Abstract: An in-depth study commissioned by the TA -Swiss Centre for Technology Assessment has examined the future potential of biofuels in Switzerland.
Due to the limited availability of both space forcultivation and waste materials, the potential for biofuels is restricted to less than 8% in terms of Swiss personal mobility, if constant overall mobility and fleet efficiency are assumed. A key element here is the energy efficiency of vehicles. The reduction of the Swiss fleetâs consumption from the present 7.9 ¬/100 km to 4 ¬/100 km in 2030, which is technically possible, could double the potential of biofuels to 15 %, and could thereby have a very positive impact on sustainability.
Notes: Die Fachzeitschrift gwa ist das offizielle Publikationsorgan des Schweiz. Vereins des Gas- und Wasserfaches SVGW und des Verbandes Schweizer Abwasser- und Gewässerschutzfachleute VSA. xD;2007 xD;293 xD;26.11.2007 xD;NR xD;Journal Article
Abstract: Nine non-local databases were evaluated with respect to their suitability for the environmental assessment of industrial activities in Latin America. Three assessment methods were considered, namely Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and air emission inventories. The analysis focused on data availability in the databases and the applicability of their international data to Latin American industry. The study showed that the European EMEP/EEA Guidebook and the U.S. EPA AP-42 database are the most suitable ones for air emission inventories, whereas the LCI database Ecoinvent is the most suitable one for LCA and EIA. Due to the data coverage in the databases, air emission inventories are easier to develop than LCA or EIA, which require more comprehensive information. One strategy to overcome the limitations of non-local databases for Latin American industry is the combination of validated data from international databases with newly developed local datasets.
Abstract: Battery-powered electric cars (BEVs) play a key role in future mobility scenarios. However, little is known about the environmental impacts of the production, use and disposal of the lithium ion (Li-ion) battery. This makes it difficult to compare the environmental impacts of BEVs with those of internal combustion engine cars (ICEVs). Consequently, a detailed lifecycle inventory of a Li-ion battery and a rough LCA of BEV based mobility were compiled. The study shows that the environmental burdens of mobility are dominated by the operation phase regardless of whether a gasoline-fueled ICEV or a European electricity fueled BEV is used. The share of the total environmental impact of E-mobility caused by the battery (measured in Ecoindicator 99 points) is 15%. The impact caused by the extraction of lithium for the components of the Li-ion battery is less than 2.3% (Ecoindicator 99 points). The major contributor to the environmental burden caused by the battery is the supply of copper and aluminum for the production of the anode and the cathode, plus the required cables or the battery management system. This study provides a sound basis for more detailed environmental assessments of battery based E-mobility.
Abstract: This paper analyzes the sustainable domestic biomass potential for bioenergy in Switzerland. Relevant biomass resources were selected based on expert interviews and literature analyses. A definition of technical and sustainable biomass potentials was developed. The technical and sustainable biomass potentials were then assessed based on technical and sustainability constraints. The sustainable potentials were further subdivided into the already energetically-used potential and the remaining biomass potential. Data was collected from the literature and supplementary interviews with field experts. Finally, the primary energy potential from biomass was calculated and compared to the current Swiss energy demand. xD;We show that there is currently no sustainable potential for agricultural biomass, such as energy crops, crop residues and grass. On the other hand, there is a substantial potential from woody biomass, manure and waste biomass. The main constraints that limit the sustainable biomass potential are competing material utilizations, economic factors as well as the Swiss biofuels policy. Currently, 3.6% of Switzerland's energy demand is met by biomass resources, whereas the remaining potential could provide an additional 3.3%. Hence, with respect to a sustainable energy supply, bioenergy in Switzerland could cover a total share of 7%. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Abstract: A decentralized power generation plant fuelled by straight jatropha oil was implemented in 2006 in Ranidhera, Chhattisgarh, India. The goal of this study was to assess the environmental sustainability of that electrification project in order to provide a scientific basis for policy decisions on electrifying remote villages. A full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted on jatropha-based rural electrification and then compared with other electrification approaches such as photovoltaic (PV), grid connection and a diesel-fuelled power generator. In summary, the jatropha-based electrification in Ranidhera reduces greenhouse gas emissions over the full life cycle by a factor of 7 compared to a diesel generator or grid connection. The environmental performance is only slightly improved, mainly due to the high air pollution from pre-heating the jatropha seeds. With additional measures oil extraction and overall efficiency could be further improved. However, environmental benefits can only be achieved if jatropha is cultivated on marginal land and land use competition can be excluded. Under these conditions, jatropha-based electricity generation might be a useful alternative to other renewable electrification options, as the technology is very sturdy and can be maintained even in remote and highly under-developed regions.
