Category: Agriculture

POPs and Their Far-Reaching Impacts!

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are harmful chemicals affecting human health, the environment, and food sustainability, posing significant challenges worldwide.

8 minutes

With the recent technologies and innovations in our modern world, there are some drawbacks that lie beneath the surface. One such issue is called as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). It is a group of toxic chemicals that pose a risk to human health and the environment. These substances stay in the environment for long periods, travel long distances through air and water, and even bioaccumulate in living organisms. Indeed, they provide benefits in agriculture and industry, but now they have emerged as formidable challenges to human health, the environment, and the sustainability of our food systems.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

POPs are organic compounds that include a wide range of industrial chemicals, pesticides, and the byproducts of industrial processes and combustion. There are 12 initial POPs mentioned in the Stockholm convention under the major three categories. Pesticides (aldrin, DDT, etc.), industrial chemicals (hexachlorobenzene), and by-products (PCDD, PCDF, and PCBs) are mentioned in the convention. These compounds resist environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes. POPs have contaminated every environmental part, including air, water, and soil, even in remote areas like the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Given the widespread use and persistence of POPs, international efforts have been made to identify and regulate the most harmful among them, known as the ‘Dirty Dozen’.

Dirty Dozen

It is a term used to describe the twelve harmful POPs identified by the Stockholm Convention. It is an international treaty aimed at restricting and eliminating the production and use of these chemicals. The Dirty Dozen includes aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), toxaphene, dioxins, and furans. There is a list of fruits and vegetables that are high in residues that is updated every year. Some of them include blueberries, apples, strawberries, and more. Check it out.

Environmental Impact of POPs

Soil Contamination

POPs can remain in the soil for decades and affect the soil microbial communities. They are crucial for plant growth, which leads to reduced production. For example, DDT is banned, yet it is found in soil today. Furthermore, this affects soil health.

Water Pollution

POPs accumulate in water bodies, posing a risk to the organisms in the aquatic system. Some studies show that PCBs and dioxins cause deformities and reproductive issues in fish and other organisms. It can also contaminate drinking water sources, thereby affecting human health.

Air Pollution

POPs can travel long distances with the help of the atmosphere. It can settle from the air onto the land and water, leading to widespread contamination.

Wildlife

POPs are highly toxic. They can accumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms, and their concentration gets increased as they move up the food chain. This leads to greater levels due to biomagnification. Research has shown that levels of POPs can be up to 10 times higher in top predators like polar bears compared to their prey species, demonstrating the process of biomagnification along the food chain.

Climate change

The relationship between POPs and climate change is a complex and concerning one. The rise in temperature is causing the glaciers to melt. These can release the trapped POPs, exacerbating the environment and health.

Gender-Specific Impact of POPs

POPs have specific impacts on women and their children, especially in developing countries. POPs interfere with the hormonal system, leading to reproductive health issues. Studies show that women are associated with infertility, miscarriages, and adverse birth outcomes. Along with that, a few more research findings say that women in high exposure areas have POP concentrations in their breast milk. It is ten times higher than those in low exposure areas. One more study found that women exposed to POPs have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

POPs affect men’s reproductive health as well. It disrupts their hormonal balance, leading to reduced testosterone levels.

Impact on Farmers

Farmers are often directly exposed to pesticides containing POPs. Studies show that farmers exposed to high levels of dioxins and PCBs are at greater risk of developing cancer.

Moreover, contaminated soils can reduce crop yield and productivity. Research findings say that POP contamination led to a 15 percent reduction in crop yields, affecting the farmer’s livelihood.

Farmers’ Dilemma

Now, let’s look at it from the farmer’s lens. The use of fertilizer and pesticides has been a long-standing practice for protecting crops from pests and diseases. This also ensures good production and productivity. This also helps them produce the crops at a commercial level across a vast area. However, with respect to environmental concerns, the transition to organic farming requires several years. They have to rely on natural fertilizers and biological pest controls, composts, crop rotation, and the use of organic matter. This phase is called the organic transition period, which is time consuming and costly.

This takes around three to five years, often leading to poor crop yields and financial problems for the farmers. It becomes troublesome for marginal and small farmers in developing countries like India who are operating on thin margins. They find themselves in a difficult position, balancing the immediate economic demands with long-term sustainable practices. Limited training, a knowledge gap, and organic inputs further exacerbate these challenges.

Bridging the Gap Between Conventional and Organic Farming

Achieving a sustainable balance between feeding the growing global population and shifting towards organic farming practices is a complex challenge. The global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. This seems to be a challenge, especially while considering the transition. Organic farming includes the benefits of environmental protection, healthy produce, good soil health, microbial conditions, and better biodiversity. However, shifting to organic farming poses’ greater hurdles. This includes lower initial yields, lack of knowledge, financial instability, input costs, and time consumption.

Can organic farming feed the world?

Despite these challenges, certain studies suggest that organic farming can contribute to global sustainability. However, there are several factors that need to be addressed.

Yield Improvement

A yield gap study found that organic farming yield is 18.4% lower than that of conventional farming. This gap can be minimized with improved organic techniques. Apart from that, techniques such as green manure, crop rotation, and composting can improve soil fertility and structure, leading to better yields in the long run.

Research and Development

Investing more in the research and development of organic farming techniques that can help farmers increase yields. Developing crop varieties that are more resilient to pests and diseases. Exploring more bio-based pesticides, focusing on precision agriculture technologies, and finding cost-effective alternatives to POPs are also crucial.

