ID:
publications-2434
Type:
Peer reviewed articles
Year:
2021
Authors:
Efthymios Rodias; Eirini Aivazidou; Charisios Achillas; Dimitrios Aidonis; Dionysis Bochtis
Title:
Water-Energy-Nutrients Synergies in the Agrifood Sector: A Circular Economy Framework
Venue/Journal:
Energies, Vol 14, Iss 159, p 159 (2021)
DOI:
10.3390/en14010159
Research type:
Uncategorized
Water System:
Uncategorized
Technical Focus:
Abstract:
Circular economy is emerging as a regenerative concept that minimizes emissions, relies on renewable energy, and eliminates waste based on the design of closed-loop systems and the reuse of materials and resources. The implementation of circular economy practices in resource-consuming agricultural systems is essential for reducing the environmental ramifications of the currently linear systems. As the renewable segment of circular economy, bioeconomy facilitates the production of renewable biological resources (i.e., biomass) that transform into nutrients, bio-based products, and bioenergy. The use of recycled agro-industrial wastewater in agricultural activities (e.g., irrigation) can further foster the circularity of the bio-based systems. In this context, this paper aims to provide a literature review in the field of circular economy for the agrifood sector to enhance resource efficiency by: (i) minimizing the use of natural resources (e.g., water, energy), (ii) decreasing the use of chemical fertilizers, (iii) utilizing bio-based materials (e.g., agricultural/livestock residues), and (iv) reusing wastewater from agrifood operations. The final objective is to investigate any direct or indirect interactions within the water-energy-nutrients nexus. The derived framework of synergetic circular economy interventions in agriculture can act as a basis for developing circular bio-based business models and creating value-added agrifood products.
Link with Projects:
820985
Link with Tools:
Related policies:
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