Abstract: This study evaluated how applicable European Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data are to assessing the environmental impacts of the life cycle of Brazilian triple superphosphate (TSP). The LCI data used for the comparison were local Brazilian LCI data, European LCI data in its original version from the ecoinvent database and a modified version of the European LCI data, which had been adapted to better account for the Brazilian situation. We compared the three established datasets at the level of the inventory as well as for their environmental impacts, i.e. at the level of Life Cycle Environmental Assessment (LCIA). The analysis showed that the European LCIs (both the original and the modified ones) considered a broader spectrum of background processes and environmental flows (inputs and outputs). Nevertheless, TSP production had in all three cases similar values for the consumption of the main raw materials. The LCIA results obtained for the datasets showed important differences as well. Therefore we concluded that the European data in general lead to much higher environmental impacts than the Brazilian data. The differences between the LCIA results obtained with the Brazilian and the European data can be basically explained by the methodological differences underlying the data. The small differences at the LCI level for selected inputs and outputs between the Brazilian and the European LCIs from ecoinvent indicate that the latter can be regarded as applicable for characterizing the Brazilian TSP.
Abstract: The physico-chemical habitat template of glacial streams in the Alps is xD;characterized by distinct and predictable changes between harsh and relatively benign periods. xD;Spring and autumn were predicted to be windows of favorable environmental conditions xD;conducive for periphyton development. Periphyton biomass (measured as chlorophyll a and xD;ash-free dry mass) was quantified in 5 glacial and 3 non-glacial streams over an annual cycle. xD;One glacial stream was an outlet stream of a proglacial lake. In all glacial streams, seasonal xD;patterns in periphyton were characterized by low biomass during summer high flow when xD;high turbidity and transport of coarse sediment prevailed. With the end of icemelt in autumn, xD;environmental conditions became more favorable and periphyton biomass increased. Biomass xD;peaked between late September and January. In spring, low flow, low turbidity, and a lack of xD;coarse sediment transport were not paralleled by an increase in periphyton biomass. In nonglacial xD;streams, seasonal periphyton patterns were similar to those of glacial streams, but xD;biomass was significantly higher. Glacier recession from climate change may shift water xD;sources in glacier streams and attenuate the glacial flow pulse. These changes could alter xD;predicted periods of optimal periphyton development. The window of opportunity for xD;periphyton accrual is expected to shift earlier and extend into autumn in channels that retain xD;surface flows.
Abstract: The spatial differentiation of socioeconomic classes in a city can deliver insight into the nexus of urban development and the environment. The purpose of this paper is to identify poor and rich regions in large cities according to the predominant physical characteristics of the regions. Meaningful spatial information from urban systems can be derived using remote sensing and GIS tools, especially in large difficult-to-manage cities where the dynamics of development results in rapid changes to urban patterns. We use here very high resolution imagery data for the identification of homogeneous socioeconomic zones in a city. We formulate the categorization task as a GIS analysis of an image classified with conventional techniques. Experiments are conducted using a QuickBird image of a study area in Lima, Peru. We provide accuracy assessment of results compared to ground truth data. Results show an approximated allocation of socioeconomic zones within Lima. The methodology described could also be applied to other urban centers, particularly large cities of Latin America, which have characteristics similar to those of the study area. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Notes: Avelar, Silvania Zah, Rainer Tavares-Correa, Carlos
Abstract: Currently, many countries are establishing goals for substituting biofuels for fossil fuels. These goals usually foresee 5-10% substitution while today's production, in most countries, is far below 2%. Evidently, many countries will seek to meet their ambitious biofuel targets through imports. This global trade in biofuels, which is to some extent already taking place, will have a major impact not only on other commodity markets like vegetable oils or animal fodder but also on the global land use change and on environmental impacts. This special issue focuses on the relation between trading, policy making and sustainability impacts of biofuels. It demonstrates the strong but complex link between biofuels production and the global food market, it unveils policy measures as the main drivers for production and use of biofuels and it analyzes various sustainability indicators and certification schemes for biofuels with respect to minimizing the adverse effects of biofuels while maximizing the benefits of the future use of biofuels.