Training and knowledge sharing

Training programs and knowledge sharing initiatives can be taken to equip farmers with the necessary skills. The process, organic certification steps, etc. should be prioritized. This can also help them understand the long-term benefits of sustainability.

Market Development

Strengthening the local and regional markets for organic produce and ensuring that small and marginal farmers receive fair prices for their products. Certification schemes, fair trade, and consumer awareness campaigns can help build a market for organic goods.

Public Awareness

Raising awareness among consumers about the risks of POPs and also the benefits of organic farming. This can drive consumer demand for safer and more environmentally conscious food products.

In conclusion, addressing the challenge of POPs requires a multi-faceted approach involving regulation, education, and innovation. This involves efforts from international organizations, the government, researchers, farmers, and even consumers. To feed the growing population while mitigating the impacts of POPs and climate change, it is imperative that we prioritize long-term sustainability over short term gains. Through concerted efforts, we can create a future where agriculture is both productive and sustainable, ensuring food security and environmental protection for generations to come.

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Sunandhini Radhakrishnan

Carbon Emissions: Cycle, Capture, and Storage!

Carbon, an abundant element, crucial for life, but rising emissions pose environmental threat. Technologies aiming to capture and store CO2.

6 minutes

Carbon is one of the most abundant elements on Earth. The rise of carbon emissions, especially in the form of carbon dioxide, has been significant. It has also become an environmental concern with respect to climate change. Emissions have increased the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere due to human activities since the industrial period. Let’s try to understand the carbon cycle, emissions, and how they are captured and stored across countries.

The Carbon Cycle

It is a natural process that regulates the flow of carbon among land, soil, atoms, the ocean, and living organisms. It has been happening for thousands of years between the above reservoirs. This helps maintain the equilibrium state on Earth.

Atmosphere: in the form of CO2

Land: living and dead biomass like plants, animals, and soils

Oceans: CO2 dissolved in the ocean, stored under coral reefs, and more.

Rocks: Fossil fuels (decomposed organic matter)

The carbon cycle can be divided into two main components.

Fast carbon cycle: The plants absorb CO2 for the process called photosynthesis. It is converted into glucose and oxygen. This is utilized by organisms like us that require oxygen for survival. This is the rapid conversion of carbon to oxygen in the atmosphere.

Slow carbon cycle. This is a long-term process of storing carbon in rocks, fossil fuels, and deep oceans. It takes millions of years to happen.

An illustrated diagram depicting the carbon cycle, showing the flow and storage of carbon among different reservoirs like the atmosphere, vegetation, oceans, and fossil fuels.

Increase in CO2 concentration

Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industries, aviation, agriculture, and many human activities have disrupted the carbon cycle. Before the industrial age, atmospheric CO2 levels were around 280 parts per million. The levels have been rising and reached around 420 ppm (0.042%).

With the levels of CO2 rising, actions need to be taken to remove the excess CO2 from the atmosphere. Otherwise, it might affect the global temperature, ocean acidity, and changes in weather patterns around the world.

Major source of emissions

Energy Production: Most of the power plants use fossil fuels (including coal, oil, and natural gas). It makes up the largest source of CO2 emissions.

Transportation: Automobiles, airplanes, ships, and trains that run on fossil fuels also contribute to emissions.

Industrial Process: Manufacturing processes such as steel, cement, and certain chemicals release an amount of CO2.

To read more.

A polluted industrial site with large smokestacks emitting thick black plumes of smoke, contributing to environmental degradation and air pollution.

Carbon Capture Technologies

There are a lot of technological approaches that have been developed to capture CO2 emissions before they are released into the air. Certain approaches remove CO2 directly from the air. They are called Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) or Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). It aims to capture and store it in a way that prevents it from escaping into the atmosphere. It is done in two ways.

Point source capture

Here, the CO2 emissions are directly captured from large point sources like power plants and industries. There are three major ways.

Pre combustion capture: CO2 is removed from the fuel before combustion.

Post combustion capture: CO2 is removed from the gases after combustion.

Oxyfuel combustion: Fuel is burned in pure oxygen to produce a CO2 stream.

Then it is compressed and transported through a pipeline for storage. It is usually injected underground between the rocks for permanent storage. SaskPower’s Boundary Dam project can capture around 1 million tons of CO2 per year from the coal power plant. Carbon Clean Solutions has developed carbon capture solvents (amine-promoted buffer salts) that reduce costs and increase the efficiency of CO2 capture.

Direct Air Capture (DAC)

Another technique that is gaining traction these days is direct air capture. It removes CO2 directly from the air around us. It focuses on the emissions from transportation and others.

A leading Swiss company called Climeworks uses filter material to capture CO2 from the air. The machines work on geothermal energy, which is abundant in Iceland. It has two facilities called Orca and Mammoth. The captured CO2 is then stored underground. Global Thermostat is developing direct air capture to produce carbon-negative hydrogen fuel as well as capture it for storage and utilization.

A large rooftop installation with multiple rows of cylindrical units, likely a carbon capture system designed to remove CO2 emissions.

Carbon Storage Technologies

Once the carbon is captured from the point or direct air, the CO2 must be transported and stored permanently. The most widespread storage approach is injecting it into the deep underground. It is sent into the depleted oil and gas reserves, where it can be stored for years.

