Environmental Sustainability
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Browsing Environmental Sustainability by Subject "30 Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences"
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Item Open Access Anaerobic microbial core for municipal wastewater treatment — the sustainable platform for resource recovery(Elsevier, 2025-08-01) Conall Holohan, B.; Trego, Anna; Keating, Ciara; Bressani-Ribeiro, Thiago; Chernicharo, Carlos L.; Daigger, Glen; Galdi, Stephen M.; Knörle, Ulrich; Paissoni, Eleonora; Robles, Angel; Rogalla, Frank; Shin, Chungheon; Soares, Ana; Smith, Adam L.; Szczuka, Aleksandra; Hughes, Dermot; O’Flaherty, VincentThe requirement for carbon neutrality and bioresource recovery has shifted our views on water treatment from health and pollution avoidance to one of sustainability with water and nutrient circularity. Despite progress, the current process of wastewater treatment is linear, based on core aerobic microbiology, which is unlikely to be carbon neutral due to its large use of energy and production of waste sludge. Here, we outline a shift from aerobic to anaerobic microbiology at the core of wastewater treatment and resource recovery, illustrating the state-of-the-art technologies available for this paradigm shift. Anaerobic metabolism primarily offers the benefit of minimal energy input (up to 50% reduction) and minimal biomass production, resulting in up to 95% less waste sludge compared with aerobic treatment, which is increasingly attractive, given dialogue surrounding emerging contaminants in biosolids. Recent innovative research solutions have made ambient (mainstream) anaerobic treatment a ready substitute for the aerobic processes for municipal wastewater in temperate regions. Moreover, utilising anaerobic treatment as the core carbon removal step allows for more biological downstream resource recovery with several opportunities to couple the process with (anaerobic) nitrogen and phosphorus recovery, namely, potential mainstream anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) and methane oxidation (N-DAMO). Furthermore, these technologies can be mixed and matched with membranes and ion-exchange systems, high-value biochemical production, and/or water reuse installations. As such, we propose the reconfiguration of the wastewater treatment plant of the futurewith anaerobic microbiology. Mainstream anaerobic treatment at the core of a truly sustainable platform for modern municipal wastewater treatment, facilitating circular economy and net-zero carbon goals.Item Open Access Artificial intelligence for prediction of shelf-life of various food products: recent advances and ongoing challenges(Elsevier, 2025-05-01) Rashvand, Mahdi; Ren, Yuqiao; Sun, Da-Wen; Senge, Julia; Krupitzer, Christian; Fadiji, Tobi; Miró, Marta Sanzo; Shenfield, Alex; Watson, Nicholas J.; Zhang, HongweiBackground: Accurate estimation of shelf-life is essential to maintain food safety, reduce wastage, and improve supply chain efficiency. Traditional methods such as microbial and chemical analysis, and sensory evaluation provide reproducible results but require time and labor and may not be suitable for real-time or high-throughput applications. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with advanced analysis techniques offers a suitable alternative for rapid, data-driven estimation of shelf-life in dynamic storage environments. Approach and scope: The current review assesses the application of AI-based techniques such as machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and hybrid approaches in food product shelf life prediction. This study highlights how AI can be utilized to examine data from non-destructive testing methods like hyperspectral imaging, spectroscopy, machine vision, and electronic sensors to enhance predictive performance. The review also describes how AI-based techniques contribute to managing food quality, reduce economic losses, and enhance sustainability by ensuring optimized food distribution and reducing waste. Key findings and conclusions: AI techniques overcome conventional techniques by considering intricate, multi-sourced information capturing microbiological, biochemical, and environmental factors influencing food spoilage. Meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and beverage case studies illustrate AI techniques' superiority in real-time monitoring and quality assessment. It also identifies limitations such as data availability, model generalizability, and computational cost, constraining extensive applications. Cloud and Internet of Things (IoT) platform integration into future applications has to be considered to enable real-time decision-making and adaptive modeling. AI can be a paradigm-changing tool in food