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        <title>Environmental and Climate Technologies Feed</title>
        <link>https://sciendo.com/journal/RTUECT</link>
        <description>Sciendo RSS Feed for Environmental and Climate Technologies</description>
        <lastBuildDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 14:14:00 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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            <title>Environmental and Climate Technologies Feed</title>
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            <link>https://sciendo.com/journal/RTUECT</link>
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        <copyright>All rights reserved 2026, Riga Technical University</copyright>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Erratum to: Life Cycle Assessment of Peat Extraction Towards Peat-bog Reconversion Strategies: Scenarios Comparison Based on a Real Case Study from a Latvian Peat Extraction Factory]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0100</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0100</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Empirical Model for Predicting the Combustion Performance of Low-Quality Biomass Pellets Based on Experimental Data]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0016</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0016</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Low‑quality biomass (LQB) is an abundant feedstock for small‑scale heat generation, but its variable composition often leads to unstable combustion and elevated emissions in domestic boilers. This study assesses the combustion behaviour of 18 pelletized LQB feedstocks using a 25-kW boiler operated under controlled conditions. The fuels exhibited wide performance differences, reflected in broad emission ranges and noticeable variation in thermal efficiency. To support predictive evaluation, statistical models were established that link key fuel characteristics with CO, NOx, PM and efficiency, enabling quantitative estimation of combustion performance across heterogeneous feedstocks. To clarify ash‑related effects, ten representative ashes were characterized using ICP-OES and XRD. Their chemical and phase compositions were assigned to the main Vassilev classes, which corresponded to distinct ash‑forming mineral groups. Ca‑rich ashes were dominated by carbonate and phosphate phases suitable for neutralization or construction applications. K‑rich ashes contained soluble sulphate and chloride species relevant for nutrient‑recovery routes, while Si‑rich ashes consisted mainly of quartz or amorphous matrices with low reactivity. The combined combustion and ash elemental and phase analysis results demonstrate clear links between LQB composition, emission behaviour and ash transformation mechanisms, providing a practical basis for evaluating the suitability of alternative biomass pellets for small‑scale heat production.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Influence of Exposure Conditions on the Carbonation and Durability of ISSA-Modified Cementitious Materials]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0015</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0015</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This study explores how exposure conditions affect the carbonation process of cementitious materials that include incinerated sewage sludge ash (ISSA), to evaluate ISSA’s potential as a sustainable additive in cement-based construction materials and its role in CO₂ sequestration. Hardened cement pastes with different amounts of ISSA (0 %, 20 %, 25 %, 30 %, and 35 %) were subjected to two carbonation experiments: indoor and outdoor in a natural environment. The carbonation process was tracked using phenolphthalein tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and calcium carbonate content measurement. Results show that ISSA-modified cement pastes have increased carbonation potential, especially at 20–25 % ISSA, with a rise in CaCO₃ formation and diverse calcite morphologies. However, higher ISSA levels (>30 %) led to decreased carbonation efficiency. The outdoor experiment revealed the significant influence of temperature and humidity changes on carbonation rates, resulting in slower CO₂ absorption compared to laboratory conditions.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Multivariate Regression Analysis of Bio-Oil Yield Using Literature-Derived Biomass Data]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0014</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0014</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The distribution of products formed during biomass pyrolysis depends strongly on the physical and chemical properties of the feedstock, yet quantitative comparisons across studies remain limited. This work compiles experimental and modelling data from literature to examine how five commonly reported biomass characteristics (moisture content, lignin content, ash content, higher heating value, and particle size) influence bio-oil yield. Pairwise trends highlight substantial variability in the explanatory strength of these parameters, with higher heating value showing the most consistent positive association with yield. A multivariate regression approach was then applied to assess the combined effects of all variables within a single analytical framework. The resulting model identifies higher heating value as the most informative predictor across the heterogeneous dataset, while the influence of other parameters is more dependent on interactions and covariation among biomass properties. Predicted yields for locally analysed biomass samples align with general tendencies reported in the literature, though these estimates remain provisional due to the limited size and heterogeneity of the compiled data. The study provides an integrative perspective on feedstock quality factors relevant to bio-oil production and underscores the need for experimental validation and expanded datasets to support more robust predictive modelling.