Carbfix, a Swiss based company that works in conjunction with Climeworks, injects into the underground. Then the CO2 is mixed with water and reacts with basalt to form the stable carbonate minerals. It has been said that nearly 90% of the injected CO2 is mineralized within 2 years.

Other CCS Technologies

Enhanced Weathering

It involves spreading the minerals that react with CO2 over a larger surface. These minerals capture CO2 and convert it into stable forms. Heirloom does the same by grinding the minerals into a fine powder and spreading them over a large surface. It reacts and forms stable carbonates.

Bioenergy with CCS

Using biomass like wood pellets or residues from agriculture to produce biogas.

Biochar

Burning the biomass with limited oxygen to produce biochar, which can be used to store carbon.

Challenges

However, scaling up these CCS will require high costs, land, technologies, and policies, not relying on fossil fuels to run the machines. It has significant challenges to overcome and a meaningful impact on CO2 levels.

Energy Requirements

Each of these techniques and approaches has the potential. One of the important challenges is the energy required to operate them. DAC is energy intensive, as it involves large volumes of filters to absorb the CO2. In case of Climeworks, Carbfix, Iceland has lot of geothermal, so the emissions from it are very less. It would be a difficult for countries based on fossil as power source. If they are used, then the benefits of Co2 capture will be negated by the emission from the energy production. In that case, solar energy can be used. It is sustainable, abundant and cost effective making it as an attractive option. However, weather conditions, land use and initial investments are the challenges that needs to be addressed.

Scaling up and Regulation

The cost of building and scaling up carbon capture infrastructure is rising, involving financial investment, infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks. Effective policies and incentives are crucial to drive investment in these technologies. International cooperation and agreements are necessary to standardize and regulate carbon capture practices.

The technologies are evolving to capture and store the carbon but the hurdles remain to scaling up and implementing them across. Often, this requires a multifaceted approach. While reducing emissions through cleaner energy sources and improved efficiencies is critical. This is don’t mean to keep using fossil fuel and involving increase the carbon footprint, but as a necessary complement to reduce emissions. However, challenges related to energy requirements, economic viability, and scalability need to be addressed through innovation, investment, and supportive policies.

Cheers!

PS: Some make Ink out of Carbon emissions.

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Sunandhini Radhakrishnan

How Environmental Crises Affect Girl Child Marriage?

The Gender and Environment course revealed a link between droughts, floods and child marriage in developing countries, reinforcing the need for comprehensive solutions.

7 minutes

While studying the Gender and Environment course (UNITAR and UNCC learn), I learned that drought can lead to child marriage. This made me curious. How does drought cause child marriage? Are there studies on this? How did they find the link? Maybe it happens rarely, or it is just a case study. But when I looked it up, I found research articles on it. I decided to explore these. I didn’t want to focus only on drought because some articles also mentioned floods. So, I titled this an environmental crisis.

Droughts and floods have significantly impacted societies, especially in developing countries. One is that it is less talked about. The consequent rise in child marriage rates. Let’s try to explore how these crises force young girls into early marriages.

Child Marriage

Child marriage is defined as a formal marriage or informal union in which at least one of the parties is under 18 years. In most of the cases, girls are married at an early age. 21% of girls in the world population are married before their 18th birthday. The percentages are highest in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, at 35% and 30%, respectively. Almost 12 million girls are married under 18 every year. The child marriage can be due to many factors. Social pressure, norms, culture, household economics, harassments, pregnancy or other reasons. Some articles too suggest that the environmental crisis too have a impact on them.

Connection Between Drought/Flood and Child Marriage

In many farming communities, droughts or any environmental crisis can ruin crops. The well or the water sources might dry up. Even the livestock are being harmed. This causes the families to lose their income and ability to feed themselves. This pushes them into poverty. Hence, they marry off their daughter to repay the debt or to reduce family expenses.

Data & Methodology

The Sub Saharan Africa, South Asia and South East Asia were mostly covered for the studies. Majority of the articles focus more on the Qualitative data than the Quantitative data. For Quantitative, the data are collected from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Drought occurrence, Happening of child marriages and the correlation were found. Some findings did find a association to extreme heats. But most of the study focused on droughts and floods. For Qualitative, the data were collected from the interviews, surveys and focus group discussions.

STUDY TYPEAcademic11 (46%)a
Grey13 (54%)
METHODOLOGYQuantitative8 (33%)
Qualitative16 (67%)
LOCATION(S) STUDIEDSouth Asia11 (46%)
South East Asia2 (8%)
Sub-Saharan Africa13 (54%)
Rest of World0 (0%)
ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS TYPECyclone2 (8%)
Flood8 (33%)
Drought12 (50%)
River Erosion1 (4%)
Earthquake/Tsunami1 (4%)
Extreme Heat1 (4%)
Doherty, et al (2023)

The Impact & The Findings

Environmental crises such as droughts and floods have a devastating impact on developing countries. When these occur, it affects the basic needs of the families. In those situations, child marriages serve as a coping mechanism. This helps them reduce their economic burden and also protects them from sexual exploitation and violence. Study findings say that daughters were married earlier in Bangladesh after cyclones. In Bangladesh, for example, girls aged 11-14 were 50% more likely to marry during a heatwave that lasted over 30 days. Girls aged 15-17 were 30% more likely to marry in those conditions. They just see this as a way to reduce their dependents, and it gives them temporary relief.