industries with intelligent, scalable, and low-cost interventions in food safety, waste reduction, and sustainability.Item Open Access Artificial intelligence-driven innovation in Ganoderma spp.: potentialities of their bioactive compounds as functional foods(Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), 2025) Khanal, Sonali; Sharma, Aman; Pillai, Manjusha; Thakur, Pratibha; Tapwal, Ashwani; Kumar, Vinod; Verma, Rachna; Kumar, DineshGanoderma spp., which are essential decomposers of lignified plant materials, can affect trees in both wild and cultivated settings. These fungi have garnered significant global interest owing to their potential to combat several chronic, complicated, and infectious diseases. As technology progresses, researchers are progressively employing artificial intelligence (AI) for studying various fungal strains. This novel approach has the potential to accelerate the knowledge and application of Ganoderma spp. in the food industry. The development of extensive Ganoderma databases has markedly expedited research on them by enhancing access to information on bioactive components of Ganoderma and promoting collaboration with the food sector. Progress in AI techniques and enhanced database quality have further advanced AI applications in Ganoderma research. Techniques such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning employing various methods, including support vector machines (SVMs), Bayesian networks, artificial neural networks (ANNs), random forests (RFs), and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), are propelling these advancements. Although AI possesses the capacity to transform Ganoderma research by tackling significant difficulties, continuous investment in research, data dissemination, and interdisciplinary collaboration are necessary. AI could facilitate the development of customized functional food products by discerning patterns and correlations in customer data, resulting in more specific and accurate solutions. Thus, the future of AI in Ganoderma research looks auspicious, presenting prospects for ongoing advancement and innovation in this domain.Item Open Access Atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus effectively reduce cyclopiazonic acid in a sorghum-based matrix under simulated abiotic stress conditions(Oxford University Press (OUP), 2025-05-15) Sharma, Vanshika; Cervini, Carla; Verheecke-Vaessen, Carol; Bandyopadhyay, Ranajit; Medina, Angel; Ortega-Beltran, Alejandro; Magan, NareshMaize, groundnut, and sorghum are important staple crops in several countries, but are prone to mycotoxin contamination. In the tropics and subtropics, Aspergillus flavus frequently contaminates those crops with aflatoxins and, sometimes, with cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). However, some genotypes cannot produce one or both toxins. In various countries, atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus are formulated into biocontrol products for field use to outcompete aflatoxin producers. The products effectively limit aflatoxin but their utility to reduce CPA remains unexplored. The abilities of four atoxigenic isolates (AF-) from Burkina Faso to control CPA by an isolate with high capacity to produce aflatoxins (AF+) and CPA was tested in co-inoculations at varying ratios (100+, 75+/25-, 50+/50-, 25+/75-, 100-), under simulated abiotic stress conditions. Experiments were conducted on 2% sorghum-based media at 0.95 and 0.90 water activity (aw), at 30°C and 37°C, for 12 days. CPA was quantified using LC-MS/MS. CPA concentrations gradually decreased as the proportion of atoxigenic isolates increased, with effectiveness varying depending on the environmental conditions.Item Open Access Circular bioeconomy and sustainable food systems: what are the possible mechanisms?(Elsevier, 2025-07-01) Nguyen, Thi Hoa; Wang, Xinfang; Utomo, Dhanan; Gage, Ewan; Xu, BingThe circular bioeconomy has emerged as a promising pathway for sustainable development, yet its specific role in fostering sustainable food systems remains underexplored. To our best knowledge, this study is the first systematic review to examine how the circular bioeconomy contributes to sustainable food practices. Using content analysis of 111 academic papers from SCOPUS database, we identify key mechanisms through which the circular bioeconomy enhances food safety and security. These include the development of innovative food products manufactured from bio-resources, the extension of product life through utilizing biodegradable films and bio-based compounds, and the improvement of food safety via sustainable packaging. Additionally, circular bioeconomy practices increase agricultural productivity by enhancing crop yields. From a corporate perspective, they optimize resource use, boost