Abstract: Simple, inexpensive and accurate methods for assessing the spatial distribution of traffic emissions are badly needed for the environmental management in South American cities. In this study, various spatial disaggregation methods of traffic emissions of carbon monoxide are presented and evaluated for a large city (Santiago de Chile). Previous methods have used a simplified road network as a proxy for deriving spatial patterns of emissions. However, these approaches resulted in underestimation of emissions in urban centers, industrial zones and highly loaded roads, as well as overestimation in residential zones. Here we modify these methods by adding data correlated with the emissions (e.g. traffic counts, vehicles mean speed, road capacity) solving partially or completely the indicated problems. After an accuracy-simplicity analysis two methodologies stand out over the others: using traffic count classification and using a land use map, both combined with a simplified road network. Both are top-down approaches that correlate well (similar to 0.9) with the reference emissions and capture emission peaks (within 30% relative error). Hence the proposed changes allow an improved balance between accuracy and costs (monetary, availability of data and time to obtain data). (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Notes: Saide, P. Zah, R. Osses, M. de Eicker, M. Osses
Abstract: The spatial accuracy of top-down traffic emission inventory maps obtained with a simplified disaggregation method based on street density was assessed in seven mid-sized Chilean cities. Each top-down emission inventory map was compared against a reference, namely a more accurate bottom-up emission inventory map front the same study area. The comparison was carried out using a combination of numerical indicators and visual interpretation. Statistically significant differences were found between the seven cities with regard to the-spatial accuracy of their top-down emission inventory maps. In compact cities with a simple street network and a single center, a good accuracy of the spatial distribution Of emissions was achieved with correlation values >0.8 with respect to the bottom-up emission inventory of reference. In contrast, the simplified disaggregation method is not suitable for complex cities consisting of interconnected nuclei, resulting in correlation values <0.5. Although top-down disaggregation of traffic emissions generally exhibits low accuracy, the accuracy is significantly higher in compact cities and might be further improved by applying a correction factor for the city center. Therefore, the method call be used by local environmental authorities in cities with limited resources and with little knowledge on the pollution situation to get an overview on the spatial distribution of the emissions generated by traffic activities. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Notes: de Elcker, Margarita Osses Zah, Rainer Trivino, Ruben Hurni, Hans
Abstract: Replacing glass fibers with natural fibers in the automobile industry can yield economic, environmental and social benefits. This article evaluates the prospective environmental impacts of automobile applications of curaua fiber (Ananas erectifolius), which nearly equates the physical properties of glass fibers. The study identified economic and social advantages of applying curaua fiber composites in car parts. Besides costing 50% less than fiber glass, the use of curaua fibers can promote regional development in the Amazon region. In order to realize significant environmental benefits, however, the curaui-based composites would have to be lighter than their glass fiber-based counterparts. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Abstract: Traffic emission estimation in developing countries is a key-issue for air pollution management. In most cases, comprehensive bottom-up methodologies cannot be applied in mid-sized cities because of the resource cost related to their application. In this paper, a simplified emission estimation model (SEEM) is evaluated. The model is based on a top-down approach and gives annual global hot emission. Particular attention is paid to the quality of the input traffic data. The quality of results is assessed by application of the SEEM model in the Chilean Gran Concepcion urban area and by comparison with a bottom-up approach that has been led for the year 2000. The SEEM model estimates emissions with an accuracy of about 20% and is related to important resource savings. The results of the SEEM model are then distributed in space with a disaggregation approach and using GIS techniques. The relevancy of the disaggregation approach is evaluated among several possibilities through statistical methods. A spatial disaggregation using principal roads density gives the best results in terms of emissions repartition and gives a globally accurate image of the distribution of hot emissions in a mid-sized city. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Notes: Tuia, Devis de Eicker, Margarita Osses Zah, Rainer Osses, Mauricio Zarate, Erika Clappier, Alain
Abstract: Gegenwärtig lassen sich zwar verschiedene Biotreibstoffe produzieren, die Treibhausgas-Reduktionen von mehr als 30 % ermöglichen, die meisten dieser Biotreibstoffe weisen jedoch bei anderen Umweltfaktoren höhere Belastungen als Benzin auf. In der näheren Zukunft werden sowohl beim Anbau von Energiepflanzen als auch bei der Verarbeitungstechnologie deutliche Effizienzsteigerungen und Reduktionen der Umweltbelastung stattfinden. Dennoch sind die zur Verfügung stehenden Landflächen in der Schweiz, aber auch global beschränkt. Bioenergie wird auch in Zukunft nur im Verbund mit anderen erneuerbaren Energieformen eine wichtige Rolle in unserer Energieversorgung spielen.
