Volume 8 Number 2 (March 2023)

An Assessment of Sustainable Energy Management at a Major United Kingdom Based Hub Airport: A Case Study of London Gatwick Airport

Glenn Baxter

Due to their extremely energy intense nature, airports are increasingly focusing on their energy consumption and energy efficiency as a key part of their sustainability policies and strategies. Based on an in-depth longitudinal case study research design, this study has examined London Gatwick Airport, a major United Kingdom-based hub airport, sustainable energy management. The case study covered the period 2014 to 2021. London Gatwick Airport has two principal energy sources: electricity and natural gas. The case study revealed that London Gatwick Airport contributes to a lower carbon grid through its procurement of 100% certified renewable electricity. The airport has purchased this 100% certified renewable electricity since 2013. This measure has enabled the airport to mitigate its environmental impact. An important energy-related development at London Gatwick Airport, has been the airport’s waste processing and biomass generation facility, which began operations in November 2016. Category 1 and other types of organic waste are converted into biomass fuel that is used to power the processing plant and provide heating for the airport’s North Termina and the airport’s waste management site. The waste plant also provides power to the site’s water recovery system. Throughout the study period, London Gatwick Airport introduced a range of energy efficiency related measures. These measures include the installation of high efficiency lighting, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) systems, the upgrading of the airport’s boiler plant, the installation of an electricity powered hydrant dispenser, and the installation of more energy efficient light emitting diode (LED) lighting. The airport is also replacing its fleet of airport vehicles with electric powered vehicles. In addition, the airport is transitioning towards the use of electricity powered ground service equipment (GSE).

Effect of organic amendments on Aloe vera growth in nursery in Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire

In the face of climate change, the optimization of crop diversification policy in Côte d'Ivoire must go through research and promotion of crops of interest that require little water, including Aloe vera. However, in view of its slow growth in nursery, the improvement of growth substrate fertility by the supply of nutrients is necessary. Thus, this study aims at assessing the effects of six organic matter formulations on Aloe vera growth in nursery. To this end, a completely randomized block experimental design comprising six treatments and three replications was carried out. The amendments tested were cow dung, chicken droppings, charcoal, banana tree stems and ripe plantain and dessert bananas. The results showed substrate pH variability (6.67 to 7.87) depending on the amendments. Leaf emergence speed increased with cow dung from the 80th day after planting. Similarly, the highest number of leaves was obtained with cow dung (9.33 leaves). With 22.89 cm in average length and 1.65 cm in average width, the leaves generated with cow dung were also the longest and widest. This study showed that cow dung promotes rapid Aloe vera growth in nursery.

Farmers’ Perception of agroforestry in the Bambou–Mingali forest massif (Congo)

Agroforestry offers an opportunity to enhance the value of poor ferralitic savannah soils in the Republic of Congo. The aim of the study was to analyze farmers’ perceptions of agroforestry in the Bambou–Mingali artificial forest massif. A survey was conducted among 42 farmers who had signed an exploitation contract with the National Reforestation Service (SNR). The study revealed that most of the farmers involved in agroforestry on reforested state-owned plots were adults (83%) and had received education (100%). Agri-silviculture is practiced on these plots. The SNR is responsible for preparing the land for planting forest species (for example, Acacia, Eucalyptus, pines). Weeding was the only maintenance operation carried out by all farmers. Positive factors that may lead farmers to adopt agroforestry innovations in state reforested plots include free access to land, economies of scale in the establishment of food crops, and satisfaction with the yields obtained and income earned compared to savannah areas. Acacia was the most valued forest tree among farmers. Thus, the reforested plots are an opportunity to promote agroforestry for the benefit of smallholders.

