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Environmental Policy to Develop a Conceptual Design for the Water–Energy–Food Nexus: A Case Study in Wadi-Dara on the Red Sea Coast, Egypt Full text
2023
M. A. Abdelzaher | Eman M. Farahat | Hamdy M. Abdel-Ghafar | Basma A. A. Balboul | Mohamed M. Awad
In the next twenty years, the scarcity of food shortage and drinking water will appear in Egypt due to the growth of industries and agriculture. This paper develops a conceptual design of the new technologies in the field of water–energy–food in new cities. Border lines are the internal relationship, external influence, and linkage system evaluation for WEF nexus. The major problems of using fossil energy in desalination are emissions and non-renewability, as well as the preference for dispersed freshwater production instead of concentrated output. The design of a desalination system that is integrated with renewable energies is critical these days. This type of system can also reduce the production of environmental pollutants due to reduced energy consumption and transfer of freshwater. GIS data from the United Nations have confirmed the existence of an underground reservoir in Wadi-Dara that can cultivate 1000 acres using smart farming techniques to reach a circular economy for an integrated solution between the water–energy nexus. The possibility of cultivating a hundred acres in Wadi-Dara on the Red Sea coast exists, through which about one million people could be settled. In this comprehensive review, we conducted a deep study in order to establish a sustainable integrated lifestyle in the Dara Valley region in terms of the availability of potable water, clean energy, and agriculture. Sustainable integrated solutions were conducted for seawater desalination using beach sand filtration wells as a pretreatment for seawater using renewable energy, e.g., wind energy (18% wind turbines), and photovoltaic panels (77% PV panels). Strategic food will be cultivated using smart farming that includes an open ponds cultivation system of microalgal cells to synthesis (5.0% of bio-fuel (. Aqua agriculture and aquaponics will cultivate marine culture and integrate mangrove, a shrimp aquaculture. A municipal waste water treatment is conceived for the irrigation of shrubby forests and landscapes. Mixotrophic cultures were explored to achieve a sustained ecological balance. Food, poultry and animal waste management, as well as a cooker factory, were included in the overall design. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) study shows a low risk due to anticipated net zero emissions, a 75% green city, and optimal waste recycling. This research assists in combining research efforts to address the challenging processes in nexus research and build resilient and sustainable water, energy, and food systems.
Show more [+] Less [-]Proceedings of the Workshop of the Stakeholder Consultation on Policy Coherence among Food, Land, and Water Systems in India, New Delhi, India, 16 June 2023
2023
Taneja, Garima | Katyaini, S. | Bhattacharjee, Suchiradipta | Chaturvedi, K. | Mitra, Archisman | Verma, Shilp | Bassi, N.
Under the CGIAR Initiative on National Policies and Strategies (NPS), International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and Council for Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) jointly organized a National Stakeholder Workshop on “Policy Coherence for Food, Land, and Water” in India on 16th June 2023 at India Habitat Center in New Delhi. Guided by NITI Aayog, an apex public policy think tank of the Government of India, IWMI and CEEW researched the policy landscape at the national level in the food, land, and water (FLW) sectors, shortlisting seven central government schemes to understand ways to strengthen policy coherence and impact. The workshop was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, NITI Aayog and 17 government and civil society organizations working in the food, land, and water sectors. Under the able guidance of Debashree Mukherjee (Special Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti) and Avinash Mishra (Advisor, NITI Aayog), the participants discussed the study’s key recommendations, existing institutional mechanisms to catalyze coherence, harnessing synergies and balancing trade-offs across the food, land, and water sectors.