Notes: Die Fachzeitschrift gwa ist das offizielle Publikationsorgan des Schweiz. Vereins des Gas- und Wasserfaches SVGW und des Verbandes Schweizer Abwasser- und Gewässerschutzfachleute VSA. xD;2007 xD;293 xD;26.11.2007 xD;NR xD;Journal Article
Abstract: River ecosystems are increasingly viewed as dynamic riverscapes; their extent, composition, and configuration vary in response to the pulsing of discharge. Although compositional and configurational shifts in riverscapes are thought to control ecosystem processes and biodiversity, attempts to quantity riverscape dynamics of braided rivers are scarce. We Measured monthly changes in the length, spatial arrangement, and age distribution of clear (groundwater-fed) and turbid-water (glacial-fed) channels during two annual cycles in a braided glacial river. Biological data from concurrent studies were used to assess the effects of seasonal changes in the size and pattern of the riverscape on local zoobenthic density, Standing crop of epilithic algae, and spatiotemporal distribution of the hyporheos. The hydrological processes involved in the expansion-contraction cycle of the riverscape resulted in a complex, albeit predictable. pattern of change in the proportion and spatial arrangement of clear and turbid channels. On average, 30% of the riverscape was renewed at monthly intervals. Surface hydrological connectivity and the length Of turbid channels increased logarithmically with increasing discharge. The length of clear channels increased up to a threshold discharge of 1.5 m(3)/s, above which surface flooding resulted in the contraction and fragmentation of clear water bodies. Turbid channels exhibited a unimodal age distribution, whereas clear channels had two cohorts that appeared during the expansion and contraction phases. The renewal pattern and configuration of the riverscape changed little between years despite differences in discharge and the occurrence of several rainfall-induced spates. The density of benthic invertebrate communities in the main channel decreased with increasing size of aquatic habitats indicating that local zoobenthic density was Liffected by dilution-concentration effects. The disproportionate Increase in the proportion of glacial-fed habitats during summer high flows limited the standing crop of epilithic algae in this braided river. The spatial arrangement of inhospitable glacial-fed habitats probably impeded the colonization of newly created suitable habitats by invertebrates with poor dispersal capacities. Quantification of riverscape dynamics is critical to understanding how changes in size, composition, and configuration of braided rivers affect biodiversity, bioproduction, and ecosystem processes.
Abstract: The traditional jute classification system has been evaluated to determine its suitability for the application to composites. Five potentially relevant parameters for composites, namely thermostability, alkali-soluble fraction, degree of fibre damage (degree of polymerization and tensile strength), degree of lignification (acid-soluble lignin and acid-insoluble lignin), and degree of whiteness (CIE y and CIE y), have been determined by analysing the upper and lower sections of different tossa jute samples. Using discriminant analysis, 100% of the samples are correctly re-assigned to the original groups (TD class, upper and lower sections). For samples arranged in TD classes, primarily the degree of whiteness makes the differentiation possible. For samples grouped in upper and lower sections, primarily the alkali-soluble fraction as well as the degree of lignification and whiteness are found to show a significant relative difference. As regards composite quality, the thermostability, alkali-soluble fraction and degree of lignification are potentially very relevant. With respect to these parameters, the traditional jute classification system does not appear to be suitable as there is no significant difference among TD classes, and the variations between the upper and the lower sections are significantly greater than those among TD classes. The largest relative differences exist for thermostability, but there is no significant difference among the samples analysed. A new fibre classification system is needed for the successful application of jute fibres to composites.