Another study found that droughts lead to more child marriages as families. As they cope with income loss from failed crops​.

In Somalia, climate disasters have displaced millions of people, leading to an increase in child marriage in refugee camps. Young girls are often married off to older men in exchange for food and other basic necessities.

Environmental disasters create a ripple effect that goes beyond immediate needs. Schools often close due to damage or displacement, disrupting girls education. Some think that marrying off protects them from violence. But there are possibilities for the girls to face the risk while traveling to fetch water and woods for the family. Education is denied to the them, making them more unaware of the environmental disasters. They are exposed to exploitation and trafficking and more.

Additionally, based on sample from 180 countries, a study concluded that climate change makes communities more vulnerable, especially financially. This lower income strengthens the main reasons why child marriage happens. One is the unequal treatment of girls and boys (gender discrimination) and second one is extreme poverty.

Conversely, the marriage instead of protecting them, perpetuates the cycle of poverty for those girls, their offspring, and their communities. Losing educational opportunities makes the problem worse since education helps delay marriage and empower girls​.

Wicked Problem

Climate change, environmental disasters are often considered wicked problem. Wicked problems are something difficult to define and solve because of its interconnected nature. It can’t be a one step solution or end card to that problem. Solving these kind of problems requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors. It is associated with various factors like social norms, gender discrimination, lack of educational opportunities, poverty, weak law enforcement, and long-held cultural practices. It requires long-term coordination across policy, grassroots level, legal reforms, social protections and building climate resilience together.

Comprehensive approach

Awareness Campaigns: Educating the girls on importance of studies and the benefits of delayed marriages. Ensuring them girls can continue their education, even during crises.

Legal Frameworks: Strengthening laws to prevent child marriage. Most of the countries have a limit of 18. Effective communication to the people about the legal age for marriage.

Community Engagement: Raising awareness among the people about the negative impacts of child marriage. Also promoting gender equality can change social norms.

Economic Support: Providing financial help and livelihood support to families and farmers affected by drought can reduce the economic pressure to marry off daughters early.

The relationship between environmental crises and child marriage highlights the complexity of this issue. Child marriage, especially in the context of environmental crises, is a wicked problem. No single solution will work. It needs awareness, strict policy enforcement, and particularly in developing countries that often lack the necessary measures to protect vulnerable children. The futures of untold girls around the world depend on the world community.

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Share your thoughts/suggestion at the comment section or mail at

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REference

  • Amin, S., Asadullah, M. N., Hossain, S., & Wahhaj, Z. (2017). Eradicating child marriage in the commonwealth: is investment in girls’ education sufficient?. The Round Table, 106(2), 221-223.
  • Doherty, F. C., Rao, S., & Radney, A. R. (2023). Association between child, early, and forced marriage and extreme weather events: A mixed-methods systematic review. International Social Work, 00208728231186006.
  • Ohio State University. (2023, August 29). Extreme weather events linked to increased child marriage. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 10, 2024 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230829124821.htm
  • Girls Not Brides. (2022). Drought, Drop Out and Early Marriage: Feeling the Effects of Climate Change in East Africa.
  • Pope, D. H., McMullen, H., Baschieri, A., Philipose, A., Udeh, C., Diallo, J., & McCoy, D. (2023). What is the current evidence for the relationship between the climate and environmental crises and child marriage? A scoping review. Global public health, 18(1), 2095655.
  • Pasten, R., Figueroa, E., Muñoz, D., & Colther, C. (2020). Not a dream wedding: The hidden nexus between climate change and child marriage (No. wp508).
  • UNICEF. (2022). Child marriage on the rise in Horn of Africa as drought crisis intensifies

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Sunandhini Radhakrishnan

Used Cooking Oil to Biodiesel!

The world faces climate change and fossil fuel depletion issues. Biodiesel, an eco-friendly energy option, is derived from various plants and animals. It has advantages and limitations.

9 minutes

The world is facing major problems due to climate change and the exhaustion of fossil fuels. Biodiesel has come up as an alternative to traditional non-renewable diesel in the continuous search for eco-friendly energy options that can be sustained over time. It is derived from many plants and animals, making it possess these different features that make it the most preferred fuel for those who want to save our planet.

Origin

The development of biodiesel as we know it today dates back to a surprisingly distant past. In 1853, researchers were already attempting to convert vegetable oils into fuel before the diesel engine had even been invented! From the start, pioneers such as Rudolf Diesel, who gave the engine its name himself, tried running their engines off peanuts. This began as a start for the future of this alternative source of energy. Nonetheless, hurdles such as its high viscosity (thickness) and deposits in engines restricted its extensive application.

The flask containing the biodiesel and its labeled.

Sources and Production Methods

Biodiesel from different feedstocks, such as vegetable oils like soybean, rapeseed, palm, sunflower, and corn, and animal fats, may be recycled cooking oils. Also, current studies underline that non-edible oils such as jatropha and pongamia can be used as well. Several processes are possible, not only for refined oil but also for waste cooking oil to make biodiesel. Processes such as pyrolysis, micro emulsification, and transesterification are used to make biodiesel.

A common method in biodiesel production is the transesterification process. This is where either an oil or fat from animal or plant sources is mixed with a type of alcohol like methanol or ethanol that might contain catalysts to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), which we usually refer to as biodiesel, while glycerin is generated as a by-product.