profitability, and generate new revenue streams from waste. Socially, these practices improve stakeholder wellbeing and generate employment opportunities. Environmentally, they support natural capital regeneration, reduce ecological footprints, and promote the sustainable use of resources. Despite these benefits, significant research gaps remain, particularly regarding the cross-sectoral relationships and multi-level impacts of circular bioeconomy practices. This study provides actionable implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers, emphasizing regulatory development, strategic decision making, and future research on corporate-level impacts.Item Open Access Comment on ‘Estimating methane emissions from manure: a suitable case for treatment?’(IOP Publishing, 2025-06-01) Anthony, Steven G.; Cardenas, Laura C.; Gilhespy, Sarah L.; Sandars, Daniel L.; Chadwick, David R.Ward et al (2024 Environ. Res. 1 025003) recently published a paper in this journal (Ward et al 2024 Environ. Res. 1 025003) asserting that methane emissions from manure management in the United Kingdom Inventory of Greenhouse Gas emissions could be under-estimated by a factor of four to five. This was based on extrapolation of measurements from two farms located in the south-west of England where manure management is purposely set-up to encourage methane release and capture, for use as a fuel source. We argue that methane thus extracted cannot be compared with the quantities emitted to the atmosphere on a typical farm which is what the national Inventory seeks to estimate, and show that existing Inventory calculations are consistent with wider literature and typical management practices in the United Kingdom.Item Open Access A critical review of conventional and emerging technologies for the detection of contaminants, allergens and adulterants in plant-based milk alternatives(Elsevier, 2025) Karimi, Zahra; Campbell, Katrina; Kevei, Zoltan; Patriarca, Andrea; Koidis, Anastasios; Anastasiadi, MariaThe increasing popularity of plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs) necessitates effective safety and authentication measures to ensure food product integrity and maintain consumer trust. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of potential contaminants, allergens, and adulterants in PBMAs, and the analytical methodologies employed for their detection and quantitation. It details the advantages and limitations of widely employed testing techniques, such as chromatography, spectroscopy, immunoassays and PCR. In addition, it explores recent advancements in portable detection methods based on novel technologies such as CRISPR and biosensor systems that offer new opportunities for rapid and precise analysis. Despite these technological innovations, important challenges remain, particularly in optimizing sample preparation protocols and improving DNA-based methods efficiency. The integration of multiple detection strategies and the development of rapid, cost-effective analytical tools are critical steps towards enhancing both industry compliance and consumer confidence. Furthermore, green analytical methods — such as solvent-free extraction, AI-driven spectroscopy, and sustainable sample preparation techniques — pave the way toward eco-friendly and more efficient PBMA safety testing.Item Open Access Fusion vs. Isolation: evaluating the performance of multi-sensor integration for meat spoilage prediction(MDPI, 2025-05-01) Heffer, Samuel; Anastasiadi, Maria; Nychas, George-John; Mohareb, FadyHigh-throughput and portable sensor technologies are increasingly used in food production/distribution tasks as rapid and non-invasive platforms offering real-time or near real-time monitoring of quality and safety. These are often coupled with analytical techniques, including machine learning, for the estimation of sample quality and safety through monitoring of key physical attributes. However, the developed predictive models often show varying degrees of accuracy, depending on food type, storage conditions, sensor platform, and sample sizes. This work explores various fusion approaches for potential predictive enhancement, through the summation of information gathered from different observational spaces: infrared spectroscopy is supplemented with multispectral imaging for the prediction of chicken and beef spoilage through the estimation of bacterial counts in differing environmental conditions. For most circumstances, at least one of the fusion methodologies outperformed single-sensor models in prediction accuracy. Improvement in aerobic, vacuum, and mixed aerobic/vacuum chicken spoilage scenarios was observed, with performance enhanced by up to 15%. The improved cross-batch performance of these models proves an enhanced model robustness using the