Abstract: The widespread utilization of plastic materials across various sectors has led to significant increase of plastics demand over the decades. This growth has been accompanied by a mounting challenge related to managing of generated plastic waste, as substantial portions of the plastic residual end up in landfills due to limited recycling efforts. Addressing this global concern demands the development of innovative strategies to better assess and recover polymer waste, which should be treated as a different feedstock. In order to do that, efficient sorting techniques are crucial to integrate valuable materials like plastics into municipal solid waste management and improve recycling outcomes. As a matter of fact, technological innovations in this area have given rise to more sophisticated sorting methods, exploring automated sorting techniques to enhance recycling efficiency. Nevertheless, among traditional and modern sorting approaches, manual strategies are still used to perform plastic waste segregation. In this context, the present study aims to comprehensively review and assess pre-treatment classification techniques employed to transform waste streams into valuable compounds, specifically focusing on polyolefin materials present in large quantities in urban solid waste treatment environments.

Abstract: Rationale: The escalating volume of solid waste generated globally poses significant environmental and public health challenges, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. Effective solid waste management planning relies on the quantification and characterization of waste streams. However, in Nigerian universities, critical processes such as waste collection, transportation, characterization, and disposal remain significantly under-investigated and poorly implemented, limiting evidence-based policy development. Objectives: This study assessed the quantity, composition, spatial distribution, temporal variation, and resource recovery potential of solid waste at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), aiming to propose actionable recommendations for sustainable waste management aligned with circular economy principles. Methods: A six-month prospective waste segregation and collection study was conducted across eight strategic locations on campus, including the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences (FAHS), Senate Building (SB), Faculty of Science (FS), Former Administrative Building (FAB), Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (FBM), Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), Nursing Science (NS), and Library and ICT complex (LI). Waste was segregated at source, transported to the mini–Material Recovery Facility (m-MRF), and measured weekly. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA, were employed to examine spatial variations in waste composition. Results: Over the monitoring period, a cumulative 1,846.4 kg of waste was recorded, with an overall mean of 9.62 kg per week per collection point. FAHS contributed the largest share (17.87%; average 13.75 kg/week), followed by SB (12.65%) and FS (12.55%). Temporal analysis revealed a gradual decline from 513.3 kg in Week 1 to 413.6 kg in Week 4, suggesting operational intensity patterns. Waste composition analysis demonstrated food waste as the dominant fraction (~600 kg; 32.7%), substantially exceeding plastics (~320 kg; 17.3%) and papers (~310 kg; 16.8%). Intermediate quantities were observed for carton/cardboard (~270 kg) and polythene nylons (~240 kg), with smaller proportions for metals/cans (~50 kg), styrofoam (~40 kg), and glass bottles (<10 kg). One-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant spatial variations across locations for food waste (p < 0.001), plastic waste (p < 0.001), polythene nylon (p < 0.001), and paper (p < 0.001), while glass bottles showed uniform distribution (p = 0.272). Recovery assessment documented 603.8 kg of food waste composted (averaging 25.16 kg weekly), 320 kg of plastics recycled, and substantial paper (310.2 kg) and carton (272.6 kg) recovery. Over 80% of the waste stream was identified as either biodegradable or recyclable.Conclusion: FUHSI generates substantial waste with significant spatial and compositional variability, yet exhibits remarkable potential for resource recovery through composting and recycling interventions. Recommendations: The university should implement extensive source segregation programs, conduct awareness campaigns, establish infrastructure for organic waste composting, and develop plastic and paper recycling partnerships to advance circular economy principles. Health Significance Statement: Improper waste management directly threatens campus community health through occupational exposures, environmental contamination, and increased disease transmission risks. Implementing sustainable waste management systems is essential for protecting population health, reducing environmental hazards, and fostering institutional sustainability.

