery System in Thailand

Thapat Silalertruksa, Chanipa Wirodcharuskul, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Energies · 2022

Sugarcane leaves and trash burning during harvesting, and vinasse management, are major challenges of the Thai sugarcane industry. Identification of the appropriate valorization pathways for both the biomass waste streams using the sugarcane biorefinery concept is necessary. This study aims to assess the environmental sustainability of five CE models, including (1) sugarcane trash for electricity, (2) sugarcane trash to biochar, (3) sugarcane trash as a soil conditioner, (4) vinasse as a bio-fertilizer, and (5) vinasse for power generation. Life cycle assessment has been conducted using the ReCiPE midpoint impact assessment method. The results revealed that all waste utilization scenarios can help reduce the environmental impacts compared to the base case. The utilization of sugarcane leaves and trash for electricity generation brings about the lowest environmental impacts due to the environmental credits from the substitution of Thai grid electricity. The utilization of sugarcane leaves can reduce impacts on climate change, terrestrial acidification, and ozone formation by about 20–104%, 43–61%, and 12–54%. Recycling vinasse as bio-fertilizer and for biogas production for electricity generation can reduce climate change impact by about 28–29%. There is a significant improvement of the avoidance of pre-harvesting burning of sugarcane in the Thai sugar industry, which has led to the big potential of sugarcane leaves biomass utilization. Recommendations to enhance the efficiency of using sugarcane leaves and vinasse are discussed. The integrated waste circulation scenarios on cane leaves and vinasses in the sugar-electricity-ethanol biorefinery shows advancement in the bio-circular-green economy (BCG) aspects for enhancing the environmental sustainability of the Thai sugarcane industry.

Sustainability assessment of palm oil-based refinery systems for food, fuel, and chemicals

Shabbir H. Gheewala, Ukrit Jaroenkietkajorn, Pariyapat Nilsalab, Thapat Silalertruksa, Thoranin Somkerd, Navadol Laosiripojana

Biofuel Research Journal · 2022

Palm-based biorefinery system has gained attention worldwide because of potentially high economic returns. However, environmental impacts also increase with the additional production. Therefore, this study aims to assess the sustainability of (1) current palm-based biorefinery system in Thailand, including cooking oil and biodiesel, and (2) palm-based biorefinery system with value-added products, i.e., succinic acid, lactic acid, bio-hydrogenated diesel (BHD), and epichlorohydrin (ECH) that represent biomaterial, biofuel, and biochemical products, respectively. Accordingly, seven palm-based biorefinery scenarios were designed, and their sustainability was assessed through life cycle assessment (LCA), net energy balance (NEB) and net energy ratio (NER), employment generation, and eco-efficiency. The results revealed that value-added production increased global warming impacts by around 3 – 79% compared with the current system. Although environmental impacts increased due to the additional processes related to the production of the value-added products, total product values also increased, especially for succinic acid, generally leading to higher eco-efficiency values. The current palm-based biorefinery system with succinic acid production had the highest eco-efficiency among all the scenarios considered. The BHD production scenario had the highest NEB and NER because the products were used for energy. Employment generation increased for all the scenarios between 2 – 86% compared with the current system.

Water-Energy-Food Nexus Review for Biofuels Assessment

Abass A. Gazal, Napat Jakrawatana, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

International Journal of Renewable Energy Development · 2021

The appropriate use of limited natural resources for generating basic human needs such as energy, food, and water, is essential to help the society function efficiently. Hence, a new approach called nexus is being considered to resolve the effects of intrinsic trade-offs between the essential needs. A review of different methods and frameworks of the water-energy-food nexus was done in this article to give a detailed repository of information on existing approaches and advocate the development of a more holistic quantitative nexus method. Assessing biofuels under the water-energy-food nexus perspective, this review addresses the sustainability of bioenergy production. The results show the countries that can sustainably produce first-generation biofuels. Only a few methods have varied interdisciplinary procedures to analyse the nexus, and more analytical software and data on resource availability/use are needed to address trade-offs between these interacting resource sectors constituting the nexus. Also, “land” is suggested as an additional sector to consider in future studies using both the nexus index and life cycle assessment methodology. The review reveals that to tackle composite challenges related to resource management, cross-disciplinary methods are essential to integrate environmental, socio-political facets of water, energy, and food; employ collaborative frameworks; and seek the engagement of decision-makers.

