Planetary Sustainability

NAVIGATING PLANETARY HEALTH: A GLIMPSE INTO THE POST-COP28 ERA AND THE NECESSITY TO PHASE OUT FOSSIL FUELS

2024-08-22T15:25:34+08:00

This manuscript highlights the ever-growing urgency to take climate change seriously and address its implications. In the midst of today’s global challenges, the recently concluded 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) stands out as a significant moment in our ongoing struggle against global warming and the pursuit of planetary wellbeing. The deal struck at this crucial world gathering signifies a shared realization of the pressing need to shift away from fossil fuel, opting instead for sustainable practices that safeguard both our planet and its inhabitants. Considering our profound commitment to environmental sustainability, planetary health and the intersection of climate change, food security and health, this editorial perspective delves into the latest developments from COP28, exploring their implications and charting a course for a more sustainable future.

BENEFITS OF PHOSPHOLIPIDS IN AQUAFEED DEVELOPMENT: A REVIEW

2024-08-22T15:27:57+08:00

Fish oil (FO) is the main source of lipids in aquafeed, but its use has become very unsustainable due to over-exploitation, scarcity and high cost. Plant oil has been proposed as an alternative to FO, but they are less digestible and not rich in fatty acids. In addition, larval and juvenile fish are unable to synthesise sufficient phospholipids (PLs) for their metabolic need. Hence, the necessity to supplement PLs in their diets. This review describes the application and beneficial impact of dietary PLs in aquafeed. PLs are an essential component of aquafeed as they supply energy for metabolic activities and enhance digestion and absorption of other dietary lipids. Plantbased PLs such as soy lecithin serve as an emulsifier that helps lipid catabolism by facilitating enzymatic hydrolysis in the fish’s digestive system, besides improving nutrient absorption, growth and health. Studies on farm animals have confirmed the positive effects of PLs. Although the literature on aquafeed application is limited, to growth and health of farmed fish and crustaceans. The use of PLs in aquaculture is set to increase as both feed producers and farmers seek to maximise production through efficient feed utilisation and ensure sustainability in delivering quality fish to consumers.

ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE UTILISATION: A REVIEW OF AQUATIC BIOREFINERIES

2024-08-22T15:28:08+08:00

This review explores the transformative potential of aquatic biorefineries in advancing sustainable resource utilisation. As global demands for renewable resources intensify, biorefineries have emerged as versatile solutions. Focusing on aquatic environments, this paper delves into diverse biomass resources, encompassing microorganisms, algae and aquatic plants. It navigates through key biorefinery processes, including hydrothermal liquefaction, algae cultivation and enzymatic conversion, illuminating their roles in sustainable biofuel and high-value chemical production. Thermochemical conversion processes, such as pyrolysis and gasification, offer additional pathways for bio-based product generation. The review critically assesses challenges in these processes, ranging from technical intricacies to regulatory considerations. Examining products derived from aquatic biorefineries (i.e. biofuels, chemicals and biomaterials) underscores their versatility. Looking ahead, the paper identifies technical challenges, regulatory landscapes and emerging technologies as focal points for future research. The review concludes by envisioning aquatic biorefineries as key players in sustainable resource management, advocating for research and technological innovation to propel this transformative field into the mainstream of the bio-based economy.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BIOMASS IN ACHIEVING A GLOBAL BIOECONOMY

2024-08-22T15:28:18+08:00

This manuscript explores the imperative role of biomass in shaping the global bioeconomy, necessitated by escalating energy demands and the consequent environmental challenges posed by fossil fuel dependency. This paper delineates the diverse forms of biomass — from lignocellulosic materials to organic waste and algae — each holding distinct chemical compositions and applications within the bioeconomy. Investigating biomass conversion technologies (i.e. thermochemical, biochemical and chemical) provides a comprehensive understanding of their merits and limitations in energy production and resource optimisation. Specifically, it delves into pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal liquefaction, torrefaction, anaerobic digestion and transesterification, elucidating their mechanisms and contributions to energy generation and biofuel production. Moreover, the study incorporates bibliometric analysis, depicting thematic clusters in biomass research and highlighting the evolving trends in its application within the bioeconomy. The primary focus of studies within the initial cluster revolves around utilising biomass for a global bioeconomy through thermochemical conversion methods. Overall, this review underscores the indispensable role of biomass as a renewable and adaptable resource, pivotal in steering the transition towards a sustainable bio-based economy amid global environmental and socio-economic challenges.

POTENTIAL OF BIOFLOC TECHNOLOGY IN AQUACULTURE WASTEWATER TREATMENT

2024-08-22T15:28:28+08:00

The increasing global demand for aquatic products and decline in wild fisheries pose a challenge in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14, which is to conserve and sustainably use marine resources. The depletion of fish populations due to overfishing, destruction of aquatic habitats as well as climate change has adversely affected aquatic ecosystems, which leads to further pressure in establishing food security. To meet the rising demand for fish products, countries have turned to aquaculture, but the industry itself faces many environmental challenges, particularly in wastewater management. This review explores the potential of using biofloc technology (BFT) to treat wastewater. BFT utilises microbial ecosystem processes to remove excess nutrients and acts as a natural “cleaning” mechanism. It transforms organic waste into valuable microbial biomass, which enhances water quality and minimises the ecological footprint of aquaculture. In this way, BFT reduces the amount of solid waste generated, increases the level of dissolved oxygen and creates an environment that is less conducive for the growth of harmful bacteria, thus reducing the need for chemical treatments. This paper also discusses the role of BFT in toxic remediation by analysing the nature and composition of aquaculture wastewater. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the mean values for various water quality parameters in aquaculture and biofloc water, and compares them with aquaculture standards.