Abstract: 1. Traps for litterfall and for lateral transport of organic matter were sampled over a 1-year period along longitudinal and lateral transects in a glacial stream system (Val Roseg, Swiss Alps), which is characterized by single-thread reaches-and a large subalpine floodplain. 2. Allochthonous inputs to the glacier stream were low close to the glacier terminus but increased as woody riparian vegetation and forests develop. Annual inputs varied from 0.4 g ash free dry matter (AFDM) m(-2) year(-1) (direct input) and 0.7 g AFDM m(-2) year(-1) (lateral input) in the proglacial area to 23.0 g AFDM m(-2) year(-1) (direct input) and 10.7 g AFDM m(-2) year(-1) (lateral input) in the lowest reach with adjacent subalpine forests. 3. Direct inputs of organic matter decreased exponentially from forests at the floodplain edge to the floodplain centre, while lateral inputs of organic matter correlated linearly with distance to trees. Direct litterfall dominated litter input close to the forest, while lateral transport was the major pathway for channels more than 20 m away from the forest. 4. A conceptual framework is developed illustrating the influence of terrestrial vegetation and fluvial morphology on organic matter input along the continuum of glacial streams.
Abstract: 1. Food sources and trophic structure of the macroinvertebrate community along a longitudinal gradient were examined in a glacier stream of the Swiss Alps (Val Roseg). Analysis of multiple stable isotopes (delta C-13 and delta N-15) and measurement of C : N ratios were used to differentiate between allochthonous and autochthonous organic matter. 2. Although isotopic signatures of algae varied widely among sites and dates, it was possible to discriminate between allochthonous and autochthonous food sources using a site-specific approach. 3. Dominant food sources of herbivorous invertebrates in all main channel sites were epilithic diatoms and the filamentous gold alga Hydrurus foetidus. Allochthonous organic matter was of some importance only in a groundwater-fed stream close to the floodplain margin. 4. Seasonal changes in the delta C-13 signature of the macroinvertebrates corresponded with seasonal changes in delta C-13 of the gold alga H. foetidus. This indicated that the energy base remains autochthonous throughout the year. 5. Because of limited food sources, feeding plasticity of the invertebrate community was high. Both grazers and shredders fed predominantly on algae, whereas gatherer-collectors seemed to be omnivorous. 6. The overall enrichment of delta N-15 was 2.25 parts per thousand. (r(2) = 0.99) per trophic level. On a gradient from the glacier site to a downstream forested site trophic enrichment was constant but variation in delta N-15 within trophic levels decreased.
Abstract: Val Roseg in the Swiss Alps is a complex alluvial valley formed in glacial outwash. The braided flood plain, 2.6 km long and 130-510 m wide, begins 1.2 km downstream of the glacier terminus and extends to a ''knickpoint'' at 1990 m a.s.l. where water upwells before entering a constrained reach. A long-term study has been initiated to investigate habitat heterogeneity and how such heterogeneity (1) contributes to the biodiversity of benthos, groundwater fauna, and periphyton in a harsh environment and (2) influences ecosystem processes such as productivity and decomposition dynamics. As a first step we have distinguished different channel types based on the correspondence between hydrological connectivity and physico-chemical attributes. This functional characterization will serve as a habitat template to structure future ecological research in the Val Roseg flood plain. Six distinct channel types have been identified within the floodplain ecosystem: (i) Main channel, (ii) Side channels, (iii) Intermittently-connected channels, (iv) Mixed channels, (v) Groundwater channels, and (vi) Tributaries. Distinct seasonal and daily runoff patterns, caused by ice melt, change the hydrological connectivity between individual channel types. Results clearly demonstrate that the whole flood plain shifts from dominance by surface water at high summer discharge to a groundwater-controlled system in winter. Temporal variability, rather than the means of environmental values, has been used to differentiate between individual floodplain channel types. Groundwater channels exhibit the highest spatial but the lowest temporal variability. In contrast, intermittently-connected channels are characterized by a low spatial but an extraordinary temporal variability. High spatio-temporal heterogeneity resulting from a diversity of channel types is believed to play a major role in maintaining what appears to be remarkably high biodiversity in this glacial flood plain.