Abstract: On-site wastewater treatment systems are known to be sources of aquatic pollution; however, limited data precludes systems level assessments. Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) are widely utilized in Louisiana, where groundwater and soil conditions limit septic tanks. By combining a limited ATU permitting record with housing unit build data, we estimate there were 412,552 permitted ATUs in Louisiana by end of 2023. We conservatively estimate the annual surface water loading from ATUs in the 24 coastal parishes is 7.51 million pounds of nitrogen, and 2.18 million pounds of phosphorus, which are equivalent to 57% and 84%, respectively, of the nitrogen and phosphorus discharged by all the major wastewater treatment plants in Louisiana. Despite a state-wide ATU utilization rate of 73.7%, our analysis of policy documents indicates ATU management in the two coastal parishes with the highest number of ATUs is best described as “basic” with limited compliance monitoring, enforcement, and public awareness. Simultaneously, we estimate the deployment of Environmental Impact Bonds premised on nutrient recovery and optimized energy consumption could be sufficient to fund routine ATU inspection and maintenance programs. Our findings strongly suggest the on-site wastewater treatment status quo jeopardizes water quality at scale demanding the pursuit of creative solutions.

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are routinely present throughout wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) due to their widespread occurrence, while current treatment technologies achieve only partial removal. Therefore, WWTP effluents can still discharge a substantial fraction of MPs to receiving water bodies leading to environmental contamination. Most previous studies reported MP concentrations at specific time points, precluding a long-term monitoring and may result in over- or underestimation. The aim of this study is to examine the concentration, size, and polymer composition of MPs at inlet and outflow waters over a six-month period, from July to December, to assess the temporal variability of MPs across seven conventional urban WWTPs located in the Andalusia region, southern Spain. MPs were found in all sampling campaigns. In influent samples, concentrations were found to reach 6 – 78 MP/L, while the WWTP effluents contained a range of 12 – 65 MP/L. Fibers were the most abundant shape across all the WWTPs. The average size in the influent was 848 ± 1427 μm and effluent 918 ± 1221 μm. Polymers such as PA, PP, PVC and LDPE were the most abundant, reflecting the domestic origin of water samples.

Abstract: The problem of environmental pollution due to emissions of carbon monoxide, sulfur, or dust is not only ecological, but also economic in nature — losses from environmental degradation impact nearly all aspects of life. Monitoring of positive changes resulting from research and corrective actions seems appropriate in terms of their use and optimization. In this article, the goal is to identify the periodic and seasonal fluctuations in pollutant emissions and their corresponding levels over 10 years. Częstochowa, a medium-sized town in the Silesian Voivodeship of Poland, was used as a research area. It is assumed that the changes – reducing emissions-are the result, among other things, of environmental actions of local governments. The study utilized data from a measurement station located in the city center and employed statistical analysis and econometric modeling to analyze the data. The results show statistically significant differences in weekly and monthly emissions, as well as their constant limitation.

Abstract: Accurate and rapid determination of moisture content in waste sludge is essential for optimizing dewatering processes, reducing disposal costs, and minimizing environmental impact. This study investigates the use of Fourier Transform Near-Infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy combined with Partial Least Squares Regression (PLS-R) for predicting the moisture content of dewatered sludge. A total of 96 sludge samples, with dry matter contents ranging from 12.4% to 24.6%, were collected from two treatment plants. FT-NIR spectra were acquired over the 800–2500 nm range, and chemometric models were developed to correlate spectral information with gravimetrically determined moisture content. The optimized PLS-R model demonstrated strong predictive performance, achieving a cross-validated coefficient of determination (R²CV) of 0.87, a root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) of 0.92%, and a residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 2.73. Independent test set validation confirmed the robustness of the model (R²test = 0.88, RMSEP = 0.88%, RPD = 2.92), supported by strong calibration results (R² = 0.95, RMSEE = 0.60%, RPD = 4.46). Principal component analysis indicated that spectral variability observed in sludge samples was primarily associated with WWTP-specific characteristics, reflecting moisture–organic matter interactions. These results demonstrate that FT-NIR spectroscopy is a promising tool for sludge moisture prediction.

Abstract: Municipal solid waste (MSW) management remains a persistent sustainability chal-lenge in low- and middle-income countries, where uneven service coverage and rapid spatial change produce heterogeneous household disposal behaviours and substantial environmental externalities. This study develops a spatially explicit Bayesian network framework to map and explain six dominant household solid-waste disposal pathways across Eswatini using enumeration areas (EAs; n = 2,326) and nationally consistent census-linked predictors. Separate Tree-Augmented Naïve Bayes (TAN) models were trained for regular collection, irregular collection, open burning, public dumping, backyard pit disposal, and undesignated disposal, integrating socio-demographic, in-frastructural, accessibility, environmental, and neighbourhood-context variables, while explicitly quantifying predictive uncertainty using posterior entropy and Kull-back–Leibler (KL) divergence. Hold-out evaluation (465 test EAs; 1,861 training EAs) shows strong pathway-specific performance, with overall accuracy ranging from 0.497-0.989 across targets and ex-pected-value prediction errors of RMSE = 0.148-0.289 and MAE = 0.141-0.242. Uncer-tainty surfaces reveal low entropy in structurally homogeneous, well-served urban cores and elevated uncertainty in peri-urban transition zones where disposal behav-iours are mixed and services are unreliable. KL divergence highlights a limited subset of EAs where local conditions strongly update national expectations—priority loca-tions for targeted interventions and improved data collection. The framework provides policy-ready, uncertainty-aware evidence to support area-based service planning and sub-national monitoring relevant to SDG 11.6.1 in data-constrained contexts.