A Framework for the Selection of Suitable Waste to Energy Technologies for a Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management System

Ahsan Farooq, Piyanon Haputta, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Frontiers in Sustainability · 2021

Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation has been escalated at a global scale and poses drastic impacts on the environment along with many socio-economic problems. Waste to energy (WtE) technologies have been recognized to convert MSW into useful energy and minimize the problems related to it. This study reviewed different WtE technologies according to the conversion pathways, end-products, and their applications, and assessed statistical values of these technologies based on six different factors, viz., environmental performance, suitable waste fractions, capital and operational cost, efficiency, and complexity of the technology, the skillset of the labor, and favorable geographical location for the plant. The results of this review showed that biochemical and physicochemical WtE technologies are more favorable to convert organic waste, while thermochemical WtE technologies are suitable to process combustible fractions of organic and inorganic MSW. Based on the statistical review of considered factors from the literature, the statistical profiles of concerned WtE technologies were observed. Finally, a general framework in the form of a systematic scheme was proposed for the selection of the most suitable WtE technologies for a sustainable MSW management system. The recommended indicators, methods, and models in the proposed framework were selected after a detailed review of the literature published in well-known scientific journals, and reports of leading international organizations such as the World Bank, International Energy Agency (IEA), and International Labour Organization (ILO). Moreover, the databases to extract the data for the estimation of various recommended indicators have also been presented.

Life Cycle Thinking in a Circular Economy

Shabbir H. Gheewala, Thapat Silalertruksa

2020

Epistemic uncertainty and stochastic analysis in the sugarcane production systems in Thailand – Quantifying the confidence in comparative results

Asmat Ullah, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Journal of Cleaner Production · 2020

Environmental and social life cycle assessment to enhance sustainability of sugarcane-based products in Thailand

Jittima Prasara-A, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Thapat Silalertruksa, Patcharaporn Pongpat, Wanchat Sawaengsak

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy · 2019

Biofuel Production from Sugarcane in Thailand

Shabbir H. Gheewala, Thapat Silalertruksa, Patcharaporn Pongpat, Sébastien Bonnet

2019

Sustainability analysis of bioethanol promotion in Thailand using a cost-benefit approach

Piyanon Haputta, Nattapong Puttanapong, Thapat Silalertruksa, Athikom Bangviwat, Trakarn Prapaspongsa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Journal of Cleaner Production · 2019

Efficiency analysis of sugarcane production systems in Thailand using data envelopment analysis

Asmat Ullah, Thapat Silalertruksa, Patcharaporn Pongpat, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Journal of Cleaner Production · 2019

Competitive use of sugarcane for food, fuel, and biochemical through the environmental and economic factors

Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment · 2019

Water footprint inventory database of Thai rice farming for water policy decisions and water scarcity footprint label

Rattanawan Mungkung, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Thapat Silalertruksa, Sarocha Dangsiri

The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment · 2019

Water-energy-food nexus of bioethanol in Pakistan: A life cycle approach evaluating footprint indicators and energy performance

Hafiz Usman Ghani, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

The Science of The Total Environment · 2019

Water–Energy–Food Nexus of Sugarcane Production in Ethiopia

Wasihun G. Hailemariam, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Napat Jakrawatana

Environmental Engineering Science · 2019

Abstract Globally, the human population is facing difficulties vis-à-vis the ability to secure a sustainable supply of water, food, and energy due to the rising number of population, urbanization, globalization, and so on. The Ethiopian government has given emphasis on sugar and ethanol production from sugarcane, which will highly increase water and energy utilization in Ethiopia. The study aims to assess the water–energy–food nexus (WEFN) in the sugarcane production sector of Ethiopia. The set of indicators considering the consumption, mass, and economic productivity of water and energy in three different sugarcane producing factories in Ethiopia (Wonji-Shoa, Metehara, and Fincha) has been applied. An integrated indicator, so-called “water–energy–food nexus index (WEFNI),” is calculated to identify and compare the WEFN performance of the study sites. The assessment results helped to understand the water–energy–sugarcane relationships. The best nexus performance was found for Wonji Shoa, which has the highest WEFNI score that is, 0.63, followed by Fincha (0.47) and Metehara (0.45). The nexus assessment showed that the higher energy use in Wonji Shoa due to the modern irrigation technology implemented can be compensated by the reduction of water loss and productivity improvement, which finally lead to the increased WEFNI score. Recommendations such as adoption of modern irrigation system and substitution of fertilizers by filter cake are made for improving the WEFN of sugarcane cultivation. This study helps producers and stakeholders to understand their management performance and take actions to improve their productivity, profit, and resource management.

