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{"title":"Assessment of Community Dependence and Perceptions of Wetlands in the Upper Chindwin Basin, Myanmar","authors":"Ridhi Saluja, Satish Prasad, Than Htway Lwin, Hein Htet Soe, Chloe Pottinger-Glass, Thanapon Piman","doi":"10.3390/resources12100112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12100112","url":null,"abstract":"Understanding the relationship between communities and wetland ecosystems is imperative to facilitate the development of wetland management and conservation strategies that can effectively safeguard wetland health and sustain the flow of ecosystem services. To understand the knowledge, attitude, and perception of communities on wetland ecosystem services, a survey was conducted involving 133 households from 4 villages dependent on 5 wetlands within the Upper Chindwin Basin (UCB), northwestern Myanmar. Most of the respondents extracted wetland resources for subsistence and income. A total of 84% of the households depended on wetland fish for their primary protein consumption, while 70% (n = 94) collected fuelwood from wetlands for subsistence. The survey participants unanimously recognized the benefits of wetland ecosystem services (i.e., provisioning benefits), particularly for fish, food, fiber, fuel, natural medicines, ornamental resources, and minerals. A total of 97% of the participants lacked knowledge of any existing law or regulation that ensures wetland protection in Myanmar. Furthermore, 87% of the respondents concurred that the government has not adequately endeavored to promote awareness of wetland conservation in this remote area due to lack of capacity and resources. This study establishes a baseline for the region and recommends designing and implementing a community-centric wetland action plan. This action plan provides a self-sustaining and cost-effective approach to conserve wetlands and is crucial in enhancing the capacity of dependent communities to participate and eventually lead wetland management of UCB.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136060162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comprehensive Recovery of Metals in Tailings Utilization with Mechanochemical Activation","authors":"Vladimir I. Golik, Mikhail F. Mitsik, Yulia V. Aleksakhina, Elena E. Alenina, Natalia V. Ruban-Lazareva, Galina V. Kruzhkova, Olga A. Kondratyeva, Ekaterina V. Trushina, Oleg O. Skryabin, Marat M. Khayrutdinov","doi":"10.3390/resources12100113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12100113","url":null,"abstract":"The paper analyzes the results of metal extraction from tailings of ore processing based on traditional approaches. The history of methods of secondary processing of mineral raw materials is described. The technique and features of mechanochemical activation of the leaching process of metal ores and coals are described. The results of laboratory studies of a new mechanochemical technology for metal extraction are presented. A description of the compromise optimal criterion formulated in the model of extraction of metals from tailings with substandard mineral raw materials based on the mathematical planning of the experiment, regression analysis methods and consideration of sanitary standards for the disposal of processing tailings is proposed. Mechanochemical technology results in economic and environmental effects from the utilization of processing tailings and radical strengthening of the mineral resource base of the mining industry.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136094253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Energy and Heat Consumption Trends and Forecasting in the Small Consumer Sector in Poland Based on Historical Data","authors":"Bożena Gajdzik, Magdalena Jaciow, Radosław Wolniak, Robert Wolny, Wieslaw Wes Grebski","doi":"10.3390/resources12090111","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12090111","url":null,"abstract":"The paper outlines the methodology employed for desk-based research, which involved gathering and analyzing empirical data on energy and heating consumption in the Polish small consumer sector. Secondary sources, including reports, documents, scientific publications, and public statistics, were utilized to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The research methodology ensured the acquisition and examination of reliable and extensive data regarding energy and heat consumption among small consumers in Poland. The study investigated consumption trends of hard coal, electricity, and natural gas in Polish households from 2006 to 2021. The findings revealed an increasing pattern in electricity and natural gas consumption, alongside a simultaneous decline in the usage of hard coal. Future consumption was estimated using trend models, and factors contributing to changes in energy consumption patterns were examined, with forecasts to 2027. To achieve decarbonization and address climate objectives, the study underscores the need to increase the proportion of renewable energy sources and boost energy efficiency. The significance of reducing household energy consumption through enhanced insulation, smart energy management systems, and low-carbon alternatives is emphasized. Additionally, the study addresses Poland’s future energy plans as a proactive step toward decarbonizing the national economy. In summary, the study furnishes valuable insights into energy consumption trends and their determinants in the Polish small consumer sector.