Abstract: Abstract Cockroaches are a promising biological tool for processing biodegradable waste due to their resilience and ability to consume a wide range of organic material. Through their metabolism, they convert organic material into a humus-like substrate known as frass or blatticompost, which can potentially be used as an agricultural fertiliser. This study investigates the ability of the cockroach species Blaptica dubia, Blatta lateralis and Blaberus giganteus to process slaughterhouse by-products and compares their biocon-version efficiency, nutrient composition, chemical properties and microbiological pro-file of the resulting frass as a compost with that of cockroaches fed on conventional biowaste. By comparing these properties with conventional composting methods and the relevant literature, this research aims to provide new insights into the efficiency of blatticomposting as an alternative organic waste management strategy. The results suggest that cockroaches can effectively break down organic material, significantly reducing the volume of waste while producing compost with favorable chemical and microbiological properties. Furthermore, the inclusion of slaughterhouse waste in the process extends the potential application of blatticomposting to protein-rich organic residues that are otherwise difficult to manage sustainably. This study contributes to this topic by exploring the feasibility of integrating blatticomposting into existing waste management systems, highlighting both the benefits and the necessary precautions in terms of biosecurity and public health risks. Proper containment and monitoring of cockroach populations and risk assessment for pathogen transmission are key consid-erations for the practical implementation of this approach. The absence of hazardous levels of heavy metals and pathogenic microorganisms indicates that cock-roach-mediated bioconversion can produce a chemically stable and microbiologically safe organic amendment.

Abstract: The recent proliferation of electronic waste (E-waste) in developing countries has become a pressing environmental and socio-economic issue, particularly in urban areas dominated by informal waste management practices. The current E-waste collection system in Yaoundé comprises three collection streams: informal, formal, and municipal solid waste collection. However, transitioning to a prospective, integrated system requires optimizing E-waste collection. Given that the current formal collection (CFC) scenario has only 3 formal collection points, this study employs a survey-based and GIS network analyses to allocate 8 additional collection points to maximize formal collection coverage in Yaoundé. The results indicate a 52.81% increase in formal collection coverage for the maximized formal collection (MFC) scenario. Furthermore, Route 1 proved to be the most cost-effective, with a fuel consumption cost of 2,074,553.15 FCFA/year. Additionally, Route 1 yielded the lowest GHG emissions, at 6,714.74 kg CO₂ eq/year, compared with Routes 2 and 3. Finally, transitioning from the current business-as-usual (BAU) to a prospective integrated E-waste management (IEM) system resulted in a 13.83% reduction in emissions. This contributed 3.04% to Cameroon’s 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target, as defined in its nationally determined contributions (NDC). The study’s findings are informative for decision-making in optimizing E-waste management systems in developing economies.

Abstract: Household-scale biogas has been widely promoted as a decentralized renewable energy option to improve rural energy access, enhance agricultural sustainability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; however, adoption remains uneven in many low- and middle-income countries. This study examines factors influencing biogas uptake among 201 dairy-based mixed crop–livestock households in West Java, Indonesia, and interprets adoption outcomes through a sustainability–resilience framework. A binary logistic regression model is applied to assess how household characteristics, institutional support, and perceived benefits shape adoption decisions. The results indicate that livestock ownership, participation in technical training, and perceived fuel-cost and time-saving benefits significantly increase the likelihood of biogas adoption, while education level and household income do not exert independent effects. Interpreted through resilience attributes of robustness, adaptability, and transformability, biogas adoption contributes to improved manure management, reduced reliance on fossil-based fuels, and enhanced adaptive capacity through learning and institutional engagement. Nevertheless, adoption remains constrained by fragmented institutional support and misalignment between renewable energy initiatives and prevailing energy-policy regimes, particularly long-standing subsidies for liquefied petroleum gas. These findings suggest that expanding biogas adoption requires not only technical feasibility at the household level but also coherent institutional arrangements and policy alignment to ensure durable sustainability and resilience outcomes in livestock-based rural systems.