Beef cattle farming potential in the coconut plantation companies lands in South Minahasa Regency, Indonesia

Tilly D. F. Lumy, Richard E. M. F. Osak, Stevy P. Pangemanan

This study aims to determine the carrying capacity and profitability of developing beef cattle farming in the coconut land hold by coconut plantation companies. The research was conducted using a survey method on tenant farmers of coconut land that are managed by plantation companies, both state company and private companies holding land use rights (HGU) for coconut plantations. Data that are observed and measured in the field based on the results of interviews with respondents, as well as secondary data from related agencies. The analytical methods used are carrying capacity and profit predicted analysis. The results of the study were concluded as follows: (1) Potential carrying capacity of forage for cattle in coconut plantation company land has an average of 5.28 AU (Animal Unit) of cattles, while on average ownership of cattle only 2.06 AU of cattles each tenant farmer in coconut land that are managed by plantation companies, so that the number of cattle ownerships can still be increased by about 3.22 AU. Tenant farmers of coconut plantation companies land have the potential for the availability of forage on cultivated coconut land owned by coconut plantation companies, so that they can still increase the number of cattle kept.

Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for ethanol and butanol biofuel production

The production of biofuels through biological processes has garnered increasing attention due to their potential benefits over conventional fuels, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, higher energy output, and reduced-price fluctuations. However, the metabolic processes of primitive microorganisms used in biofuel production are not compatible with those of fossil fuels. To address this, scholars have employed metabolic engineering techniques to modify the metabolisms of various microorganisms, including S. cerevisiae, for enhanced biofuel production. Specifically, overexpression of enzymes involved in bioethanol and biobutanol production, knockouts of competing pathways, improvements in carbon flux and tolerance have been applied to maximize the potential of S. cerevisiae for bioethanol and biobutanol production. This review focuses on the current state of metabolic engineering of S. cerevisiae for the production of bioethanol from lignocellulose and biobutanol from all kind of substrates, along with the potential use of cell surface technology in this field.

Physicochemical, colorimetric properties and yield of bresaola from beef, Baladi-goat and Awassi-sheep in Lebanon

Bachir Abi-Salloum, Maguy Al-Nahum, Mohammed Rached, Ossama Dimassi

Yield, physicochemical and colorimetric characteristics of bresaola from Lebanese Baladi-goat and Awassi-sheep compared to that from beef is studied. For this purpose, defatted lean meat cuts from Beef, Baladi-goat and Awassi-sheep were collected, weighed and processed following the EU-approved guidelines for Bresaola della Valtellina. The bresaola from beef (BFB) had the significantly lowest moisture and fat content compared to Bresaola from Baladi-goat (BFG), with the values of Bresaola from Awassi-sheep (BFS) being significantly the highest. Furthermore, the protein and ash content of BFB was significantly the highest, followed by the values of BFG with content of BFS being the lowest. The pH value of BFB was significantly the lowest, while there was no difference between those of BFG and BFS. There was no significant difference in the water activities of BFB, BFG and BFS (0.848±0.002). As for the colorimetric characteristics, the ΔE value of BFB with BFG is 14.74±4.10, while that of BFB with BFS is 17.88±4.10, and that of BFG with BFS is 16.00±4.10 noting that the values did not differ significantly. The BFB and BFG Hue values did not differ significantly both being significantly larger than that of BFS. The BFB and BFG Chroma values were not significantly different while both being significantly different from that of BFS. Bresaola from raw meat (kg-Bresaola/kg-raw meat) value for beef was found to be significantly higher than that of goat, with value for sheep being significantly the highest. Consequently, the opposite was true for weight loss (%).