Show more [+] Less [-]Political economy and policy analysis (PEPA) sourcebook: A guide to generating evidence for national policies and strategies (NPS) for food, land, and water systems transformation Full text
2023
Mockshell, Jonathan; Resnick, Danielle | http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6285-3461 Resnick, Danielle | Omulo, Godfrey; Blanco, Maria; Nicol, Alan | National Policies and Strategies
Agri-food systems face multiple challenges. They must deal with prevailing structural weaknesses, partly deepened by the disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, civil conflicts, and climate change. Addressing structural weaknesses – such as inequitable access to healthy and nutritious food for all, loss of livelihoods and incomes, and increasing environmental shocks – requires not only technological, but also institutional innovations, as well as economic and policy responses. While development interventions often focus on technological innovations, they lack attention to the enabling policy environment and the political economy drivers necessary to achieve policy, economic, and social impact at the national level. In addition, solutions often fail to analyze the broader enabling environment in which policies are designed and implemented at the national level. A comprehensive understanding of the policy environment coupled with appropriate technological and institutional solutions can influence the success or failure of development interventions. However, political economy and policy analysis considerations are inadequately explored in the quest to transform food systems. Identifying the right policies and overcoming barriers to the implementation of development interventions fundamentally requires an understanding of the political economy and policy processes that shape policymaking. Despite numerous emerging approaches and frameworks for conducting political economy and policy analysis, practitioners and researchers working across food, land, and water systems lack a consolidated knowledge base. This Political Economy and Policy Analysis (PEPA) sourcebook aims to fill that knowledge gap. | PR | IFPRI2; 1 Fostering Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Food Supply | Development Strategies and Governance (DSG); Transformation Strategies
Show more [+] Less [-]Analysis of the Influence of Seasonal Water Column Dynamics on the Relationship between Marine Viruses and Microbial Food Web Components Using an Artificial Neural Network Full text
2023
Marin Ordulj | Danijela Šantić | Frano Matić | Slaven Jozić | Stefanija Šestanović | Mladen Šolić | Jere Veža | Živana Ninčević Gladan
Artificial neural network analysis (ANN) is used to study the seasonal distribution of viruses and microbial food web (MFW) components in the open Adriatic Sea. The effect of viruses within the MFW is often overlooked, although viruses play an important role in microbial community dynamics. The results showed that the strongest influence is found in the nonlinear relationship between viruses and temperature. In addition, the algorithm showed that the number of viral populations in the P-limited open sea varies by season and according to the abundance of their main hosts, HB. A strong positive relationship between viruses and HB was found in more than 50% of the observed data. Moreover, this algorithm confirmed the association of the virus with the autotrophic part of the picoplankton and with heterotrophic nanoflagellates. The dynamics of the four resulting clusters, characterized by biological and environmental parameters, is described as a cyclic pattern in the water layer above the thermocline. Neural gas network analysis has been shown to be an excellent tool for describing changes in MFW components in the open Adriatic.
Show more [+] Less [-]Efficacy of Ozonized Water Spray for the Sanitization of Food Contact Surfaces Contaminated with E. Coli and S. Aureus as an Eco-Friendly Asepsis Approach Full text
2023
Zeinab Rahmani | Reza Sharafati Chaleshtori | Abbas Abdoli Arani | Mohsen Taghizadeh
Background: Cross-contamination between food, equipment, and contact surfaces during food processing may occur with some pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli and S. aureus. This study was conducted to investigate the bactericidal potential of ozonized water spray in food contact surfaces (plastic, glass, steel, and ceramic) for the inactivation of E. coli and S. aureus isolated from traditional yogurt. Methods: Two isolated bacteria were tested for antibiotic resistance and the strains were exposed to ozonized water with concentration of 4 mg/l for 0, 2, and 10 minutes and after drying on food contact surfaces (FCS). Results: E. coli and S. aureus were defined as multidrug-resistant. Ozonized water inhibited two bacteria growth on the FCS after two minutes. On plastic, glass, and ceramic surfaces, E. coli was more sensitive than S. aureus, while S. aureus on steel surface was more sensitive than E. coli. Conclusion: Based on the results, it is recommended to use the ozonized water spray at 4 mg/l concentration to disinfect surfaces in contact with food, especially glass and ceramic surfaces. Corresponding Author:Reza Sharafati Chaleshtori View Orcid in Profile You can search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar Profile
Show more [+] Less [-]A fully water-soluble Calix[4]arene probe for fluorometric and colorimetric detection of toxic hydrosulfide and cyanide ions: Practicability in living cells and food samples Full text
2023
Oguz, Alev | Oguz, Mehmet | Kursunlu, Ahmed Nuri | Yılmaz, Mustafa
Although hydrosulfide and cyanide anions play important roles in daily life that they are available in a lot of foods. However, their excess amounts contaminate water, land, and food and cause serious problems to human health. Herein, we introduce a water-soluble macrocyclic sensor based-on Calix[4]arene (MPI-Calix[4]) with dual response sites for fluorescence recognizing cyanide (CN–) and hydrogen sulfide (HS⁻) under longwave light. MPI-Calix[4] exhibits a high selectivity and sensitivity in the detection of CN– and HS⁻, where the limits of detection were as low as 0.115 and 8.12 μmol/L, respectively. The cell imaging studies shows that this probe can be easily used in the detection of CN– and HS⁻ on living cells. Full understanding of these results paved a fruitful system to improve an applicable analytical process for food safety and quality.