Abstract: Intensive porcine livestock production generates approximately 15 million cubic meters of slurry annually, exerting significant environmental pressure on groundwater and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The AEROFER project aims to mitigate this impact by demonstrating the conversion of nitrogen-rich waste into liquid fertilizers for soilless cultivation. Using an IoT-enabled aeroponic platform controlled by an ESP32 microcontroller, this study evaluated filtration (40-micron) and ozone-based stabilization (N-Amatic technology). Three lettuce varieties (Lactuca sativa L.)—longifolia (romaine lettuce), capitata (butterhead lettuce), and capitata (red leaf lettuce)—were grown to compare Filtered Slurry (FS) and Filtered-Ozonated Slurry (FOS) against a mineral control standard solution (SS). Results indicate that ozone treatment significantly reduces pathogenic load and odor while enhancing phosphorus availability, though it induces a slight reduction in potassium content. Agronomic data reveal variety-specific responses, and mass balance analysis shows the solutions are potassium-deficient, meeting only 32–64% of crop needs. In conclusion, while aeroponics is a viable tool for nutrient recovery and requires targeted mineral supplementation to achieve full parity with commercial fertilizers, it satisfies a substantial proportion of plant nutritional requirements. Consequently, it represents a sustainable approach to food production through waste recycling, contributing to a circular economy in the pig industry without apparent sanitary risks.

Abstract: Contamination of water with heavy metals remains a life-threatening global concern due to the persistence, toxicity, and bioaccumulation of metals such as Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), and Hg(II). Conventional remediation technologies, including ion exchange, membrane filtration, and precipitation, offer limited scalability and often generate secondary waste. In contrast, bacterial cellulose (BC) and its composite derivatives have emerged as sustainable bioadsorbents with tunable surface chemistry, high porosity, and exceptional biocompatibility. Over the past decade, BC-based materials have achieved adsorption capacities up to 571 mg/g for Pb²⁺, 509 mg/g or Cu²⁺, and 382 mg/g for Cd²⁺, outperforming most traditional bioadsorbents. This review systematically analyses the structural design, surface functionalization, and mechanistic pathways governing metal ion capture by BC composites. Special emphasis is placed on correlating modification strategies (carboxymethylation, amination, and magnetic) with adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and regeneration efficiency. Compared to previous reviews, this work uniquely integrates quantitative analysis, multi-metal adsorption behaviour, and insights from real wastewater applications, highlighting critical gaps in scalability, durability, and regulatory readiness. Finally, we outline future research trajectories, including green synthesis optimization and integration with hybrid technologies (photocatalysis and electro-adsorption) to link the gap between performance of research laboratories and industrial deployment. By providing a mechanistically grounded and application-oriented perspective, this review positions BC composites as next-generation materials for sustainable heavy metal remediation.

Abstract: Natural disaster, such as flooding, have profound and far-reaching impacts on various aspects of life, including the tourism industry. The world faces numerous environmental challenges, and among these, flooding stands out as one of the most hazardous natural disasters confronting humanity today. However, limited research exists on the assessment of the impact of flooding on tourism activities within these specific setting. The justification for this study is that limited study was conducted on this study area regarding the impact of flooding on tourism activities in Agodi gardens. Research methods that were adopted was mixed methods research consisting of both quantitative and qualitative data. For quantitative; a descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, with the use of interview-administered questionnaires and an In-depth interview was conducted for the qualitative data. Sample size was calculated using Leslie Kish formular resulting to a quantitative data collection of 422 questionnaires at Agodi gardens. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square were used to analyze data at 5% level of significance, and as well thematic approach was used to analyze information. The mean age of the respondents was 27 years, majority of the respondents (59.7%) were male, 76.3% were Christians, and 42.4% were students. The major visiting party were those who visited alone (36.0%), while about half of the respondents’ purpose of visit was for leisure (50.2%). About 44.5% agreed that flooding caused damages to vegetation, more than half of the respondents (53.6%) agreed that flooding disrupts tourist activities. For In-depth interview, six management staffs all agreed that flooding disrupted the garden which led to the limited number of tourists, poor revenue, poor management of existing facilities, lack of channelization, and the improper construction of drainage system. The study concluded that the threats of flooding in Agodi gardens is real and its impact on the environment is a potential risk factor on the tourists, the local community, the human health, and the revenue growth. This study recommended that the management should monitor the usage of the existing facilities to ensure that drainage systems are well managed. Also, the management should ensure strict adherence to proper waste management practices within the garden.