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[A Bibliometric Analysis of the Role of Public Institutions in Climate Change Research]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0013</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0013</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The issue of climate change has become a global concern, prompting extensive research across various disciplines, including government science. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of role of public institutions in climate change research, examining trends in publication, influential authors, leading institutions, and critical themes within this field. CiteSpace and Biblioshiny were used to analyse 1436 publications published between 2005 and 2025 using the Scopus database. The results indicate an increasing trend in publications over the last decade, highlighting the growing interest in integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies within public policy and governance frameworks. Key themes identified include environmental policy, adaptive management, and sustainable development, with the United States, China, and Australia emerging as the most active countries in this research area. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape and identifies future research directions for strengthening the role of public institutions in addressing climate change challenges, especially for the local government.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Parameters Regulating Microorganism Properties and Influencing Soil Remediation Potential]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0012</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0012</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Scientists state that in recent years, the level of soil contamination worldwide has significantly increased, due to atmospheric deposits, floods, agricultural, industrial activities, and mining. Soil contamination is a widespread issue that negatively impacts the functions and processes of soil microorganisms. Heavy metals are significant factors of soil pollution, posing a threat to ecosystem functions due to their toxicity, persistence, and ability to bioaccumulate. The soil hosts diverse communities of microorganisms with specific metabolic capacities. Some microorganisms contribute to the decomposition of organic matter by interacting with toxic metals, while others participate in the formation of natural nanoparticles, thereby reducing the toxicity of heavy metals. Microorganisms can be used to immobilize heavy metals, but their effectiveness depends on various parameters such as soil type, chemical composition, pH, temperature, and moisture. Although microorganisms can be used in bioremediation, their activity is influenced by soil parameters. Understanding microorganisms‘ properties and operational parameters is essential for their successful application in soil bioremediation processes. To support further experimental studies, the Visual MINTEQ computer program was applied as a modelling tool to evaluate the behaviour and distribution of cadmium, lead, and copper in soil under different environmental conditions such as pH and temperature. These simulations do not replace microbial research but provide essential baseline information, helping to identify potentially hazardous soil conditions and to design more effective experiments on microorganisms in bioremediation could become one of the main solutions for combating soil contamination and achieving environmental sustainability.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[An Explorative Social Life Cycle Assessment for Wild Harvest and Cultivation of F. lumbricalis in the Baltic Sea Region]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0011</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0011</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This study applies a Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) to evaluate the social impacts of Furcellaria lumbricalis red macroalgae production through wild harvesting (WH) and offshore cultivation (OC) in the Baltic Sea Region. As macroalgae gain interest in food, feed, and biorefinery applications, understanding the social sustainability of different production systems becomes increasingly important. The assessment follows UNEP/SETAC (2020) guidelines and the ISO 14075:2024 framework, adopting a cradle-to-gate system boundary. The Social Hotspot Database (SHDB) was used to assess 30 social indicators under two scenarios: (1) WH, the predominant method in Estonia, and (2) a hypothetical OC system. The functional unit was defined as 1 USD generated over an 8-hour working day, and Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to address uncertainty. Results show that WH presents lower social risks (432.85 Pt) than OC (719.51 Pt). In WH, the main risks were linked to occupational hazards and potential forced labour during harvesting activities. In OC, boat maintenance contributed the highest share of impacts due to extended operational requirements. Key risks across both scenarios included injuries and fatalities, forced labour, and discrimination. The findings suggest that WH is the more socially sustainable option, supporting traditional employment and local communities. However, improvements in occupational health and safety remain necessary. OC, despite its potential scalability, poses higher social risks that call for strengthened labour standards and governance. Future research should incorporate site-specific data and stakeholder engagement to enhance the robustness and relevance of S-LCA in macroalgae value chains.