Types of Biodiesels

There are many various classes of biodiesel as part of their unique attributes as well as ways of making them, which include:

Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) Biodiesel: The majority of biodiesel among them is produced through transesterification with methanol.

Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE) Biodiesel: Same as FAME, except that it is produced using ethanol instead of methanol.

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) Biodiesel: Produced by treating vegetable oils with hydrogen or hydrogen atoms

Biohydrogen Diesel (BHD): Made through a catalytic deoxygenation process that removes the oxygen in a chemical feedstock.

Algae-based Biodiesel: Obtained from the oils extracted from microalgae, still developing technology.

Biodiesel from Cooking Oil

Biodiesel can be interesting when it is made from waste vegetable oil, a substance referred to as yellow grease. It is a good form of recycling fuel as well as preventing pollution. Cooking oil-based biodiesel is largely manufactured in the United States, Germany, Spain, Southeast Asia, and more. Various cooking oils can be used for biodiesel production. Yet there are certain feedstocks that are preferred. Due to their availability, cost-effectiveness, and performance characteristics. Some of the most commonly used are soybean oil (US and Brazil), canola oil (Europe and Canada), and palm oil (Malaysia and Indonesia).

Biodiesel Blends

The biodiesel has to be compatible with the engines. So biodiesel is combined with traditional diesel fuel in several instances. Examples of such combinations are B5 (5% biodiesel), B10 (10% biodiesel), B20 (20% biodiesel), and B30 (30% biodiesel), among others. The use of B50 (50% biodiesel), B80 (80% biodiesel), or pure B100 (100% biodiesel) is not that popular due to fears of incompatibility.

Advantages of Biodiesel

Reduced dependence on fossil fuels: biodiesel is a renewable fuel source, so we don’t have to rely on finite fossil fuel reserves.

Sustainable production methods: feedstocks such as vegetable oils and animal fats can be replenished through sustainable agricultural practices.

Lower carbon emissions: Biodiesel has a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional diesel fuel. As most of the carbon dioxide is absorbed by the plants, it is used to produce feedstock.

Reduced air pollution: The combustion of biodiesel produces lower emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other harmful pollutants, improving air quality, particularly in cities.

Job creation: The production and distribution of biodiesel can create employment.

Support for local agriculture: The demand for feedstocks can provide a boost to local agriculture, supporting farmers and rural economies.

Diversification of energy sources: By incorporating biodiesel into the energy mix, countries can reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Limitations of Biodiesel

Competition with food production: The use of edible crops, such as soybeans and canola, for biodiesel production can potentially compete with food production.

Land use conflicts: The expansion of land dedicated to growing feedstocks for biodiesel production can lead to conflicts with other land uses, such as forests, pastures, and urban areas. This might even lead to deforestation and habitat loss.

Impact on food prices: This can drive up their prices, increasing the cost of food and potentially accelerating global food insecurity.

Water usage in biodiesel production: The cultivation and production processes can be water-intensive, potentially straining water resources in certain regions.

Biodiesel’s impact on biodiversity: The monocultures of these feedstocks can negatively impact soil and the environment.

Efficiency of biodiesel production processes: This process might be quite challenging to proceed with. It involves several steps, including feedstock cultivation, oil extraction, and transesterification. This is energy-intensive and impacts the overall efficiency of the process.

Infrastructure for biodiesel distribution: The production requires significant investments in infrastructure for distribution, storage, and dispensing. This might be hard for people who have limited resources.

Compatibility with existing engines: Although biodiesel can be employed in many recent diesel engines, more elevated blends, such as B20 or B100, might require engine modifications. It is difficult for it to be widely adopted. EVs are widely accepted across countries.

Biodiesel vs. Conventional Diesel

Biodiesel derived from cooking oil differs from conventional diesel in several ways:

  • Biodiesel is renewable and sustainable as compared to fossil based diesel
  • It emits significantly low levels of particulate matter, CO and other residues compared to diesel, contributing to improved air quality.
  • It is biodegradable and non toxic
  • Biodiesel has superior lubricity properties, which can help by reducing wear and tear.
  • It is fuel efficiency is lesser as compared to diesels.
  • Its performance in the colder climates may be affected due to its Cold flow prosperities depending upon the feedstock used. Studies suggests the modifications to better adaptability.

Research and Development

The field of research and innovation related to biodiesel is continuously changing. The industry is looking at different raw materials (or feedstocks), ways of making the product, and where it can be applied. The aim of this field is to come up with more effective catalysts and to try enzymatic and supercritical methods of making them. Also, they consider waste substances that include non-edible oils to be part of these new feedstocks. At the same time, work has begun on ways to improve the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) (lowest temperature at which a given volume of pure biodiesel (B100) still passes through a standardized filter within 60 seconds) as well as improve oxidative stability; hence, overcoming these weaknesses tends to spark great interest within the sector.

RUCO movement in India

In 2021, India decided to come up with a new approach through the Repurpose Cooking Oil (RUCO) movement so that the used cooking oil could be utilized in making biodiesel, leading to the promotion of this act by including it in another law. The Indian government discovered that used cooking oil was ripe for reprocessing into biodiesel and therefore developed the Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) project. This initiative aims to create an ecosystem for the collection and conversion of used cooking oil into biodiesel. It also promotes energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunities. Under the RUCO movement, households and commercial establishments are requested to collect and sell their used cooking oil to authorized aggregators or biodiesel production facilities. The authorized aggregators are listed on the website.