A Survey on Livestock Health Care Delivery System in Maharashtra of India

H P Aithal, S K Das, K N Bhilegaonkar

Feedback of 250 Livestock Development Officers (LDO) of Maharashtra state was taken regarding the livestock health care delivery system in pre constructed format. The study revealed that 17.60 % LDO were looking after five and more than five dispensaries and23.20 % LDO were taking care of livestock from more than 20 villages. Many of the LDOs (56.80 %) were also involved in different extension works such as implementation of Gov. Schemes, survey work and cattle show etc., besides treatment of animals. Majority of the officers (72.40 %) visited farmer’s house as and when farmers called. Moreover, 69.60 % LDO informed that they visited village for the treatment of livestock very often.Most of the officers informed about sufficient stock of vaccine (82.00 %), antibiotic (60.00 %), anthelmentis and analgesics (63.60 %), but 42.00 % LDO reported scarcity of vitamin and mineral mixture.In respect of disease outbreak / occurrence, LDO reported outbreak of 22 diseases in livestock and poultry. Most occurrence of disease was FMD in cattle (28.00 %), followed by PPR in goat (24.80 %) and HS in cattle (14.40%). 31.20 % respondents reported more than two weeks time was needed to get diagnostic report of disease from the testing laboratory.32.80 % LDO informed that they reported to the District Animal Husbandry Officer regarding outbreak / occurrence of disease.The officers revealed that the regular vaccination was carried out against FMD (97.20 %),HS (93.20 %) and BQ (92.00 %). 35.60 % respondents reported vaccine failure and cause of vaccine failure was found to be improper storage and transportation of vaccine (17.20 %) followed by untimely vaccination (10.80 %) and some even doubted about the quality of vaccine. 47.60 % LDO reported the sufficient availability of acaricide and 67.20 % respondents informed sufficient availability of anthelmintic in the animal health center.Artificial Insemination was preferred over natural service by farmers for breeding of livestock as reported by 83.60 % respondents.Conception rate in AI was reported to be 45.27 %, whereas number of AI / conception was reported to be 2.85. Reason for preference of AI by most of the farmers was easy availability (46.00 %) followed by better conception rate (43.60%).

The Effect of Addition of AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi) and Yomari Liquid Organic Fertilizer Concentration on the Growth of Agarwood Production Plants (Aquilaria malacensis Lamk.) on Ex-Lime Mining Soil

Benni Satria, Rachmad Hersi Martinsyah, Armansyah, Dini Hervani, dan Warnita

This plant has a very large opportunity to be developed on ex-mining land, considering that this plant is an adaptive non-timber forest product plant that grows and produces naturally without inoculation (injection) on ex-mining land: limestone, nickel, rocky sand, tin and coal. and added witharbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and liquid organic fertilizer such as Yomari on Aquilaria malacensis Lamk. AMF is able to increase root growth, root range, so that it can facilitate roots to absorb water and nutrients through external hyphae and later obtained quality seeds which have many and strong roots. Yomari liquid organic fertilizer has high organic and nutrient content, can increase soil organisms and improve soil pH and. This study aimed to obtain the best interaction between the dose of AMF and the concentration of Yomari liquid organic fertilizer on the growth of Aquilaria malacensis Lamk seedlings. in the ex-limestone mine soil, the best dose of AMF was obtained on the growth of Aquilaria malacensis Lamk seedlings. in limestone ex- mining soil and the best concentration of Yomari organic fertilizer on the growth of Aquilaria malacensis Lamk. in the former limestone quarry. This research was conducted from June to November 2022 in the nursery of the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University. This study used a factorial experimental method in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 2 factors, namely the first factor was the administration of the AMF dose which consisted of 5 levels: 0.0 grams (C0); 15 grams (C2); 30 grams (C3) and 45 grams (C4) and the second factor concentration of Yomari organic fertilizer consisted of 5 levels: 0.00 ppm (Y0); 25.00 ppm (Y1); 50.00 (Y2); 75.00 ppm (Y3) and 100.00 ppm (Y4), each treatment level consisted of 4 replications. Observational data in the form of qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed using the F-test at a significance level of 5%. The different effects on the treatment were analyzed by further test of LSD at 5% level. Observations were made including: percentage of live seedlings, increase in seedling height, increase in number of leaves, widest leaf width, root weight, and percentage of roots infected by AMF on lime-mined soil media. There is an interaction between the dose of AMF and the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer on the growth of agarwood-producing plant seeds (Aquilaria malacensis Lamk.)) on the ex-limestone mining soil. Giving a dose of AMF 45 grams with a concentration of 100 ppm liquid organic fertilizer was the best in increasing the percentage of life, increasing the number leaves, increase in plant seed height, widest leaf width, percentage of agarwood-producing plant seeds infected with AMF.