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Efficiency of Heat Exchanger Systems Working with Nanofluids]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0009</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0009</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This paper presents a literature based comparative analysis of the heat transfer performance of heat exchanger systems operating with nanofluids. The study synthesizes and compares the results reported in published experimental and numerical works for different types of heat exchangers: shell and tube and plate heat exchangers. The comparison is based on key parameters including exergy efficiency ηex, overall heat transfer coefficient U, and effectiveness ε. The results are presented as functions of the Reynolds number for laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow regimes, and for different types of nanofluids, including both mono and hybrid suspensions. The analysis shows that WC/DI nanofluids provide the highest overall heat transfer coefficient in plate heat exchangers with U = 1110 W/(m2K) at Re = 525, while 0.1 % Graphene/DI nanofluids achieve the best thermal performance in shell and tube heat exchangers exceeding U values of 0.4 % Fe3O4/DI:EG and 0.4 % ND/DI:EG by 85 W/(m2K) at Re = 3000. For plate heat exchangers 0.4 % ND/DI nanofluid demonstrate the highest effectiveness with ε equals to 62 % at Re = 570, whereas in shell and tube designs the best performance is obtained for 0.1 % GNP nanofluid with effectiveness reaching approximately 97.5 % at Re = 500. Furthermore, the Cu:ZnO/DI hybrid nanofluid achieved the highest exergy efficiency 66 % while other hybrid nanofluids exhibits exergy efficiencies lower by 31–34 % at a comparable Reynolds number. The results confirm the significant influence of nanofluid composition and Reynolds number in optimizing heat transfer efficiency.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The Moderating Role of Foreign Direct Investment in the Electricity Consumption and Carbon Emissions Nexus: Evidence from Developing Countries]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0010</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0010</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This paper examines the dynamic relationship between electricity consumption (ELE), foreign direct investment (FDI), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 88 developing countries from 1985 to 2024. While electricity demand is widely recognized as a primary driver of CO2 emissions, the moderating role of FDI remains contested, oscillating between the “Pollution Haven” and “Pollution Halo” hypotheses. Employing the Difference Generalized Method of Moments estimation and Granger causality tests, this study provides empirical evidence of three critical patterns. First, electricity consumption exerts a significantly positive effect on CO2 emissions, reflecting the persistent reliance on fossil fuels in the energy mix. Second, FDI mitigates CO2 emissions, consistent with the “Pollution Halo” hypothesis. Third, the positive moderating effect of FDI in the ELE-CO2 nexus shows an interesting inference. The FDI targets energy-intensive sectors, creates scale effects to offset efficiency gains (mitigating CO2 emissions), and leads to expanding CO2 emissions. These results highlight integrated policy design. Decarbonizing electricity systems and strategically regulating FDI toward low-carbon sectors offer developing countries a coherent pathway to establish economic sustainability.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Decarbonisation Pathways for Medium- and Small-Sized Ports: A Systems Thinking Approach]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0008</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0008</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Ports are essential to global trade, yet their high volume of ship traffic significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating urgent strategies for climate neutrality. This study focuses on medium-sized ports where climate neutrality has not yet become a priority and explores how they can achieve this through a systems thinking approach and sustainable development practices, referencing leading ports like Rotterdam and Hamburg. Using a combination of systems thinking, comparative case studies, and qualitative analysis, the study examines various decarbonization scenarios for port infrastructure. Causal loop diagrams (CLDs) are utilized to map the interactions among environmental, economic, and operational factors affecting port sustainability. Three scenarios – baseline, moderate transition, and ambitious transition – are developed and evaluated based on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, energy efficiency, infrastructure investment, alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG), and resilience enhancement. The findings demonstrate that port operations are influenced by reinforcing and balancing feedback loops, where economic growth and customer satisfaction may face challenges from regulatory pressures and climate-related operational costs. The study highlights essential areas for improvement in achieving climate neutrality in medium-sized ports. Key decarbonization techniques identified include electrification, alternative fuels, renewable energy integration, and enhancements to existing infrastructure like automated mooring systems and onshore power supply. Ultimately, the research provides insights into developing a decarbonization strategy for small and medium-sized ports, fostering sustainable development aligned with the UN SDGs and the European Green Deal.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Energy Recovery Potential of Municipal Solid Waste Generated in Georgia]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0006</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0006</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