Spain – Leading example

Leftover cooking oil usually clogs drains and harms the environment. An organization collected this used oil to create jobs for women who have experienced violence. The oil is turned into biodiesel fuel, which helps the environment and empowers these women. They collected 34 tons of used oil and made over 30,000 liters of biodiesel, reducing pollution and creating a brighter future. This not only helps the reduce the pollution but also empowers and creates employment.

Nevertheless, the robust acceptance of biodiesel has problems like feedstock availability, technology barriers, land use, and biodiversity-related environmental issues. These challenges are therefore to be tackled through continued research, policy backing, and economically friendly behavior in order to utilize all possible benefits of the fuel. As they are derived from organic oils, they contribute to fuel demand for transportation purposes, which could well be sustained.

We can contribute to a cleaner, greener planet by embracing biodiesel and encouraging widespread adoption, while also reducing our reliance on finite resources.

Cheers!

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Sunandhini Radhakrishnan

Milk Day Madness: Real Talk!

Milk is not the sole factor in growth, genes play a major role. It has deep historical and cultural significance, and is vital for nutrition and livelihoods.

3 minutes

Remember those old ads where a boy grows tall just by drinking a certain brand of milk? Total scam, right? Turns out, genes play a huge role in our height, contributing around 80%. So, on this Milk Day, let’s see what it’s really all about.

Milk, often seen as the magic potion for the growth. It has a complex bond with our health. The story of milk began around 8000 BCE in the Middle East, where early humans realized domesticated goats, sheep, and cows could provide continuous nutrition. Milk wasn’t just a drink; it became cheese, yogurt, and butter, spreading across Europe, Asia, and eventually the Americas.

In India, dairy farming is deeply woven into the culture. The ancient Vedas mention milk and milk products as vital for daily life and rituals. Fast forward to the 20th century, and India saw the White Revolution of the 1970s, led by Dr. Verghese Kurien. He called the Father of the White Revolution. This movement turned India from a milk-deficient country into the world’s largest milk producer, thanks to the creation of dairy cooperatives like Amul. Yes, we do have a lot now.

Milk is crucial for many families especially people living below the poverty line (BPL). It offers essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins, vital for growth and health, at an affordable price (ahhannn). Dairy farming also generates jobs and income for small farmers, helping them support their families. Cooperatives ensure farmers get fair prices, boosting their livelihoods. Plus, milk is an affordable source of protein, calcium, and vitamins – a win-win for everyone!

Nutritionally, milk is a packed with protein, calcium, vitamin D, B2, B12, phosphorus, potassium, and fat. It’s recommended for bone growth and strength. Yet, those old ads would have us believe milk is the ultimate health hack, which is a bit of an exaggeration compared to genetic factors.

Speaking of genes, some people have a little problem called lactose intolerance. It is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk. (Thanks to Leonard Hofstadter). This is due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase. If you mention lactose intolerance in rural India, you’re likely to get a laugh. There is no awareness.

In some cultures, food allergies and dislikes are not always taken seriously. Allergic to peanuts, or dislike pineapple? Prepare to be bombarded with it in every form until you do! Asian parents never accepts No. May be that’s why we always say yes. (too dark).

Milk comes from various animals like cows, sheep, goats, camels, buffalo, and even donkeys. There are also plant-based options like soy, almond, oat, rice, coconut, hemp, pea, and cashew milk. For vegans and lactose-intolerant people, these alternatives are often fortified with nutrients to match the benefits of traditional milk. In the end, whether it’s cow’s milk, almond milk, or any other variety, there’s a type of milk out there to suit everyone’s lifestyle and health needs. So, here’s to milk in all its forms.

Milk remains a cornerstone of nutrition for many of us. It is nutritive that support our growth, health, and livelihoods. So, next time you pour a glass, remember the rich history and impact behind this simple yet powerful beverage.

Cheers to milk in all its wonderful varieties!

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turtles all the way down!

Sunandhini Radhakrishnan

Why Bees Matter: The Buzz!

Bees are vital pollinators for food and ecosystems, but face climate-related challenges. Sustainable practices and awareness are crucial for conservation.

7 minutes

Here, we don’t eat pan cakes. We have Dosa. The reason I bring this up is that pan cakes aren’t consumed as much as maple syrup. Instead, we have honey. Mostly used in tea, yogurt, fruits, and certain dishes, even with dosa you can have. Its good, especially when you are out of all sambhar, chutneys, and poddiies.

I wanted to write about bees long ago, but certain new topics were distracting me. Distraction is the new common. I agree! I had some connection with honey bees. Maybe it was because we had apiculture as an option during my undergraduate studies. I was not a part of it, but I was a keen observer. Let’s talk about them.

a honey bee on a white flower

Bees are key pollinators. They travel from flower to flower, transferring pollen and collecting nectar. This also allows the plants to produce fruits and seeds. Approximately 75% of the crops we consume depend on pollination, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Imagine a world without apples, almonds, avocados, mangoes, and others. Our diets would be far less colorful, diverse, and nutritious. Bumble bees and honey bees are the key people here.

But these bees’ influence goes beyond food crops. They also pollinate wild plants, which play critical roles in natural ecosystems. These plants provide food and habitat for other wildlife, help maintain soil health, and contribute to the water cycle.