Towards Carbon Neutral Airport Operations Through the Use of Renewable Energy Sources: The Case of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Indira Gandhi International Airports, India

Glenn Baxter

A very significant development in the global airport industry in recent times has been the introduction and use of green renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind powered hybrid systems. Airports are very energy intensive and have a significant carbon footprint. Thus, the use of renewable green energy is enabling airports to reduce their carbon footprint thereby mitigating their environmental impact. Using an in-depth instrumental case study research design, this study has examined the use of renewable green energy systems by Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The case study revealed that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has entirely switched to green sources for its energy consumption needs, thereby making it one of India’s 100 per cent sustainable airports. In April 2022, Mumbai Airport enhanced its usage of green energy when it deployed a 10Kwp Hybrid SolarMill consisting of 2Kwp TurboMill (three Savonious vertical axis type wind turbine (VAWT) and 8Kwp Solar PV modules. The new system has enabled Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to reduce its carbon footprint as the new system will reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 120,000 tonnes per year. In 2022, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport became the first airport in India to be powered entirely by hydro and solar energy sources. This energy-related measure is one of the airport’s key actions to realize its 2030 objective of being a Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport. By moving to renewable sources for its energy requirements, the airport is expected to reduce its carbon footprint by around 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per annum. The use of green energy sources has helped the airports to mitigate the harmful environmental impact from the use of fossil-based fuels.

Contribution of Tree Legumes in the Production Dynamics of Yellow Yam (Dioscorea cayenensis Lam) in the South Cameroon Plateau

The overexploitation of agricultural soils as a result of the increased need for food by local populations is leading to serious dysfunctions in land restoration. These dysfunctions, aggravated by climate change, require the implementation of ecological engineering strategies to rehabilitate the soil. The soils of the South Cameroonian plateau suffer significant degradation in terms of loss of fertilizing elements due to extensive agricultural practices, which limits agricultural production. This work showed how tree legumes contribute to improving the yield of yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis) in the South Cameroonian plateau, to ultimately support the production of agroecosystems in this environment. Within the framework of this study, an experimental set-up was designed to measure the performance of tree legumes in the field. The experimental set-up is a randomized complete block trial with three treatments and three replications on 3000 m2. The control plot without shrubs, the plot with Calliandra, and the plot with Senna. This trial was carried out in the district of Mbankomo, Mefou, and Akono Department, Central Region. After monitoring the experiment, it was found that Senna spectabilis produced more nutrients than Calliandra calothyrsus. Thus, each Senna shrub produced 1.54 kg of litter in the first year and 2.04 kg in the second year for a quantity of nitrogen of 192.76 kg/ha and 260 kg/ha respectively in the first and second year. Each Calliandra shrub produced 1.46 kg and 1.87 kg of litter for a nutrient amount of 183 kg/ha and 236.81 kg/ha of nitrogen during the two years of the experiment. The combination of tree legumes and field crops increased yam yields by a factor of 2 or 3 compared to traditional agriculture. The growth rate of the yam is accelerated as well as its vegetative cycle, which is reduced from 7.5 months to 6 months as a result of the increase in soil organic matter through the shrub legume litter. Agroforestry practices could have a positive impact on soil characteristics and microbial communities, resulting in enhanced soil fertility and long-term sustainability of agricultural production. According to the results obtained, the insertion of tree legumes in agrosystems is a more efficient and less costly way to gradually and sustainably increase nitrogen availability and soil fertility.

Effect of Extract Euphorbia hirta Linn. Against Leaf and Fruit Pests on Plants Cucumber (Cucumis sativus Linn.)