The impact of sugarcane production on biodiversity related to land use change in Ethiopia

Tilahun K. Semie, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Global Ecology and Conservation · 2019

Ethiopia produces sugar and ethanol from sugarcane as an integrated business. Ethanol production is expected to increase from 30,000 to over 300,000 metric tonnes per year in the second growth and transformation plan (GTP II) of 2020. In GTP II, the total sugarcane plantation area will be 320,000 ha. The intense acquisition of land for large-scale Ethiopian sugarcane plantations has a significant impact on biodiversity. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of sugarcane cultivation on terrestrial biodiversity of Ethiopia as well as on the global species status. Countryside species area relationship model was used to assess the number of species that might be driven to extinction because of land use. The impact was assessed by comparing the status of five taxa: mammals, birds, vascular plant , reptiles and amphibian of the same ecoregion in five broad land use type with three management intensity. The results show that sugarcane cultivation has significant impacts on biodiversity at two stages, which are transformation and occupation, with different magnitudes across five taxa in the three ecoregions. Recommendations for minimizing the impacts of sugarcane cultivation in Ethiopia are suggested including changing the management intensity from intense use to light use.

Land–Water–Energy Nexus of Biofuels Development in Emerging Economies

Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Elsevier eBooks · 2018

List of Contributors

Mercedes Ballesteros, Natàlia Caldés, María Dolores Curt, Jean-François Dallemand, Cristina de la Rúa, Rocío Díaz‐Chavez, J M. Barreiro Fernández, Uwe R. Fritsche, Benoît Gabriel, Felipe García Cardona, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Francisco Gı́rio, Israel Herrera, Maria Hingsamer, Jorge Islas, Gerfried Jungmeier, Carmen Lago, Yolanda Lechón, Paloma Manzanares, Fabio Manzini, Omar Masera, Siwa Msangi, Paul F. O’Reilly, Francisco José Domínguez Pérez, Aurélie Perrin, Mateo Prada Quintero, Robert Nicolas, Javier Sánchez, Nicolae Scarlat, Thapat Silalertruksa

Elsevier eBooks · 2018

Eco-Efficiency Assessment of Bioplastics Production Systems and End-of-Life Options

Kunnika Changwichan, Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Sustainability · 2018

Bioplastics demand has been increased globally due to concerns regarding environmentally friendly consumption and production. Polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and polybutylene succinate (PBS) are promising bioplastics with bio-based feedstocks and property of biodegradability. They are produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars from carbohydrate sources. With flexibility in their properties, PLA, PHAs, and PBS can potentially substitute conventional plastics such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). This study aims at evaluating the environmental and economic sustainability of bioplastics production together with end-of-life (EOL) options. The combination of environmental and economic indicators, eco-efficiency (E/E), was selected to investigate the performance of PLA, PHAs, and PBS from sugarcane and cassava in comparison with PP. The environmental impacts were determined using life cycle assessment. The product cost was used to represent the economic value. The E/E results showed that the environmental and economic sustainability could be enhanced with 100% mechanical recycling of all kinds of studied plastics. It is also important to highlight that mechanical recycling showed a better performance in terms of E/E than composting of bioplastics.

Land-water-energy nexus of sugarcane production in Thailand

Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala

Journal of Cleaner Production · 2018

Implications of Water Use and Water Scarcity Footprint for Sustainable Rice Cultivation

Thapat Silalertruksa, Shabbir H. Gheewala, Rattanawan Mungkung, Pariyapat Nilsalab, Naruetep Lecksiwilai, Wanchat Sawaengsak

Sustainability · 2017

Rice cultivation is a vital economic sector of many countries in Asia, including Thailand, with the well-being of people relying significantly on selling rice commodities. Water-intensive rice cultivation is facing the challenge of water scarcity. The study assessed the volumetric freshwater use and water scarcity footprint of the major and second rice cultivation systems in the Chao Phraya, Tha Chin, Mun, and Chi watersheds of Thailand. The results revealed that a wide range of freshwater use, i.e., 0.9–3.0 m3/kg of major rice and 0.9–2.3 m3/kg of second rice, and a high water use of rice was found among the watersheds in the northeastern region, like the Mun and Chi watersheds. However, the water scarcity footprint results showed that the second rice cultivation in watersheds, like in Chao Phraya and Tha Chin in the central region, need to be focused for improving the irrigation water use efficiency. The alternate wetting and drying (AWD) method was found to be a promising approach for substituting the pre-germinated seed broadcasting system to enhance the water use efficiency of second rice cultivation in the central region. Recommendations vis-à-vis the use of the water stress index as a tool for agricultural zoning policy were also discussed.

Preface

Shabbir H. Gheewala, Thapat Silalertruksa, Pomthong Malakul, Trakarn Prapaspongsa

The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment · 2017

Water stress index and its implication for agricultural land-use policy in Thailand

Shabbir H. Gheewala, Thapat Silalertruksa, Pariyapat Nilsalab, Naruetep Lecksiwilai, Wanchat Sawaengsak, Rattanawan Mungkung, J. Ganasut

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology · 2017