The majority of the bees live in solitude. Can you imagine? Those are called solitary bees. Sweet bees, bumble bees, and honey bees live in colonies with a queen bee, a worker bee, and a drone.

a section of beehive

Solitary bees, unlike them, do not live in colonies. Each female solitary bee is a queen in her own right, building and provisioning her own nest. There are over 20,000 species of solitary bees, including mason bees, leafcutter bees, and carpenter bees. Despite their solitary nature, they play a crucial role in pollination. It’s interesting, isn’t it?

Solitary bee residing in its nest

Bees usually visit flowers that are brightly colored, aromatic, open during the day, and full of nectar. When visiting the flowers to collect the nectar, there is a specialized structure called a pollen basket (corbicula), which is nothing but a concave depression fringed with stiff hairs. So when they land, the pollen grains stick to their bodies. Surprisingly, solitary bees have scopa and not pollen baskets. They often focus on specific plants and ensure thorough pollination. This efficiency makes them crucial for both agricultural crops and wild plants.

Climate Change

#Rising Temperature

Climate change has led to increased global temperatures, which disrupts the natural life cycles of both honey bees and solitary bees. According to research published in Science, warmer temperatures cause them to emerge from their hives earlier. Before even the flowers could bloom. Early spring. This incorrect timing means bees cannot find enough food to sustain themselves, leading to weakened colonies or even colony collapse.

#Weather Patterns

Obviously, we can see them very clearly. Its too hot, cyclone, delayed moonsoon, or flood. Unpredictable weather can destroy flowers and disrupt blooming periods, depriving bees of their food sources. Imagine waking up for breakfast to find your groceries empty. I know it’s not exactly a great start to the day. For bees, this can mean starvation and reduced reproductive success.

#Flowering Patterns

Some species are blooming earlier, while others are blooming later. This creates a mismatch between the availability of flowers and the bees’ foraging periods. A study in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that such mismatches can reduce the effectiveness of pollination, impacting plant reproduction and, subsequently, the entire food web.

Honey bee sucking nectar in a flower with a pollen basket

#Pest and Disease

Warmer temperatures and changing climates are also conducive to the spread of diseases and parasites that affect honey bees and solitary bees. With the rise in the use of pesticides, it leads to pesticide poisoning. Reduction in the yield of cross pollinated crops, contamination of bee crops, and many more.

Consequences

#Habitat losses

Habitat loss through phenomena such as forest fires, droughts, and shifting vegetation zones. As habitats change, bees may struggle to find suitable nesting sites and food sources. Urbanization and agricultural expansion, etc. It also impacts natural habitats, leaving bees with fewer places to thrive. This creates a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem, leading to reduced biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The loss of species can have unforeseen consequences, disrupting ecological balance and the services ecosystems provide.

#Crop Yield and Food Security

As bee populations decline, so does their pollination service, which directly impacts crop yields. A study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B highlighted that reduced pollination could lead to significant decreases in the production of key crops. This threatens food security and increases the risk of malnutrition, particularly in regions that rely heavily on pollinated crops.

#Economic loss

The decline in bee populations also has economic implications. The global economic value of pollination services provided by bees is estimated to be billions of dollars annually. A reduction in these services means increased costs for farmers, who may need to invest in alternative pollination methods, such as hand-pollination or mechanical pollinators. This can drive up food prices, affecting consumers worldwide. There are also findings from People and Nature that suggest developed nations should invest more in the coverage of pollinators.

What we can do ?

#Sustainable agriculture

One of the most effective ways to support bees is by promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This includes reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides, which can harm bees, and encouraging organic farming methods. Also intergate other farming systems. This can have more diverse plant species and flowering times, providing bees with a more consistent food supply.

#Creating Bee-Friendly Habitats

We and our communities can contribute by creating bee-friendly habitats. Planting a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year. So that it provides bees with continuous food sources. Gardens, parks, and even urban spaces can be transformed into bee havens.

Bee hives in a garden

#Conservation Efforts

Beekeeping initiatives and conservation programs are essential for protecting bee populations. Supporting local beekeepers by purchasing their products. There is a local farmer who is popular on IG and sells pure honey. I forgot the name, will update later. Buy from authentic sources because you might get fooled by sugar syrup as well.

#Raising Awareness

This is crucial. By informing others about the importance of bees and the threats they face, we can build a collective effort to protect them. Schools, community groups, and social media platforms can all play a role in spreading the buzz about bees. By now, you are aware of the importance of bees, let the people also know. Kindly share it to spread awareness.

Through sustainable practices, habitat creation, and conservation efforts, we can help bees continue their essential work. Even small actions can have a big impact. By working together to protect our bee friends, we’re not just saving honey production. We’re safeguarding the very foundation of our food system. Let’s ensure that future generations can enjoy the sweet benefits of bees without the bitter sting of climate change.

Cheers!

PS: Bees day’s on May 20th.

Thank you for reading ♡!

If you found this helpful, please give it a thumbs up and share it with anyone who might find it useful! Do check out the latest posts on the Home

If you like what you see and wish to support my work, then

Support !