Abstract: Bioenergy from woodfuel has a considerable potential to substitute fossil fuels and alleviate global xD;warming. One issue so far not systematically addressed is the question of the optimal size of bioenergy plants xD;with regards to environmental and economic performance. The aim of this work is to fill this gap by modeling xD;the entire production chain of wood and its conversion to bioenergy in a synthetic natural gas plant both with xD;respect to economic and environmental performance. Several spatially explicit submodels for the availability, xD;harvest, transportation and conversion of wood were built and joined in a multi-objective optimization model to xD;determine optimal plant sizes for any desired weighting of environmental impacts and profits. xD;We find a trade-off between environmental and economic optimal plant sizes. While the economic optima range xD;between 75 â 200 MW, the environmental optima are with 10 â 40 MW significantly smaller. Moreover, the xD;economic optima are highly location specific and tend to be smaller if the biomass resource in the geographic xD;region of the plant is scarcer. The results are robust with regards to the effect on global warming as well as with xD;respect to the aggregated environmental impact assessment methods Ecoindicator â99 and Ecological Scarcity xD;2006.
Abstract: The Sustainability Quick Check for Biofuels (SQCB) is a web-based tool for the evaluation of biofuels
on an LCA basis. It allows calculating the global warming potential, as well as the as overall environmental impacts
of the biofuelsâ life cycle. The tool was first based on the requirements for the Swiss ordinance on mineral oil tax.
EMPA will expand the SQCB to include the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) Certification Standard. The
first step in this process is to include the regulatory requirements of the European Renewable Energy Directive
2009/28/EC of April 23, 2009 (RED), in particular the calculation of the greenhouse gas emissions according to the
RED methodology. The implementation of the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions according to the Renewable
Energy Directive will allow producers and importers to calculate the GHG emissions of their biofuels for the
European context while profiting from the flexibility and comfort of the Sustainability Quick Check for Biofuels
Abstract: The fluvial system in the upper Val Roseg in the Swiss Alps is characterized by a complex glacial floodplain. To analyze the changes in floodplain morphology between 1947 and 1999, a period during which the two main glaciers lost 700 to 1600 m in length, ten sets of aerial images were rectified and channel network and active floodplain area were digitized into a Geographic Information System (GIS). Changes mainly included an increase in the active floodplain width in the upper part of the floodplain. In the 100- to 500-m wide floodplain, the average lateral shift of the main channel ranged from 2 to 10 m yr(-1), While the channel network was continuously renewed at a turnover rate of 25% per year, the overall structure of the Roseg floodplain remained relatively constant, despite rapid glacial retreat that increased the availability of glacial sediments potentially susceptible to fluvial transport. The sinuosity index averaged 1.15 +/- 0.01 and the braiding index 4.6 +/- 1.2. Only the connectivity index showed high variation (6.6 +/- 5.0), about 34% of which may be attributed to variation in discharge.
Abstract: We studied the spatial and temporal distribution of benthic algae in an Alpine stream ecosystem strongly influenced by glacier runoff. Algal biomass, as chlorophyll a, was measured at several stations in the main channel and in groundwater-fed channels in a glacial flood plain. Mean algal biomass increased downstream from the glacier (from 0.3 to 9.3 mg chi. a m(-2)) during summer high flow. The inverse trend was observed in autumn (from 138 to 12 mg chi. a m(-2)). The chrysophyte Hydrurus foetidus dominated the phytobenthic community close to the glacier. Algal biomass in groundwater channels exhibited high spatial variability. For example, in August mean values in different groundwater-fed channels ranged from 4 to. 218 mg chi. a m(-2). During summer high flow or after major spates, the groundwater-fed channels are presumably the only sites of significant autochthonous energy fixation in this glacial stream network.