Aulia Rahmah, Muhammad Indar Pramudi, Noor Aidawati, Lyswiana Aphrodyanti

Euphorbia hirta which is commonly known as "patikan kebo" is small herb which gives milky latex. This study aims to determine the effect of E. hirta extract in reducing the intensity of leaf and fruit pest attacks on cucumber plants Cucumis sativus Linn. The results of this study showed that all treatments with this extract were able to suppress the intensity of pest attacks on cucumber plants and had a significant effect on reducing the intensity of pest attacks on cucumber plants. The best concentration that can reduce the intensity of these pest attacks is the treatment of 10% can reduce the intensity of leaf pest attacks on cucumber plants up to 4.64%. The intensity of pest attacks on cucumbers only occurred in the control and 2% extract treatment with percentages of damage intensity to cucumbers of 9.38% and 3.13%.

Parameters affecting Tractor Fuel Consumption during Primary Tillage Operation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

P. Okoko, W. A. Olosunde

Tractor fuel consumption is a vital parameter in management of farm machinery. Parameters affecting tractor fuel consumption in litres per hectare(L/ha) during ploughing operation in Uyo was investigated. The study was conducted at the University of Uyo teaching and research farm, Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The soil in the study location was characterized as clay loam. Effects of operation parameters on fuel consumption for ploughing operation were investigated using One-Way Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance. The findings of the study indicate that at ˂0.05 significance level, operation parameters had significant effect on tractor fuel consumption during ploughing operation. The study had identified factors affecting tractor fuel operation during ploughing operation in the study location.

Screening, characterization and molecular insights of rhamnolipid biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa BS1

Nisha S. Nayak, Dhruvi S. Joshi, Yesha S. Rathi

Biosurfactants are a group of heterogenous metabolites synthesized by a variety of microorganisms. They exhibit the properties of the surface tension reduction, emulsion stabilization, promote foaming, and specific activity at extreme temperatures, pH, and salinity. A bacterial strain was screened for its biosurfactant production in 250 ml MSM broth with crude oil as an inducer for 5 days. The screening activity performed by (i) drop collapse test, (ii) oil displacement test, (iii) emulsification index proved the presence of biosurfactant. TLC and FTIR analysis confirmed that the biosurfactant produced by the selected bacterial isolate is a rhamnolipid. The potential isolate was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis and it was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Interconnectedness and the Value of Life: A Deep Ecological Analysis of 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick

Samira Mehdipour Shekakomi

This article examines the ecological themes present in Philip K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" through the lens of Warwick Fox's deep ecology theory. The novel emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life, demonstrating the importance of recognizing our place within a larger ecological system. The absence of non-human life is portrayed as a contributing factor to the degradation of the environment, emphasizing the intrinsic value of non-human life in ecological systems. The consequences of anthropocentrism, including environmental destruction and a lack of empathy for non-human beings, are explored. The relationship between technology and ecology is also examined, with the potential for both degradation and restoration. Overall, the article suggests that recognizing the interconnectedness of all life and valuing non-human life are essential for the health and survival of the entire ecosystem.

Bi25FeO40 microspheres loading on g-C3N4 for high efficiency pollutants photodegradation

Xuan Sang Nguyen

Bi25FeO40/g-C3N4 composites were synthesized for dechlorination of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP). The characteristic of the obtained products was studied using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), (FESEM) scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis reflectance. The effects of g-C3N4 content, photocatalyst dosage, solution pH, H2O2 on the dechlorination efficiency were investigated, in addition to the reusability of the nanocomposites. The results showed that increasing content of Bi25FeO40 in nanocomposites, from 10 to 30 wt.%, greatly increased the dechlorination efficiency. Bi25FeO40/g-C3N4 20wt.% and initial pH below 6.0 was the optimal conditions for the catalytic dechlorination of 2-CP. About 94.5% of 2-CP were completely removed after 150 minutes reaction at initial pH value of 6.0. The composites were easily separated from the solution by an applied magnetic field. The removal efficiency of 2-CP slightly decreased to 90% when the catalyst was reused in 4 runs. Therefore, Bi25FeO40/g-C3N4 composites can be considered as a promising method for remediation of pollution by 2-CP.