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136264191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Century of Changes in the Surface Area of Lakes in West Poland","authors":"Mariusz Ptak, Katarzyna Szyga-Pluta, Salim Heddam, Senlin Zhu, Mariusz Sojka","doi":"10.3390/resources12090110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12090110","url":null,"abstract":"Lakes are an important element of the hydrosphere that contribute to the stabilisation of water circulation by providing biodiversity conditions or supporting the development of different branches of the economy. All these properties depend on the longevity of lakes in the environment and the processes related to their evolution. Based on archival morphometric data from historical maps and modern cartographic studies, this paper presents an analysis of changes in their surface area over a period of 100 years. Among 169 lakes, a decrease in surface area was recorded in 156 cases (including the complete disappearance of two lakes); no change was observed in four lakes; and seven lakes increased their surface area. The total surface area of all the lakes has decreased by 11.4% in comparison with the initial state in the early 20th century. The highest rate of decline concerned the shallowest lakes with a maximum depth of up to 5.0 m and lakes with the smallest surface area of up to 20 ha, averaging 24.1% and 22.2%, respectively. The spatial distribution of changes in the surface area of lakes is variable, and at a larger scale it presents no similarities. This suggests that factors determining the rate and direction of changes in the surface area of lakes depend on their individual features and local conditions, which is in accordance with similar studies from the territory of Poland. The obtained results reveal the scale of the changes in the surface area of the lakes, potentially providing important information for authorities in charge of water management in the context of activities aimed at slowing down the disappearance of these valuable ecosystems.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135064132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quality Assessment and Classification of Feedstock for Bioenergy Applications Considering ISO 17225 Standard on Solid Biofuels","authors":"Giuseppe Toscano, Carmine De Francesco, Thomas Gasperini, Sara Fabrizi, Daniele Duca, Alessio Ilari","doi":"10.3390/resources12060069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12060069","url":null,"abstract":"Biomass materials play a key role in the renewable energy market as they can serve as a suitable alternative to fossil fuels. However, the quality of the material entering bioenergy plants is often a cause of technical concern. Biomass quality assessment is crucial not only for energy characterization but also for environmental and operational aspects. The goal of this study is to characterize and classify the biomasses used by Italian power plants with reference to the quality classes stated by the ISO standard 17225:2021. A further objective is to verify the ability of the standard to classify heterogeneous and specific biomasses. In this study, more than 900 biomass samples were analyzed. The samples were collected from several Italian power plants with >5 MWe between 2010 and 2020, and the most important physical and chemical parameters were analyzed according to the international standards of reference. The results of the analyses were collected in a large dataset used for subsequent statistical analyses. Statistical analyses applied are Principal Component Analysis and Pearson correlation maps, which showed that the ash content is a fundamental and ideal parameter to assess the biomass quality. Results obtained demonstrate that herbaceous biomasses are of low quality mainly due to the high ash content; a relatively low ash content was found for woody biomasses.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135741434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Soil Improvement Using Blends of Coal Ash and Plantain Peel Ash as Road Pavement Layer Materials","authors":"Isaac Akinwumi, Manuela Onyeiwu, Promise Epelle, Victor Ajayi","doi":"10.3390/resources12030041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12030041","url":null,"abstract":"The management of waste and its environmental impact remains an issue. Thus, various strategies are being explored to mitigate this problem. For this research case, the ash of plantain peel and coal was harnessed to enhance soil for usage in designing road pavements. The form of the soil, as regards its plasticity and grain assortment, positions it as a sandy lean clay material. Geotechnical parameters of the natural soil were established before being treated with coal ash (CA) and plantain peel ash (PPA), and subjected to tests for the Atterberg limits, California bearing ratio (CBR) and compaction, as well as investigations pertaining to its crystallinity and morphology. These assessments showed that strength parameters of soil increased on adding CA and PPA. However, the inclusion of these admixtures should be conducted until optimal strength is achieved as seen in 9% CA + 6% PPA. The use of soil stabilised with CA and PPA is suitable for general fillings and embankments. These findings revealed that integrating CA and PPA together would have the potential of stabilising soil as pavement layer material while also eliminating the pollution that emerges from the improper disposal of coal and plantain peels from the environment.