According to the waste hierarchy, waste recovery is prioritized over landfilling. However, in Georgia, over 90 % of waste is landfilled, causing social, economic, and environmental issues. To ensure sustainable waste management, Waste-to-Energy should complement recycling and reuse efforts. The amount of municipal waste disposed of in landfills has significantly increased. The National Statistics Office of Georgia reports that landfill waste rose from 774.4 thousand tons in 2015 to 1184 thousand tons in 2024. The calorific value of municipal waste in Georgia is crucial for energy recovery. For efficient energy use, waste should have a minimum lower calorific value of 7 MJ/kg. Plastic, paper, and textiles have the highest calorific values. Notably, municipal waste in Georgia contains 13–14 % plastic, 10–11 % paper and cardboard, and over 4 % textiles. However, these materials are essential for recycling, which conserves natural resources and should remain a priority. This paper aims to examine the possibilities for implementing Waste-to-Energy approaches at the municipal level in Georgia. It should be noted that the composition of municipal waste has not been sufficiently studied. The existence of such data is essential for assessing the potential for Waste-to-Energy systems, as well as for improving the effectiveness of planning and implementing municipal waste management. At present, Georgia also faces a lack of experience and technical expertise needed for the introduction of Waste-to-Energy approaches.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Cascade Biorefinery of Furcellaria lumbricalis Macroalgae: Social Impacts and Integration into a Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0004</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0004</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The sustainable valorization of marine biomass is central to advancing a circular bioeconomy. This study delivers the first integrated Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) of a cascade biorefinery for the red macroalga Furcellaria lumbricalis, evaluating environmental, economic, and, crucially, social impacts. Addressing the limited attention to social dimensions in macroalgae research, a Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) was performed using the Reference Scale Approach aligned with ISO 14075:2024 and UNEP guidelines. Stakeholder and expert evaluations were applied to two process phases: harvesting and processing. The S-LCA identified notable social benefits, including strengthened local economic development and improved worker social security, alongside moderate risks in occupational health and safety, as well as wealth distribution. These results were integrated with environmental and economic indicators using a multicriteria decision-making method (TOPSIS), comparing the cascade biorefinery (PrAp) with two alternatives: a single-product system (AAp1) and a three-line extraction system (AAp2). The cascade configuration emerged as the most sustainable option, achieving the highest closeness coefficient (0.776) and demonstrating advantages in product recovery, economic performance, and social co-benefits. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of these rankings under varied weighting assumptions. Overall, this research highlights the value of multi-product valorization strategies and provides new insights to guide sustainable blue bioeconomy development, especially regarding underexplored social aspects.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Sustainable Biomethane Integration into Latvia’s Natural Gas Network]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0007</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0007</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This paper explores sustainable integration solutions for biomethane production and injection into Latvia’s natural gas network, addressing the increasing importance of renewable energy in achieving energy independence and climate neutrality. The research investigates Latvia’s biomethane potential, current infrastructure limitations, and feasible integration pathways, drawing comparisons with leading European practices. A multicriteria methodology combining technical, environmental, and economic analyses is employed to evaluate biogas upgrading technologies, grid connection strategies, and regional implementation scenarios. The study identifies membrane separation as a highly efficient biogas upgrading method and highlights centralized biomethane injection points as an optimal integration model, particularly suited for Latvia’s geographically dispersed biogas production sites. Results suggest that biomethane could replace up to 50 % of Latvia’s current natural gas consumption, provided that adequate policy support and infrastructure investment are in place. The study concludes with recommendations to strengthen regulatory frameworks, modernize gas infrastructure, and promote regional cooperation to support a scalable and sustainable transition to biomethane. These findings offer a strategic roadmap for Latvia’s energy sector, aligned with the European Green Deal and national climate targets.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Heat Demand in Non-Residential Buildings: Renovation and Subsidy Effects]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0005</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0005</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Considering Europe's green agenda and established climate goals, discussions often center around energy efficiency and the responsible use of energy. Building renovation is recognized as a crucial step towards achieving these objectives. While most renovation discussions focus on residential buildings, the non-residential sector is frequently overlooked. In Riga, non-residential properties account for 25 % of the heat demand in buildings connected to the district heating system. This brings forth the concern that the contribution of non-residential buildings to reduce heat demand and the necessity for renovation is not adequately evaluated. This research utilizes available statistical data and system dynamics modelling to address this issue. The results show that the total annual heat demand may decrease by 27 %, while the alternative heating may be increasing by 5 % in 2050 relative to 2023. Using the currently available financial funds, renovating up to 89 % of municipal buildings and 91 % of educational institutions in state facilities is possible.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Life Cycle Assessment of Peat Extraction Towards Peat-bog Reconversion Strategies: Scenarios Comparison Based on a Real Case Study from a Latvian Peat Extraction Factory]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0003</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0003</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