presented multi-sensor fusion approach. The batch-based results were corroborated with a repeated nested cross-validation approach, to give an out-of-sample generalised view of model performance across the whole dataset. Overall, this work suggests potential avenues for performance improvements in real-world, minimally invasive food monitoring scenarios.Item Open Access Insights into Alternaria in apple fruit causing mouldy core, external infection and mycotoxin production under retail and storage conditions(Elsevier, 2025-08-02) Pavicich, María Agustina; Maldonado, María Luisa; Nguyen, Truong Nhat; De Boevre, Marthe; De Saeger, Sarah; Patriarca, AndreaApple fruit is widely consumed worldwide, but fungal contamination in the postharvest stage presents a significant food safety concern. This study evaluates the production and accumulation of Alternaria mycotoxins, including alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl-ether (AME), and the modified forms (AOH-3-S, AME-3-S, AOH-3-G, AME-3-G), altenuene (ALT), tenuazonic acid (TeA), tentoxin (TEN), altertoxin I and II (ATX[sbnd]I, ATX-II), in Red Delicious apples under simulated retail and post-harvest conditions. Three Alternaria tenuissima strains (isolates 02, 31 and 36) were inoculated in apple fruit at two sites separately (core and exterior) and incubated at two temperatures (25 °C and 4 °C) for 1 and 9 months. Mycotoxin production was quantified using LC-MS/MS, revealing significant variability across strains and conditions. Isolates 02 and 36 exhibited significant temperature and site-dependent variability in mycotoxin production. Higher levels of AOH, AME, ALT, and ATX-I were produced at 25 °C and in the core. Long-term cold storage delayed fungal growth but did not prevent mycotoxin accumulation, raising concerns about the safety of processed apple products. These findings highlight the need for stricter monitoring of mycotoxins during post-harvest storage to mitigate health risks. The findings provide insights into their toxigenic capacity in vivo and highlight potential risks for food safety.Item Open Access Investigation on the protection ability of two commonly packaging methods to apples during express transportation(Elsevier, 2025-03-01) Yu, Jincheng; Qiang, Hongli; Shi, Mingwei; Li, Zhiguo; Fadiji, Tobi; Wani, Ali Abas; Burgeon, ClémentPackaging plays a vital role in the post-harvest sales process of apples. This study conducted express transportation tests to evaluate the protective effectiveness of two commonly used packaging methods for apples. Key parameters assessed included real-time changes in temperature, humidity, vibration load, and CO₂ levels inside the packaging boxes during transit, as well as the storage quality of apples after transportation. Results showed significant variations in load distribution within corrugated partition-based cardboard boxes (CP combination packaging). Conversely, foam holder-based cardboard boxes (FP combination packaging) exhibited CO₂ accumulation. Furthermore, mechanical damage was predominantly localized to the fruit belly. Compared to CP combination packaging box, FP combination packaging box provided more stable shock resistance at lower vibration forces (< 10 N) across transit routes, likely due to its EPS foam design, which restricted fruit movement and absorbed external vibrations. Post-storage analysis showed that damaged apples experienced a 0.16 % increase in mass loss, a 0.83 % rise in soluble solids content (SSC), and a 0.19 MPa reduction in firmness compared to undamaged controls. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing packaging design to minimize transport-induced damage and enhance apple preservation.Item Open Access Organic management in coffee: a systematic review of the environmental, economic and social benefits and trade-offs for farmers(Taylor and Francis, 2025-05-29) Jones, Katharine; Njeru, Ezekiel Mugendi; Garnett, Kenisha; Girkin, Nicholas T.Global coffee production is expanding, contributing to environmental degradation, notably through extensive use of inorganic fertilizers. Volatile prices, climate change, rising input costs, and pressure to decrease carbon footprints represent key challenges for farmers. Regenerative soil management and the use of organic management as an alternative to conventional mineral fertilizers offer one potential solution to address these challenges. However, information is limited regarding the potential options available for farmers, and their potential environmental, economic, and social impacts. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to assess the benefits and trade-offs from adopting different organic management approaches following PRISMA guidelines. We identified 43 peer-reviewed articles, predominantly focusing on agroforestry, plant-derived additions, soil management or animal manure to improve livelihoods and environment. Research priorities differ by region and there is a skew toward researching the environmental impacts of regenerative techniques. Our synthesis demonstrates multiple potential environmental benefits to organic management, but increasing economic risks and trade-offs for farmers, particularly in transitioning to organic management. We also highlight the social barriers facing farmers, from education to access to knowledge networks to support implementation. These challenges must be addressed to support any future sustainable transitions to organic management in coffee.Item Open Access Predicted yield and soil organic carbon changes in agroforestry, woodland, grassland, and arable systems under climate change in a cool temperate Atlantic climate(Springer, 2025-05) Giannitsopoulos, Michail L.; Burgess, Paul J.; Graves, Anil R.; Olave, Rodrigo J.; Eden, Jonathan M.; Herzog, FelixThe impact of a changing climate on crop and tree growth remains complex and uncertain. Whilst some areas may benefit from longer growing seasons and increased CO2 levels, others face threats from more frequent extreme weather events. Models can play a pivotal role in predicting future agricultural and forestry scenarios as they can guide decision-making by investigating the interactions of crops, trees, and the environment. This study used the biophysical EcoYield-SAFE agroforestry model to account for the atmospheric CO2 fertilization and calibrated the model using existing field measurements and weather data from 1989 to 2021 in a case study in Northern Ireland. The study then looked at two future climate scenarios based on the representative concentration pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) for 2020–2060 and 2060–2100. The predicted net impacts of future climate scenarios on grass and arable yields and tree growth were positive with increasing CO2 fertilization, which more than offset a generally negative effect of increased temperature and drought stress. The predicted land equivalent ratio remained relatively constant for the baseline and future climate scenarios for silvopastoral and silvoarable agroforestry. Greater losses of soil organic carbon were predicted under arable (1.02–1.18 t C ha−1 yr−1) than grassland (0.43–0.55 t C ha−1 yr−1) systems, with relatively small differences between the baseline and climate scenarios. However, the predicted loss of soil organic carbon was reduced in the long-term by planting trees. The model was also used to examine the effect of different tree densities on the trade-offs between timber volume and understory crop yields. To our best knowledge this is the first study that has calibrated and validated a model that accounts for the effect of CO2 fertilization and determined the effect of future climate scenarios on arable, grassland, woodland, silvopastoral, and silvoarable systems at the same site in Europe.Item Open Access Prolonged heat stress in Brassica napus during flowering negatively impacts yield and alters glucosinolate and sugars metabolism(Frontiers, 2025-01-01) Kourani, Mariam; Anastasiadi, Maria; Hammond, John P.; Mohareb, FadyOilseed rape (Brassica napus), one of the most important sources of vegetable oil worldwide, is adversely impacted by heatwave-induced temperature stress especially during its yield-determining reproductive stages. However, the underlying molecular and biochemical mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the transcriptomic and metabolomic responses to heat stress in B. napus plants exposed to a gradual increase in temperature reaching 30°C in the day and 24°C at night for a period of 6 days. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to quantify the content of carbohydrates and glucosinolates, respectively. Results showed that heat stress reduced yield and altered oil composition. Heat stress also increased the content of carbohydrate (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) and aliphatic glucosinolates (gluconapin and progoitrin) in the leaves but decreased the content of the indolic glucosinolate (glucobrassicin). RNA-Seq analysis of flower buds showed a total of 1,892, 3,253, and 4,553 differentially expressed genes at 0, 1, and 2 days after treatment (DAT) and 4,165 and 1,713 at 1 and 7 days of recovery (DOR), respectively. Heat treatment resulted in downregulation of genes involved in respiratory metabolism, namely, glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, citrate cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation especially after 48 h of heat stress. Other downregulated genes mapped to sugar transporters, nitrogen transport and storage, cell wall modification, and methylation. In contrast, upregulated