Share your thoughts/suggestions at the comment section or mail at

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Reference

  • Goulson, D., Nicholls, E., Botías, C., & Rotheray, E. L. (2015). Bee declines driven by combined stress from parasites, pesticides, and lack of flowers. Science, 347(6229), 1255957. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1255957
  • Kerr, J. T., Pindar, A., Galpern, P., Packer, L., Potts, S. G., Roberts, S. M., … & Colla, S. R. (2015). Climate change impacts on bumblebees converge across continents. Science, 349(6244), 177-180. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaa7031
  • Murphy, J. T., Breeze, T. D., Willcox, B., Kavanagh, S., & Stout, J. C. (2022). Globalisation and pollinators: Pollinator declines are an economic threat to global food systems. People and Nature, 4(3), 773-785. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10235
  • Potts, S. G., Biesmeijer, J. C., Kremen, C., Neumann, P., Schweiger, O., & Kunin, W. E. (2010). Global pollinator declines: Trends, impacts and drivers. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 25(6), 345-353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2010.01.007
  • Rader, R., Bartomeus, I., Garibaldi, L. A., Garratt, M. P. D., Howlett, B. G., Winfree, R., … & Woyciechowski, M. (2016). Non-bee insects are important contributors to global crop pollination. Science, 351(6274), 1369-1372. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aad3261
  • Vanbergen, A. J., & the Insect Pollinators Initiative. (2013). Threats to an ecosystem service: Pressures on pollinators. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 11(5), 251-259. https://doi.org/10.1890/120126

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turtles all the way down!

Sunandhini Radhakrishnan

Is Romanesco the Most Beautiful Vegetable Ever?

1 minute

Remember those long days memorizing the Brassica family, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts! (lol) We became experts in their cultivation, even mastering the nuances of varieties like Snowball and… something else starting with C? Fast forward to today, and there’s a new member of the family that’ll blow your mind. Romanesco!

The name definitely seems cooler than the others. Consider it the greener cousin of cauliflower. Imagine the coolest, green-haired cousin of cauliflower, each floret meticulously sculpted by a geometry whiz obsessed with spirals. These spirals aren’t just random; they follow the mesmerizing Fibonacci sequence, the same pattern you see in sunflower seeds and seashells. (Remember my blog post about peacocks and the golden ratio?).

Geometric pattern of Romanesco

But wait, there’s more to Romanesque than just its stunning fractal-like visuals. This beauty is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamin C to keep your immune system strong and fibre to keep your gut happy. Its rich history dates back to the 16th century in Italy, and it has been passed down through the generations like a precious heirloom.

I haven’t looked for this vegetable in the market, so let me give it a try. If you’ve tried and cooked this, please share your recipes and thoughts on it. I would love to hear!

Cheers!

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turtles all the way down!

Sunandhini Radhakrishnan

Purple or Orange?

Carrots, belonging to the Apiaceae family, have a complex evolutionary history. Purple and white carrots were cultivated before orange carrots. Cheers!

2 minutes

Orange carrot/Western carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a root vegetable and it is commonly found in the markets. Carrots belong to the Apiaceae family, which also includes a significant number of vegetables, herbs, and spices like celery, parsley, fennel, coriander, and cumin.

Eastern carrot (purple carrot) cultivation was seen in the regions of Iran and Afghanistan from 900 to 1000 A.D. The purple pigmentation was due to the presence of anthocyanin. Western carrots cultivation was reported during the 1700s A.D in the Netherlands. Carotenoids, α- and β-carotene and xanthophyll are responsible for the carrot’s orange to yellow pigmentation. Here is the domestication of carrots from the beginning.

Purple, Yellow and White carrots
Pic Credit: Here

The evolutionary history of carrots seems quite complex and mysterious. When it comes to carrot domestication, it is clear that purple or white carrots were cultivated before western carrots. Wild carrots are the ancestors but it’s argued that domesticated carrots descend directly from them.

Carrot flower
Pic Credit: Here

Wild carrots were short, tough, bitter, and mostly used for aesthetic purposes. Western cultivars are separated from wild and eastern cultivated carrots, and some inbred lines have a purified genetic pattern shared with western cultivated accessions, reflecting the intensive breeding practiced in western regions.1

It was also reported that in the 17th century, Dutch growers cultivated orange carrots as a tribute to William of Orange, who led the the struggle for Dutch independence, and the color stuck. There is no solid reference to support the statement. However, there were paintings of orange carrots in the Byzantine illustration (512 A.D.).

Carrot
Pic credit: Here

Whatever the reason (Dutch, color, or carotene) for the domestication of carrots, they are rich in carotenes and vitamin A.3

Yet, one more study showed that purple carrots have more. However, the purple carrots were rich in nutraceutical components.4 Philipp W. Simon, a carrot geneticist has done tremendous work on the crop, and the information is available online.

Interestingly, these carrots diverged from grapes 113 million years ago, from kiwifruits 101 million years ago, and potatoes and tomatoes 90.5 million years ago.2 This might be the reason for anthocyanin and lycopene’s presence, but I am not sure about it.

A person showing that cross section of a purple carrot
Pic credit: Here

It is also true that scientists are working on getting the best out of both carrots by making sure they are resistant to disease, pests, and nematodes. Other than orange carrots, these colorful carrots are not widely available in India. I wonder, how would they taste?

All these are colorful, and the evolution and the history seem interesting. Be it white, yellow, purple, or orange, won’t it be lovely to see these beautiful colors on the plate?

Cheers! Have a colorful day ahead!

PS: Yummy recipe of Carrot Halwa