This study evaluates the environmental and economic performance of alternative reconversion strategies for drained peatlands following industrial extraction, using a real case study from Latvia. In alignment with the EU Nature Restoration Law, three main restoration pathways were analysed (i.e., renaturalization, afforestation, and blueberry cultivation), each modelled through a 100-year Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) framework. The LCA focused on greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions, while the economic assessment included implementation costs, revenues, and the monetary value of ecosystem services. Results show that maintaining drained peatlands is the most unsustainable option (756.65 t CO₂ eq ha⁻¹). Renaturalization and blueberry cultivation reduce emissions by 225.49 t CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ and 258.45 t CO₂ eq ha⁻¹, respectively, whereas afforestation demonstrates the highest mitigation potential, achieving carbon neutrality after 67 years and a net GHG uptake of 310.09 t CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ by year 100. Integrating renewable-energy systems further enhances performance, with afforestation combined with solar or wind installations yielding additional avoided emissions exceeding 500 t CO₂ eq ha⁻¹. Economically, blueberry cultivation provides the largest direct revenues, while afforestation yields the highest carbon-credit value. However, when ecosystem services are monetized, renaturalization becomes the most beneficial strategy, reaching a cumulative value of € 31.2 million ha⁻¹. Overall, the study highlights that combining LCA and LCC provides robust decision support for sustainable peatland management, demonstrating that rewetting and afforestation can effectively balance climate-mitigation goals with socio-economic viability. Furthermore, the economic outcomes are strongly influenced by the ecosystem-service monetisation methodology used; the assumptions and limitations of this approach are now fully clarified in the Methods and discussed as a source of uncertainty. Given the limited availability of long-term field data, the analysis is based on deterministic scenarios without explicit uncertainty ranges, variability estimates, or sensitivity analyses. Likewise, N₂O fluxes could not be included due to the lack of robust, site-specific emission factors for restored peatlands.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Cultivation of Euglena gracilis on Residues from a Food Industry]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0002</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0002</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Euglena gracilis is a photosynthetic, acidophilic flagellate, also classified as a microalga, growing also in mixotrophic conditions. It can accumulate high-value molecules, but its production is very expensive, especially due to the cost of the required carbon source. The present work was carried out to optimize at lab-scale (4 L photobioreactors, 1.5 L working volume) the batch cultivation of Euglena on industrial residues from a firm producing food commodities. The effluent from the anaerobic digestion of the liquid residues was used and mixed with a sugar-rich vinasse. In the first tests different working pH, acidifying agents, stirring methods and vinasse concentrations were tested. After selecting the best operation parameters among them, different kinds and intensity of light were tested, as well as different cultivation times. As the aim of Euglena production is to use its biomass in pet feed formulations, it was also important to check contamination, especially by eumycetes, which find favourable growth conditions in the presence of nutrients and sugars and at low pH. The best results were obtained in batch, at pH 5, with the mix of UASB effluent and 2.5 % of vinasse, using purple light, provided by means of LED strips at 50 µmol/m2/s. The maximum TSS concentration was 1.14 g/L, after 72 h, with a paramylon content total of 28 %. COD removal efficiency, on the contrary, reached the maximum value of 78 % at 144 h and N removal did not vary between 72 and 144 h. The content of pigments also increased between 72 and 144 h. In the selected optimal condition, no significant contamination occurred. The use of UASB effluent enriched with vinasse as substrate proved to be a good, reliable and economic option for Euglena cultivation whose performances were comparable or even better than reported for synthetic, sterilized substrates, and occurred when using the lower intensity of purple light.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[A Conceptual Framework for Remote Sensing Solution for Peatland Greenhouse Gas Emission Estimation in Latvia]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0001</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2026-0001</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Peatlands play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, acting as long-term carbon sinks but becoming significant greenhouse gas sources when drained or degraded. Accurate estimation of carbon dioxide and methane emissions from peatlands is essential for climate change mitigation and land management. Traditional field-based measurement techniques, such as eddy covariance and chamber systems, are spatially limited and resource intensive. Remote sensing provides a scalable and cost-effective alternative for monitoring surface and vegetation characteristics linked to carbon dynamics. This study presents a comprehensive review of remote-sensing-based methods for estimating greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands and evaluates the data readiness in Latvia for national-scale implementation. Two primary approaches are identified: land-cover-based estimation using emission factors and regression-based modelling of carbon fluxes derived from vegetation and temperature indices. Latvia possesses extensive open-access