Abstract:

Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is a global problem affecting the environment and public health. The current landfill’s useful life is reaching its end, making new site selection a priority to guarantee proper MSW management. This research evaluated the suitability of the Metropolitan area in the Chihuahua, Aldama and Aquiles Serdan municipalities, through spatial decision support systems (SDSS) integrated with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and ascending hierarchical analysis integrated to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to determine potential sites for new Metropolitan landfill development. Results showed that 44.7% of the studied area presents a high suitability level, while 29.52% reaches a very high suitability level. These areas are located mainly in the north and center zones of the Chihuahua and Aldama municipalities, with some isolated Aquiles Serdan areas. The key criteria affecting the selection were: the airport distance, the land slope and proximity to the intermunicipal boundary, which allowed identifying sites with lower environmental impact and higher technical and economic feasibility. This study demonstrates SDSS and GIS are efficient tools to identify potential sites for new landfill location. The results highlight the importance of integrating technical, environmental, and social criteria in planning MSW management, contributing to the region’s sustainable and efficient management.

Abstract: The growing environmental impacts associated with conventional plastics and textiles have intensified interest in bio-based and circular material alternatives. This study examines the feasibility of valorizing fruit and nut agricultural residues as sustainable feedstocks for biomaterials and biotextiles, with a strategic focus on Greece. Drawing on an extensive review of international literature, regional agricultural production data, and validated processing technologies, the work evaluates residue availability, conversion routes, environmental performance, and economic potential. Methods include analysis of mechanical, chemical, and biological preprocessing techniques; polymer and fiber isolation pathways; fabrication routes for fibers, films, and composites; and comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) evidence. Results indicate that residues such as grape pomace, olive by-products, citrus peels, and nut shells are technically suitable for cellulose-, lignin-, and pectin-based materials, offering substantially lower water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and land-use intensity than conventional cotton and synthetic textiles. The analysis further highlights emerging opportunities for multifunctional textiles, improved end-of-life performance, and decentralized biofabrication models. The study concludes that Greece can position itself as a regional circular bioeconomy hub by developing integrated residue-to-biomaterial value chains, provided that coordinated policy support, research investment, standards development, and stakeholder engagement are implemented.

Abstract: Fiber optic drone operations in Ukraine represent an emerging technological contamination requiring systematic assessment. This study presents the first bilateral quantification framework for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination from fiber optic drone cable deployment, incorporating production data from both Ukrainian and Russian forces. Based on documented 2024-2025 deployment, we calculate bilateral material accumulation of 13,080 tonnes (±35% uncertainty) containing 523 tonnes of PFAS-bearing fluoropolymers distributed across approximately 50,000 km² operational areas. Ukrainian operations contributed 3,480 tonnes while Russian operations accounted for 9,600 tonnes based on Prince Vandal production exceeding 50,000 units monthly. Production-based estimates align with independent field assessments suggesting 4,176 tonnes, with the 3.1× difference primarily reflecting bilateral inclusion versus single-side field observations. Cable composition analysis confirms poly(methyl methacrylate) cores with fluoropolymer cladding exhibiting multi-century persistence timescales. Environmental degradation modeling projects potential annual microplastic generation of 130 tonnes (±50% uncertainty) through photo-oxidative and mechanical fragmentation. Field validation confirms wildlife impacts including documented avian entanglement and livestock cable ingestion. The assessment framework addresses methodological challenges specific to distributed technological contamination where traditional point-source protocols prove inadequate. Post-war bilateral field verification remains essential for validating production-based estimates and quantifying geographic distribution heterogeneity across former combat zones.