genes mapped to small heat shock proteins (sHSP20) and other heat shock factors that play important roles in thermotolerance. Furthermore, two genes were chosen from the pathways involved in the heat stress response to further examine their expression using real-time RT-qPCR. The global transcriptome profiling, integrated with the metabolic analysis in the study, shed the light on key genes and metabolic pathways impacted and responded to abiotic stresses exhibited as a result of exposure to heat waves during flowering. DEGs and metabolites identified through this study could serve as important biomarkers for breeding programs to select cultivars with stronger resistance to heat. In particular, these biomarkers can form targets for various crop breeding and improvement techniques such as marker-assisted selection.Item Open Access Solidago canadensis modifies microbial community and soil physicochemical properties through litter leachates and root exudates(Oxford University Press (OUP), 2025-04) Bo, Yanwen; Liao, Yali; Pawlett, Mark; Akbar, Rasheed; Girkin, Nickolas T.; Sun, Jianfan; Ali, Amjad; Ahmad, Naushad; Liu, Wei; Wang, Xiaoyan; Du, DaolinInvasive plant inputs alter soil microbial communities via chemical compounds in litter, root exudates, and leachate, impacting a range of soil processes, but precise effects are poorly understood. We examined Solidago canadensis, a common invasive species in China, and its litter effects on soil microbial communities under natural conditions. Experimental treatments included S. canadensis seedling density (1 and 2 plants/pot) and quantity of litter (10 and 20 g/pot), with control groups that contained no plants or litter. After 120 days, soil samples were analyzed for physico-chemical properties, GC-MS chemical composition, and bacterial community composition using high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that S. canadensis seedlings and litter inputs increased soil pH, organic matter (SOM), and nitrogen (TN), while phosphorus and potassium remained unchanged. We identified 66 chemical compounds, predominantly ketones, alcohol, aldehyde, hydrocarbon, ester, acid, terpenoids, and alkaloids, associated with the presence of the invasive species, alongside shifts in dominant bacterial genera including Sphingomonas, Acidobacteriales, and Gemmatimonas. Rarer genera under the invasive treatment species, such as Candidatus, Rhodoplanes and Novosphingobium, correlated positively with soil TN, pH, and SOM. Collectively, our results demonstrate how the increased presence of allelochemicals from S. canadensis litter significantly impact soil properties and bacterial communities, and may therefore have implications for ecosystem dynamics.Item Open Access Unlocking the agro-physiological potential of wheat rhizoplane fungi under low P conditions using a niche-conserved consortium approach(Oxford University Press (OUP), 2025-05-01) Benbrik, Brahim; Reid, Tessa E.; Nkir, Dounia; Chaouki, Hicham; Aallam, Yassine; Clark, Ian M.; Mauchline, Tim H.; Harris, Jim A.; Pawlett, Mark; Barakat, Abdellatif; Rchiad, Zineb; Bargaz, AdnanePlant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) hold promise for enhancing crop yield. This study delves into the fungal diversity of the wheat rhizoplane across seven Moroccan agricultural regions, employing a niche-conserved strategy to construct fungal consortia (FC) exhibiting higher phosphorus (P) acquisition and plant growth promotion. This study combined culture-independent and culture-dependent methods exploring taxonomic and functional diversity in the rhizoplane of wheat plants obtained from 28 zones. Twenty fungal species from eight genera were isolated and confirmed through internal transcribed spacer (ITS) Sanger sequencing. P solubilization (PS) capacity was assessed for individual species, with Talaromyces sp. (F11) and Rhizopus arrhizus CMRC 585 (F12) exhibiting notable PS rates, potentially due to production of organic acids such as gluconic acid. PGPF traits and antagonism activities were considered when constructing 28 niche-conserved FC (using isolates from the same zone), seven intra-region FC (different zones within a region), and one inter-region FC. Under low P conditions, in planta inoculation with niche-conserved FC (notably FC14 and FC17) enhanced growth, physiological parameters, and P uptake of wheat, in both vegetative and reproductive stages. FC14 and FC17, composed of potent fungi such as F11 and F12, demonstrated superior plant growth benefits compared with intra- and inter-region constructed FC. Our study underscores the efficacy of the niche-conserved strategy in designing synthetic fungal community from isolates within the same niche, proving significant agro-physiological potential to enhance P uptake and plant growth of wheat.