datasets, including Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, Light Detection and Ranging data, and national habitat inventories, which enable reproducible and transparent monitoring. The proposed conceptual framework integrates these resources into a unified, automated workflow for Greenhouse Gas emission estimation, establishing a foundation for operational peatland greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Cost-Benefit Analysis of Heat Recovery and Humidity-Controlled Ventilation in Spanish Apartments]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2025-0071</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2025-0071</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems are increasingly recognized across Europe as a practical solution to enhance indoor air quality while reducing energy losses in residential buildings. They are frequently mandatory in contemporary building regulations and sustainability certification frameworks. In southern European contexts such as Spain, new housing developments often incorporate HRV systems, which are not explicitly required but might be required indirectly to comply with energy consumption limitations in building codes in the colder regions. The cost-effectiveness of these installations is strongly influenced by both local climate conditions and required ventilation rates. This research assesses the financial feasibility of mechanical heat recovery ventilation specifically in Spanish apartment buildings, accounting for the country’s varied climatic regions. Using regional climate data, the study calculates potential energy savings linked to HRV and compares them to baseline heating costs using a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) approach, which incorporates initial installation expenses, recurring operating costs, and probable energy price fluctuations. The potential of demand-controlled ventilation is also addressed, in the form of humiditycontrolled ventilation. The findings suggest that HRV systems can be economically acceptable in Spain’s colder inland regions and in houses with more airflow demand, presenting acceptable LCOE and payback periods. However, in the more temperate coastal areas, these systems often fail to break even, highlighting the critical importance of climate-specific considerations. Beyond economic factors, this paper comments on other benefits of HRV, such as enhancing indoor thermal comfort in winter, filtration, and potentially lowering total energy demand. Future research should include thorough life-cycle cost evaluations.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Review of Biogas Production and Biomethane Potential of Fish Waste]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2025-0070</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2025-0070</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

The increasing volumes of fish waste generated by South Africa’s fishing and aquaculture industries create environmental challenges while offering potential avenues for renewable energy generation. The current energy mix in South Africa is primarily dependent on coal, while renewable sources represent only a minor fraction of the total supply. This systematic review evaluates the potential of fish waste for biogas and biomethane production within the context of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. A total of 39 studies were analysed for biogas yield, methane content, and operational parameters. Results indicate that fish waste is a viable substrate, with co-digestion often improving yields, though findings are inconsistent. Extreme heterogeneity (I² = 100 %) limits pooled interpretation, highlighting the need for standardized methodologies. Environmental and economic assessments were largely descriptive, underscoring gaps in sustainability metrics. Future research should adopt uniform reporting standards and integrate life-cycle and cost-benefit analyses to inform policy and practice.
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            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Hydrothermal Humification of Extracted Spruce Greenery Biomass as a Tool for End-of-Waste Approach for Production of Artificial Humic Substances]]></title>
            <link>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2025-0072</link>
            <guid>https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rtuect-2025-0072</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[

Forestry sector produces a considerable amount of underutilised biowaste that can be valorised into high added value products. A prospective material is Norway spruce branches and needles, also known as spruce greenery. This study is a follow up from a previously explored green chemistry application of conifer greenery extraction, using green solvents. After extraction, a significant amount of spruce lignocellulose waste is produced, that can be thermochemically converted to artificial humic substances that mimic the properties of natural humic substances. The proposed technology is hydrothermal humification, which is considered to be climate neutral, as it produces no greenhouse gas emissions during the process. This study focuses on hydrothermal humification process application on extracted spruce greenery lignocellulose waste. Reaction conditions have been evaluated, to achieve the highest product yield, while maintaining least energy consumption possible, and the conditions were found to be 185 °C and 9 hours. Reaction byproducts have been identified, such as carbohydrates and polyphenol-like structures and their dynamics depending on reaction conditions. Contemporary methods have been applied to investigate the formation and structure of artificial humic acids. UV-Vis, FTIR and solid-state 13C NMR revealed that higher reaction temperatures increase the aromaticity and robustness of said humic acids, however, applying temperatures over 200 °C promotes the formation of potentially harmful free radicals, proven by EPR spectroscopy.
]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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