Show more [+] Less [-]‘I think this is where this lovely word “sustainability” comes in’: Fruit and vegetable growers' narratives concerning the regulation of environmental water use for food production Full text
2023
Sutcliffe, Chloe | Knox, Jerry W. | Hess, Tim
Special Issue: Multiple Dimensions of Sustainability: Towards New Rural Futures in Europe | This article concerns UK commercial fruit and vegetable growers’ narratives regarding the sustainability of water use for food production. In it we explore their perspectives on efforts by regulators to limit agricultural withdrawals of water from the natural environment in line with EU Water Framework Directive objectives, alongside their views on retailer sustainability commitments. Discourse analysis is used to investigate how the growers contested restrictive regulation, constructed their identities, portrayed other supply chain stakeholders, and conveyed their social relations with them. Using Erving Goffman's theory of frontstage and backstage performances, the implications for the growers’ water management decisions and their internalisation of sustainability agendas for water are examined. Whilst the growers gave accounts of purposely misrepresenting their water withdrawal practices and their discourse illustrated significant polarisation between environmental and agricultural interests, their underlying commitment to environmental sustainability was ambivalent, with both anti and pro-environmental attitudes expressed. The growers also frequently gave critiques of superficial sustainability in fresh produce supply chains. We argue that, given contemporary shifting definitions of agricultural identities, settings in which their construction is negotiated can provide windows of opportunity for conventional growers to engage in genuine pro-environmental performances that may deepen their assimilation of environmental goals and commitment to sustainable water use. | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC): BB/N020499/1. ESRC; NERC; Scottish Government
Show more [+] Less [-]Encapsulation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Beetroot Extract with Alginate and Effect of Capsules on Rheological Properties and Stability of an Oil-in-Water Emulsion Model Food Full text
2023
Minerva Bautista Villarreal | Sandra Loruhama Loruhama Castillo Hernández | Salvador López Uriarte | María Porfiria Barrón González
Alginate encapsulation is a viable alternative for the preservation of probiotics along the gastric route or within a food product during its shelf life. Furthermore, co-encapsulation with a vegetal material could act as a prebiotic and enhance the viability of the encapsulated probiotic. The rheological properties of dressing-type foods could be altered by adding an ingredient that would affect the quality of the final product. In this investigation, alginate beads loaded with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and beetroot extract were obtained by two methods (emulsification and extrusion). They were characterized by size and morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and bacteria viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Finally, they were added in an oil-in-water emulsion model food for which rheological properties and probiotic survival were monitored. The encapsulation efficiency ranged from 85.26 to 88%. Morphology and size of capsules varied depending on the method of encapsulation applied. No significant changes were evidenced in the rheological properties of the model food; the viscosity, the particle size (d 3,2 ), and the coalescence rate remained stable after the addition of the capsules. Survival of L. plantarum was significantly higher in the capsules with beetroot extract. These results suggest a prebiotic effect conferred by the beetroot extract when co-encapsulated. It is worth mentioning that the incorporation of capsules with beetroot extract does not cause any destabilization of the model food.