Abstract: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sanitary waste (SW) are not usually quantified in institutional inventories, which limits the ability to assess its management and associated carbon footprint. This study establishes emission factors (EF) for SW generated in a higher education institution (HEI), focusing on toilet paper. In 2022, 19 sanitary waste sources were monitored, obtaining a per capita generation of 3.02 g person⁻¹ day⁻¹ and an annual total of 356.87 kg of SW. Samples were characterized through proximate and elemental analyses, applying stoichiometric calculations for two disposal-site degradation pathways: Aerobic: 310 kg CO₂e t⁻¹, Anaerobic: 5,990 kg CO₂e t⁻¹. The weighted emission for the SW mixture was 1,124 kg CO₂e t⁻¹. Based on an estimated annual mass of 1.12 t yr⁻¹, emissions ranged from 0.35 to 6.71 t CO₂e yr⁻¹ depending on the scenario, here emissions could be reduced by over 90% when aerobic degradation or controlled methane capture predominates. The results suggest that separating SW at its point of generation and ensuring that it undergoes aerobic or energy-recovery treatment processes can limit its contribution to institutional GHG inventories. Having material-specific EF enables quantitative comparison among management strategies and guides continuous-improvement decisions.

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental footprint of BOCOM Petroleum, a mid-sized downstream oil company operating in Douala, Cameroon. In response to the critical need for empirical data on industrial emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa, a mixed-methods approach combining Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), carbon accounting, and stakeholder interviews was adopted. Emissions were categorized following the GHG Protocol into Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (energy-related), and Scope 3 (value chain). Results reveal total annual emissions of 51,734 kgCO₂-eq, with Scope 3 accounting for 38%, Scope 2 for 33%, and Scope 1 for 29%. Major emission sources include stationary combustion, laboratory processes, and the use of electricity-intensive heat-generating machines. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was developed, proposing actionable measures such as process optimization, adoption of energy-efficient equipment, electrification of vehicle fleets, and improved waste management. Findings underscore the need for systemic decarbonization strategies among mid-sized oil firms and highlight the alignment of corporate initiatives with Cameroon’s climate commitments. This study contributes a replicable methodological framework for emission auditing in industrial enterprises across the region and calls for further integration of environmental and financial planning in corporate sustainability strategies.

Abstract: The transition to a circular bioeconomy in developing economies is frequently hindered by the operational failure of biogas facilities due to feedstock supply discontinuity. Whilst biochemical potential is traditionally the primary selection criterion, this study postulates that logistic reliability serves as the governing constraint for sustainable implementation. To validate this paradigm shift, a spatially explicit decision-making framework integrating Shannon Entropy and TOPSIS was developed and applied to a representative tropical agro-industrial region. By evaluating conflicting criteria covering logistic availability, technical efficiency, and biochemical stability, the model identified Annual Residue Production as the dominant weighting factor. Results established Cattle Manure as the universal baseload substrate essential for mitigating seasonality risks, outweighing higher-yielding but intermittent agricultural residues. Spatial analysis further revealed distinct bioenergy clusters dictating tailored technological strategies: a high-potential Rice-Livestock cluster suitable for centralised industrial plants overseeing recalcitrant biomass, and a Cassava-Livestock cluster favourable for decentralised, low-tech digestion. This data-driven approach demonstrates that successful substrate selection must transcend theoretical yield maximisation to prioritise supply chain reliability, providing a robust roadmap for de-risking bioenergy investments in tropical regions.

Abstract: Anthropogenic activities represent indirect drivers that generate harmful direct factors, hindering wastewater management (WWM) and causing environmental damage. We analyze this as a process composed of causal relationships where indirect drivers (intangible harmful factors) generate tangible harmful factors. We model this multifactorial process with semantic networks, where the nodes represent intangible or tangible harmful factors, and the interactions between them with causal relationships represented by directed-arcs. We propose an approach that supports decision-making for improving WWM through semantic pathways that describe processes from intangible to tangible harmful factors. A significant advantage of these semantic pathways is their flexibility to modify their structure by adding and removing nodes and arcs, thus allowing for the updating of environmental knowledge. This method facilitates decision-making by providing viable and sustainable solutions to improve WWM performance in coastal tourist municipalities characterized by constant population growth that generates uncontrolled urban sprawl. We applied this approach to the case of the municipality of Acapulco, located on the Mexican Pacific coast. Viable solutions include the restoration of wastewater treatment plants, changes in agricultural practices, mangrove reforestation, and the development of sound urban plans. This methodology can be applied to coastal tourist areas with similar characteristics.