Quality analysis of Areca catechu L varieties from Mekong delta, in VietNam

Lang Nguyen Thi, Hieu Bui Chi, Khang Minh Le, Phuoc Trong Nguyen

The areca nut palm (Areca catechu L., Arecaceae family) is an economically important palm species in the World providing livelihood options to millions of farmers. The objectives of this study were to extract from areca nut to determine the The phenolic content (TPC) , The flavonoid content (TFC) and Anthocyanin content (TAC) content of 8 samples areca nut in the Mekong Delta .TPC of different sample differed significantly (p < 0.05). The TPC measured in areca nut was significantly higher ( 135.78-162.27 mg). There were significant differences in the flavonoid content in areca nut (p < 0.05). The Anthocyanin contents in areca nut were in the range of ( 23.55-35.55mg). The contents of TFC of different arecanut palm sites were significantly different (p < 0.05) The TFC measured was significantly higher (365.71–495.12mg) . The trend of flavonoid content of different sites was similar to that of total phenolic content .Alkaloid levels in 8 Areca Nut at difference sites analysis .The content associated Alkaloid in eight varieties with different genotypes such as Guvacine ,arecoline , Arecaidine and arecoline in hoblies in different districts of Mekong were compared. The DPPH radical-scavenging rate significantly varied in different sites (34.6 to 66.9% p < 0.05). According to the differences of functional substances among varieties, it can provide guidance for consumers and theoretical basis for the production of healthy food.

Experimental study of the characterization of household waste in Bamako, Mali

In Bamako, the flow of household waste and its typology are little known. In order to set up a sustainable management system for the city's garbage, it is nevertheless important to know the quantities, natures and dimensions of the objects that make up the garbage. This study, which began in 2017, consisted of characterizing the garbage collected at the household level in Bamako using the MODECOM method modified to adapt it to the Malian context. The objective of this study was to propose a method intended to obtain solid results on the characteristics of household waste produced in Bamako in order to build adapted collection and recovery strategies. The results, obtained from a sample of 270 households in the 6 communes of Bamako and 3 neighborhoods of different socio-economic levels per commune, showed that the average ratio of household waste produced in Bamako is about 0.28 Kg per inhabitant per day. The category of fines is the most important, with an average daily production of 2.45 kg for a household with an average of 20.5 inhabitants. Putrescibles come in second place. Their production represents 41% of the average amount of garbage generated in a high standard household. It represents the main biodegradable category of garbage. Fines, which are mostly sand, charcoal and ash, accounted for 37 percent of the waste generated by households of the same type. The particle size sorting, which can help to choose suitable industrial sorting tools, shows that the fraction of medium-sized garbage is the most abundant. The data from the characterization of garbage would allow the development of all forms of garbage management strategies, especially for its collection and recovery.

Impact of Eggshells on Growth and Production of Soybean (Glycine max(L) Merril) in Ultisol

Desi Pramida Sari, Warnita, Muhsanati

Soybean (Glycine max (L) Merril) is one of the agricultural commodities to help the food crop of the Indonesian people. Soybeans are one of the commodities that support the implementation of food crop diversification programs and support national food crop security. Increasing soybean productivity in ultisols can be done through liming using eggshell powder. This experiment has been implemented at Jalan Muhammad Hatta, RT 02, RW 08, Pauh, Padang, West Sumatera from October 2020 to March 2021. The purpose is to get the best eggshell powder dose to increase the growth and yield of the soybean on ultisol. The experiment method uses a complete random design (RAL) with 5 levels of eggshell powder treatment 0; 25; 50; 75; 100 g / plant. Data on the observation are analyzed statistically with the F test at a 5% level. If the F count of treatment is greater than the F table, proceed by the test DNMRT at α level of 5% level. The results showed the use of eggshell powder affected the growth and yield of soybean in ultisol to a dose is 25 g /plant.