Show more [+] Less [-]Evaluación de la producción de lechuga hidropónica con captación de agua lluvia, como alternativa de seguridad alimentaria en la vereda merchán del municipio de saboya. Full text
2023
Martinez Laiton, Johann Hernan | Torres Torres, Manuel.
El desarrollo de este proyecto se llevó a cabo en el municipio de Saboya Vereda Merchán, donde surgió la necesidad de optar por la alternativa de la hidroponía, para contrarrestar la problemática presentada en la región, la cual es, falta de producción de alimentos de calidad, inocuos con aprovechamiento de los recursos para mantener una seguridad alimentaria, que enmarca diversos factores por la cual se esté presentando. Se plantea como una alternativa de solución a la problemática presentada la hidroponía, especialmente en este proyecto la producción hidropónica de lechuga, utilizando el agua lluvia. Con esta alternativa se busca la reducción de los malos efectos que produce la agricultura tradicional al medio ambiente. En el proyecto se buscó información hidropónica, que pudiera servir de base para la construcción del proyecto, de esta manera se pudieron conocer todos elementos necesarios para la construcción del sistema hidropónico, así mismo se conoció cual es el manejo y cuáles son los factores para tener en cuenta en la hidroponía. Con lo anterior se diseñó y se estableció el sistema hidropónico del proyecto, conformado por 16 tubos de cultivo y la capacidad de albergar 480 plantas, y conformado también de todos los elementos necesarios para su funcionamiento y automatización, de esta manera se pudieron conocer los costos reales para el establecimiento del sistema hidropónico, todos sus materiales y elementos necesarios. Finalmente se obtuvo un plan de producción para la lechuga hidropónica desde la siembra hasta la cosecha y postcosecha donde se ven todos los pasos que se deben hacer durante todo el proceso de producción de lechuga hidropónica. | The development of this project was carried out in the municipality of Saboya Vereda Merchán, where the need arose to opt for the hydroponics alternative, to counteract the problems presented in the region, whose problem presented is the lack of quality food production, innocuous with the use of resources to maintain food security, which frames various factors for which it is being presented. Hydroponics is proposed as an alternative solution to the problems presented, especially in this project the hydroponic production of lettuce, using rainwater, with this alternative the reduction of the bad effects that traditional agriculture produces on the environment is sought. In the project, hydroponic information was sought, which could serve as a basis for the construction of our project, in this way all the necessary elements for the construction of the hydroponic system could be known, as well as what is the management and what are the factors for take into account in hydroponics. With the above, the hydroponic system of the project was designed and established, made up of 16 cultivation tubes and the capacity to house 480 plants, and also made up of all the necessary elements for its operation and automation, in this way the costs could be known. real for the establishment of the hydroponic system, all its materials and necessary elements. Finally, a production plan for hydroponic lettuce was obtained from planting to harvest and post-harvest where all the steps that must be done during the entire hydroponic lettuce production process are seen.
Show more [+] Less [-]Proceedings of the State-level Consultation Workshop on Policy Coherence in the Food, Land, and Water Systems: Case Study of Odisha, India, Odisha, India, 14 December 2023
2023
Taneja, Garima | Negi, U. | Shukla, S. | Joshi, T. | Neog, K. | Katyaini, S. | Mitra, Archisman | Bhattacharjee, Suchiradipta | Bassi, N. | Verma, Shilp
International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) organized a state consultation workshop on 14 December 2023 on ‘Policy Coherence in Food, Land, and Water (FLW) Systems: A case study of Odisha’ at Bhubaneswar as a part of the CGIAR Initiative on National Policies and Strategies Initiatives (NPS). The Food, Land and Water (FLW) project aims to identify key state-level policies in the food, land, and water systems that have a practical scope for improving coherence and hold most potential for creating an impact. The workshop was organized in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha.
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