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136196396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Behavior of Sludge Dewaterability and Nutrient Contents after Treatment with Cellulose-Based Flocculants with Combined PTS and Catalytic Behavior of Sludge towards Tetracycline Degradation","authors":"Jannatul Rumky, Ekaterina Bandina, Eveliina Repo","doi":"10.3390/resources12020017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12020017","url":null,"abstract":"Wastewater treatment plants are increasingly interested in adopting inorganic coagulants and organic flocculants in their sludge treatment process since sludge disposal costs more than half of the overall operational costs. This study synthesized poly titanium sulfate (PTS) by different molar ratios and used the best one with cellulose-based flocculants for sludge conditioning. PTS synthesized with a 1:2 molar ratio showed the lowest capillary suction time (CST) of sludge and was selected for further studies with cellulose-based flocculants. As bio-based flocculants have gained popularity due to current environmental problems, cationized cellulose-based flocculants (Ce-CTA) were used in this work with or without PTS for sludge treatment. After coagulation–flocculation, dewaterability of sludge enhanced, and the Lowry and Anthrone method was used to assess proteins and polysaccharides. Next, metal content and nutrients such as total phosphorus, phosphate, and nitrate were measured by ICP-OES and IC, and we found promising results of phosphate especially at pH 3. Higher total phosphorus content was found at pH 3 and 9, and even at pH 6 after PTS or PTS+Ce-CTA treatment. In addition, PTS-treated sludge materials also showed catalytic behavior, suggesting a new research avenue for future development. Based on this study, the PTS+Ce-CTA combination is promising for sludge treatment and nutrient recovery, along with the possibility for the further valorization of the sludge materials.","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135545092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Role of Edible Insects in Rural Livelihoods, and Identified Challenges in Vhembe District, Limpopo, South Africa.","authors":"Zabentungwa T Hlongwane, Rob Slotow, Thinandavha C Munyai","doi":"10.3390/resources10120123","DOIUrl":"10.3390/resources10120123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Edible insects are an important natural commodity in rural areas that is used for household consumption and to generate income through trade. As a result, edible-insect trading is a profitable business that provides employment and improves the livelihoods of impoverished rural people. This study aimed at determining the socioeconomic benefits of and reasons for trading insects, and to assess if edible insects are included in economic development strategies in the Vhembe district of Limpopo province, South Africa. We conducted 72 questionnaire interviews targeting traders in 5 towns across the district. Five insect groups belonging to four insect orders are traded in informal markets of the district. Mopane worms (<i>Gonimbrasia belina</i>) were the most traded (42%) edible insects. Unemployment (45%) and the demand for edible insects (34%) were the major reasons for trading insects. Insect trading has numerous benefits; however, the provision of income (60%) and financial support (35%) were stated as the primary benefits. Despite several benefits associated with trading in insects, there are many challenges such as insect spoilage and a decline in the availability of edible insects in the wild. Edible insects play an important role in food security and the rural economy by generating employment opportunities for unemployed traders. Trading in insects is a traditional practice based on indigenous knowledge, which has persisted as an economic practice that improves rural livelihoods by reducing poverty and increases the human dignity of rural citizens. Only four governmental organisations in Limpopo included edible insects in economic development strategies. Trading insects is primarily an informal activity. The government could stimulate the activity and broaden and deepen the community benefits by providing infrastructure, access to harvest areas, financial support, and business training as part of a rural empowerment strategy to end hunger and poverty while creating employment opportunities in rural areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":37723,"journal":{"name":"Resources","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2021-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7615094/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10287525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}